Recent news reports about the discovery of water on Mars and the speculation about the possibility of colonizing the planet have reawakened interest in the red planet. Of course, Mars has long been the subject of futuristic sci-fi novels. Here are a few of the best Mars novels to prepare for the future colonization of the planet.
Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
This is the first in a trilogy of Mars novels by Robinson and was first released in 1992. The year is 2026 and the first 100 colonists prepare to make the historic journey to the red planet. After years of research and population, the diverse and disparate group of people who are the first to set up home on Mars soon make discoveries of their own. The unforgiving terrain and unfamiliar conditions are one thing they have to contend with. Many of them must also deal with their trauma and elation. The planet appears to have a different effect on all of them as bonds are created and rivalries formed. Conflicting beliefs about their true mission on Mars soon bubble to the surface and the battle for the soul of their new home begins.
The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
Bradbury’s fictional account of Martian settlements was first published in 1950, five years after the end of World War II. It imagines a futuristic scenario whereby Americans are forced to leave the Earth due to a nuclear settlement on Mars. In the first edition of the novel, Bradbury taps into many of the post-war themes of the time around man’s ability to destroy the Earth. The original story is based in 1999, almost 50 years into the future. Subsequent editions have been altered to have the story taking place from 2030 onwards to maintain the futuristic feel.
For more futuristic sci-fi stories check out the books at www.stelahub.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment