Book Review: Martian War by Kevin J. Anderson

October 31, 2012

What if H.G. Wells‘ novel, War of the Worlds, was not just science fiction? What if it really happened and H.G. Wells was a part of it all? What if there really were Martians invading and trying to take over the Earth? These are the questions you will likely have asked yourself if you ever watched or read War of the Worlds and Kevin J. Anderson‘s book, Martian War, is an alternative history that gives you the possible answers. H.G. Wells team up with T.H. Huxley to work at the British Symposium to find some brilliant method to beat the Germans if they want to invade. However, when Dr. Moreau intrudes and brings along one of his specimens, a greater threat is revealed, which Percival Lowell and he had discovered. Some way or another it’s up to them to stop the invasion, but things don’t always work out the way you want them to.

Martian War is a novel that is as sci-fi as the genre can possibly get, with trips to the moon, spectacular creativity and wonderful writing to boot. Kevin J. Anderson was able to captivate and astound with his alternative account of H.G. Wells’ life as well as one of his greatest novels. The homage that is given is just the start though. Kevin J. Anderson puts his own style into the novel, breathing a whole different life into a story that has captured the world’s imaginations for more than a hundred years already.

That being said, what did I think about Titan Books‘ new addition? Well, usually the publisher is very picky about what they publish and usually they have a great sense of publishing great books. However, Martian War was not exactly my cup of tea. The writing is brilliant, but sadly, I felt that the story itself was a little too far-fetched. As a Sci-Fi fan, I do love giving my imagination a work-out, but sometimes a story can go too far and then it loses my attention completely. Martian War was a great read, realistic most of the time (whilst keeping that exciting creativity in place), but when the story moved to the moon in some indestructible weightless vessel, I couldn’t help but think about Roald Dahl‘s Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator for some reason. There was just something about the story that I didn’t particularly enjoy as much as I should have.

It’s not often that I don’t like a book published by the great folks at Titan Books, but sadly, Martian War didn’t fall into my taste. Nevertheless, it’s only my opinion and you should make up your mind for yourself. Simply because I didn’t bond with the book, doesn’t mean you won’t. Click on the image to get your copy and judge it for yourself. Who knows, maybe you could change my mind.