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Showing posts with label 2019 NetGalley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2019 NetGalley. Show all posts

Saturday, June 1, 2019

#NetGalley and Audible Book Review: Nightstalkers, An Area 51 Novel, by Bob Mayer

This is just the sort of monster/alien hunting action I enjoy for a quick read.
Nightstalkers
An Area 51 Novel
By: Bob Mayer
Narrated by: Eric G. Dove

Series: Area 51, Area 51: The Nightstalkers, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-11-12
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.


Publisher's Summary
Staff Sergeant Winthrop Carter only enlisted in the army for the steady pay. When he cheated on the Special Forces’ final exam, he never expected his actions would get him drafted into the Nightstalkers - an elite team with a mysterious mission and even more mysterious leader.
For decades, Rifts have been opening and unleashing bloodthirsty alien life forms into our reality. The Nightstalkers’ goal is to shut down these breaches and stop the beings that emerge from rampaging out of control.
While still integrating with his unusual teammates - including a sociopath, a Black Ops washout, and a contemporary MacGyver - Carter gets his first taste of interdimensional action when a Rift opens inside a gated community. With half a dozen deadly invaders threatening the residents, the Nightstalkers must hunt down and eliminate the aliens before they break through containment and wreak havoc on an unsuspecting world.
©2012 Robert Mayer (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.



Review:
The Nightstalkers are a special, elite team, with a mysterious leader and a mysterious mission. They draw from the best of the army and special forces, seeking those who are willing to commit to a team that puts their lives on the line every assignment. The Nightstalker team has to contain and sometimes annihilate supernatural enemies, creatures that most people don’t know exist. They do their best to minimize collateral damage but are prepared to us excessive force if needed.

The team opens with an action-packed mission to close a dimensional rift and in the process one team member gets pinned with cactus spines causing him to question why he is doing this work. When that injured member walks away, Staff Sergeant Winthrop Carter, is asked to fill the opening on the team.

The team is led by “Moms” and under the direction of a mysterious woman who speaks with a Russian Accent. She has rarely been seen in person as she usually meets with the team in holographic form. The team consists of members who have unusual skills that work together: sharpshooting, troubleshooting, tech expertise, bomb specialist and communications.

Carter is just getting used to the strange team members when they are called out to a wealthy country club subdivision to eliminate the alien “fireflies” which inhabit inanimate objects. The team is setting up ‘undercover’ in one of the elite houses, but a smart, sassy teen from the house across the street is watching every move. “Scout” shows up at the door and offers her services since she knows the neighborhood and clearly the team needs some guidance to fit in.

While they are hunting the creatures to eliminate, they are also concerned about an important artifact that has gone missing and could be misused in the wrong hands. It is soon clear that someone who knows their protocols has brought an attack against the team.

Neither the characters, nor the plot are deeply developed but they are sufficiently set out to make it fun. I totally enjoyed the action and the quirky characters. Scout makes a fun addition. I liked the 1970’s references – they worked for me. I recommend this as an easy read for readers who like monster hunting, military sci fi.

Audio Notes: Eric G. Dove does a nice job with the narration. He distinguishes the character voices, male and female. His voice fits the quick action. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: NetGalley 2013 originally and Kindle Unlimited and Whisper Sync pick up 5/4/19. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019 NetGalley and 2019Audiobook reading goals.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: Read on Arrival by Nora Page

This is a fun, cozy, who-done-it mystery.
Read on Arrival
A Bookmobile Mystery
by Nora Page
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/517B-z16j2L.jpg
File Size: 3314 KB
Print Length: 329 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1643850032
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (May 7, 2019)
ASIN: B07HM7PGTG
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Animals, Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Death, deadly omens, and a decades-overdue book put senior librarian Cleo Watkins on a collision course with a killer in the second Bookmobile mystery.
Septuagenarian librarian Cleo Watkins believes in gracious manners, sweet tea, and justice―library justice. For over forty years, Cleo has tried every trick in the book to get delinquent patron Dixie Huddleston to return the most overdue volume in Catalpa Springs, Georgia. When Dixie says she’ll finally relinquish the book, Cleo is shocked. She’s even more startled by the reason: superstitious Dixie says she’s seen the signs: she’s about to die and is setting her affairs in order.
Cleo dismisses Dixie’s ominous omens…until she and her gentleman friend, Henry Lafayette, arrive at Dixie’s home to find her dead. Cleo suspects murder. The police agree but promptly list Cleo among the likely culprits. To clear her good name and deliver justice, Cleo uses her librarian skills to investigate, with Henry and her trusty bookmobile cat, Rhett Butler, at her side.
However, the killer has opened a new chapter of terror. Death threats appear around town, and residents start seeing bad luck everywhere, including in Cleo and her beloved bookmobile Words on Wheels. With her bookmobile and legacy on the line, Cleo accelerates her sleuthing. Suspects and clues stack up, but so does the danger. Another death is coming due, and Cleo fears the killer may be about to turn the final page on someone she loves most.


Review:
Cleo Watkins is a woman in her 70s who has been the local librarian, spreading her passion for books for over 40 years. During those years Cleo has tried to recover a special library book, Luck and Lore, from local real estate broker, Dixie. Dixie insists the book has been her lucky token for her successful career and she has flaunted it under Cleo’s nose. But suddenly Dixie is experiencing death omens and she wants to return the book. When Cleo and her gentleman friend, Henry, goes to Dixie’s home to pick up the book. Instead of the book they find Dixie’s dead body in clearly suspicious circumstances.

Cleo has previous used her amateur skills to solve a local murder. It is natural that community members are coming to her for information and encouraging her to dig up clues. Even her neighbor, Gabby, a Deputy Sheriff, is willing to accept input from Cleo, although Gabby warns Cleo to stay safe. While Cleo continues to look for the missing library book and clues about the murder, she is also fighting attempts from a bouncy blonde who is flirting with the library board president while proposing modernization of the library, including Cleo’s beloved bookmobile.

This is a true, warm ‘cozy’ mystery. I enjoyed the elderly characters with their precious pets (cat for Cleo and dog for Henry). I also liked Cleo’s friendship with her neighbor, Deputy Sheriff, Gabby. The small community is full of lively characters and a list of possible suspects who had various motives for disliking and ultimately killing Dixie. The murder is creative and the ongoing death threats to other members of the community adds to the mystery.

The small-town setting is ‘cozy’ and the easy flowing writing is a clear fit for the cozy, who-done-it genre. I sort of wished I could have read this in the fall to fit with the cover which pulled me in. But, anytime of the year, it is a satisfactory read for the cozy mystery fan.

Source: NetGalley 2018 This is the last of my 2018 NetGalley picks. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019NetGalley goal.

Thursday, May 16, 2019

#NetGalley: Deadly Vows by Jody Holford

I really enjoyed this clean, cozy mystery.
Deadly Vows
by Jody Holford
Deadly Vows (A Britton Bay Mystery Book 2) by [Holford, Jody]
File Size: 2248 KB
Print Length: 220 pages
Publisher: Lyrical Underground (April 9, 2019)
ASIN: B07FLP2PKJ
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Former Army brat Molly Owens is happily settling into her new life in the seaside town of Britton Bay—and into new her job as editor-in-chief of the local paper. But as tourists discover the desirable spot, the tide along the Oregon Coast is turning . . .
Britton Bay is buzzing with preparations for a wedding at the bed and breakfast where Molly rents a small carriage home. Molly is even helping out and plans to interview the rising star caterer—until the woman is found dead. And then the bride-to-be goes missing. To make matters worse, the venue is owned by Molly’s new boyfriend’s mother—and Molly was among the last people to see the victim alive. All of which makes solving the crime her top priority . . .
With the nuptials indefinitely on hold, Molly will have to sift through a sticky mix of suspects, including a rival caterer with a short fuse, a groom with an illicit secret, and a wedding party riddled with personal drama. And if she doesn’t discover the truth soon, Molly might be her own front-page news . . .


Review:
Molly Owens has been settling into her new life in Britton Bay. She is editor-in-chief of the local paper and has gotten a bit of a rep as an amateur sleuth after recently helping to solve a murder (book one Deadly News). During the first investigation Molly found a cute dog abandoned in an alley. Now she travels through the day, to work and about, with Tigger either at her feet or getting sitting and walking help from her new boyfriend, Sam.

Molly lives at a carriage house on the grounds of the local B&B which happens to be owned by Sam’s mother. Things are buzzing as the B&B prepares for an upcoming wedding. The wedding set up comes with tension as the Mother of the Bride, who is at odds with the groom, is dictating and controlling all aspects of the wedding, including hiring a celebrity chef rather than using local catering.

Molly and her news team are doing interviews of the wedding members and Molly manages to set up an interview with the rather solitary chef. When Molly arrives in the morning for the interview, she finds a crime scene set up around the dead body of the chef. It just so happens that Molly observed some bickering involving the lady and also overheard her in a heated argument the night before. Molly doesn’t really set out to investigate the crime but she walks a fine line seeking news and uncovering clues. The sheriff investigator gets pretty frustrated as Molly finds people keep talking to her and she comes up with clues which she gets around to sharing with him when she can/chooses.

I like how Ms. Holford has provided plenty of suspects with a variety of motives. The method of death is interesting too…a good choice rather than a usual weapon. The pacing makes for an easy and quick read.

Molly’s relationship with Sam is a strong element developing along with the sleuthing. They have a lovely friendship of respect and caring that is warming up in a nice way. This adds a fun romantic element to the mystery. I like Tigger too even if he isn’t a big part of solving the crime. I want to read more in this series and I recommend this to readers who enjoy a clean romance with a good cozy mystery.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Friday, May 3, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: The White City by Grace Hitchcock

This is a very sweet historical romance.
The White City
by Grace Hitchcock
The White City: True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime by [Hitchcock, Grace]
File Size: 810 KB
Publisher: Barbour Books (March 1, 2019)
ASIN: B07HYKQBDP
Genre: Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Mysterious Disappearances Taint the Chicago World’s Fair
Step into True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime
While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.
Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?


Review:
Winnifred Wylde is the nineteen-year-old daughter of a top Chicago police inspector. After the death of her mother when Winnie was ten, her Aunt Lillian stepped in to help guide the family. Winnie wants to enjoy her reading and visits to the Chicago World’s Fair, but Aunt Lillian wants Winnifred to decorously attend social events and secure a marital match. Inspector Wylde is happy to leave the socializing to Aunt Lillian as he is determined that Winnie marry someone other than a law man.

Winnie is at the Fair when she sees a young woman taken off by a man. Her father isn’t willing to call the police out to investigate because she made a previous allegation that turned out groundless. Inspector Wylde agrees to allow Winnie to continue to visit the Fair but only with a police guard, a new man on the staff, Jude Thorpe. Jude has a good reputation from New York and has secretly come to Chicago to investigate the death of his brother-in-law.

Winnie soon spots the man she suspects and wrangles a job interview so she can learn more undercover. Jude has already been on hand to ‘rescue’ Winnie from the drudgery of a suitor she wants nothing to do with. Now he is standing by to protect her if needed as she works undercover. As they share time together investigating, their easy friendship grows. Assuming Winnie can come through the assignment safely, is there any chance for a continued relationship with family (and boss) set against them?

I liked the characters right away. They are cheery, bright and imaginative. Winnie loves books and gets to meet her favorite author in a surprising element of the story. The mystery plot develops slowly, but this allows the relationship, with conflicts, to develop. I found the author’s afterward interesting as she explained this story was based upon a true crime event.

The author uses fun quotes from Jane Austin books and others to introduce the chapters. I also liked the light scripture and faith references. During a frightening situation, Winnie pulls on her memory verses for support. The story reads easily and moves along at a good pace. There is a good mix of mystery, suspense and romance. I would like to read more in this series and recommend this to readers who enjoy clean, historic romance/mystery.

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: SkyLine: The Dragon Commander - A Military Science Fiction Romance Adventure

This was a quick read; intro to a series.
SkyLine The Dragon Commander
A Military Science Fiction Romance Adventure
by Kennedy King
SkyLine: The Dragon Commander - A Military Science Fiction Romance Adventure by [King, Kennedy]
File Size: 4302 KB
Print Length: 90 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Mind of Khan Studios (October 21, 2018)
ASIN: B07JL9PNKD
Genre: Cyberpunk, Dragon, Fantasy, Military Sci Fi
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0


It's 2350. Cold Fusion, AI nanotech cops, and the SkyLine between a dying Earth and a developing Mars are parts of life.
Major General Christopher Droan has survived a crisis. It left him with trauma and a deeper understanding of his dad’s distrust for technology.
Now all he wants is to focus on the love of his life, Sheeba.
It’s a turbulent time to be a Major General, even one resigned to desk work. But the calm can only last so long. When tragedy strikes Precinct 117 in Shanghai, Chris and his unit are forced to gear up again.
What waits for them in the heart of a robot with a beta personality matrix will change the planets on both ends of the SkyLine, mankind, and Major General Christopher Droan, forever.


Review:
Major General Christopher Droan leads a special team who has survived some traumatic battles. They have seen and survived devastating attacks. Droan is trying to put his love life first as he helps his fiancé, Sheeba, plan their wedding. Sheeba is afraid to tell Droan of the nightmares that are increasing. When she’d like to keep Droan close to hand, he is called away to meet his team at the site of a radical attack.

Droan suspects that something is troubling Sheeba but she isn’t telling him the problem. He has no choice but to respond to the call out. A strong precinct in Shanghai has had all of the officers killed but one, Finch. The attack wasn’t from outside, but rather by the AI partners of the officers. Finch only survived because his new partner, DA-Vos, protected him. What, or who, could cause these specialized AI units to turn on their human masters?

The story has intrigue and some strange paranormal twists. Sheeba’s nightmare visions have a strange connection to an unexplained power that challenges Droan. How can Droan deal when confronted with “You cannot shoot a thought”?

I really liked the action and intrigue in the story. Droan’s assignment is a little confusing but I imagine it would come clear in the next book. There is some sexual contact (not vulgar) and some (gruesome) killing. The writing is easy and the story moves quickly. I just feel it could have used a little more depth and clarity. I recommend this to readers who like military sci fi with cyberpunk and dragon elements.

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Saturday, April 27, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: The Book of Ruin by W.G. Hladky

I'm glad I pushed on to read this post-apocalyptic story full of action and intrigue.
The Book of Ruin
by W.G. Hladky

File Size: 1705 KB
Print Length: 371 pages
Publisher: Middle River Press; 1 edition (August 26, 2018)
ASIN: B07GVNZJXM
Genre: Military, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Generations after solar storms sent the world spiraling into a Second Dark Age, descendants of American soldiers defend the last NATO stronghold in Germania. From the Asiatic Steppes comes the mysterious Vucari. NATO sends Senior Chief Loveboy Weir and a team of rangers to investigate. Traveling in anti-gravity vessels, they visit the beautiful city-state of New Reykjavik and mountains where Kazaks use giant eagles to hunt enemies. The rangers also journey to the City of Ghost that spews poison and to a floating monastery where monks protect the Book of Ruin. They also encounter Vladimir the Resurrected, the Vucari’s warrior prince, who claims to want peace but decimates any population that resists him. Weir struggles to convince NATO not to trust Vladimir. While politicians and clerics make backroom deals to appease Vladimir, Weir prepares for a war he fears is coming...


Review:
Years ago the world was plunged back into a dark age after solar storms and wars destroyed the ‘enlightened’ society. Rather than rebuild in unity, society again divides with religious factions and territorial countries. A mysterious and brutal force, disclosed as the Vucari, are making a move to capture the surrounding nations of Germania, where the descendants of American soldiers have survived.

I am glad I pressed beyond the first 10% of the book to where the political posturing, intrigue, and battle activities take precedence. I became invested with the integrity and dedication of the primary characters of Senior Chief Weir and his associates. They have to overcome the obstacles of corrupt and incompetent superiors in their own governing and military branches while preparing to face a new enemy which is greater in numbers and dark evil.The individual honor and self sacrifice of the protagonist soldiers had me rooting for them to prevail.

There are internal intrigues, battles with leadership strategy and plenty of (mostly gritty) action that kept my attention. The enemy is gruesome, drinking blood, torturing victims and more gruesome preversions. Definitely “Ugh” but well developed and interesting. I was glad of the unusual allies that stepped up to face the enemy.

I had trouble getting into this because the beginning is full of “locker room” sexual content – a lot of who is married to whom (heterosexual and homosexual), and who is “doing” whom or wants to. This also peppers the remainder of the book but is secondary to the plot by that time. I was fearful initially that I would not be able to keep the multiple characters straight but then the connections became clear as the story moved into a strongly developed, intertwined plot.

The history of the nations and geography were well researched. Some underlying societal and political thoughts and theories are shared through the plot and characters. These were not overly emphasized so the reader can ponder them or just let them be.

My final reaction is that this is a creative, good versus evil, post-apocalyptic society story with engaging characters and intrigue. I just forewarn readers to push past the first 10% to get to the true plot.

Source: NetGalley 2018. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019NetGalley goals.

Saturday, April 13, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: Heart of the Storm by Debbie Peterson

This was a good mix of time travel and romantic suspense.
Heart of the Storm
by Debbie Peterson

Heart of the Storm by [Peterson, Debbie]
File Size: 2474 KB
Print Length: 277 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc (February 27, 2019)
ASIN: B07MBVKQ3K
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


DEA agent Aliyana Montijo must stop a drug lord's killing orders and find a government mole. With a contract on her head, she trusts no one. While heading back to Florida with evidence, lightning strikes her plane. As it careens into the ocean, she thinks she sees a pirate ship. What she finds is a dashing and most unlikely ally.
Four centuries ago, Wolfaert Dircksen Van Ness captained a vessel for the Dutch West Indies Company. Then an unearthly storm in the Bermuda Triangle blew him into a parallel dimension. After rescuing Aliyana from a similar tempest, he finds himself drawn to the courageous beauty and wants to aid her mission.
In the midst of danger, the two find themselves falling in love. Then a misunderstanding tears them apart, perhaps forever…


Review:
Aliyana has been working undercover for a Columbian drug lord, Emil. Now that she is completing her security tech work she knows she must escape or face death. The local guards have commandeered her motorcycle so she commandeers Emil’s plane. On her way to Florida, Aliyana is caught in a storm and the plane is hit by lightning. While heading to crash into the ocean, Aliyana thinks she sees a pirate ship. She awakens in a lighthouse to find a handsome, strangely dressed man hovering.

Wolfaert is the Captain of a Dutch West Indies vessel who has been travelling between parallel dimensions. It isn’t easy to explain to this spirited young woman that she has fallen through a time tunnel. Before leaving Columbia Aliyana had stumbled upon information of an assassination plot by Emil against the families of the DEA. She is determined to get back to her world and time to protect those targets.

I enjoyed the steady action and intrigue in this story. This was augmented by the machinations and nuances of time traveling spirits. Then you have the pleasure of a growing romance with a twist very near the end. I found the story creative and the writing well-paced. I would be interested in reading more from Ms. Peterson. I recommend this to readers who enjoy romantic suspense and time travel.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley Goal.

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: Trouble on the Books by Essie Land

I liked the setting and premise of this cozy mystery.
Trouble on the Books
by Essie Lang

File Size: 2896 KB
Print Length: 332 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1683319818
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (March 13, 2019)
ASIN: B07H7R7GVP
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0


Essie Lang’s series debut is perfect for fans of Lorna Barrett, Vicki Delany, and book lovers everywhere.
Rookie bookstore owner Shelby Cox must hit the books to learn the ropes before she loses a killer in the stacks.
Shelby Cox never intended to become a bookseller, so when the former editor returns to her hometown of Alexandria Bay, nestled in upstate New York’s breathtaking Thousand Islands region, to take over her aunt’s bookstore, she has no idea what to expect. To her amazement, she discovers that she now owns a fifty-percent share in Bayside Books, and will also run the store’s second location in the majestic castle on nearby Blye Island.
But just as Shelby is gearing up for the start of the tourist season, the Castle volunteer coordinator is found murdered in the nearby Grotto. Castle caretaker Matthew Kessler is suspect number one, but Shelby thinks the killing may be connected to an earlier era, when violence among Prohibition-era smugglers was rampant in the region. As Shelby launches her own investigation, handsome and unnerving Special Agent Zack Griffin of the Coast Guard Investigative Services tries to quell her smuggling theory and keep her safe. But Shelby is determined to summon all her savvy as a book editor to plot the murder—and find the killer before he strikes again—in Trouble on the Books, Essie Lang’s clever and captivating series debut.


Review:
Shelby Cox who normally works as a publishing editor in the Massachusetts, comes home to Alexandria Bay, upstate New York, to help her Aunt who is recovering from surgery. Shelby is surprised to learn that she is a 50% owner in two local bookstores, one in town and a second location in the tourist destination of Blye Castle on Blye Island. Shelby begins work and quickly runs up against the autocratic Castle volunteer coordinator, Loreena. A few hours after they have a confrontation, Shelby stumbles upon Loreena’s body in the nearby Grotto.

Several police offices are involved in the investigation: the cantankerous Island Chief of Police, the quiet county sheriff and, to Shelby’s surprise, the interesting and handsome Coast Guard Special Agent Zack Griffin. The local chief is quick to challenge the Castle caretaker, Matthew, which upsets Aunt Edie. Edie asks Shelby to try to find out what is going on. Shelby begins to develop a theory of current day smuggling which brings Zack to her door on several occasions trying to get her to stop snooping.

Shelby is also trying to learn more about her mother who she believes died when she was a toddler. Shelby’s technique of investigating both issues consists mostly in questioning local residents. This puts someone on edge, but despite an attack on her houseboat, Shelby continues to try to plot out the means, motive and opportunity.

Stories involving books and bookstores tend to capture my attention. I liked the setting elements of the bookstore, the Castle grounds, the Grotto, and the houseboat where Shelby lives. The descriptions are good and the character interaction is reasonably developed. I found the mystery development and suspense a little weak. There is some repetition of Shelby’s thought processes which could have been cut allowing for a shorter, more concise work. As a debut I think the work shows promise and I would try another to see if the mystery plot improves. Fans of book related cozy mysteries might give this a try.

Source: NetGalley 2018. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019NetGalley Goals.

Saturday, March 16, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: Wish by Chris Saunders

This sweet book has charming illustrations.
by Chris Saunders
Age Range: 4 - 7 years
Grade Level: Preschool - 1
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: words & pictures (March 12, 2019)
ISBN-13: 978-1786033468
Genre: Children, Verse
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.


Rabbit has never had a wish before; but one day he gets not just one, but three! Wish is a touching story about the power of kindness and the magic of friendship, with beautiful and emotive illustrations from Chris Saunders.
Once every year wishes take flight,
filled with hope and twinkling light.
They dance in the air, with a swirl and a swish,
you have to be lucky to be chosen by a wish.
Rabbit cannot decide what to wish for, so he asks his friends Mouse, Fox, and Bear what they would do if they had a wish. Being selfless and kind, Rabbit grants all three wishes to his friends. They are so grateful for his kindness and generosity, they share their wishes with him.


Review:
Rabbit is excited to get not just one, but three wishes. He never thought he’d have wishes so he goes to his friends to ask what they would wish for. After hearing each of their choices, he asks “Is this wish for me?” Once he makes his wishes does he regret them or is he happy with his choices?

The illustrations are absolutely charming, and the story is caring. The rhyming is gentle. I like how Rabbit and his friends share their thoughts and encourage each other. I did feel the ending needs elaboration by a parent/adult. The story gives a good opportunity to talk about being careful about choices as well as sharing with others. I can recommend this to parents who would supervise the reading with young children.

Source: NetGalley 2019 (Quarto Publishing Group). This qualifies for 2019NetGalley and 2019Alphabet goals.

Saturday, March 9, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: The PVC Pipe Book by Chris Peterson

This has many great projects.
The PVC Pipe Book
by Chris Peterson
The PVC Pipe Book:Projects for the Home, Garden, and Homestead
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Voyageur Press (December 18, 2018)
ISBN-13: 978-0760360897
Genre: Crafts, D-I-Y, Home
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Put that spare PVC pipe to work with more than 50 inventive, step-by-step projects that yield tough and durable storage, furniture, gardening, toys, and much more, with The PVC Pipe Book.
With a few simple fittings, common home-improvement-store PVC pipe can be treated much like building blocks. Learn to engineer it in new ways for DIY projects that prove useful indoors and outside.
Whether you're a homeowner, gardener, homesteader, prepper, or just a parent looking for some new toy ideas, the projects in The PVC Pipe Book give you plenty of options. Step-by-step instructions, parts lists, and photographs of completed projects make sure you will have fun and love the results of your work.
Projects range from simple creations like chicken feeders and waterers, to much more complex builds like a rolling workshop table.
Other projects include:
Practical creations include a step-stool, toy bin, safety gate, and gardening caddy
Fun, fanciful ideas include a rocket launcher, water table, even soccer goals
Homestead projects include a pet washer, chicken feeder, birdhouse, and hanging herb garden
For anyone who needs some insight and a few tips on working with PVC, Peterson covers all the basics, as well as finishing techniques.


Review:
This book is direct and easy to follow. Peterson opens with an interesting history of the material polyvinyl chloride. The introduction identifies fittings, types, sizes and grades. It then proceeds to a PVC toolbox indicating items that are needed or useful for projects, including zip ties and glue cement. There are explanations for working with the pipes including some homemade techniques.

There are practical projects and fun projects. Some of the projects particularly caught my interest as there were chicken feeders and waterers. The difficulty ranges from easy to medium to hard. The projects are introduced by a description of reason, purpose and summary. Then there is a detailed list of needed tools, materials and cuts that are needed. Next there are step by step instructions with many illustrations. A couple projects offer quick variations to expand the numbers of results available.

We have some unused PVC pipes and elbows in our yard and garage. I wish my Hubby was able to work on these projects; maybe my son or s-i-l could. If I had a bit more time, I might even try some of these! I certainly recommend this to those interested in D-I-Y projects. Take a look at the table of contents and you can see there are projects that can attract almost anyone.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley and Alphabet Goals.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: An Unexpected Redemption by Emily Hamsher

I liked this strong Christian romance.
An Unexpected Redemption
by Emily Hamsher
An Unexpected Redemption: Book One of the Romalo Legacy Series by [Hamsher, Emily]
File Size: 581 KB
Print Length: 268 pages
Publisher: WestBow Press (May 8, 2018)
ASIN: B07D94GFDJ
Genre: Christian, Medieval, Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0


Prince Lucian of Brasov has been running from his family, from God, and even from himself. When he decides to take revenge upon his elder brother by stealing away his betrothed, Lucian is taken aback by the woman in his custody. Her pure heart and unabashed kindness thwarts his every cruel intention. Lucian finds himself hoping that she might hold the answers to heal his past, even though he knows she can never be his.
Every girl dreams of marrying her prince, so when Lady Adelina receives the unexpected announcement of her betrothal to the Prince of the realm, she takes it as a clear sign of the Lords will. When she is kidnapped by a band of ruffians and taken far from her home she quickly learns that the road to love is never as it seems. Though her captor portrays himself as a ruthless man, Adelina cant help but feel compassion for him and the pain she finds lurking beneath the dark shadows of his character.


Review:

Lucian was adopted into a royal family. Although that is a special gift, he is still a young, rebellious boy who pushes the boundaries. When he is sent home form school, he knows he has disappointed his adoptive parents. When his elder brother scorns him he knows he has been rejected and he runs away so that he can live life with adventure and danger as he wants.

Years later he is a brigand leading a crew of misfits. When he receives an invitation to his brother’s wedding Lucian decides to kidnap the chosen bride.

Lady Adelina has always had a dream about the young prince who rescued her from bullies when she was a young girl. She is thrilled to be betrothed to the prince and sets out to meet her intended and the royal family. Shortly into the journey she is kidnapped by Lucian and his band of thieves. Her faith that her heavenly Father will protect her surrounds her spirit with dignity and strength. The brigands sense the deep goodness in Adelina and treat her gently and carefully. Especially Radu, Lucian’s best friend and second in command, seeks to protect Adelina. He himself has accepted faith in Jesus but has continued to live with Lucian. He hopes that someday he will be able to make Lucian grow beyond his bitterness and plans of revenge.

Lucian watches Lady Adelina and slowly his heart opens to the peace her faith exudes. But what chance does he have of gaining the love of the woman who is already promised to his brother? And when he returns her to his family’s home, what will be his reception from the parents he has been estranged from for ten years?

I wanted to like Lucian but he doesn’t make it easy. Lady Adelina’s steadfast faith and willingness to share love to a rogue is beautiful. The characters are well developed. There is action to move the story along but the strong, unrelenting faith of Adelina made to story extra special for me. The writing is straight forward and descriptive. My only disappointment was the abrupt ending that leaves the story suspended for a next book.

This is a wonderful mix of medieval dangers and a love that is all that is proper and blessed. I would like to read more by Ms. Hamsher. I recommend this to readers who enjoy medieval romance and are open to strong faith themes.

Source: 2018 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019NetGalley and 2019Alphabet Goals.

Thursday, February 21, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: Never Let Go (Uncommon Justice Book #1) by Elizabeth Goddard

I enjoyed this engaging romantic suspense.
Never Let Go (Uncommon Justice Book #1)
by Elizabeth Goddard
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51-itg-OJmL.jpg
File Size: 7226 KB
Print Length: 365 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800729846
Publisher: Revell (February 5, 2019)
ASIN: B07F3DM5KF
Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


As a forensic genealogist, Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from the hospital more than twenty years ago. The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up when someone makes an attempt on her life to keep her from discovering the truth.
Ex-FBI agent--and Willow's ex-flame--Austin McKade readily offers his help to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget. And even if it puts Willow's tender heart at risk.
In this fast-paced and emotional page-turner, bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard keeps the stakes high, the romantic tension sparking, and the outcome uncertain until the very end.


Review:
Willow is a forensic genealogist who has learned under grandfather’s expert and intuitive tutelage. Her grandfather has recently died and, struggling with self-doubt, Willow decides to continue with his last case assignment: to find a daughter who had been kidnapped as a new born 20 years before. Willow’s decision is confirmed when her home is set on fire and it is apparent that someone wants to stop her from investigating further.

Willow’s ex-beau, Austin McKade, a former FBI agent, had been contacted by Willow’s grandfather to help with the case. He arrives on site just in time to give support and insists on staying to protect Willow.

Willow and Austin discover a thread to follow in the cold case. This little thread takes them to the area of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming which just happens to be Austin’s hometown and the source of the past that has kept him closed off, even from Willow. Since danger follows them, they are sure they are on the right path and getting closer to unraveling history.

I really liked the plot which included a path of crimes involving more than one motive. I did suspect the primary villain but there were twists on the second. Throughout the threats and emotional struggles, Willow and Austin call on their faith backgrounds for support and there are forgiveness and acceptance issues. Their own relationship is rocky and unsettled until the end.

The story is fast paced and reads quickly. I also liked the information on forensic genealogist which was new to me. I recommend this to readers who like light Christian, romantic suspense.

Source: 2018 NetGalley. This qualifies for my 2019TBR, 2019Network and 2019 Alphabet goals.

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: The Last Woman in the Forest by Diane Les Becquets

This is an interesting psychological thriller.
The Last Woman in the Forest
by Diane Les Becquets
Print Length: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley (March 5, 2019)
Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07DMZ4P68
Genre: Mystery, Psychological Thriller
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0


From the national bestselling author of Breaking Wild, here is a riveting and powerful thriller about a woman whose greatest threat could be the man she loves.…
Marian Engström has found her true calling: working with rescue dogs to help protect endangered wildlife. Her first assignment takes her to northern Alberta, where she falls in love with her mentor, the daring and brilliant Tate. When they’re separated on another assignment, she’s shattered to learn of his tragic death. Before long, Marian discovers disturbing inconsistencies about Tate’s life, and begins to wonder if the man she loved could have been responsible for the unsolved murders of at least four women.
Hoping to clear Tate’s name, Marian reaches out to a retired forensic profiler who’s haunted by the open cases. But as Marian relives her relationship with Tate and circles ever closer to the truth, evil stalks her every move.…


Review:
Marian Engström is a gentle sort of person who loves animals. She drifted from job to job until she found a job working with rescue dogs in an endangered wildlife research program. The dogs are specially trained and assigned to trained handlers. Marian was lucky to get accepted to the program and slowly gets to advance with the training skills. She meets Tate who becomes her training and mentor. Marian is surprised by Tate’s interest but craves his gentle, caring attention. Romantic entanglement is not permitted in the project teams but they secretly become involved. One of the other workers warns Marian that a relationship with another handler would probably not survive their separation to different jobs around the world.

After being assigned separate projects, Marian is devastated to learn of Tate’s death by a bear attack. She becomes more confused and distraught when a visit with Tate’s sister reveals that Tate lied to her about his life history.

Tate once told her that he found a female victim of a serial murderer who was never caught. Tate described the body with particular detail which Marian realizes shouldn’t be possible if the woman wasn’t found for months. Marian calls the investigating forensic profiler, Nick, trying to assure herself that she hadn’t fallen in love with a monster.

Nick is retired and dealing with his own health issues. But he agrees to talk to Marian and review the information she has. Bit by bit a picture of Tate develops that leaves Nick scared for Marian’s safety just as he himself is preparing for specialist treatment for life threatening cancer.

This story builds through an interesting series of present events, then switch back profiles and memories. Marian dialogs her history, her first encounter and subsequent romantic development with Tate. Interspersed with Marian’s accounts are Nick’s developed profiles of each of the murder victims, describing the facts that led him to believe how they were approached and the events of each of their murders. The book starts with a prologue description of the first victim. This pulled me in. Chapter 1 jumps to present day situation with Marian concerned about the doubts she was having about Tate. Chapter 2 moves back seven months. This pattern continues throughout the book.

There was still a slowness to the story, perhaps due to this pattern of changing entries, but this was balanced with the intriguing plot that was developed by the author. There wasn’t really strong suspense until late in the story. I think this is a solid physiological thriller.

Source: 2018 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019NetGalley and 2019Alphabet Goals.

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: Quinn's Promise Rock by Christie Thomas and Sydney Hanson

This is an absolutely charming delivery of foundation trust in God.
by Christie Thomas and Sydney Hanson
Quinn's Promise Rock: No Matter Where, God Is Always There
Age Range: 3 - 7 years
Grade Level: 1 - 2
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (February 5, 2019)
ISBN-13: 978-0736974325
Genre: Children, Christian
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0


Help Your Child Grab Hold of God's Promises
Quinn, the thoughtful little owl, has a lot of worries and questions for her father.
"What if I get lost?"
"What if you dive and I don't notice?"
"What if you get too far ahead of me and I can't find you?"
Written for children experiencing moments of separation anxiety or other common fears, Quinn's Promise Rock reminds kids that God will always be there for them, whatever happens or wherever they go. Share this comforting truth with your child today.


Review:
Quinn is a little owl who is about to experience her first night outing with her father. She has natural childlike fears: What if I get lost? What if I can’t see you? Quinn’s loving father gives her assurances that he will not let her get lost and he will be there. Then her father goes further to assure little Quinn that God will always be there for her.

This is a short children’s book that is direct and charming. It focuses on one message: God, our heavenly father, will always be there for His children. The soft, beautiful illustrations fit perfectly with the gentle prose. I would love to share this with young children to help teach this important basic message!

Source: 2018 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019NetGalley and 2019Alphabet Goals.

Saturday, January 26, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: The Winter Mystery by Faith Martin

I enjoyed this amateur sleuth mystery.
The Winter Mystery an absolutely gripping whodunit
by Faith Martin
File Size: 1470 KB
Print Length: 237 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1789310636
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Joffe Books mystery and crime (December 17, 2018)
ASIN: B07LG6FP9D
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Mystery, Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Discover a new series of whodunits by million-selling author Faith Martin. These charming mysteries will have you scratching your head to work out who the murderer is.
“Classic murder mystery story with a twist at the end” Oxford Times
Meet Jenny Starling: travelling cook and reluctant amateur detective.
Please note this book was first published as “A FATAL FALL OF SNOW” under Faith Martin’s pen name JOYCE CATO.
Jenny Starling is spending Christmas in a snowed-in country house cooking all the traditional food she loves. But the family she’s working for are not full of the seasonal spirit. In fact, they seem to hate each other.
On Christmas Eve, someone is found dead on the kitchen table. And the head of the family is blaming Jenny!
But with an incompetent detective called in, and seemingly no motive for the murder, Jenny will have to give the police a hand.
She will stop at nothing to clear her name and find the real murderer.
This is the second of a series of gripping murder mysteries with a great cast of characters and baffling crimes which will keep you in suspense to the final page.
Perfect for fans of classic whodunits by authors like Agatha Christie, LJ Ross, TE Kinsey, and J.R. Ellis.


Review:
Traveling cook, Jenny, accepts a job in a small village to cook over the Christmas holidays. She arrives after struggling through the snow to get to the house. There she finds that no one knew she was coming except the gruff, tyrant head of the household, Stan Kelton.

Jenny meets the family and learns that the household consists of Stan’s elder brother, Sid, who has been frail after an accident years before; Stan’s two grown sons, Bert and Bill; his daughter Delia; and his grandson, Jeremy, Bert’s son. Although the eldest son of the family is the legal owner of the farm, it is clear that Stan is in control… and no one is particularly happy. There is a local woman, Mrs. Jarvis, who comes in daily to clean and cook under normal circumstances. She is more than willing to explain that Stan is a brute who caused the death of her husband and ran off Bert’s wife.

Jenny is only at the home a day or two before she steps into the kitchen, turns to the table and finds Sid, (not Stan), sitting with a knife in his chest. Jenny hurries through the snow to get authorities to come to the house. When she returns, she steps in to have Stan accuse her of the crime. The inspectors are congenial, but Jenny realizes that they are not overly experienced at murder investigations. On the other hand, Jenny has gained a small reputation as she has already helped to uncover two other crimes.

If it had been Stan who was killed there would be plenty of people with motive. But who would want to kill sweet, gentle Sid? Fortunately the inspectors are willing to follow Jenny’s suggested steps to protect the scene, gather evidence and interview witnesses.

I found Jenny to be a lovely character and I liked how she handled the investigation. There are several side issues to make the reader ponder. However there are other clues for the reader to pick up so I was able to guess the motive and killer before the reveal. Still it was fun to follow the investigation. The writing was clear, easy going and moved along well. There were nice descriptions (including yummy meals) that contributed to the natural feel of the story without dragging it out. I would be glad to read more by Ms. Martin and I recommend this to reader’s who enjoy a nice cozy mystery.

Source: 2018 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019NetGalley, 2019Alphabet goals and is the Winter title for my seasons goal reading.

Thursday, January 24, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: A Flicker of Hope by Julia Cook, MacKenzie Haley (Illustrator)

This is an encouraging book to share with children.
A Flicker of Hope
by Julia Cook (Author), MacKenzie Haley (Illustrator)
Age Range: 5 - 8 years
Grade Level: 3 - 4
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: National Center for Youth Issues (December 4, 2018)
ISBN-13: 978-1937870522
Genre: Children, Emotions, Self-Esteem and Self-Respect
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


HOPE is our children's window for a better tomorrow. In terms of resilience and well-being, hope is a critically important predictor of success. This creative story from the best-selling author of My Mouth is a Volcano!, and Bubble Gum Brain, reminds children that dark clouds can be temporary and asking for help is always okay. We all have times when we need to borrow a little hope from someone else.
When your clouds get too dark,
and too heavy to push away,
Reach out and ask, Can I borrow some light?
I'm having a really bad day.
It's always okay to admit to yourself,
I just can't do it today.
Everyone needs somebody sometimes,
to help them find their way.
Sometimes the dark clouds overhead seem too heavy and you feel like giving up. Little candle knows all about this. Bad grades, blasted on social media, worried about making the team, and wondering who her real friends are so many hard things to deal with! All she can see is darkness. But her story begins to change when someone notices she needs a boost of hope. As little candle is reminded she has purpose and her own unique gifts, and that she isn't the only one with dark clouds, her dim light begins to shine brighter.

This hopeful story emphasizes for children (and adults) the many different ways to ask for help, and their ability to be a hope builder for others, too.


Review:
Little candle is going through a time of stress and depression. She has many worries and thoughts of inadequacies. Another candle sees that Little candle’s light is dim. This older candle steps up to encourage Little candle, telling her of her own uniqueness and the fact that she can ask for help. The older candle shares her light to brighten Little candle. Having been encouraged, Little candle turns and shares encouragement with another candle who is struggling with low flickering.

I enjoyed the encouraging message in this children’s book. The message is repeated but I think that is okay because it reinforces that everyone goes through times when they could use a little help or boost from others.

The illustrations are bright, colorful and engaging. I like the different shapes of the candles which is consistent with all of us being different. I think this is a lovely book for parents to share with children and then I can imagine a child going back to the story to look through the images on their own. Even if they can't read, they can remember the lesson they were taught. I recommend this to all parents but especially those who may have a sensitive child who needs to know that it is okay to reach out for encouragement from others.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019NetGalley and 2019Alphabet Goals.

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: Summoned to Thirteenth Grave by Darynda Jones

This is an interesting series ending... for now.
Summoned to Thirteenth Grave: A Novel (Charley Davidson Series Book 13)
by Darynda Jones

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41cEFGdj-BL.jpg
File Size: 2039 KB
Print Length: 304 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (January 15, 2019)
ASIN: B071JMJF4G
Genre: Fantasy, Ghosts, Private Investigator
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Grim Reaper Charley Davidson is back in the final installment of Darynda Jones’ New York Times bestselling paranormal series--Summoned to Thirteenth Grave.
Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper extraordinaire, is pissed. She’s been kicked off the earthly plane for eternity –which is exactly the amount of time it takes to make a person stark, raving mad. But someone’s looking out for her, and she’s allowed to return after a mere hundred years in exile. Is it too much to hope for that not much has changed? Apparently it is. Bummer.
She’s missed her daughter. She’s missed Reyes. She’s missed Cookie and Garrett and Uncle Bob. But now that she’s back on earth, it’s time to put to rest burning questions that need answers. What happened to her mother? How did she really die? Who killed her? And are cupcakes or coffee the best medicine for a broken heart? It all comes to a head in an epic showdown between good and evil in this final smart and hilarious novel.


Review:
Charley expected to be exiled alone on an isolated plane for an eternity. She is surprised, and thrilled, when she finds herself returned to the earthly plane after only a hundred years. She is sad to think that 100 years has passed on earth. She would have missed her child, Beep, growing up but she is hoping that her darling girl brought peace to earth. But time doesn’t work quite like that.

Charley’s return to earth is only 10 days after she left b that shut she discovers that she and her half demon husband, Reyes, have opened a portal that has allowed shadow demons into earth. Their home community in New Mexico is being attacked from within and Charley and Reyes have only three days to save the planet. To accomplish that Charley must uncover a mystery connected to her own mother.

Meanwhile a five-year-old boy spirit has sought out Charley and she and her stellar staff are trying to locate his mother who was kidnapped years before. Charley’s assistant Cookie, her daughter Amber and Amber’s boyfriend, Quentin, all take part in the search. They get extra help from Garret, Osh, Artemis and Charley’s biker friends. Meanwhile, there are twists and surprises – one involving Uncle Bob and another involving Rocket.

If you haven’t read this series- you will want to go start at the beginning not at this final installment. There are plenty of fun chapter openings with snarky memes and quotes. As usual Darynda Jones includes a PI (private investigation) case for Charley to solve while facing a life challenge. I enjoyed that so many of the series characters were included in this ending story and I liked the good twist for several of the characters. I admire how Jones creates a depth of romantic love between Charley and Reyes but I felt she overdid the extra sex scenes during the madness of three days to save the world. I also didn’t appreciate the foul language; some deliberately crude in my opinion.

I imagine many fans of the series will be happy with this interim conclusion. I say interim as I am fairly sure there will be a future story(ies) for Beep and her army. I do recommend this to fans of detective, paranormal fantasy who like snarky humor and don’t mind a bit of crudeness and sex.

Source: 2018 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019NetGalley and 2019Alphabet Goals.

My Reviews of Books 1 through 12 can be found at this link.

Thursday, January 17, 2019

#NetGalley Book Review: Talon of Scorpio: A Novel of the Shadowstorm by G. T. Almasi

I enjoyed the prior books in this series and this is another action packed volume.
Talon of Scorpio: A Novel of the Shadowstorm
by G. T. Almasi
File Size: 1981 KB
Publisher: Hydra (May 1, 2018)
ASIN: B00Z3G1X2K
Genre: Conspiracies, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Superagent Alix Nico returns in a new Shadowstorm thriller from the author of Blades of Winter, which was hailed as “a hell-bent-for-leather mash-up of spy novel and science fiction” by Jason Bourne novelist Eric Van Lustbader.
Alix Nico, code-named Scarlet, is a one-woman demolition derby. As a top American Level, she’s a cybernetically and biologically enhanced operative fighting a Cold War among the forces of freedom, a Soviet Union that never fell, a China hungry for power, and a Germany that emerged from World War II more powerful than ever.
There’s a mole within ExOps, the covert agency responsible for the security of the United States, who has been working to decapitate the organization’s leadership. And when treason strikes, Scarlet and her partner, Darwin, find themselves matched against a rogue Level known as Talon, a merciless killing machine whose augmentations place her in a league of her own. But behind Talon lurks the real enemy, a traitor whose thirst for control threatens to upset the fragile balance of mutually assured destruction that has kept the four Great Powers from breaking into open warfare—until now.


Review:
Alix Nico, aka Scarlet, is a one-woman army… although demolition derby is perhaps more accurate. She is cybernetically and biologically enhanced, including self-administered pain medicines and calmers that she may be abusing. Alix is generally successful in her missions, working closely with her ExOps partner, Darwin, (a Patrick clone). However, her missions are more often than not messy with injuries and collateral damage.

The ExOps agency is suffering under sabotage and betrayal from a high-level mole. They know who it is but have been unable to locate him and shut him down while he continues to cause damage to the safety of United States and its international relationships. This super enemy now has his own super weapon – a rogue enhanced Level known as Talon. She has enhancements that even challenge Scarlet.

Scarlet and Darwin are off on a fast tract trip chasing Talon and her boss, enemy #1. The chase takes them to Germany, one of the four Great Powers, where havoc ensues. Can Scarlet live through the attacks of super villain Talon and get to the top enemy before he releases more chaos.

When I started to read this, I was glad that I recognized the characters and alternate world from the prior books that I read several years ago. I had to recall that the reader has to get used to the multiple character names or the reader could get lost. What I hadn’t recalled was the ugly language which makes this less enjoyable for me.

Another thing that I recall - and is consistent with this third book- is how busy and quick author Almasi moves the action, settings and characters. It is a wild ride full of fights, shoot outs and bombs. I recommend this fast-paced story to readers who enjoy non-stop action with enhanced characters.

Source: 2018 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019NetGalley and 2019 Alphabet.

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