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Posted By: Coyote Jun 11, 2001 - 01:30 am

I recently rediscovered Ben Bova, in the form of two of his more recent books "Moonrise" and "MoonWar". Both were good reads, combining action with believability and a firm science foundation. I welcome the recent spate of novels focusing on colonizing our own solar system. I sincerely hope that they will help sell space exploration and get people interested in making a better future happen.

Posted By: sarahjane Oct 25, 2001 - 05:53 am

Hi Coyote

I totally endorse what you said about Moonrise and Moonwar. But I'd add that Jupiter is also excellent. I found that much better than Mars which was great too. Have you got any opinions about the new Asteroid Wars one: Precipice? I've got it but haven't got round to reading it.

Sarah

Posted By: The Phantom Phoenix Feb 16, 2002 - 05:19 am

I'm yet to read the sequel 'Moonwar', but I've read Moonrise and I love it. Have you read anything else by him? I'm tempted to read 'Jupiter' once I've finished the book I'm reading now.

J xxx

Posted By: Hyperion May 05, 2002 - 03:59 pm

I have read MARS & Venus by Ben Bova.
Venus wasnt up to much I dont think, but Mars was ok I quit liked it.
Not enough space opera in for me though, no action.
Regards:::
Hyperion

Posted By: meow Aug 27, 2002 - 12:49 am

I was royally bored by Ben Bova's Mars books. Yes, they were realistic and even interesting in parts, but nothing ever happened and I never ventured out to his other books - something I can rarely stop myself from....

Posted By: Cosmicgal Jun 10, 2003 - 10:57 pm

I totally agree Ben Bova is awesome. Great writer and a cool person. An ex-bf of mine adored him so for a present one day I wrote Ben Bova and asked if I could purchase an auto-graphed book off of him. He responded and airmailed me an autographed book and picture, no charge! Some of his older books are pretty good too, although can be hard to find! Anwyays.. just my 3 cents!

Posted By: Zac Jun 24, 2003 - 09:55 am

I agree with meow and Hyperion on this one.BBs books are set to soon in the future for my liking-not enough space opera (they remind me of Stephen Baxter's latest stuff like Moonseed and Titan-very accomplished and scientifically accurate but not really my thing).He sounds like a nice bloke though,theres not enough of them about.

Posted By: Desslok May 11, 2004 - 07:22 am

My thoughts on Ben Bova's Grand Tour books:

I read Mars, and was hooked. The realism and scientific details of the story seemed believable, and the characters were three-dimensional. The sequel (Return to Mars) was almost as good.

However, the other books I've read (Venus and Jupiter) were not nearly as well written. Venus fell somewhat short, and Jupiter seemed hastily thrown together. The loose ends in Jupiter were sloppily tied up in the last few pages. Quite a letdown.

As a result of my disappointment, I have not read Saturn or the Asteroid trilogy. I'm afraid of being let down again.