I haven't read the first book in the series but it does not appear to be a pre-requisite. There is certainly enough in the opening chapters to fill in a new reader as to what is happening and why. The only knowledge you don't have is of the characters, the 12 members of this ark to Mars. That doesn't seem to be a stumbling block so far, and these handful of pages in there is already a clear idea forming about each member of the "team".
Pacy writing draws you in to the tale. whether or not it manages to keep you captured remains to be seen.
Pacy writing draws you in to the tale. whether or not it manages to keep you captured remains to be seen.