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The Season of Passage

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The Season of Passage by Christopher Pike is a science fiction novel that follows a group of astronauts on their journey to Mars to uncover the mysteries surrounding the previous mission. The plot involves elements of horror, vampires, ancient civilizations, and a sense of impending doom. The writing style is described as creepy, cool, spooky, and suspenseful, blending space opera, horror, and high fantasy with a traditional monster. The story is set in a futuristic scenario where the characters face unknown dangers and unearth unsettling truths about the red planet.

Characters:

The characters, particularly Dr. Lauren Wagner, are well-developed and elicit emotional responses from readers, navigating survival challenges in a suspenseful narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is described as serviceable and straightforward, effectively maintaining reader engagement without being particularly elegant or distinguished.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a thrilling blend of science fiction and horror, centered around a manned expedition to Mars to uncover the fate of a lost Russian crew. It intertwines monster elements and ancient civilizations, culminating in a suspenseful and creepy narrative.

Setting:

The setting is primarily on Mars, characterized by atmospheric and creepy descriptions that amplify themes of isolation and danger.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast, with some readers noting a slower build-up at times, but overall it effectively maintains tension and engagement.

Notes:

The book is a blend of space opera and horror with elements of fantasy.
It follows an American expedition to Mars after the mysterious disappearance of a Russian crew.
The protagonist is Dr. Lauren Wagner, a medical officer on the expedition.
The author, Christopher Pike, wrote the novel in the 1970s, which results in some dated aspects like the absence of cellphones.
The story includes themes of ancient civilizations and vampires on Mars.
The narrative alternates between the main events and a subplot involving Lauren's younger sister writing a journal.
Several readers found the book exceptionally creepy and suspenseful, invoking a strong emotional response.
The book has been described as one of Pike's best works and has garnered high ratings.
Despite its horrors, readers found the book engaging and difficult to put down, often leading to sleepless nights.
The book is not recommended for younger audiences due to its disturbing content.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book has high content warnings for disturbing imagery, horror themes, psychological distress, and violence.

From The Publisher:

Dr. Lauren Wagner was a celebrity. She was involved with the most exciting adventure mankind had ever undertaken: a manned expedition to Mars. The whole world admired and respected her.

But Lauren knew fear. Inside-voices entreating her to love them. Outside-the mystery of the missing group that had gone before her. The dead group.

But were they simply dead? Or something else?

A haunting and unforgettable blend of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and suspense from one of America's bestselling writers. A novel you won't soon forget.

Reader Stats (5):

Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (1)

About the Author:

CHRISTOPHER PIKE is a multi-million copy bestselling author whose books have appeared multiple times on the USA Today, New York Times, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.

 
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