M. Pax's Blog, page 10
November 21, 2024
#SciFi #MovieReview: Atlas #sciencefiction
If you’re looking for a movie with high-octane action and an easy-to-follow plot, Atlas fits the bill perfectly. While it’s neither groundbreaking nor terrible, it’s a very watchable film. The action sequences are well-executed, with plenty of fight scenes, chases, and explosions to keep you engaged throughout.
That said, if you’re expecting clever twists or moments that will catch you off guard, you might leave disappointed. Atlas sticks to a familiar formula—good guys versus bad guys—with no major surprises along the way. In fact, the predictability of the plot is its main drawback. It’s the kind of movie where you can see where things are heading well before the characters do, but the ride is enjoyable enough.
What Atlas lacks in originality, it makes up for in sheer entertainment value. It’s the type of movie you can throw on at the end of a long day, knowing that it’ll deliver a satisfying blend of action, albeit without any deep storytelling or thought-provoking moments.
It did get me to space and give me a look at an alien planet, so pluses for that. So, I’d give Atlas a 1.5 beer rating. A wee dram will make Atlas more entertaining.
Here’s the trailer:
The post #SciFi #MovieReview: Atlas #sciencefiction appeared first on M. Pax.
November 17, 2024
Ready for the End? Preorder The Afterworlds Now! #booklovers #scifi #sciencefiction
The Future Lies in the Ashes of the Past
In the aftermath of war, hope can feel distant. The Afterworlds follows Craze as he searches for peace and a new beginning.
Preorder today to join him on the journey.
Direct orders include exclusive extras
If you order The Afterworlds through my shop, the Not of this Earth Bookshop, your ebook will include exclusive bonuses:
These extras are only available with orders when you buy direct from me!
AMAZON LINKS FOR COUNTRIES OUTSIDE US
UK / CA / AU / DE / FR / IT / ES / NL /JP /BR / MX /IN
The post Ready for the End? Preorder The Afterworlds Now! #booklovers #scifi #sciencefiction appeared first on M. Pax.
November 14, 2024
#Fantasy Worth Reading: For Santa’s Sake, Harlow #BookReview #cozymystery #BookLover
Looking for a fantastic mystery to put yourself in the holiday mood? I highly recommend this one!
This story was a true pleasure to read. It was filled with cozy, Hallmark moments with lots of feels, and I rooted for the main character to shed some of her crusty personality. Oh, and there’s murder!
The story centers around Harlow, a successful journalist at the Local Rag. One of the columnists is missing (Crystal who writes the psychic advice column) and winds up dead! Not only that, she haunts Harlow, nagging her to find her killer.
Crystal (the dead one) and Harlow are polar opposites, which results in a lot of fun and poignant moments.
I didn’t guess the killer, but I’m sometimes bad at these things. It doesn’t matter, the twists the investigation takes are fun. There’s lots of Christmas in the story, too.
I’m always willing to take whatever ride this author takes me on. I’ve enjoyed all of Gwen Gardner’s ghostly tales, and this is no exception. Keep writing, Gwen!
Here’s the blurb:
Christmas Spirit takes on a whole new meaning…
When Crystal Ball goes missing during the holidays, Harlow Grayson gets stuck writing the Ask Crystal Ball psychic column. Although Harlow is a firm skeptic, the column is popular, and a deadline is looming.
But when Harlow activates a multicolored pen she finds in Crystal’s desk, releasing her ghost, everything Harlow thought she believed (or didn’t believe) is tossed out like used Christmas wrapping. How did Crystal wind up dead? She doesn’t know, but she’s determined to find out with Harlow’s help. Harlow wants no part of it, but it’s hard to argue with a ghost. After a second co-worker turns up dead, Harlow realizes that she’d better find the killer before the entire staff winds up in the obituary column.
For Santa’s Sake, Harlow! Is a light paranormal cozy mystery novella infused with the holiday spirit, a spirit who loves the holidays — all of them! — and an investigative reporter who’s coming around to her new reality.
The post #Fantasy Worth Reading: For Santa’s Sake, Harlow #BookReview #cozymystery #BookLover appeared first on M. Pax.
November 11, 2024
November Book Bonanza: Science Fiction, Fantasy, and More! #booklovers #scifi #sciencefiction #fantasy
November is the perfect month to dive into fantastic new worlds! I’m excited to share several special promotions I’m involved in—whether you’re looking for preorders, box sets, or thrilling sci-fi and fantasy series, these BookFunnel deals have something for everyone. Don’t miss these limited-time offers!
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Sales
Explore captivating science fiction and fantasy titles at incredible discounts! Find new reads that will transport you across galaxies or immerse you in magical realms. Browse the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Sale
Preorder Spotlight – All Genres
Be the first to get your hands on exciting new books across multiple genres! Perfect for anyone wanting to get a head start on the latest releases. Check out the Preorders
Collections, Anthologies, and Box Sets
Love bundles? These collections and anthologies offer great value, with hours of entertainment in one place. Stock up for the long winter nights! Explore Collections & Box Sets
Fantasy & Sci-Fi Series Sale
If you’re like me and love getting lost in long-running series, this is the sale for you! Find epic fantasy adventures and thrilling sci-fi sagas with some deep discounts. Discover Series on Sale
Sci-Fi & Space Opera Series
Get ready for starships, intergalactic battles, and deep space exploration! These space operas and sci-fi series will keep you on the edge of your seat. Blast Off with Sci-Fi & Space Opera
Make sure to browse these incredible deals while they last! Whether you’re craving magic, space adventures, or a new series to binge, there’s something here to match your taste. Happy reading!
The post November Book Bonanza: Science Fiction, Fantasy, and More! #booklovers #scifi #sciencefiction #fantasy appeared first on M. Pax.
November 7, 2024
Not Every Battle Ends on the Battlefield / The Afterworlds is Coming! #preorder #bookrelease #scifi #scienceficiton
An excerpt from The Afterworlds…
The hardest part of war is what comes after. In The Afterworlds, Craze must rebuild a life from the ruins of everything he knew.
Preorder now and join him on the final journey. Exclusive extras with direct ordersIf you order The Afterworlds through my shop, the Not of this Earth Bookshop, your ebook will include exclusive bonuses:
These extras are only available with orders when you buy direct from me!
AMAZON LINKS FOR COUNTRIES OUTSIDE US
UK / CA / AU / DE / FR / IT / ES / NL /JP /BR / MX /IN
The post Not Every Battle Ends on the Battlefield / The Afterworlds is Coming! #preorder #bookrelease #scifi #scienceficiton appeared first on M. Pax.
November 4, 2024
Countdown to the Afterworlds, Backworlds Book 9! Preorder Today! #booklovers #scifi #sciencefiction #spaceopera
A Hero’s Journey Ends, A New Life Begins
Craze survived the war, but now he must build a new life from the rubble. Can he reclaim peace when everything he loved is gone?
Preorder The Afterworlds today! Direct orders include exclusive extras
If you order The Afterworlds through my shop, the Not of this Earth Bookshop, your ebook will include exclusive bonuses:
An original map of Pauder’s Moon inside the bookA printable bookmark featuring Backworlds artworkA digital poster of the map inside the bookA special digital Backworlds posterThese extras are only available with orders when you buy direct from me!
AMAZON LINKS FOR COUNTRIES OUTSIDE US
UK / CA / AU / DE / FR / IT / ES / NL /JP /BR / MX /IN
The post Countdown to the Afterworlds, Backworlds Book 9! Preorder Today! #booklovers #scifi #sciencefiction #spaceopera appeared first on M. Pax.
October 31, 2024
Get Ready for The Afterworlds (the final book in the Backworlds Series) with Endpoint on Sale! #BookSale #SciFi #sciencefiction #bookrecommendations
Sale Alert: Endpoint, Backworlds Book 8 – Now Only 99c!
The galaxy is on the brink of collapse, and only Craze seems to understand how close everything is to being lost. As the evil Quassers grow stronger by joining forces with another enemy, planet after planet falls into chaos. Winning the war becomes nearly impossible.
In Endpoint, Craze must pull together small discoveries that might be the key to survival. But with every world looking out for itself, he’s forced to make gut-wrenching decisions—trading innocent lives for the chance to save the galaxy.
Catch up on Craze’s journey before the release of Book 9, The Afterworlds, on December 2!
Special November Sale:
99c only (Save $3!)Available at all major retailers. Grab your copy of Endpoint now and dive into the thrilling final stretch of the Backworlds series!
The post Get Ready for The Afterworlds (the final book in the Backworlds Series) with Endpoint on Sale! #BookSale #SciFi #sciencefiction #bookrecommendations appeared first on M. Pax.
October 28, 2024
Speculative Fiction Worth Reading: The Paleontologist #BookReview #suspense #thriller #booklovers #bookrecommendations
The Paleontologist by Luke Dumas called to me like a siren… Dinosaurs. Can… not… re… sist.
The novel boasts a fun and engaging plot with dinosaurs running amok in a museum—yes, you read that right. This is just one of the intriguing mysteries in this fast-paced story. The other revolves around Simon, whose sister mysteriously disappeared inside the same museum when they were children. Simon has never gotten over her disappearance and feels a compelling urge to find her, eventually taking a job at the museum that holds so much tragedy for him.
The novel kept me guessing, especially regarding the nature of the dinosaurs, which is a significant part of the mystery. And I’m perfectly fine with mystery and weirdness, both of which are abundant in this story.
If you enjoy suspense, monsters, mysteries, and paleontology, this book is for you. I had a blast reading it. While it didn’t make me scream or gasp like Relic did, it was suspenseful enough to keep me thoroughly entertained. The Paleontologist ranks among the best of the dinosaur novels in my opinion—and I’ve read a lot of dino-centric fiction.
The post Speculative Fiction Worth Reading: The Paleontologist #BookReview #suspense #thriller #booklovers #bookrecommendations appeared first on M. Pax.
October 21, 2024
#SciFi #MovieReview: The Circle #sciencefiction #thriller
Hmm, thankfully, The Circle wasnt watching me back…
The Circle, starring Emma Watson and Tom Hanks, had all the makings of a thought-provoking, tech-dystopian drama. Unfortunately, it ended up feeling like a long, dull ride to nowhere. The film, based on Dave Eggers’ novel, tries to address the dangers of unchecked technology and the erosion of privacy, but it doesn’t quite land the punch it was aiming for. Well, if it was aiming for one.
Let’s start with the plot. Watson plays Mae Holland, a young woman who lands a dream job at The Circle, a tech company that feels like a Google-meets-Facebook utopia. With surveillance and transparency as its core principles, the company’s goal is to push society toward a more “honest” world. But as Mae rises within the ranks, she embraces these ideas a little too enthusiastically. By the end, I couldn’t shake the feeling that she had fully drank the Kool-Aid—and she wasn’t just sipping. She was guzzling it and handing it out to others. Her character’s arc went from cautious participant to blind follower without enough of a meaningful reckoning for me to buy into it.
The ending was particularly frustrating. What could have been a powerful critique of tech-driven surveillance instead felt like a non-ending. It leaves you wondering if anything really changed, or if Mae just became a mouthpiece for the very system she initially questioned. Rather than breaking free or taking a stand, she doubles down, pushing the same dangerous ideals with a shiny, optimistic veneer. It’s as if the film wanted to make a statement but didn’t know how to finish the conversation.
One of the biggest issues I had with The Circle is its confusion between transparency and democracy. The movie seems to suggest that making everything visible leads to a better, more just world. But transparency alone doesn’t ensure democracy. It doesn’t hold power accountable in any meaningful way, especially if the people pushing for it are the ones holding all the cards. The Circle’s version of transparency feels more like control than freedom, and Mae’s willingness to impose this on the world felt chilling rather than revolutionary. And, she ends up distancing herself from the people she was closest to, to be responsible to her followers. She was basically indoctrinated into the cult and decided that’s where she wanted to be. As a free-thinker, this ending creeped me out. Well, if that was an ending. It was hard to tell.
Tom Hanks, as the Steve Jobs-like founder of The Circle, was fine in his role, but he wasn’t given much to work with. His character was more symbol than substance, and it felt like a missed opportunity to dig deeper into the motivations behind someone who would build a tech empire like this.
The Circle earns itself a three beer rating. There wasn’t the fun distraction of dancing or singing. I didn’t get to go to space. And the ending makes me want to push Mae out of her kayak. Another dunk in the ocean might do her good. Have you seen this movie?
Here’s the trailer:
The post #SciFi #MovieReview: The Circle #sciencefiction #thriller appeared first on M. Pax.
October 14, 2024
Preorder Now: The Afterworlds, the Epic Finale of the Backworlds Series #sciencefiction #scifi #booklovers #bookrecommendations #booklaunch
The journey through the Backworlds is coming to an end! The Afterworlds (Backworlds Book 9) will officially release on December 2, 2024. This final installment brings everything full circle, as Craze faces new challenges in the aftermath of a brutal war.
What happens after the war ends?
Exhausted from a brutal and drawn-out war, Craze longs to retire in peace. But the Backworlds aren’t ready to let him go. One savage enemy lurks in the shadows, threatening to unravel the fragile peace he fought so hard to secure.
Backworlders, still reeling from the devastation, look to Craze for hope. They believe the hero who won the war can save their shattered worlds. Only Craze has nothing left to give. Haunted by the ghosts of fallen friends and the lives lost under his command, he struggles to find peace within himself while confronting the daunting weight of the aftermath.
In this final installment of the Backworlds series, the home Craze dreams of returning to is gone—reduced to rubble and ash. The war may be over, but for Craze, the fight to reclaim his life has just begun.
Preorder your copy today!
If you order The Afterworlds through mpaxauthor.com, your ebook will include exclusive bonuses:
An original map of Pauder’s Moon inside the bookA printable bookmark featuring Backworlds artworkA poster of the Pauder’s Moon mapA special Backworlds posterThese extras are only available with orders through my website!
AMAZON LINKS FOR COUNTRIES OUTSIDE US
UK / CA / AU / DE / FR / IT / ES / NL /JP /BR / MX /IN
Don’t miss the final adventure in the Backworlds saga—preorder today and be the first to explore The Afterworlds on December 2, 2024. Let’s finish this journey together!
Preorder Now!
The post Preorder Now: The Afterworlds, the Epic Finale of the Backworlds Series #sciencefiction #scifi #booklovers #bookrecommendations #booklaunch appeared first on M. Pax.
