The Darwinian Extension: Initiation, is the first volume in a trilogy of novels from author Hylton H Smith.

The Darwinian Extension begins in 2033, with a planned mission to populate Mars. The mission is not one of simple habitation however, but one of true colonisation including terraforming, research and a feasability study on human migration, as earths resources are being stretched to the limit and there is a real fear over the planets ability to sustain the human race.

The choice of Mars was a forgone conclusion, as the only serious contender in the solar system that would be theoretically capable of supporting a sizeable human colony.

The first space craft is hastily assembled and led by commander Magnusson, with his first officer Banjani, a Doctor of mathematics with a specialisation in Spatial Mechanics. They soon make a startling discovery that could change the course of human history forever.

Science fiction novels can generally be seperated into two quite distinct types, general sci-fi and "hard" sci-fi. "hard" sci-fi tends to deal with the big ideas but also goes into a depth of detail that can set it apart from other general sci-fi. Initiation is very much "hard" science fiction, and is in many ways quite uncompromising in it's approach to explain the science in detail.

This does mean that it can be a little more difficult to read than a more general science fiction novel, however it really shouldn't put you off, Initiation is a very interesting novel with many ideas and a fertile imagination which is brought to life well by the author.

The science appears faultless and the plot involving, overall a good solid book and reccomended to anyone who wants more than a "light read".

Although I had to read a few passages more than once I really liked the feasible science. It also had a good balance with the non scientific aspects of the plot. The synopsis mentioned a breathless conclusion, but I found it understated - and I mean that in a positive way, because there was the promise of more to come.

A thought provoking storyline persuaded me to buy the sequel, and I am about halfway through it.

I rate Initiation closer to five than four.