Ever since Percy Greg's 1880 novel Across the Zodiac first took readers to the Red Planet, Mars has been a favorite destination for science fiction writers. It's the closest neighbor we have, and that proximity makes it feel more real, more possible than any distant galaxy. Over the decades, countless stories have unfolded on its dusty plains, but only a select few have truly captured our imagination. Here are the ten best books set on Mars, ranked.
10. The Martian Race (1999) by Gregory Benford
Gregory Benford is a rare breed: a working astrophysicist who also crafts compelling hard sci-fi. In The Martian Race, a billionaire funds a private crew to race another team to Mars, but the mission quickly spirals into a desperate fight for survival and a series of mind-blowing discoveries. It's a deep dive into realistic physics and engineering, making it a must-read for fans of grounded space adventures. Though not a commercial blockbuster, it's a critical favorite and one of the most underrated Mars novels out there.
9. Moving Mars (1993) by Greg Bear
Greg Bear's Moving Mars is a Nebula Award winner and the best entry in his Queen of Angels series. It follows Casseia Majumdar, a young Martian woman caught in a political and scientific revolution as Mars fights for independence from Earth. Bear takes theoretical physics to wild extremes, turning what sounds like magic into a quantum-mechanics-based reality. The world-building is rich, and Casseia is one of the most compelling protagonists in Martian fiction.
8. Red Planet (1948) by Robert A. Heinlein
Robert A. Heinlein, often called the Dean of Science Fiction, is known for classics like Starship Troopers, but his young adult novel Red Planet is a gem. Two boys and their intelligent Martian pet uncover a corporate conspiracy to stop the seasonal migration of colonists. It's a classic tale of youthful rebellion against authority, set in a Mars that was still imagined as a rugged frontier—before we knew it was a cold, dry desert. This gives it a unique, almost Western feel.
7. Mars (1992) by Ben Bova
Ben Bova, a former aerospace executive, brings his technical expertise to Mars, the fourth book in his Grand Tour series. It follows the first crewed mission to the Red Planet, facing harsh conditions and political infighting. Bova's attention to scientific accuracy and character development makes this a cornerstone of hard sci-fi. If you love stories that feel like they could actually happen, this is for you.
6. Out of the Silent Planet (1938) by C.S. Lewis
Before Narnia, C.S. Lewis wrote Out of the Silent Planet, the first in his Space Trilogy. A Cambridge academic is kidnapped and taken to Mars, where his captors plan to sacrifice him to the alien inhabitants. It's a philosophical and theological tale that pushes back against the materialistic sci-fi of its time. Lewis's Mars is a place of wonder and moral complexity, making this a thought-provoking read.
5. A Princess of Mars (1912) by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Edgar Rice Burroughs created one of the most iconic characters in planetary romance: John Carter. A Princess of Mars is the first in his Barsoom series, where Carter, a Civil War veteran, is transported to Mars and becomes embroiled in epic adventures. It's pure pulp fun, full of swashbuckling action and romance, and it laid the groundwork for countless sci-fi adventures to come.
4. The Martian (2011) by Andy Weir
Andy Weir's The Martian is a modern masterpiece that brought Mars back into the spotlight. When astronaut Mark Watney is left behind on the planet, he must use his wits and scientific knowledge to survive. It's a gripping survival story that's both hilarious and incredibly detailed. The book's success spawned a hit movie and inspired a new generation of space enthusiasts. If you haven't read it yet, you're missing out on one of the best Mars stories ever told.
3. Red Mars (1992) by Kim Stanley Robinson
Kim Stanley Robinson's Red Mars is the first in his acclaimed Mars trilogy. It's a sweeping epic that follows the first hundred colonists as they attempt to terraform the planet. Robinson's world-building is unparalleled, blending science, politics, and human drama in a way that feels utterly real. It's a dense, ambitious novel that rewards patient readers with a deeply immersive experience.
2. The Sands of Mars (1951) by Arthur C. Clarke
Arthur C. Clarke, another titan of sci-fi, wrote The Sands of Mars early in his career. It's a classic tale of a writer who joins a spaceship to Mars and becomes involved in the planet's future. Clarke's vision of Mars is optimistic and forward-thinking, with a focus on human ingenuity and cooperation. It's a must-read for fans of classic science fiction.
1. Stranger in a Strange Land (1961) by Robert A. Heinlein
Heinlein makes the list again with Stranger in a Strange Land, a novel that transcends the genre. It tells the story of Valentine Michael Smith, a human raised by Martians, who returns to Earth and challenges its social and religious norms. It's a provocative, philosophical work that explores themes of love, freedom, and what it means to be human. While not strictly a Mars adventure, its Martian upbringing shapes everything about the story, making it the ultimate Mars-inspired book.
These ten books represent the best of Martian literature, from classic pulp to modern hard sci-fi. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the genre, these stories will transport you to the Red Planet and beyond. For more great reads, check out our list of timeless sci-fi classics or classic books that deliver pure magic.
