Science Fiction Books Archives - Page 2 of 34

Mary Shelley: The Mother of Science Fiction #WomensHistoryMonth #BookTwitter #scifi #sciencefiction

Science Fiction Books, Speculative Fiction / By M Pax / March 9, 2024

*Rothwell, Richard; Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley; National Portrait Gallery, London; http://www.artuk.org/artworks/mary-wollstonecraft-shelley-157761*

In 1818, Mary Shelley gave life to “Frankenstein,” igniting the spark of science fiction.

Her tale of a scientist defying nature’s laws set the stage for a new literary frontier.

Shelley’s visionary storytelling delved into the ethical dilemmas of scientific advancement.

“Frankenstein” challenged readers to contemplate the consequences of playing god.

With its blend of gothic horror and speculative science, Shelley birthed a genre that continues to captivate minds today.

Her pioneering work laid the foundation for future sci-fi luminaries to explore the boundaries of imagination.

In Shelley’s creation, we find not just a monster, but the birth of an entire genre—science fiction.

Meelo: A Tale of Resilience and Redemption in the Backworlds Universe #sciencefiction #scifi

Character, Science Fiction Books, Space Opera / By M Pax / March 5, 2024

In the vast expanse of the Backworlds, amidst the swirling cosmos and interstellar strife, there exists a character whose journey epitomizes the essence of resilience and redemption. Her name is Meelo, and within her diminutive frame lies a story of courage, loss, and eventual triumph.

Barely reaching five feet in height, Meelo cuts a small figure against the backdrop of cosmic chaos. With her dirty blonde hair and watery pale blue eyes, she possesses a quiet presence that belies the turbulence within her soul. Meelo’s arrival on Pardeep Station, two years after Craze and his companions, marks the beginning of a new chapter in her tumultuous life.

Brought to Pardeep Station by Doc, who took nursed her back to health, Meelo is a figure of mystery. Her stutter shrouds her words in uncertainty, while she seeks solace within her oversized coat. This coat, adorned with pockets of various fabrics, serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost on Teerant, her home planet, decimated by the ruthless Fo’wo’s.

Meelo’s survival amidst the carnage is a testament to her resilience. Pretending to be dead amongst the pile of corpses, she emerged from the ashes as the sole survivor, a promise she made to the man she loved.

Initially employed at Craze’s bar, Meelo eventually established a farm. A loner by nature, she harbored a secret life as a informant to the enemy Foreworlders, a decision born out of desperation and survival.

Meelo’s journey took a dramatic turn when she fought to save the citizens of Pardeep Station. Through acts of bravery and selflessness, she redeemed herself in the eyes of her peers, earning the esteemed title of planet lord. Though uncomfortable with the mantle of leadership, Meelo shed her stutter and emerged from the shadows, revealing her true face to the world.

Today, Meelo tends to the wounds of Pardeep Station’s population, both physical and emotional, with the tender care of someone who knows the depths of despair. In Meelo’s journey, there is a tale of triumph and of finding strength in the face of unimaginable loss. Hers is a story of redemption, of becoming a beacon of hope in a universe shrouded in darkness.

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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 M Pax / March 1, 2024

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

Book Review, Fantasy, Science Fiction Books / By M Pax / February 21, 2024

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 M Pax / February 17, 2024

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 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.

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 M Pax / February 13, 2024

System 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.