Marooned!

June 7, 2004
The first in a series from Strickland and the late Fuller (teamed for the Pirate Hunter books) takes place in a future when Earth is on the verge of ecological ruin, and colonists have set up shop on Mars to make the planet habitable. A key component to the "terraforming" of Mars is the Asimov Project, a controversial program that brings 20 young people to the red planet ("We believe that the Martian colony has to reflect a real community," explains one of the colony doctors. "A real community includes teenagers and even children"). Strickland and Fuller waste no time introducing their heroes, chiefly Sean, one of a dozen survivors of an act of bio-terrorism that "erased" his town in Scotland (including Sean's family), and Jenny, the tough-but-tender smart girl who takes Sean under her wing. A series of mini- adventures follows, interspersed with enviro-sermons that are anything but subtle ("How can be too expensive? If the ecology crashes, there'll be worldwide disease, starvation—too expensive!"). The bulk of this series opener is used to construct the setting and cast, making it dull in places, and readers looking for slam-bang action right off the bat might not rush back for the second installment. Ages 8-12.

October 1, 2004
Gr 5-8 -In 2085, when Sean's foster mother asks him to join her on Mars, he has no qualms about leaving his birth planet, for his trusted intuition suggests that Earth is in danger of self-destructing. However, Mars holds perils of its own, and as one of only 20 teenagers brought to the colony through the Asimov Project, Sean must prove himself capable of contributing to this community if he wishes to remain a part of it. The book stars a multicultural cast of teens coping with their personal insecurities. Natural dialogue and easy-flowing narrative will keep readers' attention. However, too much time is devoted to introducing the characters and detailing the rigors of Martian life. The primary conflict occurs late in the book, resulting in a somewhat rushed ending. Still, readers who devour serial fiction will forgive this flaw. In Missing, which is faster paced and more action-packed, the teens must help manage the resources necessary for their survival. When it becomes clear that obtaining new water sources is the highest priority, they assist with pipeline projects. When a work group is stranded on the surface, the colonist leader decides that rescue is too risky, and Sean and his friends take matters into their own hands. Science fiction fans will be pleased by the abundance of technical information and the scientific challenges that life on Mars presents. Others may enjoy following the growing relationships between Sean and his friends.-Jenna Miller, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

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