Title: Mars Away
Author: Jeff Christopher Leonard
Publisher: CreateSpace
Pages: 157
ISBN: 978-1-539854524
Genre: Thriller, Suspense, Young Adult
Reviewed by: Jennifer Weiss

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Devin Xyear enjoys his life working with his father’s pit crew, and has a desire to live on Mars; he wants nothing to do with this planet. Earth is his home, earth is where he achieved his acclaim as a NASCAR Sprint Cup winner. But, through a series of unfortunate events, he finds himself in trouble with the law and Mars becomes his new destination. Devin quickly finds himself pulled from the world of NASCAR and sentenced to a life threatening, dangerous, and exciting mission. Mars is still inhospitable to human life and scientists have an idea of how to turn things around. With the Earth quickly dying, Devin must utilize his driving skills to navigate his way around Olympus Mons to set off a special bomb that will trigger a reaction that will change Mars’ geologic make-up. With everything on the line, Devin must succeed on his mission to come home a hero, if not…he will be left in the dangerous elements of Mars.

It is evident that the author took the time needed to do research and understand the intricacies of the geology and technology needed for life on Mars. He makes a futuristic tale seem plausible. He builds up a story that keeps the reader engaged and interested, and then leaves them wanting more at the end. Mars Away is what you would expect from a suspenseful science fiction novel. There are plenty of action scenes that will have readers on the edge of their seats waiting for more. Leonard incorporates a lot of interesting ideals such as terraforming Mars. While the author takes his time to explain everything, the reader will not get lost in the details. They will find these details interesting and adding much credibility to the story.

The characters in the book were both compelling and interesting, as the novel progresses, each one grows with it. Readers get the opportunity to learn what makes each character function as if they were a person in real life rather than one in a story. Leonard makes his readers care about the characters. You will find yourself wanting them to something specific or make certain choices, and feel for them when it doesn’t work out the way you want or expect it should. Mars Away is an unpredictable novel, readers may think they know what will happen but then Leonard pulls a twist and everything changes course. It is enjoyable that while Leonard presents a story set in the future he keeps familiar things to help readers connect and relate to the characters.

If you enjoy a good thriller/suspense novel that you can get carried away with, then this is the book for you. It grabs your attentions, and maintains it throughout the rest of the story. It is what every thriller/suspense lover would enjoy. The story is well written and well thought out. Fans will love it and keep talking about it. Even if you are just beginning to read the genre, this would be a good book to read to get your feet wet. It’s a great way to introduce oneself to the characteristics of a good thriller novel. It is a very satisfying book to read, one that will leave you wanting to tell others about it.