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The Long Mars

The Long Mars (The Long Earth, #3)The Long Mars by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"The Long Mars," the third installment in the Long Earth series, continues to expand the already vast canvas of Pratchett and Baxter's creation. While the concept of "Joker Mars" – echoing the familiar "Joker Earths" – is intriguing, it's just one of three distinct narrative threads woven throughout this book.

We follow Sally Linsay on a journey across the Martian Stepped worlds, unraveling the mysteries her father, Willis, seeks. This exploration of the alien landscapes of the Long Mars is certainly compelling, but personally, it was the storyline involving "The Next" that truly captivated me.

Joshua Valiente's arc, which delves into the emergence of these post-human children, is where the book really shines. It's a powerful exploration of prejudice, fear, and the potential societal clashes that arise when faced with the "other." The authors masterfully tackle complex themes of evolution and the future of humanity, sparking profound questions about our own biases and the nature of progress.

While Maggie Kauffman's expedition into the far reaches of the Long Earth offers its own sense of wonder and discovery, it was the social commentary embedded within Joshua's story that resonated most deeply. If you're invested in the Long Earth series, "The Long Mars" delivers a thought-provoking continuation, particularly for those interested in the evolving dynamics of humanity in a world of endless possibilities."

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