Oxygen

I enjoyed Ingermanson's "Transgression," but this book takes his writing to another level. What starts out as a basic trip to Mars (could that really be basic?) turns into a nightmare of suspicion, sabotage, and stretches of faith. Through witty and believable dialogue, with detailed research and thorough but never cumbersome facts, the authors sweep us along into a captivating scenario. Along the way, we come to know Bob and Valkerie and the others that surround their work and relationship. The web of suspicion draws tighter and tighter until the last fifty pages when even further surprises are revealed. What seems to be a fairly straightforward survival-in-space story contains much more. I read the last paragraph with a smile, a short laugh, and my heart in my throat. This is smooth and effortless storytelling. Well worth it.

Didn't want to put it down, but things (ie. work, eating, sleeping) required me to. The story line was well thought out and written and the suspense was at times too much to bear, especially when Valkerie was the only one of the four awake and hearing strange noises.Randy, John: Get writing. At least 1 book about their work on Mars and 1 book to get them home.

There are several things that made this book such a great read. First is it is not that far in the future and all the technology is todays technology. No Star Trek gizmos. Second was the character development. By the end of the book I loved these guys. Third was the suspense. This was a real nail biting cliff hanger. The pace of the book was superb. I could not put it down. Fourth and lastly, It was emotional with out getting Saccharine. This was a great book and I highly recommend it to everyone who loves to read.

I would recommend breathing deeply before jumping into this one! It really does take your breath away at times.I was hooked from early on; I am not usually one to read anything having to do with space or science, and yet I simply couldn't put this book down. I was drawn in to the story, even feeling as if I was with the crew. And it kept me guessing until the very end.The dialogue was believable. The characters were real. I could see what the authors were showing me, and my non-scientific mind was able to understand things I didn't think I could grasp. Gripping, emotional but not sentimental, paced well -- I highly recommend this book!Now I'm waiting for a sequel! (Please guys?)

Get ready for a rip roaring ride to Mars. This is near future science fiction that both thinks and thrills. But best of all, between zigs and zags the authors have captured plainly how we wrestle with belief and doubt. The dialogue between astronauts about the question of our origins is the truest I've read. Give it a shot, and pass it on.