I would not say this book is poorly written- but regardless, it was so dull that I never looked forward to turning another page. Certain elements of the plot irked me as well, but I suppose that's predictable in books about the female experience written by men. Arabella was a hardy protagonist, and one I would be apt to read more about if I found this book more exciting. 

Crucially, it was difficult to suspend disbelief and imagine the journey between Earth and Mars taking place in a forgiving, gentle atmosphere, with lack of gravity being the only difference between travel on Earth. Every time Earth weather phenomenon was described as happening in outer space, I was jolted out of the story. I did like the steampunk elements, but they just weren't enough to interest me in this world.