Older edition reviews as saved from Amazon are listed below. 

From the United States
Trey Stone

 – 5.0 out of 5 stars: A vivid, emotional, thrilling, an exceptionally well-crafted Mars adventure. 

Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2019Verified Purchase
. We Are Mars follows the colony of Rubicon, in the year 2128, on—you guessed it—Mars. Rubicon is harsh, but simple. Most of the inhabitants are genetically modified humans, all with their own purpose, their own job to go to, and everyone works together to make sure the Rubicon stays afloat. The biggest problems the inhabitants face, are each other, and the divides between them. Until one day when a disaster hits; when something that shouldn’t be possible happens, putting the whole Rubicon at risk. The people of Mars must come together, or face extinction. Lawson’s books is magnificent. I’ve recently read the classic sci-fi book Dune, and this is better. Much better. Lawson’s writing style is lavish and gorgeous, and the plot was gripping from the start. I was fascinated. Her absolute forte is the world-building. It’s been long since I’ve come across such a well put together world, such excellently researched and crafted scenarios. If I didn’t know better—which I don’t—I’d say Lawson works in some kind of industry that has ties to space exploration, like NASA or similar. It’s absolutely amazing how well-crafted this book is, and it shows from the very beginning.

On the other hand, there was one thing I struggled with with this book. There’s a few minor errors—the kind you find in any book—but they’re really not a problem at all. Then there’s a lack of chapters, which I found a bit strange simply because I’ve never come across it before, but again, it’s not an issue. There are some titled parts, and there are sections indicating which POV we’re reading from, so chapters or not doesn’t really matter.

But the lack of dialogue, was very noticeable. (Maybe particularly to me, because I love dialogue, and I write a lot of it myself). In the first third of the book there was hardly any, and throughout the rest it was very little compared to the narrative. At first I found it a little bit annoying, because often when I see this it makes for very boring reading. Thankfully, Lawson’s writing is excellent regardless, so that wasn’t it. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, until I got further into it, which was when I realized I hardly knew the characters. The lack of dialogue between people made me feel like I didn’t know the people I was reading about. Of course I knew what they were doing, what they were up to, but I didn’t know much about how they spoke or thought. There were a few cases of scenes between characters, where I would have loved to have seen what they were saying, instead of just being told that they said it. Don’t misunderstand though, I loved the book. The style is very different to what I usually read, and I was intrigued to read something that while very familiar, was so different.

Again, this book is fantastic. The writing is superb, the plot is gripping and the world-building is absolutely phenomenal. Many bonus points to Lawson for all the research she must have done. You can tell she’s very dedicated to sci-fi.

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MLW –

 4.0 out of 5 stars: Science fiction with the intrigue of a mystery/thriller. 

Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2020. Format: Kindle.Verified Purchase
 Cheryl Lawson will put you on Mars with her top-notch world-building talents. Whether well-researched or impressively imagined, the technical details of Rubicon and descriptions of Martian landscape are plausible and tangible. The author also knows how to deliver a compelling plot, from prologue to last line, in small, gripping chapters that make the book hard to put down. It seemed each segment was a puzzle piece, and I couldn’t wait to see how it all came together. I was pleasantly surprised by the themes of humanity and independence, revealed in the clash of the designed g-mod beings with the natural non-gen humans. I did find the character presentation problematic. The author used passive voice and a lot of telling to over-explain character motives, feelings, and even backstory. Even when action and interaction were used to show character, there was a tendency to reiterate (and sometimes even contradict) such information in subsequent paragraphs. Initially, I thought this might be a symptom of rapidly introducing so many characters, but the problem persists throughout the novel. Though not a minor issue, the story has redeeming qualities aplenty.

All in all, We Are Mars is a worthwhile read.

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wlkalong

 – 5.0 out of 5 stars: Well worth reading!!! 

Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2018. Verified Purchase
. There are a lot of reasons to like We Are Mars. The book is well researched and the author paints a realistic picture of what life on the planet would be like. You get the feeling she actually lived there for a few years and just got back to write about it. The characters are as well developed as the environment and they interact in a logical manner, based on the world they live in and they change as the story evolves. Lawson does a great job with their relationships, they are believable and keep the reader’s interest and I actually started rooting for a couple of them. The best thing about the book. It’s not predictable. The story has some dramatic shifts that I was not expecting, which pulled me deeper into the story and I was excited to see what would happen next. The changes kept the story moving along at a brisk pace, making it a very enjoyable read. If you like detailed, science fiction thrillers, you will like We Are Mars. I highly recommend it.

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Nicole B Louw

 – 4.0 out of 5 stars: Well Researched Sci Fi Adventure 

Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2019. Verified Purchase
. What really shines through in ‘We Are Mars’ is the author’s passion for her subject. This is an intricately researched and highly believable description of what life as a Mars colonist would be like. While I did find the story a little slow to get going, I understand the need to establish a world so different from our own, clearly in our imaginations. And once the pace picks up it’s a thrilling adventure we are taken on. I also very much enjoyed the various ethical dilemmas the author raises, such as whether genetic meddling is ever justified. She also explores humanity’s ability to adopt an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ policy, as Earth basically cuts the Mars colony loose in their hour of need. I always enjoy books that get me thinking! There are quite a few characters and for some readers it might get a bit confusing as the POV shifts constantly. But once disaster strikes, its action stations all the way as you are swept off on an edge of your seat deep space adventure.

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Jennifer Fernandez

 – 3.0 out of 5 stars: Great for Hard Sci-Fi fans 

Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2020. Format: KindleVerified Purchase
. We Are Mars follows the events that lead a colony on Mars to face its hardest challenge yet. For 52 years the resilient people of Rubicon have turned the Red Planet into their home. The mixed population of natural-born humans and genetically modified humans coexist together to fulfill the necessary task for their survival. Each day, the aging colony takes a step closer to autonomy as Earth sends less help and resources. You’d think the inhospitable environment would be the obstacle to face on Mars, but when the impossible happens, the residents are launched in a race for their lives. This novel is a treat for Hard Sci-Fi fans. Lawson clearly did her research to lace her worldbuilding with viable science. The living conditions in the base and the processes necessary to make it habitable felt real, and the descriptions of the martian environment did a good job to establish the setting and immerse the reader.

I always appreciate when the author writes their characters human. Everyone had their ups and downs. Everyone had flaws. The relationship between the characters and the tensions between them bring the novel to life. I especially liked how their mistakes set the chain of events leading to disaster. The plot behind them is interesting and fast-paced. I really wanted to know what happened next. Some unpredictable plot-twists along the way kept me wanting for more.
Overall, I’d say I enjoyed the novel to an extent. Unfortunately, the writing style wasn’t my cup of tea and it took away from the enjoyment. I prefer to read characters having a dialogue instead of being told what was said between them. This prevented me from having no real connections with any of the characters. The things I liked about them were things that were mentioned in narration and not shown by their actions. In the end, to me, all characters just sounded like the same person every time they talked. The fact that some dialogue was written separately from the action the person was making sometimes made it difficult to know who was talking. Also, I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief at an inconsistency in an otherwise well-built world.
These problems are just my personal tastes, though. It took me longer than usual, but I continued because the story is really good. If I didn’t like I would’ve stopped. I do recommend reading this book if you like character-driven Hard Sci-Fi. Especially if you enjoyed The Martian by Andy Weir. As I mentioned, the research was thorough too.

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C.S.M.D. – 5.0 out of 5 stars: If you are looking for a science fiction story that has a strong anchor in science. 

Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2019. Verified Purchase
. There is a lot of story packed into “We Are Mars.” The author weaves personal tales in between the threads of a tense, sci-fi thriller that doesn’t hesitate to throw another wrench in the works as soon as you start to get comfortable. With the story set in a fully populated Mars colony, there is a wealth of technology and science to touch upon for, not only world-building, but story/plot purposes, and Cheryl Lawson seems to have done an ample amount of research to bring authenticity to Rubicon Base. But she goes above and beyond making sure her surface suits and water filtration systems are accurate. Within Rubicon there are the g-mods, genetically modified humans, and the non-gens, or non-genetically modified humans, and, as with any society, there are beliefs built up around being one or the other. The author does a fantastic job of expressing the culture that has formed within Rubicon. There is nuance and subtlety to it, so it feels organic and real. Her characters also feel real. None of them feel like stereotypes or two-dimensional cut-outs. They are unique beings with motivations that are wholly believable, with individual journeys of growth or change. Who they are as a g-mod or a non-gen informs upon their personalities and their status within the society and all that plays out with the interpersonal relationships, as well. It’s a rich extra layer that adds depth to both the characters and the story itself.

If you are looking for a science fiction story that has a strong anchor in science, with a compelling cast of characters that will carry you away in a story that you won’t want to put down, then “We Are Mars” fits that bill. It is beautifully constructed, well researched and comes with enough twists and turns to keep you holding your breath. Just make sure you remember to breathe at the end…book two doesn’t come out until Winter of 2020!

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Sage Wolfsong/Thrice Read Books

 – 4.0 out of 5 stars: The “Red Planet” never read so good… 

Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2018. Verified Purchase
. Hubby’s Review:
As a person who would love to be a Mars Colonist, We Are Mars, is a great starter book for Cheryl. The book moves pretty fast, and has enough entertainment to keep me interested. There are a few questions I have about some of the things that take place, but they aren’t hard to over look for the entertainment of the story. Again for a first novel, the writing was pretty good and I am anxiously awaiting book two. Cheryl really hits home with her descriptions of life on Mars and the struggles that would come with it. The “Red Planet” never read so good, as far as I have read. Recommend this book for anyone who looks at the stars and wonders.

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Schuyler Thorpe

 – 5.0 out of 5 stars: Like Total Recall–only better! 

Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2020.Verified Purchase
. I’m a sucker for science fiction and off and on, Mars-inspired stories that stretch the imagination. I watched Total Recall as a teen growing up and I also watched Red Planet and the very thought and struggle for human dominance of Mars always reaches a breaking point–sometimes tragically. What’s interesting about the first book of this series is how humanity has gone from being isolated on their own world to colonizing others and having to fight tooth and nail just to make it work. And like all classic sci-fi, there’s always going to be that one party that wants to upend the entire apple cart and put the whole project in dire jeopardy. But here you have non g-mods and g-modded humans working side by side for the same dream–even though in the end things get a bit dicey and hairy, but you can tell a lot about the book by the level of passion and dedication the author has put into it. But within the pages of this book, you can easily live out the lives of either Dana herself or Jaxon Fields and see the world through their eyes as they try to survive against the forces of tyranny and evil. And this novel is nothing short of brilliant and encapsulating. I don’t say enough about the books I buy or love to read, but this one was worth all the milk money in the world. I hope Cheryl keeps them coming in future installments.

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Aimee Hannaford

 – 5.0 out of 5 stars: Looking for a good sci-fi read? Check this book out! 

Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2018. Verified Purchase
. I’m a voracious reader of sci-fi. My interests include the classics (Asamov), standards (George RR Martin, Ursula Le Guin), and the amazing group of contemporary sci-fi authors publishing on Amazon (too many to list). Within my search for all that is new and obtainable, I found this book. It can hold its own in the mass of the sci-fi books here and is a great read for those who love the genre. Cheryl creates a deliberate pacing to set the tone for an outpost on Mars. Monotony of maintenance and support to keep the base and the inhabitants alive. But holy crow – does all hell break loose! No spoilers in this review (I promise), but within a moment the monotony of Mars becomes the WTF is happening right now?! Be prepared to experience claustrophobia, insanity, diseases, and the ongoing threat of asphyxiation at any moment of base breach with this book. I was catching my breath and constantly thanking that I am NOT on that base for real. Whew! I look forward to book 2 of the Saga. 🙂

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Sylvie D. Parris

 – 5.0 out of 5 stars: A Martian chronicle worth reading 

Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2019. Verified Purchase
. I always approach a new book with apprehension and anticipation, hoping that what I’m preparing to embed myself in is worth the journey. We Are Mars was. The story line is complex with unexpected twists and turns that kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The characters more complex. Who the good and bad guys were became more complex as one discovered that, as so often happens, ones motivation is often too insular to consider the larger ramifications. I enjoyed that the characters were limited by their environment. It is a story of survival after all, and how people are forced to adapt when things go arwy. Now to wait for the next book to land.

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NRS

  – 4.0 out of 5 stars: Would Make A Great TV Show 

Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2020. Format: Kindle. Verified Purchase. 
I enjoyed this book, and think it would make a great tv show. Full of action and relationships, drama and conflict. The Rubicon setting is also super cool. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of sci-fi. It kinda gave me Hell Diver vibes minus the monsters, so if you like that series, this is a book for you!

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J Christensen –

 5.0 out of 5 stars: A harrowing fight to stay alive on Mars. 

Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2019. Verified Purchase. 
Be prepared to become fully immersed in life on a Mars colony with Cheryl’s Sci-Fi thriller, We Are Mars. She takes you on a journey from page one, with daily life on the colony, fascinating in its own right, and then boom! all hell breaks loose. Cheryl has created a cast of fantastic characters whose struggles are relatable and real and who must learn to set aside differences and work together as they race to save as many lives as possible. A must read for Sci-Fi fans, adventure fans and thriller fans alike! Very much looking forward to book two!

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Rildon

 – 4.0 out of 5 stars: If you love science the idea of a Martian Colony… read this book. 

Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2019. Verified Purchase
. If you love Mars and the idea of what living on Mars would be like, check this book out! There is a real, lived in feeling to this book, which is exciting. The pacing is deliberate. The characters are complex. The science is interesting and believable. There is is a bit more telling and less showing than I would prefer, but overall worth the read.

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Peter D. Hartog

 – 4.0 out of 5 stars: Intriguing Sci-Fi Adventure 

Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2019. Verified Purchase. 
An interesting take about life on Mars, full of intrigue, suspense and well-rounded characters. Strong world-building and very detailed, Cheryl does a fine job developing a believable Martian colony. Long exposition, while necessary at times to add the appropriate level of believability and background, did slog the story somewhat, the end result is an excellent tale worth reading.

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Naomi Raven

 – 5.0 out of 5 stars: Espionage at the highest level! 

Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2020. Format: Kindle. Verified Purchase
. With one of the trusted spying for the other side, what will happen? Cheryl Lawson brings us this amazing take of resilience of the human spirit. The Mars colony is fighting against their biggest foe. I loved this book. It’s a great read that I would recommend for any reader.

Jody Scott Sneed

 – 4.0 out of 5 stars: Well plotted. 

Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2020. Format: Kindle. Verified Purchase
. Rubicon is not your usual Martian colony story…the backstory is well developed with unexpected issues and political maneuvering. Characters benefit from the same.

Zev Good – 

5.0 out of 5 stars: A  Fun, Easy Read. 

Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2019. Verified Purchase
. A fun, easy read that blends colonization sci-fi with contagion sci-fi, and even a hint of romance. Reminiscent of latter parts of Kim Stanley Robinson’s Mars trilogy. Only beef I have is that it ended with a cliffhanger, and I hate those (but nobody asked me, so…).

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Steven L. Fritz

 – 4.0 out of 5 stars: Great vision of a future human settlement on Mars. 

Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2018. Verified Purchase
. I enjoyed the characters and their the story arc as well as the fact that the antagonists were complex, not pure evil. Very imaginative.

Gardener Eileen – 

4.0 out of 5 stars: Great Mars Description; Feels Like You’re There. 

Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2019
. I enjoyed this book. The description was so well written you feel like you are on the red planet, with all the problems that might occur there. You can’t help but root for Dana and the rest of the planet’s leadership team as they battle to survive. The world building is good and the plot draws you in. Good read. I recommend.

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Terrence Roth

 – 4.0 out of 5 stars: Time to Suit Up 

Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2018. 
A real cliffhanger. Science fiction is not my normal choice of reading, but “We Are Mars” drew me into the genre and kept me turning the pages. Great descriptive writing and use of scientific jargon and a very believable setting. Prepare yourself for a cliffhanger. I can hardly wait for the sequel.

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Dallas Lara

 – 5.0 out of 5 stars: A well written glimpse into a plausible future! 

Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2020. Format: Kindle
. With realistic characters and a well thought out plot this book is an exciting read. A realistic look at elements of human nature in a captivating and well researched setting. I can’t recommend this book highly enough for lovers of science fiction and those that enjoy a really page turning adventure.

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Matthew Cesca – 

5.0 out of 5 stars: An exciting sci-fi read, that feels real. 

Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2019
. Cheryl Lawson paints a believable and exciting vision of Mars in her debut novel, We Are mars. It’s clear to see that she’s done her research on the red planet, but also doesn’t let the techno-babble get in the way of compelling and well written story. Her writing style has an exuberance to it that you can feel emanating off of the pages, even the most tense scenes. The book’s ending leaves you wanting for more, and I can’t wait to read more from this author!

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Wolfwalkr

  – 5.0 out of 5 stars: A gripping scifi story 

Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2020. Format: Kindle
. Loved this! It’s filled with intrigue and thrills that kept me reading. In one weekend alone I read more than half the book ignoring all other goings on around my house. The sequel is already in my TBR pile!

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Nick Braker

 – 5.0 out of 5 stars: Engaging story with real science. 

Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2019
. The people of Rubicon colonize Mars and struggle to survive mainly because of their differences. They are faced with huge problems and ultimately a threat to their existence. They come together to survive and the author does a great job showing us that struggle. Well done. Great read. I would recommend this book and the next one.

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KIP KOELSCH – 5.0 out of 5 stars: Looking Forward to Book Two! 

Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2019
. A crisp tempo and clean writing made this a joy to read. The cover makes it clear WE ARE MARS is the first book in a series and I had to keep that in mind as the pace of the action quickened near the end. A unique take on the colonization of Mars that is punctuated with well-rain, realistic main characters. Highly recommended.

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A. E.

 – 5.0 out of 5 stars: Gripping! 

Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2019
. Brilliant sci-fi. The world building really drew me in from chapter one. I thought the idea of the g-mods was neat! Characters had really great distinct personalities. It’s an action packed thrill ride. I had a blast reading this! Can’t wait for book 2!

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Catherine Bowser – 4.0 out of 5 stars: Brillant Sci Fi with deep worldbuilding and wonderful plot. 

Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2022. Format: Kindle
. What a fun adventure this was! And it’s just the beginning. If there’s one thing I truly appreciate about Cheryl’s science fiction, it’s that you know she did her research and it shows. The science aspects of this book made sense and they do what science fiction should do–build on what we have currently and show up a potential future. All of the elements here are brilliant and they build upon each other well. Where the story falters a bit for me is that I think it has too many characters. They each have a purpose but I think some of them could have been combined or cut. A few times, I had to remind myself about who certain characters were because there were so many. They’re all well-written but I think it would have tightened the story to reduce their number. However, the plot of this story is great. I love survivalist aspects but it’s not something I see sci fi explore very much. Lawson takes full advantage of the dangerous aspect of space colonization and the threats to the characters feel real. Looking forward to continue this saga!

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From other countries
Shel Calopa


 – 5.0 out of 5 stars: Great scifi firmly based in reality. 

Reviewed in Australia on November 3, 2020. Format: Kindle. Verified Purchase
. A rock solid first novel. Bravo Lawson! Appreciated the research that must have been done by the author to get the Mars setting authentic without letting the story be bogged down in detail. Plenty of twists and turns with a timely undercurrent. Read it and you’ll know what I mean 😉. Look forward to reading further titles by this talented author.

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The Book Badger – 5.0 out of 5 stars: A city on mars! What could possibly go wrong… 

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 27, 2018. Verified Purchase
. TL;DR – A super space thriller, full of excitement and wonderful characters.

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RAGDOLL RATING: 5/5 BUTTONS
Why I read it… I originally bought this book as a sort of weak thank you after Cheryl very kindly offered me some excellent advice on kicking writers block. Though I would have bought it either way, because it sounded exciting and I love a good sci-fi novel!
The Story… Rubicon was once the pinnacle of human achievement. A city on Mars with with best technology and brightest minds all in one place. But that was years ago. After the expedition failed to discover evidence of life on Mars, funding dried up and Rubicon began to stagnate. After a biological contagion is discovered in the drinking water, Rubicon descends into chaos – and that’s only the beginning. We Are Mars is an wonderful science-fiction thriller.

What I liked… We Are Mars explores a side of space exploration that often gets neglected in the sci-fi genre. Rubicon was once a technological marvel, but it’s systems are now becoming antiquated, and the supply ships that arrive every six years are more inclined to bring branded drinks dispensers than vital mission supplies to the Red planet. Rubicon is thrown into complete disarray when the aging water filtration system fails to prevent an outbreak of an unknown toxin to the drinking water, made worse by the completely unforeseen medical problems in genetically engineered humans.

The numerous tragedies that unfold during the course of the book, provide a wonderful backdrop to the interrelationships of the books main characters. One particularly interesting relationship builds between Jaxon and Dana, who prior to the outbreak constantly butted heads as Jaxon did all he could to rebel against the authority Dana represented, and Dana tried desperately to reign Jaxon in and maintain order. But as the pair find themselves forced into an impossible situation, they find themselves showing qualities that were hidden or ignored, and their working relationship becomes strong, building throughout the book. I enjoyed the way the characters evolved as the book went on, and the gravity of their situation hit them in unique and interesting ways. Finally, I loved the world building. Rubicon has clearly undergone a considerable level of thought, avoiding the ‘generic space city’ vibe and instead becoming a believable and fascinating location. The rules and regulations imposed upon the inhabitants are infuriating, but completely understandable given the mission parameters. It is, as the book says, more scientific experiment than living city, something that Jaxon and his cohorts find themselves desperate to change.

What I disliked… Each chapter focuses on one (or more) characters, and it took me some time to wrap my head around who was who. Each time the narrative switched to someone I hadn’t heard of, I got a bit confused, and then when it switched back to someone I did know, I couldn’t remember who they were – although this became easier as the book went on, and I would chalk this up to an issue with my comprehension ability than the book itself. Final thoughts… We Are Mars is a really fun and exciting read, that sets itself up nicely for the sequel (which I cannot wait to read). The plot and characters are excellent, and the world building is top-notch.

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Mark – 


5.0 out of 5 stars: SciFi done RIGHT! 

Reviewed in Canada on April 18, 2019. Verified Purchase
. I find most books which are part of a series will often leave you with one of two feelings: 1). Satisfaction – the story wrapped up and had a surprisingly sufficient ending. OR 2)Craving for more – the story was JUST HEATING UP and then the author typed THE END and left you fiending for more. With We Are Mars, Cheryl Lawson managed to do both. I’m chomping at the bit for more of the Rubicon Saga, but I’m also very pleased with how the tale has been told so far. There’s never a dull moment or a wasted word. The characters are all compelling and have depth. Most of all, Cheryl did the SCIENCE part of Science Fiction so well that I didn’t spend a second doubting any of the tech in We Are Mars. Highly recommended both for fans of the genre and those who have never picked up a SciFi book in their life.

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ReviewCat


 – 4.0 out of 5 stars: A book for lovers of classic space fiction. 

Reviewed in Canada on April 26, 2020Format: Kindle. Verified Purchase
. When I review a plot-driven, action oriented book, if it keeps me turning the pages, it’s a winner. After being introduced to the major characters of this Mars-colony science fiction tale, We Are Mars had plenty of plot twists and rapid action to catch and hold my attention. There’s just enough human interest and romance to add stakes to the unfolding crisis – or crises – too. Clearly well-researched and with an ending which propels the reader forward into the second book in the trilogy, We Are Mars is a book for lovers of classic space fiction.

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Anita Dow – 


4.0 out of 5 stars: A human story with a believable science fiction setting 

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 29, 2019. Verified Purchase
. I thoroughly enjoyed We Are Mars – the first book in The Rubicon Saga. Set in the not too distant future on Mars, the human cast of characters have important work to do but a saboteur is about to wreck the settlement and all the systems so painstakingly constructed. Every character is totally believable but what impressed me most was the obvious research undertaken by author Cheryl Lawson. Everything about this first human settlement beyond our planet – the operating systems and the role and purpose of each character – makes sense. Interwoven is a very engaging and tense plot, very much about the human characters, and the future of the settlement is left in the balance at the end, so I am really looking forward to reading book 2.

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Jessica


 – 4.0 out of 5 stars: Compelling hard sci-fi thriller. 

Reviewed in Australia on May 3, 2019. Verified Purchase. 
I really liked how many things this book managed to explore – the hardships of setting up a workable colony on Mars, genetically-engineered people, pandemics – and all in a fast-paced, exciting thriller. I thought it lacked a little polish but the set-up and plotting were truly superb.

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Louise Williamson – 5.0 out of 5 stars: A well-written debut novel that held my attention with a tighter grip the more I read! 

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 22, 2018. Verified Purchase
. I found Cheryl’s book mentioned several times on Twitter – @WeAreMarsBook – and temptation finally got the better of me. A well-written debut novel that held my attention with a tighter grip the more I read! The plot twists and turns while the characters are developed, both believable in a near-future Mars settlement. This book, while self-contained, is the first in ‘The Rubicon Saga’ series, and I look forward to reading the further development of the story in Cheryl’s forthcoming books. Highly recommended.

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Ben – 5.0 out of 5 stars: A really good science fiction story about a possible future for mankind on the planet Mars. 

Reviewed in Canada on October 24, 2018. Verified Purchase. 
I enjoyed this book very much, it was a fast paced, realistic and believable story. With really good character development and interaction, and just the right amount of technical advances that make sense. The genetically modified humans in the story were a neat touch and actually could have been a separate story all on their own back on Earth. I can’t wait for the next book to see how the story progresses.

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Collette


 – 5.0 out of 5 stars: Fascinating read. 

Reviewed in Australia on October 2, 2019. Verified Purchase. 
If you loved Mars the tv series or are someone intrigued by Elon Musks plans, this is a must read. A future colony on Mars faces trials and tribulations. I was blown away by the scientific detail and planning in this book.

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John McGee – 4.0 out of 5 stars: The opening novel in the Rubicon Saga does not disappoint .

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 25, 2020Format: Kindle. Verified Purchase
. I was thoroughly engrossed by Cheryl Lawson’s We Are Mars sci-fi thriller, the first part of the Rubicon Saga trilogy. Set on Mars in the 22nd century, it tells the story of the Rubicon city base, which has been neglected by lack of investment from the ruling dictatorial council on Earth. With art imitating nature, the city is infected by a deadly virus and the story seems rather prophetic for the current times.

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KMP


 – 4.0 out of 5 stars: New classic sci-fi. 

Reviewed in Canada on January 21, 2019. Verified Purchase
. With echoes of old-school masters and newer writers like Neal Stephenson, this is a fast-paced story of a Martian colony forced to fend for itself and establish a new identity, apart from its Earth roots. With a good bit of editing, it could be a five-star read.

Amazon Customer – 5.0 out of 5 stars: Great read, not bogged down by too much technical data. 

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 4, 2018. Verified Purchase
. An easy book to read with enough suspense, twists and turns to keep you guessing and looking forward to the sequel.