The Goldfinch Blog

You’re Going to Mars! is coming to ebook and paperback May 15!

My latest novel, the Audible Original You're Going to Mars!, was an audiobook exclusive for six months -- now it's coming to ebook and paperback May 15!

So what's You're Going to Mars! about? It's the story of a young woman named Paper who wins a chance to compete for a spot on the first manned mission to Mars. Sounds simple, right? But it's a science fiction odyssey/comedy/love story/adventure with about a million twists and turns, and just the slightest hint of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (okay, more than the slightest hint.)

And it's gotten some pretty high praise:

"★★★★★ Hits it out of the park again! Dircks’ unflagging ability to imbue plot-crackling science fiction with a deep vein of humor, heart, and hope reminds me of Ray Bradbury with curses. An incredibly inventive plot of a young woman's journey in a world both similar and very different from ours. Wow, just wow.”
— Wendy Mass, New York Times bestselling author of Pi in the Sky and The Candymakers

"★★★★★ Reviewers’ Choice Award – it’s THAT good. Captivating, interesting and creative. I could not put it down. I would love to see it filmed!”
— AudioBookReviewer

"★★★★★ One of my favorites of the year! This book was a pure joy to listen to. One fist-bump moment after another. I enjoyed every minute of it."
— DabOfDarkness Book Reviews

"★★★★★ A remarkable book. You're Going to Mars! was one of the most interesting, entertaining stories I've listened to in quite a while. A fabulously written book with a unique plot, endearing characters, and a richly crafted world, You're Going to Mars is one of those books I just didn't want to put down until I finished it.”
— BriansBookBlog

"★★★★★ Mr. Dircks once again hits a home run! I have been a fan of Mr. Dircks’ works from his premiere release… you cannot go wrong giving this book a listen if you like science fiction and great writing.”
— Quella Book Reviews

"★★★★★ Fun, Fast-Moving, and Genuinely Funny Sci-Fi. This audiobook was a blast! A comedic sci-fi take on the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory story with a female protagonist. Even though Ready Player One was similarly-themed, this book is about as different as you can get, and in many ways a better book.”
— Wynne McLaughlin, Author of The Bone Feud