M. Pax's Blog, page 22
June 30, 2023
Dive into a treasure trove of captivating #SciFi and #Fantasy ebooks at irresistible prices! July Smashwords Sale! #booklover
Whether you’re a fan of science fiction, fantasy, or thought-provoking stories, this month-long sale offers something for every reader. Get ready to embark on thrilling adventures, explore new worlds, and lose yourself in the pages of these engaging M. Pax tales.
Here’s a sneak peek at the fantastic M. Pax titles available, both free and at half off, during the Smashwords July Sale!
FREE EBOOKS:The Backworlds – Craze is forced to flee his home planet and navigate a harsh universe filled with bioengineered descendants of humanity. Most of them are cutthroats and thieves. With his father trying to destroy him, Craze must learn to survive and forge a new life in a galaxy of fierce competition and scarce resources.Stopover at the Backworlds’ Edge – In this action-packed sequel to The Backworlds, Craze is determined to seek revenge against his father, but a battleship from the past threatens to shatter the fragile peace with the Foreworlds. With the fate of his world hanging in the balance, Craze must tread carefully or risk losing everything.The Rifters – Daelin Long is starting a new life in the small town of Settler, Oregon after her dream job in New York City comes to an end. The tiny town holds a lot of secrets from its oddly fashioned devices to strange lights in the night sky. And there’s a phantom outlaw committing gruesome murders. Was Daelin’s sister killed? With her sister missing, Daelin doesn’t know who she can trust.The Tumbas – Inside a dome called the Pearl, Rett is selected to be the next tumba master. To keep civilization from ruin, she must bond with her hatchlings and the tumbas must accept her. Triumph is a heartbeat away when the tumbas’ feral ancestors crash in through the dome and kill her golden herd. Can she bond with the wild ones? Or is her dusty red world doomed?Blood is Thicker Than Time – This wrath transcends time. Eleanor and Teri’s souls are caught in a never-ending loop. They are destined to meet in every life and repeat their sins of vengeance and wrath.Plantgirl – The world baffles Ba Rainey and she’s hoping for a miracle. Every day is the same. Bleak and lifeless. Hoping for a change, Ba Rainey puts Miracle Gro in her shoes. Watering her shoes leaves muddy tracks on the floor of the newly remodeled store and gets her called into the new boss’s office. This isn’t the shake-up Ba was working toward.Translations – The many meanings of love. Nora Elliot races to translate the inscriptions on the tomb. The man she loves is locked inside, and only she can save him. This will make him see her. This will make him love her.Small Graces – Grace crash lands on an alien world to discover she’s not alone.Half Off Ebooks:The Backworlds Collection Books 1, 2, and 3 – This box set includes The Backworlds, Stopover at the Backworlds’ Edge, and Boomtown Craze.The Backworlds Collection Books 4, 5, and 6 – This box set includes Beyond the Edge, Worlds on Edge, and Precipice.The Rifters Collection Books 1-3 – This box set includes The Rifters, The Initiate, and The Reader.The Renaissance of Hetty Locklear – After graduating from community college, Hetty Locklear longs for a new life, but finds herself stuck working at a convenience store and daydreaming about being a hero in her favorite role-playing game. When her parents invite her to join them on the Renaissance Faire circuit for the summer, Hetty initially declines until a ghost starts haunting her and a séance warns her of danger. Reluctantly, Hetty goes on the trip, only to stumble upon a bizarre discovery that blends science fiction and fantasy into a great read.Spaceberg – When Spaceberg collides with the outer solar system, it’s up to Nikili Echols, the most decorated first responder in the Sol, to lead the rescue effort. But when she’s forced to team up with her ex-husband to save their daughter and the rest of the solar system, Nikili must overcome both the deadly disaster and her own personal demons. With plenty of humor and heart-pumping action, Spaceberg is a nod to cheesy disaster movies that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
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June 27, 2023
#SciFi Worth Reading: Noor #scifibooks #booklovers
Noor by Nnedi Okorafor was a fabulous treat. With each turn of the page, the story unfolds, revealing layers of mystery and intrigue.
“Noor” introduces us to a world where technology and magic coexist in an uneasy balance. Set in a futuristic African city, the story revolves around the life of the titular character, AO, a young woman with a special ability to see and manipulate the threads of fate. From the very beginning, Okorafor skillfully draws us into AO’s world, a place where ancient traditions intertwine with modernity and where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs.
It begins with AO nursing a broken heart. Her man left her, and she drives to the market to get what she needs to make herself a feast, a feast to forget him. The story starts so ordinary, but it doesn’t stay that way. There was surprise after surprise as the story skillfully unfolds.
I absolutely loved this story and highly recommend it.
Here’s the blurb:
Anwuli Okwudili prefers to be called AO. To her, these initials have always stood for Artificial Organism. AO has never really felt…natural, and that’s putting it lightly. Her parents spent most of the days before she was born praying for her peaceful passing because even in-utero she was “wrong”. But she lived. Then came the car accident years later that disabled her even further. Yet instead of viewing her strange body the way the world views it, as freakish, unnatural, even the work of the devil, AO embraces all that she is: A woman with a ton of major and necessary body augmentations. And then one day she goes to her local market and everything goes wrong.
Once on the run, she meets a Fulani herdsman named DNA and the race against time across the deserts of Northern Nigeria begins. In a world where all things are streamed, everyone is watching the “reckoning of the murderess and the terrorist” and the “saga of the wicked woman and mad man” unfold. This fast-paced, relentless journey of tribe, destiny, body, and the wonderland of technology revels in the fact that the future sometimes isn’t so predictable. Expect the unaccepted.
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June 22, 2023
Exploring the Enchanting Beauty of Devil’s Punch Bowl on the Oregon Coast: Weird and Wonderful Oregon #NaureBeauty #NaturalPhotography
Nestled along the captivating Oregon Coast, Devil’s Punch Bowl is a natural wonder that beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. This picturesque coastal formation, located near the charming town of Otter Rock, offers visitors a mesmerizing blend of rugged cliffs, swirling waters, and dramatic sea caves.
Devil’s Punch Bowl owes its intriguing name to the distinctive geological feature it exhibits. This natural wonder was formed thousands of years ago when the relentless ocean waves eroded the softer rock layers, creating a large hollow bowl-shaped depression in the coastal cliffs. As the waves crash into the bowl, water churns and swirls, producing a fascinating spectacle that has captivated visitors for generations.
As you approach Devil’s Punch Bowl, the panoramic views of the rugged Oregon Coastline will leave you awe-struck. The dramatic cliffs, adorned with vibrant sea grasses and wildflowers, provide a picturesque backdrop for this mesmerizing natural formation. Whether you visit during sunrise, sunset, or under the warm glow of midday, the scenic beauty of Devil’s Punch Bowl is sure to leave an indelible mark on your memories.
Tide Pools and Marine Life:
Exploring the tide pools around Devil’s Punch Bowl unveils an enchanting world of marine life. During low tide, the exposed rocks and pools teem with colorful sea anemones, starfish, crabs, and a plethora of other captivating creatures. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and provides a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating organisms up close. Remember to tread carefully and respect the fragile ecosystems when exploring these delicate tide pool habitats.
A trip to Devil’s Punch Bowl on the Oregon Coast is a truly remarkable experience that combines natural beauty, geological wonder, and a sense of awe-inspiring adventure. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a lover of marine life, or simply someone seeking solace amidst the wonders of nature, this captivating coastal destination has something for everyone. The rugged cliffs, swirling waters, and enchanting sea caves all weave together to create an unforgettable tapestry of Oregon’s coastal charm. So, plan your visit to Devil’s Punch Bowl, and prepare to be swept away by the majesty of this natural treasure.
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June 19, 2023
#Dystopian Worth Reading: Appleseed #BookReview #scifi #fantasy
Appleseed by Matt Bell is a beautifully written and highly original work that explores themes of power, survival, and redemption. The novel follows the life of a man named John Chapman, who becomes known as “Johnny Appleseed” for his efforts to plant apple orchards across the Midwest in the 19th century. The story follows his many reincarnations, and I find myself still thinking about this book.
Bell’s writing is exquisite, painting vivid and captivating images of both the natural world and the human condition. His imaginative use of language creates a rich and immersive experience for the reader. Additionally, the book is structured in a unique and innovative way, using a non-linear narrative that jumps back and forth in time to explore the various facets of John Chapman’s life.
While the book’s originality and writing are its strengths, it is also fair to note that the novel can feel long-winded at times. But, overall Appleseed is an impressive and ambitious work that showcases Bell’s talent for storytelling and mastery of language. It is a recommended read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and beautifully written exploration of the American frontier and the myth of the American dream.
Here’s the blurb:
A “breathtaking novel of ideas unlike anything you’ve ever read” (Esquire) from Young Lions Fiction Award–finalist Matt Bell, a breakout book that explores climate change, manifest destiny, humanity’s unchecked exploitation of natural resources, and the small but powerful magic contained within every single apple.
In eighteenth-century Ohio, two brothers travel into the wooded frontier, planting apple orchards from which they plan to profit in the years to come. As they remake the wilderness in their own image, planning for a future of settlement and civilization, the long-held bonds and secrets between the two will be tested, fractured and broken—and possibly healed.
Fifty years from now, in the second half of the twenty-first century, climate change has ravaged the Earth. Having invested early in genetic engineering and food science, one company now owns all the world’s resources. But a growing resistance is working to redistribute both land and power—and in a pivotal moment for the future of humanity, one of the company’s original founders will return to headquarters, intending to destroy what he helped build.
A thousand years in the future, North America is covered by a massive sheet of ice. One lonely sentient being inhabits a tech station on top of the glacier—and in a daring and seemingly impossible quest, sets out to follow a homing beacon across the continent in the hopes of discovering the last remnant of civilization.
Hugely ambitious in scope and theme, Appleseed is the breakout novel from a writer “as self-assured as he is audacious” (NPR) who “may well have invented the pulse-pounding novel of ideas” (Jess Walter). Part speculative epic, part tech thriller, part reinvented fairy tale, Appleseed is an unforgettable meditation on climate change; corporate, civic, and familial responsibility; manifest destiny; and the myths and legends that sustain us all.
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June 13, 2023
The Neighbors: Streaming #MovieReview #scifi #sciencefiction #comedy
The Neighbors is a charming and enjoyable TV series that blends science fiction and comedy in a unique and entertaining way. The show centers around a family that moves to a seemingly normal suburb, only to discover that their neighbors are actually aliens from another planet.
Despite the initial culture shock, the human and alien characters soon develop a close bond, leading to plenty of comedic moments as they navigate their differences and learn from each other. The humor is lighthearted and often silly, making it a great choice for viewers who want a show that’s easy to watch and will make them laugh.
One of the strengths of The Neighbors is its cast, which includes a number of talented actors who bring their characters to life in a fun and engaging way. The show also benefits from strong writing and a willingness to take risks with its storytelling, resulting in a series that feels fresh and original.
Overall, The Neighbors is a fun and entertaining TV series that is well worth a watch. Its blend of science fiction and comedy is unique, and the show’s humor and heart make it a great choice for viewers who want to watch something that’s both funny and heartfelt. It’s currently streaming on Hulu and beer is optional to have fun watching.
Here’s the trailer:
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June 9, 2023
Discover New Worlds with These Exciting Book Promotions! #scifibooks #sciencefiction #audiobooks
If you’re searching for thrilling adventures, captivating characters, and imaginative worlds, look no further. We have curated a collection of three incredible book promotions that will transport you to the realms of science fiction, fantasy, and beyond. Whether you’re seeking epic sagas, enchanting tales, or pulse-pounding action, these promotions offer a plethora of options to satisfy your literary cravings. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey through the pages of these remarkable books. Let’s dive in!
Immerse yourself in the realm of science fiction, fantasy, and horror with the SFFH Mega Sale! This promotion brings together a wide array of books from talented authors in these genres. Explore otherworldly civilizations, magical realms, and spine-chilling horrors that will keep you turning the pages long into the night. From epic space operas to mythical quests, this sale has it all. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover new authors and indulge in your favorite genres.
Prepare to be enchanted by the melodic tales of the Sound of Stories – June Promotion! Grab up some great audiobooks!
Calling all fantasy and science fiction enthusiasts! Get ready to embark on epic journeys with this Barnes & Noble promotion. This carefully curated selection offers FREE books in exciting series, allowing you to dive headfirst into new worlds without spending a dime. From sword-wielding heroes battling dark forces to futuristic societies grappling with technological advancements, these books will transport you to realms filled with wonder and adventure. Discover new authors and series that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment.
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June 5, 2023
Craze: The Unlikely Hero of the Backworlds Series #scifibooks #spaceopera #sciencefiction
In the vast expanse of the bestselling Backworlds series, where galaxies collide and destinies are forged, there exists a remarkable protagonist named Craze. Despite his desire to remain behind his bar and have the best watering hole in the galaxy, circumstances continuously conspire against him, thrusting him into the role of an unexpected hero.
Craze’s physical appearance may be big and burly, but beneath that rugged exterior lies a heart that beats with compassion and empathy. He can’t say know to a woman with a sob story. Even when they betray him, he has a hard time leaving them out in the cold.
The Reluctant Hero:At the core of Craze’s aspirations lies the simple desire to remain behind his bar, overseeing the best drinking establishment in the galaxy. However, the vastness of the universe has other plans for him. Uncover the moments when external forces disrupt his idyllic life, compelling him to rise to the occasion and take on the role of an unexpected hero. Witness his inner struggle as he reconciles his desire for a peaceful existence with the call to be a champion for justice.
Negotiating Alliances and Beyond:Craze’s journey takes him beyond the confines of his bar, propelling him into the realm of diplomacy and leadership. The Backworlds Assembled Authorities convince him he’s the only one who can forge an alliance with the Fo’wos. Many of his friends hate him for it, but it does it. Someone has to look out for the greater good, and Craze knows no one else will step up. Follow Craze’s transformation from a humble bar owner to a figure of influence in the galaxy, and witness the burdens and sacrifices he must bear.
The War Against Living Alien Ships:The alliance was to help with a formidable alien enemy. However, no one believes the enemy is coming, forcing Craze to take the lead. Craze finds himself thrust into a war against formidable living alien ships that relentlessly seek to annihilate every planet and race in their path. On the front lines, his comrades elect him as general and he leads the charge against this formidable threat. Uncover the courage and determination that drive him to fight for the survival of civilizations, even as he longs for the tranquility of his bar.
The Power of Friendship:Amidst the chaos and trials, Craze’s unwavering friendships form a crucial support system. Explore the bonds he shares with his friends and witness the strength of their camaraderie as they face the challenges of the galaxy together. Discover the solace and joy that Craze finds in their company, even as he battles against the forces that threaten to disrupt their lives.
The Backworlds series showcases the remarkable journey of Craze, reminding us that sometimes, destiny has other plans for us, and true heroism lies within unexpected souls. Start your journey!
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May 31, 2023
Unleash Your Galactic Adventure: Grab Your Free Ebook from the Best-selling Science Fiction Series, Stopover at the Backworld’s Edge #scifibooks #Kindle #Kobo #Nook #iBook #GooglePlay More #Giveaway
In the vast realm of science fiction, where galaxies collide and destinies are shaped, there lies a gripping tale of revenge, fragile peace, and the pursuit of justice. “Stopover at the Backworld’s Edge” by M. Pax is a captivating sequel to “The Backworlds,” and this action-packed adventure is available for free in ebook format across all major online retailers. That’s right FREE!
Join Craze on his quest for revenge against his father, while dealing with the treacherous travelers aboard a battleship that shouldn’t be around. The war with the Fo’wo’s ended a generation ago.
The Quest for Revenge:Craze, our tenacious hero, finds himself on a desolate moon, devoid of hope and prospects. However, his burning desire for revenge against his father keeps his spirit alive. Despite his relentless pursuit, Craze faces incredible obstacles along the way.
A Battleship from the Past:In an unexpected turn of events, an interstellar portal opens, revealing a battleship that should have faded into history. The appearance of this formidable vessel introduces a new dimension of danger and uncertainty. What havoc will it dump on Craze’s world?
The Fragile Peace of the Foreworlds:While Craze seeks vengeance, he must tread cautiously, mindful of the delicate balance of peace that exists between worlds. Can he unravel the intricate web of alliances and treaties that shape the Foreworlds, and understand the stakes involved? One wrong move could bring about disastrous consequences for Craze and his companions.
The High Price of Vengeance:Will the pursuit of vengeance lead to Craze’s downfall, or will he find redemption amidst the chaos?
The Power of Friendship:Amidst the turmoil and danger, Craze finds solace and strength in the bonds he forms with his friends. Will some bonds snap and never recover?
Get Your FREE Copy NowDon’t miss this opportunity to embark on a galactic adventure and experience the captivating story of Craze and his quest for justice. With the ebook available for free at all major retailers, now is the perfect time to delve into the Backworlds and discover the secrets that lie at the edge of the universe.
space opera book series – Available at all etailers
space opera book series… Shopping direct from me really helps me make a living as an author, so thank you. Sign up for my newsletter for coupon codes to my store. You can also find my books at your favorite online bookstore.
Amazon Links: US / UK / CA / AU / DE / FR / ES / IT / NL / JP / BR / MX / IN
The post Unleash Your Galactic Adventure: Grab Your Free Ebook from the Best-selling Science Fiction Series, Stopover at the Backworld’s Edge #scifibooks #Kindle #Kobo #Nook #iBook #GooglePlay More #Giveaway appeared first on M. Pax.
May 24, 2023
#Fantasy Worth Reading: The Invisible Library #BookReview
The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman is a delightful cozy mystery fantasy. Cozy fantasy is my favorite genre of fantasy.
Irene is a Librarian who works for a mysterious organization called the Library. Her job is to travel to different worlds and collect rare books for the Library’s collection. Along the way, she teams up with a dashing apprentice named Kai for a mission to a very chaotic world. Chaos worlds are rife with fantastical creatures such as fae and vampires.
The concept of a library that exists outside of time and space, with the ability to travel to alternate worlds, is both intriguing and highly imaginative. The author does an excellent job of fleshing out the details from the different factions within the Library to the various magical creatures that inhabit the alternate worlds.
The characters in The Invisible Library are fabulously fun. Irene is strong and resourceful and is both competent and likable. Kai, her apprentice, provides a perfect complement for her, with his devil-may-care attitude and penchant for trouble. The relationship between the two is well-developed and provides a solid emotional anchor for the story.
The plot is well-paced and kept me engaged throughout. The mystery at the heart of the story is juicy, and the various twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. The balance between action and exposition is wonderful.
Highly recommended! And, there are lots more books in this series. If you like the Thursday Next novels, you’ll enjoy this one. Here’s the blurb:
Irene is a professional spy for the mysterious Library, a shadowy organization that collects important works of fiction from all of the different realities. Most recently, she and her enigmatic assistant Kai have been sent to an alternative London. Their mission: Retrieve a particularly dangerous book. The problem: By the time they arrive, it’s already been stolen.
London’s underground factions are prepared to fight to the death to find the tome before Irene and Kai do, a problem compounded by the fact that this world is chaos-infested—the laws of nature bent to allow supernatural creatures and unpredictable magic to run rampant. To make matters worse, Kai is hiding something—secrets that could be just as volatile as the chaos-filled world itself.
Now Irene is caught in a puzzling web of deadly danger, conflicting clues, and sinister secret societies. And failure is not an option—because it isn’t just Irene’s reputation at stake, it’s the nature of reality itself…
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May 19, 2023
The Space Between Us: #MovieReview #scifi #sciencefiction
The Space Between Us starts off with an interesting premise, following the journey of the first human born on Mars as he travels to Earth in search of his father and experiences life outside of his Martian colony for the first time. However, the film quickly becomes bogged down by implausible plot points and a lackluster storyline.
One major issue is the premise itself, which requires a suspension of disbelief. The idea of a pregnant astronaut being allowed to go on a mission to Mars is realistically inaccurate. Astronauts are carefully monitored for health before being launched into space. I doubt a pregnancy would have slipped past the doctors. Whatev. We get to space and she has the baby. Of course, she dies in childbirth. Sorry, for that spoiler, but it’s not that interesting of a plot point. The child being raised on Mars is interesting. So we had to get through that absurdity to something interesting.
The kid, of course, wants to go to Earth. He’s a teenager now. Here, they stayed true to science. Mars has lower gravity, so he can’t go to Earth without dying. But eventually, they find a way to make a trip possible.
While the story briefly picks up once the protagonist, Gardner, arrives on Earth, it quickly becomes tedious as he and his love interest spend an excessive amount of time on the run from authorities. The film’s pacing suffers as a result, with long stretches of the movie feeling drawn out and unengaging.
Overall, while The Space Between Us may be of interest to fans of sci-fi romance films, it falls short in terms of logic and storytelling. It’s very predictable. Viewers who are willing to overlook its flaws may enjoy the film’s optimistic message about the power of human connection, but others may find themselves fast-forwarding through large parts of the movie like we did. The ending was satisfying. So, I’ll give it that. Still, it may take more than 3 beers to enjoy this one. The Husband Unit pretty much hated it, and even I got tired of it. Some crazy dance numbers would have helped… or land sharks… or dinosaurs eating people… maniacal robots… giant insects… a shorter sagging middle.. a few twists and turns… more logic… more time in space. Currently streaming on Netflix.
Okay, I probably didn’t make this sound appealing, but here’s the trailer:
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