Marsbound

Sorry, but it was impossible to get into this story because of the poor performance. Her diction is excellent, her voice is pleasant, but she gives no life to the characters and I felt like I was listening to a second-grade teacher read to children. I lasted abut 45 minutes, then gave up.

"Marsbound" initially impressed me as a better than average YA sci-fi story; Carmen seemed at first an interesting character to get to know, and the structure of the story recalled many of the Heinlein YA stories that I cut my teeth on, many years ago. Around the time that Carmen was getting acclimated to Mars and Solingen kept getting nastier, I started to chafe at the lack of pace and coherence. I eventually persevered to the end, but by the time I finished it was more of a chore than a pleasure.

Perhaps had I read this book instead of listening to it, I'd have enjoyed it more. Kaplan's narration was just bad. I know I've been spoiled by narrators such as John Lee and the late, lamented Patrick Tull, but I had expected someone who is, after all, a voice actress to do a better job. Her "voice" for Carmen and the overall narration sounded like a child in elementary school reading a book in a sing-song (truly jarring when she was narrating a sex scene) and her voices for other females reminded me more of some anime characters I've heard. Really, really bad anime characters.

I don't recommend this book. For good YA titles, try John Marsden's "Tomorrow" series, or the YA books by Charles de Lint. For good YA sci-fi, Heinlein is dated, but still good. John Scalzi's "Zoe's Tale" is great. Take the money you would have spent on this book, and look for one of those instead.

I've read Haldeman avidly for years, and his early stuff (the "Forever War," the "Worlds" trilogy, "Tools of the Trade," etc) stand the test of time.? The last several years, though, I 've picked up each of his books with dread (but hope -- that's what makes me pick them up in the first place).? With the possible exception of "Camouflage," which wasn't bad, my dread has been confirmed.This was not a good book. It was pretty bad.? To be fair, though, I have to admit that it's the first of his books that I've listened to, and the reader was comparably poor ... maddenly poor.? I made it through the whole thing only because it's Haldeman -- I love this man's early writing so much that I'm willing to take the chance every time a new title comes out.? Sadly, I'll probably do that until one of us kicks the bucket -- that's how good those early books were.? Now, if he comes out with something even close to what he has demonstrated he is capable of, all will be forgiven.? I'll put up with a lot of not-good books for another that I'll enjoy more than once.Sadly, this book is not it.? This book is as far from it as a book can be.? If you want to experience the writer Joe Haldeman can be, pick up something he wrote in the 70s or 80s.

I agree with the first reviewer. You feel like you're listening to a novel meant for kids. The narration is ok but the story just gets more inane the deeper you go.

I love Joe Haldeman. The Forever War is one of my favorite sci-fi books ever. I listened to Starbound first, not realizing it was part of a trilogy. After finishing it, I HAD to start at the beginning of the trilogy,so got Marsbound. It is another excellent Haldeman story!

She does a really great job of bringing Carmen to life. She sounds just the way I figured she'd sound at the age she is in this book.

Get the entire trilogy. It's an excellent read!

It needed to be faster paced with real conflict. Everybody were too accomodating of each other. There was very little suspense. Most of the dialog was on the level of gossip. This just wasn't in the same class as the

Forever War is one of the best Sci Fi books out there.

The narrator did an OK job. Her performance matched the charactor.

There were no moments in the book I can offer as particularly interesting.

Having just finished "camouflage" by the same author and needing a book fast I bought this without reading any reviews etc.

Turned out this is (probably) a book for young adults. The main character is only interesting if you are in that age group (I suppose). The story is very slow and is a lot about relation to friends, family etc.

On the other hand, if parents are looking for a book for YA, I suggest they read the reviews below, regarding sex and drugs (!).

I have previously enjoyed Haldeman's Forever Peace audio book, and recommend that one as well. There is the perfect mix of science, plot, and character to blend a really good listen.
I was a little leery about purchasing this one on account, that the narrator of the story is a young woman. However Haldeman pulled it off well. And I was able to suspend my usual penchant for macho characters, to relate to her story.

this audiobook start out with a child announcing "audible kids".the story contains sex, profanity, alcohol and drugs. marsbound is a light space opera, quite enjoyable (if you like the genre),but not for the easily offended or children. obviously classified by someone who only read the synopsis.