M. Pax's Blog, page 8

#SciFi Worth Reading: Upright Women Wanted #BookReview

 

Dystopian Trails and Defiant Hearts

I just finished Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey, and I’m still feeling the dust and grit from the trail. This book pulled me in with a unique narrative style that made me feel like I was riding right alongside these women. It’s not just a story you read—it’s one you live.

A Western with a Sci-Fi Twist

Set in a dystopian future, the story feels like a classic western: horses, desert landscapes, and a fight for survival. But every so often, the sci-fi elements sneak in like a quick jolt—reminding you that this world is not our past, but a possible future. The blending of genres kept me on my toes and made for an immersive experience.

Characters and Connection

The characters are what truly shine here. They’re complex, defiant, and deeply human. The story doesn’t bog you down with world-building details about the dystopian setting, and I didn’t mind that at all. The familiar oppression these women face speaks for itself. We don’t need a deep dive into the mechanics of this world because, sadly, parts of it echo our own.

A Mirror to Our Present

This book hits close to home. The fight for freedom, identity, and agency is not just a dystopian struggle—it’s a reflection of our past and present. Until everyone is free, the shadows of this world linger in our reality. It’s a powerful reminder wrapped in a gripping tale.

Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for a story that blends grit, heart, and a dash of dystopian sci-fi, this one’s for you. Saddle up and give it a read—you won’t regret it.

Happy reading!

 

 

 

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Get Ready for Space Hitched: A Sneak Peek + Exclusive Kickstarter Perks!

 

Cover Reveal + Bonus Content for Space Squad 51 Kickstarter!

I’m thrilled to give you all a sneak peek at Space Hitched, the bonus story that will be part of our upcoming Kickstarter for Space Squad 51!

Space Hitched is book 2.5 in the series, falling between Space Trash and Space Weed. It’s a hilarious adventure that picks up right where Space Trash leaves off and sets the stage for the wild events in Space Weed. Expect more silly disasters, quirky characters, and, of course, a wedding gone terribly wrong! This exclusive story will only be available through the Kickstarter campaign, making it a must-have for fans of the series. Are you ready? Here’s the cover!

But that’s not all! As a special treat for backers, I’m including a TON of bonus content inside the Space Squad 51 books to enhance your reading experience. Here’s a peek at what you can expect:

Catalog Pages of Flora & Fauna: Get to know the strange and funny creatures that make up the worlds of Space Squad 51. Journal Pages: Dive deeper into the minds of our characters with their personal notes, observations, and musings. Extra Scenes: More laughs and heartwarming moments that didn’t make it into the main story but are too good to leave out. Images & Drawings: Gorgeous artwork to help bring the Space Squad 51 universe to life.

For those who prefer the regular versions of the books, don’t worry—you’ll still get some cool extras to make the reading experience more immersive! While the content won’t be as extensive as in the Kickstarter editions, there will still be fun and unique additions to enjoy.

Now, let’s dive into why Kickstarter is such an awesome platform for authors and readers alike!

Introduction to Kickstarter & Crowdfunding for Books

Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform that connects creators with amazing supporters like YOU. It’s a place where authors, artists, and creators can bring their dreams to life by offering exclusive rewards and content directly to their backers.

For authors, Kickstarter is the perfect way to:

Launch special editions of books, like the Space Squad 51 exclusive versions, complete with unique bonuses. Share exclusive content with dedicated fans (like the bonus stories, artwork, and behind-the-scenes looks that you won’t find anywhere else). Offer signed editions and other perks that make the book even more special.

And for YOU, the reader? Kickstarter gives you a chance to directly support your favorite authors while unlocking rewards that aren’t available anywhere else:

Exclusive rewards that make your collection unique. Signed editions that you can treasure forever. The satisfaction of being part of the creative process and supporting stories that matter to you.

I’m so excited to be able to share these special perks with you, and I can’t wait for you to be part of the Space Squad 51 journey. Stay tuned for more details coming soon! And so you don’t miss a moment of this special event, sign up for the prelaunch. You’ll be notified the moment the project goes live!

SQUAD 51

 

 

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Galactic Watch: Squad 51 Taking Aim for the Skies!

 

Greetings, Starfarers!
Here’s the latest transmission from Mission Control with updates on my projects and adventures!

Project One: Completing the Space Squad 51 Series

Status: Full throttle!

Spaceberg: Published and already drifting through the cosmic ether! On standby for editing and reception of immersive bonuses.Space Trash: First edit completed. The project is now at 67,000 words. Some bonus extras created for this one. It sits and awaits more editing while I complete the rest of the series.Space Hitched: A new addition to Space Squad 51. This bonus story comes between Space Trash and Space Weed. I’m in the process of writing this now. 5,000 words in.Space Weed: The finale of this trilogy is taking shape. 85% plotted and almost ready to get on deck. Writing starts soon, with a goal of 60,000 words. Get ready for this green giant to sprout on your radar!Space Worms: Another new addition with a rough outline. This new story will be free for everyone on my mailing list. Don’t miss out!Space Rock: This one is also added to the line up. Rough outline standing by.Exciting News: I’ll be creating bonus content to make my stories more immersive from here on out. Bonus extras in progress!

Stay tuned for more! Sign up for the prelaunch of the Kickstarter Launch Party so you don’t miss out on anything! PRELAUNCH

Project Two: Third Star Rising

Status: Steady as she goes!

This short story (or novella, if it decides to grow wings) is halfway plotted, with a partial draft already making its orbit.

Project Three: Mood Bubbles (Working Title)

Status: Rising on the horizon!

This story’s emotional atmosphere is 75% plotted, and I can already see its sparkling potential. At an estimated 20,000+ words, it’s set to be a novella that bursts with meaning—and bubbles, of course!

Project Four: Completing the Rifters Series

Status: Charting new dimensions!

The Generals (Rifters Book 5): At 30% plotted, this novel is laying the foundation for epic twists and turns. My target is 70-80,000 words, and it’s going to be worth the wait!Untitled (Rifters Book 6): The final installment is 5% plotted, but hey, the adventure is just beginning. My aim? Another 70-80,000 words of world-saving, dimension-bending awesomeness.

Each of these projects is lighting up my creative cosmos, and I can’t wait to share them with you. Keep your comms open for more updates, and get ready for some interstellar stories headed your way soon. One of the short stories will be a freebie for my mailing list. If you haven’t joined the M. Pax Dimension yet, well, get over there! MPAX DIMENSION

Stay tuned for cover reveals and exciting developments as I put my heart into these projects. Until then, happy reading and dreaming!

Stay tuned and peace out,
M. Pax

 

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SciFi Worth Reading: Shadowman BookReview

Shadowman is a gripping tale set in Tula, a seemingly perfect utopia devoid of war, hate, and passion. The shocking beginning introduces a shadowy assassin who disrupts this tranquil existence. Jonal Cassell is a passionate reformer on a relentless quest for truth and vengeance.

The exploration of a world stripped of conflict is fascinating. Proctor masterfully weaves suspense with thought-provoking themes. While I guessed the twist early on, the author expertly layered in additional surprises that made the story worthwhile. Cassell’s odyssey is not just about unraveling a mystery; it profoundly transforms his consciousness, revealing specters of a self that could have been yet was not.

With its vivid world-building and compelling character development, Shadowman is an exhilarating read that questions the very essence of a utopian society.

 

 

 

 

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The Afterworlds Bonus Snippet from Sanjy Strom

 

Sanjy Strom as The Afteworlds Opens: A Crossroads of Leadership and Friendship

The galaxy was safe. The Quassers posed no more threat, and the parasitic vines that had once threatened to overtake the galaxy were tamed and about to be neutered. For the first time since stranding Craze and his crew in space, Sanjy Strom found herself standing at a crossroads. She had commanded a battlecruiser for most of her lifetime, but now the one person who had truly understood her—the one person who had shared the weight of war and the cost of victory—was walking away.

Craze had resigned as general and was on his way down to Jix to ensure the hard-won peace would last. Once this final mission ended, he return to his simpler life, the life he missed, the life denied them since he joined her on Teerant to broker an alliance with her people—a people she no longer identified with. Craze’s invitation to join him in discovering a new home was tempting, but Sanjy knew better than to be swept away by needs and emotions. She didn’t have the time to mark out a new path for herself.

Part of her envied Craze. He was walking toward something better, something he dreamed of, something simpler. Like most Foreworlders, Sanjy didn’t know how to dream, but she had learned to hope. The hope crushed her, and she wished she had never encountered it. She had two years left—two short years—before the curse of the Foreworlds claimed her life. Every moment mattered, but that wouldn’t prevent her from feeling the empty space where Craze’s friendship had been every hour of every day for the past few years.

He went to join his sister on Jix and help tie up the final loose ends of the war. Sanjy admired Craze’s sister, Temerity. A fiery woman with spunk, Temerity let her emotions fly without apology, something Sanjy could stand to learn, if only she had more time.

The shuttle that took Craze away from the battlecruiser grew smaller and smaller until it was nothing more than a dot against the vastness of space. It was then that Sanjy realized: this time, Craze wasn’t coming back. His path and hers now diverged. Her path remained as it always was, but he would carve out new roads with new adventues, and she didn’t doubt he would find happiness—something she had only known when he was around.

The pain in her chest twisted like a vice. She had never thought losing Craze would hurt this much. She had never expected to feel so abandoned. The tears came unbidden, and she wrapped her arms tightly around herself.

Craze was gone. She would never know anyone else like him. She shouldn’t have let his friendship slip away so easily.

 

 

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#SciFi #MovieReview: Infinite #sciencefiction

When a movie has Mark Wahlberg front and center, you go in expecting a certain level of action-packed fun. And Infinite delivers on that front… but not much else. Unfortunately, the story was so thin it barely existed. Any time the plot started to get remotely intriguing, it was interrupted by explosions, vehicle chases, or flashy fight sequences.

There’s no denying that some of the action was impressive. If you enjoy watching cars fly through the air and nifty sword maneuvers, there’s plenty of eye candy here. But action alone can’t carry a movie, and Infinite tries to coast on adrenaline without giving the audience anything to latch onto. Even my Husband Unit—who usually loves action flicks—said this one was a dud.

The concept of the Infinite, people who can remember their past lives and accumulate knowledge and skills over centuries, should have made for a fascinating story. But instead of exploring that cool idea, the movie shoves it to the side in favor of what feels like “action porn”—endless stunts and set pieces with little substance tying them together.

Because I almost fell asleep, it gets a 3.5 beer rating. One scene involving a plane and a sword saved this movie from a 4 beer rating.  The movie is worth watching for that alone. It’s near the end of you just want to fast forward to that part. Infinite ended with the potential for sequel. Please don’t!

In the end, Infinite is the kind of movie you’ll watch for the explosions and stunts, not the story. If you’re looking for mindless entertainment with a lot of running, driving, and sword-swinging, this might be up your alley. But if you’re hoping for an interesting or thought-provoking sci-fi adventure, this one might leave you feeling empty.

 

 

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#SciFi Worth Reading: The Wild Robot #BookReview

 

The Wild Robot: Cozy, Thoughtful, and Wonderfully Wild

I finally picked up The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, and I’m so glad I did. On the surface, it’s a deceptively simple story—a robot named Roz finds herself stranded on a remote island and must adapt to survive. But beneath that simplicity lies a tale stuffed full of deep meaning, rich themes, and a surprising amount to reflect on.

Mastering Simplicity

Peter Brown has a way of crafting a story that feels almost effortless. The prose is clean, easy to read, and welcoming, yet it carries weight. It’s a style that feels cozy but is brimming with depth. The balance is flawless. You glide through the pages but find yourself pausing to think. What does it mean to be wild? To be different? To belong?

A Robot with Heart

I Roz. She’s not just a machine; she’s a character you root for and care about. Watching her navigate this new, wild world—and connect with the animals—felt both heartwarming and profound. Her journey is one of survival, yes, but also one of discovery and connection. And there’s something so cozy about the relationships she builds on the island.

More to Explore

This is just the beginning. There are more books in the series, and I’m definitely planning to read them. I need to know what happens next to Roz—the wild robot with a big heart.

If you’re looking for a story that’s charming, cozy, and full of meaning, The Wild Robot delivers. Don’t let its simplicity fool you. There’s so much more beneath the surface.

Have you read The Wild Robot? Let me know your thoughts! And if you haven’t, consider this your sign to dive in.

Happy reading!

 

 

 

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From Philosophy to Sci-Fi: The Haller Mirror’s Unique Inspiration

 

In Echoes of Haller Canyon, a new technology was invented. Here is how I came up with it and why I named it the Haller mirror.

The Haller Mirror: A Glimpse Into the Self

In the colony on Triton, technology is a necessity, but trust in artificial intelligence is nearly nonexistent. The residents live with the constant fear that unchecked AI could overrun their lives. To balance the need for advanced tech with their apprehensions, the colony relies on a unique and fascinating invention: the Haller Mirror.

This glass pyramid-shaped device is more than a tool—it’s a safeguard. Beneath its gleaming surface are drawers where users store personalized masks, which connect them to the mirror. The Haller Mirror acts as a mediator, allowing the user to interact with technology while maintaining strict control over the scope of the interaction.

How the Haller Mirror Works

Each session with the Haller Mirror begins by selecting a task—whether it’s repairing external damage to the dome, managing internal systems, or interfacing with a specific robot. The mirror uses stored “reflections” of the user, tailored to particular tasks. These reflections represent specific aspects of the person, frozen and isolated for precision and safety.

For example:

If you’re repairing damage outside the dome, you would activate the repair bot through the Haller Mirror and choose a reflection optimized for diagnosing and fixing structural weaknesses.Should the task shift, such as moving from inspection to repair, you could select a different reflection suited to that aspect of the job.

In this way, the Haller Mirror ensures that each interaction is focused, efficient, and limited—no single action goes beyond its intended scope.

The Philosophy Behind the Haller Mirror

The concept of the Haller Mirror is rooted in an idea inspired by Hermann Hesse’s Steppenwolf. In the novel, Hesse explores the idea that humans are complex beings with infinite potential. We are selfish, selfless, kind, cruel—all at once. What defines us is not a single trait, but where we place ourselves on the spectrum of each.

The Haller Mirror takes this philosophy and makes it tangible. Each reflection is a slice of the self—an echo of the user locked into a particular attribute or skill. By isolating these echoes, the mirror ensures that no reflection can overreach, keeping its users safe from the unpredictability of AI while allowing them to harness the technology they need.

FYI, the main character’s name in Steppenwolf is Haller.

A Tool for Survival and Self-Reflection

On Triton, the Haller Mirror isn’t just a tool; it’s a symbol of balance. It bridges the gap between human control and technological necessity, empowering colonists to remain self-reliant while avoiding the dangers of over-dependence on AI.

Do you think we need a Haller mirror in reality to restrict AI?

 

 

 

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Galactic Status: Mission Updates on Spacetacular Projects!

 

Greetings, fellow adventurers! Strap in and prepare for a thrilling flyby of my current projects. The engines are firing, the stars are aligned, and creativity propels me forward. Here’s a status check straight from Mission Control!

Project One: Completing the Space Squad 51 Series

Status: Full throttle!

Spaceberg: Published and already drifting through the cosmic ether!Space Trash: First draft? Done at a stellar 65,000 words! Editing is 50% complete, and let me tell you, this time-traveling escapade with sharks and dinos is blasting to life.Space Weed: The finale of this trilogy is taking shape. 85% plotted and almost ready to get on deck. Writing starts soon, with a goal of 60,000 words. Get ready for this green giant to sprout on your radar!

Stay tuned for cover reveals of both Space Trash and Space Weed and the prelaunch of the Kickstarter Launch Party —coming soon to a screen near you!

Project Two: Third Star Rising

Status: Steady as she goes!

This short story (or novella, if it decides to grow wings) is halfway plotted, with a partial draft already making its orbit. I’m aiming for at least 10,000 words, but who knows? This star might shine even brighter.

Project Three: Mood Bubbles (Working Title)

Status: Rising on the horizon!

This story’s emotional atmosphere is 75% plotted, and I can already see its sparkling potential. At an estimated 20,000+ words, it’s set to be a novella that bursts with meaning—and bubbles, of course!

Project Four: Completing the Rifters Series

Status: Charting new dimensions!

The Generals (Rifters Book 5): At 30% plotted, this novel is laying the foundation for epic twists and turns. My target is 70-80,000 words, and it’s going to be worth the wait!Untitled (Rifters Book 6): The final installment is 5% plotted, but hey, the adventure is just beginning. My aim? Another 70-80,000 words of world-saving, dimension-bending awesomeness.

Each of these projects is lighting up my creative cosmos, and I can’t wait to share them with you. Keep your comms open for more updates, and get ready for some interstellar stories headed your way soon. One of the short stories will be a freebie for my mailing list. If you haven’t joined the M. Pax Dimension yet, well, get over there! MPAX DIMENSION

Stay tuned for cover reveals and exciting developments as I move closer to launch. Until then, happy reading and dreaming!

Stay tuned and peace out,
M. Pax

 

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Ring in the New Year with Echoes of Haller Canyon!

 

Start 2025 with a journey to the icy moon of Triton! Echoes of Haller Canyon is out today, and it’s more than just a story—it’s a fight for freedom against the ultimate AI ruler.

Mahda’s quest for revenge.
A hidden lab on a frozen world.
A dangerous enemy… or unexpected ally?

Buy Direct and Unlock Exclusive Bonuses:

Character cardsBehind-the-scenes fun factsA sci-fi-themed gameStunning digital posters

Celebrate the new year with a thrilling rebellion against tyranny. And, for only 99c!

Start the Adventure Now!

Thank you for an amazing year. Here’s to more stories and adventures in 2025!

Order direct from my shop and receive the fun extras! My shop sells the ebook for the same price as the retailers.

ECHOES        BUY DIRECT

Oher Amazon shops

UK / CA / AU / DE / ES / IT / FR / NL / MX / BR / IN / JP

 

 

 

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