Ark Press
Red State Mars by Travis Corcoran
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A sweeping epic of Mars’s fight for freedom—an unforgettable saga of war, family, and civilization on the red frontier.
For generations, the Newcastles, Mackenzies, Atkinses, Hyltons, and Hollinses have endured the hard red soil of Mars—surviving by individual grit, intense family loyalty, and free market trade. Scarred by World War III and Earth’s long, violent aftermath, they built farms, raised domes, forged alliances, and carried old grudges to a new world. Together, the Martians have forged a frontier society that is complex, ornery, and rooted in the freedom of the Texas soil from which many of the clans sprang.
Trade with the nearby Chinese enclaves brought prosperity for a time. But as Beijing’s reach lengthens, trade becomes tribute—and tribute becomes force.
When Chinese armored columns grind across Karl’s Ramp and convoys are torn apart in the Chaos, Mars is plunged into war. Robinson City’s dome falls in fire and blood. The Burrows holds out under siege until supply convoys break through beneath burning skies. At Lowell and Meltwater, city shields collapse and the red Martian soil melts and flows like blood as the Martian plains are seared with plasma fire.
The clans face an empire pressing down from above and rivalries tearing them apart from within. Senators brawl in council halls, mobs surge through the streets, and old feuds erupt—even on the football field. Out of devastation, a fragile coalition is born: uneasy, volatile, but fierce enough to strike back. Freightliners become fortresses. Drones become weapons. Family honor hardens into resistance.
From isolated domes to the vast Martian plains to the black sky above, war sparks into revolution and a desperate struggle to forge a nation on an alien world men now call home.
A vast chronicle of clans and civilizations, of families too proud to yield, too divided to trust, and too determined to be ruled.
Praise for Red State Mars
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Real Reviews
★★★★★
4.6 average (73 ratings)
★★★★★April 2026
Red State Mars is the best new science fiction book I’ve read since Project Hail Mary, and not for lack of trying. I’ve searched desperately for years for an alternative from the industrial slurry extruded by Tor, Daw, and Ace. Yes, I have found a few indie gems, such as Corcoran’s Aristillus books, which describe how a single breakthrough technology can threaten even the most entrenched of powers. They were good books, but now Corcoran has an editor. This, Ark Press’s first book, is beautifully polished.
Red State Mars follows the formation of the first Martian state, founded by a coalition of five Texan clans, which themselves coalesced in the anarchic aftermath of World War III. Now, after three generations of peace, they find themselves in another violent Turning, as foretold by Strauss and Howe. In response to the ever-escalating demands of the technocratic eugenicists of the Unitary Sovereign State of China, the Martian clans must put their differences aside and fight together.
Corcoran shows us the war through the eyes of three men: Will, a teenage boy with a dog who goes on Heinleinian adventures as he becomes a soldier; his nerdy uncle Brian, who wins the love of a good...
Red State Mars follows the formation of the first Martian state, founded by a coalition of five Texan clans, which themselves coalesced in the anarchic aftermath of World War III. Now, after three generations of peace, they find themselves in another violent Turning, as foretold by Strauss and Howe. In response to the ever-escalating demands of the technocratic eugenicists of the Unitary Sovereign State of China, the Martian clans must put their differences aside and fight together.
Corcoran shows us the war through the eyes of three men: Will, a teenage boy with a dog who goes on Heinleinian adventures as he becomes a soldier; his nerdy uncle Brian, who wins the love of a good...
★★★★★May 2026
I recieved an advance copy of the E-book by Ark Press in return for an honest review
This is a refreshing, positive, action packed Sci-Fi adventure. It reminded me in some ways of a mix of Tom Clancy, Timothy Zahn, and even John Grisham, but told from a very optimistically pro-America/American culture worldview. The military action was oftentimes abstruse unfortunately, but the political story elements were well done; and there are some great characters and themes present.
The story is mainly about the American colonists and the Chinese colonists, who previously had lived in peace, now threatened with war. We follow the American characters as they try to figure out if they go to war, how to do it, who should fight, and whether they should be part of America itself or if they should be free and independent.
This book's strengths lie in it's political thriller elements, as well as its creative way it incorporates the ideas of the founding of America and the founding of the Texas republic as well. These are most prominent in the beginning 200 pages and the last 150ish pages.
The book also has some pretty great protagonist characters in the Newcastle family. I particularly...
This is a refreshing, positive, action packed Sci-Fi adventure. It reminded me in some ways of a mix of Tom Clancy, Timothy Zahn, and even John Grisham, but told from a very optimistically pro-America/American culture worldview. The military action was oftentimes abstruse unfortunately, but the political story elements were well done; and there are some great characters and themes present.
The story is mainly about the American colonists and the Chinese colonists, who previously had lived in peace, now threatened with war. We follow the American characters as they try to figure out if they go to war, how to do it, who should fight, and whether they should be part of America itself or if they should be free and independent.
This book's strengths lie in it's political thriller elements, as well as its creative way it incorporates the ideas of the founding of America and the founding of the Texas republic as well. These are most prominent in the beginning 200 pages and the last 150ish pages.
The book also has some pretty great protagonist characters in the Newcastle family. I particularly...
★★★★★April 2026
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary Advance Reader Copy of Travis J.I. Corcoran’s Red State Mars from the publisher for review purposes. Other than committing to post a review I made no other representation as to what I would say.
Red State Mars is a smart, sophisticated, and thoroughly satisfying novel that delivers realistic action and intelligent world-building (I would actually say “culture-building”). Highly recommended for fans of hard military SF, frontier epics, and thoughtful colonization stories.
Some readers will come to Red State Mars aware that it is the debut release from Ark Press — a new publisher with financial backing from Peter Thiel’s investment group — and of its’ authors’ sometimes controversial political profile. However, anyone expecting partisan preaching, culture-war gotchas, or thinly veiled commentary on 2020s American politics will be grossly disappointed. The novel steadfastly avoids hitting the reader over the head with contemporary hot-button issues or simplistic “TEAM RED good / TEAM BLUE bad” framing. Instead, Corcoran explores bigger, more enduring themes: the pioneer spirit of self-reliant families carving out a free society on a hostile...
Red State Mars is a smart, sophisticated, and thoroughly satisfying novel that delivers realistic action and intelligent world-building (I would actually say “culture-building”). Highly recommended for fans of hard military SF, frontier epics, and thoughtful colonization stories.
Some readers will come to Red State Mars aware that it is the debut release from Ark Press — a new publisher with financial backing from Peter Thiel’s investment group — and of its’ authors’ sometimes controversial political profile. However, anyone expecting partisan preaching, culture-war gotchas, or thinly veiled commentary on 2020s American politics will be grossly disappointed. The novel steadfastly avoids hitting the reader over the head with contemporary hot-button issues or simplistic “TEAM RED good / TEAM BLUE bad” framing. Instead, Corcoran explores bigger, more enduring themes: the pioneer spirit of self-reliant families carving out a free society on a hostile...
★★★★★May 2026
After a ten plus year hiatus from contemporary fiction, the premise of Red State Mars was enough for me to request an ARC from the publisher.
I found the story to be an intricately woven tale with elements of country western, sci-fi, and the Revolutionary War blended into a fast paced tale full of suspense. I really enjoyed the subtle world building and the POV switches kept things exciting and made this hard to put down. The dialogue felt natural and authentic, with each families personality really coming to life.
Additionally, I really enjoyed the idea of Americans conquering a new frontier on Mars. The pioneer spirit is a core part of the American identity and it was really cool to see the story breathe new life into it.
Lastly, the afterword definitely gave me an appreciation for how much thought was put into so many different details throughout the story, so definitely don’t skip that.
Overall Red State Mars is a very fun ride and well worth picking up.
I found the story to be an intricately woven tale with elements of country western, sci-fi, and the Revolutionary War blended into a fast paced tale full of suspense. I really enjoyed the subtle world building and the POV switches kept things exciting and made this hard to put down. The dialogue felt natural and authentic, with each families personality really coming to life.
Additionally, I really enjoyed the idea of Americans conquering a new frontier on Mars. The pioneer spirit is a core part of the American identity and it was really cool to see the story breathe new life into it.
Lastly, the afterword definitely gave me an appreciation for how much thought was put into so many different details throughout the story, so definitely don’t skip that.
Overall Red State Mars is a very fun ride and well worth picking up.
★★★★★May 2026
Think a fun SF retelling of the Texas Revolution, only on Mars, and with a totalitarian future China subbing in for the Mexican dictatorship. I previously enjoyed Corcoran's Aristillus books, which are more "American revolution on the moon." Next up, French Revolution on the moons of Jupiter? I'd be a buyer.
That's a lot of revolutions in space. I get that. But the first two both work well. Each has its own memorable characters, settings feel quite different, and different technical and philosophical concepts come into play. I bet Corcoran can do it again, and why get off a winner? (Also, things do tend to revolve in space .)
I'm an engineer with some breadth (mechanical, electrical, chemical, software...) who tends to nitpick technical stuff, and I felt like that side of the book held up well. Corcoran has obviously done quite a bit of research, and even where he's hand-waving, he seems to have thought it through. A lot of the political maneuvering in the book also rang true to me, which I guess may be Corcoran's experience in that arena coming through.
Highlights for me, without spoilers, included the whole Phobos sequence, Space Cowboy, background political string-pulling by...
That's a lot of revolutions in space. I get that. But the first two both work well. Each has its own memorable characters, settings feel quite different, and different technical and philosophical concepts come into play. I bet Corcoran can do it again, and why get off a winner? (Also, things do tend to revolve in space .)
I'm an engineer with some breadth (mechanical, electrical, chemical, software...) who tends to nitpick technical stuff, and I felt like that side of the book held up well. Corcoran has obviously done quite a bit of research, and even where he's hand-waving, he seems to have thought it through. A lot of the political maneuvering in the book also rang true to me, which I guess may be Corcoran's experience in that arena coming through.
Highlights for me, without spoilers, included the whole Phobos sequence, Space Cowboy, background political string-pulling by...
★★★★★May 2026
I'm not really good at writing book reviews, but when I requested an advance copy of Red State Mars by Travis Corcoran, I said that I would.
I'm not giving the book five stars because I got a free copy, though. I asked for the ARC because from what I've read of his before, I knew I wanted to read this as soon as possible, and this was everything I expected and more.
If you like land battles, space battles, political intrigue, heroes, villains, needs, rednecks, geology, and love stories (ok, that surprised me a little) in your science fiction, you're in luck, because they're all here and well written. I won't go through the plot since other folks will do that better than I would, but I will say that you should buy this book. I've pre-ordered a physical copy from the publisher and plan to read it again as soon as I get it.
I'm not giving the book five stars because I got a free copy, though. I asked for the ARC because from what I've read of his before, I knew I wanted to read this as soon as possible, and this was everything I expected and more.
If you like land battles, space battles, political intrigue, heroes, villains, needs, rednecks, geology, and love stories (ok, that surprised me a little) in your science fiction, you're in luck, because they're all here and well written. I won't go through the plot since other folks will do that better than I would, but I will say that you should buy this book. I've pre-ordered a physical copy from the publisher and plan to read it again as soon as I get it.
★★★★★May 2026
This is a review of the ARC copy, provided by the publisher. I was asked to post an honest review.
This book captures the author's typical excellence in conveying life (and combat) on an inhabitable planet, and explores what happens when rival colonies and families have to deal with significant issues.
I really don't want to give spoilers, but if you like Aristillus, you will like this book.
This book captures the author's typical excellence in conveying life (and combat) on an inhabitable planet, and explores what happens when rival colonies and families have to deal with significant issues.
I really don't want to give spoilers, but if you like Aristillus, you will like this book.
★★★★★May 2026
Branded as "Mexican-American War in space" and it lives up to that hype. A gritty frontier story in a high-tech setting in the future. Corcoran put together a story that sits on a couple of genre intersections and has a lot of imagination behind it. I like Jim Newcastle the best, but let's be real, we're all a lot more like Waylon Atkins.
★★★★★May 2026
I received an advanced reader copy of this. I recommend it without reservation.
Do you like adventure books like Treasure Island? It's in here.
Do you like hard science fiction like Asimov? Let me introduce you to the fusion drive, orbital mechanics and a surprise appearance of actual retro tech.
Want generational family-driven fiction like L'Amour's Sackett saga? Got'em in spades.
Want political theory in an off-world experience like Heinlein's The Moon is a Harsh Mistress? Have I got the book for you!
Want Miyazaki-like situations where co-protagonists have to work with each other against a greater evil despite strong fundamental disagreements between the allies? Also here.
Oh, and on top of that--it's a great story. Heroism, sacrifice, white-knuckle risk taking, even a bit of awkward nerdy romance, and a plot that keeps the "what happens next" part of your brain active and anxious.
It's the story of people who are a few generations away from actual, kinetic, fight-for-your-freedom times that suddenly and unexpectedly find themselves thrust back into that, and all of the pain, resolve, tension, and hope that comes out of it.
A thoroughly satisfying read that will stick...
Do you like adventure books like Treasure Island? It's in here.
Do you like hard science fiction like Asimov? Let me introduce you to the fusion drive, orbital mechanics and a surprise appearance of actual retro tech.
Want generational family-driven fiction like L'Amour's Sackett saga? Got'em in spades.
Want political theory in an off-world experience like Heinlein's The Moon is a Harsh Mistress? Have I got the book for you!
Want Miyazaki-like situations where co-protagonists have to work with each other against a greater evil despite strong fundamental disagreements between the allies? Also here.
Oh, and on top of that--it's a great story. Heroism, sacrifice, white-knuckle risk taking, even a bit of awkward nerdy romance, and a plot that keeps the "what happens next" part of your brain active and anxious.
It's the story of people who are a few generations away from actual, kinetic, fight-for-your-freedom times that suddenly and unexpectedly find themselves thrust back into that, and all of the pain, resolve, tension, and hope that comes out of it.
A thoroughly satisfying read that will stick...
★★★★★April 2026
Red State Mars is like the lovechild of Heinlein, Andy Weir, and Neal Stephenson in the best way possible. It's equal parts near-future sci-fi, military sci-fi, and character drama, with a gripping plot that never feels like it overstayed its welcome.
Much like Corcoran's earlier works, the Aristillus stories, the science is laid out in a plausible way without being dry, adding a level of reality that brought me in rather than making my eyes glaze over. Most importantly, the world of Red State Mars felt lived in, where you can see why the characters are the way that they are, where the world is so unlike our own, but the motivations and reasons for their culture makes perfect sense.
RSM is about pioneers trying to carve out a living on the edge of what is humanly possible, namely the lifeless planet of Mars. Then an outside force decides to upset the delicate balance of disparate people, leading to possible calamity or to triumph. The lives of the families of Mars are beset on all sides by a much more powerful foe, who wishes for total hegemonic domination of the planet.
This book is great if you like underdog stories of smart, competent people rising to the occasion and...
Much like Corcoran's earlier works, the Aristillus stories, the science is laid out in a plausible way without being dry, adding a level of reality that brought me in rather than making my eyes glaze over. Most importantly, the world of Red State Mars felt lived in, where you can see why the characters are the way that they are, where the world is so unlike our own, but the motivations and reasons for their culture makes perfect sense.
RSM is about pioneers trying to carve out a living on the edge of what is humanly possible, namely the lifeless planet of Mars. Then an outside force decides to upset the delicate balance of disparate people, leading to possible calamity or to triumph. The lives of the families of Mars are beset on all sides by a much more powerful foe, who wishes for total hegemonic domination of the planet.
This book is great if you like underdog stories of smart, competent people rising to the occasion and...