Science fiction · Hard science fiction
Red Mars
The first hundred colonists settle Mars and begin to change it, but disagree about whether to terraform it. Kim Stanley Robinson follows their science, politics and conflicts as tensions grow.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1992
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 592
- Format
- Book 1 of 3 in Mars Trilogy
Read this if you like detailed, science-heavy novels about building a new world.
Skip this if you want action-driven plots or find long technical passages dull.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Red Mars
- What is Red Mars about?
- The first hundred colonists settle Mars and begin to change it, but disagree about whether to terraform it. Kim Stanley Robinson follows their science, politics and conflicts as tensions grow.
- Who should read Red Mars?
- Read it if you like detailed, science-heavy novels about building a new world. Skip it if you want action-driven plots or find long technical passages dull.
- How long and how fast is Red Mars?
- It is a slow-paced, long read of about 592 pages, first published in 1992.
- Does Red Mars have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence.
- Can I borrow Red Mars for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Red Mars; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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