NBTM & #Giveaway: Maz, Origin by T. L. Ford
@Archaeolibrary, @GoddessFish,
Entering the witness relocation program after lawfully escaping a massive walled-in prison, teenage Merrill tries to fit into our society. Her background and decisions may not let her.
Maz, Origin is a story of growth and love, guilt and innocence, and changing goals. What is morally right and what is legally right? What's legal for humans may not be for aliens...
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"Play it again," I said and James did. I listened. "They have vocal cords similar to ours, but I'll bet we're missing some of the pitches. We'll probably sound flat when we speak their language. Have they sent anything in any of our languages?"
"No."
"Any video?" Ron asked.
"No."
"Maybe they're waiting to see if there's intelligent life on our planet?" I said.
"Not likely," said James, putting his laptop away. "The transmission came in on our own satellite frequency bands. It was precise. They can pick up our own signals."
"Then they know more about us than we do about them," Ron observed.
James nodded. "If they're hostile, it makes no sense to announce their knowledge."
"Unless they're trying to get inside our defenses," Ron replied.
"You're supposed to make me less paranoid, not more," James said sourly.
Top 10 Sci-fi Poison Dart Frog Sonnets
It's a little-known fact that poison dart frogs in the family Dendrobatidae of South America are poets who specialize in sonnets. Every year, the dart frogs sing their sonnets and vote for the best. These are the 2022 winners for the category "sci-fi". Interestingly... dart frog sonnets would also make good country songs if sung with a southern drawl and a twang.
10. The Day My Spaceship Broke Down, I Was Eating an Ant.
This delightful upbeat melody contrasted with a sharp reminder to pay attention at all times.
9. Artificial Light Controlled by Artificial Intelligence Gone Bad.
This sonnet warned of the dangers of allowing something to control one's basic necessities.
8. The Mad Scientist in the Secret Lab Cloned Me.
During the first half of this sonnet, the author conveyed his angst and upset at the liberties taken by the mad scientist. In the second half, the author realizes that having two of himself made him the center of attention at parties and thus, it was OK.
7. My Front Legs and Back Legs Swapped Places in Transit.
This more traditional sci-fi sonnet delves into the mysteries of teleportation, time travel, and paradoxes. It was quite an achievement for a mere fourteen lines.
6. In the Future, We Will Live in a Tank.
This sonnet uses iambic pentameter throughout to convey its message of heartache and longing for a rainforest home.
5. My Rock. My Tree. Hovering.
The more intellectual dart frogs were unhappy with this sonnet's placement into the top ten. They claim it barely touches how the dart frog community decisions today are going to affect the future. The majority of dart frogs, however, are still singing it nonstop due to its simple joy and it is becoming the preferred mating song among sci-fi aficionados.
4. We Don't Exist Except in a Cage.
This sonnet posits that poison dart frogs really don't exist and are merely part of some simulation or experiment.
3. I Was Here Before in a Different Universe.
Lamenting the differences between here and there, this sonnet breaks out of the traditional rhythms to demonstrate that the alternate universe was better than this one.
2. Ribbit Ribbit Rib.
This haiku was so catchy it placed in the top 3 in 5 categories even though it wasn't a sonnet. The poison dart frogs are still debating which category it fits best in.
1. I Hear Your Heart in My Mind.
With its nod to telepathy and evolution with an underlying love story, this sonnet was destined for first place.
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T. L. Ford is a programmer, writer, and artist. She spent most of her professional career supporting the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in southern Maryland. Her science fiction novels imagine possibilities while focusing on society and personal relationships and decisions. Her fantasy novels are heavily influenced by Dungeons & Dragons and are light "weekend reads". She's also created two art books, a thriller novella, and an interactive math iBook. She enjoys sailing, hiking, and spending time with her family.
https://cattail.nu/books/maz_origin/
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https://www.amazon.com/T.-L.-Ford/e/B0034Q6Q2S
Tour hosted by: Goddess Fish Promotions
