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

Book Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

I really liked the sci fi, cyber elements and intrigue in this Cinderella twist.

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles Book 1)
by Marissa Meyer

File Size: 1206 KB
Print Length: 400 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (January 3, 2012)
ASIN: B005KJJ4F8
Genre: Adaptations, Alien, Fantasy, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

The #1 New York Times Bestselling Series!
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl. . . .
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.

Review:
Cinder has a good reputation as a gifted mechanic who works hard and makes a good bargain. She keeps hidden from her customers that she is a cyborg with a mechanical foot. She was adopted by a scientist father who died before he could make it clear to anyone what his intent was. Cinder is the one who works supporting the “stepmother” (legal guardian) and older stepsister who revile her.

Cinder meets handsome Prince Kai when he brings an android unit in for repair. Her excitement at meeting the prince is overshadowed when the plague outbreak hits her friendly stepsister, Peony. Cinder gets blamed since Peony was with her when she became ill. Her stepmother turns Cinder over to authorities who are testing virus cures on cyborgs. When the doctor tests Cinder he discovers that she is immune to the virus but he learns more than that. He wants to hide her special nature as he suspects some greater intrigue.

Prince Kai loses his father, the king to the plague. Now he is being pressured to marry the Lunar Queen who uses magic to create illusions about her appearance and is extorting his compliance with the promise of an antidote to the virus. Kai must struggle between his duty to his people and his personal desires.

Cinder apparently is immune to the Lunar illusions too which results in great danger as she may be on earth illegally and subject to a death sentence. Only one person knows the full truth, but it isn’t clear if he is a friend or an enemy. Cinder has the chance to escape the city but will her leaving cause Kai to sacrifice his freedom for duty?

I really like Cinder and Kai as primary characters. The doctor and Cinder’s android friend, Iko, are good secondary characters. I enjoyed this cyber twist on the Cinderella story and I like the sci fi lunar intrigue. I am curious to see where Cinder goes in the next book, Scarlet, which I picked up with a December Audible Credit. I recommend this as an entertaining read to those who enjoy sci fi cyberpunk and fairy tale retellings.

This was in my Kindle library since 2014 and qualified for my 2017 TBR reading.

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.

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: 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.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Vision and Beyond by David Wilkerson

A vision from 1973 that looks a lot like the world as we know it 44 years later!

The Vision and Beyond
by David Wilkerson

Paperback: 143 pages
Publisher: World Challenge Publications; 1st edition (2003)
ASIN: B00NK619JW
Genre: Prophesy, Religion & Spirituality
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

This book has the same content as the Original 1974 version, but is has 2 additional chapters added that Update the book and includes important segments from "Racing Toward Judgment.”

Review:
This book was first published in 1974 to present the visions of the author from dreams he had in 1973. The current book was updated in 2003 to show events that had occurred and still more that look like they will occur. It is interesting reading to see our current day events predicted 40 years in the past.

The book reads very quickly and, for a Christ follower, it is fascinating although not too surprising. I would think it might be more startling for a nonbeliever to see how much of Mr. Wilkerson’s 1973 vision has occurred.

My book club ladies enjoyed the read and felt it was timely, fitting the current day news. I thought the update could have been more up to date but I acknowledge that the update is already 14 years old. I recommend this to readers who enjoy prophesy and noting its fulfillment.

This was my Ladies Book Club read for November. It qualifies for TBR as I had this for several years as we had picked it up for a class study a few years back but never set up the class.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

I have several copies to share – at least three (might be more) – to US or Canadian readers. If you are interested, fill in the FORM and I will pick as many winners as I can to send the books to. I will select winners on 12/29/17.

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: 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 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.

Book Review: Hope Under the Mistletoe by Jessica R. Patch

I am glad to have pulled this gem from my TBR shelf. I fully enjoyed this faith based Christmas story.

Hope Under Mistletoe (Seasons of Hope Book 1)
by Jessica R. Patch

File Size: 339 KB
Print Length: 94 pages
Publisher: Bales Publishing (February 24, 2015)
ASIN: B00U0IQRO0
Genre: Christian, Inspirational, Romance
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

A rowdy bar owner. A widowed pastor’s wife. And Christmas hope that brings them together.

After widow Eden Snow’s church almost burns to the ground, she’s compelled to find a temporary place to hold services and Christmas cantata practices.

Has-been hockey player, Knox Everhart, has a reputation for being fast on the ice and with women. Except Eden. She’s always been a fascinating mystery to him, which is why he agrees to let her use the back room of his bar—with one rule: No converting his customers.

But when Eden brings the church to the bar, it offers something the bottle can’t. Hope. And he finds himself falling in love with a woman and a Savior he feels unworthy to pursue.

Review:
Eden Snow is still suffering the loss of her pastor husband, Nathan, who was killed in a car accident by a teenage drunken driver. Now there has been a terrible fire at the church. The church family needs a place to meet so Eden asks her husband’s best friend, Knox, if they can use a back room of his bar for song practices and services.

Knox is a former hockey player who has a well-known reputation for skating by with women. He never let anyone know of his feelings for his Nathan's wife, Eden. He has always admired her but knows that he could never be worthy of her. Now she is getting too close by spending time in his bar, aptly named The Penalty Box. Knox becomes ever more confused as he watches Eden and the new pastor share acceptance, love and hope with all those they come in contact with.

I really liked the primary characters. The author created a good contrast with Knox’s rough, ‘bad boy’ nature countered by Eden’s innocent and ‘good’ nature. They both struggle with their growing attraction. Knox doesn’t feel worthy and he is holding back a secret that could cause Eden to hate him. Eden has to resist her growing interest in Knox because she, even though she sees he is a good guy at heart, she knows 'good' isn't enough. She can't allow herself to get involved with a man who doesn’t share her faith and acceptance of Christ.

Ms. Patch develops a strong relationship with good dialogue and a believable sequence of steps. The faith message is clearly shared in a fitting way without being ‘in your face’. The writing is crisp and the short story reads easily. I would like to read more by this author. I recommend this to readers who like a nice romance that includes messages of hope, forgiveness and redemption.

This is a gem pulled from my TBR shelf - 2015! It qualifies for Mount TBR and #hohohorat.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.