EMERGENT MARS: A Mars Colony Science Fiction Novel

Russell Klyford

Jan 2024 · Russell Klyford

About this ebook

Finalist — 2024 Cygnus Awards in Science Fiction

GRIPPING, REALISTIC MARS COLONIZATION SCI-FI WHERE SCIENCE, EQUITY, AND HUMANITY COLLIDE.

In 2059, trauma-scarred war correspondent Ailia Bax lands on the stark, unforgiving Red Planet seeking a fresh start. Instead, she's pulled into rising tensions between Mars and Earth as humans and sentient mecha struggle to forge a bold new model of equitable governance. But a bomber stalks the handful of aging research stations, and internal divisions amongst the Martians threaten their independent future. As audacious engineering projects rise from the red dust and orbital mining expands on Phobos, Ailia—distrusted by nearly everyone—will be forced to choose sides and make decisions that could alter the fate of this emergent world.

For fans of Kim Stanley Robinson, Arthur C. Clarke, Stephen Baxter, and Andy Weir.

PRAISE FOR EMERGENT MARS:

★★★★ "Loved it! This is a deeply thought-out story. All of it felt realistic. It's a stunning depiction of what we could genuinely face in the next few decades and a valuable contribution to the growing canon of literature about the settlement of Mars." —Zoë Routh, author of The Olympus Project

★★★★★ "This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of humanity in space and the ethical questions that accompany our quest to explore new frontiers. I highly recommend it." —Doug Campbell, GOODREADS Review

★★★★★ "It’s a great sci-fi novel that delves into human interaction, interaction with sapient AI and the politics/conflicts between Earth and Mars. Highly recommended." —Christine Choptovy, GOODREADS Review

Ratings and reviews

Compelling world-building is a highlight of this science fiction tale. No detail is too small, from the description of the habitats to the economic factors, to the day-to-day struggles . . . all are tied to the details of life on Mars. Strong, diverse characters, and a growing conflict all work together to create a society struggling to define its future. The mystery surrounding the Slow Bomber creates a growing uneasiness builds tensions. Thought-provoking and compelling; recommended.

About the author

Russell Kylford is the pseudonym of an indie author who writes science fiction with the precision of a lifelong scholar and the passion of a true futurist. Raised on Asimov, Clarke, Le Guin, Cherryh, Niven, McMaster Bujold, and Herbert, his obsession deepened over time into a connoisseur’s appreciation for Banks, Egan, Stephenson, and all of the many Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winners. With a background in applied science and technology management, he’s spent decades involved in industry regulation, crafting submissions and white papers to improve public policy. He lives in Canberra, Australia, with his wife, balancing future-space visions with watching stand-up comedy and bushwalking.

Visit Russell’s website: https://russellklyfordbooks.com