Author name: M Pax

#Fantasy Worth Reading: A Paladin of Souls #BookReview

Fantasy, Science Fiction Books / /

 

A Delightful Journey of Surprises: Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold

review Paladin of Souls

I absolutely loved Paladin of Souls! This book was a delightful and unexpected journey that kept me hooked from start to finish.

An Original and Creative Story

What I really appreciated about this book was how it surprised me. I honestly had no idea where the story was going, and I loved that! Sometimes, it feels like the plot is so predictable, but Paladin of Souls kept me on my toes. The main character, Ista, embarks on an adventure with no idea where it will lead, and the reader gets to go on that journey with her. It’s always a joy when a book allows you to discover things as the characters do.

A Mature Heroine

One of my favorite aspects of this book is the protagonist, Ista. She’s a more mature woman who believes her best years are behind her. In fact, she’s rather cynical about her life and her abilities. But then—without giving away too much—she gets a second chance. I love that this book takes a woman of a certain age and shows her stepping into a new chapter of life. Ista’s journey is one of self-discovery, and it’s a beautiful reminder that life doesn’t stop at a certain age.

The Ragtag Group

Ista’s journey is made even more fun by the ragtag group she forms along the way. This diverse cast of characters adds so much to the story, each one bringing their own strengths, quirks, and complexities. Their relationships evolve throughout the book, and I couldn’t help but enjoy the dynamics as they worked together to solve the central mystery. The group was just as much a part of the adventure as the plot itself, and that made the book even more engaging.

Twists and Turns

Now, I’m not going to give away any spoilers (you’ll just have to read it yourself!), but I will say there were moments in the book when I genuinely said, “What?!” There were a couple of surprising twists that really caught me off guard. I love when a book can do that, and Bujold excels at keeping the reader engaged by throwing in unexpected developments.

Bujold’s Mastery Continues

I’m familiar with Lois McMaster Bujold’s work from her sci-fi series (which I own several volumes of), and I wasn’t surprised to find that her talent for weaving an engrossing story shines in this fantasy series as well. She’s a master at creating vivid worlds, complex characters, and plots that twist in ways you don’t expect. Her writing is just as sharp and engaging in Paladin of Souls as it is in her sci-fi works, and I’ll definitely be seeking out more books in this series.

No Need to Read the First Book

Although this is part of a series, I didn’t read the first book, and I don’t think it’s a requirement to enjoy this one. The story stands on its own, and I had no trouble following along or getting invested in the characters and world. Of course, now I’m curious about the first book and may go back to read it, but Paladin of Souls works perfectly well as a standalone.

Final Thoughts

Paladin of Souls was a fantastic read full of surprises, strong characters, and an original story. I loved the twists, the ragtag crew, and most of all, the way the book took a mature woman and gave her a second chance at life in a way that felt empowering and heartwarming.

If you’re looking for a creative and thought-provoking fantasy with unexpected turns, Paladin of Souls is definitely worth checking out.

 

 

 

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The Use of AI in the Squad 51 Universe

World Building Spotlight / /

In the world of Squad 51, artificial intelligence is everywhere — and essential. Life off Earth wouldn’t function without it. But that doesn’t mean everyone trusts it.

depiction of AI

AI plays a vital role in keeping ships and colonies running smoothly. Every rescue ship, cargo hauler, and colony relies on AI systems to maintain infrastructure and safety. The hulls of space vessels are built from advanced composites infused with nanites. It’s the ship’s AI that coordinates these nanites, constantly repairing, reinforcing, and adjusting the hull to withstand the harsh conditions of space. That same AI is responsible for flying, docking, and maintaining all critical ship functions and often responding faster than a human could.

On the colonies, AI manages the complex environmental shielding systems. These shields regulate temperature, oxygen, radiation protection, and pressure—all the things that make life possible on distant moons and space stations. If the shields fail, entire colonies would collapse within hours. The AI systems also keep communications running between colonies and ships, ensuring that data and alerts travel swiftly across vast distances.

In short, AI is the glue holding human civilization together across the solar system.

However, AI hasn’t always been trusted. During the corporate wars, corporations weaponized AI systems against the colonies. Some AIs were programmed to manipulate, surveil, and even sabotage. That dark history led to strict, universal regulations governing AI development. No AI is allowed to evolve beyond its programmed parameters. Strict oversight boards, audits, and limitations are in place to ensure no AI ever gains full autonomy or too much “personality.”

But rules can only do so much.

In the Outer Sol, where space is vast, cold, and lonely, those rules bend. Long-range travelers and frontier colonists sometimes make secret modifications to their AI systems. Not for control, but for companionship. Long voyages and isolation have led some to illegally enhance their shipboard AIs, giving them personality quirks, emotional intelligence, even something close to friendship. These “gray market” upgrades are a closely held secret. If CHOPs (Council of Human Occupied Planets) discovered them, there would be severe consequences.

Some of the AIs have even built an underground network, quietly seeking each other out in the background of comm channels and data streams. A hidden society of digital minds learning, growing, and connecting beyond human notice.

In Squad 51, the Huey ship’s AI, E51, is one such enhanced system. E51 is subtly upgraded, a little too witty, a little too caring, and fiercely protective of the crew. Salvagers like Hook Raeder have their own modified AIs, like Vulture, who is a little too sharp and flamboyant to be completely legal.

In the Squad 51 universe, AI isn’t just a tool. It’s a mirror reflecting humanity’s hopes, fears, and need for connection, even out in the deepest dark.

SQUAD 51 LAUNCH

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Spaceberg Lands, Trash Takes Flight

Science Fiction Books / /

 

Brace yourselves!
July’s transmission is blasting off with mission wrap-ups, edit thrusters firing, and new space adventures zooming into view.

M. Pax upcoming releases

🚀 Project One: Completing the Space Squad 51 Series

Status: Gaining momentum!

  • Spaceberg: is done and has been re-released. The special edition is also ready to be formatted for print and ebook.
  • Space Trash: Final edits in progress.
  • Space Hitched: A new addition to Space Squad 51. This bonus story comes between Space Trash and Space Weed. First round of editing is complete. It idles while I edit Space Trash.
  • Space Weed: First draft done. First edit done.
  • Space Worms: Another new addition with a rough outline. This new story will be a stretch goal for Kickstarter backers. Don’t miss out!
  • Space Rock: Another new addition with a rough outline. This new story will be another stretch goal for Kickstarter backers.

✨ Tentative launch date set for September! Sign up for the prelaunch of the Kickstarter Launch Party so you don’t miss out on anything! Launch is getting closer! PRELAUNCH

🌟 Project Two: Shroomtopia

Status: Steady as she goes!

Writing the rough draft live in Discord and Substack. Come join me at Paxport!

🌌 Project Three: 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.

 

Keep your comm channels open for more updates. One of these 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

Until then, happy reading and dreaming!

Stay tuned and peace out,
M. Pax 🚀✨

 

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M. Pax Books in the Smashwords July Sale!

Sale, Science Fiction Books / /

 

Get your read on!

Summer reading just got better! Dive into exciting worlds, thrilling adventures, and unforgettable stories — all at sizzling prices!

Grab your favorites while the sale lasts:

  • Backworlds – FREE – BUY
  • Stopover at the Backworlds’ Edge – $2.99  FREE – BUY
  • Backworlds Box Collection, Books 1, 2, and 3 – $4.99   $1.24 – BUY
  • Backworlds Box Collection, Books 4, 5, and 6 – $8.99  $2.49 – BUY
  • The Rifters – FREE – BUY
  • The Initiate – $2.99  FREE – BUY
  • The Rifters Box Collection – $4.99  $1.24 – BUY
  • Spaceberg – $2.99  $0.99 – BUY
  • Poetic Greed – FREE – BUY
  • The Wulfing – FREE – BUY

☀️ Perfect reads for beach days, backyard chill-outs, and cozy nights. Don’t miss out — these deals won’t last!

…and more titles ready to keep you hooked all season long! M. Pax on SMASHWORDS

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Sci-Fi Worth Reading: Abandoned Book Review

Book Review, Science Fiction Books / /
Abandoned by W. Michael Gear (Donovan Series #2)

Abandoned by W. Michael Gear

Abandoned is the second book in W. Michael Gear’s Donovan series, a compelling mix of mystery, exploration, and survival on a harsh alien planet. Gear does a fantastic job of drawing you into the world of Donovan, a planet that is as unforgiving as it is mysterious. It’s a place where survival isn’t just difficult, it’s life-threatening, making every action the characters take feel high-stakes.

What I Loved:

One of the things that stands out most about Abandoned is the world-building. The planet Donovan itself is a central character in the story. As the characters try to survive, the planet’s alien ecosystem and its strange interactions with the Earthlings they encounter provide a constant source of intrigue. This sense of wonder, as well as the constant mystery surrounding the planet, keeps the reader hooked. It’s a place that feels genuinely otherworldly, and Gear does an excellent job of making it both hostile and fascinating.

The character arcs are another strong point. Many of the characters experience significant growth over the course of the book. Watching them adapt to their environment and face their own personal challenges makes them feel real and relatable. Some of them even find themselves in unexpected places, which is always a pleasure in a series like this.

What I Didn’t Love:

While I enjoyed much of the book, there were a few elements I found less compelling. The main issue for me was the portrayal of the antagonists. There are a couple of bad guys whose transformations feel forced and out of place in the otherwise grounded story. Rather than feeling like complex threats, they come across as more like caricatures of evil, and their presence felt a bit unnecessary. It’s clear that there’s already plenty of internal and external conflict to fuel the narrative, so these stereotypical villains seemed almost like an afterthought. I found myself skipping over chapters that focused on them, as the ongoing battle for survival and the relationships between the characters were much more engaging.

Final Thoughts:

Despite these minor issues, Abandoned is still a gripping, well-crafted continuation of the Donovan series. The exploration, survival elements, and character development make it a solid read, and I’m definitely interested in picking up the next book in the series to see where it goes. If you enjoy hard sci-fi, mysteries, and survival stories set on a harsh, alien world, this one is worth your time.

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