Author name: M Pax

#SciFi Worth Reading: Mintari A World of Dinosaurs #BookReview #scifibooks

Book Review, Science Fiction Books / By /

In the captivating world of Mintari by Daniel Arenson, readers are transported to a remote planet where dinosaurs roam once again. This thrilling dinosaur adventure captures the imagination, reminiscent of the excitement and wonder sparked by Jurassic Park. From the pristine landscapes to the heroic endeavors of Jurassic Joe, Arenson’s storytelling prowess brings to life a world teeming with ancient beasts and danger.

I love my dinosaur stories and, honestly, most disappoint me. Mintari didn’t. At the heart of the story is Jurassic Joe, a legendary figure known as a defender of dinosaurs and a relentless foe of poachers. As a semi-mythical ranger who resides in the untamed wilderness of Mintari, Jurassic Joe embodies the spirit of adventure and heroism. Tragedy has Joe wallowing in a cave, nursing his pain.

Meanwhile, Simone LaRue needs to jumpstart her floundering journalism career and flies off to Mintari to find Jurassic Joe. Getting the scoop on him will get her back in everyone’s good graces. Only, she is unaware that she is being used by a ruthless businessman – Joe’s estranged father.

The backstory of each of the main characters is complicated and intricately woven so that they collide. With lots of dino action and bad guys worth hating, Mintari was a novel I enjoyed. Here’s the blurb:

Dinosaurs. Majestic giants. They’ve captured our imagination for generations. On planet Mintari, they live again.

Mintari is far from Earth. Wild. Pristine. A world where triceratops herd across grasslands, pterosaurs soar over golden mountains, and T-rexes prowl the misty forests.

But these magnificent beasts might soon disappear. And only one man can save them.

They call him Jurassic Joe. A semi-mythical figure. A ranger who lives in the wilderness of Mintari. Defender of dinosaurs. Bane of poachers. Folk hero. But is he real?

He better be. Because big game hunters are landing on Mintari. A lot of them. It will take a hero to stop them. And they must be stopped. Or the dinosaurs of Mintari will be lost forever.

The Black Demon: Monster #MovieReview

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / By /

I love my shark movies, and I love some bad movies. One of my favorites is Sharknado.

The Black Demon is no Sharknado. It didn’t have enough shark or a high enough body count. On the plus side, it was a really, really huge shark. Actually, it was a megalodon. There have been three movies in recent times featuring this giant shark, and they have all failed to truly take advantage of the size of the shark. If you’re going to have a giant shark as a monster, well, have it do things only a giant shark can do. Otherwise, why bother having a giant shark?

The premise of the movie is interesting. Environmental changes in the area brought on by the oil rig just off the coast, cause the ancient gods to awaken and the giant shark. The acting wasn’t great – the emotional reactions were way over the top, there were shifts in the logic of the story that didn’t make sense, and there were scenes just stuck in there for the sake of a message. Honestly, I don’t mind those things because they were funny, and a decent bad movie should make you laugh. There was a speech that reminded me of Jurassic Park and another that reminded me of Armageddon. Both excellent disaster/monster movies, by the way. I give the moviemakers bonus points for invoking thoughts of better movies.

I knew from the narrated explanation at the beginning of the movie (like they did in many old sci-fi movies) that this fell into the B movie category. Only B movies do that sort of thing, so I had hopes for this one falling into the bad but fun category.

However, there is no saving the fact that the shark has hardly any screen time and not very many people get eaten. The body parts in the water suggest there was a feast at some point, but we don’t get to see it. There is a fair amount of tension and drama. But because we don’t get to see the shark very often, I have to give this a 2.5 beer rating. I would go lower, but the movie is watchable for the most part and kind of fun if you don’t expect too much. The lack of shark is just disappointing.

It’s currently streaming on Amazon.

Here’s the trailer:

YouTube player

 

 

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

Book Review, Fantasy / By /

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…

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

Character, Fantasy, Speculative Fiction / By /

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.

from the popular steampunk fantasy the rifters

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.

from the popular steampunk fantasy series the Rifters
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

 

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

Sale, Science Fiction Books / By /

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

 

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

Character, New Release, Science Fiction Books, Space Opera / By /

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!

new novel in the best-selling space opera series, The Backworlds

 

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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