5.0 out of 5 stars Punchy and quippy stories packed into one bookReviewed in the United States on August 19, 2022
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Twisted and Untwisted Tales, by Mari Collier is simply great entertainment packed into one book. These are relatively short stories; quirky, quippy and simply fun to read. These bite-sized stories are perfect for a bedtime read, or a quick escape into cleverly designed worlds that the author does a wonderful job of conjuring up. I recommend it for anyone, any age.
The third definition of skewed is to look obliquely. That somehow describes my mind as I may see things a bit differently than the rest of the population. To me there is always something more, perhaps something hidden or shaded by another dimension.
You’ll meet a boy who doesn’t grow old, a witch that wants to be normal, an Iowa farm woman battling frogs, a vampire that chooses to live in a sunny desert, ghosts, and vampires.
Carolyn Breckinridge5.0 out of 5 stars A collection of short stories sure to leave you smilingReviewed in the United States on January 6, 2019Verified Purchase‘Twisted Tales from a Skewed Mind’ by Mari Collier is a collection of fantasy short stories brimming with twists and wit. There is dry humor in some of the stories, such as ‘The Boy Who Refused to Grow Old,’ and other stories that left me chuckling as I didn’t anticipate the plots’ endings. The author promises vampires, witches, frogs, and ghosts, but also delivers a living house and slugs, among a host of other oddities. As with all collections, readers each have their favorites. Were I to choose mine, they would be ‘The Present,’ ‘Pink Boots,’ ‘Living Double,’ ‘Once a Frog Always a Frog,’ and ‘You Really Should Know Your Neighbors.’ all of which are very deserving of five-stars in my mind. This is only one of the books in her ‘Twisted Tales’ series and I certainly plan to read them all.
In this collection of short stories, you’ll meet vampires, zombies, elves, and aliens. You’ll step into an old haunted house. You’ll even witness a trial of the Kafkaesque sort, set in the distant year 2668.
But you’ll never guess how any of these stories are going to end.
Twisted Tales from the Northwest are chilling, subtle stories of latent horror. There’s not much blood spilt, but still, maybe you should refrain from reading this one at night.
Berk Rourke5.0 out of 5 stars Short stories with unexpected twists and turns.
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2016Verified PurchaseI don’t know exactly how to review these stories except to say they were very well written, very entertaining and very worthwhile reading. I loved the completion of the book and each of the stories resonated. I am so used to reading a continuous tale that a series of stories such as these is almost a shock as each story ends and a new one begins. But no matter. Each was entertaining in its own right and in its own way. All the tales put together make a fine presentation worthwhile for any group of readers.
It’s been seventeen years since her father passed. Coming of age, she inherits a cattle hold, a trust account, and many gifts. One special gift is a chest, which comes with instructions that will guide her to the Bergman Mountains.
With a spaceship and the knowledge of three ancient civilizations, will she have time to access it all.. or will the Star Shifts hide the information, and drive her into the arms of her childhood love?
Berk Rourke5.0 out of 5 stars women are Leaders, mostly more capably than men.
December 31, 2018Format: Kindle EditionVerified PurchaseThe makings of this story lie in the first of Ms. Collier’s books of Tonath which told of the birth of a young girl named Marika. She was a descendant of the Justinians, space travelers who settled Tonath earlier. Her brilliance and ability as an engineer enabled a whole new generation of Tonathians to escape the rigors of “star shifts” causing major catastrophes on Tonath. If you love a good science fiction novel then you should start with the first Mari Collier wrote and read through her entire series of books. They are all excellent, present exceptional characters well-drafted, and storylines which keep you reading furiously. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of a woman coming of age, becoming a leader despite all the machinations of self-serving men. Women grace the lives of all who have contact with them. Mari Collier graces us all with her skills as an author.
World Building Sci-Fi Western With a Twist!
December 20, 2018Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase“For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.” -Martin Luther
There’s a thread of unity amid battles, gunfights and arguments that is woven through this Sci-Fi Western novel from the beginning until the end. These factions are Silver or Green, something the inhabitants of Tonath find disheartening, because the disagreements about the correct star path leads to war and suffering. One character by the name of Brother Amos persists. As a Seeker, he’s rather impartial to war. In his opinion, a good map of the stars will provide clear answers and the best Pathway. Only time will tell which side, is correct about their assumptions. There are so many stars that need to be charted and many things to learn. We find him traveling with a group of Wayfarers, moving as far away from danger as possible. Among the Wayfarers is Venta, a single woman with a dream about building a refuge for divorced women called the Haven–and Jack Donald–a man with two hearts–from Thalia—another planet–who loves her. They need to escape the Green Marauders, Bentz and the Mechs so that Brother Amos can build an institute of his own and say, “We are neither Silver, nor Green. We are the Silver and the Green.”
MAN, TRUE MAN
MARI COLLIER
When a passing freighter finds him and takes him to the Western Starshift Institute of the Way, he finds the Teacher. Tonath is a planet torn apart by the forces of nature, and only the Teacher can predict the movement of the stars and interpret the prophecies.
But will the Teacher be able to recognize True Man and True Foe in time to save Tonath from a thousand years of burning?
P.S Winn5.0 out of 5 starsGreat well written story for sci-fi fans and everyone else.
November 22, 2017Format: Kindle EditionVerified PurchaseOn the planet of Tonath, a man awakens. His memory is gone and he is attacked by creatures that can only be given the name greenies. Surviving that. the man again awakes in another strange place. People, not quite the same as him are trying to help the man who now is going by the name Loren. The man is going to find the world he is in trouble, but he will survive. The story takes readers into the life of Loren and a science fiction adventure that is hard to put down. The author has combined science fiction with a chronological look at what a man endures as he finds love, life, hardships and even some horrors on a planet far, far away.
Thalia has defeated the Justines, the Krepyons, and the Sisterhood. After claiming his Earth son Lorenz, the Maca of Don returns to Earth for a family reunion.
But the planet has changed: it’s the 1970’s, and one of their family members is trying to dismantle their business. Another has killed four men, and the doctors are beginning to suspect that there’s something strange about the MacDonald family.
Meanwhile, the newer members of the MacDonald and Rolfe clans are unaware of their alien heritage and abilities, and General MacDonald is carrying a heavy secret of other alien beings.Soon after their arrival, The Maca of Don and Lorenz learn that there is a new presence in the galaxy… one bent on conquest and destruction.
Navy Mom CVN69
5.0 out of 5 stars Embezzlement, murder and family tiesReviewed in the United States on May 24, 2020
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One hundred years have passed since the Maca of Don returned. Daniel has taken his rightful place as Maca of Ishner. But his territory is broke, and losing money by the day. The sisterhood is battered and broken but not forgotten and some are still willing to murder other Thalians. Mari Collier hits this one out of the park with what may be her best work yet. This fast moving read has suspense, murder and intrigue that keeps you turning the pages. Best read after Rise and Fall of the Maca’s, you must at least read Return of the Maca in order to have the whole picture.
After the destruction of a Golden One spaceship, the Maca of Ayran is hunting down the one responsible.
Having ignored the orders of his superiors, he has formed an alliance with Lillie, daughter of the Guardian of Flight.
After an unknown alien vessel attacks them near a De’Chin mining outpost, they come across a female prisoner with shocking news about their common enemy: the Draygons. Unable to penetrate the Draygon mind with their telepathic powers, they summon help from the Justine Refuge.
But what they find out will bring their part of the galaxy to the brink of war… and beyond.
5.0 out of 5 stars HAIL Daniel, the Maca of Ishner
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2016Verified PurchaseThis story is the sixth in the Maca of Don series. It contains the most intrigue of all the books. There are plots by the Sisters to overthrow all the Macas and kill all those who are males. There are those who support the Sisters, in both Ishner, one of the continents of Thalia and of Medicine, another continent. There is a plot to conceal two Sisters who murder the Thalian daughter of Llewellyn, the Maca of Don and his wife (called counselor). And there are questions to be answered about the Book of Gar, the Kenning Woman (does she have real visions) and their marriage. Finally there are questions to be raised about the new Maca of Ishner and how it is that no one knew who he was as he was being raised by the Maca of Don. The intricate details of the machinations of the Sisters and the others of the Council of the Realm are fascinating. After reading six books of this series I finally became convinced I knew what was going on here. The book is well written, is a cross over book but not for young teens or tweens. It is a good read that requires some willingness to do some rereading as you go along. I really enjoyed this one.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and well researchedReviewed in Canada on November 12, 2020
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Fascinating after the initial scene was set! I was rather confused with the unfamiliar names and cultures presented in the first couple of chapters as it had been some time since I’d read the preceding series, but the Earth experiences and the final chapters were enthralling and satisfying to read. Obviously a great deal of research and review went into the writing of “Thalia and Earth”.
As well, the author’s voice shone through in her retelling of her faith and her personal belief in extraterrestrial contact. The story revealed an underlying physical sensuousness in description and innuendo. The accounting of records and books for the Board sounds authentic and very practical, probably in experience. Any questions about the aliens were answered in my mind, as well as the strange Scottish dialect of the Justines. That’s just how they talk, and they occasionally drop the Scots manner of speaking to speak “plainly”. Perhaps MacDonald had Scottish forebears, like my own, or the feisty Highlanders of my own ancestry came from the stars in former times?
A very well written and researched series, this may be the final book in a family science fiction saga that stretches through generations. Our loss, but to Mari Collier, the skillful author, I would say, “Write on!”
The exiled Maca of Don is returning to his homeworld to destroy the Justine and Krepyon conquerors, and break the rule of the House of Sisters.
Things spiral out of control as the Sisterhood attempts to destroy all male Macas, and isolate the House of Don. With escalating conflicts, the Maca and his friends enter a battle to find a new life and free their people from the invaders.
After the battle for Thalia is over, the galaxy will never be the same again.
Praise from readers:
★★★★★ – “Not one who regularly picks up science fiction, I found Collier’s book to be engaging from the very beginning. There is so much room for supposition regarding possible future stories. Well done.”
★★★★★ – “An unusual book with interesting characters and plot. The author’s vast imagination has created an incredible world, but shows that no matter where or in what time we live we all have the same emotions and desires. I recommend Return of the Maca to anyone who enjoys a great story.”
Antoinette is in danger.
After Red O’Neal delivers a beating to his half-brother Daniel for courting his sister Antoinette, she is sent to a convent until agreeing to marry an older, wealthier man.
But after Antoinette manages to send a letter to her betrothed Lorenz MacDonald about the danger, he rescues her. Soon after, a neighboring ranch is attacked by Comanche raiders, and Antoinette and her mother-in-law are caught in a fight for life and death.
Can their family survive the dangers of the violent Western frontier?
PRAISE FOR GATHER THE CHILDREN:
★★★★★ – “This story puts you right into Texas in the 1850s. As a fan, and student, of science fiction for 40 years, I can honestly say this is one of the best. Thank you, Mari.”
★★★★★ – “This story of the juxtaposition of western and space aliens is interesting. The clash of cultures is not quite what might be expected, but it leads to an interesting read.”
★★★★★ – “I enjoyed the purely western start, and the aliens and otherworldly part fit seamlessly. An odd combination to be sure, but the author makes it work.”
★★★★★ – “I highly recommend this to everyone that is searching for a sci-fi story that they can actually relate to. Cannot wait for the next novel.”
★★★★★ – “Well written and thoroughly researched, with realistic characters and events. I could not put the book down.”
★★★★★ – “A great story with memorable characters, but to me the most fun was the historical aspect of it. Mari has done her research.”
★★★★★ – “One of the most unusual sci-fi stories I’ve read… I love these books and recommend them completely.”
★★★★★ – “I don’t usually read western-themed books but this book breaks the mold, blending western, historical, and sci-fi / paranormal all into one. It was spellbinding.”
Praise:
★★★★★ – “Well written and thoroughly researched, with realistic characters and events. I could not put the book down.”
★★★★★ – “A great story with memorable characters, but to me the most fun was the historical aspect of it. Mari has done her research.”
★★★★★ – “One of the most unusual sci-fi stories I’ve read… I love these books and recommend them completely.”
★★★★★ – “I don’t usually read western-themed books but this book breaks the mold, blending western, historical, and sci-fi / paranormal all into one. It was spellbinding.”
5.0 out of 5 stars Punchy and quippy stories packed into one bookReviewed in the United States on August 19, 2022
Verified Purchase
Twisted and Untwisted Tales, by Mari Collier is simply great entertainment packed into one book. These are relatively short stories; quirky, quippy and simply fun to read. These bite-sized stories are perfect for a bedtime read, or a quick escape into cleverly designed worlds that the author does a wonderful job of conjuring up. I recommend it for anyone, any age.
The third definition of skewed is to look obliquely. That somehow describes my mind as I may see things a bit differently than the rest of the population. To me there is always something more, perhaps something hidden or shaded by another dimension.
You’ll meet a boy who doesn’t grow old, a witch that wants to be normal, an Iowa farm woman battling frogs, a vampire that chooses to live in a sunny desert, ghosts, and vampires.
Carolyn Breckinridge5.0 out of 5 stars A collection of short stories sure to leave you smilingReviewed in the United States on January 6, 2019Verified Purchase‘Twisted Tales from a Skewed Mind’ by Mari Collier is a collection of fantasy short stories brimming with twists and wit. There is dry humor in some of the stories, such as ‘The Boy Who Refused to Grow Old,’ and other stories that left me chuckling as I didn’t anticipate the plots’ endings. The author promises vampires, witches, frogs, and ghosts, but also delivers a living house and slugs, among a host of other oddities. As with all collections, readers each have their favorites. Were I to choose mine, they would be ‘The Present,’ ‘Pink Boots,’ ‘Living Double,’ ‘Once a Frog Always a Frog,’ and ‘You Really Should Know Your Neighbors.’ all of which are very deserving of five-stars in my mind. This is only one of the books in her ‘Twisted Tales’ series and I certainly plan to read them all.
