M. Pax's Blog, page 20

Fantasy Worth Reading: The Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking #BookReview #fantasybooks #booklovers

The Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher is a delightful and enchanting novel that blends the genres of fantasy and mystery to create a unique and engaging story. The novel centers around the life of fourteen-year-old baker Mona, who has an insignificant magic ability to influence dough, and a sourdough starter familiar named Bob.

The novel takes place in the charming and whimsical world of Riverbraid.  Some folks, but not many, are magical. The magical talent a wizard has is often very narrow in scope and is often very minor. What makes Riverbraid different from the neighboring city-states is that it leaves magic folk alone and blends them into normal society.

This changes very quickly when Mona arrives at the bakery one morning and finds a dead body. What’s more alarming is she’s arrested for the crime and dragged in front of the duchess for trial. From there the story keeps building and twisting until Mona has no choice but to fight back.

Turns out, she’s the last wizard left as a hostile army gathers outside the city walls. But what can she and her little talent with dough do against an army of men who enjoy killing and destroying? This is the jewel of the novel – being creative enough to turn the insignificant into something formidable and mighty.

This was a fun read. The characters are well-developed and endearing, with Mona serving as a relatable and lovable protagonist. The supporting cast, including an animated gingerbread cookie, a woman who can bring dead horses back to life, and a young thief, add charm and depth.

The plot is fast-paced, and at its heart, The Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking is a story about resilience and courage in the face of adversity. Mona faces numerous obstacles and dangers as she tries to protect her town. She overcomes them all with some sage advice from more experienced wizards and a lot of encouragement. Besides, there’s no one else.

Here’s the blurb:

Fourteen-year-old Mona isn’t like the wizards charged with defending the city. She can’t control lightning or speak to water. Her familiar is a sourdough starter and her magic only works on bread. She has a comfortable life in her aunt’s bakery making gingerbread men dance.

But Mona’s life is turned upside down when she finds a dead body on the bakery floor. An assassin is stalking the streets of Mona’s city, preying on magic folk, and it appears that Mona is his next target. And in an embattled city suddenly bereft of wizards, the assassin may be the least of Mona’s worries…

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Earl Blacke: A Complex Journey of Redemption in the Rifters Series #fantasy #Booktwitter #steampunk

In the richly woven tapestry of the Rifters series, a character of enigmatic depth and haunting past emerges — Earl Blacke. As integral to the narrative as the protagonist Daelin Long, Earl’s story unveils a complex journey of redemption, atonement, and the ties that bind past and present.

Earl Blacke’s Twisted Past

Earl’s tale begins not in the present day, but in the year 1888, when he traversed the rift and emerged in the present as a man who defied time itself. In his former life, Earl was notorious — the infamous outlaw known as Black Bart. His reputation as a cunning and audacious criminal painted a picture of a man who reveled in chaos.

The Struggle for Redemption

Earl’s transition from a 70-year-old outlaw in 1888 to a rejuvenated 30-year-old in the present brings with it a profound desire to atone for his past. One of the most poignant threads in Earl’s story is his attempt to reconcile with the family he left behind, his wife and daughters. Among their descendants is Charming Moon Knight, a pivotal character in the Rifters series and Daelin Long’s missing sister. Earl’s connection to Charming goes beyond bloodlines — it’s a chance for him to make amends and find the family he lost. However, the intricate interplay of fate and legacy is fraught with complications.

Unveiling Deeper Truths

Earl’s journey towards redemption takes a compelling turn as he finds himself linked to the rift. His actions are guided not only by his personal quest for redemption but also by a higher purpose. A mysterious being from the rift utilizes Earl as a reluctant warrior, enlisting his aid to fend off the encroaching forces of evil that threaten to engulf the world.

Earl’s Evolution in the Modern Era

In a world where past and present collide, Earl Blacke’s journey is a testament to the power of redemption, the complexities of morality, and the unbreakable threads of family and lineage. The Rifters series weaves a story that challenges perceptions and definitions.

To find out more about Earl and his struggles, start with the first book in the series, The Rifters. The Rifters eBook is FREE at all retailers.

Rifters              BUY DIRECT

The Rifters is also available in audio.

Audiobook: Not of this Earth Bookshop / GooglePlay

Listen to an Audio Sample

 

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Ger your eReader Ready for September Adventures! #freebooks #BookTwitter #scifi #fantasy #sciencefiction

Are you ready for a September filled with thrilling escapades, heart-pounding action, and mind-bending fantasy? Here’s an array of incredible eBooks that will transport you to worlds of action, adventure, and imagination.

FREE ADVENTURE

September brings a whirlwind of free action and adventure eBooks that are guaranteed to keep you happy. From daring heists and high-stakes chases to epic battles and pulse-pounding exploits, this collection of stories that will satisfy even the most adrenaline-hungry reader.

FREE ADVENTURE

 

MORE ADVENTURE

Adventure Awaits features a selection of gripping adventure books at bargain prices. Join intrepid explorers, cunning detectives, and daring wanderers as they navigate treacherous landscapes and uncover hidden secrets. Make September unforgettable with these wallet-friendly adventure reads!

ADVENTURE AWAITS

FREE SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY

Transport yourself to galaxies far away, realms of magic, and futures beyond imagination. The best part? These captivating eBooks are absolutely free, offering you a chance to explore new worlds without leaving your cozy reading nook.

FREE SFF

 

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FREE Novel – Escape from Doka: A Backworlds Adventure, The Epic Beginning of Talos and Lepsi #scifi #sciencefiction #booktwitter #freebooks

Coming soon! A new novel set in the best-selling space opera series, The Backworlds, is on the way. Escape from Doka features fan favorites Lepsi and Talos. The best part is this new adventure is FREE!

 

Get ready for a new adventure in the Backworlds.

This novel adds to the story of the beloved characters, Lepsi and Talos, and begins on the planet Doka before our heroes meet. Lepsi struggles with the cruelty he suffers from his father and brother. He yearns for freedom, but he can’t get past dreaming to planning. It’s a fantasy he thinks will never happen.

Talos loses his mother and his sense of purpose. He wants nothing more than to get away from the grief and poverty that haunts him. But, he gave away his shoes to a gal who got a job on Elstwhere. She couldn’t board the transport without shoes, and Talos wanted at least part of him to get off the planet. He begs for a chip to buy a new pair so that he can find work to earn fare on a passenger transport.

A chance arrives…

A massive cargo ship arrives and is in need of more crew. It’s leaflets beg for hire-ons and get noticed by both Lepsi and Talos, who eagerly make their plans to leave Doka. It’s easier to escape for Talos. Talos has no one to answer to and no one who will miss him. Lepsi’s absence would be noticed, and Lepsi’s father swears to hunt him down if he ever leaves. To get hired onto the cargo transport, Lepsi and Talos need each other.

Both intend to stay on the ship for a long time, taking advantage of what it has to offer. However, Talos gets too ambitious and gets involved in smuggling. This lands him in a heap of trouble with some pirates.

Lepsi’s father follows the ship to the next port, haunting the docks with his lordly attitude and demanding the return of his son. He garners sympathy from strangers, which makes other members of the crew nervous. They can’t chance their pasts yanking them home, so abandon the ship in droves.

Talos and Lepsi end up kicked off the crew.

Scrambling to Escape…

Left with meager resources, Lepsi and Talos have to scrounge for the means to make their way in the Backworlds. They encounter unscrupulous captains, cutthroat Backworlders, more pirates, the authorities, and prison while trying to realize their dreams. Will they make it?

This Novel is FREE

Escape from Doka: A Backworlds Adventure will be given to everyone in the M. Pax Dimension at the beginning of December, and it will only be available to members of the M. Pax Dimension. It won’t be sold in stores. Don’t miss out! If you haven’t yet joined the M. Pax Dimension, get signed up now! Oh, and the full cover will be revealed shortly.

GET YOUR FREE BOOK

 

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Unraveling the Mysteries of Pictograph Cave #NaturePhotography #NatureBeauty #Petroglyphs

Hidden amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Bend, Oregon, lies the treasure of ancient history and art – the Pictograph Cave. It’s east of Bend between China Hat and Pine Mountain in the lonely plains of the high desert.

The Trail

There’s no easy way to get there. It’s a 3.4-mile round-trip trek through the desert, longer as you’re sure to have some issues finding your way there and back. There is no clearly marked trail, and you’re often traipsing through the desert using landmarks and the compass on your phone for help. The day we went, it was very smokey. Boo for forest fires! If you go, be sure to wear socks. The flora have lots of stickers and prickers. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to wear those shoes again. There are still things poking me when I put them on.

Protecting the Past

It’s dry and dusty, so bring lots of water.  The reason the cave is pretty well hidden is to protect it from vandals. Some a$$hats defaced a cave that is easier to access and ruined it for everyone. I’m all for protecting this cave. There’s a lot to study and learn.

Evidence of Ancient Tool Making

That’s Pine Mountain in the distance. I ‘m usually driving past this part of the desert, not walking through it.  One of the cool things is, there are pieces of obsidian everywhere – remnants of toolmaking. The natives seemed to have used this area quite a bit for there to be so much obsidian lying around. This evidence of the past you can witness without finding the cave.

Watch Your Step!

Besides being on the lookout for snakes and roots trying to trip you, you have to be aware of sudden holes in the earth that want to swallow you up. This drop would have ended the hike in tragedy. And, you’re pretty much out there on your own. We didn’t see anybody else anywhere on the trails or parked on the dirt path leading to the walking path.

Closed for Bats

Be aware that the cave, and every cave in the area, is closed for bat hibernation between October 1st and April 30th. You have to respect nature and all its creatures.

And the entrance to the cave is rather treacherous. It involves climbing and is not easy. You should have at least one other person with you for safety. There are some hand and foot holds, but you have to be into rock climbing.

Once you make it to the cave, and then down into the cave, you’ll be rewarded with ancient rock art.

The Magnificent Rock Art

The intricate and vibrant pictographs tell stories of a bygone era, capturing the creativity and ingenuity of the early inhabitants. The cave’s walls showcase a diverse array of artwork, including depictions of wildlife, human figures, celestial objects, and abstract symbols. The drawings span over time and are thousands of years old. There isn’t any information on what they mean, but it’s humbling to stand where ancient humans did thousands of years ago and try to figure out what had stirred them to paint the images they did on the cave walls. I monkeyed with the photos to make the drawings more clear.

A Trek of Discovery

Visiting Pictograph Cave in Bend, Oregon, offers a unique opportunity. Walking in the footsteps of ancient civilizations, you can imagine what life might have been like in prehistoric times. The cave’s aura of mystery and the palpable connection to the past create an unforgettable experience, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the richness of human history.

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#SciFi Worth Reading: Chilling Effect #BookReview #scifibooks

Chilling Effect strikes a perfect balance between heart-pounding action and laugh-out-loud humor. Valdes keeps the pace energetic, with gripping space battles, daring escapes, and high-stakes encounters that kept me flipping the pages. This book is also infused with clever banter, witty dialogue, and humorous situations that bring levity and charm.

The story centers around Captain Eva Innocente, the fearless and quick-witted protagonist at the helm of the spaceship La Sirena Negra. Eva’s life is anything but ordinary as she navigates the cosmos, undertaking perilous missions and facing unexpected encounters. Valdes injects the narrative with a sense of joy and fun, effortlessly blending elements of adventure, comedy, and a touch of romance.

One of the highlights lies in its cast of colorful and diverse characters. From the eclectic crew of La Sirena Negra to the quirky beings they encounter in their travels, Valdes has created a rich tapestry of personalities. Each character feels distinct, with their own unique quirks, motivations, and backstories.

Chilling Effect is an absolute delight and a recommended read. There is so much action in this novel, it could be a series on its own. Here’s the blurb:

Captain Eva Innocente and the crew of La Sirena Negra cruise the galaxy delivering small cargo for even smaller profits. When her sister Mari is kidnapped by The Fridge, a shadowy syndicate that holds people hostage in cryostasis, Eva must undergo a series of unpleasant, dangerous missions to pay the ransom.

But Eva may lose her mind before she can raise the money. The ship’s hold is full of psychic cats, an amorous fish-faced emperor wants her dead after she rejects his advances, and her sweet engineer is giving her a pesky case of feelings. The worse things get, the more she lies, raising suspicions and testing her loyalty to her found family.

To free her sister, Eva will risk everything: her crew, her ship, and the life she’s built on the ashes of her past misdeeds. But when the dominoes start to fall and she finds the real threat is greater than she imagined, she must decide whether to play it cool or burn it all down.

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Rampage was a Spectacular Thrill Ride #Scifi #MovieReview

I found this gem on Hulu. How did I not know of Rampage before it was streaming? It has giant creatures. I love giant creature movies.

Rampage, starring the charismatic Dwayne Johnson, is a thrilling creature feature that delivers exactly what fans of giant monster movies crave. Packed with jaw-dropping action, impressive visual effects, and a touch of humor, Rampage embarks on a high-stakes battle between a gigantic gorilla, a gigantic wolf, and a gigantic… (I’ll leave that a surprise like the movie did) and humanity.

Davis Okoye (Dwayne Johnson), a primatologist has a remarkable bond with a gentle albino gorilla named George. When a genetic experiment goes awry, George, along with other animals, is transformed into something enormous and highly destructive. Yay! Although, I felt a bit bad for George. Davis, teaming up with a brilliant genetic engineer named Kate Caldwell (Naomie Harris), races against time to save George and prevent the catastrophic consequences of these rampaging beasts.

Destruction and mayhem, and the creatures did many surprising and fun things. Yay! No singing or dancing, but there were jokes and heartfelt moments. Lots of things eaten and ruined by the beasts. Yay!

If you love this genre, treat yourself to this movie. I highly recommend it, and beer is optional to enjoy it.

 

Here’s the trailer:

 

 

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Fantasy Worth Reading: The London Seance Society #BookReview #fantasybooks #Booklovers

The London Seance Society by Sarah Penner was a fast-paced story full of twists and turns. And ghosts! It is a story of very few characters, but they are all excellently written and relatable.

Penner’s writing style is atmospheric and evocative, which immersed me deep into the world of seances in 1873.  Lenna Wickes is apprenticing with the experienced and renowned Parisian medium, Vaudeline D’Allaire. Vaudeline is the same medium Lenna’s sister was learning from when she was murdered. Lenna doesn’t believe in ghosts or seances or any of what she considers ‘nonsense’, but she’ll do what she has to, to find out what happened to her sister.

Meanwhile, in London, Mr. Morley is struggling to keep the London Seance Society going after the society’s leader, Mr. Wolckman, was murdered. Morley decides the best course of action is to invite Vaudeline to London and have her conduct a seance to find the murderer of Mr. Wolckman. The society and London are froth with dangers and Vaudeline won’t go unless Morley ensures her safety. Mr. Morley is willing to do what he has to.

The mysteries and facts of the murders have layers that slowly reveal the shocking truth.

After a slow start (which is only the first chapter really), this story quickly morphs into a splendid page-turner with a very satisfying end to the bad guys. I would recommend this speculative fiction treasure, which seamlessly blends the genres of magical realism, mystery, historical, and paranormal. I liked this book so much, I went and looked up what else Sarah Penner wrote. She only has one other book – The Lost Apothecary -which is also a gem. I look forward to her next release.

Here’s the blurb:

1873. At an abandoned château on the outskirts of Paris, a dark séance is about to take place, led by acclaimed spiritualist Vaudeline D’Allaire. Known worldwide for her talent in conjuring the spirits of murder victims to ascertain the identities of the people who killed them, she is highly sought after by widows and investigators alike.

Lenna Wickes has come to Paris to find answers about her sister’s death, but to do so, she must embrace the unknown and overcome her own logic-driven bias against the occult. When Vaudeline is beckoned to England to solve a high-profile murder, Lenna accompanies her as an understudy. With shared determination, the women find companionship that perhaps borders on something more. And as they team up with the powerful men of London’s exclusive Séance Society to solve the mystery, they begin to suspect that they are not merely out to solve a crime, but perhaps entangled in one themselves…

 

 

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Embark on an Epic Adventure with The Backworlds Poster Packs! #scifi #sciencefiction

Are you ready to delve into the vast and captivating universe of The Backworlds series? It’s a space opera adventure with bioengineered descendants, fierce competition, and unlikely heroes. If you’re a fan of the series, treat yourself to the Backworlds Poster Packs, which include vibrant scenes and characters from the series.

In the Backworlds, Craze embarks on an incredible adventure that will shape his destiny. Banished from his home planet, he must navigate the treacherous planets at the edge of the Backworlds, evading cutthroats, pirates, and thieves. Craze’s transforms from an ordinary individual to an unlikely hero as he rises to the challenges thrown his way and discovers who he truly is.

Each poster set contains 10 images, which are a mix of stunning scenes and portraits.

Poster Pack 1 includes: Craze, Lepsi, Talos, Dactyl, Rainly, Pardeep Station, Pauder, Doc, Meelo, and Wonder Ricklits.

Poster Pack 2 includes: Captain Kaesare, Pardeep in its heyday, Sanjy Strom, a battle scene, the Seuk lab, Xior, another battle scene, Dauffer, Captain Kaesare’s freighter, and Lepsi’s return to Pardeep Station after the war.

Make the Backworlds come alive with original artwork!

POSTERS

 

 

 

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My Cancer is Dead! #cancer #cancersurvivor #MPaxDimension

The best news ever! My cancer is dead!

I had my surgery last Thursday and am recovering quite well. I’m still sore, but otherwise okay. The surgeon called this morning to say that the pathology shows no residual cancer. That means chemo did its job and killed it. Yaaaay!! Thank the universe I didn’t go through the torment of chemo for nothing!

I know, there are lots of exclamation points in this post. When else am I to use them? Certainly finding out my cancer is dead is a reason to use thousands of them!!!

I still have radiation and have to get the port removed, but it’s a relief to know there’s no longer cancer inside me trying to kill me. My long, dark, and overwhelming tunnel has a light at the end of it. Woo hoo!!!!

MY CANCER IS DEAD!!! MY CANCER IS DEAD!!!

 

 

 

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