M. Pax's Blog, page 28
September 19, 2022
#SciFi Worth Reading: The Silver Ship and the Sea #BookReview
The Silver Ship and the Sea
by Brenda Cooper
This story soon had me so engrossed, that I had to keep reading until the last page. The world and characters were rich and complex and so imaginative. This alien planet became something I experienced through action, drama, and description. There was fear, tension, and excitement.
In the story, most humans have been augmented through bio-engineering to be improved. A ship full of regular, nonaugmented, humans settle on the planet of Fremont where they want to live without any of the trappings of modern humans. Things go according to plan… for a while.
Until a ship of modified humans arrives. Soon there is a culture clash that leads to war. These events happen before the story starts. The story begins shortly after. The modified people left behind six children, who essentially become prisoners of war of the colony. The children have extraordinary abilities. Some are treated with love; some not so much.
Inevitably, as the children grow and realize their predicament, things come to a boiling point again. Well-developed, solid storytelling, don’t miss out on this great novel.
I really need to read the next book in this series. Brenda Cooper has oodles of talent and tells a fabulous story woven with wonder, humanity, and questions we must all answer for ourselves.
Prisoners of a war they barely remember, Fremont’s Children must find a way to survive in a world that abhors their very nature. Or they must discover a way to leave it…
Brenda Cooper’s Fremont’s Children series launches with her award-winning novel The Silver Ship and the Sea. Cooper explores what it means to be so different that others feel they must oppress you.
Six genetically enhanced children are stranded on the colony planet Fremont in a war between genetic purists and those that would tinker with the code. Orphaned, the children have few remnants of their heritage other than an old woman who was left for abandoned at the end of the war, and a mysterious silver ship that appears to have no doors.
To keep themselves alive, the children must leave the safety of the insular community and brave the beautiful but dangerous wilds of Fremont. Is it an echo of their own natures, or a proving ground of their genetic worth?
In this battle of wills and principles, what does the future hold for Fremont’s Children?
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September 12, 2022
Killers From Space: #SciFi #MovieReview
Scarier than killer aliens were the opening scenes of actual atomic bomb tests. Real stuff. People sitting outside with nothing but protective goggles. Yikes!
Not long after the detonation, there’s a spooky flash. Oh no, the plane is crashing. However, they merely turned the image sideways, as the clouds are vertical.
Doctor Martin is dead. Noo! Never fear! He’s not quite dead yet. He shows up on the street, staggering, barely standing. Yet he has enough strength to check the mail before ambling over to the military base. Mail was uber important back then and especially after surviving a horrific crash.
You look healthy except for that scar on your chest, Dr. Martin.
As it turns out, and we shouldn’t be surprised, Dr. Martin was abducted by aliens.
The aliens travel via an electron bridge. I thought that idea pretty cool. Their planet, Astron Delta, is dying. Their sun went out and they need a new home. Guess what? Earth is it!
Dr. Martin frantically tries to leave the cavern. But it’s guarded by giant spiders. I guess killer aliens weren’t scary enough. There are also giant bugs and lizards. Darn those atomic bombs! A lot of time was spent gawking at ‘giant’ creatures. This made the aliens laugh. Hmm, we share that sense of humor.
The giant creatures will be the army for the aliens. Double darn those atomic bombs! And, no one believes Dr. Martin. They think he’s batsh*t crazy. It doesn’t help that he’s running around in his pajamas. Can Doug stop the alien invasion and save the day? Well, you’ll have to watch.
Here’s the trailer:
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It was more on the entertaining side than boring, but there was no dancing. Bummer. I did really like the electron bridge and the goofy-looking aliens. So, I give this a 2 beer rating. Yeah, you’ll need more than one.
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September 5, 2022
September Steals and Deals on #scifi and #fantasy books
It’s back to fantasy month! School your imagination with science fiction and fantasy adventures!
FEATURED READ (AND IT’S FREE):
What price would you pay to have it all? What would you be willing to forget? Astro-miner Taven Smith is on his final day of a long tour of duty in the Belt. He’s looking forward to an early payload bonus and returning home to Earth. But when a stray chunk of asteroid smashes into the Hudson, a hidden ship, his hopes are dashed. Taven boards the vessel after all attempts to contact it fail. He soon finds himself lost in a dizzying maze of computer-generated simulated worlds. Taven’s mind-bending odyssey quickly turns into a race against time as he learns of the Hudson’s headlong path toward destruction. After rescuing the construct’s inhabitants proves next to impossible, Taven is left with one simple wish: Getting out alive!
Available at Amazon / Apple / GooglePlay REBEL
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September 1, 2022
Not of this Earth Bookshop Grand Reopening Sale! #scifi #fantasy #steampunk
To celebrate, there is a month-long sale: 30% off any ebook, 20% off any audiobook. and 15% off any print book in the shop. This includes my best-selling science fiction and popular steampunk / fantasy books.
Promo Code GOEBK304
Promo Code GRROADO20
Promo Code GROPBLP384715
Includes paperback, large print paperbacks, and hardcover
Discounts will be automatically taken at checkout.
Why buy from me? If you buy direct, I get paid within hours rather than months, which helps me write more books. The big retailers are great and I love working with them (you can find my books at all of them), but it’s becoming harder to be seen. My direct store allows me to feature my products without having to compete with anyone else for your notice.
There’s also a 30-day guarantee on any purchase.
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August 28, 2022
Lake Placid: #scifi #MovieReview
At a lake in Maine, roams a creature with a huge appetite and an enormous bite! I love my creature movies, and Lake Placid didn’t disappoint. I’m surprised I hadn’t seen it before.
Don’t expect any major character arcs or drama besides the mega crocodile eating people. Betty White’s character offers a few chuckles. I think they missed an opportunity not making her part bigger.
Pieces of this movie really don’t make sense. But I don’t require that as long as it’s fun. It’s not scary and, there could have been a lot more crocodile. It could have eaten more people. However, it wasn’t boring, and it left the door wide open for the ensuing sequels.
Because there was a human-munching creature and a mention of dinosaurs, and because it didn’t bore me, I give Lake Placid a 1 beer rating. One is enough to have a fun time, especially if you don’t set your expectations too high. It’s a creature movie. It’s going to eat people. If you like that, you’ll be happy.
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August 22, 2022
Outsystem 10 Year Anniversary Special Edition! Kick-ass Science Fiction on Kickstarter! #scifi #Kickstarter
Don’t miss out on the celebration of this best-selling science fiction series!
Major Tanis Richards Needs to get Outsystem…
Welcome to the 42nd century. Humanity has reached incredible heights; they’ve built orbital structures as large as planets, moved worlds, and mined the Sun. The entire Sol System has been remade as they saw fit.
But one thing still evades them: FTL (Faster than Light travel).
Three trillion humans crowd the system, the birthrate far outstripping the capacity of the few colony ships departing on their centuries-long journeys. Billions wish to leave and only millions get the opportunity.
By now, you’re starting to see why Tanis is desperate to leave and why it’s no simple task to do so.
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August 20, 2022
#MPaxDimension Report: New Website and The Afterworlds
Look! A new website!
Why’d I do that? So that I can offer you print and audiobooks in the Not of this Earth Bookshop.
If you haven’t signed up for the MPax Dimension newsletter yet, don’t miss out on the store specials and coupons next month. SIGN UP
So, yeah, I’ve been really busy making this new site. What else am I up to? I naively bought a laser for my cats, and now that’s all they want to do… play laser. Two squirrels have been ravaging my garden, so it’s been combat in the backyard. I think maybe straight-on cayenne pepper sprinkled liberally on everything made a difference. For now. I won’t hold my breath.
The audibooks of The Rifters and The Initiate are now done. I’m working on The Reader. The paperback and large print editions of The Backworlds are done. I’m working on the hardcover and Stopover.
Edits for The Afterworlds are going into the computer. There’s a lot of writing/rewriting to be done, so the edits won’t be quick. With the website done, my focus will go here.
Hope you’re doing well. Peace out!
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August 17, 2022
#Fantasy Worth Reading: The House in the Cerulean Sea #BookReview
Charming and endearing, The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune was a story I wished wouldn’t end. Filled with fun and heartwarming characters, I wanted to keep reading once I reached the end.
In this quirky world, magical beings have to be registered and monitored by the government. See something, say something. The main character, Linus Baker, is a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, DICOMY. He’s buttoned-up and by the book. Because of that, he’s sent by Extremely Upper Management to investigate an orphanage to make sure everything is in order.
The problem is, these are not ordinary children. Even as far as magical children go, these are very different kids. In fact, they’re quite dangerous. The pages are filled with quaint and odd and incredible and delight. The message is one of kindness and accepting people for who they are instead of judging based on labels. A great message accompanying a wonderful story.
Another highly recommended read! I’m going to check out what else TJ Klune has written.
Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He’s tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world.
Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is an enchanting love story, masterfully told, about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place―and realizing that family is yours.
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August 1, 2022
The Rifters and The Initiate Now Available in Audio! #audiobook #fantasybooks #steampunk
Your favorite fantasy steampunk series is now available in audio!
The first 2 books in the Rifters series, The Rifters and The Initiate have been digitally narrated and are available on GooglePlay for only $5.99 each!
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July 27, 2022
Weird and Wild Oregon: Fort Rock #Photography #NaturePhotography
Fort Rock is the remains of an ancient volcano in the middle of Oregon. Dozens of sandals were discovered below a layer of volcanic ash that was determined to come from an eruption 7500 years ago.
50,000-100,000 years ago, the high walls of the old volcano marked the shore of a vast lake. The ground in the Great Basin is often silty/sandy, so that makes sense.
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