Exploration Archives

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

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.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Pictograph Cave #NaturePhotography #NatureBeauty #Petroglyphs

Oregon, Photography, Weird and Wonderful / By M Pax / August 29, 2023

Hidden amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Bend, Oregon, lies the treasure of ancient history and art – the Pictograph Cave. It’s east of Bend between China Hat and Pine Mountain in the lonely plains of the high desert.

The Trail

There’s no easy way to get there. It’s a 3.4-mile round-trip trek through the desert, longer as you’re sure to have some issues finding your way there and back. There is no clearly marked trail, and you’re often traipsing through the desert using landmarks and the compass on your phone for help. The day we went, it was very smokey. Boo for forest fires! If you go, be sure to wear socks. The flora have lots of stickers and prickers. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to wear those shoes again. There are still things poking me when I put them on.

Protecting the Past

It’s dry and dusty, so bring lots of water. The reason the cave is pretty well hidden is to protect it from vandals. Some a$$hats defaced a cave that is easier to access and ruined it for everyone. I’m all for protecting this cave. There’s a lot to study and learn.

Evidence of Ancient Tool Making

That’s Pine Mountain in the distance. I ‘m usually driving past this part of the desert, not walking through it. One of the cool things is, there are pieces of obsidian everywhere – remnants of toolmaking. The natives seemed to have used this area quite a bit for there to be so much obsidian lying around. This evidence of the past you can witness without finding the cave.

Watch Your Step!

Besides being on the lookout for snakes and roots trying to trip you, you have to be aware of sudden holes in the earth that want to swallow you up. This drop would have ended the hike in tragedy. And, you’re pretty much out there on your own. We didn’t see anybody else anywhere on the trails or parked on the dirt path leading to the walking path.

Closed for Bats

Be aware that the cave, and every cave in the area, is closed for bat hibernation between October 1st and April 30th. You have to respect nature and all its creatures.

And the entrance to the cave is rather treacherous. It involves climbing and is not easy. You should have at least one other person with you for safety. There are some hand and foot holds, but you have to be into rock climbing.

Once you make it to the cave, and then down into the cave, you’ll be rewarded with ancient rock art.

The Magnificent Rock Art

The intricate and vibrant pictographs tell stories of a bygone era, capturing the creativity and ingenuity of the early inhabitants. The cave’s walls showcase a diverse array of artwork, including depictions of wildlife, human figures, celestial objects, and abstract symbols. The drawings span over time and are thousands of years old. There isn’t any information on what they mean, but it’s humbling to stand where ancient humans did thousands of years ago and try to figure out what had stirred them to paint the images they did on the cave walls. I monkeyed with the photos to make the drawings more clear.

A Trek of Discovery

Visiting Pictograph Cave in Bend, Oregon, offers a unique opportunity. Walking in the footsteps of ancient civilizations, you can imagine what life might have been like in prehistoric times. The cave’s aura of mystery and the palpable connection to the past create an unforgettable experience, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the richness of human history.

#SciFi Worth Reading: Chilling Effect #BookReview #scifibooks

Science Fiction Books / By M Pax / August 22, 2023

Chilling Effect strikes a perfect balance between heart-pounding action and laugh-out-loud humor. Valdes keeps the pace energetic, with gripping space battles, daring escapes, and high-stakes encounters that kept me flipping the pages. This book is also infused with clever banter, witty dialogue, and humorous situations that bring levity and charm.

The story centers around Captain Eva Innocente, the fearless and quick-witted protagonist at the helm of the spaceship La Sirena Negra. Eva’s life is anything but ordinary as she navigates the cosmos, undertaking perilous missions and facing unexpected encounters. Valdes injects the narrative with a sense of joy and fun, effortlessly blending elements of adventure, comedy, and a touch of romance.

One of the highlights lies in its cast of colorful and diverse characters. From the eclectic crew of La Sirena Negra to the quirky beings they encounter in their travels, Valdes has created a rich tapestry of personalities. Each character feels distinct, with their own unique quirks, motivations, and backstories.

Chilling Effect is an absolute delight and a recommended read. There is so much action in this novel, it could be a series on its own. Here’s the blurb:

Captain Eva Innocente and the crew of La Sirena Negra cruise the galaxy delivering small cargo for even smaller profits. When her sister Mari is kidnapped by The Fridge, a shadowy syndicate that holds people hostage in cryostasis, Eva must undergo a series of unpleasant, dangerous missions to pay the ransom.

But Eva may lose her mind before she can raise the money. The ship’s hold is full of psychic cats, an amorous fish-faced emperor wants her dead after she rejects his advances, and her sweet engineer is giving her a pesky case of feelings. The worse things get, the more she lies, raising suspicions and testing her loyalty to her found family.

To free her sister, Eva will risk everything: her crew, her ship, and the life she’s built on the ashes of her past misdeeds. But when the dominoes start to fall and she finds the real threat is greater than she imagined, she must decide whether to play it cool or burn it all down.

Get Ready to Launch: The Backworlds at 99 Cents! #scifi #sciencefiction

Character, Science Fiction Books, Space Opera / By M Pax / August 1, 2023

Dive into this gripping space adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. And it’s only 99 cents!

A Space Opera Adventure Awaits

The Backworlds is a space opera adventure that promises an unforgettable ride. With captivating world-building and fast-paced storytelling, this novel will leave you wanting more. Genetic curiosities, innovative technology, and complex histories blend seamlessly, creating a fun and thrilling experience that will keep your imagination buzzing.

The Aftermath of War

Following a devastating war with the Foreworlds, the Backworlds find themselves scattered across their remaining planets where resources are scarce, competition becomes fierce, and survival is paramount. The backdrop of post-war turmoil adds depth to the story, setting the stage for a gripping narrative of the characters’ struggles.

A Father’s Betrayal and an Unlikely Hero’s Journey

Craze’s life takes a dramatic turn when his father decides to evict him off the planet in pursuit of greater fortunes. Cut off from everything he knows and armed with little money and no knowledge of the worlds beyond, Craze must summon every ounce of determination and courage to survive. His journey toward redemption and a new life is filled with obstacles and surprises.

Rave Reviews from Readers

The Backworlds has received acclaim from both critics and readers alike. Jason Weisberger, publisher of Boing Boing, praises the novel’s fast-paced storytelling reminiscent of classic sci-fi tales. ASMSG Scifi/Fantasy/Paranormal Emagazine applauds the author’s imaginative world-building and captivating characters. And on Amazon, a reader shares their delight at discovering an original and creative story that stands out in the sci-fi genre.

A Steal at 99 Cents

You can get your hands on The Backworlds for the unbeatable price of 99 cents! Whether you’re a seasoned sci-fi reader or just curious to explore the world of space opera, this gripping novel promises an extraordinary reading experience.

Get your copy today, and let the journey begin! Happy reading!

Available in ebook at all etailers

Shopping direct from me really helps me make a living as an author, so thank you.

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Alkalai Lake, Oregon: Discovering Nature’s Resilience Amidst Environmental Challenges #NaturePhotography #NatureBeauty

Oregon, Photography, Weird and Wonderful / By M Pax / July 25, 2023

Alkali Lake is deep within the Great Basin region of Oregon. The Great Basin is the largest area of watersheds with no outlets in North America. Alkali Lake is a natural sink surrounded by stunning landscapes and environmental challenges.

Geological Formation and Magnificent Landscapes:

Alkali Lake emerged as a geographic sink, showcasing the intricate geological processes that shape our planet. Situated 26 miles east of Christmas Valley, Oregon, and to the northeast of Lake Abert, this remarkable body of water is a testament to the dynamic nature of Earth’s landscapes. The surrounding area, adorned by the majestic Abert Rim and Highway 395, provides a breathtaking backdrop.

Water Level Variations and Changing Dynamics:

Throughout its existence, Alkali Lake has experienced significant variations in water levels. In the past, it reached a prehistoric maximum depth of approximately 270.7 feet (82.5 meters) and covered an expansive area of around 1,448.4 square miles (3,751 square kilometers). However, over time, a drying trend has become apparent, leading to fluctuations.

Alkaline Salts and the Natural Composition:

One of the notable characteristics of Alkali Lake is the presence of dissolved alkaline salts within its seasonal waters. On average, these alkaline salts account for approximately 10% of the total brine weight. While this unique composition poses challenges for some forms of life, it also creates a distinctive ecosystem that has adapted to the conditions over time, showcasing nature’s resilience and adaptability.

The Alkali Lake Chemical Waste Dump:

In close proximity to Alkali Lake lies the Alkali Lake Chemical Waste Dump, which is an unfortunate reminder of past environmental challenges. This site served as a repository for chemical waste, and its presence raises awareness about the importance of responsible waste management and the long-term effects on the surrounding ecosystem. Efforts to address and mitigate the impacts of the waste dump are ongoing, underscoring the significance of environmental stewardship.

Despite the environmental challenges it faces, Alkali Lake’s natural beauty remains resilient.

Daelin Long: A Journey from Adversity to Heroism in the Rifters Series #fantasybooks #steampunk

Art, Character, Science Fiction Books / By M Pax / July 11, 2023

Daelin Long, a resilient and courageous character who undergoes a transformation from a lost soul to a fearless defender of our world.

From New York City to Settler: A Fresh Start Amidst Mystery

Daelin’s life takes an unforeseen twist when she is fired from her assistant editor’s job in bustling New York City and falls victim to a robbery. Seeking solace and a fresh start, she relocates to the quiet town of Settler, Oregon, with the help of her sister, Charming. However, her arrival in Settler is marred by the mysterious absence of her sister, setting the stage for an extraordinary and suspenseful journey.

Adjusting to Small-Town Life: A World of Secrets Unveiled

The transition from the hubbub of city life to the tranquility of Settler poses its own challenges for Daelin. As she navigates the small town’s close-knit community, she discovers that it holds secrets far beyond what meets the eye. Daelin’s quest to uncover the truth about her sister’s disappearance leads her down a rabbit hole of strange occurrences, revealing a hidden world where monsters are real.

From Fear to Heroism: Embracing the Rifters’ Call

As the truth of the supernatural unfolds, Daelin finds herself drafted into the Rifters—a group of courageous individuals dedicated to defending humanity from the menacing creatures that lurk in the shadows. Despite her initial fear and uncertainty, Daelin’s unwavering determination to save her sister propels her to often take on a leadership role among the Rifters. Through her resourcefulness, bravery, and intelligence, she becomes a force to be reckoned with.

Unlikely Allies and Unexpected Bonds: Friendship with a Ghost

While battling monsters, Daelin discovers an unlikely ally in the form of a ghost—her best friend in Settler. This spectral companion becomes a steadfast source of support, offering guidance, friendship, and a unique perspective on the supernatural forces that surround them. Together, they forge an important bond, serving as a testament to the strength of connection even in the most extraordinary circumstances.

Follow Daelin’s awe-inspiring journey as she battles her fears, uncovers hidden truths, and forges unbreakable bonds. Witness the transformation of an ordinary woman into an extraordinary hero. Start this discovery with the first book in The Rifters series, which is free everywhere! Get your copy today!

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