One Day on Mars (Tau Ceti Agenda) (Hardcover)

by Travis Taylor (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
It's 24 on Mars: a nonstop futuristic thrill-ride, all in one day, through the critical events which were the breaking point for the underclass of Martian citizens and precipitated a revolution to break the Martian colonists free from the formidable Sol System government. The formerly red planet—now in danger of again becoming red, blood red—would never be the same, nor would the human race. It was one day that changed the course of history for the Solar System, raging from hand-to-hand combat to piloted armored mecha suits clashing to an enormous space battle, with dedicated heroes on both sides of the conflict wondering if they were doing the right thing—and if they would live to see another day. And wondering, as well, if the spark of this new war, that would eventually reach across whole star systems, would bring them peace One Day on Mars.

About the Author
Travis S. Taylor—?Doc? Taylor to his friends—has earned his soubriquet the hard way: He has a Doctorate in Optical Science and Engineering, a Master's degree in Physics, a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, all from the University of Alabama in Huntsville; a Master's degree in Astronomy, and a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University. Dr. Taylor has worked on various programs for the Department of Defense and NASA for the past sixteen years. He's currently working on several advanced propulsion concepts, very large space telescopes, space-based beamed energy systems, and next generation space launch concepts. In his copious spare time, Doc Travis is also a black belt martial artist, a private pilot, a SCUBA diver, has raced mountain bikes, competed in triathlons, and has been the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of several hard rock bands. He currently lives with his wife Karen, and their daughter.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Baen (October 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416555056
• ISBN-13: 978-1416555056
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #579,846 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hard SF at a blistering pace, October 10, 2007

By	William Howe "wildwily" (Terrytown, LA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Doc does the physics of hard SF better than anyone. The battle sequences - especially where ships are involved - are the kind of hard hitting SF Baen has made it's calling card. My concerns with this book are the characters. There are far too many repetitive scenes of bloodthirsty pilots being blown away seconds after they are introduced. Also, a list of specific terms and definitions would be helpful.

The politics may be a little heavy-handed, as well.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, Fast Scifi, October 20, 2007

By	Jason Cordova (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Tau Ceti Agenda
One Day on Mars (Tau Ceti Agenda)
Travis Taylor has done it again with this exciting, action packed book.

Taking place in the future, ODOM is an explosive tale of rebellion, freedoms and both good and evil taking place within a forty-eight hour period. While the character focus jumps between three or four main characters, unlike some authors Travis makes it easy to distinguish when the story focus changes.

Once more does he nail the hard scifi on the head with the hammer. Nobody nowadays, with the possible exception of David Weber, can write the hard science the way he does. While in past books this has become a problem at times, in ODOM Travis hits his stride perfectly and is able to blend the action and adventure into the story. This ability allows for the technical matters to be melded with the action, creating a seamless story for telling.

The reason I gave this four stars instead of five, though, is the length of it. ODOM is fairly short, and could use some more fluff and background for the political situation. This is just my own opinion, however, and while it doesn't hurt the novel without the background, it still leaves you wondering "Why don't they just...?" in certain parts.

A great read still, though, and highly recommended.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hard Science & Hard Mil SF, October 11, 2007

By	Roger Ross (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Doc T. kicks mecha butt and takes name with his latest solo work.

Imagine an episode of "24" but on Mars and in the midst of a rebel attack. Oh, and this time the "Jack Bauer" character has to take his wife and young child along.

As always, with Doc's work, the hard science is spot on. Characterization was good ... you aren't sure who to root for most of the time and the final scene, while a bit pat, is a perfect lead-in to the next book.

I would have enjoyed some more info-dumping regarding the political situation on earth and how it came to be. Hopefully that will happen on another day. Also, without giving anything away, I would've also liked some expansion around the motive for the rebel leader's actions.

This is an old-fashioned, action packed, rockem-sockem, smoke 'em if you got 'em military adventure.

I would highly recommend this for anyone that enjoys some hard science with their milsf.

Regards,
R