Diary of a Martian: Soul Soldiers
Editorial Reviews
In Diary of a Martian: Soul Soldiers, Elliot, Mei, and Dimitri are back for more adventure. In this second instalment of the Diary of a Martian series, Elliot and the gang are determined to find out more secrets about Mars, the recently discovered aliens called the Vehni, and the universe beyond. When mischief is caused on the Vehni planet, Elliot is once again reminded that he needs to be careful who he trusts.
At the beginning of Soul Soldiers, we learn that Elliot has written his own book about the events he experienced in the first book of the Diary of a Martian series. Elliot’s book has amassed fame and it’s the talk of the solar system. Through an engaging interview format, readers are reintroduced to the main characters from the previous instalment, setting the stage for the expansion of this compelling universe.
After the Martians’ first encounter with extraterrestrials called the Vehni, the Vehni have begun integrating into human society. We even follow Elliot on his first trip to a new planet when he visits the Vehni vessel on Vehnisia. As he explores the Vehni’s ethereal underwater world, mesmerising advanced technology, and rich history, readers will feel like they’re traversing space alongside him.
Similar to the first book, this book does not let us down regarding action-packed scenes. The pacing of the story, while initially gradual, finds its rhythm with gripping action sequences. There’s a good balance of action and character development. We get to watch the characters mature in age and experience, making the book an age-appropriate choice for the middle-grade genre.
Unlike some series, where each book is a brand-new adventure, the Diary of a Martian series builds off of itself. For example, the antagonists from the first book remain the antagonists in the sequel. Though we dive deeper into the antagonist’s backstories and motivations, adding layers of complexity to the storyline, it would have been fascinating to focus on a completely different group of “bad guys” for Elliot and his friends to clash with.
The imagery in this book is incredibly detailed. The characters travel a lot in this book, and the descriptions of the scenery, setting, and atmosphere do not disappoint. From a prison, to a paradise vacation destination, to an entirely new planet, the settings are diverse and unique. The narrative seamlessly integrates foreign terminologies, intricate societies, and technological marvels. However, at times, the narrative spends time explaining space technology, which is fascinating. Still, the technology jargon may be a bit overwhelming for readers who have not read science fiction before.
Overall, the book is well-rounded and well-executed. The writing is professional, the action is entertaining, the characters are engaging, the book’s science fiction elements are developed enough to be interesting but not too advanced that it’s confusing, and it’s a breeze to read in one sitting. We even get a sneak peek at the next book, which sounds just as exciting as the first two.
In Diary of a Martian: Soul Soldiers, gorgeous imagery mixed with unfathomable technology create an atmospheric, ethereal setting for readers to immerse themselves in. Diary of a Martian: Soul Soldiers takes readers on an exhilarating ride, masterfully weaving together intricate character development, otherworldly settings, and a seamless blend of science fiction elements. In this second instalment of the Diary of a Martian series, readers journey alongside extraterrestrials and humans alike as they traverse the galaxy.
Book Review Directory
The year is 2156, and after a turbulent start, the human colonists of New London, Mars, are finally reaping the benefits of their alliance with the alien Vehni people.
However, for Elliot, Mei, and Dimitri—now celebrities on both Mars and Earth—the intrigues of the previous year are far from over. The colonists have barely begun to settle into their new partnership when ambassadors from Earth attempt to hijack the Vehni ship. But how can they possibly know how to do that—and why would they want to? Once again, it's up to the three friends to unravel a conspiracy that began many thousands of years before they were even born.
Sequel to the award-winning Diary of a Martian: The Discovery, Soul Soldiers continues the world-building work that began in the first book, engagingly blending the familiar (football, school assignments, and TV) with the high-tech and futuristic (MarsFlix, holo-projections, and space chariots). The story also continues the exploration of human/non-human relationships and power dynamics that began in the first book, encouraging readers to challenge what they think they know about progress and technology. Readers will also enjoy seeing the complex relationship between Elliot and his friends deepen as the characters mature. Like the best speculative fiction, the story's darker elements give way to hope in the ending, inviting readers to consider what the future could be like.
Diary of a Martian: Soul Soldiers is a solid follow-on for The Discovery, and readers will love seeing where this space adventure takes them next.
The Children’s Book Review
Customer Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review - An Imaginative and Exciting Sequel- Soul Soldiers is the second book in the "Diary of a Martian" book series by Stephen B. Haunts and follows the story of the original trio from book one. I know this is supposed to be a children's book, but, I enjoyed the first installment and enjoyed this second book just as much. Haunts writes such a fun and original sci-fi story that anyone can enjoy, no matter their age.
This isn't a standalone book, so I highly recommend that you read book one first if you haven't already. This will help you truly appreciate and understand the story and its characters.
Book two focuses on Elliot, Mei, Dimitri, and their newfound alien friends the Vehni. The aliens have begun sharing their sophisticated technology with the humans. Everybody is seemingly excited about this new interaction and sharing, until the Vehni ship is hijacked by humans. What follows is a story of twists and turns, as Elliot and his friends race to uncover a mystery as they seek to understand how and why the Vehni ship was targeted.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review - Amazon Sequel- After reading the first book in the series, I couldn't wait to immerse myself in the sequel. And it did not disappoint me.
After discovering an advanced alien race in the first novel, the people from Mars continue to build their bonds with these peaceful beings, but uncover an evil plot in the process.
The tale takes the reader on a suspenseful adventure through space while fighting bad guys. The story not only proves that kids can make a difference but that kindness and compassion can triumph over evil.
This book is a must-read for any adult or child who has ever dreamed of befriending people from another galaxy and for all those who imagine what life must be like "out there."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review - Engaging and Action Packed- "Diary of a Martian: Soul Soldiers" is the second installment in the Diary of a Martian series. This action-packed sequel follows the three main characters as they face a spaceship hijacking. Countless twists and turns keep the reader engaged and captivated. Unsure of what to expect with each turn of the page, the story read like a thriller (which I personally love!). Author Stephen B. Haunts is a phenomenal storyteller, relying on excellent character development and a well-crafted plot. Do yourself a favor and pick up the first book in this series. After you finish, get your hands on Soul Soldiers and you will not be disappointed!
Diary of a Martian: The Discovery
Editorial Reviews
In Diary of a Martian, we meet Elliot, a Martian. He isn’t an extraterrestrial, but he does live on Mars. It’s the year 2155, and Earth has colonized Mars and humans’ everyday life is, surprisingly, normal. Students are thriving in school, popular sports and extracurriculars are in full swing, and science and technology are at their most advanced. Everyone seems to have adjusted well to the new planet, but not everyone wants peace.
Twelve-year-old Elliot lives in the New London station on Mars with his father. One day, Elliot begins seeing a suspicious man lurking in nearly every corner. When an unidentified person tries to sabotage the New London station, Elliot is sure the mystery man is behind it. But is something darker lurking on Mars?
As a reader, living on Mars feels totally normal. The book blends world-building details naturally into the plot to ease readers into this new world and life for humans. There is no info-dumping nor an overload of exposition, and we’re able to fall into the story easily and transport our imagination to Mars.
One of the most fascinating scenes in the book combines the physical environment with character development, when Elliot takes his first walk on the martian surface. On Mars, taking your first steps on the surface of the planet is a rite of passage that all children go through at the age of twelve. With captivating imagery and a tender father-son moment, readers will connect deeply with Elliot as they share this unforgettable experience with him.
Friendship and family are strong themes in the book. The character relationships are one of the book’s strongest elements, and the main characters are sure to be fan favorites. Each character shows genuine curiosity, interest, and respect for their friends’ cultures and thoughts, and their chemistry make for some heartwarming bonding scenes. At the core of their friendships is loyalty, bravery, and unwavering faith in each other, creating bonds that are even deeper relationships, like newfound family. The character relationships are a great demonstration for young readers of what it means to be a good friend and how even if you don’t have blood-related family, there are plenty of people out there who will love and respect you like family.
To round out the book, we get a sneak peek at Diary of a Martian’s next installment in the series. The quick excerpt gives us a taste of what’s to come, and we get just enough to be on the edge of our seats. Diary of a Martian is a high-stakes, interstellar, science-fiction story perfect for young readers seeking an other-worldly adventure. Entertaining action, exciting world-building, and strong moral lessons make for a well-rounded book for young readers.
Diary of a Martian will teach young readers about standing strong in the face of the unknown, the value of friendship and family, and the fascinating world beyond Earth.
Book Review Directory
Diary of a Martian is a science fiction story perfect for middle-grade readers.
In the year 2155, climate problems have forced humans to start colonies on Mars. For Elliot, born in the New London Martian colony, life is pretty ordinary, with football games and bullies, trips to the infirmary, and school trips. Then, one particular school science trip changes things forever—a strange door in a volcanic cave suggests that there may be more to Mars than the colonists suspect. Where did the door come from, who put it there, and where does it lead? And, more importantly, could it have anything to do with the accident that killed his mom?
Set within a high-tech, futuristic world of magnetic shoes, artificial atmospheres, and AI assistants, the story is both believable and exciting. Elliot is a relatable character whose curiosity and resilience help him (mostly) deal with the challenges of both adolescence and extraterrestrial adventure. Diary of a Martian raises several thought-provoking questions on topics ranging from climate change and our relationship to nature to what it means to be human, making it a perfect focus for STEM discussions and learning.
Diary of a Martian: The Discovery is exciting, exotic, and perfect for space and alien enthusiasts.
Children’s Book Review
Customer Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review - Really creative and informative! - This book captivates the imaginations of young readers, offering a delightful glimpse into the future. It is especially compelling for older kids. I would definitely recommend it.
The author expertly strikes a balance between a somewhat serious plot and intriguing elements that will engage young readers. Tailored perfectly for middle grade readers, the book beautifully showcases the author's genuine passion for space. He intricately weaves together every character and plot detail. Its overall entertainment value is outstanding, even appealing to those who don't typically favor sci-fi genres. Unlike many other sci-fi books, this one avoids being overly unrealistic or full of jargon. It feels like something that will happen one day.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review - Great Read! - Elliot is a normal Human boy who enjoys football, school and occasionally runs into bullies. Elliot is also a Martian. Born and raised on Mars, Elliot is part of a Colony that separated from Earth years ago. When Elliot begins training as an Ensign, he makes odd discoveries and notices strange behavior in his colony. Pulled from his everyday routine, Elliot is thrown into a whirlwind of conspiracies, plots, and terrorism.
Diary of a Martian is an interstellar science fiction for young readers, so early to mid-teens. I'm older than this and still enjoyed every moment of this book. The author has a skillful writing style that appeals to younger and older readers. I recommend this book to those who enjoy sci-fi, even if you're not normally a huge fan. The book is an easy read that I think many would enjoy.
Plot-wise, this book is very strong. The opening pages delve right into the action to set the tone. From start to finish, the book is held to a high standard, with many plot points and twists. I thought the story flowed well, with a fresh plot.
The characters are well-written, and we see good character development as the story plays out. There is a good range of characters with diverse traits and characteristics. The protagonist, Elliot, is interesting and relatable for younger readers. I thought the dynamic between him and the other characters was well thought out and defined.
Overall, an enjoyable read. I am looking forward to book two, and I think this could become a great book series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review - I Felt Like I was There: While this is a book for young adults, as a mom and grandmom, I found that I could not put it down.
The author uses such detail in his descriptions that you actually can "feel" the power of the dust storm and "taste" the sweet air. The plot is very well thought out, making it seem plausible even though the story takes place on Mars over 100 years into the future.
In addition to being a fascinating action-packed story, the author weaves themes of cooperation, non-violence, and forgiveness through the book.
I recommend this for anyone, tweens and up, who enjoys science fiction and wants to expand their mind as to the possibilities of the future.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review - Fast-Paced and Gripping!!: Diary of a Martian demonstrates just how beautiful mystery and science fiction can be woven together. Although it is geared toward younger readers, adult readers will surely appreciate its brilliance just as much. Author Stephen B. Haunts cleverly employs Mars inhabitants with human like qualities, allowing the reader to foster a deeper connection with the main character, Elliot. This is the first book in a series, so be sure to get your hands on the remaining installments!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review - Excellent Sci-Fi story: Diary of a Martian: The Discovery by Stephen B. Haunts is a children's sci-fi and space exploration novel. The main character, twelve-year-old Elliot, lives on Mars with his father. When he starts his first job assignment in terraforming, he makes an unusual discovery: a strange doorway in a volcanic cave.
Soon, Elliot is drawn into a captivating mystery. Will he and his friends be able to figure out what's going on before it's too late for the Martian colony?
Diary of a Martian is an extremely well-written children's book. Although it's written for children and early teens, I found it captivating. It reminded me of watching Star Trek, as some of the same terminology is used.
The book is smooth and easy to read, and the author has clearly taken the time to research the subject matter. He is a great storyteller, captivating me from the beginning to the end. I also liked that he touched on modern topics like intolerance and xenophobia. I would highly recommend this novel to children and young adults who love sci-fi and adventure.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review - Captivating and Imaginative: Even though it's for kids, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Diary of a Martian: The Discovery. I love anything sci-fi related and I was hooked to the story a couple of chapters in. The book follows the story of Elliot, his life on Mars, and a shocking discovery he makes.
Stephen Haunts weaves a story of mystery and science fiction and manages to vividly imagine what life on Mars would look like. The characters are interesting and well-fleshed out. Read this if you're fascinated by the mysteries of space.
The book delves into fascinating scientific concepts and exploration. The author expertly weaves together real-world scientific knowledge with creative speculation, offering a plausible vision of what a future on Mars could look like. The inclusion of detailed explanations about the Martian atmosphere, geology, and potential for life adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story, making it all the more compelling for science enthusiasts.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review - Excellent Read: Nice pace, good characters - very much like an early Heilein book - a nice ending and love without the sex - definitely looking forward to the next in the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review - So Cute: I loved this book and can't wait for the next one. It was truly a breath of fresh air and it's not just for kids.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review : This book was very good it did keep you on your toes. Very good for a pre- teen boy or girl.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review - I Enjoyed This Book: I am a retired old man. I have like scifi all my life. I am tired of all the scifi books with bad aliens, space navies etc. This book has aliens but they are helpful and peaceful folks. Scifi about exploration , new worlds interest me. Yes it sounds like a tv show from the 60s. I await the next book. Thanks to the author for a good read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review - Fast-moving and Fun: Interesting science and exciting adventures. I will watch for the next installment in the series. You don't have to be a young reader to enjoy this book! I'm retired!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazon Review - Easy, Fun Read!: Fast paced and keeps your interest through lots of activities and challenges for Elliott! Great story line to just enjoy and imagine!