Is Old Mars Worth Reading?

2026-03-23 06:11:50
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2 Answers

Violet
Violet
Ending Guesser Receptionist
Old Mars is such a fascinating throwback to classic sci-fi! Edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois, it's an anthology that reimagines Mars as the romantic, adventurous planet from golden-age pulp fiction—full of canals, ancient civilizations, and swashbuckling explorers. The stories vary in tone, from melancholic to action-packed, but what ties them together is this nostalgic love for a Mars that never was. I particularly adored Michael Moorcock's 'The Steel Tsar,' which blends steampunk vibes with Martian intrigue. If you grew up on 'A Princess of Mars' or just love retro-futurism, this collection feels like a warm hug. It’s not hard sci-fi, though, so don’t expect ‘The Martian’ levels of accuracy. But for sheer vibes? Absolutely worth it.

That said, a few entries didn’t land for me—some leaned too heavily into pastiche without adding much new. But gems like Joe R. Lansdale’s weird-west tale ‘The Ugly Duckling’ make up for it. The book’s strength is its diversity of voices, all united by a shared affection for Mars as a mythic space. If you’re craving something that feels like discovering a dusty old paperback in your grandfather’s attic, this delivers. Just don’t go in expecting gritty realism; it’s all about the fantasy.
2026-03-24 15:51:34
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Uriah
Uriah
Responder Sales
I picked up 'Old Mars' on a whim, and it ended up being one of those books I kept thinking about weeks later. What struck me was how each writer took the same premise—Mars as a living world, not a dead rock—and spun it into something unique. There’s a story by Phyllis Eisenstein where Martian flora becomes almost sentient, creeping into human settlements like something out of a dream. And then you get Ian McDonald’s ‘The Queen of the Night’s Aria,’ which reads like an opera set on Mars, complete with political intrigue. It’s uneven, sure, but that’s part of the charm. Anthologies are like tasting menus, and this one has enough bold flavors to satisfy. I’d say skip it if you prefer your sci-fi ultra-modern, but for anyone who’s ever daydreamed about Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Barsoom, it’s a delight.
2026-03-25 16:46:05
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What books are similar to Old Mars?

2 Answers2026-03-23 06:59:13
Oh, if you loved 'Old Mars' for its pulpy, retro-futuristic vibe—that blend of golden-age sci-fi wonder with modern storytelling—you're in for a treat! One book that instantly comes to mind is 'The Martian Tales Trilogy' by Edgar Rice Burroughs. It's got that same sense of adventure on the Red Planet, complete with ancient civilizations and swashbuckling heroes. Burroughs' Barsoom series practically invented the tropes 'Old Mars' plays with, so diving into 'A Princess of Mars' feels like stepping into the source material. Another gem is 'The Sword of Rhiannon' by Leigh Brackett. It's a short but packed novel that mixes Martian archaeology with time travel, delivering that same mix of mystery and action. Brackett's prose is lush and vivid, much like the anthology's contributors. For something more contemporary but still nostalgic, 'The Quantum Thief' by Hannu Rajaniemi has a wild, inventive take on Mars, though it leans harder into cyberpunk. It's like 'Old Mars' meets 'Blade Runner,' with a dash of heist drama. I'd also throw in 'Icehenge' by Kim Stanley Robinson—less pulpy, but it explores Martian myths and human memory in a way that feels spiritually aligned.

Can I read Old Mars online for free?

2 Answers2026-03-23 00:14:12
I totally get the urge to dive into 'Old Mars' without spending a dime—budgets can be tight, and who doesn’t love free books? From my experience hunting down obscure titles, the answer isn’t straightforward. 'Old Mars' is a sci-fi anthology edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois, so it’s still under copyright. That means full free versions aren’t legally available unless you stumble across a sketchy pirated site (which I don’t recommend—sketchy downloads and malware aren’t worth it). But here’s a workaround: check if your local library offers digital lending through apps like Libby or Hoopla. I’ve borrowed so many gems that way! Some libraries even partner with others to expand their catalogs. If you’re into anthologies, you might also explore free, legally available short stories from the same authors—sometimes they’ll hook you just as hard. Last time I checked, a used paperback was pretty affordable too, if you’re patient with secondhand shops. The hunt’s part of the fun, right?

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