Audible Book Review: When a Child Is Born A Chronicles of St. Mary's Short Story by Jodi Taylor

I like this series for quick, fun listening.
When a Child Is Born
A Chronicles of St. Mary's Short Story
By: Jodi Taylor
Narrated by: Zara Ramm

Series: The Chronicles of St Mary's, Book 2.5
Length: 32 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 04-07-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The time-travel series that everyone's talking about.... Jodi Taylor's The Chronicles of St. Mary's is back with a short story.
It's Christmas Day 1066, and a team from St Mary's is going to witness the coronation of William the Conqueror. Or so they think.... However, history seems to have different plans for them, and when Max finds herself delivering a child in a peasant's hut, she can't help wondering what history is up to.
Jodi Taylor is and always has been a history nut. Her disinclination to get out of bed for anything after 1485 can only be overcome by massive amounts of chocolate and sometimes, if it's raining, not even then. She wanted to write a book about time travel that was a little different and, not having a clue how difficult this would make her book to classify, went ahead and slung in elements of history, adventure, comedy, romance, tragedy, and anything else she could think of. Her advice to booksellers is to buy huge numbers of her books and just put one on every shelf.
©2013 Jodi Taylor (P)2015 Audible, Ltd

Review:
Max and a team were sent back to 1066 to witness the coronation of William the Conqueror and determine why a riot disrupted the ceremonies. The team figures it will be a straightforward assignment but of course things start off on the wrong foot when they arrive in not quite the destined spot. Before they can make their way in the cold and snow to the proper destination they come across an injured man lying bloodied in the snow. They hear a woman crying a short distance away….

What to do? Help the man and check on the woman? Or leave them there while they move on to their mission?

Well, Max rarely stays out of trouble. As she says in the first lines of the story: “I was in trouble again. No surprise there. It’s my default state.”

I truly enjoy the glimpses of history shared in these imaginative and fun stories. Yes, Max tends to steer a bit off course. And delivering a child on Christmas Eve was not the assignment. But then again, history has its own way of asserting itself even if Max doesn’t know it at the time.

I do recommend reading at least the prequel and first book in this series so you know the characters and understand their goals. That will make reading the quick short stories so much more fun. This series is fun reading for history and time travel buffs.

Audio Notes: Zara Ramm does a great job with these characters. She captures the sass and personality fitting Max and her cohorts. I enjoy listening to the series.

This was a TBR Audible from 2015. It finished off 2017 and my Audiobook Challenge and TBR Challenge.

My other reviews so far in this series:
Audible Review: Just One Da*ned Thing After Another: The Chronicles of St Mary's, Book 1 by Jodi Taylor; Rating 4.25
Audible Book Review: The Very First D*ned Thing: An Author-Read Audio Exclusive by Jodi Taylor; Rating 4.5
Goodreads Review: Christmas Present, The Chronicles of St. Mary's #4.5 by Jodi Taylor; Rating 4.0

Audible Book Review: Cast in Shadow by Michelle Sagara

This is an entertaining start to a series, although not fully compelling for me.
Cast in Shadow
Chronicles of Elantra, Book 1
By: Michelle Sagara
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

Length: 14 hrs and 25 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 11-30-11
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Seven years ago, Kaylin fled the crime-riddled streets of Nightshade, knowing that something was after her. Children were being murdered— and all had the same odd markings that mysteriously appeared on her own skin….
Since then, she's learned to read, she's learned to fight and she's become one of the vaunted Hawks who patrol and police the City of Elantra. Alongside the winged Aerians and the immortal Barrani, she's made a place for herself, far from the mean streets of her birth.
But children are once again dying, and a dark and familiar pattern is emerging. Kaylin is ordered back into Nightshade with a partner she knows she can't trust, a Dragon lord for a companion and a device to contain her powers—powers that no other human has. Her task is simple—find the killer, stop the murders… and survive the attentions of those who claim to be her allies!
Spellbound? Listen to more Chronicles of Elantra.
©2011 Michelle Sagara (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Kaylin is a young woman seeking to be accepted as a Hawk warrior. The Lord of Hawks has accepted her into the Hawks for training and she is improving. Kaylin is sent on an assignment but must work with Severn, a childhood friend who has become an enemy to her. Kaylin and Severn are accompanied by a Dragon, Tiamaris. Fortunately, Tamaris, a formidable and quiet man, has great forbearance as he tires to keep Kaylin and Severn from attacking each other.

Children are dying in a bizarre manner in the poorer, crime-riddled section of the city known as Nightshade. Kaylin and Severn are familiar with the Nightshade as they were raised there as orphaned children. Seven years earlier Kaylin and Severn left the area, separately, after suffering the loss of friends who were being killed. The murdered children, then and now, are marked with tattoos which appeared on Kaylin’s skin too. Kaylin discovered that she has unusual healing powers that seem connected to the tattoos appearing on her body. But somehow she brings danger to others. Under the direction of the Hawklord, she is not supposed to use her healing skills without permission and she must keep her powers hidden.

Kaylin braves an audience with the Lord of Nightshade, an immortal who might be an enemy but currently is intrigued by Kaylin. He gives her a mark of protection. Although the mark doesn’t fully bind them as it might others, it is enough to raise questions by other powerful leaders possibly turning allies into enemies. While some try to take Kaylin down she struggles to save the children before another of her friends, a girl kidnapped from the orphanage, is killed.

I appreciate the world building and the different characters. Kaylin was a bit difficult to fully like as she is a messy character: immature, undisciplined and hotheaded. She is independent, a strong fighter and did mature some during the book providing hope for better behavior in future books. I definitely liked the interaction with the other characters, especially Tiamaris. It was annoying that others knew secrets regarding Kaylin’s powers but no one would share with her.

Between the interesting world, characters and action, the story kept my attention. I will likely try the next in the series at some point, although I don’t feel compelled to rush off to get it. I think readers who enjoy strong fantasy and YA characters should give this a try.

Audio Notes: Khristine Hvam does a good job narrating. She gives fitting voices to each character which adds depth to the audiobook. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

I picked this from my Audible TBR Shelf (2012). It added to my 2017 Audiobook Challenge and Mount TBR.

Audio Book Review: About a Dog by Jenn McKinlay

This is well written, fun and easy romance but not quite ‘clean’ enough for my tastes.

About a Dog
By: Jenn McKinlay
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
Series: Bluff Point Romances, Book 1

Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 05-30-17
Language: English
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Mackenzie "Mac" Harris fled her hometown of Bluff Point, Maine after being left at the altar and seeking solace in the arms of her best friend's off-limits brother, Gavin. Seven years later, she's back to attend her best friend's wedding, and she figures she's safe now from the mistakes of her youth.
But Gavin, the town's veterinarian, has never forgotten the woman who has always held his heart. And when Mac rescues a stray puppy named Tulip, only Gavin can help. With a little assistance from Tulip, Gavin vows to make Mac realize that their feelings are more than just puppy love....
©2017 Jenn McKinlay (P)2017 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Review:
“Mac” is returning to her home town seven years after she was left at the altar. She is coming back as maid of honor for her best friend, Emma. Emma has asked her to spend time with her younger brother, Gavin, whose girl friend just took off with his bookkeeper. But Emma doesn’t know that Gavin and Mac had a one-night affair on the night Mac was jilted.

Mac figures she can manage around Gavin until she sees him all grown up and responsible. Still, she plans to keep her distance so as not to upset Emma on the week of her wedding. Gavin has other plans that don’t include letting Mac stay distant.

Mac finds a stray puppy and seeks Gavin’s veterinarian services. He is the only one who can help protect the pup when a cruel man claims the dog is his. Gavin takes every opportunity to encourage Mac to see him as something other than her best friend’s little brother.

I enjoyed the premise and for the most part enjoyed the cute characters and fun dialog. Mac is a little uptight and needs to work beyond that while Gavin is just a sweet heart. Tulip, part pit-bull, is a sweet character also, and the author provides some good background on the breed and rescue issues.

The story has a good plotline and is well written. Sadly, it started off on the wrong foot for me as the first ten minutes included a bit of trash talk and careless irreverent use of the Lord’s name. This was particularly too bad as my ten-year-old granddaughter was in the car when the audio came on. There is a scene in the middle where there is a competition between male and female friends tossing slang names for male privates. Nearer the end they begin a similar contest of names for female private parts. This is intended as fun banter but to me seemed trashy and unnecessary. Finally, there was a closing sex scene that was also crudely graphic.

I saw another release title by Ms. McKinlay and the cover and blurb sounded charming and drew me just as this one did. Too bad I am “word” shy and will probably not seek more by this author. I am probably more sensitive to the language than many readers. There are lots of favorable reviews so the sexual content and language obviously doesn’t bother everyone. If you are a romance reader who wouldn’t be bothered, then give this a try as you may well enjoy the fun … and of course the puppy.

Audio Notes: Allyson Ryan does a very fine job with the narration. She captures the voices and a light tone for the story. Except for a few girlish squeals I enjoyed the narration.

I received this CD audiobook from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualified for my 2017 Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper

If you are looking for a quick, fun listen, this fits the bill.
Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs
Half-Moon Hollow, Book 1
By: Molly Harper
Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi
Series: Half-Moon Hollow, Book 1

Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 02-19-10
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Maybe it was the Shenanigans gift certificate that put her over the edge. When children's librarian and self-professed nice girl Jane Jameson is fired by her beastly boss and handed $25 in potato skins instead of a severance check, she goes on a bender that's sure to become Half Moon Hollow legend. On her way home, she's mistaken for a deer, shot, and left for dead. And thanks to the mysterious stranger she met while chugging neon-colored cocktails, she wakes up with a decidedly unladylike thirst for blood.
Jane is now the latest recipient of a gift basket from the Newly Undead Welcoming Committee, and her life-after-lifestyle is taking some getting used to. Her recently deceased favorite aunt is now her ghostly roommate. She has to fake breathing and endure daytime hours to avoid coming out of the coffin to her family. She's forced to forgo her favorite down-home Southern cooking for bags of O negative. Her relationship with her sexy, mercurial vampire sire keeps running hot and cold. And if all that wasn't enough, it looks like someone in Half Moon Hollow is trying to frame her for a series of vampire murders. What's a nice undead girl to do?
Love in vein: bite into more of Jane Jameson's paranormal exploits.
©2009 Molly Harper White (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Nice girl, librarian Jane is having a drinking pity party over losing her job. When she leaves the bar, her car breaks down and she falls into a ditch. A good ole’ boy drives by and shoots her thinking she is a deer. She is left for dead in the ditch but wakes up in a nice bed. She is surprised to be alive but even more surprised to discover she is now part of the undead!

Jane met a tall dark and handsome man, Gabriel, at the bar. Now he has become her sire and he finds her sense of innocence fascinating. Jane’s fresh new looks are attracting other men and apparently raising some jealousy.

Jane is stumbling through the etiquette of the undead as she has a lot to learn very quickly. She is called in front of the Vampire Council within just a day or two for a murder of a man she fought with. It appears someone is setting her up to take a fall.

Attacks and accusations keep mounting as Jane tries to figure out what is going on. Meanwhile she is dodging her parents so she doesn’t have to disclose her new secret. Jane may not get to enjoy her extended life if she doesn’t find the person giving her trouble. But she may be more unhappy than expected when she finally learns the truth.

The story, told in Jane’s self-deprecating voice, is full of humor and sly fun. Jane is an amusing character and the dialog is full of dry wit. Although there is some romance, it is not openly sexual. Molly Harper has a wonderful ability to share this type of light entertainment in her stories. This was a quick listen with the usual fun Molly Harper snark. I recommend this author and this story to readers who like a fun, light read that will make them laugh.

Audio Notes: Amanda Ronconi does a wonderful job with the narration. You can just envision the eye rolls and hear the snark that fits the main character. The narration added to my enjoyment of a fun story.

This was on my Audible shelf since 2012. It qualified for my 2017 TBR and Audiobook challenges.

Audible Book Review: Saving Grace by Lee Smith

This is an unusual, unhappy character portrayal.

Saving Grace

By: Lee Smith

Narrated by: Christina Moore

Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins

Unabridged

Release date: 04-08-04

Language: English

Publisher: Recorded Books

Genre: Family Drama, Fiction

My Rating: 2.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Having justly earned her reputation as a master storyteller, Lee Smith's name evokes images of authentic country folk struggling through some of life's most arduous tests. Saving Grace adds a stunning spiritual dimension. The daughter of a snake-handling preacher who ignores the needs of his destitute family, Florida Grace doesn't think much of Jesus. He's the reason she's lived in squalor most of her life. He certainly doesn't keep her womanizing zealot of a father on the straight and narrow. In fact, Jesus hasn't been there for her through her failed marriage, or the death of her son. But in one shining moment everything changes when He calls out to her, and she returns to her roots to heed His call.

Narrator Christina Moore gives perfect voice to the vulnerability and wisdom of a young woman on a turbulent spiritual journey.

©1995 Lee Smith; (P)2003 Recorded Books

Review:
Florida Grace is the eleventh child of a snake handling, revival preacher. Her mother, (her father’s third wife) has a loving spirit while her father is a bit too busy to pay much attention to the young’uns. Grace feels out of step for most of her young life. While her parents are busy ministering she is partially raised by a warm, neighbor family.

While Grace is a young teen, an older teen boy shows up claiming a connection with her father. He wrangles a spot in the household and uses his charm to twist his relationship with Grace and others. When Grace’s mother dies, her father takes Grace and sets out on the road to continue his preaching. After a time Grace is abandoned and ends up taken in by the church’s strict pastor. The pastor lives with an equally strict and dour sister who isn’t thrilled to have Grace become part of the family.

Live brings some moments of joy to Grace but more times of trouble, confusion and heartache. Some of the further troubles are brought about by Grace’s own actions which ultimately bring her full circle to her childhood home where she must face herself and the God who has long pursued her.

The story setting is bleak, although the history is eccentrically fascinating. I was glad that Grace is a strong character, at times even vibrant through her struggles. I felt sorrow at the failings in her childhood and in her adult life. I could understand her anger and bitterness and resistance to a God whose truths were so twisted by her father and others close to him.

The major tone of the story is hopelessness. I am not a fan of depressing, family dramas. The blurb gave me hope that there was a revelation in Grace’s story. I trudged through the sadness looking and hoping for the light. The revelation doesn’t come until the very end and I was disappointed by what I found to be a very weak concluding scene.

This is well written with a wonderful depth of description and emotion. Still, I can’t say that I enjoyed the story. It is not really a Christian novel but more an expose of a sad, twisted history of a small religious sect. Readers who like drama, history and in depth character portrayal might find this an interesting read or listen.

Audio Notes: Christina Moore does a good job with the narration which gives extra to my rating. She conveys the appropriate tone of Grace’s emotions throughout the story. I am glad (I think) I listened to this in audio as I am pretty sure I would have skipped to the end if I had a print/ebook version.

This is another Audible TBR from 2010 which qualified for my 2017 Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Western Christmas Weddings by Jenna Kernan

These are three charming Christmas romances.
Western Christmas Weddings
3 Western Novellas
By: Jenna Kernan
Narrated by: Cody Roberts
Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins

Unabridged
Release date: 08-10-17
Publisher: Jeannette H. Monaco
Genre: Historical Romance, Western Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Three western audiobook novellas of Christmas brides engaged in holiday romance!
"The Sheriff's Housekeeper Bride" - On the run for a crime she didn't commit, Eliza Flannery escapes apprehension by posing as the new housekeeper of a stranger, only to discover afterwards, that he is the town's sheriff! Now she needs to create a Christmas celebration for his young daughter, but when the real housekeeper appears, will Eliza find the forgiveness of the season, or spend Christmas in jail?
"His Brother's Bride" - Only a cold woman would marry a man she's never met, even if it was her husband's last request. But with her daughter to care for, Clara Justice agrees to marry the family's black sheep and be Nate's wife, but she's not opening her heart, not even if it is Christmas.
"Fallen Angel" - When Ford Statler accidentally shoots a young widow who is cutting a Christmas tree for her little boy, Abby March falls under his care and protection. Now he's got more than he bargained for, making a Christmas to remember for a widow and her young son. But will she let him offer her so much more?
©2017 Jeannette H. Monaco (P)2017 Jeannette H. Monaco

Review:
These are three engaging and sweet historical romance novellas. The blurb gives the brief descriptions. The characters were warm and varied. The men needed a bit of a change of heart while the women tried to resist falling for them as they might not be the best choice. Although the stories involved women facing difficulties and reluctant heroes (at first), the author succeeded in making each different and engaging.

I think that "The Sheriff's Housekeeper Bride" was my favorite with it’s lighter character and humor. There is also a good moral message shared. This would be a nice romance collection to enjoy anytime but I really enjoyed listening to them during the holiday season.

This is the first time I have read this author's works but I will be glad to look for other books she has written. I would also look for the narrator's work too. I highly recommend this story to reader's who enjoy warm, clean historical romance. 

Audio Notes: Cody Roberts provided excellent narration. He gave the men, women and children suitable and distinct voices. His performance brought the stories alive and added to my enjoyment.

This is a newer, 2017, title from my Audible shelf. It qualified for my 2017 Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: A State of Treason by David Thomas Roberts

This is entertaining with lots of action and suspense.

A State of Treason
By: David Thomas Roberts
Narrated by: Charles Craig
Length: 12 hrs and 13 mins

Unabridged
Release date: 05-13-15
Language: English
Publisher: Vibrant Technologies
Genre: Action, Alternate History, Political Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
A US president with outward contempt for the Founding Fathers and the limits of the US Constitution, who's administration is rocked by scandals....
The Governor of Texas, the self-described mortal enemy of the president, directs a legendary Texas Ranger to rescue a Tea Party organizer from the clutches of federal agents. The resulting struggle sets the stage for a cataclysmic power struggle between officials in Austin and Washington, DC, further polarizing the nation and resulting in arrest warrants for duly elected state officials.
The rest of the country and, the world, watches in awe and despair as the "Texas Crisis" unfolds, affecting world financial markets amid skyrocketing fuel prices. The Texas legislature sends the vote to the people of Texas and the president orders the vote stopped as he suspends the Second Amendment and declares martial law. Texas is now in A State of Treason.
©2014 David Thomas Roberts (P)2015 David Thomas Roberts

Review:
This is the sequel to Patriots of Treason in the Patriots Series. It picks up where book one ended and continues the political struggles, including the Federal corruption and brutality, that are the basis for Texas considering seceding from the United States.

The story moves along well and includes good action which keeps it entertaining. There are several key characters, good guys and villains, who are life-like personalities. Particularly the legendary Texas Ranger, Pops Younger, is a strong character who encompasses the “don’t mess with Texas” attitude.

The plotline made me ponder how I would feel about any state taking sides against the Union that we love. The author incorporates some timely political issues. Of course, in this book the corruption, including lies, cover-ups and murder, was truly extreme, providing a basis for the actions of the Texas leadership. The cost of rebellion is great but to capitulate might result in loss of freedoms that are intended as part of the American way. I enjoyed this entertaining story of a state at odds with a corrupt Federal government. I recommend this series to readers who like alternate history, action stories.

Audio Notes: Charles Craig does a good job with the narration. His voice took a bit to get used to but pretty soon it seemed to fit the nature of the story. I found this to be good listening!

This was an Audible selection from 2017. It qualified for my 2017 Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Letters form Atlantis by Robert Silverberg

This is a creative sci fi view of Atlantis.
Letters from Atlantis
By: Robert Silverberg
Narrated by: Tom Parker

Length: 3 hrs and 1 min
Unabridged
Release date: 11-01-00
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Fantasy, Sci Fi, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
It was a legendary island, a fantastic island. Atlantis. Or as its prince called it, Athilan. Roy had traveled through time with his partner, Lora, to find it - and now he was tantalizingly close to its shore. Time travel allowed Roy's consciousness to enter the mind of the heir to Atlantis' throne, and what he found disturbed him. Strange dreams. Impossibly futuristic inventions and machines. How could such an advanced city exist at this time? The rest of the world was, as Lora witnessed in her travels, a dark, barbaric land still thawing from the ice age.
Roy had been preparing for the odd isolation of time travel, but nothing had prepared him for his final arrival on Atlantis - a shimmering city far beyond his imagination! Roy knew this island's fate. According to legend, it would vanish into the sea. Roy also knew he had a limited amount of time to decipher the strange message in the Prince's mind - visions of cataclysmic events, mysterious rites to a faraway star. If Roy was in an Atlantis unlike anything the researchers had predicted, then what were its secrets? And when would it be destroyed?
©1990 by Agberg, Ltd.; (P)1998 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Review:
Roy and his time travel partner, Lora, have been sent from twenty-first-century to a distant past, They are not sent together but to different parts of the world in the time period. Roy is sent to observe the mysterious island of Atlantis as it existed while Lora is sent to the fringes of barbaric lands. The traveling is not in body but by ‘piggy backing’ into a mind of the time. Roy is pleasantly surprised to find himself where – or rather when -- he is supposed to be, sharing the brain of the Royal Prince of Atlantis. Roy knows that the city is barely a myth in the future, so he is awed to see the sophisticated development and technologies of the city.

Although he is not supposed to share the information of his travels, he writes letters to his love, Lora, to share his excitement and hopefully preserve the astounding wonders that he observes. Meanwhile he struggles to hide his letters and his presence from the very sensitive Prince who begins to think he has a demon in his head.

This is an imaginative story depicting a fantasy world of the mysterious Atlantis. I enjoyed the humor of the character and detail in the world building. The story is not overly exciting although there is conflict between Roy and his “host” and some drama in the visions of the cataclysmic destruction of the island. This is short and reads quickly.

This story may have be written for a younger audience. It is suitable for young teens and adults who find theories of Atlantis interesting.

Audio Notes: Tom Parker’s narration seemed a bit dry at first but once I grew accustomed to the voice, it helped give definition to the characters. I enjoyed the quick entertainment offered by the audiobook.

This was the last book I pulled out for #RRSciFiMonth. It qualifies for Mount TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Defining Diana by Hayden Trenholm

This is an intriguing sci fi, gene-based, mystery.

Defining Diana
By: Hayden Trenholm
Narrated by: Art Carlson
Series: Steele Chronicles, Book 1

Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 10-14-11
Language: English
Publisher: Iambik Audio Inc
Genre: Cyberpunk, Mystery, Police Procedure, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
"Found naked and alone in a locked room. The beautiful woman was in perfect health - except she was dead... It's 2043 and much has changed: nuclear war, biotechnology and all-powerful corporations have ruled the world....
Now science is taking DNA manipulation to new, unrestricted levels. Superintendent Frank Steele is an old-fashioned cop. He commands a small, elite police unit that is handed all of the bizarre and baffling cases no one else can solve. He knows the money, the murders, missing persons and gruesome body shops are all connected. He knows it starts with the girl....
©2008 Hayden Trenholm (P)2011 Iambik Audio Inc

Review:
Frank Steele is an old-fashioned, alcoholic cop who struggles somewhat in a technically enhanced world in 2043 where biotech cyborgs and humans are as likely to face off as to work together. Frank commands an elite Calgary police team, the Special Detection Unit (SDU). The SDU is assigned to solve cases that baffle everyone else. The team consists of his second, a strong female detective who is distracted by the recent betrayal and abandonment of her husband, a young detective who has chosen to become part biotech and a brash detective who is brutal and psychotic outside of the team. There is also a forensic specialist who has been assigned to them for this latest bizarre case.

The case involves the body of a beautiful young woman who is found dead, naked in a room locked from within. There is no apparent wound or cause of death, nor any means to identify the woman. The team must figure out who she is and how and why she died. Additional murders and missing people provide clues to political involvement and connections with gruesome body shops where the bio techs are either implanting or extracting parts…or both.

The team presses into the investigation but it seems the killer is always one step ahead as though he or she is getting tipped off from a mole within the SDU. This sets the team members eyeing each other with suspicion. If Frank can figure out how all of the pieces connect to the dead woman he is sure he can figure out the rest of the mystery. But just as the team is getting closer to the truth, Frank’s superior disbands the SDU and pulls everyone off the case. Obviously they were stepping on toes and Frank isn’t exactly one to walk away.

This is a wonderfully intriguing mystery told in first person from the primary detective's perspective. There is some language and some gruesome violence that fits a gritty police procedure noir story. The team characters are extremely flawed and purposefully stereotyped. The mystery is well plotted and I like the combination of the crime procedure and cyberpunk elements. I recommend this to those who enjoy noir mystery fiction.

Audio Notes: Art Carlson provided an interesting narration. He doesn’t really provide multiple voice accents but his ‘reading’ seemed to fit the noir style of the story. I suggest anyone interested in the story listen to the sample to determine how they feel about the narration. I found it appropriate and not detracting from the story.

This Sci Fi Mystery is from my TBR shelf; added in 9/2012. This qualifies for my Mount TBR and Audio Challenges.

I realized as I was listening to this that something was familiar. I listened to book 2 in the Steele Chronicles series in 2012.
Steel Whispers by Hayden Trenholm

Audible Book Review: Cloak of the Light by Chuck Black

This is an engaging Christian story full of strong action.
Cloak of the Light
Wars of the Realm, Book 1
By: Chuck Black
Narrated by: Michael Orenstein, Katie Leigh

Series: Wars of the Realm, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 03-21-16
Language: English
Publisher: christianaudio.com
Genre: Action and Adventure, Religious, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Drew is caught in a world of light - just inches away from the dark.
What if...there was a world beyond our vision, a world just fingertips beyond our reach? What if...our world wasn't beyond their influence?
Tragedy and heartache seem to be waiting for Drew Carter at every turn, but college offers Drew a chance to start over - until an accident during a physics experiment leaves him blind and his genius friend, Benjamin Berg, missing.
As his sight miraculously returns, Drew discovers that the accident has heightened his neuron activity, giving him skills and sight beyond the normal man. When he begins to observe fierce invaders that no one else can see, he questions his own sanity, and so do others. But is he insane or do the invaders truly exist?
With help from Sydney Carlyle, a mysterious and elusive girl who offers encouragement through her faith, Drew searches for his missing friend, Ben, who seems to hold the key to unlocking this mystery. As the dark invaders close in, will he find the truth in time?
©2016 eChristian (P)2016 eChristian

Review:
Drew has had no church or religious training but he received a sense of honor through the military commitment of his father. Drew was 12 when his father died. His father’s best friend, Jake, became Drew’s mentor, training him in the arts of defense and other skills of the special services.

Drew’s mother has to move them to a new place and new high school. He befriends a science geek, Ben, in spite of opposition by some bullies. He also strikes up a tentative friendship with a reclusive, minister’s daughter, Sydney. A careless moment of high school fun leads to tragedy and Drew feels that he carries a dark cloud wherever he goes.

Drew is trying to move on in college when his friend Ben drags him into his professor’s lab to show him ‘shadow people”. Drew sees the dark man through Ben’s experiment but the lab blows up leaving Drew unconscious and Ben gone. Drew wakes in the hospital to discover his hearing and other senses are heightened but he has lost his sight. Initially Drew withdraws into his dark cloud even as Sydney and Jake try to encourage him. Surprisingly Drew’s sight returns and Drew discovers that he can see beings beyond the normal person’s sight. Although Drew finds himself in the midst of battles he doesn’t realize what he really is seeing.are not aliens but demons and angels.

I really enjoyed the engaging story and the perspective from a character who didn’t know what he was seeing. The writing moved well with plenty of action. I am definitely looking forward to more in this series.

Audio Notes: Michael Orenstein and Katie Leigh do a good job with narration. The male voice is more prevalent and he manages to convey the story from the view of a teenager. Ms. Leigh also adds to the performance with strong accents for the female characters. I enjoyed the background sounds and music of the performance although it took a little getting used to. It made the story come even more alive.

I have book two through NetGalley so I decided to listen to book one. (Audible credit purchase in May, 2017.) This qualifies for my 2017 Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: We Are Legion (We Are Bob) Bobiverse by Dennis E. Taylor

This is wonderfully entertaining and I am getting book two soon.

We Are Legion (We Are Bob)
Bobiverse, Book 1
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 09-20-16
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
There's a reason We Are Legion, We Are Bob was named Audible's Best Sci-Fi Book of 2016. Unique, hilarious, and utterly addictive, Dennis E. Taylor's debut novel kicked off an Audible-wide obsession among sci-fi diehards and new listeners alike.
Bob Johansson has just sold his software company and is looking forward to a life of leisure. There are places to go, books to read, and movies to watch. So it's a little unfair when he gets himself killed crossing the street.
Bob wakes up a century later to find that corpsicles have been declared to be without rights, and he is now the property of the state. He has been uploaded into computer hardware and is slated to be the controlling AI in an interstellar probe looking for habitable planets. The stakes are high: no less than the first claim to entire worlds. If he declines the honor, he'll be switched off, and they'll try again with someone else. If he accepts, he becomes a prime target. There are at least three other countries trying to get their own probes launched first, and they play dirty.
The safest place for Bob is in space, heading away from Earth at top speed. Or so he thinks. Because the universe is full of nasties, and trespassers make them mad – very mad.
Listener-favorite narrator Ray Porter (14, The Fold) brings the many Bobs into being in all their glory, delivering a performance that listeners have described as "outstanding," "nuanced" and a "dizzying tour de force."
©2016 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Bob Johansson has sold his software company for millions. He has uploaded his brain cells/scan to be saved for future placement in a body when the technology is available. Meanwhile he plans to enjoy traveling, reading and relaxing for his retirement. He didn’t expect to die suddenly.

Bob ‘awakens’ in a future world to discover that he is being prepared to become part of a computer. He is property of the state and has no control over where he is assigned. Bob is in competition with several other saved brains to see which – or, who – will be used to control an AI probe heading to space to search for habitable planets. Bob learns through his mentor that the US project is in a race with other nations to be the first successful launch. There are also enemies who object to the use of the brains.

Bob manages to survive a launch that is rushed to escape sabotage. He must search his system to make sure that there are no remaining sabotage traps. He successfully makes it to a safe place in space where he begins to replicate himself, with each new “Bob” picking its own name. As the team continues in the mission to develop stations and seek habitable planets, they discover that some of the other nations have made it into orbit also. And some of those do not want to share space or what remains of the home planet earth.

This story is full of fun humor as well as exciting suspense, danger and strategies. The brain expanded with computer capabilities is an intriguing and creative notion. It was fun that the replications have different personality strengths, or weaknesses, from the original Bob. It is also fun to have the original Bob, and brothers/sons, share bits of the far distant past which is our current culture.

This is fast-paced and well written. I highly recommend this to sci fi fans, especially those who like their sci fi adventure served with a good slice of humor.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter does a great job narrating this. He pulls in the nuances of the characters and makes the story zing along. I loved this audio experience and look forward to book two!

This audio was added with a credit to my Audible Library in 2016. It qualifies for Mount TBR and Audio Book Challenge.

Audible Review: Terms of Enlistment by Marko Kloos

This is a solid military sci fi title.
Terms of Enlistment
Frontlines, Book 1
By: Marko Kloos
Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Series: Frontlines, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 01-28-14
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Military Space Opera, Sci Fi
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The year is 2108, and the North American Commonwealth is bursting at the seams. For welfare rats like Andrew Grayson, there are only two ways out of the crime-ridden and filthy welfare tenements, where you’re restricted to 2,000 calories of badly flavored soy every day. You can hope to win the lottery and draw a ticket on a colony ship settling off-world, or you can join the service. With the colony lottery a pipe dream, Andrew chooses to enlist in the armed forces for a shot at real food, a retirement bonus, and maybe a ticket off Earth. But as he starts a career of supposed privilege, he soon learns that the good food and decent health care come at a steep price…and that the settled galaxy holds far greater dangers than military bureaucrats or the gangs that rule the slums.
The debut novel from Marko Kloos, Terms of Enlistment is a new addition to the great military sci-fi tradition of Robert Heinlein, Joe Haldeman, and John Scalzi.
©2014 Mark Kloos (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:

Andrew Grayson is a 17-year-old welfare rat in a dysotpian world where there is a far divide between the few rich, the few upper class and the multitude of depressed, going nowhere welfare class. Andrew decides the only way out is to enlist in the service and hope he can make his way to a future rather than death because even in the service the lower class are considered expendable.

Boot camp is the expected torture but Andrew is lucky to team up with a wealthy and intelligent girl, Halley. At the end of the training she gets a coveted Navy assignment while Andrew is sent to serve in the Terrain Army (TA) which gets earth-side duty so he won't even get to go to space.

Andrew actually does well as a military grunt and for the most part likes his platoon team. They are sent on mission to help quell a welfare uprising but get trapped. There is a major firefight and Andrew helps pull off a rescue, but the PR guy isn't happy with his efforts which caused civilian casualties. He is facing discharge or imprisonment until his sarge leans on the desk jockey PR officer and gets Andrew a shot at his dream.

Andrew and Halley are reunited on a Naval ship and things are looking up until the ship is attacked and a handful of crew manage to survive on a hostile world. Halley helps come keep them alive initially and in a last-ditch rescue after Andrew and the marines face a devastating battle with Gargantuan aliens.

The author handles boot camp and unexpected combat action well. I really did like the action sequences but didn't get strong feelings for the characters. The plot wasn't bad, but the characters didn't seem fully fleshed out. Perhaps because they were teens they just didn't create a connection for me. The ending left me sort of "meh". It is an engaging first story for sci fi buffs to check out to see if it might click for them.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels is a good choice for this story. He does a good job with the feel of the settings and the nature of the characters such as they are. I enjoyed the listen.

This is another TBR sci fi title from my Audible Library. It qualifies for Mount TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Tech World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 3 by B.V. Laron

I picked this fun series from my Audible TBR. I may have stayed up too late listening. :-)
Tech World
Undying Mercenaries, Book 3
By: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Series: Undying Mercenaries, Book 3
Length: 13 hrs and 12 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 10-21-14
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military Space Sci Fi, Sci Fi
My Rating 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The Galactics arrived with their Battle fleet in 2052. Rather than being exterminated under a barrage of hell-burners, Earth joined a vast Empire that spanned the Milky Way. Our only worthwhile trade goods are our infamous mercenary legions, elite troops we sell to the highest alien bidder. In the third book in the series, James McGill is deployed on another alien world. His third interstellar tour is different in every way. Rather than meeting up with a primitive society, this time he’s headed to an advanced world. Tau Ceti, better known as Tech World, is the central trading capital of Frontier 921. McGill figures he’s lucked out. The assignment looks dull but luxurious. Tau Ceti boasts a planet-wide city with a trillion inhabitants, all of whom are only interested in making a few credits. But all is not well on Tech World. The Empire is crumbling, an invasion is coming, and McGill’s easy ride through life and death has come to an end.
©2014 B. V. Larson (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
James McGill is not a handsome, kind, charming hero. He is more a Georgia, ‘good ol’ boy’, skirt chasing, in your face, military character. He is a Tech Specialist with big guns and although he’s known to cause trouble, he usually saves the day. Even if he has to die a time or two to do so.

These military troops are termed ‘undying’ because they can be replicated if they die in battle. This is somewhat painful and particularly alarming the first time around. But some, like McGill, have gotten used to it. The problem is that McGill’s brash, cavalier attitude may get him ‘permed’ (permanently dead) one of these days if he keeps annoying the wrong superiors.

There are those in control on earth who want to unify the independent legion forces under one government control as it looks like events may make the forces more military and less mercenary. McGill and his friends are part of Legion Varus, the toughest group who get the roughest mercenary jobs and who have scored some nice bonuses due to their success at the ‘dirty’ work. McGill creates (or renews) a few enemies when he sends out a mass email telling the legionnaires to vote against the unity push.

The Varus troops are sent on assignment to Tech World which is considered a quiet, easy post. This is not their usual style and they recognize they are been ostracized. Things are supposed to be quiet until they uncover a smuggling ring and set off a rebellion. McGill continues to flaunt authority and pushes a bit more than might be right.

I enjoy the irreverent humor in this book that pokes fun at ineptitude and corrupt leadership and recognizes the ability of seemingly mediocre ‘grunts’ to step up and outsmart the opposition. I also like the interesting world building, the strong danger and action-packed scenes. This is a fun series to pick up for sheer entertainment.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does his usual spot on narration in this series. He pulls in the voices and the nuances of character. I definitely enjoy listening to this series on audio.

I wanted a fun read and picked this from my Audible TBR (2015). This qualifies for Audiobook Challenge and Mount TBR.

Audio Book Review: Virus: Earth's Last Battle by Ray Jay Perreault

This is an entertaining, full of action Sci Fi.

Virus: Earth's Last Battle
By: Ray Jay Perreault
Narrator: George Napier

Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 10-25-17
Publisher: Ray Jay Perreault
Genre: Military, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
This is the second book in the Virus series, which parallels the SIMPOC series.
A suspicious virus has killed 99.99997 percent of the people. A ruthless warlord who moved into the White House attacked the government at Camp David. The president moved the remaining government to an aircraft carrier in the Atlantic and left a military unit to deal with the warlord.
The decimated US Navy is still functional. They must defend themselves from the remnants of militaries with a grudge against the US that use the opportunity to get revenge.
Joan Herl and her remaining space station Oasis crew returned to Earth, and a computer playing by different rules attacked them. Their only ally was the first thinking computer SIMPOC and his surrogate Alpha. Dr. Julius, who was one of the moon colony crew members, steals the research for thinking computers, and with his expertise he creates another computer that rivals SIMPOC and who starts making its own plans.
Eventually, they all find out why the virus started and who is responsible.
©2015 Raymond J Perrealt (P)2017 Raymond J Perreault

Review:
A sudden, world-wide plague has killed over 99% of the people on earth. It was not a slow infection but simultaneous outbreaks throughout the earth that spread rapidly before there was a chance to identify and try to contain the virus.

The President and some staff support have been holed up at Camp David after a warlord and thugs took over the White House. A handful of survivors find themselves stranded on a naval ship. They are able to make contact and get support from the US Navy which still has some ships manned by uninfected survivors. There were some military attacks as certain power seekers tried to take advantage of the decimated forces. The Admiral fought off the initial attacks and is gathering what strength remains. They plan to move the President to a ship where they think he will be safer.

Joan Herl and the crew from the Oasis space station have returned to earth and are monitoring things from the space center in Florida. They received help from a sentient, growing computer known as SIMPOC, and his mobile assistant, Alpha. There are concerns about whether the computers will remain helpful since Dr. Julius stole the technology and created a rival computer that has no compunction about harming humans. This concern has cause to be addressed when Alpha steps in during a deadly attack by rogue humans who are intent on stealing Joan’s resources.

Meanwhile a group on Mars and another on the Moon try to decide if they should evacuate. There is no likelihood of supplies in the near future especially since the last shuttle out with relief staff and supplies is stranded in space as it is unknown if they carry the virus.

The story follows numerous threads of action which keep it moving and interesting once the reader/listener distinguishes the settings and groups. Unfortunately, this is a second book and it seemed to pick up where the first book ended and it was hard to tell quite what was missed in the first installment. Much of the society infrastructure is gone but radio or computer communication remains although it is not clear how unless it is because it is computer aided. It was also unclear why some pockets of people survived the virus.

Some of the storyline falls in the line of super hero/villain mode, which made me think of XMen. Still, I liked the action and am curious how the different groups survive the next wave of villain computer threat.

Audio Notes: George Napier does a good, if not stellar, job of narrating although some of the voices, particularly the women, seemed immature to me. There are background sounds that give the performance more of a movie element. I enjoyed the quick listen which I found entertaining.

I received this audio from the author. It qualifies for my Audio Book Challenge and as part of Sci Fi Month.

Audible Book Review: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

This is a charming story.

The One and Only Ivan
By: Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao (Illustrator)
Narrated by: Adam Grupper

Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 03-14-13
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Animals, Children
My Rating: 4.50 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.
Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he's seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line.
Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home - and his own art - through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it's up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.
Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan's unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope.
©2012 Katherine Applegate (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
Ivan, a silverback gorilla, has lived most of his life in a small, uninspired mall mini circus. Ivan barely remembers his old home and family as those memories bring a poignant sadness. Ivan has a gentle friendship with the other animals and Julia, the young daughter of the mall maintenance man. Ivan and Julia share a love of art although Ivan’s efforts are much less clear than Julia’s. Ivan's other friends are Stella, an elephant with a damaged leg, and Bob, a stray dog who snuck in off the streets of the world and who sleeps on Ivan’s belly. Then the mall owner purchases Ruby, a baby elephant, in hopes of picking up business. But Ruby is untrained and the owner's methods of training makes all the animals unhappy.

As Stella becomes ill from her infected foot, she makes Ivan promise that he will take care of Ruby. Ivan isn’t sure how he can help Ruby and struggles to accomplish a plan once he comes up with one.

Ivan, and the other animals, are lovely characters and the story is charming. I don’t agree with the statement that we evolved from Apes, but other than that, this shares interesting details about apes, particularly silverbacks. It also shares a wonderful message of compassion, caring, friendship and hope. There are painful moments and scenes that made me cringe at the callousness of men. Fortunately, these are overshadowed by the sweet caring shown by Ivan and his friends. The story evokes empathy for the plight of animals taken out of their natural homes to live in cages for human entertainment. This may be written for children but it is a lovely read for adults too.

Audio Notes: Adam Grupper does a wonderful job with the narration. The voices fit and the reading is seamless with no distraction from the story. I recommend this in audio although I note that the kindle and print versions have awesome illustrations.

This was from my Audible library purchased through Kid’s Sale in summer 2017. It qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Of Treasons Born by J. L. Doty

This is an engaging sci fi - character profile.
Of Treasons Born
A Novel of the Treasons Cycle
By: J. L. Doty
Narrated by: Noah Michael Levine

Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 05-03-16
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Military
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
A gripping military science fiction adventure starring the hero of A Choice of Treasons.
As a lifer in the Imperial Navy fighting in a war that has lasted for generations, York Ballin's only hope for an honorable discharge is the grave. But what events led up to his reluctant enlistment? What spawned York's almost fanatic loyalty to his friends - and his doubts regarding the imperial uniform he once wore with such pride?
York rarely recalls his childhood, which began with a mystery and ended at age 11 when he was given a harsh choice: Join the navy or face certain death on a prison asteroid. The navy has its own code of justice, but a youngster with curiosity and grit is able to rise in the ranks...if he's given a fair shot.
A few rigorous years later, as a newly commissioned ensign, York is assigned to the hunter-killer ship The Fourth Horseman. But when an unexpected foe kills his superior officer and leaves the crew stranded in enemy territory, the young ensign must do whatever he can to save the ship - even if it means he'll be court-martialed for treason.
Of Treasons Born is a novel of the Treasons Cycle; the series was written so that it can be listened to in any order.
©2016 J. L. Doty; published in 2016 by Open Road Integrated Media, Inc. (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
York Ballin was mostly raised on the streets. He was pressured by the wrong sort of friends and at age 11 he ended up with a conviction for murder. He is sentenced to a prison asteroid where he will no doubt be dead soon. He is surprised when he is confronted by naval officers who “offer” him a place in the space navy. It isn’t really a choice.

York has to start at the bottom swabbing floors – he learns they are called ‘decks’. He is smart and picks up quickly… if only someone is willing to train him. He learns that there are bullies in the navy too and he ends up caught in a bad situation again. He takes the punishment and is sent to the Marines for further discipline. They figure he is a loser who will wash out but soon discover that he learns quickly and is willing to take risks for others. Bit by bit York makes friends and shows himself as more than a loser.

He is sent to Naval Academy where he bunks with three others of totally different backgrounds. One comes for power, one from money and one from influence. They realize that York is the one from experience. There are superiors who feel that street kids have no business in the Academy – they aren’t smart enough to learn and not worthy of the training. These men make trouble for York but fortunately there are others who see the potential for leadership in York and want him to succeed.

I found this story very engaging. I liked how Doty develops York’s character and how friends and staff along the way contribute to that character. York is a sympathetic character who is able to rise through the ranks even when he doesn’t even know what the space war is all about. There is a suitable balance between the strong action and human elements. I have the next book in the series (although this was actually shown as book 2) and I am looking forward to reading/listening to more. I recommend this to fans of space military tales.

Audio Notes: Noah Michael Levine does a great job on the narration. The voices are varied and the inflections are conveyed to share the nuances of the situations. I really enjoyed the listen.

I picked this from my Audible Library. It qualifies for Mount TBR and Audio Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Purity in Death: In Death, Book 15 by J.D. Robb

I enjoyed the plot and character interaction in this addition to this highly entertaining series.

Purity in Death: In Death, Book 15
Written by: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Series: In Death, Book 15
Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 05-15-13
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Female Detective, Mystery, Police Procedures
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Louie Cogburn had spent three days holed up in his apartment, staring at his computer screen. His pounding headache was unbearable - like spikes drilling into his brain. And it was getting worse. Finally, when someone knocked at his door, Louie picked up a baseball bat, opened the door, and started swinging...
The first cop on the scene fired his stunner twice and Louie died instantly. Detective Eve Dallas has taken over the investigation, but there's nothing to explain the man's sudden rage or death. The only clue is a bizarre message left on his computer screen: Absolute Purity Achieved.
And when a second man dies under nearly identical circumstances, Dallas starts racking her brain for answers and for courage to face the impossible... that this might be a computer virus able to spread from machine to man....
©2013 J. D. Robb (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Eve begins a new investigation when called to the scene of a brutal killing. The killer was violently bludgeoning his neighbors with a baseball bat. Officer Trueheart took a few hits before he shot the man to stop him. The investigation quickly reveals that the killer, Louie Cogburn, was a sleaze bag criminal who spent hours on the computer which held the last message on the screen: “Purity has been achieved.” The case expands as more computer deaths are called in with the same screen message.

Eve pulls together her core team - Peabody, McNab, Feeney, and her husband, Roarke, as a civilian consultant - and begins the hunt for the Purity terrorists. News reporter Nadine adds to the tension and psychiatrist/profiler Dr. Mira steps in to help calm things when needed and even zany Mavis has a surprise to offer.

As usual, I enjoyed the well laid out plot and the teams work to get the conspirators. There is a nice blend of human life in this story as Eve deals with injured officers and shows a bit of the warmth and caring that lies hidden but fuels her drive to be a cop for the people.

The only thing I didn’t care for in this book was it seemed to be filled with anger. It opens with frustration and annoyance enhanced by the heat of summer. There is a lot of shouting and I was thankful for Roarke stepping in at times with his cool confidence that helps to center Eve.
I recommend this highly entertaining series to mystery lovers who like a tough female cop with great sidekick characters.

Audio Notes: Susan Ericksen does her usual superb job of narrating these characters. I think the angry/heat tone was part of the story and Susan captured it in the narration… for good or bad. Her voices are filled with personality and it makes listening to the series that much more enjoyable.

This is from my Audible TBR and qualifies for Mount TBR and Audio Challenge.

Audio Book Review: The Case of the Cursed Dodo by Jake G. Panda

This is a fun story of animals – good for children and adults!
The Case of the Cursed Dodo
By: Jake G. Panda
Narrator: Michael McConnohie, J.W. Terry, Dave Mallow, Molly Brandenburg, Antoinette Attell, Ian Whitcomb, Barbara Watkins, Bobb Lynes

Length: 2 hrs and 34 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 10-03-17
Publisher: Woolly Family Studios
Genre: Animals, Children, Mystery, Noir
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Duration: 2 hrs and 34 mins
This came in just in time for my post tonight.
And I was looking for a lighter audio to listen too.
I received this from the author, Jake!
Publisher's Summary
Listen up. If you're looking for trouble, you've found it. His name's Jake G. Panda and he's a wildlife investigator. This hard-boiled bear works at a flophouse for endangered critters called the Last Resort. He's the hotel snoop. The resident fuzz. It's his job to keep these unusual guests safe and outta harm's way.
This hilarious first installment of The Endangered Files is a wild and woolly mystery involving a missing guest, a green bird, and a bunch of double-crossing critters all hot on the trail of The Cursed Dodo. It's designed to introduce young listeners to the subject of endangered species in a fun and informative way.
So join this tough talking panda detective and a cast of endangered creatures on a globe-trotting audio adventure that will appeal to young and old alike.
©2014 Jake G. Panda (P)2017 Jake G. Panda

Review:
Jake G. Panda is a bold wildlife investigator. He cares about the people/critters he lives with at the Last Resort, a hotel where endangered species gather. Jake is quick to set out to investigate when one of the hotel guests calls in while on exploration and the call is cut off.

Jake races off to foreign lands to rescue the Professor, a rare Hispid hare. Jake soon finds himself and a few friends tricked and captured. A small thing like a cage won’t stop Jake and his cohorts. As they chase down a suitcase with a rare green dodo, Jake comes across old friends, including a very special one from his past.

Other employees at the Last Resort include Rose, an El Hierro giant lizard, Gloria, a Mexican grizzly who works the front desk, and Timmy a Round Island day gecko selling newspapers in the lobby.

The enemy critters include a wild yak, a one-eyed cave salamander, a large slithery, Bimini boa, with his much-abused assistant, the shrew. They are countered by the Endangered Underground. This wildlife resistance who fight against the human intruders, are led by the legendary Diego “the Desert Rascal”, a Mexican prairie dog and Lieutenant Nina, a Tehuantepec jackrabbit.

This is a fun, quick tale that describes endangered species. Jake and critter friends run through several dangerous situations and share some lessons along the way. The presentation of the story is unusual as it is set up like a screen play with ‘fade in’ and ‘fade out’ scenes. Although I found this to be fun, I am not sure how children would follow the scene changes. Also, the detective tone has a noir atmosphere and some of the fun irony will be lost on children. I liked the characters, sass and mystery. I note that the kindle version has images that might be more engaging for children. However, as an adult I thoroughly enjoyed the audio.

Audio Notes: The audio book has a cast of narrators who bring the various characters to life. I found myself smiling and chuckling through the listen. I am glad I had the opportunity to enjoy this.

I received this from the author. It adds to my Audio Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Breakthrough: The Great Martian War, Book 2 by Scott Washburn

This is a good sequel which brings the reader/listener into a tense battle for survival of the species.
Breakthrough: The Great Martian War, Book 2
By: Scott Washburn
Narrator: Ray Greenley

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins
Series: Great Martian War, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-11-17
Publisher: Winged Hussar Publishing
Genre: Alternate History, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
This is the second of the three-part series covering the opening salvo of the Great Martian Invasion. US forces recover from the initial shock of the Martian invasion of the Southwest and attempt to set up a defensive line along the Mississippi. The best minds in the US try to come up with ways to defeat the Martians using the little captured technology available to them. Meanwhile, President Roosevelt tries to rally world leaders to aid in stopping the invaders.
©2016 Scott Washburn (P)2017 Scott Washburn

Review:
I enjoyed coming back to these characters. The conflict continues between the Martians and the 1909-10 version of the US forces under the commander in chief, Theodore Roosevelt.

The Americans are improving their technology, but it is still not enough. They may have a few successful encounters but the battles are still being controlled by the Martians. The Martians target the transport systems (railroads) in order to limit the tanks and other equipment that the humans can bring to the fight.

The story follows the primary characters from book one, both US and Martian. Andrew Comstock has been promoted and is still working in the ordinance department to help develop improved weapons that can increase the American chances in the war. He travels from D.C. to Niagara Falls to observe Tesla testing the Martian lasers. Then he travels to Santa Fe where he is commanded to head a force in the field.

The young farm girl who survived the battle in book one has become a nurse who longs to fight the Martians up close and personal. She is very close to the front lines and involved in caring for physical and mental injuries inflicted upon prisoners who are rescued from the Martian home hold.

Qetjnegartis is a Martian warrior in the home hold who is fighting for his race. He has a “bud” (an infant) whom he is training as one of the replacement corps. The Martians have their own reasoned strategy as they fight for survival and, sadly and frighteningly, elimination of the human population.

Mr. Washburn writes a convincing and engaging plot. He has developed likeable characters, US and Martians. The story has good action and interesting social growth and interaction. I recommend this to fans of the original story (War of the Worlds) and those who enjoy engaging sci fi. I look forward to more in the series.

Audio Notes: Ray Greenley does a wonderful job with the narration. He provides strong, distinct voices and carries the action forward. The narration enhances the story for me.

I received this Audiobook from the narrator as a follow up to the first book. :-)

Audio Book Review: The League of Governors by Wendy Terrien

This continues a fun middle grade, fantasy adventure.

The League of Governors

Written by: Wendy Terrien

Narrated by: Brian Callanan

Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins

Series: The Adventures of Jason Lex, Book 2

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:08-01-17

Publisher: Camashea Press

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Sci Fi

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Jason Lex just saved the world. Now he's immersed in training as a new Rampart Guard to protect the shield that enables humans and cryptids like Skyfish, Bigfoot, and the Black Shuck, to live side-by-side and danger-free. A summons from the League of Governors, the clandestine organization that presides over the human-cryptid treaty, takes a suspicious turn when Jason's dad and sister disappear on their way to League headquarters. Jason must find them before things go bad, so he follows their trail to London, where he discovers the League of Governors may not be the benevolent organization everyone believes.

Injured and alone, Jason doesn't know whom to trust. After a shocking loss sends him reeling, news about his family forces Jason to make a terrible choice. When he learns of a secret plan to enslave the world, Jason must risk his life to defeat a powerful enemy and reunite what's left of his family. But can he stop a dominating adversary, and again save the world, before it's too late?

©2017 Camashea Press (P)2017 Camashea Press

Review:
This book continues the ‘adventures’, or in this case the “misadventures” of Jason Lex. Jason’s father and sister, Della, flew to London to seek counseling help at the League of Governors. Jason has cause to be concerned when he and his Uncle Alexander can’t reach his father by phone. They decide to follow to London to make sure everything is alright. They quickly learn that things are not all right.

Jason and his Uncle are attacked. When he awakes he is at the League and learns that Uncle Alexander is in a coma. A stranger sneaks him a secret message and Jason doesn’t know who he can trust. Jason struggles trying to determine how he can save his family, and the world, from enslavement by a super powerful, mind controlling enemy.

I am glad that I listened to book one before book two. It was a little hard and frustrating imagining Jason fighting alone. The story goes on quite a bit with danger and little hope of a positive resolution. This makes it a bit dark. Still, I enjoyed the helpful characters and wondering how the other creatures might help defeat the evil. Again, I think middle graders would enjoy the danger and excitement… and it is adequately entertaining for an adult as well.

Audio Notes: Brian Callanan again does a good job with the narration, giving voices to the characters. His strong narration makes the story a fun listening experience. I enjoyed listening to both books.

I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom. This qualifies for my Audio Challenge.