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Chronicles of the Maca #1
Earthbound
"A page-turning, extraordinary excursion that crosses genres." - Daniel Scott White, editor of Unfit Magazine
Marooned in 19th century West, Llewellyn meets young frontier woman Anna. The two become friends and comrades, their fates forever intertwined.
They find themselves together in the prairies of 19th century Texas, the bordellos of Civil War-era New Orleans, to Prohibition in the 1920s, the Great Depression, and the vastness of space.
But can they survive hardships through history, the enmity of their southern neighbors and the Civil War, to return to his home planet and exact his revenge?
★★★★★ - "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."
Marooned in 19th century West, Llewellyn meets young frontier woman Anna. The two become friends and comrades, their fates forever intertwined.
They find themselves together in the prairies of 19th century Texas, the bordellos of Civil War-era New Orleans, to Prohibition in the 1920s, the Great Depression, and the vastness of space.
But can they survive hardships through history, the enmity of their southern neighbors and the Civil War, to return to his home planet and exact his revenge?
★★★★★ - "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."
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2013
191 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Mari Collier
42 books71 followersI was born on a farm in the state of Iowa, Audubon County, Lincoln Township. To say that my upbringing was bucolic would be an understatement. My first writing was for the Audubon Advocate as the Douglas Township correspondent. I was 13 and received the magnificent sum of $.03 per line. If the item were published in the society section, the pay increased to $.04. The monthly check was always under $5.00.
My mother took me to Phoenix, AZ when it became impossible for me to eat, sleep, or breathe in Iowa. The climate restored my health and I attended school there, graduated, and married my high school sweetheart. Together we raised two wonderful children. During this time I started writing stories and sold one story to Jack and Jill. In 1976 he moved us to Western Washington to escape the desert sun. Washington is a land where it can and did rain 133 1/3 inches of water a year. He was a finish carpenter contractor; I did the books, and worked for Nintendo of America. Upon retirement, we returned to the desert and this wonderful, quirky town of Twenynine Palms. We had just celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary when he passed away.
I serve on the Twentynine Palms Historical Society as a docent, and write a column for the Old Schoolhouse Journal.
My mother took me to Phoenix, AZ when it became impossible for me to eat, sleep, or breathe in Iowa. The climate restored my health and I attended school there, graduated, and married my high school sweetheart. Together we raised two wonderful children. During this time I started writing stories and sold one story to Jack and Jill. In 1976 he moved us to Western Washington to escape the desert sun. Washington is a land where it can and did rain 133 1/3 inches of water a year. He was a finish carpenter contractor; I did the books, and worked for Nintendo of America. Upon retirement, we returned to the desert and this wonderful, quirky town of Twenynine Palms. We had just celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary when he passed away.
I serve on the Twentynine Palms Historical Society as a docent, and write a column for the Old Schoolhouse Journal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 18, 2022
Earthbound by Mari Collier is an imaginative and absorbing sci-fi Western centered on the exploits of Zebediah MacDonald. Zeb is an alien from Thalia whose spaceship, the Golden One, brings him to St. Louis County in the 1800s. Together with Herman Rolfe, they migrate to Texas and negotiate for the rights to the Ortega Land Grant. He crosses paths with Anna Lawrence, a single parent whose life is traumatized by a Comanche raid. They fall in love but are immediately challenged by an influenza epidemic riding the waves of an impending Civil War. Anna soon learns of Zeb's alien origins, while he discovers that she has had previous contact with extraterrestrials. Anna's missing children become a focus point, blurred by the specter of war on their horizon.
Collier does an excellent job in blending the sci-fi elements into the plot, allowing the Western frontier to serve as its mainframe. The conflict develops as ethnic Germans are ostracized by Confederate sympathizers as being disloyal to the Cause. Anna (nee Schmidt) is seen as an outsider, although Zeb is the true alien despite his Gaelic accent. They learn that Anna's ex-husband is trading with the Comanche, further entangling the web of intrigue the couple must resolve. Can the MacDonalds weave their way through the turbulence and learn the fate of the Lawrence children?
For antebellum Western fans, sci-fi lovers looking for an original narrative, and the growing legion of Mari Collier readers, Earthbound is a must-have.
Collier does an excellent job in blending the sci-fi elements into the plot, allowing the Western frontier to serve as its mainframe. The conflict develops as ethnic Germans are ostracized by Confederate sympathizers as being disloyal to the Cause. Anna (nee Schmidt) is seen as an outsider, although Zeb is the true alien despite his Gaelic accent. They learn that Anna's ex-husband is trading with the Comanche, further entangling the web of intrigue the couple must resolve. Can the MacDonalds weave their way through the turbulence and learn the fate of the Lawrence children?
For antebellum Western fans, sci-fi lovers looking for an original narrative, and the growing legion of Mari Collier readers, Earthbound is a must-have.
December 9, 2020
Earthbound was an unexpected, pleasant surprise for me. I had imagined, space wars between good and evil or aliens versus gladiators fighting to save the earth, so this threw me for six. This is a well-blended mix of sci-fi fiction and historical fact.
When the main character, an alien named Llewellyn, is banished to earth, his spaceship is hidden underground and he exits into the world of the 1800s old West. He has to learn how to blend in with the rough and ready men fighting to make a living from fur trapping and running a ranch while trying to keep their families safe from the marauding Indians as well as deal with the developing civil war.
The author’s descriptions of those difficult times really brought the book alive for me. It was so easy to imagine their lives under such difficulties that it made for captivating reading. Even her depictions of the alien Llewellyn made me feel drawn to him. You feel his loss and his love for his own planet and race. He wants to help people and has a good heart… or should I say two! When he finds love and has children, you can’t help but feel happy for him but wonder what will happen next.
This first book was a good grounding for what must be a spellbinding series. Highly recommended.
When the main character, an alien named Llewellyn, is banished to earth, his spaceship is hidden underground and he exits into the world of the 1800s old West. He has to learn how to blend in with the rough and ready men fighting to make a living from fur trapping and running a ranch while trying to keep their families safe from the marauding Indians as well as deal with the developing civil war.
The author’s descriptions of those difficult times really brought the book alive for me. It was so easy to imagine their lives under such difficulties that it made for captivating reading. Even her depictions of the alien Llewellyn made me feel drawn to him. You feel his loss and his love for his own planet and race. He wants to help people and has a good heart… or should I say two! When he finds love and has children, you can’t help but feel happy for him but wonder what will happen next.
This first book was a good grounding for what must be a spellbinding series. Highly recommended.
February 26, 2018
The story was very well written, and twill capture your imagination. The dialogue was written in such a way that I could actually hear them speaking. Even though this was a science fiction western, it seemed more like a western than a science fiction tale. Anyone who likes science fiction, or westerns would like this book, and I recommend it highly. Bravo, Ms. Collier, you have a new fan!
September 23, 2024
interesting story
If you are looking for action, this is NOT the book for you. While I was engrossed in the story, it was more of a relaxed read where you can unwind. This was what I needed though. I love the characters, their uniqueness. Sometimes though I got lost at the beginning of some chapters when it moved to other new characters. Overall I liked it. The German language mixed with English did not bother me as i am familiar with their sentence construction. I want to read more about MacDonald, his family and the others from the same descendance.
If you are looking for action, this is NOT the book for you. While I was engrossed in the story, it was more of a relaxed read where you can unwind. This was what I needed though. I love the characters, their uniqueness. Sometimes though I got lost at the beginning of some chapters when it moved to other new characters. Overall I liked it. The German language mixed with English did not bother me as i am familiar with their sentence construction. I want to read more about MacDonald, his family and the others from the same descendance.
November 1, 2019
The first book in a science fiction trilogy set in America’s old west, Earthbound is an impressive read. The story opens in Ireland during the potato famine of 1842 as a hungry mob attack and kill a ‘red-haired and finely dressed interloper with strange copper eyes’. His servant Llewellyn lives to tell the tale. A deft introduction to the sci fi element and the search for extra-terrestrial Toma, the missing Justine who has landed on earth, and from there Collier takes her readers to her own turf through the eyes of the MacDonalds, who try their luck in Texas. The rich history of frontier existence and the Civil War are the perfect complement to the sci fi narrative. Superb narrative control, great use of dialect in the dialogue, well-crafted characters and flawless action scenes make for fabulous and informative entertainment.
April 8, 2020
I was slightly apprehensive about Aliens and 19th Century old west, but Darn if the author made it work seamlessly!! The Author did a Wounderful job on the various Characters and the Narrator did a Excellent job on bringing the characters to life. Only problem with narration was when the narrator caught himself making a error you would hear him slapping something then start again. So badly want to continue with book 2 but Audible does not have it available at this time though book 3 is available.
May 6, 2019
Meh. Mostly historical old west. Calling this science fiction is like calling the story of the Titanic a documentary of an iceberg. And I found the story a bit disjointed at times, so I'd need to go back a few pages, assuming I must have missed something.
I won't be continuing on in the series.
I won't be continuing on in the series.
September 7, 2020
3 1/2 stars
Zebadiah L. MacDonald is Irish, and he’s an alien marooned on Earth in 19th Western US just before the Civil War. After a brawl in a frontier town tavern, Zeb befriends a German man named Rolfe. Together the two of them make plans to head to Texas. After all that’s where the spaceship, The Golden One, is buried and Zeb has plans to purchase the land so he can keep the spaceship a secret. But Rolfe tells Zeb that to travel to Texas will be dangerous. And before Zeb can purchase any land, he will need to make money. Rolfe offers him a job helping him trap and trade fur until they have enough money to travel.
Earthbound is the first book of Chronicles of the Maca a sci-fi western series by Mari Collier. The concept of this book is interesting. It is well written and the chapters are short, which makes for a quick pace. While I enjoyed this story, there were dialect issues that pulled me a way. I found the “twill” in Zeb’s Irish accent inaccurate therefore distracting as well as the ‘mitt’ for the German accent for the word with. This would have been better written as ‘vis’ as in “come vis me”. The rest of dialects/accents were well done. The book also fell a bit flat for me in the last few chapters, but I will admit that I had put it down for a number of weeks before resuming the story so this may be because of that.
I will definitely read the second book as I do want to know what will happen next.
Zebadiah L. MacDonald is Irish, and he’s an alien marooned on Earth in 19th Western US just before the Civil War. After a brawl in a frontier town tavern, Zeb befriends a German man named Rolfe. Together the two of them make plans to head to Texas. After all that’s where the spaceship, The Golden One, is buried and Zeb has plans to purchase the land so he can keep the spaceship a secret. But Rolfe tells Zeb that to travel to Texas will be dangerous. And before Zeb can purchase any land, he will need to make money. Rolfe offers him a job helping him trap and trade fur until they have enough money to travel.
Earthbound is the first book of Chronicles of the Maca a sci-fi western series by Mari Collier. The concept of this book is interesting. It is well written and the chapters are short, which makes for a quick pace. While I enjoyed this story, there were dialect issues that pulled me a way. I found the “twill” in Zeb’s Irish accent inaccurate therefore distracting as well as the ‘mitt’ for the German accent for the word with. This would have been better written as ‘vis’ as in “come vis me”. The rest of dialects/accents were well done. The book also fell a bit flat for me in the last few chapters, but I will admit that I had put it down for a number of weeks before resuming the story so this may be because of that.
I will definitely read the second book as I do want to know what will happen next.
February 20, 2020
Full disclosure. I received the audiobook in exchange for a review.
Narration was great. The story, it took a little while to grow on me but by the end it was a pretty good book.
Narration was great. The story, it took a little while to grow on me but by the end it was a pretty good book.
October 17, 2016
Sometimes a book’s subtitle just lays it out for you. I did it with all three of my non-fiction books, as Mari Collier did with Earthbound, a perfect mix of SF and Western. Sure, the movies have Cowboys and Aliens, but Mari does it better.
The story actually starts in Ireland, where alien Llewellyn is basically a slave to another race. Circumstances bring his freedom; unfortunately, he’s left with a spaceship that he doesn’t know how to pilot out of Earth orbit. He becomes giant Irishman Zebediah MacDonald, trying to make a life for himself on a primitive planet, especially the place where he hides the spacecraft: Texas.
Eventually Mac meets Anna, a woman who’s lost her children and been captured by the Comanche. Mac may be an alien, but Anna has shocking secrets of her own—and a connection to Mac that even she doesn’t know about. Together the two begin to build a life, as the clouds of Civil War gather around them.
Earthbound is a great story with memorable characters, but to me the most fun was the historical aspect of it. Mari has done her research—it’s no surprise that she’s on the board of her local Historical Society. She doesn’t shirk on the details of life back then, from social constrictions to the dangers of childbirth, but it’s never dull. The supporting characters are great, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
The story actually starts in Ireland, where alien Llewellyn is basically a slave to another race. Circumstances bring his freedom; unfortunately, he’s left with a spaceship that he doesn’t know how to pilot out of Earth orbit. He becomes giant Irishman Zebediah MacDonald, trying to make a life for himself on a primitive planet, especially the place where he hides the spacecraft: Texas.
Eventually Mac meets Anna, a woman who’s lost her children and been captured by the Comanche. Mac may be an alien, but Anna has shocking secrets of her own—and a connection to Mac that even she doesn’t know about. Together the two begin to build a life, as the clouds of Civil War gather around them.
Earthbound is a great story with memorable characters, but to me the most fun was the historical aspect of it. Mari has done her research—it’s no surprise that she’s on the board of her local Historical Society. She doesn’t shirk on the details of life back then, from social constrictions to the dangers of childbirth, but it’s never dull. The supporting characters are great, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
April 20, 2016
So glad I gave this book a try!
The combination of old west and science fiction piqued my curiosity and I'm so glad I didn't wait to get it. The only things that kept it from a full five stars was the shaky first couple of chapters and heavily accented dialogue. It made for an uneasy start but smoothed out and quickly became part of the stories charm, adding a measure of authenticity that matched the obvious historical research this author did for the era.
Being from Wyoming, I was thrilled that she included Fort Laramie and the Rendezvous for the fur trapping-mountain man scenes. Nor does the author shy away from the darker sides of the time periods she writes about.
The science fiction aspect is fairly light in this first book and the characters are wonderfully written and believable. So we'll done, in fact (I try not to give spoilers, but...) I actually cried towards the end of the influenza chapters.
Nor does the story remain on a straight and narrow path. Just when you think you know where it's going, the author weaves in a side plot that shows more of the much larger saga of which this first book is a part of.
Well done and you officially have a new fan.
The combination of old west and science fiction piqued my curiosity and I'm so glad I didn't wait to get it. The only things that kept it from a full five stars was the shaky first couple of chapters and heavily accented dialogue. It made for an uneasy start but smoothed out and quickly became part of the stories charm, adding a measure of authenticity that matched the obvious historical research this author did for the era.
Being from Wyoming, I was thrilled that she included Fort Laramie and the Rendezvous for the fur trapping-mountain man scenes. Nor does the author shy away from the darker sides of the time periods she writes about.
The science fiction aspect is fairly light in this first book and the characters are wonderfully written and believable. So we'll done, in fact (I try not to give spoilers, but...) I actually cried towards the end of the influenza chapters.
Nor does the story remain on a straight and narrow path. Just when you think you know where it's going, the author weaves in a side plot that shows more of the much larger saga of which this first book is a part of.
Well done and you officially have a new fan.
December 31, 2021
A wonderful blend of vintage Frontier and Sci-fi
I am not a fan of Sci-Fi or fantasy, but this book by Mari Collier may have me hooked, if not on sci-fi, but on Mari Collier’s books.
Why? I think it is because it is not all spaceships, Cowboys and Indians in space – it was a masterfully woven tale of American wild west frontier life and stranded aliens trying to make a life in this hostile environment, in amongst largely hostile people looking just to survive.
The writing style of Collier is easy going and the reader is only discomforted by a outstanding portrayal of life in those times, with all of the prejudices and tenacity to hang on to life, whatever it takes; settler, native Indian, or alien – the relationships conveying the brutality of the times but also written with a sensitivity that I found all embracing.
I am not sure I fully understood all of the narrative but I can tell you, I enjoyed the read immensely and have bought the sequel.
5 stars and a recommended read from me.
I am not a fan of Sci-Fi or fantasy, but this book by Mari Collier may have me hooked, if not on sci-fi, but on Mari Collier’s books.
Why? I think it is because it is not all spaceships, Cowboys and Indians in space – it was a masterfully woven tale of American wild west frontier life and stranded aliens trying to make a life in this hostile environment, in amongst largely hostile people looking just to survive.
The writing style of Collier is easy going and the reader is only discomforted by a outstanding portrayal of life in those times, with all of the prejudices and tenacity to hang on to life, whatever it takes; settler, native Indian, or alien – the relationships conveying the brutality of the times but also written with a sensitivity that I found all embracing.
I am not sure I fully understood all of the narrative but I can tell you, I enjoyed the read immensely and have bought the sequel.
5 stars and a recommended read from me.
January 31, 2018
Earthbound by Mari Collier
A very original story that starts out in Ireland during the potato famine and from there to America during the 1800's. A story about survival against overwhelming odds. Strong family and friendships that overcome war, fire, food shortages and many other trials of the times. The difference is there are aliens from two planets involved - the Justines and Thalians, along with mutants. It is full of real love and endurance, and unselfish friendships that go the extra mile. Awesome, enjoyable read.
A very original story that starts out in Ireland during the potato famine and from there to America during the 1800's. A story about survival against overwhelming odds. Strong family and friendships that overcome war, fire, food shortages and many other trials of the times. The difference is there are aliens from two planets involved - the Justines and Thalians, along with mutants. It is full of real love and endurance, and unselfish friendships that go the extra mile. Awesome, enjoyable read.
January 7, 2019
Earthbound is the first book in the Chronicles of the Maca series. This can be read as a standalone but it is clear that the story continues on after this book. There is violence and adult themes so 18+. This was an interesting tale about how an alien ended up on Earth and survived the harsh conditions of the times. It did intrigue me enough that I want to read the next book in the series.
February 1, 2022
This is book one in what looks like an interesting series. Although the book is science fiction, for me it was more a look back into history. If you didn't know that aliens lived among us that is. Follow in the footsteps of Zebediah McDonald and Anna Lawrence as their lives intertwine and they live through tragedy, love and life. I enjoyed the look back into western days when life was harsh and think the author is going to take this series into some interesting places.
January 7, 2016
A very good entertaining book.
I enjoyed the SiFi alien old west combination. As I enjoy westerners and Science fiction it was nice to be able to combine two of my likes into one book. The author, by writing in this genre has forced me to follow the series.
I recommend this book because I enjoyed it.
I enjoyed the SiFi alien old west combination. As I enjoy westerners and Science fiction it was nice to be able to combine two of my likes into one book. The author, by writing in this genre has forced me to follow the series.
I recommend this book because I enjoyed it.
September 24, 2015
Earthbound
Wow! This is a great story. I was thrown a few times when the next chapter was a few years later but it is an interesting read . I really liked the characters and their stories. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
Wow! This is a great story. I was thrown a few times when the next chapter was a few years later but it is an interesting read . I really liked the characters and their stories. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
January 7, 2016
Excellent beginning to an 'aliens in the west' series...
January 22, 2016
It starts as a science fiction but quickly morphs into a western/Civil War novel. It is a great storyline and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 17, 2022
A different read for me!
Earthbound begins in the 1842 potato famine in Ireland with starving people, and sweeps you on a fascinating journey to learn about extra terrestrial life in Texas!
For me the story really came to life when Zebediah L McDonald, (the alien,) met the German Herman Rolfe. These two menfolk's friendship was fun to read.
This entertaining and original story (I've never read anything like it! ) has several interesting story threads which work remarkably well. We learn of Mac, (and his extraordinary characteristics.) The Justines and Thalians! Mind probing! The cleansing! The spaceship stranded on earth!
And there is a cowboy and Indian, civil war vibe (sensitively and poignantly described.)
In Texas there is much to draw our attention from grissly bears, indian tribes, poker games, to the whores who cannot begin to satisfy a Thalian man. Read the story to discover why!
There are many characters to discover and enjoy. My favourites are Anna, a human and Llewellyn (Mac, - his name on earth - the Thalian alien.) Loved Anna's strength of character, for her bravery - when the Comanche capture her and during the sad scenes and personal loss of the influenza epidemic - and I admire her unfailing love for her family and Mac.
The love mix of Anna and Mac made me smile!
I really enjoyed the quirky and at times humorous feel of this extraordinary story.
An enjoyable and imaginative read full of heart. Recommended for sci fi readers and those who enjoy 'Western' type stories -
5 stars.
I listened to this on audiobook and enjoyed the narration.
Earthbound begins in the 1842 potato famine in Ireland with starving people, and sweeps you on a fascinating journey to learn about extra terrestrial life in Texas!
For me the story really came to life when Zebediah L McDonald, (the alien,) met the German Herman Rolfe. These two menfolk's friendship was fun to read.
This entertaining and original story (I've never read anything like it! ) has several interesting story threads which work remarkably well. We learn of Mac, (and his extraordinary characteristics.) The Justines and Thalians! Mind probing! The cleansing! The spaceship stranded on earth!
And there is a cowboy and Indian, civil war vibe (sensitively and poignantly described.)
In Texas there is much to draw our attention from grissly bears, indian tribes, poker games, to the whores who cannot begin to satisfy a Thalian man. Read the story to discover why!
There are many characters to discover and enjoy. My favourites are Anna, a human and Llewellyn (Mac, - his name on earth - the Thalian alien.) Loved Anna's strength of character, for her bravery - when the Comanche capture her and during the sad scenes and personal loss of the influenza epidemic - and I admire her unfailing love for her family and Mac.
The love mix of Anna and Mac made me smile!
I really enjoyed the quirky and at times humorous feel of this extraordinary story.
An enjoyable and imaginative read full of heart. Recommended for sci fi readers and those who enjoy 'Western' type stories -
5 stars.
I listened to this on audiobook and enjoyed the narration.
May 11, 2020
*Review of Audiobook edition.*
Earthbound follows the adventures of a young man who is stranded on Earth. He tries his best to blend in and integrate into the culture of the American west. If they think he's a bit strange, well he does have an Irish accent.
Zeb as he's called, is an interesting character, but he isn't the only one. The story also follows frontier wife Anna and her children after a native American raid separates them.
Over all the story was interesting, but I found the sci-fi elements to be over shadowed by the Western story and characters. It's a hard genre to peg as Western readers may enjoy it more than sci-fi lovers.
The narrator was good, he kept the pace going and read long sections with no dialogue engagingly. But Dialogue is where this man shines. Especially with accents. And this story gave him plenty of accents to play with. Irish, German, Spanish, and even some southern gentleman.
On content: there is a good bit of violence, surprisingly little cursing, but I do need to mention the the sexual content.
Like most Westerns there is mention of sex and brothels but this is still pretty clean. It comes no where near being erotic, and the most description we get is from a married couple on their wedding night, which is still pretty tame.
*I received a free copy of this for review purposes, all opinions are my own and we reached through evaluation of the provided material.*
Earthbound follows the adventures of a young man who is stranded on Earth. He tries his best to blend in and integrate into the culture of the American west. If they think he's a bit strange, well he does have an Irish accent.
Zeb as he's called, is an interesting character, but he isn't the only one. The story also follows frontier wife Anna and her children after a native American raid separates them.
Over all the story was interesting, but I found the sci-fi elements to be over shadowed by the Western story and characters. It's a hard genre to peg as Western readers may enjoy it more than sci-fi lovers.
The narrator was good, he kept the pace going and read long sections with no dialogue engagingly. But Dialogue is where this man shines. Especially with accents. And this story gave him plenty of accents to play with. Irish, German, Spanish, and even some southern gentleman.
On content: there is a good bit of violence, surprisingly little cursing, but I do need to mention the the sexual content.
Like most Westerns there is mention of sex and brothels but this is still pretty clean. It comes no where near being erotic, and the most description we get is from a married couple on their wedding night, which is still pretty tame.
*I received a free copy of this for review purposes, all opinions are my own and we reached through evaluation of the provided material.*
December 12, 2020
Two different alien races are stranded on earth unbeknownst to the other. We watch as they discover each other, struggle to remain undiscovered by humans, and survive the treacheries of Old West America. The author obviously put a lot of thought into the timeline. Old West America is the perfect time for “human-looking” aliens to enter American history. People from all over the world immigrated to the US during this time. It was not unusual to see people that looked and dressed differently than you. Immigrants spoke other languages and often had heavy accents that Americans had never heard before.
Earthbound introduces Llewellyn McDonald (aka Zeb), the patriarch of the McDonald clan. He is from the planet Thalia. As a result, he is bigger and stronger than most of the men of his time. He rescues a woman named Anna who was captured by the Comanche Indians. She has several children from whom she was separated when she was kidnapped. Zeb and Anna build a life together. They find joy in each other despite the struggles that they encounter.
Please note that there are a number of production mistakes (clicking noises and repeated phrases) in this audiobook. Don’t let that keep you from listening to the rest of the series. This is the only book that contains production errors.
Earthbound introduces Llewellyn McDonald (aka Zeb), the patriarch of the McDonald clan. He is from the planet Thalia. As a result, he is bigger and stronger than most of the men of his time. He rescues a woman named Anna who was captured by the Comanche Indians. She has several children from whom she was separated when she was kidnapped. Zeb and Anna build a life together. They find joy in each other despite the struggles that they encounter.
Please note that there are a number of production mistakes (clicking noises and repeated phrases) in this audiobook. Don’t let that keep you from listening to the rest of the series. This is the only book that contains production errors.
December 8, 2022
I found the beginning of this book quite confusing and it didn’t help that the alien was meant to be speaking with an irish accent and yet he was using scottish terms.
And whilst he was an alien, this is in no way a sci fi book, nor fantasy, although there are touches of both. It is set in the old west, on earth, and that’s where it stays for the entire book. From that perspective, I do feel that the front cover is misleading.
There are big jumps in time from one chapter to the next. As such, the more interesting events were brushed over and it was difficult to become invested.
It has an ‘insta romance’ and it’s quite matter of fact and alludes to being a large part of the story but we don’t really get to see that to any great degree.
The book very much feels like a set up for the remaining series and whilst there were some intriguing moments it just wasn’t fleshed out enough to draw me into reading any further.
I originally gave this a 2 but have bumped it up to a 3 because even though I had to keep pushing myself to keep reading, now that I’ve finished the story, it has stayed with me - largely because I liked some of the characters. This definitely has potential, but for me it just didn’t quite get there.
And whilst he was an alien, this is in no way a sci fi book, nor fantasy, although there are touches of both. It is set in the old west, on earth, and that’s where it stays for the entire book. From that perspective, I do feel that the front cover is misleading.
There are big jumps in time from one chapter to the next. As such, the more interesting events were brushed over and it was difficult to become invested.
It has an ‘insta romance’ and it’s quite matter of fact and alludes to being a large part of the story but we don’t really get to see that to any great degree.
The book very much feels like a set up for the remaining series and whilst there were some intriguing moments it just wasn’t fleshed out enough to draw me into reading any further.
I originally gave this a 2 but have bumped it up to a 3 because even though I had to keep pushing myself to keep reading, now that I’ve finished the story, it has stayed with me - largely because I liked some of the characters. This definitely has potential, but for me it just didn’t quite get there.
September 16, 2021
EARTHBOUND
Chronicles of the Maca - Book 1
MARI COLLIER
Review by Author Roy Murry
ALIEN meets Cowboy in the 1850s; what could go wrong. Mac, the alien's new name, intermingles with Texians.
He and his partner go from rags to riches buying land near Mac's spaceship that he wants to operate but needs an education on earth to do so. This endeavor leads our man from another world through conflicts of the wild west and the USA Civil War.
Because of his alien being, Mac is different than most men and has secrets that he only allows his loved ones to know about - his spaceship and its contents. Finally, after a long relationship, his partner and his wife are allowed entry.
The three survive many traumas leading to other conflicts that lead the reader into Book 2 of this chronicle. Many questions Mac and his earthly friends are left open.
I didn't think I would like this novel, but it was so well-written I overlooked the fictional theme. I read little of the Cowboy or Sci-Fi genres. However, Ms. Collier’s writing may have convinced me to read more of them.
Chronicles of the Maca - Book 1
MARI COLLIER
Review by Author Roy Murry
ALIEN meets Cowboy in the 1850s; what could go wrong. Mac, the alien's new name, intermingles with Texians.
He and his partner go from rags to riches buying land near Mac's spaceship that he wants to operate but needs an education on earth to do so. This endeavor leads our man from another world through conflicts of the wild west and the USA Civil War.
Because of his alien being, Mac is different than most men and has secrets that he only allows his loved ones to know about - his spaceship and its contents. Finally, after a long relationship, his partner and his wife are allowed entry.
The three survive many traumas leading to other conflicts that lead the reader into Book 2 of this chronicle. Many questions Mac and his earthly friends are left open.
I didn't think I would like this novel, but it was so well-written I overlooked the fictional theme. I read little of the Cowboy or Sci-Fi genres. However, Ms. Collier’s writing may have convinced me to read more of them.
May 21, 2020
This is a fun story. The heroine of the story is a woman of undeniable strength, courage and determination. She survives being captured by Indians and lives forward with life after being rescued. She meets a man, Zeb, who is not from earth and begins a new adventure of life. While Zeb is not from earth he has been stranded here and has determined to live the best life he can. He fully expects to be able to one day return to his home, but refuses to let circumstances prevent him from finding joy. I always enjoy reading about the strength and stamina of people in bygone eras.
While the narrator did an admirable job narrating there are several times throughout the audio that need to have the editing refined. There are several places where there is a loud clicking or clapping type sound and then the narration comes back as though it was meant to have been cut out. I would definitely recommend reading the book, but if poor editing will bother you, don’t listen to it.
While the narrator did an admirable job narrating there are several times throughout the audio that need to have the editing refined. There are several places where there is a loud clicking or clapping type sound and then the narration comes back as though it was meant to have been cut out. I would definitely recommend reading the book, but if poor editing will bother you, don’t listen to it.
August 23, 2020
While the concepts in the story were interesting, the writer gives very little for the reader to engage with, leaving us wallowing in unknown terms and odd words. I also ran into the issue that, as someone who researches Ireland, I bumped into inaccuracies that yanked me right out of the story and left me feeling dissatisfied. The writing style echoes Heinlein and older writing styles, which works for some people...but really didn't work for me. I ended up feeling as if the past was a stage upon which the characters the writer was more interested in were playing, and as with a stage, the background doesn't get all that much attention. There were a number if historical inaccuracies in speech, dress and events that just made me twitch.
With a bit more research, the writer could really pull off something great here, but as things are, it's a bit stuck in the mud.
With a bit more research, the writer could really pull off something great here, but as things are, it's a bit stuck in the mud.
February 28, 2020
I received this audiobook for free for an honest review, so hear is that review.
This book is the first in a series, touted as "sci-fi in the old west". In reality, I think this book was constantly searching for a genre, and failing to find one all the way up to the last minutes. It's set in the old west, but not really a western. It has some sci-fi elements, but doesn't really dig very deeply into sci-fi. It touches on some romance but definitely isn't a romance novel. It's not action-packed enough to be a thriller.
I'd rate it as a solid 2.5, as Benny Fife does a great job narrating, and the overall story isn't bad. If I had to sum it up in once sentence, it's be something like "Little House on the Prairie, with some aliens posing as humans".
This book is the first in a series, touted as "sci-fi in the old west". In reality, I think this book was constantly searching for a genre, and failing to find one all the way up to the last minutes. It's set in the old west, but not really a western. It has some sci-fi elements, but doesn't really dig very deeply into sci-fi. It touches on some romance but definitely isn't a romance novel. It's not action-packed enough to be a thriller.
I'd rate it as a solid 2.5, as Benny Fife does a great job narrating, and the overall story isn't bad. If I had to sum it up in once sentence, it's be something like "Little House on the Prairie, with some aliens posing as humans".
March 28, 2020
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request, and have voluntarily left this review. The 19th century was not an easy time to live, especially for an alien. Mac is just looking for away home and trying to survive in this strange world. He meets some very interesting people on his adventures. Interesting characters, suspense and lots of action will keep you listen until the very end. Looking forward to book 2.
August 15, 2018
This is my first time reading one of Mari Collier books and I was not disappointed she writes about two of my favourite genres sci-fi and westerns combining them both in this book made it very enjoyable to read she has some very interesting and rememberable characters in this book and the story has some twists and turns that I did not see coming looking forward to reading more of Mari books
August 24, 2018
Not for me
Confusing at the start. Better later on. A unique idea to have advanced lifeforms living with pre civil war world. Opportunities missed. Not planning on reading any following books.
Confusing at the start. Better later on. A unique idea to have advanced lifeforms living with pre civil war world. Opportunities missed. Not planning on reading any following books.
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