Reviews

Blue Mars, by Kim Stanley Robinson

Only show reviews with written explanations

daytonm's review against another edition

4.0

Overall not as strong as Red Mars or Green Mars--it lagged a bit in the middle, and I didn't love every character choice--but when it soars, it soars. At its most compelling, I think, exploring tensions between green and red, the terraformed (or areoformed) young biosphere and primal Mars. What a trilogy!

As a whole the three books get a robust five stars, and I'm eager to read more of Robinson's books. Philosophically challenging, fascinating characters, exciting politics, and there's just something about Mars!

danielgwood's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

vari's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

girlfriday4's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

My voyage to the stars is over, sob. I wanted it to go on forever. I think I have become addicted to Kim Stanley Robinson, even though I do get frustrated with his sometimes meandering plots and there are perhaps a few too many descriptions of rocks (although they are mostly pretty awesome).

Overall though, I found the Blue Mars vision of a possible future on terraformed Mars, and KSR's speculations on just about every aspect of life and science from string theory to sexuality, completely mesmerising.

I found out about KSR after hearing a radio interview with him when 2312 was published - I was intrigued that he was described as writing utopian sci fi. I didn't find 3212 particularly utopian, but one of the key themes of the Mars trilogy is the struggle to develop a social and political structure that is just, equitable, and ensures a balance of individual freedom and creativity with the overall needs of the community. I found it fascinating.

I was also impressed with how KSR, throughout the books, tells the story from different and conflicting perspectives. I don't read a lot of sci fi, or even fantasy these days, but my impression is that this is a bit unusual the more simplistic good guys/bad guys approach is by far more common. I prefer KSR's nuanced approach - it's more realistic, and more hopeful - at least in the TV/movie world if not in novels. (looking for other recommendations here, folks).

I reviewed the earlier part of the trilogy here: http://maamej.wordpress.com/2014/06/09/monday-music-your-life-on-mars/

I'm now planning to reread 2312 - I'm not quite ready to let go of outer space.

emsir's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

A great series for those who enjoy listening to characters much smarter than they are (or at least smarter than I am) talk about science and politics on Mars. Some of the most thoughtful worldbuilding I've ever read.