Olympus Mons
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
An obscure biomedical researcher develops Bevvinase, the “miracle enzyme” capable of driving carbon dioxide-oxygen conversion within the cell tissue proper, and thereby opens the hostile Martian environment to permanent colonization. Decades later, the Burroughs Enclave teeters on the brink of becoming a "lost colony." Former intel op and alpinist Jesperson, and his work-partner Barnes, are among the few hundred “Marsrats” (Mars-rationalized humans) dwelling within a pressurized, roofed enclave in the shadow of the immense Olympus Mons shield volcano and its aqueduct system, the sole source of essential water. A minor eruption and quake cause unknown damage to the aqueduct at the time an earthly economic crisis is brewing, and absentee governance of Burroughs is handed over to the U.N. Organization. Struggling against vigorous opposition in Burroughs, with homeworld aid unavailable, Jesperson and Barnes lead a semi-suicidal trek to the volcano’s heights in a desperate attempt to repair the aqueduct and save the enclave’s denizens.
Customer Reviews
Olympus Mons
Reviewer: Diana Freemaan
Palmetto Reviews 09/20/2012
Olympus Mons is science fiction, action and drama all wrapped up in one book. What would someone do when people are living on Mars and their only source of water breaks down? They try to fix it of course. When they get the brush off from the U.N., with little more than a, “good luck,” one man spurs into action while everyone else wallows in self pity. Jesperson drags his friend Barnes into an impossible mission to save the small colony. The ideas that Mr. Walling comes up with in this novel about how to survive and thrive on Mars are so detailed and realistic sounding it makes one wonder if these are concepts that could actually work. I love that he doesn’t skimp on the scientific descriptions of the different processes and scientists that had a hand in building this Mars colony. The numerous council sessions seemed a bit redundant and long winded but it painted a good picture about how most of the colony tried to ignore the monstrous problem right in front of their eyes. If you enjoy edge of your seat, intense heroic novels, this one is for you. If you enjoy lots of scientific terms and processes this novel is for you. If you enjoy simply losing yourself in an impossible world then this book is definitely for you. I thoroughly enjoyed Olympus Mons and look forward to re-reading it many times in the future.