In the latest novel by Pulley, “The Mars House,” humans have been living on a terraformed Mars for generations, with their bodies altered to adapt to the low gravity. The story follows January, a professional ballet dancer who arrives as a refugee from Earth with superior strength. His arrival poses a threat to the natives and sparks a political controversy when Aubrey Gale, a politician, seeks to enforce a dangerous procedure on all Earthborn individuals to weaken them.
As tensions rise, Aubrey shocks everyone by offering January marriage. The novel navigates potential pitfalls in its immigration theme and evolves into a nuanced and original narrative that seamlessly blends elements of an epic love story with a skillfully crafted political thriller.
At its core, “The Mars House” delves into the dynamics of power within relationships. January’s physical strength could easily overpower Aubrey, but Aubrey holds sway over him in terms of politics and economics. The novel cleverly explores these power imbalances to breathe life into their complex relationship, making for a compelling and thought-provoking read.
