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The Mons Connection
What they found was more than they came for. Jon Carson, the American military man, Doug “Digger” Johnson, The American archaeologist, Kathleen Doolan, the Irish physician and Mikhail Borznekhov, the Russian military man / biologist came to Mars to look for signs of life at Olympus Mons. What brought them there was something found at a dig in Egypt.
Follow them as they explore the area around Olympus Mons and then, finally, enter the mountain itself and unlock the hidden, secret mystery of what awaits them. They discovered what Olympus Mons has to do with ancient Earth history…will you?
Follow them as they explore the area around Olympus Mons and then, finally, enter the mountain itself and unlock the hidden, secret mystery of what awaits them. They discovered what Olympus Mons has to do with ancient Earth history…will you?
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2016
3 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Janine R. Pestel
16 books47 followersBorn in Coledale, PA and raised in NJ. Lived in NYC for about 7 years. Met my husband in 1978 and married in 1985. Have been happily married ever since! Now, we live in beautiful Mesa AZ.
Author of "The Mons Connection" and "Infected and Other Short Stories" as well as short stories in the SciFi / Occult / Horror genre(s) and an upcoming paranormal / occult series.
I was always interested in science fiction, action adventure and comedy. Tried my hand at writing a book back in the 1970's but did not have the direction I needed in order to complete it. The story was going along great until one day while I was sitting at my typewriter (remember those?) and the thought suddenly struck me that I had no idea where I was going with the story or how it was going to end. Now, many years later, I do have the drive and direction to write a complete book. My only regret is that it took me this long.
A lot of my ideas come from "What if?" For example, "What if there were a mountain on another planet that wasn't exactly a mountain?" or "What if we could reanimate corpses and have them perform menial tasks?" The whole world is full of "What if?" we just have to explore it.
My favorite color is blue. I just love blue. Being from NJ, of course, my favorite food is a good, NY style pizza. Not much of a "ball sport" fan, but I love motor racing. Doesn't matter if it's cars, motorcycles or boats. I'm also a big nature and animal lover. My husband (who also writes, by the way), and I currently have 3 dogs and 1 cat. Love them all.
Author of "The Mons Connection" and "Infected and Other Short Stories" as well as short stories in the SciFi / Occult / Horror genre(s) and an upcoming paranormal / occult series.
I was always interested in science fiction, action adventure and comedy. Tried my hand at writing a book back in the 1970's but did not have the direction I needed in order to complete it. The story was going along great until one day while I was sitting at my typewriter (remember those?) and the thought suddenly struck me that I had no idea where I was going with the story or how it was going to end. Now, many years later, I do have the drive and direction to write a complete book. My only regret is that it took me this long.
A lot of my ideas come from "What if?" For example, "What if there were a mountain on another planet that wasn't exactly a mountain?" or "What if we could reanimate corpses and have them perform menial tasks?" The whole world is full of "What if?" we just have to explore it.
My favorite color is blue. I just love blue. Being from NJ, of course, my favorite food is a good, NY style pizza. Not much of a "ball sport" fan, but I love motor racing. Doesn't matter if it's cars, motorcycles or boats. I'm also a big nature and animal lover. My husband (who also writes, by the way), and I currently have 3 dogs and 1 cat. Love them all.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 28, 2017
The Mons Connection is a 101 class of "How to get disappointed in 2 hours."
Let's start with an interesting idea, turn it into something else, and - for the twist - let's throw in another thing nobody expects. And while we're at it, let's make it bad, too.
This is pretty much a high-level overview of The Mons Connection
It's not the first novel Janine Pestel wrote, so it cannot be defended with Inexperience card.
I will not go into details and particulars of what irked me as it would take a while, even though the book is only 2 hours long. Luckily, it wasn't enough to piss me off, although it was well on its way of doing so, due to a clear downward trend.
Narration by Nicholas Santasier didn't help either. No emotion, no passion. Like reading a phone book. No idea how he usually does voices, but this was sub-par. Still, better than the story.
All in all, this is a solid 2*. First part interesting, then it all goes downhill. Not worth the effort, even if you have 2 hours to spare.
If you find yourself in an airplane, next to a particularly boring person, don't give in to temptation. Best course of action would be to tell them how you have an amazing book for them to listen. Enjoy the flight while they cringe in their own private hell.
Fight fire with fire.
This book has been provided to me free of charge.
Let's start with an interesting idea, turn it into something else, and - for the twist - let's throw in another thing nobody expects. And while we're at it, let's make it bad, too.
This is pretty much a high-level overview of The Mons Connection
It's not the first novel Janine Pestel wrote, so it cannot be defended with Inexperience card.
I will not go into details and particulars of what irked me as it would take a while, even though the book is only 2 hours long. Luckily, it wasn't enough to piss me off, although it was well on its way of doing so, due to a clear downward trend.
Narration by Nicholas Santasier didn't help either. No emotion, no passion. Like reading a phone book. No idea how he usually does voices, but this was sub-par. Still, better than the story.
All in all, this is a solid 2*. First part interesting, then it all goes downhill. Not worth the effort, even if you have 2 hours to spare.
If you find yourself in an airplane, next to a particularly boring person, don't give in to temptation. Best course of action would be to tell them how you have an amazing book for them to listen. Enjoy the flight while they cringe in their own private hell.
Fight fire with fire.
This book has been provided to me free of charge.
September 28, 2017
I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I found this really boring. It was only two hours long, but it was such a disappointment, especially as it had such a good premise. It was predictable and the narrator was really monotone. It was difficult to tell the characters apart and the entire audiobook seemed to merge into one long drone.
I found this really boring. It was only two hours long, but it was such a disappointment, especially as it had such a good premise. It was predictable and the narrator was really monotone. It was difficult to tell the characters apart and the entire audiobook seemed to merge into one long drone.
February 20, 2017
( Format : Audiobook )
""... to tumble in slow motion.""
This short novel is well and simply written, directly concentrating on the personalities of the four person team, headed by Captain John Carson, as they arrive at and land on Mars: the first astronauts to set foot on the Red Planet. Their excitement and pleasure of achievement is tangible.Very human.
Ostensibly sent as a research team to examine the planet for signs of possible earlier life, there is an underlying reason why this particular spot on Mars - the Mons Olympus - has been chosen, one only revealed to the team once their exploration has started.
The first half, or more, of the book was very enjoyable, reminiscent of older space travel science fiction, based far more on human reaction than technology, perhaps rather slow paced for today's more frenetic action demanding readers. It was atmospheric with just the right hint of menace. But the ending was too trite for school a good beginning, not fulfilling the produces of deeper mystery.
Throughout it all the narrator was clear, steady and paced to the speed of the story with convincing dialogue between the team members. But again, the ending was less than convincing although he does a reasonable interpretation of the text.
My thanks to the rights holder for gifting me a copy of The Mons Connection, via Audiobook Boom. It was an enjoyable listen but would have been better if developed further in the latter stages to be more in keeping with the earlier promise.
""... to tumble in slow motion.""
This short novel is well and simply written, directly concentrating on the personalities of the four person team, headed by Captain John Carson, as they arrive at and land on Mars: the first astronauts to set foot on the Red Planet. Their excitement and pleasure of achievement is tangible.Very human.
Ostensibly sent as a research team to examine the planet for signs of possible earlier life, there is an underlying reason why this particular spot on Mars - the Mons Olympus - has been chosen, one only revealed to the team once their exploration has started.
The first half, or more, of the book was very enjoyable, reminiscent of older space travel science fiction, based far more on human reaction than technology, perhaps rather slow paced for today's more frenetic action demanding readers. It was atmospheric with just the right hint of menace. But the ending was too trite for school a good beginning, not fulfilling the produces of deeper mystery.
Throughout it all the narrator was clear, steady and paced to the speed of the story with convincing dialogue between the team members. But again, the ending was less than convincing although he does a reasonable interpretation of the text.
My thanks to the rights holder for gifting me a copy of The Mons Connection, via Audiobook Boom. It was an enjoyable listen but would have been better if developed further in the latter stages to be more in keeping with the earlier promise.
September 28, 2016
3 astronauts and a cosmonaut go to Mars on a mission. What happens next makes your heart race a bit faster and keeps you on edge.
Fantastic short story which grips you from start to finish. Couldn't put it down. Great descriptions and I even felt like I was coming back to earth at the end!!
Genuinely didn't think I would enjoy the book as much as I did but have always said I will read anything so I gave it a try amd I'm very happy I did.
Recommend to fans of short stories, Sci fi and even thriller/ mystery. xx
Fantastic short story which grips you from start to finish. Couldn't put it down. Great descriptions and I even felt like I was coming back to earth at the end!!
Genuinely didn't think I would enjoy the book as much as I did but have always said I will read anything so I gave it a try amd I'm very happy I did.
Recommend to fans of short stories, Sci fi and even thriller/ mystery. xx
September 28, 2016
The Mons Connection entwines you into the lives of five Martian astronauts as they discover a mystery. The author's authentic description of technology combined with her humanization of the five main characters makes this short read both realistic and enjoyable. The reader feels the group working together to accomplish their mission yet each of them still alone on the deserted planet. This book is a great read which begs for a sequel.
October 6, 2016
Man, this was great! I kept thinking I knew what was going to happen at the end, during the exploration of the Mars mountain, but I soooo did not. I love it when a story can surprise me like that. Especially when it's a short story! I think I can official count myself as a fan of this author!
Bob says: 4.5 platypires
Bob says: 4.5 platypires
September 30, 2016
This book kept me turning pages, wondering what was next. This was a great short story that pulled me in right from the start and kept me interested all along the way. Interesting storyline and characters. Very enjoyable.
June 29, 2017
** I have received this audio book for free from Audiobook Boom and the author, Janine R. Pestel for an honest review**
Title: The Mons Connection
Author: Janine R. Pestel
Narrator: Nicholas Santasier
Length: 1 hr and 57 mins
Publisher: Janine R. Pestel
Date: 11-4-2016
Jon Carson, the American military man, Doug "Digger" Johnson, The American archaeologist, Kathleen Doolan, the Irish physician, and Mikhail Borznekhov, the Russian military man and biologist, came to Mars to look for signs of life at Olympus Mons. What brought them there was something found at a dig in Egypt.
How did I miss this when this was first released in 2016? With the arrival of The Martian by Andy Weir and all the hype that came with it, The Mons Connection should be the NEXT BIG HIT! A mix of mystery, adventure and mother nature on Mars is just the right combination for a great space thriller! The Astronauts are brought to Mars because of something found in Egypt, and while this is a international mission, it's clear that each Astronaut has their own reasons for being there.
I can't really say to much more without giving to much away, but think Star Gate, The Martian and Prometheus rolled into one! With Nicholas Santasier doing the voices, he not only brings to life each character, but makes them each unique. Doing amazing accents that aren't over the top, and being clear through out the audio book really does make The Mons Connection one of the best audio books that I have listened to this year so far.
If you enjoy stories about Mars, Astronauts, space travel, Egypt and the history, mystery and adventure with a bit of wanting more, then you should really listen to or read The Mons Connection.
PS Janine R Pestel really, really needs to make a more fleshed out novel/series with this universe!!! Let's make that happen by showing our support for her amazing work of art!
Title: The Mons Connection
Author: Janine R. Pestel
Narrator: Nicholas Santasier
Length: 1 hr and 57 mins
Publisher: Janine R. Pestel
Date: 11-4-2016
Jon Carson, the American military man, Doug "Digger" Johnson, The American archaeologist, Kathleen Doolan, the Irish physician, and Mikhail Borznekhov, the Russian military man and biologist, came to Mars to look for signs of life at Olympus Mons. What brought them there was something found at a dig in Egypt.
How did I miss this when this was first released in 2016? With the arrival of The Martian by Andy Weir and all the hype that came with it, The Mons Connection should be the NEXT BIG HIT! A mix of mystery, adventure and mother nature on Mars is just the right combination for a great space thriller! The Astronauts are brought to Mars because of something found in Egypt, and while this is a international mission, it's clear that each Astronaut has their own reasons for being there.
I can't really say to much more without giving to much away, but think Star Gate, The Martian and Prometheus rolled into one! With Nicholas Santasier doing the voices, he not only brings to life each character, but makes them each unique. Doing amazing accents that aren't over the top, and being clear through out the audio book really does make The Mons Connection one of the best audio books that I have listened to this year so far.
If you enjoy stories about Mars, Astronauts, space travel, Egypt and the history, mystery and adventure with a bit of wanting more, then you should really listen to or read The Mons Connection.
PS Janine R Pestel really, really needs to make a more fleshed out novel/series with this universe!!! Let's make that happen by showing our support for her amazing work of art!
July 17, 2017
Review originally published at: http://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookre...
A team of astronauts is sent to Mars in order to research if there had been once life on Mars. The reason for looking on this planet is an ancient object found in Egypt. The astronauts will find more than what they initially expected.
We get a brief introduction about the characters. I would have liked to know more about them but with a short story the information is always limited. Even like that they were well pictured and I found their personalities clear and distinct enough.
I found this story very entertaining, and somehow it made me think of old Star Trek and Doctor Who episodes. I could see the whole action in my mind, and it felt as cheesy as the mentioned shows. But cheesy in a good way. The impersonation made me think of The Man Trap, the very first Star Trek Episode. The fact that "magically" the air was breathable inside the cave without any kind of airlock also transported me to the 60's.
I found the story too short and the end a bit rushed. I would have liked it to have been more developed, but all in all, it felt right for an "episode".
Nicholas Santasier's narration was correct, without production issues, but I think he needs to work on his accents and performing skills. His diction was clear and the interpretations were good, so that part is covered. I think Santasier would benefit from training his voice to be able to project better.
I would consider this a cheesy science-fiction story, and would totally recommend it to fans of science fiction from the 50's and 60's.
I received a copy of this book in audio format from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
A team of astronauts is sent to Mars in order to research if there had been once life on Mars. The reason for looking on this planet is an ancient object found in Egypt. The astronauts will find more than what they initially expected.
We get a brief introduction about the characters. I would have liked to know more about them but with a short story the information is always limited. Even like that they were well pictured and I found their personalities clear and distinct enough.
I found this story very entertaining, and somehow it made me think of old Star Trek and Doctor Who episodes. I could see the whole action in my mind, and it felt as cheesy as the mentioned shows. But cheesy in a good way. The impersonation made me think of The Man Trap, the very first Star Trek Episode. The fact that "magically" the air was breathable inside the cave without any kind of airlock also transported me to the 60's.
I found the story too short and the end a bit rushed. I would have liked it to have been more developed, but all in all, it felt right for an "episode".
Nicholas Santasier's narration was correct, without production issues, but I think he needs to work on his accents and performing skills. His diction was clear and the interpretations were good, so that part is covered. I think Santasier would benefit from training his voice to be able to project better.
I would consider this a cheesy science-fiction story, and would totally recommend it to fans of science fiction from the 50's and 60's.
I received a copy of this book in audio format from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2017
This was a very short but very very interesting, and mysterious short story. I was sucked in right at the beginning and finish this one rather quickly despite what my dates on Goodreads say. The story focusses on our four main characters and is very straight to the point. There's no added fluff and the action does not stop. I really liked how the author used some historical facts in the book to add to her story despite this being a fictional tale I believe some or most of the fax to be real. Ancient Egypt has always fascinated me and this gave me just a little bit more insight to it. I listen to the audiobook version of the story and the narration was very well done. There was even a Russian and Irish accent given to two of our main characters which added to the fun in the story. The tone and pacing was on par as well with the short story and the level of intensity that was needed was given to keep this short story a thrill ride. I hope the author will explore more in this world that she's created. Ancient Egypt, astronauts, Mars exploration what is not to like? I was gifted a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review via audiobook boom this in no way affected my opinion of this book.
September 30, 2018
*My review is for the audiobook format*
I had a hard time connecting with this story, although I can certainly appreciate the author's effort. Despite a rather simplistic dialogue, there's a solid idea here that, if expounded upon and refined, could result in a really unique scifi short story. The current presentation of The Mons Connection is a firm foundation that I hope the author will improve upon with a well-integrated back story and additional character development.
Narration was adequate but lacked a certain smooth, natural ease often possessed by more experienced narrators who effortlessly enhance a reading.
(I requested this free review copy audiobook and voluntarily posted this unbiased review.)
I had a hard time connecting with this story, although I can certainly appreciate the author's effort. Despite a rather simplistic dialogue, there's a solid idea here that, if expounded upon and refined, could result in a really unique scifi short story. The current presentation of The Mons Connection is a firm foundation that I hope the author will improve upon with a well-integrated back story and additional character development.
Narration was adequate but lacked a certain smooth, natural ease often possessed by more experienced narrators who effortlessly enhance a reading.
(I requested this free review copy audiobook and voluntarily posted this unbiased review.)
October 17, 2017
Great Story! Well Researched, Hard Core Science Fiction
This is a great novella with a lot of research behind it. I especially liked Pestel's descriptions of the technical details of space flight and what it would feel like to walk on Mars. She even nailed the slightly different sentence structure Russians use when speaking English. I'm going on about the research Pestel put into this work because that is exactly what I'm looking for in science fiction.
It's a great story with a highly satisfying ending. I will definitely be reading more of Pestel's work!
This is a great novella with a lot of research behind it. I especially liked Pestel's descriptions of the technical details of space flight and what it would feel like to walk on Mars. She even nailed the slightly different sentence structure Russians use when speaking English. I'm going on about the research Pestel put into this work because that is exactly what I'm looking for in science fiction.
It's a great story with a highly satisfying ending. I will definitely be reading more of Pestel's work!
November 21, 2017
The book was too predictable and had a lazy ending. The first half wasn't exciting but okay then it just went downhill with lack imagination on the author's part. 100 pages to only end with a one page ending that should be rewritten. The characters were dull and not developed. Could have been good. But Not
March 14, 2018
Ok
Good plot idea but needed more fleshing out, flow was pretty fractured, the author should keep writing and get a good editor
Good plot idea but needed more fleshing out, flow was pretty fractured, the author should keep writing and get a good editor
April 15, 2018
The book really grabbed me in the beginning, but not pleased with the ending. I just felt like so much more could have been explored or done.
October 18, 2016
The Mons Connection is a novella by Arizona-based author Janine Pestel, who has written and published several short stories or collections of short stories in various genres.
The premise for the story is fairly generic: aliens visited ancient Egypt. That established, the way the story has been handled and developed is original and interesting. A group of four astronauts are on a mission to Mars, on the basis that, on a dig in Egypt, a shard of pottery has been found which appears to link ancient Egyptian civilisation to Mars; specifically, to Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system.
The four main characters are: Jon Carson, ship’s captain and expedition leader; Doug Johnson, archaeologist, AKA “Digger”; Dr Katherine Doolan, medic; and Mikhail Borznekhov, a Russian military man with a specialism in biology who is also the ship’s navigator. Their mission is to explore Olympus Mons and try to find any information which will verify a link between Egyptian civilisation and the volcano. Any such link would be proof of the Earth having been visited by aliens in the past, and by default, proof of life elsewhere in not just the universe, but our own solar system. This links the story into our here and now, since our planetary scientists and cosmologists are presently trying to find any evidence of extra-terrestrial life. But what the four of them find exceeds their expectations…
The story follows the logical fruition of this scenario, and is fairly action-packed. The style is accessible and easy to read while also having the ring of truth; the author has done her research into ancient Egypt. Overall, this is an enjoyable read, and one which will keep readers turning the pages.
The premise for the story is fairly generic: aliens visited ancient Egypt. That established, the way the story has been handled and developed is original and interesting. A group of four astronauts are on a mission to Mars, on the basis that, on a dig in Egypt, a shard of pottery has been found which appears to link ancient Egyptian civilisation to Mars; specifically, to Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system.
The four main characters are: Jon Carson, ship’s captain and expedition leader; Doug Johnson, archaeologist, AKA “Digger”; Dr Katherine Doolan, medic; and Mikhail Borznekhov, a Russian military man with a specialism in biology who is also the ship’s navigator. Their mission is to explore Olympus Mons and try to find any information which will verify a link between Egyptian civilisation and the volcano. Any such link would be proof of the Earth having been visited by aliens in the past, and by default, proof of life elsewhere in not just the universe, but our own solar system. This links the story into our here and now, since our planetary scientists and cosmologists are presently trying to find any evidence of extra-terrestrial life. But what the four of them find exceeds their expectations…
The story follows the logical fruition of this scenario, and is fairly action-packed. The style is accessible and easy to read while also having the ring of truth; the author has done her research into ancient Egypt. Overall, this is an enjoyable read, and one which will keep readers turning the pages.
October 1, 2016
A group of Astronauts land on Mars for a fact finding mission. Things do not go as planned as they uncover an ancient mystical connection between Mars and their home planet, Earth.
I didn't love or hate this short story. It took a while to get going and when it did, it flowed nicely to its conclusion. But I think my main issue was my expecting a little more. The whole "connection" thing with our ancient civilizations with extraterrestial life has been done many times before e.g. Stargate etc. I'm not saying everything I read should be spellbindingly original but I don't think "The Mons Connection" made up for that by way of its execution. That was pretty straightforward, in my opinion.
I didn't love or hate this short story. It took a while to get going and when it did, it flowed nicely to its conclusion. But I think my main issue was my expecting a little more. The whole "connection" thing with our ancient civilizations with extraterrestial life has been done many times before e.g. Stargate etc. I'm not saying everything I read should be spellbindingly original but I don't think "The Mons Connection" made up for that by way of its execution. That was pretty straightforward, in my opinion.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews