Book Review:Lost Coast Rocket (Mare Tranquillitatis Series Book 1) by Joel Horn

This is a fun and engaging coming of age, YA, Science Fiction.

Lost Coast Rocket (Mare Tranquillitatis Series Book 1)

by Joel Horn

File Size: 3036 KB
Print Length: 259 pages
Publication Date: July 5, 2016
ASIN: B01I27IR2A
Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Plausible Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Love, Danger...
This story has it all!
Rockets are in Ken's DNA. At an early age, he develops a friendship with Akira, a boy who shares his passion for astronautics. While both are child prodigies, Akira does well in private school but Ken rebels against structured education. The unlikely duo draws together a small group of rocketeers, meeting in the shop behind Ken's house.
A tragic event at eight years of age haunts Ken through his growing-up years and shapes his destiny. As fate would have it, the girl at the center of the traumatic experience joins Ken's rocket club, unaware of their shared history. Will Ken tell Dawn that he is the boy she seeks?
As the group reaches their teen years, their rocket designs start pushing legal boundaries, culminating in an event that puts them in the crosshairs of an FBI investigator. To protect his friends and seek refuge from his past, Ken devises an escape plan that confounds the authorities and the world.
˃˃˃ Lost Coast Rocket is Book 1 in the Mare Tranquillitatis Series
The adventures continue in Hatching the Phoenix Egg and underlying mysteries are resolved.

Review:
Ken’s Grandfather was a NASA engineer and rocket builder. Even as a two-year-old Ken was fascinated helping Grandpa in his workshop. As toddlers Ken and Akira, another astronautic prodigy, meet in the park and become fast friends. Ken and Akira allow a handful of select friends in their ‘rocket’ building club: Carol, Ed, Jose, Kate and later, as teens, Dawn. Ken first met Dawn when he was eight and suffered through a tragic catastrophe. Ken feels guilty and refuses to tell Dawn that he is the boy that she has been seeking for years.

The activities of the teens exceed the legal requirements of the local rocket club but that doesn’t stop their efforts. Ultimately, they launch an unauthorized rocket to test the engine, based upon Ken’s Grandfather’s original design, and built in secret by Ken, Akira and their friends. The young rocketeers narrowly escape the FBI and begin to move off to college and their own dreams.

Ken is stressed and wandering but soon recognizes another key discovery. He makes arrangements to continue to protect himself and his friends. The group meet again for Akira and Carol’s wedding and this is the first time in several years that Dawn and Ken have been in touch. None of his friends really know what Ken has been up to although Akira and Carol soon learn the truth. Still, Ken refuses to tell Dawn and they separate again after misunderstandings which result in a terrible consequence.

Although some might think a story about young people and rockets would be boring, it is not at all. I was pulled in by the first chapters and the adventure held my interest. The science and technical details are explained sufficiently to follow implications even if I don’t understand quantum physics. The launch was exciting, just like a real rocket launch. The characters are interesting and the story is engaging and fun. There are some relationship messages that were presented well. Surprisingly I found the entire package captivating.

I received this title from the author.

Sunday Post November 27, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 28, 2016

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with both children and all six grands. We also had a fun visit to the St. Louis Arch and river cruise on Friday. A bit cold but bundling kept us warm enough.
I was away from the computer for two and a half days so short on review posting this week.

Reading has been fairly good. I finished two audiobooks and one ebook. I'm well 60% into the next ebook. I posted one review and the usual memes (if a bit late).

I had a good time visiting other bloggers early in the week.
This week I share the link to Hibernator's Library who shared some interesting titles for Nonfiction November 2016.

Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 20, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 21, 2016.

• Sharing 30 Days of Gratitude. [I'm keeping this linked as I add to it each morning/day!]

• Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4 by Larry Correia; Sci Fi, Paranormal, Fantasy; my rating 4.5.

• Happy Thanksgiving!

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 25, 2016 (posted 11/26). Open Worldwide. Ending 12/03/2016.

• Sharing Beyond Books #280 Comment Giveaway November 26, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/05/2016.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 27, 2016.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio (Audiobook Jukebox)

Only Ever You
Written by: Rebecca Drake
Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky
This is rather chilling - good suspense.
I received the audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NetGalley)

The Reader
by MK Harkins
I enjoyed this paranormal suspense.
I received this from the publisher through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible (TBR)

Swarm: Star Force, Book 1
Written by: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
This has been on my Audible Shelf 
since May 2015.
I enjoyed the primary character and the action.
Publisher's Summary
Earth arms marines with alien technology and builds its first battle fleet! Kyle Riggs is snatched by an alien spacecraft sometime after midnight. The ship is testing everyone it catches and murdering the weak. The good news is that Kyle keeps passing tests and staying alive. The bad news is the aliens who sent this ship are the nicest ones out there.
A novel of military science fiction by best-selling author B. V. Larson, Swarm is the story of Earth's annexation by an alien empire. Long considered a primitive people on a backwater planet, humanity finds itself in the middle of a war - and faced with extinction.
Battle stations! Listen to another Star Force novel.
©2010 B.V. Larson (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NetGalley)

The Wrong Unit: A Novel
by Rob Dircks
This is a fun, and scarily ironic, sci fi.
I received this from the publisher through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible (TBR)

The Synchronicity War, Part 1
Written by: Dietmar Wehr
Narrated by: Luke Daniels
This has been my Audible Library 
since December 2015.
Publisher's Summary
Be aware that Part 1 has a cliffhanger ending. After almost a century of peaceful exploration and colonization of space, the United Earth Space Force stumbles across a shockingly xenophobic alien race that has more and better armed ships and refuses all attempts at contact. As the outgunned Space Force is driven back in battle after battle in what appears to be a war of extermination, one officer experiences precognitive visions that help him blunt the enemy onslaught, but he can't control or predict when they occur. With the Senior Brass convinced that he's a tactical genius, he's given more and more responsibility and is terrified by the belief that Humanity's Fate will be determined by a battle with himself in overall command.
This is Volume 1 of a military SF series about desperate space battles and the men, women and Artificial Intelligences, who fight and die in them.
©2013 Dietmar Wehr (P)2015 Podium Publishing

3. eBook/Kindle (NetGalley)

Toru: Wayfarer Returns
by Stephanie R. Sorensen
I liked the cover and description of this Steampunk, alternate history.
Revolutionary young samurai with dirigibles take on Commodore Perry and his Black Ships in this alternate history steampunk technofantasy set in 1850s samurai-era Japan.
In Japan of 1852, the peace imposed by the Tokugawa Shoguns has lasted 250 years. Peace has turned to stagnation, however, as the commoners grow impoverished and their lords restless. Swords rust. Martial values decay. Foreign barbarians circle the island nation’s closed borders like vultures, growing ever more demanding.
Tōru, a shipwrecked young fisherman rescued by American traders and taken to America, defies the Shogun’s ban on returning to Japan, determined to save his homeland from foreign invasion. Can he rouse his countrymen in time? Or will the cruel Shogun carry out his vow to execute all who set foot in Japan after traveling abroad? Armed only with his will, a few books, dirigible plans and dangerous ideas, Tōru must transform the Emperor’s realm before the Black Ships come.
...
Readers who enjoy steampunk alternate histories more typically set in Victorian England or the American Wild West may enjoy this steampunk story made fresh by the Japanese samurai setting, as well as readers who enjoy historical fiction set in Japan.
(See title link for full description)

November 28, 2016 - I am behind on Bible reading again with our trip. I plan to listen on my MP3 during our driving times this week to get caught up.
I have been enjoying listening to the companion commentary online when I am home.
I am enjoying reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church.

I posted one review which puts me a bit behind. I now have  four to post.

I am still requesting audio titles as I can always squeeze listening in!
I have lined up Sci Fi titles for November. Here are a few of the ones I plan to read:
Trajectory Book 1 (New Providence) by Robert M. Campbell from Sci Fi Explorations in September 2016
Lost Coast Rocket (Mare Tranquillitatis Series Book 1) by Joel Horn from the author in October 2016.
The Reader by MK Harkins
The Wrong Unit: A Novel by Rob Dircks
Toru: Wayfarer Returns by Stephanie R. Sorensen

At the rate I am reading I will be lucky to get through the NetGalley titles.
AOB (Return to Earth) by Bria Burton - met author at FWA in October

NetGalley titles:
The Invisible City by Brian K. Lowe
The Circuit by Rhett C. Bruno
Free Space by Sean Danker
PLUS Some choices from my own TBR shelves:
The Terminals: Spark by Michael F. Stewart (Book win 5/2014)
Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles Book 1) by Marissa Meyer (Feb 2014)
First Colony (Citadel Book 1) by Kevin Tumlinson (Sept 2015) Sci Fi, Steampunk, Military
Galaxy of Heroes by Gus Flory (10/2014) Space Opera
Hero (Epic Book 3) by Stephen Lee (6/2015)
Audible:
Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4 by Larry Correia (Nov 2015)
The Synchronicity War Part 1 by Dietmar Wehr (2014)
Spider's Bite: Elemental Assassin, Book 1 (9/2012)

I am waiting for some final illustrations to complete another children's title for new release title at eTreasure's NetGalley page this week,
[New Kindle and print releases may have to wait for my return to full internet.]

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I still have new review requests to consider.
I accepted two author review requests and one publisher invitation (through NetGalley).
I picked up four Kindle titles for $.99.
I have a cart full of Audible titles on sale I will pick up this week.
And, even though I was offline for two days somehow I managed to pick up an extra healthy number of free kindle titles -- Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Title

I accepted two titles for review from Authors:

Glenfiddich Inn
by Alan Geik
This story is set in America in 1915 while the U.S. struggles to keep out of the war, teen-aged Babe Ruth becomes a baseball sensation and early experiments in wireless audio transmission (called "radio") captivates enthusiasts.
(I might not get to this until the new year but I like the historical issues/topics.)

Caitlyn's Christmas Wish
by Laura L. Walker
"Right Family, Wrong Brother..."
I'm glad to have another shortish Christmas read and this sounds fun.

Through NetGalley:
I received an invitation for this from the Publisher. (Not releasing until Feb 2017.)

From London with Love: Rebellious Brides
by Diana Quincy
"With wedding bells ringing and a killer stalking from the shadows, a former British spy makes up for lost time with the one that got away in this thrilling Regency romance from the author of Spy Fall and License to Wed."

Won

NONE

Purchased

I purchased three Kindle Christmas titles (2 bundles) and one sci fi for $.99 each:
The Mystery of Christmas (Six Christian Mysteries and Suspense)
Susette Williams, Christy Barritt, Traci Tyne Hilton, V.B. Tenery, Amanda Tru, Samantha Bayarr

A Winter Wedding (A Whiskey Creek Novel Book 9) by Brenda Novak


Christmas Blessings: Seven Inspirational Romances of Faith, Hope, and Love
Leah Atwood, Belle Calhoune, JoAnn Durgin, Heather Gray, Angel Moore, Melissa Tagg, Alexa Verde

Defiance (The Defending Home Series Book 1)
by William H. Weber

Free

I received several titles this week from Authors through Instafreebie. They will go on my review TBR list for 2017.

I also added a whopping 80 free Kindle titles to my library! Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement November 27, 2016

Several months ago our Sunday School teacher reviewed Romans 8 from the Message. We discussed Paul’s message to focus on God rather than ourselves.

We need to recognize that man’s Law is a tyrant bringing sin and death. Instead of struggling with double efforts to abide by the law, we are told to submit and to relax in the Spirit. Let the Spirit guide us to do right. We can bury our old life if we focus on God. How do you value worth? We should value by measuring Christ in us, instead of what we do. God created us and is omnipotent. He knows us better than we know ourselves. (Romans 8:27.) We can trust that He is working all things into good for His children (v 28).

I selected this video for this message. Fix My Eyes on You.

Verses for Today:
Romans 8: 27-30 (NLT)
27And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 28And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.

God, help me to wake up each day and focus on You. Then help me walk each day sharing Your Love.

Sharing Beyond Books #280 Comment Giveaway November 26, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Nine commenters like (short) recaps or find them useful to remind of characters after a gap between reading in a series. Four of our blog friends don't mind a recap and four others feel it depends on the series/genre and delivery. They feel it is good for short recap in epic fantasy but not as needed in romance. Also several mentioned they prefer short recap to length and don't want it done through lots of flashback. MaryP isn't certain she has read many books with recap and bn100 doesn't feel she reads that type either. CarolL likes to read her series books in sequence so she skims over recaps.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #279 comments is: #6 Brooke who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. [I'm hoping to update the book choices - maybe the beginning of next year, lol.] Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #280

(One Question.)

Miki asks: When do you get a new yearly agenda (if you have one) in December to be ready on the first or you wait until the new year start. Do you prefer a simple one, a bookish one (with citations etc) or another kind??

I do want to have a new calendar before January 1st. I have received a couple from work sources but I like to get one to hang on my wall and one to carry in the car. I like gorgeous pictures for my wall calendar and sweet images or quotes for the smaller one.

Nope- It won't be this one!
Image Found at Parade.
Perhaps I will get the 2017 389 Unforgettable Senior Moments Page-a-Day® Calendar for my dear hubby!

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.
Four questions in November were provided by: Becky, bn100, Nikki and Miki. Random.org chose #1 so Becky gets to chose a book.

Your turn to share: Miki asks: When do you get a new yearly agenda (if you have one) in December to be ready on the first or you wait until the new year start. Do you prefer a simple one, a bookish one (with citations etc) or another kind??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday December 3, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 25, 2016 (posted 11/26)

Happy Friday!

Sorry to be late with this post. I was off line/off computer for the past two and a half days while spending time with family!
Don't forget that for the four weeks in November I select FOUR random winners! So be ready to make your picks to give books a new home or get a GC to spend toward book purchases!

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the November 18 Pick. No automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked.
AUTO: none

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from November 18 Pick:
NIKKI and NATLAIJA get a GC
BN100 gets Mania
and
ELIZABETH gets Wanted: Christmas Mommy

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

This saying fits me perfectly!
Image found at Pinterest.

New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
Some books for Christmas
Mistletoe Marriage by Jessica Hart
Twelfth Night Proposal by Karen Rose Smith
Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn
Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry
Christmas With the Prince by Michelle Celmer
The Christmas Cowboy by Michele Dunaway
Christmas Bonus: Strings Attached by Susan Crosby
Wanted: Christmas Mommy by Judy Christenberry
One Cowboy One Christmas by Kathleen Eagle
All I Want for Christmas by Gina Wilkins
Mistletoe and Miracles by Marie Ferrarella
Her Montana Christmas by Arlene James
All She Wants for Christmas by Stacy Connelly
Miracle on Christmas Eve by Shirley Jump
Snowbound Reunion by Barbara McMahon
Holiday Homecoming by Mae Ann Wilson


New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
PAIR:
Lisa Gardner: The Perfect Husband and The Other Daughter
Stella Cameron: True Bliss and Sheer Pleasures
SINGLE:
Stray by A. N. Wilson (hardcover)
Soul of the Wildcat by Devyn Quinn
The Seventh Tower, Book One by Garth Nix
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
Kill Chain by Meg Gardiner
Wild Rain by Christine Feehan
The Copper Beach by Maeve Binchy
Beyond Reach: A Novel (Grant County Book 6) by Karin Slaughter
Crimson Shore by Preston & Childs
The Lincoln Myth by Steve Berry
Critical by Robin Cook
Mania by Craig Larsen

New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
PAIRS:
Into the Night (book 5) and Gone too Far (book 6) by Suzanne Brockmann
The Wedding Night of an English Rogue: A Novel (A Boscastle Affairs Novel Book 3)
The Wicked Games of a Gentleman: A Novel (A Boscastle Affairs Novel Book 4) by Jillian Hunter
SINGLES:
*Bloodstone by Lynn Benedict (1973 - yellowed)
*The Brittany Stones by Lynna Cooper (1974 - yellowed; corner of cover cut)
Her Scoundrel by Geralyn Dawson
In Search of Lucy: A Novel by Lia Fairchild
No Place for a Lady by Katherine Greyle
Wicked by Beth Henderson
To Die For: A Novel (Blair Mallory Book 1) by Linda Howard
The Inheritance by Joan Johnston
A Dark Champion by Kinley MacGregor
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Mysterious: The Right Path / This Magic Moment / The Search for Love by Nora Roberts (2008)
The Spitfire by Bertrice Small


New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016

(I will post a picture later. *Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I have had for many years. They may not be wanted by anyone and if so, I will donate elsewhere in time.)
SINGLES:
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
Freedom's Stand by J. M. Windle


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

SINGLES:
A Dangerous Fancy by Tracy Cozzens
The Champion by Heather Grothaus
So Wild A Kiss by Nancy Richards-Akers


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016
SINGLES:
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette


New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016 -- All Gone
SINGLES:
Wayward Winds by Michael Phillips - Audio Tapes

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
After I noticed the trend I went on a hunt for “bride” titles. I even pulled a couple from some of my long time collections(*). (But they are not getting read on my shelves.)
SINGLES:
Border Bride by Deborah Hale

New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015 -- All Gone
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014 -- All Gone
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser


If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost seven years I have posted 68 groups of 16 (1,088) books to find new homes! (as of November 4, 2016).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,017+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4 by Larry Correia

This is fun series with lots of monsters and hunters.
Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4
Written by: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 16 hrs and 35 mins
Series: Monster Hunter, Book 4
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-04-12
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Paranormal, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Monster Hunter International might be the premier monster eradication company in the business, but they’ve got competition.
When hunters from around the world gather in Las Vegas for a conference, a creature left over from a World War Two weapons experiment wakes up and goes on a rampage across the desert. A not-so-friendly wager between the rival companies turns into a race to see who can bag the mysterious creature first. Only there is far more to this particular case than meets the eye, and as Hunters fall prey to their worst nightmares, Owen Zastava Pitt and the staff of Monster Hunter International have to stop an ancient god from turning Sin City into a literal hell on earth.
©2012 Larry Correia (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Owen “Big Z” Pitt, Earl Harbinger, Julie, Milo, Holly, Trip, Skippy the orc and more of the Monster Hunter International (MHI) crew are in Las Vegas for the first International Conference of Monster Hunting Professionals. There are teams of hunters from all over the world and at first there is a sense of competition, especially from some of the newer, upstart companies. Earl and the team suspect that there is increased monster activity and they begin to circulate to see what they can find out from other teams. As they begin to share notes Earl and Julie meet with other teams to negotiate a new era of sharing information.

The hunters are interrupted by an invitation to a special meeting where they are given an assignment with a huge puff bounty to the first team to eliminate the threat. The assignment comes from a secret government official who is no friend of Earl’s. The teams are off and running for the competition. Earl isn’t so quick to rush off as he doesn’t trust the official and is angry that the man has control over Earl’s girlfriend for another year.

Z and his team get to the monster site by means of Skippy’s patched up helicopter. Still they are second behind the German team so they only get the assist in a rather easy kill. But a few clues indicate that something isn’t quite as it seems. Everyone returns to the hotel to party and rest but Julie is awakened by misgivings in the middle of the night. They step down the hall to screams and an alternate dimension of monsters. Now the true battle begins against a secret weapon from WWII who is seeking revenge and power.

The upstart Paranormal Tactical group make for fun teasing and trouble to kick off the action. I liked the new ally Z meets as well as all the old friends. Mordacai and other characters from earlier books make appearances trying to help Z. Even Z’s brother, Mosh, gets recruited to help save the world…again. I like the growth shown in the characters – Z still gets in trouble but he is trying to be more responsible. And he is taking his role as “the Chosen” more seriously.

This series is so much fun. There are a variety of monsters and of course the usual impressive armament. There are several good twists and details in this episode which continues to build to the threatened big war. The book does have some rough language but it zips by in the action moments. I recommend this to readers who like monsters and want a fun series.

Audio Notes: Oliver Wyman does a fabulous job with the character voices from men, women, orcs, and monster creatures. I have listened to the four books so far and will definitely continue with the audible versions.

By the way - The first book in the series is available for free at Kindle!
Monster Hunter International (Monster Hunters International Book 1)

This was in my TBR and saved for Sci Fi month. It qualifies for Mount TBR, Audio Challenge and M in Alphabet Challenge.

Sunday Post November 20, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 21, 2016.

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

My trial this past week went well although we don't have the judge's ruling yet. The testimony was good so now it rests on application of the law. The rest of the week was a push as I was preparing to go on vacation! I got much done but ended up bringing a handful of items with me too.
We have driven north in the RV and the weather is colder! Two nights below freezing so far. We are bundling in layered clothes and thankful for heating blankets. It is worth it to visit our son, daughter-in-law, SweetPea and the twins for Thanksgiving.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to those celebrating this week!

Reading has moved along okay with a little extra time on the road. I finished one audiobook and one ebook but am well into the next two. I posted two reviews the usual memes.

I had a good time visiting other bloggers early in the week week.
This week I share the link to Mailbox Monday.
It is in the lower portion of my post each week but I want to encourage bloggers to check it out and visit other bloggers linked there. In addition to hosting the Monday links the three hosts also share their book picks each Wednesday which I find interesting.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 13, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 14, 2016.

• Sharing 30 Days of Gratitude. I'm keeping this linked as I add to it each morning/day!]

• Audio Book Review: Five Minutes Alone by Paul Cleave; Crime Thriller, Suspense; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 18, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/24/2016.

• Book Review: Trajectory Book 1 (New Providence) by Robert M. Campbell #RRSciFiMonth; Sci Fi, Space Mystery; my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #279 Comment Giveaway November 19, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ends 11/26/2016.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 20, 2016.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible (TBR)

Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4
Written by: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
I do enjoy listening to this fun sci fi series. :-)
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Lost Coast Rocket (Mare Tranquillitatis Series Book 1)
by Joel Horn
I enjoyed this fun YA, sci fi story.
I received this from the author.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NetGalley)

The Reader
by MK Harkins
I am 40% in on this story. It is well written to create a rather intense suspense.
I received this from the publisher through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio (Audiobook Jukebox)

Only Ever You
Written by: Rebecca Drake
Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky
I am three discs in and the suspense is building.
I received the audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Description
Three-year-old Sophia Lassiter disappears at the playground only to return after 40 frantic minutes-- but her mother Jill's relief is short lived. Jill is convinced the tiny dots on her daughter's arm are puncture marks. When doctors find no trace of drugs in her system, Jill accepts she won't ever know what happened during her daughter's absence and is simply grateful to have her home safely. Except Sophia isn't safe. Three months later, she disappears again. This time from her bed at home, in the night. Working with the police and the community, Jill and her husband David are desperate to bring their little girl home. They remain hopeful---until information turns up suggesting their daughter was murdered, causing the police to turn their suspicions on the parents. Facing ugly family secrets and heart-rending evidence, Jill is still convinced her daughter is alive. But when the dragnet begins to close around them, Jill realizes the worst: if the police believe she has killed her daughter, that means they aren't out there looking for the real perpetrator. They aren't hunting for Sophie or the person who still has her.

3. eBook/Kindle (NetGalley)

The Wrong Unit: A Novel
by Rob Dircks
I'm looking forward to reading this sci fi.
I received this from the publisher through NetGalley.
I DON’T KNOW WHAT THE HUMANS ARE SO CRANKY ABOUT. Their enclosures are large, they ingest over a thousand calories per day, and they’re allowed to mate. Plus, they have me.
An Autonomous Servile Unit, housed in a mobile/bipedal chassis. I do my job well: keep the humans healthy and happy.
“Hey you.”
Heyoo. That’s my name, I suppose. It’s easier for the humans to remember than 413s98-itr8. I guess I’ve gotten used to it.

October 30, 2016 - I got a few days behind last weekend.
I have been listening to the companion commentary online for the past few days to get caught up.
I am enjoying reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church.

I posted two reviews which keeps me up to date with two going into this week.

I am still requesting audio titles as I can always squeeze listening in!
I have lined up Sci Fi titles for November. Here are a few of the ones I plan to read:
Trajectory Book 1 (New Providence) by Robert M. Campbell from Sci Fi Explorations in September 2016
Lost Coast Rocket (Mare Tranquillitatis Series Book 1) by Joel Horn from the author in October 2016.
The Reader by MK Harkins
The Wrong Unit: A Novel by Rob Dircks

At the rate I am reading I will be lucky to get through the NetGalley titles.

AOB (Return to Earth) by Bria Burton - met author at FWA in October
NetGalley titles:
Toru: Wayfarer Returns by Stephanie R. Sorensen
The Invisible City by Brian K. Lowe
The Circuit by Rhett C. Bruno
Free Space by Sean Danker
PLUS Some choices from my own TBR shelves:
The Terminals: Spark by Michael F. Stewart (Book win 5/2014)
Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles Book 1) by Marissa Meyer (Feb 2014)
First Colony (Citadel Book 1) by Kevin Tumlinson (Sept 2015) Sci Fi, Steampunk, Military
Galaxy of Heroes by Gus Flory (10/2014) Space Opera
Hero (Epic Book 3) by Stephen Lee (6/2015)
Audible:
Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4 by Larry Correia (Nov 2015)
The Synchronicity War Part 1 by Dietmar Wehr (2014)
Eye of the Storm: Legacy of the Aldenata (2012)
Invincible: The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier, Book 2 by Jack Campbell (1/13)
Spider's Bite: Elemental Assassin, Book 1 (9/2012)

Still working on adding new release title at eTreasure's NetGalley page this week,
and also working on some Kindle and print releases.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I still have new review requests to consider.
I selected my two October Audible titles and picked up a daily deal.
I was tempted but resisted Kindle titles this week.
And, of course, I picked up the usual healthy number of free kindle titles -- Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Title

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked up two Audibles with credits and one daily deal for $3.95:


The Ghost Brigades
by John Scalzi
Loved the first book so I am lining this up for a 2017 listen.

Quarter Share: A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper,
Book 1

by Nathan Lowell
This looked like another good sci fi (and it starts with a "Q" for Alphabet Challenge 2017).

In the Country We Love: My Family Divided&
by Diane Guerrero, Michelle Burford
This was a daily deal and it seemed appropriate to read to understand better this timely dilemma (illegal aliens) for my country.

Free

I added another 51 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.