Author name: M Pax

Watching Snow Fall at a Mountain Lake: Weird and Wonderful Oregon #LandscapePhotography #NaturePhotography #NatureBeauty

The Hush of Winter…
Weird and wonderful Oregon

 

In the tranquil embrace of winter, a mountain lake finds itself veiled in an ethereal silence, a sanctuary of serene beauty where time seems to hold its breath.

The air, crisp and clear, carries the scent of snowflakes gently cascading from the heavens. The world becomes a canvas painted in shades of white and blue, as the lake, adorned in its icy cloak, mirrors the splendor of the snow-capped peaks that guard its shores.

A hush descends upon this frozen expanse, a symphony of stillness that wraps around the land like a soft embrace. The only sounds are the faint whispers of the breeze weaving through the frosted reeds and the occasional echo of a distant bird’s song, punctuating the quietude.

Nature’s artistry adorns the landscape: delicate frost crystals embellish every surface, while the ice, a translucent mosaic, shelters secrets beneath its glacial sheen. Time seems suspended, as if the world has retreated into a serene slumber, awaiting the gentle nudge of spring’s awakening touch.

In this winter sanctuary, the lake is a mirror to the soul, reflecting the beauty of stillness and the majesty of tranquility. It is a place where the heart finds solace, where the spirit dances in the purity of the moment, and where the hush of winter whispers secrets of timeless grace.

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#Fantasy Worth Reading: Bookshops and Bonedust #BookReview

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

If you loved Legends & Lattes, you’ll love this second novel just as much. At least, I did. The first novel was so good, I feared not enjoying this new installment to the series. But I did. I loved it so, so much.

The story centers around the orc, Viv, once again. She’s just as lovable as in the first novel. This story takes place earlier in her life but has all the elements that made the first book so loveable. While in pursuit of a necromancer with her mercenary group, Viv gets injured and is left to recuperate in a quaint seaside town. Bored out of her mind, she enters a bookshop.

The story unfolds as beatifully with rich, loveable characters, lots of fantasy originality, and lots of charm. Returning to this cozy and comfortable world was pure joy.

My only complaint is I’ll have to wait quite a while for the next in this series. So yeah, I highly recommend Bookshops & Bonedust.

Here’s the description.

Viv’s career with the notorious mercenary company Rackam’s Ravens isn’t going as planned.

Wounded during the hunt for a powerful necromancer, she’s packed off against her will to recuperate in the sleepy beach town of Murk—so far from the action that she worries she’ll never be able to return to it.

What’s a thwarted soldier of fortune to do?

Spending her hours at a beleaguered bookshop in the company of its foul-mouthed proprietor is the last thing Viv would have predicted, but it may be both exactly what she needs and the seed of changes she couldn’t possibly imagine.

Still, adventure isn’t all that far away. A suspicious traveler in gray, a gnome with a chip on her shoulder, a summer fling, and an improbable number of skeletons prove Murk to be more eventful than Viv could have ever expected.

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Behind the Rifters Series: Unveiling the Real-Life Inspiration for the Paleo Institute! #fantasy #steampunk #paleontology

 

A beacon for those hungry for knowledge and adventure.

popular fantasy steampunk series, the rifters, paleo institute

The Oregon Paleo Lands Institute Center in Fossil, Oregon, serves as the muse behind the Rifters’ Paleo Institute. Much like its real-world counterpart, the Paleo Institute in the series fosters exploration of the past and present landscapes. Inspired by the Center’s offerings—trips, classes, and adventures throughout the region—the Rifters’ Paleo Institute echoes the spirit of discovery, inviting readers to delve into history, fine-tune skills, and embrace the vast ecosystem of their world.

 

 

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#SciFi Worth Watching: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 #MovieReview

popular science fiction movie

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 takes us back into the vibrant and eclectic world of Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, Groot, and their galactic friends. With this latest installment, another exhilarating space adventure is delivered but the story also delves deeper into the emotional cores of our beloved misfit heroes, especially Rocket.

The film strikes an engrossing balance between heart and humor, weaving an intricate narrative that explores family, sacrifice, and redemption. While the stakes are undeniably high in their intergalactic quest, it’s the characters’ personal journeys that anchor the storyline, inviting us into a compelling odyssey.

Visually stunning and narratively ambitious, Vol. 3 dazzles with its mesmerizing CGI and breathtaking cosmic landscapes. Gunn’s distinct directorial style infuses the movie with a vibrant energy, seamlessly blending action-packed sequences with poignant character-driven moments.

The chemistry among the cast continues to shine, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles. Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper (voicing Rocket), and Vin Diesel (voicing Groot) breathe life into their characters, allowing us to laugh, cry, and root for this ragtag team as they navigate personal struggles and the chaos of the cosmos.

Moreover, the film’s soundtrack, a hallmark of the Guardians series, once again proves to be an integral part of the storytelling, transporting audiences through time and space with its eclectic mix of nostalgic tunes. While the movie delivers on the expected thrills and humor, it also surprises with moments of genuine poignancy.

Beer while watching is optional to enjoy the film but not required.

 

 

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Rainly: The Chatterbox Cytran with a Heart of Chrome from the Best-Selling Backworlds Series! #scifi #sciencefiction

 

In the boundless expanse of the Backworlds series resides a character whose presence illuminates every page—a character born from the spirit of a cherished friend, Rainly.

best-selling science fiction series the Backworlds, Rainly

A Spark in the Universe

Rainly, the chatty and compassionate Cytran, epitomizes the essence of a friend lost but not forgotten. With chrome skin, luminous pink eyes, and bobbed white hair reminiscent of delicate plastic threads, she graces the Backworlds with her unwavering sweetness and perpetual desire to lend a helping hand.

A Bond Forged in Stars

Craze’s valiant act to rescue Rainly from the clutches of peril on Wism, enduring severe injuries in the process, marks the genesis of her liberation and coming into her own. As one of the original settlers on Pardeep Station, Rainly is a beacon of unity and compassion, harboring a heart that yearns to protect and uplift those around her.

A Tribute Beyond Pages

More than just a character in a story, Rainly represents a cherished friend I once gamed with online. Her name comes from the fantasy name my friend created. She suddenly passed, and I created Rainly as a tribute to her. Wanda spoke and typed like Rainly. If I base a character on someone, the character will embody their essence. And Rainly carries Wanda’s.

Start With A FREE Book!

Start the best-selling space opera adventure series, the Backworlds with a FREE book! The Backworlds is free at all ebook retailers.

FREE BACKWORLDS

 

 

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Aurora Rising: #SciFi Worth Reading #BookReview #sciencefiction #booklover

best science fiction books
best science fiction books, Aurora Rising

Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.

What I loved: the setting in space. I love being in space. A mystery that leads to exploration and discovery. This is my favorite type of mystery in space opera. Traveling to different planets and meeting people from other planets is always a fun adventure.

The plot takes twists and turns. I love this sort of ride. The story is often gripping and thrilling. It’s written from multiple POVs, which makes it interesting. The POV always keeps the story moving forward.

There are two minor quibbles I have with it. The first is that it reads young. Well, young for me. You may think otherwise. The second was a plot twist that I didn’t think made complete logical sense. From all the 5 star reviews, it seems not many people notice that flaw. So you may not either. Either way, it’s a spectacular book to spend some time with.

Here’s the official description:

The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the academy would touch . . .

A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm
A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates
A smart-ass tech whiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder
An alien warrior with anger-management issues
A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into him, in case you were wondering

And Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem–that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline cases, and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.

NOBODY PANIC.

 

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