Shadows of Medusa is the first science-fiction novel in a series dedicated to true-science, feasible-engineered, near-future Mars settlements. NASA and other national space agencies are currently researching lunar settlements, while many other "entities" in the private sector have turned their focus toward Mars. Such is our real world in 2007... the Medusa series projects these trends into the next decade.
Sometimes whimsical, sometimes apocalyptic, Shadows of Medusa challenges assumptions and shatters current paradigms about spaceflight, exploration, and humanity. In this plot-driven novel, the rich cast of "gray" characters ruthlessly expose myths about mission cost, requirements, complexity, and risk.
Given NASA's 13-year, $104 billion plan to return to the Moon, is a $1 billion mission to Mars absurd? While the underlying plot of Shadows of Medusa is quite simple and clues abound, readers must look within themselves for the courage to follow "Cat" and his minions!
The first human exploration mission to the planet Mars is shrouded in secrecy.
Even David Debacco, the Director of Mission Support, doesn't know the identity
of the mission sponsors or their true agenda. As David struggles to keep the
Mars explorers alive, an expanding web of murder and deceit threatens the mission
and the woman he loves.
Traveling to Mars, focusing on the exploration of a new world, Anna Schweitzer is barely
aware of the Earthly plots surrounding her. Against impossible odds, she looks
to Mars for hope. Will she live long enough to reach its untamed surface? Or
will she succumb to elements more terrifying than any she left behind?
"A gripping adventure in the near future, Shadows of Medusa merges the speculative fiction of Larry Niven with the complex characters and plot twists of Frederick Forsythe. The book introduces the reader to the characters involved in a bold assault on the vacuum of space and the barren sands of Mars. A dedicated team on Earth and in space works together to bring the treasures of this distant planet to humankind. In the mean time, some force is interfering. Problems become hazards and alternatives are blocked off. Is it due to the risks inherent in any such dangerous endeavor with so many unknowns? Is it corruption from within? Is it an attack from outside? As each of these possibilities takes its place as the most plausible, the reader finds himself concerned very personally about the cold blackness of the space outside and the threatening thugs on the other side of the door.
This novel draws us in and holds us there from the enigmatic first paragraph to the exciting and refreshingly hopeful conclusion. Man's most self-centered follies and his greatest aspirations are tested and resolved in this fine book and we see that Man's better nature not only prevails but opens the door to an amazing future."
--- Julian Taylor, Author: "The Flying Crossbeam", 1/14/2006
"...With each twist and turn of the plot, the reader is challenged to take the trail of clues to figure out who wants to squelch the mission, and why..."
"...Shadows of Medusa is a thought-provoking, fun mix of science and suspense which has one looking forward to the sequel.
"
--- The Mountain-Ear, 5/19/2005
"...the plot is fascinating and the book works as a novel. We are left eagerly awaiting more from this author.
"
--- The Huntsville Times, 5/15/2005
"What makes Brian's book unique is that while he follows the adventures
of the crew, he also keeps his readers attention firmly focused on
this planet through the eyes of the Director of Mission Support.
It is an awesome read and I highly recommend it.
"
--- Shannon Rupert-Robles, MiraCosta College, Director of the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) Remote Science Team, 3/30/2005
"This book is so true to reality...
this isn't the science fiction you're used to.
Characters are deep and complex, their thoughts are inspired
and their actions are fluid.
Already since he began writing, much of the book has become true,
like the formation of a space alliance. He explains..."
"
--- Red Colony webmaster, 2/27/2005.
"... as he has time to write a compelling mystery / science fiction novel.
The clues are there, as is action and references to some familiar names.
If you've ever pitched the Mars Direct plan,
or spent some time at one of our habs, you'll enjoy this book.
If not, you might learn something about the best way to get humans to Mars.
In either case, it's a hard book to put down.
"
--- Mars Society webmaster, 2/20/2005.
"... Brian Enke, has written a book,
'Shadows of Medusa', about a mission to Mars. My favorite line is from a
scene where the crew is ...(spoilers deleted):
'Patience. Do everything in order. Step by step, we're settling a new world.'
"
--- Commander of Crew 36 at the Mars Desert Research Station, Commander's Log, 3/13/2005.
"An outstanding mystery centered around a mission to
Mars. Enke's skill as a story teller and his knowledge of space exploration
are a powerful combination.
"
--- Mark Cohen, Author: "The Fractal Murders", a Book Sense Top Ten Mystery.
"One of the best science fiction books I have read in a long time! You heard it here first: This novel is destined to be greater than K.S. Robinson's Red Mars. The characters are complex and deeply interesting; the surroundings are vivid; and the intricacies and mysteries of the plot are sewn up tight! Nothing is more exciting than the birth of a talented new hard science author to the Science Fiction genre. Encore, Mr. Enke, Encore!!.....
"
--- Ms. Bobbi McCutcheon, Author: "Father Mars, Mother Earth"; coauthor: "Facts On File: Marine Science Handbook" and "Facts On File, Pioneers in Science: Space and Astronomy".
"This fun, imaginatively woven science mystery about
trust and love puts you in the driver's seat of a Mars mission...
"
--- Dr. Bill Clancey, Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition
"Best sci-fi mystery I've ever read.
"
--- Dr. Tony Muscatello, Chemical Engineer, Pioneer Astronautics; Mars Desert Research Station Director.
Shadows of Medusa by Brian Enke is a genre-busting novel about a first manned mission to Mars. The novel is intrigue/suspense/mystery embedded within a strong and accurate framework of science/science fiction. The action shifts back and forth between the mission itself, where Anna/
--- Bruce Crocker, an Amazon.com Top 1000 Reviewer.
"Your goals, minus your doubts, equal your reality. "
Ralph Marston