Semper Mars: Book One of the Heritage Trilogy (Heritage Trilogy, 1)

I bought these 3 books while I was stationed in Galveston, TX, because I needed some reading material to pass time. Ian Douglas delivers some of the best Sci-Fi books I've ever read. When I finished reading the first book I loaned it to one of the guys in operations. He finished reading so fast that I still wasn't done with Luna Marine. These books got passed around to about 12 people in my crew and everyone was fighting over them. They're that good.

I am not a huge sci-fi fan. I don't know how I stumbled across this book, but I am glad I did. It is a great thriller to read. Relics are being found on mars that may have human origin. At the same time the United Nations is trying to take over the world. I can't wait to read the next 2 books in the trilogy.

I purchased this book about three years ago and never forgot about it because of its captivating characters and story line. Rereading this book was probably the only time that I have ever reread a first book in a trilogy without having read the following two books.The imagery and story were simple and clear, yet not simplistic. The author does an A- job of balancing character development, story development and the description of relevant details. In some cases, I would have liked a bit more character development or character complexity, however it is clear that this would have been inconsistent with the general style and it would have added unnecessarily to an already long novel.There is a bit of patriotic rah-rah-rah, but from a person who is not usually impressed by that, it was entirely apropriate and engaging in this work. It is likely that political conflicts such as those described in the book will arise in the future, especially in a post 9/11 world. Something needs to drive us to look outside our planet, even if it ends up being the military and flag planting.

After reading all 3 books of the "Heritage Trilogy" I felt compelled to write a review. I am one of those many readers who go through 'phases' and read tons of different types of books. I read most of the 'Starfist' series, which I found mildly enjoyable (except #2, skip that one). Anyway, I figured these would be quick, action packed, easy reads. I was partially right. There is action, and alot of Space Marine patriotism. Just what I was hoping for. A very pleasant surprise however was Mr. Douglas' excellent plot and character development. Unlike many series, where it appears the author(s) just decided to stick a new story onto the last one without any real regard for continuity, The Heritage Trilogy delivers. I found it to be fresh, interesting, and much more than just a bunch of Marines-fighting-against-impossible-odds cliches. I highly recommend "The Heritage Trilogy" in its entirety. Each book is better then the last.

I have read over 50 books this year, and this book was one I could not put down--I had to finish it the same day! As a Heinlein lover over the years, I have not always appreciated our more recent sci-fi writers---they couldn't captivate me---but Douglas did! Right from the start. If you are looking for great science fiction---that is-- a swell story in a science setting of the future--this is it. Wow---what a terriffic revelation about the face on Mars---great ideas and development. I was never a marine, but after reading this I nearly joined up! I am now into the second book of the Trilogy and can't put it down either. Call me crazy, or misguided, or desperate for good science fiction---but these two books are excellent. I can hardly wait for the last of the trilogy.