In the latest story by Pulley, we find ourselves on a Mars that humans have transformed into their home for many generations. Here, people have adapted to the planet’s low gravity. Enter January, a skilled ballet dancer seeking refuge from Earth. His exceptional strength, a result of Earth’s higher gravity, poses a threat to the Mars natives. Aubrey Gale, a local politician, sees Earthborn individuals like January as a danger. He proposes a risky medical procedure to weaken them, sparking a tense standoff with January that quickly escalates into a political storm. In a surprising twist, Aubrey offers January a proposal of marriage amidst the controversy.
This story, believe it or not, comes together in a wonderfully coherent and enjoyable way.
“The Mars House” is as agile and graceful as its protagonist, the ballet dancer. It elegantly navigates around potential pitfalls in its immigration narrative, steering towards a story that is both intricate and refreshing. The novel masterfully blends an epic romance with a sharp political thriller. Here, deep philosophical debates captivate the reader more than the physical conflicts found in many other stories.
At its heart, like many romantic tales, “The Mars House” explores the dynamics of power. January possesses the physical power to overpower Aubrey effortlessly, while Aubrey holds sway over January’s political and economic circumstances. The novel thrillingly delves into these power imbalances, bringing the complex relationship between January and Aubrey vividly to life.