Customer Reviews

Return to Mars

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

In Bova's original "Mars", the first human explorers escape the red planet after they had discovered life upon it - a mindless green lichen that hints at the possibilities of colonization. The team's unofficial leader, native american Jamie Waterman made what promises to be a major discovery of his own - steps apparently cut into the side of a martian cliff. Now returning on an expedition financed by a sinister billionaire with his own plans for Mars, Waterman looks to follow-up his last discovery. Now the team leader (due to his experience on the other trip) Waterman commands a crew that will search for patterns among the martian lichen, further map mars and climb Olympus, the highest mountain in the solar system.

Unable to walk the cliff-steps himself in "Mars", Waterman waits years to return to Mars and make that ascent into the cliff wall and history. In doing so, he stands not only to discover intelligent life but perhaps add substance to an ancient tribal legend that the dead red world and the blue on which they were born are actually brothers of a sort. What lies at the top of the stairs adds tension to the story, one not spoiled when Waterman - pressure suit and all - takes that giant step.

Although Jamie's thoughts of the martians - which soon rise to the point of mystical visions - are evocative and would have made for a great novel, their dragged down by other elements brought in by Ben Bova, whether to shore up a better novel Bova thought beyond him, or simply to push some agenda. Here, the greatest enemy is not some evil martian, or the natural dangers of an alien world, but Trumball, the expedition's bankroller, who threatens (gasp!!) to bring tourism to Mars (which is unlikely, since most on Earth can follow the expedition with their VR glasses and without subjecting themselves to the dangers of the trip) and spoil...whatever tourists spoil. Bova pretty much downgrades all those back on Earth as uneducated boobs who don't know anything they don't see on VR. He piously leads the fight against increased exploration to Mars, even though that would improve the chances of discovering more martian cities or other signs of their civilization. Though Trumball is on Earth, his son fights for him on Mars, rivaling Waterman at every turn (including love, with Waterman's prospective conquests falling to the brat's boyish charm before they even reach Mars). Dex Trumball, as a typical Bova charachter, gets little in the development treatment (his turnabout at the book's end isn't so much a charachter development as it is simply the author's changing his mind for him), and his early martian plans are an obvious clue that his mercenary plans for Mars are modeled on Cortes. (Setting out for the landing sites of 1997's Martian Pathfinder, Trumball announces his intention to salvage it for the cash). Realizing that the War against Tourism isn't enough for a story, Bova tosses in another element - the Coyote: the spirit of malice that will seek to undermine the mission and perhaps kill its members off. In short, somebody on the team isn't what he seems. Small accidents are followed by larger ones, clueing Waterman in that they've got a sabouteur on Mars. But even this idea seems like filler, and the resolution is pretty pat for the tension that Bova wants to generate. By the end of the book, the only enduring thing about it is the strikingly patronizing tone it saves for those back on their easy chairs on Earth - a tone reminescent of that used against religious-minded (but actually hypocritical) zealots in Bova's "Moonrise" series. Bova isn't so much concerned about discovering anything new on Mars as he is putting a wide moral chasm between his heroes and those who are simply greedy, ignorant or mindlessly zealous. This could have been a much better book, but Bova's tortuous morality grounds it.

In a word: Brilliant! In three words: I enjoyed it. I started the book as bed-time reading, but found (to my wife's disgust) that it was keeping me awake at night. In the end, I had to devote a Saturday morning to finishing the book for domestic harmony.

If your idea of a good read is a slam-bang space opera with cardboard characters, this is not the book for you. But if you like your books to be thoughtful and thought-provoking, with excellent characterization, then this is the one.

Bova's strength is his ability to really make the characters in his books come to life. The scientists in the novel were just like some of my friends, struggling with the issue of how do you get someone to pay for your hobby and indignant that someone might actually want to make a profit from it. The mystery and tension built throughout the novel, making it harder and harder to put down. It was great.

I am looking forward to reading Bova's next novel.

I feel compelled to write a review of this book because I wrote such a negative review about Bova's earlier book, MARS. RETURN TO MARS is much better. It is a better story with more realistic characters, and there is more action. Unlike the first book, I felt like they really did something on Mars, and what they discover is credible. There were less of the racist overtones and more the incorporation of heritage and the value of diversity. Now I understand why people like Bova. This was a good book, well-paced, not too psychological, not too sci-tech, just right. I was sorry to see it end. (And I did not miss the characters from the earlier book that were left out. I only wondered about them for the first 50 pages, then the new story took hold. Fewer is better in this case.)

Navajo geologist-astronaut, Jamie Waterman, blasts off to the red planet for a second time as the leader of a privately funded follow up expedition to the earth's first foray to Mars which ended on a literal cliff-hanger. the discovery of pueblo-like cliff dwellings that seemed to indicate Mars had been inhabited in the past by intelligent life.

The crew, an eclectic blend of nationalities and experts in a variety of scientific and technical fields of endeavour, direct their efforts to the completion of three distinct projects - the examination of the lichen type biology and the geology of the caldera of Olympus Mons, a volcano and the highest mountain in the solar system; the recovery of a priceless artifact from the much earlier Mars Pathfinder expeditions; and the detailed investigation of Jamie's pueblo dwellings with a view to proving once and for all whether Mars had ever been home to an intelligent species of life.

Aside from the hard sci-fi themes of the Martian environment, the research, the overwhelming dangers and difficulties of extraterrestrial exploration in a fundamentally hostile environment, "Return to Mars" also examines two other central themes - first, the almost insurmountable difficulties of the costs of big budget science and the conflicts that inevitably arise when capitalism attempts to force fundamental research into profit-oriented motives; and, second, the inherent dangers of contaminating a pristine environment such as Mars with untrammeled, loosely controlled exploration, travel, business and (gasp!) even colonization or, worse yet, tourism!

Certainly, Bova was not shy about using "Return to Mars" as a forum for espousing his own political views on the matter and, for some readers, the strength of the expression of these opinions was seen as a shortcoming in the novel. But, I felt that using Jamie, in particular, a highly educated scientist with an underlying aboriginal Navajo cultural mindset, as the fundamental mouthpiece for these opinions, the left-leaning political statements seemed to come across as heartfelt and completely natural. While some readers might disagree with some of what Jamie had to say, it seemed completely reasonable to hear him and the other scientists express these views. Their disgust and complete antipathy to the notion of tourism directed at the Martian cliff-dwellings was particularly understandable in the context in which it was presented.

Highly recommended.

Paul Weiss

Following the generally disappointing Moonrise and Moonwar, which amounted to little more than Dallas or Dynasty in space, Bova has finally given the readers what they want. Even the most mediocre of sci-fi authors can usually at least maintain the reader's interest with any tale set against the beautiful and mysterious backdrop of everyone's favourite planet. Bova is a better than average author and, when he doesn't get too embroiled in politics and political correctness, can produce some immensely exciting material. Thankfully, Return to Mars is pretty well solid adventure from cover to cover. Sure there is a smattering of politicising over the financial interests surrounding the potential commercialisation of Mars and Bova's usual tendency towards "affirmative action" manifests itself through the rather contrived melting pot of a crew and the occasional piece of stilted dialogue. Here though, these features seem less of a distraction than in Bova's previous novels and we can surely forgive Bova his agenda when he gives us such riveting adventure as this. Descriptions of the practicalities of setting up the habitation modules and all the ancillary equipment has a gritty air of authenticity about it. The excursions to Mt. Olympus and the Grand Canyon, where most of the story unfolds, are depicted in superb and convincing detail and should satisfy the most technically demanding of readers. Bova has skillfully trod the very fine line between what we know about Mars and speculating on what surprises we may yet find. Furthermore, the characterisation, although never the main feature of a Bova novel, is more 3-dimensional and satisfying than usual. WARNING SLIGHT SPOILER AHEAD; The only feature which quite irritated me was the unnecessary, predictable and contrived whodunnit sub-plot. Having read other Bova novels and being aware of his tendency towards anglophobia, you'll all surely guess whodunnit the moment the main players are introduced! END OF SPOILER. That just took the edge off my enjoyment a little. I would still thoroughly recommend Return to Mars to all sci-fi fans. For my money, this is easily Bova's best novel and is the nearest we'll ever get to walking the Red Planet!

Jamie Waterman gets a chance to go back to the planet that gave him fame & happiness. This time, however, there are forces at work that make this voyage dangerous from within as well as from outside. In this riveting sequel to "Mars", Ben Bova's smash hit, he again has written hard science fiction like no other, setting you right on the surface of the Red Planet. His characters are real people with whom you could easily work & explore. He makes getting to Mars like driving to the Painted Desert & stepping out of your car; I've been to the Painted Desert & Ben Bova makes me want to go to Mars. A great read! ..........

Part two in Bova's series about Jamie Waterman, the Navajo Geologist, and his exploits on Mars. In some ways this was better than the first as there was more of a sense of this being a complete novel as the ending here is much more satisfying. A lot of gimmicks take up a lot of time (such as the hunt for a possible saboteur) but overall it was a fun read. The charactors are more fleshed out and develop visibly over the course of the book and Bova makes an effort to make them less shallow, succeeding in several instances. The book almost has a soap-opera feel to it as most of the explorers have sex fairly frequently with several partners along the way. This is used predominately as a tension-creating device and it works well in the context of a small group of people far from home. Not a waste of your time but only read it if you enjoyed the first volume in the series.

And thank god for small mercies. Though this sequel is far better than the first book in the series it is not without its problems. Bova is proving a master at evoking mood and atmosphere, placing the reader right smack in the middle of whatever setting the story is taking place in - the terrifying danger of Mars with its harsh environment - low air pressure, lack of O2, etc - are brought home in startling reality.

It's in character and plotting where Bova gets into trouble. As in the first book Bova's characters are very superficial and one dimensional - all. The lack of professionalism and leadership on these missions just does not ring true with all the petty bickering, racism and manipulation going on between the crew. Who chooses these people? Don't they undergo extensive psychological testing? Don't they work and train together for extended periods of time to weed out problems and conflicts? This is a big problem with these books and at times they ruin the reading experience.

The characters all act of complete selfishness and immaturity then Bova attempts to 'add depth' by providing excuses for their behaviors and attitudes ie)Jamie facing racism all his life drives him to prove himself; Dex Trumball's abandonment and neglect by his father drives him to prove himself; Vijay's treatment at the hands of men leads to her to manipulate them for sex and her own means, male chauvinism drives her to prove herself, and on and on. The heavy handed moralizing (ie) the worthiness of science vs money and tourism, and the prejudiced stubbornness of even Jamie gets tiresome and downright frustrating.

As well Bova's story plotting could stand some scrutiny - there are great items like the exploration of Olympus Mons, the volcano, providing some real suspense and moments of terror - but the story is tripped up when the subplot of the possible saboteur takes the book in a wildly divergent direction and creates a tedious and false sense of suspense.

The last third of the book, however, does redeem Bova's story in the way we see the characters grow and learn (albiet a bit quickly) and the various threads come together. This book is plotted and paced tighter than the first, avoiding the too long flashbacks to Earth.

All in all a good story that sets the groundwork for a third book. We can only hope Bova reaches a little deeper in terms of character and brings their level of realism to the same level as his storytelling and ability to draw the reader into the story.

Dr. Jamie Waterman returns to Mars--this time for an ambitious 18-month stay upon the Red Planet. He and his expedition must live off the land--regardless of how hostile that Martian land may seem--they must glean their food, water and oxygen from the frigid red sands.

This expedition's mission objectives include a harrowing descent into the caldera of Olympus Mons--the solar system's tallest volcano--and of course broadening the search for life--most controversially, Jamie's allegations of "cliff dwellings" hidden within the cliff face of Tithonium Chasma (Mars' Grand Canyon, which dwarfs our own).

The extended length of this mission takes away from the imperativeness of the first expedition--it's a bit lazier--and also quite frightening--you've got 18 full months of the Martian elements staring you in the face.

And yes, Jamie is afforded sufficient time to investigate what he thought he saw on the first expedition years ago. And he is determined to prove his allegations.

This is a good sequel, but I'm afraid it has a few shortcomings. I was disappointed at the lack of returning characters. I was disappointed in how Jamie's relationship with Joanna Brumado was handled. I was disappointed in how Jamie's relationship with his grandfather was handled. I was disappointed in how Jamie's relationship with his parents was handled. And I was a tad irked that once again the expedition's physician plays a pivotal role. A good doctor should be like a good lawyer--you don't even know he's there till you need him.

Another aspect of this book I found troubling was the characters' constant ethnic slurs to Jamie's Native American background. I found it very unrealistic. I think scientists would behave differently--and I think a handful of people on another planet wouldn't give two hoots what your ethnic background is; if you're human, then you're a friend.

And then there's Mr. Bova's tentative grasp of romance. He tries to push the envelope with this one, but there's still some key element missing. I think it's passion, a true passion for another, a passion which can enslave and yet free you at the same time. Mr. Bova feels a passion for Mars--which is palpably evident--but his passion for man-woman relationships is luke-warm.

Nonetheless, Mr. Bova's heart is in the right place, and the book's ending is a happy one--on all fronts [wink]. If you've read the first book, then you owe it to yourself to read the sequel. And we can only hope the author writes a third installment. Until then, "Ya'aa'tey."

It was with great anticipation that I plopped on the couch to read the sequel to MARS and found myself disappointed from the start because many of the characters from the first book were not along for the second voyage. Still, the story was compelling enough that I found it hard to put the book down.

As with the previous story, Bova populates the second book with a multicultural crew, some of whom are odds with each other and helps to create some tension. Another vehicle Bova uses to add to the suspense is to start off some of the chapters with unsigned diary entries by a troubled and disturbed crew member. I have to admit that I was not able to figure out which crew member it was.

Again, Bova handles the science part of the story well, especially the exploration and theories behind Jamie's cliff dwellings. It is a relief that they were not advanced aliens with laser guns and stuff like that, but rather a primitive culture snuffed out by a celestial event like the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs. All in all, RETURN TO MARS is a good read, and if you liked the first book, then I recommend this one as well.

If Hollywood decides to make a movie based upon the books, I think it would be better to condense both books into one movie with a single voyage. My cast choice for Jamie Waterman would be Benjamin Bratt and Rachel Leigh Cook would be perfect as Joanne Brumado. Courtney Vance could be Connors. I haven't thought of the others yet.