Jett Smith and The Alien Grave: Volume 1 Paperback – 6 July 2013

This is a remarkable and unique book. Remarkable because it is better than most adult-oriented science fiction in describing what a self sufficient Mars Colony would be like, and unique in that it is written right into that middle grade sweet spot without the slightest error in style or tone.Jett Smith was the first human actually born on Mars. Earth is gone now, consumed in some cataclysmic event, and so the Mars colonists are on their own, and are doing well as they work and plan to survive the harsh conditions on Mars. The beginning of the book is taken up by Jett's engaging but very matter of fact description of his daily routine, in the sleep modules, at breakfast, in his prep work as an outside scout. Everything he describes is technologically possible and entirely plausible. Some very nice details and technical touches give this the feel of honest, old-time, realistic "hard sci-fi" from the 60's, and there are no magical technologies or fanciful quantum gimmicks to jazz up the story. It's concrete and steel walls, and ventilators, and water recovery plants, and mining for ore - just like you'd expect on a real Mars colony.It helps that Jett has a believable voice. He sounds like a twelve year old, and his narration is a mix of pride, vulnerability, doubt, hope and stubbornness that you would expect from a young colonist. Because the voice is so authentic I would expect it to resonate with a middle grade reader and command such a reader's attention and interest. Jett has a robot sidekick that has just enough almost-personality to be an interesting character. Jett also has a solid relationship with his dependable scientist father, which is a refreshing touch. There are only a few secondary characters, but they are sketched in well and make distinct contributions to the story.(POSSIBLE VERY MILD SPOILER. The book does not dwell overlong on the details of Colony life, and shortly moves on to a thrilling rescue on the plains of Mars, near the Gale Crater we know from the recent real Mars missions. At the same time, Jett starts to tell us about a recurring dream he has that involves a cave of ice and a veiled stranger. That dream leads us into the remaining plot and action, which turns heavily on an expedition to Mars' south polar region.This is not epic, big canvas space opera. But it is not a bloated world building mess either. It is a crisp, clear, direct well written middle grade adventure with lots of appeal and energy and lots of rewards for the reader. It feels authentic and plausible, and holds its own as an engaging work of sci-fi. It has grit and bravery and adventure and danger and loss. It has a hero. That's good enough for me.Please note that I found this book while browsing Amazon Kindle freebies. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.