The Curiosities by W.H. Eatons

Siblings Marlow and Zach Metzler are curious about EVERYTHING – asteroid-bound space probes, pirate ships in the woods, abandoned hotels hidden high in the mountains. Leo, a neighborhood cat, is curious about NOTHING – not pizza slices, not peacock feathers, not even laser pointers (especially not laser pointers).

But when all the neighborhood birds, insects, and even their favorite teacher vanish, the three face a mystery that neither can solve alone. Racing to find all the missing creatures and stop a possible alien invasion, Marlow, Zach, and Leo must lead a ragtag band of new friends and kitty commandos against zombies, monster cats, and earthquakes to save their town and maybe, THE WORLD!

Audible Audio, 6 hours, 42 minutes

Published May 19, 2025

by Southbound Films

4/5 stars

I snagged the audiobook of The Curiosities from NetGalley when it popped up as a Listen Now and I’m so glad I did, it was a fun middle grade adventure!

The story follows siblings Marlow and Zach, who are curious about literally everything. Then there’s Leo the cat, who’s the total opposite, he wants nothing to do with curiosity (you know, because of the whole 'curiosity killed the cat' thing… he takes that very seriously).

At just under seven hours, this sci-fi/fantasy mystery was a quick and entertaining listen. Nature starts acting weird, a teacher goes missing and suddenly Marlow and Zach are thrown into a wild mystery they’re determined to solve. It’s got a great mix of adventure, weird science fiction and heartwarming sibling teamwork.

The audiobook was well done, but I can imagine the print version, with illustrations would be fun to flip through also. It’s a great story about loyalty, bravery, and stepping outside your comfort zone to protect the people, wild life (and pets) you love.

My thanks to Southbound Films for the e-audio in exchange for an honest review!

Aoleon The Martian Girl Part 4 by Brent LeVasseur

Science Fiction Series Aoleon The Martian Girl Part 4 Illegal Aliens (Part 4 of 5)

Aoléon and Gilbert have become the Luminon’s top priority in stopping the Martian resistance movement, and after being chased by the Royal Paladin Guard, they are forced to flee the Martian Megalopolis. Aoléon, Gilbert and Zoot escape with the help of Bizwat and his newly found friend, Helios, a first generation soldierbot.

After their saucer is destroyed, they crash land somewhere in the deep Martian desert, and they set out to locate Kyrios and the secret base where Aoléon’s parents are being held captive.

After battling the forces of nature, starvation, a Klyklon dust storm, (and not to mention a giant slor that almost swallows them alive), they finally make it to their destination. However, after Kyrios gives Gilbert some basic training to develop his budding psionic power, they learn that their journey is far from over.

Will Aoléon, Glbert, Bizwat, Helios, and Zoot be able to rescue Aoléon’s parents and stop the Martian invasion of Earth in time?

Read part 4 to find out!

Join Aoleon and Gilbert in this exciting middle school sci-fi adventure!
 

Kindle Edition

Published February 1st 2015 by Aoléon Press 

***1/2

This the 4th book in series had a different feel to it then the previous third.  Maybe not as witty or colorful, but it was still a good read.  It is like the author is setting up for the final battle to come in the concluding chapters.  Not just focusing on Aoleon and Gilbert's plight, we get a glimpse of what is happening not just on earth but at different locations in Mars.  I finished this book anxious to find out what is going to happen here, especially with Gilbert.  Does he stay, does he go back home?  It was nice to finally see him thinking about his family and wondering about what is going on in their minds right now.

This book is still illustrated with bright and interesting pictures that enhanced Illegal Aliens, but they weren't as large and plentiful this time around.  Not that I am complaining or saying that in a negative way, this did not impede the story at all or take away from my enjoyment. I still recommend an iPad or color ereader to take advantage of the full affect.

Please note that this is not a standalone books, you really need to start at the beginning.

 

Mr. LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.

Connect with Brent:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Aoléon: The Martian Girl 

Aoleon The Martian Girl - The Luminess of Mars by Brent LeVasseur

Science Fiction Saga - Aoleon The Martian Girl - The Luminess of Mars

Aoléon and Gilbert receive a special mission from PAX, a wanted criminal and leader of the Martian resistance movement to investigate the Luminon of Mars, who he suspects is planning an invasion of Earth to steal its milk cows. Gilbert has an encounter with the Luminess (the mate of the Luminon) and discovers something strange about her during a procession, and the duo are chased by the Royal Paladin Guard.

At Aoléon’s home, Gilbert meets Aoléon’s family, her sister Una, mother Phobos and father Deimos as well as her overzealous pet Zoot. He is also introduced to Bizwat, a covert operator and Procyon Commando, who uses his Saturn Pizza delivery job as a cover.

Gilbert then gets to visit the Martian Space Academy (Aoléon’s school) where he encounters Aoléon’s nemesis, Charm Lepton and her friend Quarkina, as well as receiving a history lesson on the Martian people by Plutarch Xenocrates. After class, Gilbert and Aoléon get to train in zero-G and Gilbert is treated to a Psi-ball match between Martian Space Academy and Martian Science Academy.
 

Kindle Edition, 114 pages

Published February 23rd 2015 by Aoléon Press

ebook provided as part of this tour

****

The 2nd of 5 parts to this the story of Aoleon and Gilbert.  Again as with the first book, Aoleon the Martian Girl, this is a nice illustrated story.  The colors are vivid and bright, totally capturing the essence of this story. It is great to put faces to names and places, this fits the bill nicely.

Continuing where book one left off, Aoleon and Gilbert head off to school and social events.  Even though their backgrounds are worlds apart there are things that are quite similar.  Bulling, pizza and petty jealously (to name just a few) are encountered here, but because there are more books in this series this book seems to be preparing the way for more exciting adventures with this pair.  I like both Aoleon and Gilbert with different personalities together they bring this story to life.

I am reading my ebook on iPad to take advantage of the color pictures, this I highly recommend or read on your computer.  Definitely not a stand alone story, they should be read in sequence to get full enjoyment.


Mr. LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.


Connect with Brent:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Aoléon: The Martian Girl