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johnwillson's review
4.0
Indiana Jones on Mars!
What's the best kind of space opera? The kind with a xenoarchaeologist! Seriously, who doesn't want to see a whip-wielding fedora-wearing history nut translate alien hieroglyphics and kick Martian butt until the day is saved? Okay, there's no whip actually, and the aliens aren't Martians... but you get the idea.
It's a rip-roaring good time full of planet-ships over red deserts, ray-gun shoot-outs, shifting allegiances, amazing discoveries and world-ending threats, all set against the enigma of the deep history of Mars.
There's no fedora either, come to think of it. Really, he's more of a scoundrel than a professor.
Only complaint: the main character's inner monologue becomes a bit repetitive at times. Just read faster.
This book is the first in a series, but don't worry, its story is quite complete. The arc concludes, and a new one is teased in the epilogue. As it should be.
Recommended for fans of close-to-home space opera, pulp action, and solving ancient mysteries!
What's the best kind of space opera? The kind with a xenoarchaeologist! Seriously, who doesn't want to see a whip-wielding fedora-wearing history nut translate alien hieroglyphics and kick Martian butt until the day is saved? Okay, there's no whip actually, and the aliens aren't Martians... but you get the idea.
It's a rip-roaring good time full of planet-ships over red deserts, ray-gun shoot-outs, shifting allegiances, amazing discoveries and world-ending threats, all set against the enigma of the deep history of Mars.
There's no fedora either, come to think of it. Really, he's more of a scoundrel than a professor.
Only complaint: the main character's inner monologue becomes a bit repetitive at times. Just read faster.
This book is the first in a series, but don't worry, its story is quite complete. The arc concludes, and a new one is teased in the epilogue. As it should be.
Recommended for fans of close-to-home space opera, pulp action, and solving ancient mysteries!
dc7's review
2.0
Ozzy Mack is the protagonist of Martian Plague and it’s been a long time since I disliked the main character of a book that much. In fact I can’t even remember the last time a protagonist was so annoying and unlikable. Ozzy is sexist and throughout the book he repeatedly calls women “sweetheart”, “wench”, “hot chick” and the like. It’s in stark contrast to his undying love for his daughter. He is also incompetent in many areas so he gets a female sidekick (who he calls “sweetheart”) to fix things for him, it left me thinking that she would have made a better main character.
The plot is fairly predictable and offers little new, the writing is okay. At least the story was fast-paced and never boring, so I was entertained throughout and that’s the only reason why I’m giving the book 2 stars. I can’t recommend Martian Plague.
The plot is fairly predictable and offers little new, the writing is okay. At least the story was fast-paced and never boring, so I was entertained throughout and that’s the only reason why I’m giving the book 2 stars. I can’t recommend Martian Plague.
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