Synopsis

Martin Drake goes to Mars hoping to start a new life, but only finds Martian farmers in despair from the Martian lizards destryoing their vines.

History

First publication: Astounding, February 1940

1941 RetroHugo finalist for best short story.

Review

Brackett’s first story is unique in it’s style. You have adventure and battles against Martian monsters, and the situation is solved by applying science, making it perfect for Astounding. But you also have more character than is typical for 1940, bordering on melodrama, and a style of writing that is more crafted and romanticized than other writers of the time. Brackett’s prose is a joy to read, sort of like Bradbury would write. This story could use a bit more imagination about the martian environment, about the technologies, and about Venus, which one of the main characters comes from. There’s also an important female character. Even though she isn’t the main hero, she does play an important role in trying to save the Martian farm settlements. Not a top tale but pretty good. Recommended to those who like classic science fiction and the romance about Mars started by Burroughs.