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Reviewed by:
  • Mars One by Jonathan Maberry
  • April Spisak
Maberry, Jonathan Mars One. Simon, 2017 [448p]
Trade ed. ISBN 978-1-4814-6161-0 $17.99
E-book ed. ISBN 978-1-4814-6163-4 $10.99
Reviewed from galleys         R Gr. 8-10

Tristan’s family has been chosen for the Mars One program, which means that he’s one of a few teens headed on a one-way mission to the planet where the diverse multigenerational crew hopes to establish a colony. Tristan has long been in love with earthbound Izzy (and yes, they’ve heard the Tristan and Isolde stories a million times), and the two have a passionate romantic relationship, in spite of knowing it is doomed by impending permanent separation. People are still reality-television obsessed in 2026, so the two agree to earn massive amounts of cash by televising their final days together, even while Tristan is also busy preparing and training for his flight. Maberry balances the book effectively, with a sturdy chunk on Earth where readers get acquainted with Tristan and his pain and fears before flinging him out into space, where things start going wrong almost immediately. Both romance and adventure buffs will find plenty to enjoy here, and Maberry fans will find the impeccable pace, eye for drama, and well-developed characters that are his trademarks. Izzy’s playlist, including all of the classic interstellar-themed hits, is included for those who want to listen along.

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