I read this whole brilliant beautiful fic in a day, and it was amazing. You captured the emotions so well, and I was so invested in all the characters. I wish there was a sequel for life on Earth. Will definitely be re-reading this.

I can not say how much I appreciate this story. I love the book/movie and this feels like an accurate portrayal of what the characters would go through. Truly in my top 3 of fanfiction stories I have read on this website.

This was so incredible to read! I felt like I really understood what Watney was going through. Every victory, every defeat, the whole fight to survive, I was so captivated by the amazing storytelling. I could feel it all in my chest. This was absolutely brilliant! Thank you!

wow. that was one of the best pieces of writing I've ever read. no joke. the way you described everything, the pure emotion in your words, actually made me cry, and that's not an easy task. congratulations on creating such a masterpiece.

Thanks for this amazing story. It looks like you haven't been here in a couple years, so you may or may not see this, but this was breathtakingly dark and so very well written. One of the best I have read in any genre.

I read this fic once in 2017, at least twice in 2018, and once again now in 2019 after watching the movie again. I think I’ve read this fic more times than I’ve read the original book. I also cannot believe I’ve never written this fic a review before. I don’t know if you’re still on or if you even read your messages but I’d just like to give you my greatest thanks for your work.
There’s so many scenes that I remember and come back to between readings. Mark’s flashbacks at different points in time, especially. And the VAL always sort of haunted me.
It makes me wonder if you’re writing from experience or research because each and every moment feels so real whether I’ve had that experience/feeling myself already or not.
I feel emotionally exhausted in a way that’s definitely unhealthy (and has honestly only grown every year I’ve read this though not because of this) but I’m glad it’s this fic rather than anything else that makes me feel this way.
It’s really amazing that you’ve created something that has stuck in my mind so readily and connected me on such a deep level.
On a happy note, I’ve understood a lot more references that I didn’t get the first few times, whether that’s the Dr House comment or just listening to the music mentioned (though a couple are still lost on little me)
Plus that comment about Aquaman not having a film is outdated now haha
The whole fic is so intense but that end is just that much more uplifting. You really found the Mark

Thank you again.

Ok, this chapter made me laugh a bit, thanks.

For the first time in my life I felt seriously suicidal a few weeks ago as my psych changed my meds. Fortunately I have my wife around to speak with and I told her immediately. I *think* I feel what Mark feels when I read through this and by God this chapter hit me hard. But I persevere and I *hope* to get a happy or satisfying resolution. I could skip to the last chapter but that'd be cheating. Thanks for writing this.

So as a guy with C-PTSD, well into recovery, I’m betting that you’ve either been somewhere pretty bad or been close to someone who has. The conflicting needs that you can’t say, the “you can always kill yourself tomorrow,” the realization that you’re now one of mentally ill people you always secretly thought were weak- it’s all the brutal, gritty truth. That or your research is pretty fucking phenomenal. Just wanted to say hang in there. Like Ares III kept saying, it does get better, and while this will always be part of you, it won’t always be ALL of you. Life goes on and hope finds a way. Whatever your personal Mars is, you’re going to beat it. You’re going to win.

Actually social security is biggest thing in the budget by far. Medicare is about the same as military spending, but growing faster, and medicaid is catching up quickly. Also, you mentioned earlier it cost about 3 billion to save Watney. Sadly that's peanuts these days, with our 4 trillion dollar budgets; it'd be even more insignificant in 2036. I am really enjoying the story and especially like the multiple POV's. That heroes reference, ha, blast from the past.

I THINK I KNOW THIS TV SHOW!

Good story, I hope there will be more.

Very good

I just realized that this story has so little reviews...what the heck? I looked expecting to see it in the hundreds, and its under twenty? That is a gigantic injustice. Your writing is beautiful, clear, and just so perfectly emotional. It conveys everything in such a way where I can picture it all in my mind. You characterization is exceptional, and just everything is so...wow. So excellent job, with absolutely everything. This story is one of the best I've ever read, and I've been on this site since 2012.