Journey Between Worlds Book Reviews

Journey Between Worlds by Sylvia Engdahl Book Summary

Melinda Ashley has a plan for her life, and a trip to Mars isn't part of it. When she receives a spaceliner ticket as a high school graduation gift from her dad, she is dismayed, but reluctantly agrees to go with him--in part because she's infuriated by her fiance's high-handed declaration that she can't. Her outlook begins to change when she meets Alex Preston, a second-generation Martian colonist who is going home after college on Earth. Alex believes settling Mars is important. He's looking forward to the role he expects to play in the colony's future. Melinda finds this hard to understand, yet she is more and more drawn to him and, while on Mars, to his family. Torn between what she has always wanted and upsetting new feelings, she wonders if she can ever again be content. It takes tragedy and a terrifying experience on the Martian noon Phobos to make her aware of what really matters to her.

Although this novel is set on Mars, it's not about technology or exotic adventure. It's mainly a story about human aspirations and human love, and is usually enjoyed more by readers who like romance than by avid science fiction fans. In this new ebook edition there has been some minor updating of wording involving mobile devices, beyond that done in the 2006 hardcover edition.

From the reviews:

"The book feels as fresh and interesting as any near-future novel I have read.... A very accessible story for readers who are interested in space colonization as well as readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and relationships." —Blogcritics

"A must-read for all future space pioneers who wish to persuade their friends to join them in making that future journey between the worlds of the known and the unknown." —Marianne Dyson, Reading Space (National Space Society)

"A beautifully-written, heartwarming, and scientifically plausible novel.... Now that I'm done with it, I want more." —John Joseph Adams, Orson Scott Card's Intergalactic Medicine Show

"The author has projected a plausible picture of the post-twentieth-century world—a world where pioneers on Mars are envisioned as a continuation of the endless chain of settlers who have been moving to new frontiers ever since the human race began." —Horn Book

"Absorbing science fiction ... Intensive first-person characterizations and a love story one can really care about." —Wichita Falls Times

"As an adult, I found Journey Between Worlds captivating and thought provoking. There's much more to this book than romance or a coming of age type of story, but instead the concepts it holds are what make it appealing. It certainly made me think." —Dorine Linnen, Romance Junkies

"Journey Between Worlds' theme of a human manifest destiny in space is by no means juvenile.... A fun read for younger audiences and an inspiring, hopeful and entertaining tale for older readers as well." —ScifiDimensions

"Young adults will find not only adventure here in good measure but a satisfying love story as well." —Catholic Library World

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Journey Between Worlds (Sylvia Engdahl) Book Reviews 2024

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