Audible Book Review: The Rampart Guards by Wendy Terrien

This is an engaging middle grade/young teen fantasy adventure.
The Rampart Guards: Chronicle One in the Adventures of Jason Lex
Written by: Wendy Terrien
Narrated by: Brian Callanan

Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
Series: The Adventures of Jason Lex, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-07-16
Publisher: Camashea Press
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The Rampart Guards is an adventure and coming-of-age story about a young man, Jason Lex, coping with the loss of his mom and the discovery that the world is not exactly as it seems. Creatures of legend live among us. Grown-ups don't always make the best decisions. And sometimes choosing to trust is a tough, even dangerous decision.
After his mom disappears, Jason Lex and his family move to a small town where he has no friends, no fun, no life. Things get worse when he's chased by weird flying creatures that only he can see. Jason thinks he's losing it.
But when he discovers new information about his family, he's stunned to learn that creatures like Skyfish, Kappa, and the Mongolian Death Worm aren't just stories on the Internet - they're real, and they live unseen alongside the human race. Many of these creatures naturally emit energy capable of incinerating humans. An invisible shield keeps these creatures hidden and protects the human race from their threatening force. But someone - or something - is trying to destroy it.
Unsure who he can trust, Jason is drawn into the fight to save the people closest to him, and he finds help in surprising places. Confronted with loss, uncertainty, and a devastating betrayal, he must make a gut-wrenching decision: who lives and who dies.
©2015 Wendy Terrien (P)2016 Wendy Terrien

Review:
Jason Lex is just a young teen when his mother disappears. His father moves the family, Jason, his older brother, Kyle, and his younger sister, Della, to a new town near his grandmother and uncle. Jason is struggling and things get worse when he begins to see swarming fish diving at him in the sky. His father warns Jason away from his Uncle Alexander, his mother’s sister, who studies cryptozoology and is known for strange behaviors.

Slowly Jason begins to learn that there are creatures that exist that are not known by the public. He suddenly has physical skills, like lightning bolts from his hands, that he doesn’t understand and can’t control. Then he is approached in secrecy by his mother. He is lured to help her but realizes he has to make a hard choice to prevent the destruction of his family, friends and the world as he knows it.

The story moves along quickly with danger and light action. Jason faces a lot of new challenges – new facts and betrayals -- in a short time. The adventure is fun, if not always quite plausible. But it is a fantasy adventure after all. I was disappointed by a little bit of language although that isn’t unrealistic.

I do think that middle graders/young teens would enjoy this as would fantasy, adventure, light sci fi fans. The end has a bit of a twist and I was glad to have book 2 to follow the adventure.

Audio Notes: Brian Callanan does a good job with the narration. He gives personality to the characters with appropriate voices and emotions. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

I received this title from the narrator. It qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Skinwalker: Jane Yellowrock, Book 1 by Faith Hunter

I really enjoyed this shapeshifter story.

Skinwalker: Jane Yellowrock, Book 1
By Faith Hunter
Narrated By Khristine Hvam

Length: 14 hrs and 34 mins
Series: Jane Yellowrock, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:04-13-10
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Jane Yellowrock is the last of her kind - a skinwalker of Cherokee descent who can turn into any creature she desires and hunts vampires for a living. But now she's been hired by Katherine Fontaneau, one of the oldest vampires in New Orleans and the madam of Katie's Ladies, to hunt a powerful rogue vampire who's killing other vamps.
©2009 Faith Hunter (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Jane Yellowrock is a unique creature- skinwalker of Cherokee descent. She can transform into other creatures but her primary figure is the “beast” that shares her soul. Jane has developed a reputation for her successful career in hunting vampires. In this modern-day vampire community the “vamps”, as Jane somewhat disdainfully calls them, are out of the closet. They are bound by certain rules regarding blood slaves and protecting innocents from rogue killers. The vampire hierarchy have hired Jane to track and eliminate a rogue vampire that is leaving brutalized bodies in his wake.

Jane has found the rogue but discovers that the killer has more in common with her than a vampire gone bad. She can smell death on him…not just the death of victims but the rogue’s own decay.

Jane has to disable spy cameras and watch her back as there are others following her as she tracks and gathers clues. Several men seem to be interested in Jane physically and one of the major vampire family heads is pushing hard to learn her secrets.

The rogue causes damage close to Jane’s temporary home and he appears to be accelerating out of control. Jane is racing to meet the deadline and get the bounty bonus. But when the dust has settled, Jane has made a major a new enemy who is set on eliminating her, no matter who or what she is.

The story gives a bit of Jane’s childhood background so the reader gets to know how she has developed her current K-A, self reliant attitude. The beast senses enhance Jane's own keen senses and skills just as her “beast” weapons add to Jane’s full pack of human weapons. There is plenty of action and I liked the POV switch offs between Jane and her “beast.” Jane also has some witch friends, a mother and a precocious child, who will make good additions as support characters. I will be glad to pick up more in this series for future entertainment.

Audio Notes: Khristine Hvam does a fine job with the narration. She pulls in the southern accents and different voices for the elite vampires, the cops and the secondary support. I also enjoyed the beast narration. I will continue to listen to this series.

I picked this from my Audible TBR. It qualifies for Mount TBR, Audiobook Challenge and for "S" in Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Valor's Choice (Confederation, #1) by Tanya Huff

This is an engaging military space sci fi.
Valor's Choice (Confederation, #1)
by Tanya Huff
Marguerite Gavin (Narrator)

Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins
Series: Confederation, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-20-09
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Military Space Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In the distant future, humans and several other races have been granted membership in the Confederation - at a price. They must act as soldier/protectors of the far more civilized races who have long since turned away from war.
©2000 Tanya Huff; (P)2008 Tantor

Review:
Staff Sergeant Torin Kerr has seen her share of battle – sometimes with more success than others. Her platoons last encounter with the Others had left a good chunk of the soldiers in sick bay and desperately seeking shore leave for a break. Kerr already started her break the evening before having met an intoxicating di’Taykan and enjoyed a vigorous night of pleasure. It is only due irony that the man turns out to be her new commander.

Her platoon isn’t ready for another assignment but that is what they are getting. At least it isn’t a battle assignment but rather their job will be to serve as honor guard, escorting diplomats on a mission to gain agreement from the Silsviss to join as an ally with the Confederation as they fight against the Others. The Silsviss are an extremely large, strong, reptilian race who consider battle prowess as the measure of success. This is the first time a delegation has been sent to their planet and success isn’t guaranteed.

Most of the assignment goes well, with only a few rough encounters. However, on the last trip before the vote is to be taken, the ship Kerr’s platoon is on is shot down into a reserve where the young Silsviss men are placed to contend for survival and command. The platoon has to find its way across unfamiliar terrain while trying to escape attack of hyped up Silsviss.

I really enjoyed the writing style which includes effective bantering dialogue and lots of action. There were hints to determine the enemy but the primary characters were too busy fighting to spend much time speculating. Kerr is a kickin’ female lead who carries the story. I enjoyed the different alien input too. The story is engaging and I recommend it to sci fi fans who like military action in space. I will likely pick up more in this series.

Audio Notes: Marguerite Gavin is a wonderful narrator whose voice I recognized from several series I like. She does a good job with this work too, presenting different sounds and voices for the human and alien characters. The narration added to my enjoyment of the book.

I pulled this from my Audible TBR shelves. It qualifies for Mount TBR, Audiobook Challenge and "V" in my Alphabet Challenge

Audible Review: Koban, Volume 1 by Stephen W. Bennett

This is an engaging story of alien enemy confrontation and human survival.

Koban, Volume 1
Written by: Stephen W. Bennett
Narrated by: Patrick Freeman

Length: 25 hrs and 24 mins
Series: Koban, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-31-13
Publisher: STEPHEN W BENNETT
Genre: Alien Invasion, Genetic Engineering,
Sci Fi
My Rating 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
All new narration adds sound effects and eliminates issues noted in reviews. To obtain new version, remove old one from device, download new copy at no charge.
We colonized seven hundred planets. Humankind enjoyed the benefits of expansion and the end of wars. We disbanded our military.
Then the Krall found us.
The Krall have used thousands of years of combat to select the genes of the strongest and fastest warriors. They are a species determined to dominate the galaxy, through annihilation or enslavement of every opponent.
Koban is an uninhabited high gravity planet with impossibly fast savage animals, which employ organic superconducting nerves. This deadly world is where the Krall are testing humans for fighting capability. We are useful only if we can fight well. If not, they will destroy us swiftly, as they have other species. They have slaves, and we’re poor tasting meat animals, so we fight or die. The Krall will use us, if worthy, seeking physical perfection through attrition of war, one planet at a time.
Growing weary of our failures in testing, the ruthless Krall are on the verge of a decision to eliminate our species. A ship carrying bio-scientists is captured for combat testing. The choice for Captain Mirikami and the scientists is simple: Prove we can produce better, smarter fighters quickly, or humanity is doomed to rapid extermination.
But the Krall are only half the problem. We must survive Koban's gravity and superfast animals. The tiger-like rippers with skin contact telepathy are predators too fast and powerful for the Krall to face. Our solution is genetic: If you can't beat them as you are, become human rippers.
The Krall will learn another species can bypass natural selection.
©2012 Stephen W Bennett (P)2013 Stephen W Bennett

Review:
Humankind has had hundreds of years without wars and without the need for military forces. It is now a race dominated by women who took over to remove the aggressive warring natures of men. Captain Mirikami is somewhat rare as a male captain but he and his crew were deemed appropriate to deliver a scientific expedition to a human station out on the rim. Rather than finding human response, Mirikami and his ship are threatened and boarded by an alien species that introduces itself as the Krall.

The Krall are a warrior race who has strengthened itself through biological and genetic breeding of its strongest. Their goal is to control the universe through superior power and conquest. The planet Koban is a high gravity planet where the Krall are at home and humans at a distinct disadvantage. Koban is full of super strong and super-fast predators, as well as large prey. The Krall consider Koban their ‘home’ planet even though so far it has been used primarily as a testing ground.

The Krall are always seeking prey to fight that can help further develop their fighting skills. They bring humans, or other ‘prey’ races, to Koban where they are pulled out at regular intervals to be tested against Krall training warriors. Some races have become slaves and one is even raised as a food source. The humans don’t taste that good so they are used as fighters. Their weaker strength makes them little opposition and the Krall are thinking of just eliminating the race that provides little challenge or value.

The Krall capture Mirikami’s ship and suddenly discover an enemy that is challenging due to its strategies and cunning if not its strength. The humans on Koban are provided some hope of surviving, but an initial success may be short lived. The Krall return from further space conquest with a large group of human ships, passenger and cargo. Because of the success of Mirikami’s fighters the Krall are excited about seeking more humans to fight. The Krall set off to search out humans to conquer but decide to leave the humans on Koban to face the elements of the planet without the walls of the compound and without power. The Krall don’t realize that humans don’t give in so easily.

I really liked Captain Mirikami and the primary officers, doctors and other characters who eventually become part of his core team. The combination of intelligence and innovative thinking shows the resilience of humankind. They also have additional help that they kept secret from the Kralls that will add to their survival efforts.

The world-building is well done with natural enemies in the environment as well as the Krall characteristics and internal politics that come into play. The action and scheming run throughout the story. One element that was a bit distracting was character chuckling although it is not clear if that was a written element or narrator interpretation. I was engaged sufficiently that I am eager to continue the saga with the next book. I do recommend this to readers who enjoy action stories with strong alien conflict and human survival elements.

Audio Notes: The beginning audio is a little dry and maybe I was expecting inferior narration based upon earlier reviews. However, after an hour or two I found the narration by Patrick Freeman to be effective with the character voices and personalities. He captures the growls and snorts of the Krall as well as the snark, humor and strengths of the human characters. I didn’t think the addition of the chapter break sounds and few background sounds was really necessary although the sound effects didn’t detract from the listening experience. I was fully engaged by the story and narration so that this 25 hours+ went very quickly.

I picked this from my Audible TBR shelves. It qualifies for Mount TBR, Audiobook and "K" for Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Pax by Sara Pennypacker

This is a beautifully written story of friendship, loss and growth.

Pax
Written by: Sara Pennypacker
Narrated by: Michael Curran-Dorsano
Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-02-16
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Animals, Middle Graders
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Pax and Peter have been inseparable ever since Peter rescued him as a kit. But one day the unimaginable happens: Peter's dad enlists in the military and makes him return the fox to the wild.
At his grandfather's house 300 miles away from home, Peter knows he isn't where he should be - with Pax. He strikes out on his own despite the encroaching war, spurred by love, loyalty, and grief, to be reunited with his fox.
Meanwhile Pax, steadfastly waiting for his boy, embarks on adventures and discoveries of his own....
From best-selling and award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes a beautifully wrought, utterly compelling novel about the essential truths that define us and the devastating costs of war. Pax is destined to become a beloved classic.
©2016 Sara Pennypacker (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
I was drawn by the cover and blurb of this title. I had hoped it would be good for my grandchildren to listen to but I think they would have to be middle grade and up.

Peter has raised Pax since a young kit who lost his parents. Peter is now 12 and his father has enlisted in the military to help protect the homeland. His father insists that Pax be dropped off in the woods as he delivers Peter to another town to live with his grandfather while father is away a war.

After arriving at his Grandfather’s Peter realizes what a mistake it was to have left Pax behind.
He takes his backpack and a few supplies to return to the woods to get his beloved Pax. Two hundred or so miles away, Pax waits at the edge of the woods for ‘his boy’ to return for him. Finally, the little fox must move to find water and food. Pax meets a vixen and her little brother. The young kit is thrilled to play with Pax but the vixen smells humans on Pax and wants nothing to do with him. Pax makes friends with an older fox who agrees to travel with him to try to go back home to meet with Peter.

Peter meets a gruff female who lives a secluded life. She was traumatized by her experience as a soldier and withdrew from society. She isn’t thrilled to have a young boy show up in her barn but she can’t send him back out without helping him.

The story is told in alternating views for Peter and Pax. They both run across obstacles and dangers along their journey to find each other. I really liked the warm bond between Peter and Pax. They grow in their new situations and they find friends to help them and whom they help. The author uses the story to comment on war, love, injury, society, friendship and even environmental issues. I liked how it makes the reader/listener think about our behavior towards each other and nature.

The reason I hesitate to recommend this for younger listeners is because there is death and loss that might be difficult without parental guidance. Not that the young haven’t dealt with these issues before in classics like Old Yeller, The Yearling and even Bambi, Dumbo and the Lion King. I found the story beautifully written, engaging and sweet. I do recommend it - perhaps for family listening.

Audio Notes: Michael Curran-Dorsano does a wonderful job with the narration. He captures the feelings of Peter and Pax, as well other characters. His narration pulled me in and kept me listening. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of this story.

I selected this audio as a children’s title when on sale at Audible. It qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Until the End of the World by Sarah Lyons Fleming

Strong character connections help make this an entertaining zombie tale.
Until the End of the World
Written by: Sarah Lyons Fleming
Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 13 hrs and 15 mins
Series: Until the End of the World, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-24-14
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi, Zombie
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Cassie Forrest isn't surprised to learn that the day she’s decided to get her life together is also the day the world ends. After all, she’s been on a self-imposed losing streak since her survivalist parents died: she’s stopped painting, broken off her engagement to Adrian and dated a real jerk. Rectifying her mistakes has to wait, however, because Cassie and her friends have just enough time to escape Brooklyn for her parents’ cabin before Bornavirus LX turns them into zombies, too. This is difficult enough, but Cassie’s tag along ex-boyfriend and her friend’s bratty sister have a knack for making everything, even the apocalypse, more unpleasant. When the two attract a threat as deadly as the undead to their safe haven, Cassie’s forced to see how far she’ll go to protect those she loves. And it’s a lot farther than she’d anticipated. This, coupled with Adrian’s distant voice on Safe Zone Radio and, of course, the living dead, threaten to put Cassie right back into the funk she just dragged herself out of. Survival’s great and all, especially when you have leather armor, good friends and home-brewed beer, but there’s something Cassie must do besides survive: tell Adrian she still loves him. And to do that, Cassie has to find faith that she’s stronger than she thinks, she’s still a crack shot and true love never dies.
2014 Voice Arts Award Winner
2015 Audie Finalist - Solo Narration, Female
©2013 Saray Lyons Fleming (P)2014 Podium Publishing

Review:
Cassie insolated herself after the sudden, accidental deaths of her parents, including pushing away her fiancé, Adrian. Her parents were survivalists and got along great with Adrian who was set to open a farm focused on experimental growing techniques. Two years after shutting down, and with the strong, continued encouragement of her best friends, Penny and Nelly, Cassie has finally decided to ditch the new, but wrong for her, boyfriend, and get her live back on track. Unfortunately, there is an obstacle to her plan… a virus is spreading in the cities that turns the infected into aggressors who then become the violent undead.

Cassie and her friends first gather at her apartment where she has some supplies, thanks to her parents insisting on being prepared. The group includes Penny and her younger, sister, Ana, Nelly, James, a computer geek co-worker, and just declared ex-boyfriend, Peter. A hostile Peter and crush bitten, bratty Ana, are sure that the virus is under control and will pass quickly. The others insist that things will get worse before they get better. When they hear that the city might be closed off, they decide to head out to Cassie’s family place in the hills of Pennsylvania.

The teens face ‘zombie’ attacks before they can get out of the city and reach Cassie’s home-place. Once they reach the hometown they must pass through a blockade to get to the secluded cabin. They are helped by an older neighbor who continues to work with them. Although they hoped the town and cabin would be safe, they soon discover that not only are there undead to kill but there are evil men taking advantage of the lawlessness. James manages to get a radio going and they can hear the reports of distant safe communities, including one in Vermont that is run by Adrian.

I really enjoyed the warm friendships and natural personalities of the characters. Cassie is much stronger than she realizes and her strong friends have to keep reminding her of this. Nelly is a college friend of both Adrian and Cassie and he is a wonderfully strong character adding to the story. Although this has clear YA elements, like the spoiled brat, jealousies and immaturity, it also has a strong enough storyline and character growth to make it good entertainment. There are losses and some of the ending is predictable but there are some surprises too. I recommend this to readers who like YA stories and like zombie danger and action.

Audio Notes: Julia Whelan delivers a strong performance with the narration. She helps the character personalities to come alive, adding to the entertainment value of the story.

I picked this from my Audible TBR shelves. It qualifies for Audio Challenge, Mount TBR and "U" in Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: No Easy Hope: Surviving the Dead, Volume 1 by James N. Cook

This is a solid EOTW, biochemical (zombie) story with a strong lead character and good action.

No Easy Hope: Surviving the Dead, Volume 1
Written by: James N. Cook
Narrated by: Guy Williams

Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins
Series: Surviving the Dead, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-07-13
Publisher: James N. Cook
Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Thriller, Zombie
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Eric Riordan was once a wealthy man leading a comfortable, easy life. Until one day Gabriel, his oldest friend, Marine Corps veteran, and a former mercenary, told him how the world was going to end.
He did his best to prepare. He thought he was ready for anything.
He was wrong.
As the dead rise up to devour the living, one man finds himself struggling to survive in the ruins of a shattered world. Alone, isolated, and facing starvation, his only chance is to flee to the Appalachians and join forces with Gabriel. But the journey will not be easy, and along the way his humanity, his will to live, and his very soul will be tested.
This is the beginning. This is his story.
©2011 James N Cook (P)2013 James N Cook

Review:
Eric is a wealthy man, not a military man. He and Gabriel, Gabe, became friends during the sale of land between them. Sometime later, Gabe warns Eric to prepare for a chaotic collapse of the world. Gabe is a former Marine and former mercenary who has reason to know of biological secrets that could endanger society.

Eric had the money to prepare a bunker and stock it with food and weapons. He thought he was ready – but who can really prepare for the bloody rising of the dead? After staying alone in his own bunker for a time, Eric sets to meet up with Gabe who is hunkered down in a cabin in the mountains.

Along the way Eric faces danger and rescues a young man from an attack of the undead and returns with him to a compound of survivors. Some of the survivors are thankful but some are resentful and untrusting. Eric remains and proves his good intent as he helps the group clearing local communities of infected so they can gather more supplies. Sadly, the undead are not the only enemy that the survivors must face. There are rival survivor groups who are lawless and brutal.

I really liked Eric’s strong, well developed character. The survivor group he works with is well developed also. Mr. Cook does a good job of creating an engaging story with a good balance of human elements and action. There is gore and bad language but it is not the focus of the story but rather part of the situation.

There are also grammatical errors which might be attributable to the nature of the characters… otherwise it is just inadequate editing. I let them slide. There are a few slower segments but for the most part the story pacing moves along well. I did not realize that this series is already up to 8 books. I will likely continue to read at some point, although not immediately. I recommend this to readers who like well written, catastrophic, end of the world (EOTW), scenarios.

Audio Notes: Guy Williams does a good job with the narration. I found it is easy to listen and follow the characters. There did not seem excessive emotion but adequate to convey the scenes of the story. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

I picked this from my Audible TBR shelves. It qualifies for Audio Challenge, Mount TBR and "N" in Alphabet Challenge.

Audio Book Review: The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

Though not totally enchanting, this is a sweet, entertaining listen.
The Healer's Apprentice
By Melanie Dickerson
Narrated By Jude Mason

Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins
Series: Hagenheim, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-13-15
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Christian, Historical, Teen/Young Adult
My Rating 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In author Melanie Dickenson's new book, a young healer's apprentice named Rose believes she will never marry...until she meets Lord Hamlin, the future ruler of her village. Hamlin is everything she could ever want - kind, understanding, and a man of faith - but her low station and the fact he's already betrothed to a mysterious woman makes their romance impossible. As Lord Hamlin seeks to find the sorcerer who cursed his future bride, Rose's life spins toward confusion. A creative retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty tale.
©2015 Melanie Dickerson (P)2015 Zondervan

Review:
Rose is a young woman of faith and compassion. She has been apprenticed to the healer even though she finds the duties difficult due to her soft heart. Her position brings her to tend Lord Hamlin, the eldest son of the Duke. He is kind and accepting of her lower status and they develop a gentle friendship.

Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a woman who he is to meet and marry later in the year. The young lady has been hidden since childhood to keep her safe from the threats of a sorcerer who seeks revenge on her father. Although Lord Hamlin has chased the enemy for a number of years, the villain is always just out of reach.

Lord Hamlin and Rose must work to resist their attraction to each other. Lord Hamlin’s younger brother, Rupert, has a reputation as a scoundrel around the ladies. He takes an interest in the lovely Rose, insisting that he finds her so enchanting that he is prepared to change his ways for her. Lord Hamlin is anxious to secure a good position for Rose, so he encourages her saying that he believes his brother is sincere. Rose herself is flattered by Rupert’s attention and tries to set her affections toward him instead of the unattainable Lord Hamlin. While the young people struggle with their emotions, the enemy is closer than they know.

Rose and Lord Hamlin are lovely, honorable and chivalrous characters. This is an easy read/listen for the most part. There is a scene with demons that might be difficult for some readers. Although the story has a fairy tale feel, with easy, simple writing, it focuses on God’s protection rather than magical protection. I really enjoyed the Biblical messages of faith, and God’s provision and protection for those who trust Him. This story, and probably the series, would be suitable for readers who enjoy medieval settings with the fairy tale and Christian elements of good prevailing over evil.

Audio Notes: Jude Mason does an adequate job with the narration. Her voice and accent fits the setting and tone of the story. She manages to portray the characters with sufficiently distinct voices. Because I found the story a bit simple, the narration made this a more enjoyable reading experience for me.

I received this CD audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: H Is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald

This is not quite what I expected but beautifully written for an interesting memoir/biography.

H Is for Hawk
Written by: Helen Macdonald
Narrated by: Helen Macdonald

Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-03-15
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Memoir
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
When Helen MacDonald's father died suddenly on a London street, she was devastated. An experienced falconer captivated by hawks since childhood, she'd never before been tempted to train one of the most vicious predators: the goshawk. But in her grief, she saw that the goshawk's fierce and feral anger mirrored her own. Resolving to purchase and raise the deadly creature as a means to cope with her loss, she adopted Mabel and turned to the guidance of The Once and Future King author T. H. White's chronicle The Goshawk to begin her journey into Mabel's world. Projecting herself "in the hawk's wild mind to tame her" tested the limits of MacDonald's humanity.
By turns heartbreaking and hilarious, this book is an unflinching account of bereavement, a unique look at the magnetism of an extraordinary beast, and the story of an eccentric falconer and legendary writer. Weaving together obsession, madness, memory, myth, and history, H Is for Hawk is a distinctive, surprising blend of nature writing and memoir from a very gifted writer.
©2014 Helen Macdonald (P)2014 Isis Publishing, Ltd. UK

Review:
The first thing I noted in this audio is the beautiful writing. This drew me in although I struggled with the content as the work moved on. This a memoir of the author’s struggle to overcome the disabling grief that overwhelms her upon her father’s sudden death.

At times this is her story, at others it is the story of her photojournalist father. Then woven in is a personal glimpse of T.H. White’s rather dysfunctional and sad life story. All of these are connected through their respective working with and love of hawks and falconry. Ms. Macdonald chooses to train a goshawk using older books from White and other authors as guides although she learns through experience their methods are wrong – at least as they might be applied to her calmer bird. Working with Mable initially takes Ms. Macdonald out of the world and insulates her from society, but eventually helps her see her need for other people and helps her find purpose to move on with her life.

I am not much into depression and obsession so those elements weren't wonderful for me. I did enjoy the bird training especially since I have had a few variety of birds, though none were hunters. I was struck by the fear of more lose when it came time to let the bird fly free and hope that it would return.

It was really the beautiful writing that kept me listening when the content might have caused me to skip forward or stop listening altogether. The whole work is a composition of lives, reflected in words but apparently with the same distinct and sharp skill of her photojournalist father. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy memoirs and nature.

Audio Notes: It is always interesting to have the author narrate their own work. Clearly Ms. Macdonald does a lovely job with the narration. She conveys her emotions more through the content of the book and thankfully does not make the depressing moments any darker than they are by the written word. I am glad that I listened to this as I am not sure if I would have picked up the print or ebook.

I picked this title from my TBR shelves. It qualifies for Mount TBR, Audiobook and for "H" on my Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Red Rising by Pierce Brown

Oh boy! This is a wonderfully gripping story.

Red Rising

Written by: Pierce Brown

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Length: 16 hrs and 12 mins

Series: Red Rising, Book 1

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:01-28-14

Publisher: Recorded Books

Genre: Dystopian, Fantasy, Sci Fi

My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations. Yet he spends his life willingly, knowing that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children. But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and sprawling parks spread across the planet.

Darrow - and Reds like him - are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class. Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute, a proving ground for the dominant Gold caste, where the next generation of humanity's overlords struggle for power. He will be forced to compete for his life and the very future of civilization against the best and most brutal of Society's ruling class. There, he will stop at nothing to bring down his enemies...even if it means he has to become one of them to do so.

©2013 Pierce Brown (P)2014 Recorded Books

Review:
Darrow is a Red who are the lowest, the slaves, in the caste society system on their planet. The Golds are the ruling class, governing with arrogance and impunity.

The Reds live and work underground, drilling the mines they believe ‘will someday make the surface of Mars livable for future generations’. Darrow likes his dangerous mining job and he is the best. Although he and his clan have exceeded the others, the incentive award is always given to a more favored clan. Darrow shrugs this off, but his young, spirited wife, Eo, objects. She challenges him to take a stand and live for more.

Eo rebels in a forbidden act and becomes a martyr. Darrow seeks to end his own life but is tricked, revived and shown that the society he knows is built on lies. He is asked to become a tool of rebellion. He is to be transformed into a Gold so he can infiltrate the enemy.

After his painful transformation, Darrow passes the entry tests and is admitted to the Gold Training Institute where the top students go through a draft selection to become a group under the governing Gold houses. Darrow is an unknown but has done well enough in the preliminaries to be picked early by the house of Mars, because of his underlying rage tendencies.

The eight houses of students are placed in a community where they must attempt to protect their own house standard while capturing the others. The ‘games’ are overseen, rather loosely, by the house proctors who watch from ‘Olympus’, and occasionally provide supplies and aid

Darrow makes friends and enemies before the draft and after. The first test for everyone is shocking. Then the survivors must pull together to find a leader, the primus, to direct them toward victory. Clearly, the primus of each house will be in a favored position for selection once the games are concluded. Darrow is intent on being primus of his house although it pits him against the son of one of the top ruling houses of Golds.

Darrow faces many struggles – first to survive and then to win. He must learn to control his rage as he tries to outwit others. Some friends become enemies and he is never totally sure whom he can trust. He discovers treachery and corruption. He doesn’t intend to comply with the corrupt plans of the proctors. He intends to win in the end … if only he can survive the betrayal of friends and the assassination attempts of the interfering proctors.

This is a gripping story with great world building and interesting character development. I was quickly pulled into the story and cared about several characters. There is brutality, loss and sadness with only a few scenes to celebrate – like the surprising twist before the game ends. I was a little surprised by Darrow’s choice at the very end but it makes absolute sense for what he needs to do for his people, the Reds. I will be getting the next book soon. I recommend this to fans of dystopia stories and The Hunger Games with the caution that this is dark and brutal.

Audio Notes: Tim Gerard Reynolds does a wonderful job narrating. He provides voices and emotions that bring the characters alive and moves the story forward. This is engaging listening entertainment and I plan to listen to the rest of the series.

(I note that the ebook/print has a map at the beginning that shows the battle fields and might be of interest to listeners.)

This is another from my Audible shelf. It qualifies for Mount TBR, Audio Book Challenge and "R" in my Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: The Borrowed World: A Novel of Post-Apocalyptic Collapse by Franklin Horton

This is an engaging and realistic post-apocalyptic story.
The Borrowed World: A Novel of Post-Apocalyptic Collapse, Volume 1
Written by: Franklin Horton
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins
Series: The Borrowed World, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:07-02-15
Publisher: Franklin Horton
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In a night of devastating terror, ISIS operatives have unleashed a coordinated attack on America's infrastructure. Life as we know it in America grinds to a halt as the electrical grid collapses, communication networks are damaged, critical bridges and dams are destroyed, and major fuel refineries go up in massive fiery clouds. When the government responds by immediately halting fuel sales to the public, Jim Powell finds himself in a terrifying predicament - trapped five hundred miles from home with a group of coworkers.
With thousands of trapped travelers and scarce law enforcement, the miles between Jim and his family become a brutal gauntlet where the rules of civilized society no longer apply. As Jim puts his years of preparation and planning to the test, he is forced to ask himself if he has what it takes to make it home. Does he have the strength - the brutality - required to meet this new world toe-to-toe?
©2015 Franklin Horton (P)2015 Franklin Horton

Review:
A coordinated terrorist attack strikes at the infrastructure of America, taking down bridges and dams and enough of the electrical grid to shut down much of the food delivery and communications systems. Jim Powell and several co-workers are five hundred miles away from home attending a work conference. Jim and his friend, Gary, are preppers who have been expecting trouble and are prepared. The four ladies with them are skeptics and not all cooperative. They do not believe Jim’s explanations of the downward societal spiral that will occur. Still, they all agree to get back in their cars and head for home.

They soon run into difficulties as the government seizes control of all fuel sources leaving them, and many others, stranded. The group are soon surrounded by erupting violence and hard decisions. One woman is killed by panicked gunfire and two others decide to go to a FEMA relocation camp. That leaves Jim, Gary and HHH to continue the long trek towards home.

Meanwhile, the story covers Jim’s family as they face dangers on their home turf. His wife, Ellen, thirteen-year-old son, Pete and eleven-year-old daughter, Ariel, prepare to face the deteriorating society. Jim has left supplies and instructions which the family quickly begins to follow. They life outside of the community but there is a transient trailer park down the road where the tenants soon threaten those they perceive as easy prey. They have no idea the steps a mother will take to protect her family.

This reminds me of the Survivalist Series by A. American that I have listened to. It starts out similarly and is also told, in parts, from first person view of the primary protagonist. Other portions are third person including some bits that are beyond Jim’s knowledge. I liked the addition of the home front point of view and both threads have plenty of action and danger. So far there is no addition of military cohorts but this is just book one.

The story moves quickly and, to me, it is realistic and gives practical aspects for preparing to face an EOTWAWKI (end of the world as we know it) scenario. There is some bad language and of course violence fitting the situation. I suspect I will continue to listen to this although I don’t feel compelled to rush to get the rest in the series just yet. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy the post-apocalyptic genre.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does a good job with narrating. His voice fits Jim and although he doesn’t actually portray individual voices he manages to present the characters distinctly. I did enjoy this in audio format for the ease and engaging listen.

This is from my Audible TBR for Mount TBR, Audio Challenge and “B” in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Audio Book Review: Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon: A Minnesota Mystery by Larry Millett

This Sherlock investigation, set in America, is very engaging.
Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon:
A Minnesota Mystery: Sherlock Holmes & Shadwell, Book 1
Written by: Larry Millett
Narrated by: Steve Hendrickson

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
Series: The Minnesota Mysteries, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-13-16
Publisher: Listen2aBook.com
Genre: Mystery, Historical
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 (Performance 5.0)

Publisher's Summary
In the summer of 1994, a workman at the historic mansion of railroad baron James J. Hill in St. Paul, Minnesota, stumbles on a long-hidden wall safe. When experts arrive to open the safe and examine its contents, they make an astonishing discovery. There, inside, is a handwritten manuscript bearing the signature of John H. Watson, MD. The manuscript contains the story of how Sherlock Holmes and Watson traveled to Minnesota to track a murderous arsonist - known only as the Red Demon - who is threatening both Hill and his Great Northern Railway.
Set against the backdrop of the real, devastating Hinckley forest fire of 1894, Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon is the tense and atmospheric first novel in Larry Millett's classic series of adventures that brought Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to Minnesota.
©1996 Lawrence Millett (P)2016 Audio-Visceral Productions

Review:
This story begins with an introduction that authenticates the event as a Sherlock Holmes investigation and the journalling as Watson’s account. I was fully drawn in and convinced.

Holmes is approached by the executive to James J. Hill, an American railroad baron. The baron seeks to engage the greatest detective, Sherlock. Holmes of course, to find an arsonist who is threatening to burn a major train line in Minnesota. Holmes and Watson travel to America to begin the investigation. Watson chronicles the trip as well as the investigation once they reach the rustic town of Hinckley.

The initial investigator has gone missing so Holmes traces his steps. He interviews the town marshal who appears to be in someone’s pocket; a woman who owns a bordello just on the edge of town and who is suspect of penning the threatening letters; an obstructive newsman; and an infamous logger who is reminiscent of a pirate. Holmes and Watson face assassin attempts and are rescued by a surprising, backhills character.

The suspects multiply although they are eliminated one by one by Holmes until he uncovers the true demon. He has to race from one town to another, serving as the locomotive coalman/stoker, as he tries to stop the villain. There is good intensity in the race to the end confrontation.

The story is set around a true fire disaster with a description that is horrifyingly tragic. The historic details of the travel, economy, communities and trains is well done and added to the engaging mystery. At times the characters seemed a bit outlandish but they added a bit of humor.
I am not a Sherlockian expert and haven’t read the original series in many years. The story includes many details of observation and deduction attributable to Holmes, and leaves out some of his more notable flaws. It does capture the exasperation that Watson sometimes experiences with Holmes’ volatile and arrogant character.

I enjoyed the mystery and the audible rendition. This would be appropriate for young adult readers/listeners as well as adults. I recommend this to Sherlock and mystery fans.

Audio Notes: I thought Steve Hendrickson did a great job with the narration. He especially captured Holmes’ superior nature and Watson’s frustrations. He provided distinct voices consistent to the other characters too. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

I received the audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Jackaby by William Ritter

I enjoyed this and would be glad to listen to more adventures in the series.

Jackaby
Written by: William Ritter
Narrated by: Nicola Barber

Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins
Series: Jackaby, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-16-14
Publisher: HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books
Genre: Teen, Mystery, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Newly arrived in New Fiddleham, New England, 1890, and in need of a job, Abigail Rook meets R. F. Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained with a keen eye for the extraordinary - including the ability to see supernatural beings. Abigail has a gift for noticing ordinary but important details, which makes her perfect for the position of Jackaby’s assistant.
On her first day, Abigail finds herself in the midst of a thrilling case: A serial killer is on the loose. The police are convinced it’s an ordinary villain, but Jackaby is certain the foul deeds are the work of the kind of creature whose very existence the local police seem adamant to deny.
While Abigail finds herself drawn to Jackaby’s keen intelligence and his sensitivity to phenomena others barely perceive, her feelings are confused by the presence of Charlie, a handsome young policeman willing to help Jackaby and Abigail on the case. But is Charlie’s offer a sincere desire to be of service, or is some darker motive at work.
©2014 Original material © 2014 R. William Ritter. Published by arrangement with Algonquin Young Readers, an imprint of Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, a division of Workman Publishing, Inc. (P)2014 (p) 2014 HighBridge Company

Review:
Abigail has traveled alone to New Fiddleham and is looking for a job. She makes inquiries around town and finally responds to an ad she sees posted. The position is for an assistant to private investigator, Jackaby. Jackaby is an engaging detective, whose observation skills reminded me of the workaholic, intense, Sherlock Holmes, with a major difference. Jackaby sees in the magical world of the fae. He has a wealth of knowledge (and resource library) regarding fae creatures who often cause mischief and sometimes commit murder.

Initially Jackaby isn’t sure he wants to take Abigail on as an assistant, especially considering that things with his last assistant didn’t turn out quite right. Abigail ends up tagging along as Jackaby goes to investigate the scene of a local murder. Abigail suspects Jackaby is ‘off’ a bit considering his claims of fae, magical creatures which are unseen by most members of human society.

The local Chief Inspector isn’t thrilled with having Jackaby on the case since he doesn’t believe in all this mystical stuff. But one of the junior Detectives, who captures Abigail’s interest, helps Jackaby and Abigail by giving them access to the scene and witnesses in the building. As they investigate, Jackaby discovers that Abigail has a strong ability to see normal items and details important to the investigation and Abigail learns that Jackaby really does see things beyond the human realm.

The first murder leads to a second and the Chief Inspector arrests the wrong suspects, leaving the real culprit on the loose. Jackaby is certain they are dealing with multiple killings that had not yet been connected. They begin to close in on the murderer but the police officials cause confusion that almost results in Abigail’s brutal murder.

Abigail meets a ghostly host in Jackaby’s apartments as well as other friends of Jackaby in the apartment and in the village. Abigail makes a good companion to Jackaby's eccentricity and the other characters add to the story. The mystery, conflict with the police and danger keep the story moving at a good pace. This is designated for young adults but I found it fun and enjoyable as an adult too.

Audio Notes: Nicola Barber does a wonderful job narrating this story. I felt she captured the atmosphere of the edge of magic as well as the personalities of the various characters. The voice for Jackaby is unusual and I thought it worked for his unique character, preoccupied as he is with otherworldly elements. The narration made for a very fun listen.

This is another TBR from my Audible shelf. It qualifies for Mount TBR, Audio Book Challenge and as "J" for Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer

This is a wonderful classic to help direct my life focus toward God.
The Pursuit of God
Written by: A. W. Tozer
Narrated by: Mark Moseley

Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-07-12
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Christian, Classic, Religion & Spirituality, Theology
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
During a train trip from Chicago to Texas in the late 1940s, A.W. Tozer began to write The Pursuit of God. He wrote all night, and when the train arrived at his destination, the rough draft was done. The depth of this book has made it an enduring favorite.
(P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Review:
This work confirms the other studies I have been enjoying. I have been participating in a small group study at church called Freedom Course. Its goal is to help the student to discern the difference between living in the tree of knowledge, which brings death, or living in the tree of life that brings freedom. I thought that this audio book would compliment the group study and my Bible reading and it certainly does.

The message is not new. It is Biblically based and although it was written by Tozer in the late 1940s, it is still sound teaching today. Tozer states there may be many who call themselves believers and Christians but there are really only a small group who pursue God. It is all around us… we are busy living our lives, raising our families, and doing our jobs. There is nothing wrong with that, but too often we forget the first priority which is to live our lifes, in all activities, as God directs. We need to learn to remove the excesses and minimize distractions of this world. This book goes through short chapters covering distinct areas in our lives that need to change direction to come into line with God’s will.

This classic message exhorts a deeper and closer walk with God. It is a work that I suspect I could listen to several times a year and benefit each time. I recommend this to seekers and to Christians serious enough to truly pursue God and a life directed in His will.

Audio Notes: Mark Moseley narrates the teaching and I enjoyed his direct reading which matched the appropriate emphasis intended by the author. An excellent job of delivery that enhanced the book experience for me.

 This is available for free in ebook HERE.

This is from my Audible TBR shelves (2012). It qualifies for Mount TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Into the Black: Odyssey One by Evan Currie

This is an engaging first contact, space military adventure.
Into the Black: Odyssey One
Written by: Evan Currie
Narrated by: Benjamin L. Darcie

Length: 14 hrs and 55 mins
Series: Odyssey One, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-27-12
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Space Opera, Military Action
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Beyond the confines of our small world, far from the glow of our star, lie a galaxy and universe much larger and more varied than anyone on Earth can possibly imagine. For the new NAC spacecraft Odyssey and her crew, the unimaginable facets of this untouched world are about to become reality. The Odyssey's maiden voyage is an epic adventure destined to make history.
Captain Eric Weston and his crew encounter horrors, wonders, monsters, and people; all of which will test their resolve, challenge their abilities, and put in sharp relief what is necessary to be a hero.
A first-rate military-science-fiction epic that combines old-school space opera and modern storytelling, Into the Black: Odyssey One is a riveting, exhilarating adventure with vivid details, rich mythology, and relentless pacing.
©2012 Evan Currie (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
The Odyssey is the first spacecraft sent out from earth with a crew culled from the best of the best. They were really on a test mission, intended to see what the Odyssey can manage and do a little exploring beyond the Solar System. They didn’t plan upon warping into the debris of a devastating battle…and rescuing a survivor. Now they know there are other human races in the universe… and other unknown, and apparently brutal, alien beings.

Captain Weston is new to the position of North American Confederation (NAC) spaceship captain but he is a battle experienced pilot having led the legendary Archangel Flight Group, the specialized fighter units. Weston tries to return their rescued passenger to her nearest planet world only to find an unimaginable situation. Now he must decide if he jumps out of this galaxy to return home or flies into a battle that isn’t their business… or is it?

The characters are likeable and I wasn’t bothered by some familiarity among the ranks that wouldn’t be expected in a real military protocols. The other galaxy human characters have different backgrounds, views and technology that make the interaction interesting. The space travel tachyon (dissolving and restoring particles) is creepy and pretty disturbing, even to the characters. It wasn’t quite clear to me if the alien species is tech or ‘insect’ but their behaviors were engaging, if devastating.

The story moves at a good pace with action and mystery pulling my interest. I admit I spent a couple of nights listening later than I should. I recommend this as a fun, action packed ride to readers who like space opera and first contact genre.

Audio Notes: Benjamin L. Darcie does a nice job with the narration. He presents varied voices and captures the feel of the different characters. The narration moves at a good pace and enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

I picked this from my Audible TBR shelf for Mount TBR, Audiobook Challenge, and "I" in my Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: The Days of Noah: Book One: Conspiracy by Mark Goodwin

This is an interesting story full of political conspiracies and a compelling view of what could happen in America in the near future.
The Days of Noah: Book One: Conspiracy
Written by: Mark Goodwin
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins
Series: The Days of Noah, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:11-13-14
Publisher: Goodwin America Corp.
Genre: Futuristic, Sci Fi, Political Conspiracy, Christian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Could we be living in a time of which there is more prophetic writings than of any period in history? Noah Parker, like many in the United States, has been asleep at the wheel. During his complacency, the founding precepts of America have been slowly, systematically destroyed by a conspiracy that dates back hundreds of years. The signs can no longer be ignored and Noah is forced to pull his head out of the sand and see things for what they really are. Has his awakening come too late or can he and those around him reclaim the freedoms and principles which have been lost? Watch through the eyes of Noah Parker and his family as a global empire takes shape, ancient writings are fulfilled and the last days fall upon the once great, United States of America. The Days of Noah, Book One: Conspiracy is a fast paced fiction thriller which looks at how modern conspiracies might play into Biblical prophecy about the end times.
©2014 Goodwin America Corp. (P)2014 Goodwin America Corp.

Review:
I had been eyeing Mr. Goodwin’s work for a while and I am glad to have listened to this. The story follows two lines of characters to present a plausible theory of government manipulation by a secret group of powerful players.

Noah and his wife, Cassie, are Christian believers living fairly normal lives. He is a teacher and she works with a newspaper while homeschooling their seven-year old daughter, Lacy. Cassie has a strong belief that freedoms are being encroached on and will only become more limited. She is a 'prepper' planning with food stores, guns and some investments in precious metals. The couple belong to a small group from their church and many of them are quiet preppers too.

One day Noah’s students are discussing demolition and the possibilities that the 9/11 bombings were set internally and not a terrorist attack. Another day the forbidden topic of creation is raised in Noah’s class room. Noah merely states that some people believe that creation is a sounder ‘theory” than evolution. Noah is arrested for violating the government course curriculum restrictions.

While friends step forward to help bail Noah out of jail, authorities force their way into his home in a traumatic scene, killing their dog, confiscating guns and computers and placing Lacy in the clutches of a social services officer. Some of the officers realize that the government has gone too far and they quit their positions to support Noah and Cassie. Church friends find a good lawyer to fight the criminal and parental abuse charges and they all help set up a protest against the officers who bullied Cassie.

The second line of the story follows Elliot as an Intelligence Officer with the CIA. Elliot’s job is to monitor unusual purchases of firearms, ammunition, long term food storage, tactical supplies, gold and silver and components for explosives. Elliot reports some concerns regarding cryptocurrency purchases to his supervisor, John Jones. Although Jones downplays Elliot’s concerns he soon starts meeting with Elliot in secret and telling him to prepare for drastic changes.

I have read other near future, ‘America in crisis’ stories but most did not have the extent of conspiracy theories this book presents. The author creates likeable characters and I was pulled into the good pacing of events while rooting for the protagonists. I liked the combination of the faith beliefs and the all too plausible political possibilities. I recommend this to others who are interested in erosion of American freedoms and possible events leading up to end of the world times, or at least end of the world as we know it.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce has become one of the “go to” narrators for sci fi and prepper stories. Pierce does a solid job narrating the characters so, after a rather slow beginning, they become real, placing the listener in the story. I enjoyed listening to this story and look forward to more in the series.

I chose this from my Audible shelves for TBR challenge, Audio Book Challenge for "D" in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Avenging Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 7

This is a good enough continuation of the stories to keep the series moving forward.
Avenging Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 7
Written by: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine

Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins
Series: Survivalist, Book 7
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-14-16
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Post Apocalyptic, Survival
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In Enforcing Home, Morgan and his group suffered some loss. They discovered their old foes weren't gone, as they'd thought. Not only were they not gone, but they were also stronger than before. Morgan would have to deal with this threat while at the same time trying to restore some sort of quality of life to his community.
But this wasn't going to be easy. With the bombing at the market and the wounding of his daughter, Taylor, it became all too clear to Morgan that he was once again in a fight for the lives of those who mattered most to him. Taylor was injured and would need care for some time. It wouldn't be easy. Added to that was the realization that he would have to deal with second-guessing himself. Was it his fault that she was now hurt?
In Avenging Home, we see how this long-running battle between Morgan's people and their number one nemesis plays out. While Morgan thinks this is the biggest threat they face, there are things on the horizon he cannot yet see that are going to dwarf these problems.
Morgan has lived in a vacuum. He's had little information about the outside world. While he's used radios to listen to what he can, there's been precious little real information. But now he's found what he believes to be a reliable source and knows when and where to listen. But is it valid? Or is it simply propaganda? News and information can be powerful tools, but they must always be taken in context to make an educated decision. And the challenge is that there's only one source. When you have to make decisions that mean the difference between life and death, the process becomes even more critical.
So we'll follow Morgan and his tightly knit group as they are once again in the fight. Will they finally defeat the federal thugs in their backyard? And, more importantly, what will be the cost?
©2016 A. American (P)2016 Podium Publishing

Review:
I enjoyed listening to the latest confrontations in this series although I didn’t find it as good as some of the earlier books. This one seemed to have a little shallower focus on the characters while preparing for a showdown with the very nasty federal opposition. The books really should be read in sequence to know the characters.

The local town community is still seeking leadership from ‘Sheriff” Morgan. Morgan meets new suppliers in the market, gathers engineers to work on the power plant, recruits workers for the community garden and prepares his family and friends for a shoot-out. Meanwhile he must deal with captured enemies as well as drunken murderers and local thieves. Morgan doesn’t want to be judge, jury, sentencer and executioner… but someone has to do the hard jobs. He is seeking someone to serve as a judge at least for sentencing if not for fact finding as mostly the facts are clear when the culprits are caught in the act. Sadly, the man who steps forward for the job is just not the right person and he and his guards have to be dealt with firmly.

There are the usual antics from Sarge and his sometimes infantile and trigger-happy army guys, Mike and Ted. This repeated some of the male crudeness and of course violence considering the battle that occurs. Other characters add their part -- humor, determination, fear, revenge and even romance -- to the story. There were more survival tips shared, although maybe not as many as earlier books. I guess the help from the local military and the powers in high places really gives Morgan's neighborhood an edge but I couldn't help feeling that things were just a bit too easy going in the town.

Morgan catches a radio broadcast that brings disturbing news. They can’t tell if it is true, a hoax or propaganda, but it is scary if real. This book does a good job of continuing the story, wrapping up one phase and introducing a new conflict for future books. I hope the next book has a little more depth to it.

Audio Notes: Duke Fontaine does his usual solid narration of these characters. It just seemed to me that even he didn't have quite the same enthusiasm for this episode. Or maybe that was me projecting. I do enjoy listening to these though as they move well in audio.

My prior reviews in the series:
Book 1, Going Home My rating 4.5
Book 2, Surviving Home My rating 4.5
Book 3, Escaping Home My rating 4.25
Book 4, Forsaking Home My rating 4.25
Book 5, Resurrecting Home My rating 4.0
Book 6, Enforcing Home My rating 4.25

I am working on my Audio, TBR and Alphabet Challenges. This is a series I like and "A" title.

Audio Book Review: Mission Impawsible by Krista Davis

This is a perfectly lovely cozy mystery.
Mission Impawsible: Paws & Claws Mystery Series, Book 4
Written by: Krista Davis
Narrated by: Elise Arsenault

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins
Series: Paws & Claws, Book 4
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-07-17
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Holly Miller and her grandmother, Oma, are working their tails off to prepare the Sugar Maple Inn for an upcoming matchmaking event for pet owners. While Holly has no interest in pairing up, Oma plans on playing Cupid and finding someone to warm her reluctant granddaughter's heart. Unfortunately, one man Holly does meet is cold - dead cold - and he has a personal letter from Oma in his pocket. As suspicion is cast over the inn's guests, Holly - with the help of her furry friends, Trixie the Jack Russell and Twinkletoes the cat - must fetch the real killer, or she may soon have a date in court.
©2017 Cristina Ryplansky (P)2017 Tantor

Review:
This is a very easy and enjoyable listen. I really enjoyed the involvement and mischief of the pets. The human characters have some quirky traits that add interest and a little intrigue. This is the fourth story in the series but reads fine as a standalone.

Holly is helping run her grandmother’s inn, the Sugar Maple Inn set in Wagtail, Virginia. Wagtail is aptly named as they love their four-legged friends. The Inn is hosting a special week-end Animal Attraction Matchmaking event for pet owners. The rather eccentric matchmaker, Macon, is convinced that animals often pull people together. Holly isn’t interested in being matched but her grandmother, Oma, has filled out a form for Holly so she gets pulled into the matchmaking. Holly’s dog, Trixie, makes fast friends with Cooper and his owner, John. John shows interest in Holly until they stumble on a dead body.

Holly is helping her friend, Zelda, to sneak out without her stalking ex, Hank, seeing her but someone sees Holly sneaking around the house. This is not good when the next morning Holly finds Hank’s bashed body under the trees.

Initially Zelda is a suspect but then circumstantial evidence shifts to point to Holly. Holly has worked with the local Detective, Officer Dave and she is a bit put out that she is a suspect and he won’t share any information with her. Still it seems that Holly’s efforts to investigate get her deeper into trouble.

There are various suspects floating around the Inn. Nessie and Sky are two late arrivals who are attending to keep track of their daughters who are participating in the event. It turns out that one of the ladies is the sister in law to the first dead man, a psychologist, Dr. Randall Donovan. Donavan had been rather unpleasant when checking in and had bad-mouthed Macon as a charlatan matchmaker. There is also cause for the local pharmacist to dislike Donovan.

As if Holly isn’t busy enough, her own ex-boyfriend, Ben, who is not a big fan of pets, has shown up with a borrowed adoption dog, Huey, a sweet and lovable dog, to participate in the matchmaking. It seems Ben may be leaving the door open as a gathering of dogs and cats are breaking into the pantry.

This is great fun following the antics of the animals while trying to figure out who the killer is and what the motives are. I recommend this to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries and animals as part of the story.

Audio Notes: Elise Arsenault is a new narrator for me. She does a nice job with the characters, conveying the fun of the story. The narration made this a quick, easy experience for me.

I received this from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualifies for Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: The Zoo at the Edge of the World by Eric Kahn Gale

This is surprisingly engaging and thought provoking.

The Zoo at the Edge of the World

Written by: Eric Kahn Gale

Narrated by: Julian Elfer

Length: 4 hrs and 44 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:03-03-15

Publisher: Recorded Books

Genre: Middle Grade

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Marlin is not slow or mute; he is a stutterer, and that makes it impossible for him to convince people otherwise. He is also a Rackham: the youngest son of the world-famous explorer Roland Rackham, who is the owner and proprietor of the Zoo at the Edge of the World, a resort where the well to do from all over the world can come to experience the last bit of the wild left in the world at the end of the nineteenth century.
In order to impress a powerful duke who comes to visit the zoo, Marlin's father ventures into the jungle and brings back a mysterious black jaguar, now the only one in captivity. Everyone is terrified of the jaguar, including Marlin - until one night when the jaguar confers upon him a powerful gift. Soon Marlin finds himself with a difficult choice to make and, finally, something to say. If only he can figure out how to say it.
©2014 Eric Kahn Gale (P)2015 Recorded Books

Review:
Marlin is a bright 11-12 year-old boy but people don’t realize it because he is an extreme stutterer. He can talk to animals when no human is around, but it is painful for him to try to speak to humans. At least his father accepts his difficulty, unlike his older brother, Tim, who taunts him and does everything to bully him.

The two boys are sons of Roland Rackham, a famous explorer who has established the Zoo at the Edge of the World resort. The zoo contains many dangerous jungle species behind cages made to keep the animals in but allow the wealthy guests to see them mostly in their habitat. Rackham struggles to keep the resort afloat financially although he won’t let anyone else know of his financial troubles. He has been trying to buy more land on the edge of British Guiana forest rather than allow sugar planters to take over and destroy the wild. One of his competitors for land is an old English ‘friend’, a wealthy duke, who is visiting the resort with his family. The duke’s real goal is to find a way to discredit Rackham and his business.

Rackham captures a black Jaguar and sets him in a cage to be a special exhibit. Everyone is afraid of the ‘man-eater’ cat. Marlin discovers the mysterious Jaguar is wise and magical. Jaguar bestows a special power on Marlin. The gift alone would change Marlin’s life but it also creates a special bond with the Jaguar. Rackham decides to create a one of a kind spectacle by pitting the cat against some other jungle creatures. Marlin can’t allow the confrontation to occur but his solution results in other troubles.

As the week of events progresses Marlin discovers secrets he wishes he didn’t know. Ultimately, he must make a choice to stand up and try to speak out. But will it be too late?

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this but I was quickly drawn into the story. I liked Marlin’s character and the friends he’s made and new friends made during the week. Marlin is kind to the animals even when not all of them are kind to him. He doesn’t set out to cause trouble but it dominoes. Each action tumbles forcing him to make hard decisions. The genre says 5-7 year old but apparently it is supposed to be 5th to 7th grade which is much more fitting. There are moral lessons to be pondered and that would make for great family discussion.

The story is well written with enjoyable descriptions. This was a surprisingly engaging and intriguing story. I note that the kindle and print versions have charming illustrations.

Audio Notes: Julian Elfer does a beautiful job of narrating. His accent works perfectly for Marlin, the edge of the world and the world of animals that comes alive. I totally enjoyed the audio although I imagine the illustrated version would be lovely too.

This is from my Audible TBR shelf. It qualifies for Audio Challenge, Mount TBR and "Z" in Alphabet Soup.