What reader’s are saying about We Are Mars and Storm At Dawn.

FOR STORM AT DAWN:

The dust has barely settled from the events in book one when we reunte with our heroes for book two. Cheryl’s stellar characters come to life once again as they face another life-threatening crisis that forces friends and enemies to work together to face and defend against a new onslaught determined to destroy Rubicon. Non-stop action, suspense and tension abound in this sci-fi thriller sure to keep you turning pages long into the night!

– J. Christensen

FOR STORM AT DAWN:

Storm at Dawn picks up where we were left with the characters of We Are Mars–inside the nearly-forgotten Mars colony of Rubicon, battling nefarious forces bent on bringing the experiment to an end. And just when it appears the colony may be winning that battle and able to stand on its own, a new threat emerges. At that point in the book, the characters are so well-developed, that I can’t help but feel outrage at their having to deal with yet another monumental crisis–I care that much about them and what they’ve already gone through. That is a testament to the wonderful writing of Cheryl Lawson. I’m very much looking forward to the final book of the Rubicon saga and re-joining my friends on Mars for the final battle. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

– Kip Koelsch

FOR STORM AT DAWN:

Terrific world-building. You feel for the main characters and want them to succeed. And against all odds, you hope that they will. From poisoning, to war, to scheming, and then annexation. This people do not have an easy life. Plus their food does not seem that appetizing. All of these things combine to put you smack dab into the middle of the story, as if you were experiencing it with Ms. Lawson’s characters. I have one plea for her for the next book. I love the pregnant character and she has lived through enough. Please let her relax, put her feet up, and eat something good for a change. I have a feeling it will be a while before that happens, if at all. Great book. Highly recommend.

– Eilleen Gardener 

FOR STORM AT DAWN:

Just about every sequel you ever see will tout itself as “anticipated”. Storm at Dawn, however, is a sequel I really have been anticipating. Since putting down We Are Mars, I’ve been impatiently waiting to jump back in to this world with Dana and Jax. Picking up the action right where the first book left off, the sequel doesn’t waste a single page diving back in to the excitement. It’s a rare instance in which the author manages not to sacrifice character development in exchange for thrills. We still get to spend a lot of time with the characters we’ve already come to love, while meeting some new ones along the way, while the tension is building.

If you’ve read We Are Mars, you’ve got to pick up Storm at Dawn immediately. If you haven’t, well, you’d better just go ahead and pick up both.

– Mark Karsten 

“I enjoyed this book. The description was so well written you feel like you are on the red planet, with all the problems that might occur there. You can’t help but root for Dana and the rest of the planet’s leadership team as they battle to survive. The world building is good and the plot draws you in. Good read. I recommend.”

– Eilleen Gardener 

“Cheryl Lawson paints a believable and exciting vision of Mars in her debut novel, We Are Mars. It’s clear to see that she’s done her research on the red planet, but also doesn’t let the techno-babble get in the way of compelling and well written story. Her writing style has an exuberance to it that you can feel emanating off of the pages, even the most tense scenes. The book’s ending leaves you wanting for more, and I can’t wait to read more from this author!”

– Matthew Cesca 

“Engaging story with real science.

The people of Rubicon colonize Mars and struggle to survive mainly because of their differences. They are faced with huge problems and ultimately a threat to their existence. They come together to survive and the author does a great job showing us that struggle. Well done. Great read. I would recommend this book and the next one.”

– Nick Braker 

“An interesting take about life on Mars, full of intrigue, suspense and well-rounded characters. Strong world-building and very detailed, Cheryl does a fine job developing a believable Martian colony. Long exposition, while necessary at times to add the appropriate level of believability and background, did slog the story somewhat, the end result is an excellent tale worth reading.”

– Peter Hartog 

“Be prepared to become fully immersed in life on a Mars colony with Cheryl’s Sci-Fi thriller, We Are Mars. She takes you on a journey from page one, with daily life on the colony, fascinating in its own right, and then boom! all hell breaks loose. Cheryl has created a cast of fantastic characters whose struggles are relatable and real and who must learn to set aside differences and work together as they race to save as many lives as possible. A must read for Sci-Fi fans, adventure fans and thriller fans alike! Very much looking forward to book two!”

– Joenne Christensen 

“What really shines through in ‘We Are Mars’ is the author’s passion for her subject. This is an intricately researched and highly believable description of what life as a Mars colonist would be like. While I did find the story a little slow to get going, I understand the need to establish a world so different from our own, clearly in our imaginations. And once the pace picks up it’s a thrilling adventure we are taken on.

I also very much enjoyed the various ethical dilemmas the author raises, such as whether genetic meddling is ever justified. She also explores humanity’s ability to adopt an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ policy, as Earth basically cuts the Mars colony loose in their hour of need. I always enjoy books that get me thinking!

There are quite a few characters and for some readers it might get a bit confusing as the POV shifts constantly. But once disaster strikes, its action stations all the way as you are swept off on an edge of your seat, deep space adventure.”

– Nicola B. Louw 

“This book is exceptional and should be read by all.

For a better breakdown, [watch my video] review.” – Quinn Buckland, Canada  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdlIS…

“A crisp tempo and clean writing made this a joy to read. The cover makes it clear WE ARE MARS is the first book in a series and I had to keep that in mind as the pace of the action quickened near the end. A unique take on the colonization of Mars that is punctuated with realistic main characters. Highly recommended.“ – Kip Koelsch, USA  

“If you love Mars and the idea of what living on Mars would be like, check this book out! There is a real, lived in feeling to this book, which is exciting. The pacing is deliberate. The characters are complex. The science is interesting and believable. There is is a bit more telling and less showing than I would prefer, but overall worth the read.“ – Rildon  

Holly, over at Ragdoll Reads did a comprehensive review of We Are Mars recently. You can read the whole thing here . Below is an excerpt from that review:

“We Are Mars is a really fun and exciting read, that sets itself up nicely for the sequel (which I cannot wait to read). The plot and characters are excellent, and the world building is top-notch.”  

“A real cliffhanger. Science fiction is not my normal choice of reading, but “We Are Mars” drew me into the genre and kept me turning the pages. Great descriptive writing and use of scientific jargon and a very believable setting. Prepare yourself for a cliffhanger. I can hardly wait for the sequel.“ – Terrence Roth  

“I’m a voracious reader of sci-fi. My interests include the classics (Asamov), standards (George RR Martin, Ursula Le Guin), and the amazing group of contemporary sci-fi authors publishing on Amazon (too many to list). Within my search for all that is new and obtainable, I found this book. It can hold its own in the mass of the sci-fi books here and is a great read for those who love the genre.

Cheryl creates a deliberate pacing to set the tone for an outpost on Mars. Monotony of maintenance and support to keep the base and the inhabitants alive. But holy crow – does all hell break loose! No spoilers in this review (I promise), but within a moment the monotony of Mars becomes the WTF is happening right now?!

Be prepared to experience claustrophobia, insanity, diseases, and the ongoing threat of asphyxiation at any moment of base breach with this book. I was catching my breath and constantly thanking that I am NOT on that base for real. Whew!

I look forward to book 2 of the Saga.” – Aimee D, California, USA  

“As a person who would love to be a Mars Colonist, We Are Mars, is a great starter book for Cheryl. The book moves pretty fast, and has enough entertainment to keep me interested. There are a few questions I have about some of the things that take place, but they aren’t hard to over look for the entertainment of the story. Again for a first novel, the writing was pretty good and I am anxiously awaiting book two. Cheryl really hits home with her descriptions of life on Mars and the struggles that would come with it. The “Red Planet” never read so good, as far as I have read. Recommend this book for anyone who looks at the stars and wonders.” Thrice Read Books, USA  

“Suspense is a subtle thing, something I happen to enjoy quite a bit. I love when the layers of the story come slowly and build, and in cooking terms it’s when there are layers of flavor on the pallet. For the brain, layers of suspense are exciting, and it brings a more enticing outcome to any story that uses the approach. Add Mars, and some political intrigue and you have an interesting take. Want to know more? Get your land rover, make sure you took your vaccine because I’m about to review “We are Mars” by Cheryl Lawson.

Opinion
We have a story of subtle and detailed placed suspense that mixes with reality and life on the unbelievable surface of Mars. As someone who loved Kubrick’s 2001, this book makes that film look like a YouTube video in the suspense. Oh yes, I went there, it’s that good. The layers of how it’s put in are what makes this book so good. It’s slow, steady and builds to a fire.

Tiny bits of exposition come together to a beautiful bouquet and it pays off at the end. I haven’t read a story this well layered in a while. This takes time, it’s not impatient at all, and I think some may call what this is slow in the pacing department, but that’s just what makes it so perfect. Slow pacing, when it’s detailed like this, is fine because the tension takes the balance and it cranks it to eleven.

There are real people in this book, with real stakes for the things they believe in. The antagonists, both secondary and primary are believable as well. The protagonists both secondary and primary are contrasting and lively. “ 

– Mrs Y. Reviews Books  

Read the rest of this detailed review at: mrsyreviewsbooks.blogspot.com

“There are a lot of reasons to like We Are Mars. The book is well researched and the author paints a realistic picture of what life on the planet would be like. You get the feeling she actually lived there for a few years and just got back to write about it.

The characters are as well developed as the environment and they interact in a logical manner, based on the world they live in and they change as the story evolves. Lawson does a great job with their relationships, they are believable and keep the reader’s interest and I actually started rooting for a couple of them.

The best thing about the book. It’s not predictable. The story has some dramatic shifts that I was not expecting, which pulled me deeper into the story and I was excited to see what would happen next. The changes kept the story moving along at a brisk pace, making it a very enjoyable read.

If you like detailed, science fiction thrillers, you will like We Are Mars. I highly recommend it.” – Paul B, USA  

“There is a lot of story packed into “We Are Mars.” The author weaves personal tales in between the threads of a tense, sci-fi thriller that doesn’t hesitate to throw another wrench in the works as soon as you start to get comfortable. With the story set in a fully populated Mars colony, there is a wealth of technology and science to touch upon for, not only world-building, but story/plot purposes, and Cheryl Lawson seems to have done an ample amount of research to bring authenticity to Rubicon Base. But she goes above and beyond making sure her surface suits and water filtration systems are accurate.

Within Rubicon there are the g-mods, genetically modified humans, and the non-gens, or non-genetically modified humans, and, as with any society, there are beliefs built up around being one or the other. The author does a fantastic job of expressing the culture that has formed within Rubicon. There is nuance and subtlety to it, so it feels organic and real. Her characters also feel real. None of them feel like stereotypes or two-dimensional cut-outs. They are unique beings with motivations that are wholly believable, with individual journeys of growth or change. Who they are as a g-mod or a non-gen informs upon their personalities and their status within the society and all that plays out with the interpersonal relationships, as well. It’s a rich extra layer that adds depth to both the characters and the story itself.

If you are looking for a science fiction story that has a strong anchor in science, with a compelling cast of characters that will carry you away in a story that you won’t want to put down, then “We Are Mars” fits that bill. It is beautifully constructed, well researched and comes with enough twists and turns to keep you holding your breath. Just make sure you remember to breathe at the end…book two doesn’t come out until Winter of 2020!” – C. Starr, USA  

“I enjoyed this book very much, it was a fast paced, realistic and believable story. With really good character development and interaction, and just the right amount of technical advances that make sense. The genetically modified humans in the story were a neat touch and actually could have been a separate story all on their own back on Earth. I can’t wait for the next book to see how the story progresses.“ – Ben B, Canada 

“I found Cheryl’s book mentioned several times on Twitter – @WeAreMarsBook – and temptation finally got the better of me. A well-written debut novel that held my attention with a tighter grip the more I read! The plot twists and turns while the characters are developed, both believable in a near-future Mars settlement. This book, while self-contained, is the first in ‘The Rubicon Saga’ series, and I look forward to reading the further development of the story in Cheryl’s forthcoming books. Highly recommended.“ – Louise W,  England.  

“We Are Mars is a fantastic, fast-paced science fiction story about humans living on the planet Mars. What I liked about the novel was that it was utterly believable (which a lot of sci-fi is not). I could really imagine that life on Mars is possible.The characters are well rounded – some are not likeable at first but develop throughout the story. The relationship between certain characters plays out in an interesting way throughout. I was left really looking forward to reading the next book in this series.” – R. Shearer, Canada.  

“We Are Mars” by Cheryl Lawson is a futuristic thriller about human civilization on Mars. This novel is an emotional, suspenseful, very descriptive piece that explores the concept of genetically modified human beings and the challenges of life in the Rubicon settlement when the water supply is mysteriously contaminated. This well written book, with memorable, relatable characters, should be made into the next great sci-fi movie.” – Michelle O, BC, Canada  

“We Are Mars was quite a read! I like Mars books that feel as if the story is really set on Mars and you did that. Also had great characters and exciting action. It’s always nice to write a review for a book I loved!”  – Kate R, New Mexico, USA  

“Dreams are very much a human trait, and this book mixed with suspense, imagination, drama and a realistic timeline brings the dream of living on Mars to life!” – Mel B, Provence, France  

“The year is 2128, and humanity has achieved the dream of settling on Mars. Rubicon, a scientific settlement, has survived from the exciting first days to the humdrum of everyday life in a scientific community, managing to move along despite decreasing support from Earth. They exist under a strict regime that promotes work and survival, and punishes personal relationships as a distraction from their mission of survival on the red planet. Things are strict but good, until a problem with the water supply reveals a virus that causes an outbreak threatening their survival. As the residents of Rubicon frantically search for a cure, Earth removes its support of the mission on Mars, deeming it a failure and scuttling the mission. When evidence of sabotage emerges, the people of Rubicon know they have two choices: surrender to their fate, or fight for the only home they know. We Are Mars by Cheryl Lawson is a thrilling ride that will keep you breathless to the end.

We Are Mars is a good, solid science fiction novel with all of the elements that make for a great read: action, adventure, excitement, duplicity, complex relationships, and even some romance thrown in. I particularly liked how the relationships amongst the characters developed and changed, demonstrating how circumstances can be a powerful force to bring people together, or drive them apart. The relationships amongst protagonists Dana, Jax, Chuck, and Lenny are reflections of the power of survival, friendship, and forgiveness. Cheryl Lawson also handles the science of life on Mars well and solidly, helping the reader to experience and ‘feel’ how it would be to live on the next planet from the sun. This is a great read, and I highly recommend it!” – READERS’ FAVORITE REVIEW by Sherri Fulmer Moorer.  

“I enjoyed the characters and their the story arc as well as the fact that the antagonists were complex, not pure evil. Very imaginative.” – S.L. Fitz, USA