space Archives - Page 3 of 15

Dune (2021): #SciFi #MovieReview #sciencefiction

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / By M Pax / December 12, 2023

Swept away to another world…

Of all the attempts to make Dune into a movie, this is the best one. Narrowing the scope of the story had to be done, and this one did a good job of paring down the story into something understandable and exciting. Dune remains one of my all-time favorites. I read every book written by Frank and spent years lost in his epic, vast universe. It’s not an easy story to whittle down small enough for a movie, so I give those who wrote the screenplay credit for doing a good job of it.

It’s a stunning movie that is beautiful to look at and very well acted. There’s a good amount of action and tension. We spend some time with the bad guys and get a taste of the politics at work in the galaxy. The politics drive the story and what happens. Honestly, I was prepared to dislike this movie, because the scope of the novel is so vast, but I didn’t hate it. I quite liked it. A lot. Color me surprised.

In this installment, the Atreides are assigned to take over Arrakis and the spice production. Spice is integral to interstellar travel. The previous manager of Arrrakis, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, wants the planet and spice trade back. His ruthlessness and plots drive the story into the desert of Arrakis where Paul Atreides will discover his destiny.

The movie shows Fremen riding sandworms. Very cool. In the desert is where the story really comes to life.

More sand worms! I look forward to part two in March. Dune can only be done correctly in parts, IMO.

This movie earns the coveted ‘beer is optional’ rating.

Lepsi: A Backworlder’s Quest for Redemption #scifi #sciencefiction

Character, Science Fiction Books, Space Opera / By M Pax / November 11, 2023

In the vast and diverse universe of the Backworlds series, one character stands out for his tumultuous journey from a life of privilege and suffering to redemption and the pursuit of a noble cause. Lepsi has faced unimaginable challenges and personal demons. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the quest for redemption in the face of profound mistakes.

Childhood in Doka: A Life of Misery

Lepsi’s early life was far from idyllic. Born into a noble family on the unforgiving world of Doka, he was subjected to the cruelty of his father and brother. Their unkindness and abuse drove Lepsi to seek solace and escape in the form of a friendship that would change the course of his life forever.

The Bond of Friendship: Talos and Lepsi’s Great Escape

Lepsi found a ray of hope in the form of Talos, a friend who would become his closest ally. Together, they devised a plan to escape Doka. Fueled by determination and the desire for a better life, they embarked on a journey that would take them to the edge of the Backworlds.

A New Beginning: Pardeep Station

On their journey through the planets on the Edge of the Backworlds, Lepsi and Talos encountered Craze, who played a pivotal role in their lives. With Craze’s help, they acquired a spaceship, The Sequi, and together, they created a home on the remote moon, Pardeep Station. For a time, it seemed that Lepsi’s troubles were finally behind him.

Tragedy Strikes: Lepsi’s Enslavement by the Quassers

However, fate had other plans for Lepsi. He fell victim to an evil and enigmatic alien race known as the Quassers. These sentient, living ships kidnapped and enslaved him, plunging Lepsi into a harrowing ordeal that would scar him deeply.

A Desperate Quest for Redemption: Lepsi’s Ill-Fated Plan

The war with the Quassers pushed Lepsi to the brink. In a desperate bid to save Talos and end the conflict, he sought to lead the Quassers through a connection forged during his time as a slave. Unfortunately, this attempt went terribly awry, leading to dire consequences. The Quassers killed billions while Lepsi led them.

Lepsi’s Redemption

Haunted by the consequences of his actions, Lepsi embarks on a journey to find redemption. He dedicated himself to rescuing other aliens in captivity and helping them return to their homelands, seeking to make amends for the devastation he unwittingly caused and many blame him for, even some he calls friend.

A Glimpse into Lepsi’s Physical Appearance and Character

Lepsi’s seven-foot-tall frame, curly red hair, and piercing blue eyes make him a distinctive figure in the Backworlds universe. His loyalty and unwavering commitment to doing the right thing define his character, despite the deep regrets that weigh on his conscience.

Follow Lepsi’s journey through the Backworlds with a free book!. The Backworlds is free at all ebook retailers.

Shopping direct from me really helps me make a living as an author, so thank you. You can also find my books at your favorite online bookstore.

Backworlds BUY DIRECT

Amazon Links: US / CA / UK / AU / DE / FR / ES / IT / NL / JP / BR / MX / IN

Audiobook: Audible / iTunes

Captain Talos: Navigating the Backworlds with Unwavering Determination #scifi #sciencefiction

Character, Science Fiction Books, Space Opera / By M Pax / October 17, 2023

In the vast expanse of the Backworlds, where remote planets and hidden systems hold untold hardships, one character stands out as a beacon of hope, resilience, and unbridled passion for exploration: Captain Talos. Hailing from the planet Doka, Talos’s journey from a life of struggle to becoming a remarkable captain is a tale of inspiration and determination that resonates.

The Early Days on Doka

Talos’s story begins on the planet of Doka, a world on the edge of the central planets of the Backworlds. Raised by a loving mother, his life took a tragic turn when she succumbed to a deadly plague, which was a remnant from the Foreworld War. Left orphaned and adrift, Talos faced the harsh realities of life on Doka. He didn’t lose his heart, however. He gave away his only pair of shoes to help a gal who had a chance to get off Doka. On Doka, there is little opportunity. The nobles remain noble, and the rest remain riffraff.

A Fateful Meeting

Fate intervened in the form of a chance encounter with Lepsi, a fellow Backworlder who would become Talos’s lifeline. With a borrowed coin from Lepsi, Talos found a glimmer of hope. The coin permitted him to buy a new pair of shoes to beg for work. Only, he found a better opportunity at the docks where a cargo ship needed of crew. This put him in a position to help Lepsi at a later point. Together, they embarked on a journey that would change the course of their lives.

The Pursuit of Dreams

With Lepsi’s unwavering companionship, Talos ventured into the fringes of the Backworlds, seeking new horizons and experiencing the wonders of the galaxy. It was during these journeys that he encountered Craze and found a place to call home on Pardeep Station. Talos’s loyalty and ability to redraw the line between hero and villain made him popular among the residents of Pardeep Station.

Friendship and Heartbreak

Talos’s devotion to Lepsi was unwavering, and he considered Lepsi his dearest friend. When Lepsi mysteriously went missing, Talos was left heartbroken and determined to uncover the truth. The discovery of a crucial clue about Lepsi’s disappearance only fueled Talos’s determination. He was relentless in his pursuit of answers, showcasing his resilience and the depth of his friendships.

A Love Discovered

Amidst his adventurous exploits, Talos found love in the Backworlds. However, his insatiable desire to explore the galaxy shows no signs of slowing down. He dreams of establishing his own trade route, yet the passion for a specific trade eludes him.

An Indomitable Spirit

Captain Talos, the aviarman from Doka, exemplifies the spirit of exploration, friendship, and perseverance that defines the Backworlds series. His journey from poverty and loss to becoming a renowned captain is a testament to the power of determination and the enduring bonds of friendship. As readers follow his adventures through the galaxy, they are sure to be inspired by his indomitable spirit and unwavering pursuit of his dreams, making him a cherished character.

Start the Backworlds series with The Backworlds. Available at all retailers. Shopping direct from me really helps me make a living as an author, so thank you. Sign up for my newsletter to get the new release, Escape from Doka. This novel covers some of the early adventures of Talos and Lepsi. It’ll be availabe only through my newsletter.

Backworlds BUY DIRECT

Amazon Links: US / CA / UK / AU / DE / FR / ES / IT / NL / JP / BR / MX / IN

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

Book Review, Science Fiction Books / By M Pax / September 19, 2023

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.