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​book reviews

The Martian Diaries: Vol. 3 Gateway To Mars

11/25/2022

52 Comments

 

The Martian Diaries: Vol. 3 Gateway To Mars (The Martian Diaries: An Alternate History and Time Travel Adventure, Continuing The War Of The Worlds)

Multi-volume, science-fiction author, H. E. Wilburson introduces us to the latest volume in the Martian Diaries series, "Gateway to Mars": 
The War Of The Worlds Continues On The Moon And Mars!
Time is running out for planet Earth. Marseria, the insidious Martian plague, has been infecting our planet for over twenty years and has resisted every human effort to eradicate it.
With all life on Earth facing extinction, the only solution left is to directly access a specific piece of Martian technology. But, according to diaries left behind by Ogilvy the astronomer, the Martians have hidden it at the lake on the moon.
In 1945, three rockets converted from Martian cylinders take off on the vital lunar mission, and amongst the crew is Ogilvy's nephew, Jack Stent. Will the astronauts locate the Martian shadow-weapon, thought to hold the desperately needed cure for Marseria? Can it really be used to instigate another timeline on Earth so that mankind can survive? The stakes are high and so is the risk of contact and conflict with Martians.
Nearly two hundred years later, at a scientific colony on Mars, a shocking discovery is made about Jack Stent, and Ogilvy's Martian diaries are once again pivotal to human survival and the continuation of life on Earth.
Gateway To Mars is the third volume of The Martian Diaries series that continues the classic H.G. Wells Mars novel in a compelling, unmissable action adventure. If you're a fan of The War Of The Worlds you won't want to miss this story of survival, despair and hope, that brings the original tale full circle. Get your copy today!
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I have read/listened to the first two books and this series' conclusion is shocking and satisfying on multiple levels.
I won't give any spoilers, but each section of the book is well done and left me breathless. The alternate history timeline is an exciting way to move through the story and is quite relatable.
If you like science fiction you will love this story and the time travel angle is not overdone in the least. This story is a worthy extension of the work of H. G. Wells, the father of science fiction and gets 5 stars from me.
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You can buy this book at your choice of platforms:
mybook.to/themartiandiaries 

You can follow the author:
books.martiandiaries.com/ 

Here is the link for my review of the first book in the series: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-day-of-the-martians-the-martian-diaries-volume-1-by-he-wilburson-narrated-by-terry-thompson-and-harry-preston 
Here is the link for my review of the second book in the series: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/lake-on-the-moon-the-war-of-the-worlds-audio-drama-sequel-a-new-martian-menace-invades-earth-the-martian-diaries-vol-2 

 
Tags: sci-fi, science fiction, time travel, alternate history, historical, aliens, Mars, invasion, England, Wales, 
​Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction
52 Comments

Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls Book 2)   by Rob Samborn

11/3/2022

47 Comments

 
Multi-volume historical-fantasy-thriller author, Rob Samborn introduces us to his latest book, “Painter of the Damned”, the second volume in the Painted Souls series:
A soul mate trapped in purgatory.
Dangerous alliances.
The quest for ultimate power.

After escaping Venice with their lives, Nick & Julia O'Connor have one goal: return home so they can end their nightmare vacation. But before they reach the American consulate, they're captured by Interpol and returned to Venice.

Behind Nick's detention is Salvatore della Porta, the corrupt head of an ancient, enigmatic order that controls Paradise, Tintoretto's Renaissance masterpiece that's also a purgatory for thousands of souls—including Nick's soul mate from the 16th century.

Della Porta believes Nick's previous life knows the location of a book lost to the ages. This mysterious manuscript will bring him world-changing power—or topple the order.

As Nick's link to the past consumes him, it's up to Julia to save her husband and crush della Porta. But with friends in short supply, she must enlist Carlo Zuccaro, unaware the young artist is the order's new Painter and warden of the damned.
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I absolutely loved this book! I didn’t think Rob could top the first book! Boy, was I wrong! The mystery, mild horror and adventure made this story hard to put down! The writing is so good, the author has a wonderful blend of dialogue, action and description to keep the story moving at a good clip!
Julia is never sure who her friends are because everyone she knows in Venice and Europe seems to have their own agendas that she can only guess at. She does a lot of guessing seeking every possible avenue to find and free her husband!
You are going to love this book! A fun and exciting read with 5 stars from me!

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 You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Painter-of-the-Damned-Book-2-ebook 
https://www.goodreads.com/-painter-of-the-damned-book-2 
https://www.kobo.com/painter-of-the-damned-book-2 
 
Here is the link to the review of the first book and interview with the author: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-prisoner-of-paradise 

Here is the link to the review of the third book and the continued interview with the author: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/master-of-the-abyss 
 
You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/RobSamborn 
https://robsamborn.com 
https://www.facebook.com/RobSambornAuthor 
https://www.instagram.com/robsamborn 
 
Copyright ©2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction
47 Comments

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