Science Fiction Books

Reviews and sales of science fiction books and series.

#Fantasy Worth Reading: A Court of Thorns and Roses #BookReview

Book Review, Fantasy, Science Fiction Books / /

 

🌹 A Court of Thorns and Roses: A Twisted and Engaging Retelling

review A court of thorns and roses

I recently finished A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, and I have to say, I’m impressed! At first, the story reminded me a lot of a retelling and reimagining of Beauty and the Beast—which, if you know me, I love. But while there are some similarities, this book brings so much more to the table than just a typical fairy-tale retelling.

A Familiar Yet Unpredictable Adventure

On the surface, A Court of Thorns and Roses follows a storyline that might seem familiar—an ordinary young woman who is thrust into a magical world and has to navigate a complicated relationship with a cursed beast. However, as you dive into the world Maas has created, you’ll quickly realize it’s so much more than that.

This is a world where fairies aren’t necessarily the kindly, whimsical creatures you might expect. Instead, they have their own agendas and aren’t always as nice as they seem. The twists and turns in this story kept me on my toes, and I loved how Maas subverted expectations at every corner. More than once, the book surprised me, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

World-Building and Complex Characters

One of the standout features of A Court of Thorns and Roses is the world-building. Maas creates a richly detailed and immersive world that feels both magical and dangerous. The realm of the Fae is beautifully crafted, full of mystery and intrigue. I could practically feel the magic pulsing through the pages.

Equally impressive are the characters. Feyre, the protagonist, is both strong and vulnerable, with a depth that I didn’t expect. The relationships she navigates are complicated, layered with emotion and hidden motivations. This isn’t just a story about a girl and a beast—it’s a journey of survival, power, and self-discovery. The characters’ complexities added so much richness to the plot, and I found myself invested in their growth throughout the story.

Final Thoughts

Overall, A Court of Thorns and Roses is a captivating read that blends familiar fairy-tale elements with unexpected twists. With great world-building, compelling characters, and a plot full of surprises, I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. This book has me hooked, and I’m definitely planning to read more of the series to see where it goes.

Happy reading, and here’s to more magical adventures! ✨

 

 

 

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Why Kickstarter is the Perfect Way to Celebrate a Series and Reward Fans

New Release, Science Fiction Books / /

SQUAD 51 KICKSTARTER

As an author, one of the most exciting things I get to do is connect with my readers in a meaningful way. And what better way to do that than through Kickstarter? It’s a platform that allows me to offer unique features and extras that aren’t available through traditional distribution channels. Plus, it lets you, my amazing readers, become part of the creation process.

For the Squad 51 series, I’m launching a Kickstarter campaign that goes beyond just the books. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Print books: You’ll get your hands on physical copies of the Squad 51 series, perfect for any bookshelf.

  • Bonus extras: Special features like artwork, behind-the-scenes content, and digital goodies will enhance your reading experience and immerse you in the world of Squad 51 even more.

  • An extra book, Space Hitched: This exclusive book will only be available through the Kickstarter campaign, offering even more of the hilarious space adventures you love.

Why Kickstarter? Because it’s not just about funding. It’s about celebrating the series and rewarding the fans who’ve been there every step of the way. I get to offer things I can’t do with traditional publishing, like limited editions, personalized rewards, and sneak peeks into the creative process.

How to Sign Up for the Squad 51 Kickstarter Campaign

Ready to jump in and join the fun? Here’s how you can sign up and support the Squad 51 series on Kickstarter:

  1. Go to the Kickstarter Campaign Page: You can find it [here—insert link].

  2. Choose Your Pledge Level: You can support the campaign at various levels, depending on what extras you want, whether it’s a single ebook or a full collection with prints, digital bonuses, and Space Hitched.

  3. Follow the Progress: Once you back the campaign, you’ll get updates on new content, stretch goals, and cool rewards as the project progresses.

  4. Enjoy the Rewards: Once the campaign is successfully funded, you’ll receive your rewards—whether that’s a special edition, signed books, or other fun bonuses.

With Kickstarter, you’re not just buying a book; you’re supporting the creation of something special, and I can’t wait to celebrate Squad 51 with all of you.

SQUAD 51

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#SciFi Worth Reading: Alien Summer #BookReview

Book Review, Science Fiction Books / /

 

🌌 Alien Summer: A Mind-Bending, Unreliable Adventure

review alien summer

For my book club read at work, I chose Alien Summer by Robert Bayley, an indie novel that I picked up for my Kindle. Our theme for the month was summer, and I’ll admit, I didn’t know exactly what I was in for when I started this one—but boy, was I in for a ride.

A Summer Read Like No Other

At first, I thought Alien Summer was going to be a classic alien encounter story, full of intergalactic adventure and maybe a few too many predictable tropes. But I was completely wrong—and I absolutely loved that. This novel quickly defied my expectations and became something far more complex and thought-provoking than I anticipated.

The story is told through the eyes of a very unreliable narrator, and I mean very unreliable. Like, wow. There were moments when I genuinely wasn’t sure what was real and what was imagined. Was it aliens? Was it the narrator’s mental state unraveling? The blurring of reality and delusion kept me hooked, but it also left me questioning what I was reading at every turn.

Unreliable Narrator = Thought-Provoking Journey

Normally, unreliable narrators can be frustrating, but in this case, it was absolutely brilliant. Bayley crafted a character whose perspective kept me on my toes. I spent the entire novel unsure which events actually happened and which ones were the product of the narrator’s perception. And, oddly enough, I didn’t mind that at all. In fact, it got me thinking deeply about mental health, how we perceive reality, and the way our minds can trick us.

The themes of perception and mental health are subtle but powerful, and they added a layer of depth that I wasn’t expecting. By the end of the book, I found myself still contemplating the events and wondering whether I had been led to see things in a way that wasn’t entirely true—or was it?

Final Thoughts

Alien Summer isn’t your typical alien story. It’s a unique blend of sci-fi and psychological exploration that will keep you guessing. If you like stories that challenge your perception of reality, this is definitely worth checking out. I was entertained, but more than that, I was left thinking long after I finished the last page.

Happy reading, and here’s to more thought-provoking indie gems! ✨

 

 

 

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Exclusive Adventure: Escape from Doka – A Tale of Unlikely Friendship and High Stakes

Science Fiction Books, Space Opera / /

 

Escape from Doka: A Backworlds Adventure

Escape from Doka is a standalone adventure that can only be found here, exclusively for those who join my M. Pax Dimension mailing list.

In this story, Lepsi, the youngest son of a fallen nobleman, and Talos, a young man from the poorest part of the city, forge an unlikely bond that will change the course of their lives. Stuck in oppressive circumstances on the planet Doka, both dream of escape. But when an opportunity arises to join a premier cargo transport crew, their hopes are dashed as they’re thrust into danger and betrayal. Pirate gangs, ruthless lords, and a test of friendship stand between them and the future they crave.

Join my mailing list today to gain access to Escape from Doka and follow Lepsi and Talos as they fight for a chance to leave behind the only lives they’ve ever known. It’s an adventure full of heart, danger, and the type of friendship that defies the odds.

Don’t miss out—this story is only available to M. Pax Dimension members. Sign up today!

ESCAPE

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#SciFi Worth Reading: The Tournament #BookReview

Book Review, Science Fiction Books, Space Opera / /
Out of this world space thrills!
science fiction review The Tournament
science fiction review The Tournament

The Tournament by Kate Sheeran Swed

I’ve been on a sci-fi reading spree lately, and one name keeps popping up on my list of favorite authors: Kate Sheeran Swed. If you haven’t read her work yet, allow me to point you toward Phantom Station (one of my favorite reads for the year). That book had me hooked from page one, and I’ve been eagerly waiting for more in that series ever since. While I wait, I decided to explore more of Swed’s back catalog, and I’m so glad I did because that’s how I found The Tournament.

This book reminded me exactly why I love science fiction. Swed does something special that not every sci-fi author can pull off — she captures a sense of wonder and awe that comes with exploring space and the unknown. But what really excites me is when a story takes me on a journey where I’m not entirely sure where it’s going. I love the thrill of unpredictability, and The Tournament gave me just that.

Sure, there are hints of The Hunger Games with a competitive edge and high stakes, but The Tournament is definitely its own story. Swed adds enough twists and layers to keep the narrative fresh and engaging. The setting, the challenges, and the motivations of the characters all felt genuine and compelling.

The main character, in particular, really stuck with me. She’s flawed, she makes mistakes — a lot of mistakes — but that’s what makes her relatable. Her imperfections aren’t frustrating; they’re human. I found myself rooting for her precisely because she felt real and grounded.

And, of course, the way Swed evokes the vastness and mystery of space is what I love best about science fiction. There’s a sense of scale and possibility in her writing that makes me feel like I’m right there alongside the characters, experiencing the thrills.

If you’re a fan of sci-fi that isn’t the same old tired tropes, that blends action with genuine character development, and that sparks a sense of wonder, I highly recommend picking up The Tournament. Kate Sheeran Swed continues to impress me, and I’m absolutely a fan .

Now, back to waiting (im)patiently for the next installment of Phantom Station!

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#SciFi Worth Reading: Eva Golemina and the Calvert Street Sorceress #BookReview

Book Review, Science Fiction Books / /

 

🔮 Eva Golemina and the Calvert Street Sorceress: A Fun, Creative Steampunk Adventure

review Eva Golemina and the Calvert Street Sorceress

I recently finished Eva Golemina and the Calvert Street Sorceress by Gary Lester, and wow, what a quick, fun ride! This indie gem was a 50-page read I borrowed through my Hoopla app, and it turned out to be my second indie read of the month (I’m hoping to squeeze in a third, too). While it was a short read, it was packed with enough creativity to make me wish it was longer.

A Steampunk Adventure Full of Surprises

At its core, Eva Golemina and the Calvert Street Sorceress is a steampunk story, and it delivers all the delightful trappings of the genre: intriguing gadgets, magical elements, and a strong-willed protagonist. I don’t want to spoil too much, though, because I think the story is best enjoyed without too many expectations—there’s a fun surprise around every corner. The plot twists and unique characters kept me engaged from start to finish.

Creative and Fun

The creativity in this book really shines. From the setting to the plot to the characters, Gary Lester’s world-building and storytelling are fun and imaginative. I loved how fresh and unique it felt, despite drawing on familiar steampunk tropes. It was like jumping into a world where anything was possible, and that made for a really enjoyable experience.

A Minor Drawback

If I had to nitpick, I’d say the story could benefit from another round of editing. There were a few areas where things could have been tightened up, but honestly, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. The charm of the book far outweighs any minor flaws.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Eva Golemina and the Calvert Street Sorceress is a delightful, creative steampunk adventure that left me wanting more. If you’re looking for a quick, enjoyable read full of surprises, I highly recommend giving this one a try. It’s a perfect indie read for anyone who enjoys a good blend of magic, steam-powered gadgets, and mystery.

Happy reading! ✨

 

 

 

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