M. Pax's Blog, page 16

January 28, 2024

Watching Snow Fall at a Mountain Lake: Weird and Wonderful Oregon #LandscapePhotography #NaturePhotography #NatureBeauty

The Hush of Winter…
Weird and wonderful Oregon

 

In the tranquil embrace of winter, a mountain lake finds itself veiled in an ethereal silence, a sanctuary of serene beauty where time seems to hold its breath.

The air, crisp and clear, carries the scent of snowflakes gently cascading from the heavens. The world becomes a canvas painted in shades of white and blue, as the lake, adorned in its icy cloak, mirrors the splendor of the snow-capped peaks that guard its shores.

A hush descends upon this frozen expanse, a symphony of stillness that wraps around the land like a soft embrace. The only sounds are the faint whispers of the breeze weaving through the frosted reeds and the occasional echo of a distant bird’s song, punctuating the quietude.

Nature’s artistry adorns the landscape: delicate frost crystals embellish every surface, while the ice, a translucent mosaic, shelters secrets beneath its glacial sheen. Time seems suspended, as if the world has retreated into a serene slumber, awaiting the gentle nudge of spring’s awakening touch.

In this winter sanctuary, the lake is a mirror to the soul, reflecting the beauty of stillness and the majesty of tranquility. It is a place where the heart finds solace, where the spirit dances in the purity of the moment, and where the hush of winter whispers secrets of timeless grace.

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Published on January 28, 2024 15:00

January 25, 2024

#Fantasy Worth Reading: Bookshops and Bonedust #BookReview

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

If you loved Legends & Lattes, you’ll love this second novel just as much. At least, I did. The first novel was so good, I feared not enjoying this new installment to the series. But I did. I loved it so, so much.

The story centers around the orc, Viv, once again. She’s just as lovable as in the first novel. This story takes place earlier in her life but has all the elements that made the first book so loveable. While in pursuit of a necromancer with her mercenary group, Viv gets injured and is left to recuperate in a quaint seaside town. Bored out of her mind, she enters a bookshop.

The story unfolds as beatifully with rich, loveable characters, lots of fantasy originality, and lots of charm. Returning to this cozy and comfortable world was pure joy.

My only complaint is I’ll have to wait quite a while for the next in this series. So yeah, I highly recommend Bookshops & Bonedust.

Here’s the description.


Viv’s career with the notorious mercenary company Rackam’s Ravens isn’t going as planned.


Wounded during the hunt for a powerful necromancer, she’s packed off against her will to recuperate in the sleepy beach town of Murk—so far from the action that she worries she’ll never be able to return to it.


What’s a thwarted soldier of fortune to do?


Spending her hours at a beleaguered bookshop in the company of its foul-mouthed proprietor is the last thing Viv would have predicted, but it may be both exactly what she needs and the seed of changes she couldn’t possibly imagine.


Still, adventure isn’t all that far away. A suspicious traveler in gray, a gnome with a chip on her shoulder, a summer fling, and an improbable number of skeletons prove Murk to be more eventful than Viv could have ever expected.


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Published on January 25, 2024 16:06

January 22, 2024

Behind the Rifters Series: Unveiling the Real-Life Inspiration for the Paleo Institute! #fantasy #steampunk #paleontology

 

A beacon for those hungry for knowledge and adventure.

popular fantasy steampunk series, the rifters, paleo institute

The Oregon Paleo Lands Institute Center in Fossil, Oregon, serves as the muse behind the Rifters’ Paleo Institute. Much like its real-world counterpart, the Paleo Institute in the series fosters exploration of the past and present landscapes. Inspired by the Center’s offerings—trips, classes, and adventures throughout the region—the Rifters’ Paleo Institute echoes the spirit of discovery, inviting readers to delve into history, fine-tune skills, and embrace the vast ecosystem of their world.

 

 

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Published on January 22, 2024 16:27

January 19, 2024

#SciFi Worth Watching: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 #MovieReview

popular science fiction movie

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 takes us back into the vibrant and eclectic world of Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, Groot, and their galactic friends. With this latest installment, another exhilarating space adventure is delivered but the story also delves deeper into the emotional cores of our beloved misfit heroes, especially Rocket.

The film strikes an engrossing balance between heart and humor, weaving an intricate narrative that explores family, sacrifice, and redemption. While the stakes are undeniably high in their intergalactic quest, it’s the characters’ personal journeys that anchor the storyline, inviting us into a compelling odyssey.

Visually stunning and narratively ambitious, Vol. 3 dazzles with its mesmerizing CGI and breathtaking cosmic landscapes. Gunn’s distinct directorial style infuses the movie with a vibrant energy, seamlessly blending action-packed sequences with poignant character-driven moments.

The chemistry among the cast continues to shine, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles. Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper (voicing Rocket), and Vin Diesel (voicing Groot) breathe life into their characters, allowing us to laugh, cry, and root for this ragtag team as they navigate personal struggles and the chaos of the cosmos.

Moreover, the film’s soundtrack, a hallmark of the Guardians series, once again proves to be an integral part of the storytelling, transporting audiences through time and space with its eclectic mix of nostalgic tunes. While the movie delivers on the expected thrills and humor, it also surprises with moments of genuine poignancy.

Beer while watching is optional to enjoy the film but not required.

 

 

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Published on January 19, 2024 16:41

January 15, 2024

Rainly: The Chatterbox Cytran with a Heart of Chrome from the Best-Selling Backworlds Series! #scifi #sciencefiction

 

In the boundless expanse of the Backworlds series resides a character whose presence illuminates every page—a character born from the spirit of a cherished friend, Rainly.

best-selling science fiction series the Backworlds, Rainly

A Spark in the Universe

Rainly, the chatty and compassionate Cytran, epitomizes the essence of a friend lost but not forgotten. With chrome skin, luminous pink eyes, and bobbed white hair reminiscent of delicate plastic threads, she graces the Backworlds with her unwavering sweetness and perpetual desire to lend a helping hand.

A Bond Forged in Stars

Craze’s valiant act to rescue Rainly from the clutches of peril on Wism, enduring severe injuries in the process, marks the genesis of her liberation and coming into her own. As one of the original settlers on Pardeep Station, Rainly is a beacon of unity and compassion, harboring a heart that yearns to protect and uplift those around her.

A Tribute Beyond Pages

More than just a character in a story, Rainly represents a cherished friend I once gamed with online. Her name comes from the fantasy name my friend created. She suddenly passed, and I created Rainly as a tribute to her. Wanda spoke and typed like Rainly. If I base a character on someone, the character will embody their essence. And Rainly carries Wanda’s.

Start With A FREE Book!

Start the best-selling space opera adventure series, the Backworlds with a FREE book! The Backworlds is free at all ebook retailers.

FREE BACKWORLDS

 

 

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Published on January 15, 2024 16:01

January 13, 2024

Aurora Rising: #SciFi Worth Reading #BookReview #sciencefiction #booklover

best science fiction booksbest science fiction books, Aurora Rising

Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.

What I loved: the setting in space. I love being in space. A mystery that leads to exploration and discovery. This is my favorite type of mystery in space opera. Traveling to different planets and meeting people from other planets is always a fun adventure.

The plot takes twists and turns. I love this sort of ride. The story is often gripping and thrilling. It’s written from multiple POVs, which makes it interesting. The POV always keeps the story moving forward.

There are two minor quibbles I have with it. The first is that it reads young. Well, young for me. You may think otherwise. The second was a plot twist that I didn’t think made complete logical sense. From all the 5 star reviews, it seems not many people notice that flaw. So you may not either. Either way, it’s a spectacular book to spend some time with.

Here’s the official description:

The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the academy would touch . . .


A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm
A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates
A smart-ass tech whiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder
An alien warrior with anger-management issues
A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into him, in case you were wondering


And Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem–that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline cases, and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.


NOBODY PANIC.


 

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Published on January 13, 2024 10:10

January 8, 2024

New Year, New Worlds: Dive into Permanently Free eBooks and Bargain Box Sets! #scifibooks #sciencefictionbooks #freebooks #ebooks

A New Year! And the literary universe awaits with a galaxy of free and discounted eBooks, ushering in fantastical adventures and gripping tales. Extraordinary journeys through realms of fantasy, science fiction, paranormal intrigue, and spine-chilling horror—all at your fingertips!

Permanently Free eBooks: Wide Multi-Genre Selection

The celebration begins with an incredible array of permanently free eBooks spanning diverse genres, beckoning readers to explore and indulge. Dive into a treasure trove of captivating stories offered through BookFunnel’s collection:

📚Explore the Wide Multi-Genre Collection

From epic fantasies to gripping science fiction, heart-racing thrillers, and beyond, this collection caters to every literary appetite. Delve into worlds where magic intertwines with technology and where heroes and heroines navigate uncharted territories, all while these stories remain perpetually free to ignite your imagination.

Fantasy and Science Fiction in Kobo Plus

For those immersed in the worlds of Kobo Plus, discover a dedicated selection of fantasy and science fiction titles waiting to transport you to realms beyond imagination:

📚 Explore Fantasy and Science Fiction in Kobo Plus

Experience the wonders of distant galaxies, mythical kingdoms, and futuristic landscapes—all within the bounds of your Kobo Plus subscription. Unleash your inner adventurer and traverse uncharted dimensions within the pages of these captivating tales.

$5 or Less Box Sets: Fantasy, Paranormal, Horror, and Science Fiction

Looking for binge-worthy collections without breaking the bank? Dive into a curated selection of box sets across fantasy, paranormal, horror, and science fiction genres, all priced at $5 or less:

📚 Discover $5 or Less Box Sets Reading Binge

Indulge in comprehensive series, thrilling anthologies, and bundled editions that promise hours of immersive reading experiences. With a multitude of stories bundled together at an unbeatable price, your literary adventure knows no bounds.

Boxed Sets at Barnes & Noble: The Big Book Bazaar

For aficionados exploring Barnes & Noble, unlock a treasury of boxed sets spanning various genres:

📚 Browse Boxed Sets at Barnes & Noble

With collections catering to diverse tastes, from sweeping sagas to heart-pounding adventures, this selection at Barnes & Noble offers a gateway to numerous worlds within a single purchase.

Kick off 2024 With Adventure!

Hurry and grab your digital boarding pass to these literary voyages before the portals close. Don’t miss out on the chance to expand your reading horizons with these incredible offerings as we embrace the dawn of a new year filled with literary wonders!

 

 

 

 

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Published on January 08, 2024 16:55

January 5, 2024

Charting New Worlds: Unveiling My 2024 Writing Odyssey! #WritingCommunity #Writers #WritersLife

 

Here’s wishing the galaxy returns me to my regularly programmed boring life. 2023 was a bit too much! If so, I should be able to accomplish what I jotted on these sticky notes. Here is what author M. Pax wants to accomplish in 2024.

 

 

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Published on January 05, 2024 16:52

December 31, 2023

Laughs that Defy Gravity! Spaceberg: A Cosmic Catastrophe with Bite #scifi #sciencefiction #scifibooks #sciencefictionbooks

 

Spaceberg, a science fiction novel brimming with disaster, humor, and the resilience of the human spirit where even the most improbable alliances hold the key to survival.

science fiction humor novel

The Arrival

In the vast expanse of the outer solar system, where the mysteries of the Oort Cloud remain mostly unknown, a calamity emerges—Spaceberg. This colossal entity crashes into the colonized minor planets in the Outer Sol, leaving devastation in its wake. The giant chunk of ice is bad enough, but it also has a bite—carnivorous balls resembling moss with lots of big teeth. Panic grips the solar system as Spaceberg tumbles toward the heavily populated Saturn system, and hope seems as distant as the farthest stars.

Enter Nikili Echols and Orbital Rescue Squad 51

Amidst the chaos there is a beacon of courage and resilience—Orbital Rescue Squad 51. Led by the indomitable Nikili Echols, the most decorated first responder in the solar system, the Squad races against time to mitigate the catastrophic aftermath of Spaceberg’s impact.

Nikili, a force of nature herself, navigates the dangers with unmatched determination. Her resolve is not only to save her family but to extend a lifeline to every soul caught in the perilous grip of the disaster. Yet, as the clock ticks relentlessly, she faces an unexpected twist—the need to join forces with her ex-husband, whose mere presence invokes a maelstrom of emotions.

Unlikely Allies and Superstitious Antics

Cosmic irony pairs Nikili with her ex-husband, a man whose superstitions are as abundant as space dust. Nikili finds herself grappling not only with the threat of Spaceberg but also with her ex-husband’s peculiar beliefs. His superstitions grate against her pragmatic nature like the irritating hum of cosmic static. However, in a surprising turn of events, their clash of ideologies holds the key to success—a blend of luck and organic plastic that could tip the scales in their favor.

The Race Against Time

The tension soars when it’s discovered Spaceberg is more than a crisis of ice in Jupiter proportions. On Spaceberg, mossy balls live that nibble at anything within reach. Saturn and the colonies on its moons are in its path, then the trajectory will take Spaceberg to Earth unless Nikili and her team can stop it.  She’ll need some of her ex’s superstitions to help her plan relying on luck and organic plastic.

 

CHILL WITH SPACEBERG TODAY!

Spaceberg is available at all ebook retailers!

SPACEBERG

 

 

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Published on December 31, 2023 16:52

December 29, 2023

The Year of Cancer – Thoughts on Surviving 2023 #cancerfree #cancerpatient #gratititude

contemplations on a year of cancer

“You have cancer.”

Those three words started 2023 for me. Closely followed by, “There are 6 months of chemo in your future, and you will lose your hair.”

My thoughts and emotions tumbled, unable to find purchase for months. Overwhelmed doesn’t begin to describe what the newly diagnosed cancer patient feels. I knew I needed help, but didn’t know how to find it. Maybe they keep us partially ignorant on purpose. If I knew the complete truth of what my life was going to be like for the rest of the year, I would have been more overwhelmed.

Losing my hair was one of the least horrible side effects. Effectively, I was systematically poisoned week after week. Yes, some people deal better with chemo than others, but no one gets out of it feeling like they’re ready to mambo.

I shouldn’t have been surprised I ended up in the hospital more than once during the ordeal, but I was continuously horrified at the way cancer took over my life. Angry and affronted is what I felt a lot, and I resisted the barrage of appointments, insisting they work on my schedule, like the stubborn lady I am. I did have to give in to their schedule and give up all control. I guess that was my biggest objection—the loss of control. Not just a little control. All control.

On the plus side, tenacity saw me through the chemo, the surgeries, the side effects, an the radiation. And, in the end, I reached the magical nirvana phase of “No Evidence Detected,” which meant my cancer was dead.

That made chemo worth it. Horrible as it was, if I had to do it again, I would. Why? Because those extra years of life and health are worth the awfulness and the trial. I’m not done living yet.

After chemo, I had two surgeries. After those, I felt like a Frankenstein—mutilated and hacked up. My insomnia issues started in earnest after the second surgery. I’m pretty sure there are a lot of emotions bubbling under my skin I haven’t dealt with yet. That’s something I’ll look into addressing this year.

Radiation wasn’t a picnic either. I still have pain and the discoloration. My irradiated tissue keeps texture, color, shape and size, which makes me feel more mutilated and freakish.

Yes, the battle scars are better than the cancer killing me, but sometimes when I stop to think about it all, I dissolve into jelly. I know there’s a lot in my emotions and psyche I have not dealt with. From the initial diagnosis to now, was a constant whirlwind of tests and doctors and treatments. There wasn’t a lot of time to digest and process.

There were moments when I stood outside of the cancer center and my brain screamed at me to run away. I’d tell myself, “I really don’t want to do this.”

But I’d see the 80-year-olds fighting, and I kept myself focused on the fact that I would be okay in the end. I repeated that over and over and over, and it got me through.

It’s unclear how I got through some days. They were dark and filled with sickness and awfulness and nothing good. Every minute ticked by like a day of agony. Many people were rooting for me. That certainly helped. And, like I said earlier, I can be really stubborn. It’s not in my nature to give up, so I was going to fight and keep fighting.

Small amounts of relief were found through my acupuncturist. Dana was a godsend, and I will continue to see her in the years to come. She introduced me to alternative therapies and essential oils. She certainly made an unbearable six months a little more bearable. She always gives me sound advice and valuable pointers. Most of all, she listens.

Many of the oncology nurses also listened. A lot. Some of them are true angels on Earth. They should be paid better than CEOs.

My writer life helped keep me looking forward, too. I could forget my agony for a bit here and there by drowning my mind in plans for my stories. Books helped too. Thank you, Murderbot and Legends & Lattes.

The toughest people on Earth are those battling cancer. Each warrior adds his or her story and helps the next person. Each person leaves a legacy of their cancer story. I leave a legacy, especially my uncommon reaction to Keytruda.

Anyway, the year ends with cancer defeated and the war won. So, 2023 ends in a good place. It was the hardest fight of my life, and the one I’m most proud of. I endured, I conquered, and I was victorious. After an extremely bumpy and rough patch of road, I get to go on with my life.

So get tested and screened for any cancer they test and screen for. The earlier it’s found, the more likely you are to survive. Early detection is the best weapon in any arsenol, and so many people do survive. The survival stories aren’t heard enough, but you need to seek them out. Read them. Hear them. There are millions and millions of survivors. WE ARE HERE.

 

 

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Published on December 29, 2023 16:23