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#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.

FREE Novel – Escape from Doka: A Backworlds Adventure, The Epic Beginning of Talos and Lepsi #scifi #sciencefiction #booktwitter #freebooks

Character, New Release, Science Fiction Books, Space Opera / By M Pax / September 1, 2023

Coming soon! A new novel set in the best-selling space opera series, The Backworlds, is on the way. Escape from Doka features fan favorites Lepsi and Talos. The best part is this new adventure is FREE!

Get ready for a new adventure in the Backworlds.

This novel adds to the story of the beloved characters, Lepsi and Talos, and begins on the planet Doka before our heroes meet. Lepsi struggles with the cruelty he suffers from his father and brother. He yearns for freedom, but he can’t get past dreaming to planning. It’s a fantasy he thinks will never happen.

Talos loses his mother and his sense of purpose. He wants nothing more than to get away from the grief and poverty that haunts him. But, he gave away his shoes to a gal who got a job on Elstwhere. She couldn’t board the transport without shoes, and Talos wanted at least part of him to get off the planet. He begs for a chip to buy a new pair so that he can find work to earn fare on a passenger transport.

A chance arrives…

A massive cargo ship arrives and is in need of more crew. It’s leaflets beg for hire-ons and get noticed by both Lepsi and Talos, who eagerly make their plans to leave Doka. It’s easier to escape for Talos. Talos has no one to answer to and no one who will miss him. Lepsi’s absence would be noticed, and Lepsi’s father swears to hunt him down if he ever leaves. To get hired onto the cargo transport, Lepsi and Talos need each other.

Both intend to stay on the ship for a long time, taking advantage of what it has to offer. However, Talos gets too ambitious and gets involved in smuggling. This lands him in a heap of trouble with some pirates.

Lepsi’s father follows the ship to the next port, haunting the docks with his lordly attitude and demanding the return of his son. He garners sympathy from strangers, which makes other members of the crew nervous. They can’t chance their pasts yanking them home, so abandon the ship in droves.

Talos and Lepsi end up kicked off the crew.

Scrambling to Escape…

Left with meager resources, Lepsi and Talos have to scrounge for the means to make their way in the Backworlds. They encounter unscrupulous captains, cutthroat Backworlders, more pirates, the authorities, and prison while trying to realize their dreams. Will they make it?

This Novel is FREE

Escape from Doka: A Backworlds Adventure will be given to everyone in the M. Pax Dimension at the beginning of December, and it will only be available to members of the M. Pax Dimension. It won’t be sold in stores. Don’t miss out! If you haven’t yet joined the M. Pax Dimension, get signed up now! Oh, and the full cover will be revealed shortly.

GET YOUR FREE BOOK

#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

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Unleash Your Galactic Adventure: Grab Your Free Ebook from the Best-selling Science Fiction Series, Stopover at the Backworld’s Edge #scifibooks #Kindle #Kobo #Nook #iBook #GooglePlay More #Giveaway

Art, Character, Not of this Earth Bookshop, Science Fiction Books, Space Opera / By M Pax / June 1, 2023

In the vast realm of science fiction, where galaxies collide and destinies are shaped, there lies a gripping tale of revenge, fragile peace, and the pursuit of justice. “Stopover at the Backworld’s Edge” by M. Pax is a captivating sequel to “The Backworlds,” and this action-packed adventure is available for free in ebook format across all major online retailers. That’s right FREE!

Join Craze on his quest for revenge against his father, while dealing with the treacherous travelers aboard a battleship that shouldn’t be around. The war with the Fo’wo’s ended a generation ago.

The Quest for Revenge:

Craze, our tenacious hero, finds himself on a desolate moon, devoid of hope and prospects. However, his burning desire for revenge against his father keeps his spirit alive. Despite his relentless pursuit, Craze faces incredible obstacles along the way.

A Battleship from the Past:

In an unexpected turn of events, an interstellar portal opens, revealing a battleship that should have faded into history. The appearance of this formidable vessel introduces a new dimension of danger and uncertainty. What havoc will it dump on Craze’s world?

The Fragile Peace of the Foreworlds:

While Craze seeks vengeance, he must tread cautiously, mindful of the delicate balance of peace that exists between worlds. Can he unravel the intricate web of alliances and treaties that shape the Foreworlds, and understand the stakes involved? One wrong move could bring about disastrous consequences for Craze and his companions.

The High Price of Vengeance:

Will the pursuit of vengeance lead to Craze’s downfall, or will he find redemption amidst the chaos?

The Power of Friendship:

Amidst the turmoil and danger, Craze finds solace and strength in the bonds he forms with his friends. Will some bonds snap and never recover?

Get Your FREE Copy Now

Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a galactic adventure and experience the captivating story of Craze and his quest for justice. With the ebook available for free at all major retailers, now is the perfect time to delve into the Backworlds and discover the secrets that lie at the edge of the universe.

space opera book series – Available at all etailers

space opera book series… Shopping direct from me really helps me make a living as an author, so thank you. Sign up for my newsletter for coupon codes to my store. You can also find my books at your favorite online bookstore.

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The Space Between Us: #MovieReview #scifi #sciencefiction

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / By M Pax / May 20, 2023

The Space Between Us starts off with an interesting premise, following the journey of the first human born on Mars as he travels to Earth in search of his father and experiences life outside of his Martian colony for the first time. However, the film quickly becomes bogged down by implausible plot points and a lackluster storyline.

One major issue is the premise itself, which requires a suspension of disbelief. The idea of a pregnant astronaut being allowed to go on a mission to Mars is realistically inaccurate. Astronauts are carefully monitored for health before being launched into space. I doubt a pregnancy would have slipped past the doctors. Whatev. We get to space and she has the baby. Of course, she dies in childbirth. Sorry, for that spoiler, but it’s not that interesting of a plot point. The child being raised on Mars is interesting. So we had to get through that absurdity to something interesting.

The kid, of course, wants to go to Earth. He’s a teenager now. Here, they stayed true to science. Mars has lower gravity, so he can’t go to Earth without dying. But eventually, they find a way to make a trip possible.

While the story briefly picks up once the protagonist, Gardner, arrives on Earth, it quickly becomes tedious as he and his love interest spend an excessive amount of time on the run from authorities. The film’s pacing suffers as a result, with long stretches of the movie feeling drawn out and unengaging.

Overall, while The Space Between Us may be of interest to fans of sci-fi romance films, it falls short in terms of logic and storytelling. It’s very predictable. Viewers who are willing to overlook its flaws may enjoy the film’s optimistic message about the power of human connection, but others may find themselves fast-forwarding through large parts of the movie like we did. The ending was satisfying. So, I’ll give it that. Still, it may take more than 3 beers to enjoy this one. The Husband Unit pretty much hated it, and even I got tired of it. Some crazy dance numbers would have helped… or land sharks… or dinosaurs eating people… maniacal robots… giant insects… a shorter sagging middle.. a few twists and turns… more logic… more time in space. Currently streaming on Netflix.

Okay, I probably didn’t make this sound appealing, but here’s the trailer: