Review: The Martian Incident by Ryan M Patrick

The Book:

A crashed UAV on Mars.

A top-secret recovery mission.

Danger at every corner.

When a mysterious aerial drone is shot down on Mars near the American colony of Columbia, NASA accident investigator John Cameron joins a joint DOD team to recover it. But, as a sandstorm moves in to blanket the area, the Americans are attacked by an overwhelming enemy force of EU soldiers in a surprise attack.

Forced into a deep cave system beneath the Martian surface, Cameron and the team uncover a breathtaking discovery, left untouched for millennia.

But what will happen when its original owners come back for it?

My Thoughts:

This is a thoroughly enjoyable military romp across Mars, full of action and mystery. The story is fast paced and the characters relatable. The setting is very well drawn and the author has clearly researched what such an operation on Mars would feel like very thoroughly. The military aspects also felt very authentic which makes me wonder if the author is a former serviceman. If not then this is a testament to good research.

The mystery at the core of their mission is intriguing although I did come away feeling that it raised more questions than answers and I would have like to know more about this aspect.

That aside though, this is a great read and if you like your SF with a military bent then this is the one for you.

Short Story in Leading Edge Magazine

My latest short story, They Meet by Moonlight, has been published in the most recent issue of Leading Edge Magazine.

An alien detective sets out to solve a human murder but learns a few things he hadn't bargained for along the way.

You can find a copy here: Leading Edge Issue 85

Let’s Get Villainous

 

Earlier this month I attended the launch event for the Bournemouth Writing Festival which will be taking place in April in the town. I was there because I will be taking part this year, delivering a writing workshop on the Saturday.

My workshop is called ‘Let’s Get Villainous’ and is a character workshop with a difference. The goal is that at the end each participant will take away with them a thoroughly despicable and villainous character, or maybe an anti-hero, to do with whatever they wish.

We will be using a combination of lucky dip prompts and role play activities to create our characters and then really get into their heads and get to know them. It will be quite interactive and hopefully a lot of fun for all concerned.

Tickets are available here: Why not come along and join us.

The launch event itself was well attended and buzzing with energy. It was great to finally get to network with other local writers and I’m really looking forward to this year’s festival.

I hope to see you there.