I'm not a sci-fi fan but I loved this book.
350188
I'm not usually a sci-fi fan but I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. I watched the movie soon after and it did not disappoint either.
1749274
I don't typically read SCI Fi, but I really enjoyed this book.  Hailey was a great original character that I could relate to.  The book was very funny, the story was creative and I definitely want to read the rest of the series.
858433
I'm not a huge reader of Science Fiction but my husband read some of this to me and I decided to continue it on my own. Some of the ideas in the book, I find frightening from the standpoint of my own sensibilities but they were riveting nonetheless. It certainly kept me engrossed and gave me a window into this genre that I had not bothered to open before. Thanks to Mr. Persun I have expanded my reading horizons.
4391816
I'm not a big sci-fi fan, and I LOVED this book.  The last story is "A Song for Lya" and it's just incredible.  This isn't a spoiler cuz it's the premise of the story.  Two telepaths go to a planet to find out why the aliens commit suicide at the age of 50.  Pure cheery GRRM at his best.
169530
I am a Science fiction fan and that's why I bought this book but I have found that I also enjoyed the Romance element of it too. An unusual thing for a man but it certainly enhanced the the science fiction and the fantasy.  I've read most of the other reviews and I must agree more with Beth, Margaret and Jess' opinions over the others. It seems to me they are just out looking for problems instead of enjoying the book.  I think it was a wonderful read.  Great action good love scenes and a fantastic ending. I've recommended it to several friends and they have enjoyed it too.  It is about time that the writers started realizing that the men like a little romance with their sci/fi as well.  I hope there will be more like this, it kind of reminds me of Star Wars and as far as grammar and such, well maybe that lady is just an old school teacher who should go grade a few more of her student's papers. I read for enjoyment not to find a comma in the wrong place for heaven sake.
131096
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a vet. (I gave up on that idea the moment I saw our local vet spaying a dog. I don't have the guts for that.) Add to it my love for sci-fi, and there was no way this book could go wrong for me. I knew I'd love this book the moment I saw the cover and read the blurb. I didn't love it. I adore it.

As far as Zenn goes-you may be cool, but you'll never be I-cure-alien-animal-forms cool. I felt that Christian Schoon captured the voice of a teenage girl better than many female authors did. Zenn is dedicated to her studies and is passionate about helping animals, but she is just as passionate about shattering prejudice and narrow-mindedness of fellow human inhabitants on Mars whose ignorance often leads to hatred of everything "alien".

Zenn is a character that grows and learns in the course of the novel. It's a minor spoiler to say that Zenn has a special connection to animals, as a result of an incident that happens on the first few pages. Even though it is not fully explained, we have enough info to make some conclusions. It was therefore all the more interesting watching Zenn defend her scientific beliefs that I believe will be challenged in the sequel.

The scientific aspect captured me as well. I think I recall a documentary where someone mentioned an experimental theory similar to the one that Christian Schoon describes, about the theory of how Indra are used for interstellar transportation. Sometimes it sounds scientific, sometimes metaphysical, to some people it's a matter of religion. A clash of faith vs science, something that I assume will keep Zenn occupied in the sequel as well.

The only reason why this isn't a shining five star review is that I found the plot twist slightly predictable. I could smell the rat quite quickly.

Of all the creatures that Schoon brings to life, my favorite were Katie, Zenn's adorable and intelligent marsupial pet, and Hamish, a bug-like sexton who finds humans just as puzzling as they find him.

Treat yourself to Zenn Scarlett. It's a delight for fans of YA, sci-fi and animal lovers.

(Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
3791263
This book transcends genres -- you will be captivated.  It is science fiction because of the period, but it can be called High fantasy or human interest or even a psychological book.  I found myself discussing the various themes in the book with people who don't like science fiction but were still caught up with the storyline.

This is not a book for high science-fiction fans -- you can be a person who dislikes science fiction and still love the book.

I could hardly put the book down to sleep.  After this I had to get more books by Andreas Eschbach
2879213
I thought this novel was extremely engaging and thought-provoking. I'm not a big sci-fi fan but I liked this book...a lot!!! The characters really came to life and the concepts presented about the universe and our place in it were very interesting. I REALLY enjoyed the unique addition of having the video segments available to view on line just by scanning the qr code and then you get to see a live version of Dicky. VERY impressive and creative!!!!
3482261
I'm not a real fan of sci-fi but didn't realize that's what it was until I was a bit into it.  By then I was interested in the characters so finished it.
3790645
A great story that kept me turning the pages, even though I'm not a big sci-fi fan.  Love the characters and how they were developed...hope to read more about them perhaps in a sequel.  The whole idea about a genetically-engineered race of mutated humans actually seemed plausible in this book.
3481611
I liked the book although I am not a fan of science fiction  generally. The story is terrifically told. I read it through without few interruptions.
3085713
I loved this book. I hate to read books, but when I got to the third cheaper I couldn't put the book down. Space has always fascinated me but I didn't know if I really wanted to read the book. I just was going to be one of those people that don't read the book but watch the movie.
I finally decided to pickup the book, so I could read it for my Language arts book report. I didn't really want to do it, but I did it just for the grade. My favorite part of the book is when the other crew mates that made it back to earth start to plan to fescue Mark Watney from Mars.
Now that I finished the book, I am glad that I chose this book and not just a lame book for my project. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend this book to others.
1318700
A most intriguing concept of A I nanotechnology and humanity. I consider myself more a fan of reality based thrillers, but the writing, concept and character development of this book has made me a fan of Sci fi. I an looking forward to the rest of the series.

I am not a computer geek. Nor am I a techie. I am a typical outdoors loving , ex military kind of guy. And yet, I really enjoyed this book. Give it a chance I think you will like it.
4424496
Would never have selected it but it was my book club selection. I started it early as I knew I would not like it as I don't read any science fiction. To my surprise I loved it and finished it in two days.
2716180
I really enjoyed this book, but my wife didn't [but then she is not a sci-fi fan]. Interesting concept and great ingenuity.
4852711
To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this. I'm normally one who reads the actual myth, instead of a futuristic take on a classic. I've got to say though, I truly enjoyed this book! Even though sci-fi isn't something I'm used to, the author did a very nice job of explaining how the world works and how the characters fit into it without going overboard.

It started off slow for me (again, sci-fi not my normal cup of tea), but once the quest for the Golden Fleece got underway, I had trouble putting the book down :) Definitely worth more than the $0.99 that I paid for it, but glad I got to pick it up for such a steal.
4224874
I normally do not like the whole sci-fi genre. The idea of other planets and other beings out there scares me a little. BUT this book was AMAZING.

The author made the "alien" seem so real, very human. (And super gorgeous in case you were wondering) Cara was also my type of girl. Non-social and such. In the beginning of the book I wondered if her gift for planting would grow into some special power, because of the cover. Will and Cara I think are amazing for each other.

I can't believe Liv (Cara's sister) didn't knife Will when she found out his secret! I would have. I think the author did a really good job at captivating the different reactions of Cara and Liv when they find out Will's secret. I personally would have run away and not looked back.

My favorite scene in the book would have to be when Cara has her first hang over and begins opening her birthday presents. "This one is from Dad." She handed me the second package, a smaller box that rattled as I took it from her. I peeled off the paper, and inside found ... a box of tampons." You'd be surprised at what actually was in that box.

I don't understand why, if she loves Will so much, Cara doesn't ask Will to stay. The climax of the story though is toward the end when everything crumbles. The alien is wanted and Liv is being held captive. Will the alien turn himself in? ;) READ the book to find out.

There may or not be a fight at the end involving the main characters, guns and maybe even someone out to avenge their mother.

I give it 4/5 stars.