The Red Woman on Mars - by Claire Barner Paperback

Book Synopsis

A Pride & Prejudice retelling, perfect for those looking for a mashup of sci-fi and Bridgerton and speculative romances like The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley.

Vivian Bowen left Earth for Mars, seeking safety and a fresh start after seven long years trapped in a climate refugee camp. She's determined to fulfill her contract as a Red Mother by selecting a Martian partner and bearing genetically modified children to fund her family's survival back on Earth. In sixty days, everything will be secure.

But beneath the glamorous lifestyle of the Martian oligarchs, with luxurious gowns, lavish balls, and charming suitors, lies a dark reality. The Red Mothers initiative is controlled by the Intelligence, an AI worshipped as a god, who is indifferent to the pain and suffering the Red Mothers will experience as they carry out their contractual duties.

The last thing Vivian expects is to be drawn to Xavier Dorsey, a charismatic and infuriating Martian politician hell-bent on shutting down the Red Mothers initiative. As Xavier pushes her to imagine a life beyond mere survival, Vivian is torn between her obligation to her family and her own evolving dreams of a different future.

When her younger sister is seduced by a dangerous Martian soldier and breaks her contract--threatening the lives of their family back on Earth--Vivian is forced to act. Joining forces with Xavier and the Intelligence to rescue her sister by infiltrating an enemy Martian dome, Vivian discovers a strength and power inside herself she never knew she had.

Caught between the security she's always craved and a future filled with passion and uncertainty, Vivian must decide how much she's willing to sacrifice for freedom--and for love.

About the Author

Claire Barner is the author of sci-fi/romance novel Moonrising. She studied public policy and education at the University of Chicago and has spent her career in operations. She and her husband are raising three children and love exploring Chicago's garden walks, lakefront, museums, and forest preserves. She leads the parent engagement group at her children's school and is committed to enhancing equity at Chicago Public Schools.