​​Title: Diary of a Martian: Soul Soldiers

Author: Stephen B. Haunts

Genre: Middle-grade / Science fiction

 

In Diary of a Martian: Soul Soldiers, Elliot, Mei, and Dimitri are back for more adventure. In this second installment 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 installment, 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, mesmerizing 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 installment of the Diary of a Martian series, readers journey alongside extraterrestrials and humans alike as they traverse the galaxy.

 

 

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