Pilgrims by M.R. Leonard #Audiobook #Review #ScienceFiction #SciFi @iReadBookTours @monksonthe_moon #BlueCastlePress 1 Author-Signed Copy available

Pilgrims by M.R. Leonard

A book blog tour from iRead Book Tours.

Thank you to the author, publisher, & Lauren at iRead for providing me with the information for this tour. iread book tour logo -

Quick Summary

Pilgrims is an enlightening read that will captivate fans of science fiction, particularly those who enjoy complex, philosophical explorations of faith, identity, and the human condition, as well as those who appreciate a fast-paced, action-packed narrative with a richly drawn protagonist.

This story is a sci-fi retelling of Augustine’s Confessions, mixing a high-concept premise à la Tchaikovsky’s Children of Time with the ceaseless pacing and rich characterization of Pierce Brown’s Red Rising. (see the author’s guest post for an explanation)

Blog Graphic Pilgrims by M.R. Leonard Science Fiction

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Pilgrims by M.R. Leonard #Audiobook #Review #ScienceFiction #SciFi @iReadBookTours @monksonthe_moon #BlueCastlePress 1 Author-Signed Copy available

Book Details

Pilgrims by M.R. Leonard #Audiobook #Review #ScienceFiction #SciFi @iReadBookTours @monksonthe_moon #BlueCastlePress 1 Author-Signed Copy availablePilgrims by M.R. Leonard
Published by Blue Castle Press on 11/15/2024
Genres: Adult Fiction 18+, Science Fiction
Format: Audiobook, eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 404

Out-of-work Latin teacher and borderline alcoholic Austin DeSantis is determined to spend his final days in the arms of a prostitute—that is if the aliens don’t exterminate humanity first . . .
But when the aliens land at the Vatican, begin speaking Latin, and reveal themselves to be Catholic, the world turns upside down.

Pressed into service as a translator and thrust into the center of humanity's first contact with a cryptic alien race, Austin must uncover their true intentions before religious turmoil rips the planet apart. But with Austin caught between the Catholic Church, the US military, and an enigmatic alien AI, he'll have to decide where his loyalties lie as the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

Source: iRead Book Tours

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Author Content Warning: PG-13. There is death in my book. There are also religious profanities, “God damn”. There are also a few swear words (not many, but some “F” bombs said by the villain at the end). There is no description of sex, but my protagonist follows an online creator who does adult content (her content is never described at all other than to say it exists). The main thing is the violence in my book. It is not gory, but it does involve children dying.

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Purchase Links for Pilgrims

Pilgrims
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Leonard, M. R. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 11/15/2024 (Publication Date) - Blue Castle Press (Publisher)

Pilgrims audiobook cover
Click here for more info on the audiobook!

 PAPERBACK   HARDCOVER

If the above link does not route you to your country’s Amazon page for Pilgrims, please let me know, and I’ll gladly get you a link.

Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount from their share, and every penny helps support this blog.

Purchase Pilgrims online from your local bookstore.

Also available on B&N     

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My thoughts on Pilgrims

Are you looking for a thought-provoking sci-fi novel that uniquely blends themes of faith, humanity, and redemption? Then Pilgrims by M.R. Leonard is just the book for you.

The story follows Austin DeSantis, an out-of-work Latin teacher struggling with personal demons, who becomes an unlikely translator when extraterrestrial beings arrive at the Vatican, communicating in Latin and professing Catholicism. This unusual development sets the stage for a narrative that examines moral and philosophical questions.

The audiobook, narrated by Jeff Hays and a very talented cast, elevates the experience with excellent performances and subtle sound effects. Hays’ portrayal of Austin captures the character’s internal struggles and growth, while the supporting narrators bring a rich depth to the diverse cast. The production quality is top-notch, making it a compelling listen from start to finish.

Leonard’s writing is sharp and engaging, balancing fast-paced action with introspective moments. The exploration of religious themes through a sci-fi lens is handled gently, making it accessible to religious and secular audiences. However, some readers may find the heavy emphasis on Catholicism a bit overwhelming if they’re not generally inclined toward religious narratives.

Please check the author’s content warnings, which are listed twice in my post. I know some readers are offended by religious profanities and violence. “Pilgrims” has both, but they fit the book’s flow, and nothing is graphically described or used gratuitously.

The audiobook, which comes in at just under nine hours, is well-paced and will easily keep listeners engaged from start to finish. Whether you’re a fan of science fiction, philosophical explorations, or stories of personal redemption, Pilgrims offers a unique and fulfilling experience that lingers long after the final chapter.

Pilgrims ranks high on my list of favorite audiobooks, rivaling Hail Mary. When did I become such a fan of sci-fi?

I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

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I love to read books through my  Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription

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About M.R. Leonard

M R Leonard Author profile image

Michael Leonard was born and raised in Boston, but the cities he’s spent the most time in are Beijing, Florence, and Edgartown (in that order). After graduating from Boston College, he pursued a career in law before becoming a China market entry advisor and accumulating a few lifetimes worth of adventures in just nine short years.

Somewhere along the way, he lost his faith, but he found it again in graduate school at MIT. Married with two young sons, he can be found discussing his next novel with his ten-pound dachshund as he strolls around Boston Harbor.

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Guest Post from the author of Pilgrims

High-Concept For The Win.

What should I write about? It’s a question that many aspiring authors ask. The quick answer is to write about whatever inspires you. But if you want to sell books—no matter the genre—you’d do well to incorporate a high-concept premise.

What is a “high-concept premise?”

A high concept premise refers to a simple, easily graspable idea that can be succinctly explained and often has broad, universal appeal. Here are some key characteristics:

• Simplicity: It can be described in one or two sentences.
• Uniqueness: It often involves a novel twist or an unexpected combination of familiar elements, making it stand out.
• Visual Appeal: High-concept ideas are typically visual in nature, providing a clear image or scenario in the mind of the audience.
• Universal Theme: Despite its simplicity, it touches on themes that resonate with a wide audience, like love, survival, redemption, or justice.
• Marketability: Due to its clarity and appeal, a high-concept premise is often marketable and can be easily pitched to producers, publishers, or audiences.

Examples:

• “What if you could see dead people?” This is the high-concept premise for the movie The Sixth Sense.
• “What would a boarding school for wizards look like?” This is the story of Harry Potter.

In literature, film, or any form of storytelling, a high-concept premise is valuable because it hooks the audience right from the start, promising an engaging and possibly innovative narrative. However, the execution of the story needs to live up to the promise of the premise for it to be successful.

I used a high-concept premise for my debut novel, Pilgrims. It’s about a washed-up Latin teacher who tries to save the world from Catholic aliens.

See what I did there? I hook the reader early on with a concept that you can really describe in two words: Catholic Aliens.

In a world where you are competing with thousands of newly published books for reader’s attention, as well as the millions of books that have been published over the years, you need every advantage you can get to make sure potential readers pay attention to you.

That’s how I’ve managed to sell thousands of copies in the two months since publication (that’s really good for a sci-fi debut btw).

So, do yourself a favor and see if you can incorporate a high-concept premise into your story. It will help you get the reader’s attention you so thoroughly deserve.

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Blog Graphic Pilgrims by M.R. Leonard Science Fiction

Giveaway!

Author-signed copy of PILGRIMS, courtesy of M.R. Leonard (one winner) (USA and Canada) (ends Feb 14)

Please visit more stops on the tour for extra chances to win!

Official Tour Page for Pilgrims 

Full Tour Schedule:

Jan 13 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / giveaway
Jan 13  @bearyintobooks * – book review / giveaway
​Jan 14  Kim’s Book Reviews and Writing Aha’s – book review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 14  @acourtofspinesnpages * – book review / giveaway
Jan 15  @tia.reads * – book review / giveaway
Jan 15 – @the_secret_bookreview* – book review / giveaway
Jan 15  @book_withquotes * – book review / giveaway
Jan 16  @Leannebookstagram  book review
Jan 17  @this.human.reads * – book review / giveaway
Jan 18  @i.sarah.read.a.lot * – book review / giveaway

Jan 21  @myfictionalmusings * – book review / giveaway
Jan 21  @kiv_coffeeandpages * – book review / giveaway
Jan 22  FUONLYKNEW  book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Jan 23  Liese’s Blog  book spotlight
​Jan 24 – @adriftinfictionalworld – book review
Jan 27  @thebookishren/ *  book review / giveaway
Jan 27  @bookscape__* – book review / giveaway
Jan 27 – @onemorechap * – book review / giveaway
Jan 28  @books.and.salt/ * – book review / giveaway
Jan 28  @speedreadstagram * – book review / giveaway
Jan 29  Locks, Hooks and Books  book review / giveaway
Jan 29  @michellegodardricher * – book review / giveaway
Jan 30  @readsandmusic * – book review / giveaway
Jan 30  Book Corner News and Reviews  book review / giveaway

Jan 30 – Gina Rae Mitchell – audiobook review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 31 – @whatnolareads * – book review / giveaway
​Jan 31 – China Sorrows – book review / giveaway
Feb 4 – @lizzies.reading.recs * – book review / giveaway
Feb 4 – @Shesreadingagain_ – book review / giveaway
Feb 5 – @nissa_the.bookworm * – book review / giveaway
Feb 5 – Frugal Freelancer – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 6 – @theratherslowreader * – book review / giveaway
Feb 7 – Books R US – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 7 – @vibedealindavid * – book review / giveaway
Feb 7 – @just_another_mother_with_books * – book review / giveaway


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Book Title: PILGRIMS by M.R. Leonard
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 412 pages
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Blue Castle Press
Release date: November 2024
Tour dates: Jan 13 to Feb 7, 2025

Content Rating: PG-13. There is death in my book. There are also religious profanities, “God damn”. There are also a few swear words (not many, but some “F” bombs said by the villain at the end). There is no description of sex, but my protagonist follows an online creator who does adult content (her content is never described at all other than to say it exists). The main thing is the violence in my book. It is not gory, but it does involve children dying.

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Posted 01/30/2025 by Gina in Audiobook, Author Guest Post, Blog Tour, Book Promotions, Book Reviews, Books, Fiction, Science Fiction / 2 Comments

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