New Botany on Mars

Set in the not-too-distant future on a not-too-distant planet, C.E.B. Beliveau's New Botany on Mars follows the adventures of a young botanist who has just arrived at New Botany, a large new research colony in Mars' Gusev Crater. Our heroine, Veronica von Radau, makes many new friends and reunites with several old ones from Mars Academy on Earth. Life seems rather dreary at first, but soon she becomes embroiled in the dangerous rescue of a colleague during a canyon expedition; the possible discovery of native Martian micro-organisms; the political campaign of the colony's director of research, who is running for Mars Representative; and other exciting episodes. Along the way, Veronica finds herself increasingly attracted to Peter: rover driver, expedition guide, and charming goofball. New Botany on Mars, an auspicious science-fiction debut, will appeal to children and grownups-and just about anyone interested in science. Book jacket.