Synopsis
Mars. 2045. 13-year-old Eva is the first Martian.
And world famous on two planets!
Fame, Type 1 diabetes and a sarcastic AI companion haunt her, but when her dad goes missing on the red planet, she must overcome the ‘Ghosts of Mars’ to save him.
The Martian for middle-grade, full of science, friendship and adventure, with elements of The Sword in the Stone.
“A thrilling, edge-of-the-seat ride for all space loving adventurers!” Vashti Hardy, Author of Brightstorm
“I loved this book – not only as a type 1 diabetic – but as a fan of brilliant middle-grade stories. Perfectly paced, hugely imaginative and wildly exciting, I predict readers will adore Eva and this stunning space adventure.” AF Steadman, Author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
With a Type 1 Diabetic main character, Ghosts of Mars explores how life beyond Earth, and the fame and scrutiny that come with it, affects the young people involved, who didn’t sign up for life on Mars. Ten percent of author profits go to Diabetes UK.
Rating
Review
In “Ghosts of Mars,” Stuart White catapults us into the year 2045, where Mars is not just a distant dream but a vibrant reality, and introduces us to Eva Knight, a 13-year-old Martian with the weight of two worlds on her shoulders. As the first Martian, Eva is not only navigating the complexities of adolescence but also dealing with the challenges of Type 1 diabetes and the constant companionship of a sarcastic AI. When her father disappears on Mars, Eva’s quest to find him leads her through a maze of danger and discovery, making “Ghosts of Mars” a thrilling ride through the cosmos.
White skillfully blends elements of science fiction and fantasy with a dash of the legendary allure of “The Sword in the Stone,” creating a narrative that is as educational as it is entertaining. The story is perfectly paced and wildly imaginative, offering a mix of thrilling adventure and real-life challenges faced by young readers, such as managing a chronic condition like diabetes in the most extraordinary circumstances.
Eva’s journey is marked by the real and metaphorical ghosts she must confront on the red planet—making for a story rich in both excitement and emotional depth. Her character is wonderfully fleshed out, brave and feisty yet relatable, showing vulnerability and growth in a way that echoes the ups and downs of real-life adolescence.
One of the novel’s strengths is its seamless integration of STEM science facts into the fabric of the narrative, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. This blend of fiction and education serves as a fantastic springboard for discussions about health and science, making it an excellent choice for classroom settings as well as independent reading.
The supporting cast of characters adds color and humor to the narrative, enriching the world-building and amplifying the stakes of Eva’s mission to save her father. Each character, from allies to the AI, contributes to a rich tapestry that captures the essence of youthful exploration and the spirit of adventure.
“Ghosts of Mars” is more than just a space adventure; it’s a thoughtful exploration of growing up under extraordinary circumstances. The novel offers a compelling narrative filled with lessons about resilience, the importance of family, and the courage to face the unknown. With its engaging protagonist and richly imagined setting, Stuart White’s book is destined to inspire and entertain a new generation of readers.
This book earns a resounding 4 out of 5 stars for its captivating story, educational value, and emotional depth. Whether you’re a young reader fascinated by space or an adult looking for a thrilling sci-fi adventure with heart, “Ghosts of Mars” promises a journey that’s as enlightening as it is exhilarating.
Author
Stuart is an award-winning author and secondary school teacher. He has a Masters Degree in Creative Writing and founded, and now runs, WriteMentor. In 2020 and 2022 he was placed on the SCWBI Undiscovered Voices longlist and named as an Hononary Mention for his novels ‘Ghosts of Mars’ and ‘Astra FireStar and the Ripples of Time’. In 2023, he won the WriteBlend award for his middle grade debut, Ghosts of Mars.
Stuart was included in The Bookseller’s 2021 list of Rising Stars in the publishing industry.
Book Details
Length: 280 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Age Category: Middle Grade
Date Published: 12 September 2022
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/hwEr9Ql (Canada)
https://a.co/d/iN6KKy7 (USA)
https://amzn.eu/d/id7TkjA (UK)
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63274577-ghosts-of-mars
The StoryGraph Link: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/2b3c86c8-ef1b-4708-ad90-d982d93d3ed1
This book was a finalist of BBNYA! Came at number 7!
BBNYA
BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists and one overall winner.
If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.
Hina Loves To Read 