Author name: M Pax

Unveiling the Unseen: The enchanting world of The Renaissance of Hetty Locklear #Fantasy #Adventure #scifi #booktwitter #booklover

Character, Fantasy, Science Fiction Books, Speculative Fiction / By /

 

science fiction fantasy series

The Renaissance of Hetty Locklear beckons readers into the seemingly ordinary life of Hetty Locklear, a young woman whose daily life takes place amid the interplay of fantasy, fate, and the unseen.

At the outset, Hetty clutches her hard-earned diploma from community college like a ticket to a new beginning. Yet, the transition into adulthood proves to not be what she expected. Trapped in a dead-end job at a convenience store, Hetty’s aspirations seem distant and her dreams deferred.

However, beneath the veneer of daily drudgery lies a rich inner world—a sanctuary where Hetty reigns as the heroine of her own cosmic saga. In her imagination, she navigates the stars as the savior of an ancient galactic race,. Yet, reality intrudes. Her parents, absent but for the occasional missive, extend an invitation to join them on the Renaissance Faire circuit for the summer. Initially hesitant, Hetty’s decision takes a quick U-turn when a ghost begins to stalk her.

A seance tells her she’s in peril, so she runs as far from it as she can. This begins a journey of self-discovery and adventure, where the lines between reality and fantasy blur.

The Renaissance of Hetty Locklear is a masterful blend of genres, seamlessly weaving elements of fantasy, mystery, and coming-of-age narrative into a tapestry of intrigue and wonder. Through Hetty’s eyes, readers are transported into a realm where the mundane and the magical coalesce, inviting reflection on the nature of identity, destiny, and the power of imagination.

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The Creator #SciFi #MovieReview

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / By /

science fiction movie review

The Creator presents an intriguing premise involving the ethical complexities of ambition and scientific pursuit. While the film attempts to grapple with profound themes, it lands somewhere in the middle ground, neither soaring to greatness nor plummeting into disappointment.

At its core, the story revolves around the moral dilemmas faced by its protagonist, Dr. Alexander, portrayed convincingly by David John Washington. While I related to the character, the plot often seemed to lose its way. The film’s pacing fluctuates, struggling to maintain a consistent momentum. At times, the story feels rushed, while in others, it lingers on exposition, sacrificing opportunities for deeper character development.

Despite these shortcomings, the cinematography and visual aesthetics are commendable. The stark laboratories and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes create a captivating visual contrast, adding depth to the film’s atmosphere.

Performance-wise, David John Washington delivers a solid portrayal, anchoring the film with his nuanced depiction of a conflicted genius. The supporting cast also brings a level of authenticity to their roles, but the screenplay doesn’t afford them ample room to fully explore their characters’ potential.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its thought-provoking themes, sparking contemplation about the consequences of playing creator and the ethical boundaries of scientific advancement. It also presented multiple POVs to a complex issue, and put a face to ‘collateral damage’ during violent conflict.

There was a lot to like and the movie is very watchable. Therefore, I give it a one beer rating. One is enough to have fun while watching The Creator. While it’s not a complete disappointment, it lacks the finesse and depth needed to elevate it to greatness.

 

Embracing the Hardy Legacy: A Journey into the Heart of Writing #WritingCommunity #authors

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Thomas Hardy’s poetic prose, masterful depiction of environments, and insightful portrayal of regular people have also influenced my storytelling.

influences on science fiction writing

 

Meeting Mr. Hardy

After college, despite having taken many literature classes, I realized my knowledge of the classics wasn’t as great as it could be. So, I embarked on a journey of reading nothing but classics for several years. One of the first I read was Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy. Hardy remains on of my favorite authors. The beauty of his prose, his ability to breathe life into the surroundings, and his deep understanding of the human condition resonated with me on a personal level.

Influence on Writing Style

It’s no exaggeration to say that Hardy’s words influence my own. His poetic prose, reminiscent of an artist wielding a brush on a canvas, has become a beacon guiding my pen. The use of environmental settings and weather to mirror the emotions of characters and scenes is a technique I’ve embraced wholeheartedly. This style works even in the futuristic landscapes of sci-fi and steampunk fantasy.

Exploring Common Themes

Delving deeper, I find common threads between Hardy’s exploration of human nature and the themes that echo through my own narratives. The struggles of ordinary individuals, the complexities of societal issues—these are shared landscapes despite the very different settings and times.

He seems an unlikely influence for a sci-fi writer, but great writing belongs in every kind of book. In the tapestry of my writing journey, Thomas Hardy stands as a guiding star.

 

#Fantasy With Reading: Murder for the Modern Girl #BookReview

Book Review, Fantasy, Science Fiction Books / By /

best-selling fantasy

Murder for the Modern Girl by Kendall Kulper

Another supernatural fantasy set in a bygone era. In this book, the main character, Ruby, is a killer. It’s the 1920s in Chicago, and Ruby has the ability to read minds. She uses this skill to kill horrible people. The book opens with her committing a murder. That certainly caught my attention and kept me reading. Despite this deadly flaw, Ruby is a likable character that I ended up rooting for.

Her father is the district attorney and becomes the victim of violence. Will he live? However it turns out, Ruby is determined to continue his work fighting corruption in the city. Her proclivities and investigation take her to the morgue where she meets Guy. Guy isn’t his real name and he can change his appearace. Yes, he can shift his face and his body to appear like someone completely different.

He’s a scientist and is on the trail of a serial killer… Ruby. He ends up helping her with her investigation, which puts them together and in conflict from the moment they meet.

This was a fun read with some twists and turns. It’s the second in this series, and I liked it as much as the first.

Here’s the official description:

A ravishing young mind reader stalks the streets at night in kitten heels, prowling for men to murder.

A soft-spoken genius toils away in the city morgue, desperate to unearth the science behind his gift for shape-shifting.

It’s a match made in 1928 Chicago, where gangsters run City Hall, jazz fills the air, and every good girl’s purse conceals a flask.

Until now, 18-year-old Ruby’s penchant for poison has been a secret. No one knows that she uses her mind-reading abilities to target men who prey on vulnerable women, men who escape the clutches of Chicago “justice”. When she meets a brilliant boy working at the morgue, his knack for forensic detail threatens to uncover her dark hobby. Even more unfortunately: Sharp, independent Ruby has fallen in love with him.

Waltzing between a supernaturally enhanced romance, the battle to take down a gentleman’s club, and loyal friendships worth their weight in diamonds, Ruby brings defiant charm to every spectacular chapter of Murder for the Modern Girl—not to mention killer fashion. An irresistible caper.

 

Unveiling the Mystique of Dante Grimes in The Rifter Series #fantasy #steampunk #scifi #sciencefiction

Character, Fantasy, Science Fiction Books, Speculative Fiction / By /

 

In the fantastical world of The Rifter series, where steampunk aesthetics meet magical rifts, one character stands out with an aura of mystery and power—Dante Grimes. As a Governor, Dante holds a position of authority where the rift is concerned. But Dante is not your typical ruler, nor your typical librarian; he harbors secrets that could shake the foundation of Settler.

the popular steampunk fantasy series The Rifters
The Disguised Governor

Dante Grimes wears the cloak of normalcy with finesse. In his assumed identity, he appears as a mild-mannered older gentleman managing the county library. Little does the world know that behind this façade lies a being of immense power and intrigue. Only a select few, including Earl Blacke, Daelin Long, and Charming Moon Knight, are privy to Dante’s true origins—he hails from the rift itself.

Dante Grimes from the popular steampunk fantasy The Rifters

Otherworldly Appearance

When Dante sheds his disguise, he reveals a form that transcends mortal beauty. With skin as blue as the deepest seas and tattoos of chrome that ripple beneath the surface as he channels his rift-based abilities, Dante presents a visage akin to that of a god. His long silver hair, composed of ethereal leaves, adds an otherworldly charm to his already striking presence.

Master of the Rift

Dante Grimes is not just a Governor; he is a master manipulator of the rift. His talents extend beyond the conventional, allowing him to traverse time and space effortlessly. He orchestrated the arrival of Earl Blacke from 1888 into the present day, as well as the appearance of Daelin’s ancestor from Revolutionary War times. Yet, his motives remain shrouded in secrecy.

The Puzzling Agenda

What drives Dante Grimes to weave the threads of time and bring individuals from different eras into the present? No one, not even those closest to him, fully understands his motives. He persistently urges Earl Blacke to become his general, insisting that without an army, Earth’s universe is doomed. However, the identity of the impending enemy remains a closely guarded secret, known only to Dante himself.

A Sandwich Shop Proprietor

After relinquishing his librarian position, Dante adopts the guise of a sandwich shop owner located 90 minutes from Settler. It is here that Daelin Long first encounters him. Despite attempting to keep a low profile, Dante’s presence is marked by an undeniable air of authority and an aura of unresolved destiny.

Tormenting Earl Blacke

Dante’s relentless pursuit of Earl Blacke as his potential general adds a layer of tension to the series. He remains insistent, undeterred by Earl’s resistance, compelling him to accept a role that may decide the fate of not just Settler, but the entire universe.

As readers delve deeper into “The Rifter” series, Dante Grimes emerges as a captivating enigma—a character whose motives, powers, and connection to the rift continue to intrigue. The path he treads is paved with secrets, and as the series unfolds, one can’t help but wonder: What lies at the heart of Dante’s cosmic machinations?

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#ScFi Worth Reading: System Collapse #BookReview

Book Review, Science Fiction Books / By /

best-selling science fictionSystem Collapse by Martha Wells.

This is the 7th installment in the Murderbot Diaries series. I loved, loved, loved this book so, so, so much. If you love Murderbot, you won’t be disappointed by this new novel.

Murdbot is its usual snarky self. It’s humorous commentary keeps pace with the action and the fast pace of the story. This novel pretty much picks up where the last one left off, except Murderbot is having a bit of a personal crisis.

The way Murderbot develops and grows and questions whether it wants to be more human is the beating heart of this series. This book continues Murderbot’s journey. And yay! ART is back too. I wasn’t at all disappointed, except there’ll be a long wait until the next one. Siiigh.

More please, Martha Wells!

Here’s the description:

Everyone’s favorite lethal SecUnit is back.

Following the events in Network Effect, the Barish-Estranza corporation has sent rescue ships to a newly colonized planet in peril, as well as additional SecUnits. But if there’s an ethical corporation out there, Murderbot has yet to find it, and if Barish-Estranza can’t have the planet, they’re sure as hell not leaving without something. If that something just happens to be an entire colony of humans, well, a free workforce is a decent runner-up prize.

But there’s something wrong with Murderbot; it isn’t running within normal operational parameters. ART’s crew and the humans from Preservation are doing everything they can to protect the colonists, but with Barish-Estranza’s SecUnit-heavy persuasion teams, they’re going to have to hope Murderbot figures out what’s wrong with itself, and fast!

Yeah, this plan is… not going to work.

 

 

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