Red Mars is a science fiction novel written by Kim Stanley Robinson. It is the first book in a trilogy that explores the colonization and terraforming of Mars. The story follows a group of scientists and engineers who are tasked with transforming the barren planet into a habitable environment. Red Mars delves into scientific, political, and social issues related to the colonization of Mars, including the ethics of terraforming and the impact on indigenous Martian life. It is known for its detailed world-building and realistic portrayal of the challenges of living on Mars.