Audible Book Review: You're Next by Gregg Hurwitz

This is a gripping suspense thriller.
You're Next
By: Gregg Hurwitz
Narrator: Scott Brick

Duration: 14 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 07-05-11
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Crime thriller, Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Mike Wingate had a rough childhood  —  he was abandoned at a playground at four years old and raised in foster care. No one ever came to claim him, and he has only a few, fragmented memories of his parents. Now, as an adult, Mike is finally living the life he had always wanted  —  he’s happily married to Annabel, the woman of his dreams; they have a precocious eight-year-old daughter, Kat; and his construction company is about to finish a “green” housing development that will secure a solid future for them all. Then the unimaginable happens: Something from Mike’s own past, a past he doesn’t even remember, comes back to visit terror upon him and his family. Menacing characters show up and begin threatening Mike, and when he reports them, the police seem more interested in Mike’s murky past than in investigating or protecting his young family. Now, with Mike, his wife, and their daughter suddenly under attack from all sides, Mike must turn to Shep, a truly dangerous man  —  and Mike’s only true friend  —  from their childhood days together in foster care. Together, the two of them will do whatever it takes to protect Mike’s family against the hidden men behind the terrifying warning “You’re Next!”
©2011 Gregg Hurwitz (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Mike Wingate has had life-long issues from being abandoned by his father at age four and thinking terrible things happened to his mother. He struggled through foster care barely staying out of jail until his teen years when he helped a friend. He learned an important lesson and went on to shape his own future. Now Mike is a family man with a wife and eight-year-old daughter he feels blessed to have. He is a successful entrepreneur who just completed a ‘green’ subdivision. Except he discovered a problem days before he and the governor were to receive a reward before all the news sources. Shortly after his face appears on newspapers around the states, Mike becomes a target. He doesn’t know why, but he is fighting to save himself and his family. When the police authorities focus on him instead of his attacker, Mike calls the only man he can trust- his childhood friend, Shep.

Mike, Shep and his family are on the run from the sadistic killers who seem to have the upper hand. Mike must find a way to change from prey to hunter. He gets help from another friend, Hank, a PI who has been trying for years to locate Mike’s parents. It would help if they could figure out who or why the killers are so intent on taking out Mike…and his family.

The story starts a little slowly but soon gripped me so I was anxious to know that Mike would survive and save his wife and daughter. The author has chapters to reveal the sick brutality of the killers, but it isn’t made clear who hired them as it is just their boss/big man on the phone. I really like the author’s twist of plot that is revealed with the reason for the vendetta. Even then, the superior powers that be pose a huge risk to Mike and his family that keeps the reader/listener on edge until the end.

This is the second book (Orphan X) I have listened to by Hurwitz and it sure won’t be the last. He delivers a thrilling ride that holds my attention. I recommend this book and author to fans of mystery thrillers.

Audio Notes: Scott Brick has a distinct narration skill. I think his voice and energy work really well for this mystery thriller. He carries the characters, male, female, creepy killers and the beleaguered protagonist. The audio added to my engagement with the book and I will look to listen to more by this author and narrator.

Source: Audible 8/31/2017 sale $4.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet ("X") goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Megge of Bury Down by Rebecca Kightlinger

Megge is a complex character in this engaging story of healers ("good witches") in the middle ages.
Megge of Bury Down
The Bury Down Chronicles, Book One
by Rebecca Kightlinger
Narrated by Jan Cramer

Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins
Release date: 11-09-18
Publisher: Rowan Moon
Genre: Coming of Age, Historical Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

In thirteenth century Cornwall, young Megge has just come of age to be apprenticed to her mother, the healer of Bury Down. But first, she must accept and vow to protect The Book of Seasons, an ancient tome that holds life-sustaining power harnessed centuries earlier by Murga, the first seer of Bury Down. At her vowtaking ceremony, yearning to accept her inheritance and take her place among her family's long line of healers and seers, Megge reaches for the book. When she touches it, she feels something writhe within it and becomes convinced that the book is cursed and that she too will be cursed if she accepts it.
Despite her mother's pleas to protect the book from the one who would usurp its power, Megge refuses to even look at it. But when a Blackfriar abbot arrives in the village claiming to be under orders to root out heretics, and imprisons the healer for refusing to turn over her "demon's book," will Megge finally summon the courage to take that vow?

Review:
Megge has been born into a family of healers. One line of the family has an ancient Book of Time and the other line has an ancient Book of Seasons. The books contain healing remedies and techniques and words of celestial wisdom written down by the women over the generations. Each new daughter is trained as an apprentice and prepared to take the vow of the women of Bury Down when they reach a certain age.

When Megge goes eagerly to her vowtaking ceremony she is frightened by a sense of evil and burning from the book. She refuses to touch the book again and chooses to follow a different family member who helps to train her first in shepherding and later in weaving. She knows her mother is disappointed in her but doesn’t realize that she is still being trained to take a role in the family legacy.

But some men seek the powers of the books and are willing to challenge the women as ‘witches’ doing the devil’s work in spite of the healing help they have provided in the community. A Blackfriar abbot arrives and is told by jealous young women to hunt out Megge’s mother and aunt. The confrontation puts Megge in a stressed situation as she will have to take some action if she wants to save her family.

The author takes a good portion of the story developing Megge’s character and adding the family history through story telling times. Megge is a young girl who wants to choose her own destiny, not realizing the significance of the family legacy. I liked Megge’s conflicted character and the strong female mentors who helped shape her and give her courage.

The author does a good job of building the mysticism and tension that could easily surround skilled healers in the middle ages. The story reaches a twisted climax and conclusion but leaves open issues for the sequel, The Lady of the Cliffs. I am not a huge fan of coming of the age stories and I am glad this is much more. I enjoyed this one and hope to get the second book at NetGalley too. I recommend this story to readers who like historical dramas with a touch of ancient runes and incantations.

Audio Notes: Jan Cramer is a British born narrator who delivers the Welsh accents wonderfully. The sound is lovely and added to my being immersed in the thirteenth century world. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2020 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020 NetGalley Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Yang Warriors by Kao Kalia Yang

Oh boy - this is touching!

Yang Warriors
by Kao Kalia Yang

Illustrations by Billy Thao

Hardcover : 40 pages
Publisher : Univ Of Minnesota Press (April 13, 2021)
ISBN-13 : 978-1517907983
Reading level : 5 - 10 years
Grade level : Kindergarten - 5
Genre: Children, Immigration, Refugee
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Award-winning author Kao Kalia Yang delivers an inspiring tale of resourceful children confronting adversaries in a refugee camp.
After lunch the Yang warriors prepare for battle. They practice drills, balance rocks on their heads, wield magical swords from fallen branches. Led by ten-year-old Master Me (whose name means “little”), the ten cousins are ready to defend the family at all costs. After a week without fresh vegetables , the warriors embark on a dangerous mission to look for food, leaving the camp’s boundaries, knowing their punishment would be severe if they were caught by the guards.
In this inspiring picture book, fierce and determined children confront the hardships of Ban Vinai refugee camp, where the author lived as a child. Yang’s older sister, seven-year-old Dawb, was one of the story’s warriors, and her brave adventure unfolds here with all the suspense and excitement that held her five-year-old sister spellbound many years later. Accompanied by the evocative and rich cultural imagery of debut illustrator Billy Thao, the warriors’ secret mission shows what feats of compassion and courage children can perform, bringing more than foraged greens back to the younger children and to their elders. In this unforgiving place, with little to call their own, these children are the heroes, offering gifts of hope and belonging in a truly unforgettable way.

Review:
The Yang warriors are a group of young children in a refugee camp in Thailand. (Ban Vinai camp housed many highland people, known as Hmong, who fled communist rule in Laos from 1975 until 1992.) The conditions in the camp are hard and the families struggle to have enough food to sustain life. The guards are harsh and will punish those who challenge the boundaries of the camp.

The children gather in a quiet, unobtrusive group to meditate and train in practice drills, balancing rocks and wielding branch swords. The children seek to be prepared to act if and when needed to help their families and especially their younger siblings. Having heard of vegetables just beyond the camp, they plan a mission to sneak out and gather those precious greens for their families.

The story is told simply from the view of the author’s memories as a five-year-old seeing the bravery and compassion of her seven-year-old sister and their cousins. The story is poignant, gripping, and heart-wrenching. I found my breath hitching as I read of these sorrowful children. I found the closing message of resourcefulness and hope encouraging (but not enough). I think the message will have to be explained to children. The author's and illustrator's notes add to the work.

The illustrations are by a Hmong American who researched and achieved a style that fits beautifully and enhances the text. The gentle images use vibrant colors and a mystical touch. The story is appropriate to share with children, explaining the struggles of refugee families and what we might be able to do to help others. I plan to purchase the print book to share with my grandchildren.

Source: 2020 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Survive the Fall (EMP: Return of the Wild West Book 1) by Grace Hamilton

This is a post-apocalyptic story focused on one family in two locations.
Survive the Fall (EMP: Return of the Wild West Book 1)
by Grace Hamilton

ASIN : B08JH9PQ5W
Publication date : December 9, 2020
File size : 3025 KB
Genre: Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

Survival of the fittest becomes harsh reality in the blink of an eye. Greg Healy isn’t fooled. The hunting trip is merely a ploy contrived by his wife and mother to force Greg and his father to end their estrangement. Not even Greg’s teenage daughter or his father’s hunting buddies along for the ride will be enough of a buffer to heal the rift of long-standing resentments. But the helicopter has barely dropped them in the remote Canadian wilderness when they discover their new equipment is dead with no explanation. Now they’ll have to rely on each other and resort to Old West ingenuity to find their way home—before the hunter becomes the hunted.
For seventeen-year-old Darryl Healy, things aren’t much easier on his grandparents’ cattle ranch. Not when his highly intelligent and successful mother keeps hounding him about college applications. But college quickly loses its allure when the lights go out after a cyberattack. Frightening responsibilities fall squarely on Darryl’s unproven shoulders as a power-hungry politician is determined to confiscate the ranch’s resources—by any means necessary.
Danger and death await the Healy family as each group attempts to navigate this terrifying new post-apocalyptic world while the vast wilderness separates them. When deceit arises from within their ranks, they’ll face threats as lethal as the grizzly bears and mountain lions lurking in the shadows.
And in order to survive the nightmare, a deal with the devil might be their only saving grace.
Prepper survivalist author Grace Hamilton invites you to step into a post-apocalyptic, EMP-ravaged world filled with strong, resourceful characters, survivalist knowledge, and edge-of-your seat action.

Review:
Greg has agreed to go on a hunting trip with his father, Tuck, whom Greg tends to avoid due to their pattern of arguing. Greg is surprised by his teenage daughter’s enthusiasm for the trip. Emma is excited and has been studying to prepare to show her father and grandfather that she can be trusted in this environment. There are two other men along for the trip: Tuck’s best friend, Tommy, a rugged fellow, and Eustace, the brawny foreman of the pipeline company who is to serve as guide on the company land.

Greg is distressed when his satellite phone doesn’t work and the hunters soon realize none of their electronic equipment is working. When they see a fire in the distance three of the men make the hike to discover that the helicopter that dropped them off has crashed. Finally, they are realizing that something is very wrong and they are apparently stranded with minimal supplies and limited hope of rescue. As they agree to trek their way down the pipeline it is clear that there are secrets and hidden tensions that threaten the group as much as the stark wilderness with snakes and bears.

Meanwhile, back home, Greg’s son, Darryl, is struggling to complete his college applications while trying to help his grandmother and mother run the family ranch. When the power failed, none of the ranch hands showed up for work. Since the mechanical equipment isn’t working, the cows have to be milked by hand. Fences have to be repaired to control the herd and soon they realize that the fences need to be turned into a wall to protect against predators - wild animals and human thieves. Will these three be able to help their neighbors and protect their property against the powers in the local town who seek to take their resources, even at gunpoint?

I found this to be a fairly predictable EMP power loss, post-apocalyptic story. The author has presented dual, well-constructed plot lines with flawed – very human – characters. The story reads easily but I was disappointed by what I will call a lack of energy. The two threads of the story are adequately written technically and have some danger and intrigue. Still, both experiences seemed depressed to me. The story ends with a shoot-out and a trailing enemy who will no doubt make trouble in the next book.

It may just be that I wasn’t particularly gripped by any of the characters. I will recommend the book to fans of post-apocalyptic genre, and there are plenty of five-star reviews to encourage them to read this..

Source: 2020 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Zombie Fallout: Zero by Mark Tufo

I liked this military based addition explaining the beginning of the Zombie Fallout. Zombie Fallout: Zero
By: Mark Tufo
Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Series: Zombie Fallout, Book 0.5
Length 2h 44m
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Dystopian Sci Fi, Horror, Zombie
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
#Fraterfest

Publisher's Summary
In this audio-exclusive prequel - a must-hear for die-hard Zombie Fallout fans and newcomers alike - listeners are brought back to the days before outbreak; to the origins of a virus capable of raising the dead, its patient zero, and the events that set in motion the destruction of the human race.
Those who would seek a new world order have unleashed the most devastating virus onto mankind, and even they do not know the secrets hidden in their weapon. Follow along as Harry, a CDC scientist, races to figure out what exactly the virus is and how to stop it. It will be up to him and a group of marines led by Major Sanders to stop the zombie fallout before it ravages an unsuspecting world.
©2016 Mark Tufo (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
A strange mob has overrun the police in New York. As Harry, a CDC scientist, studies the films he notes alarming behavior because the mob appear not to die even when shot or disembodied. Harry digs deep into the scientific genome of the virus that has turned these humans into beasts. He reports to his co-worker that the virus has been modified to allow a quick and harmful infection. They don’t realize how serious the infection is until they watch a test subject, Patient Zero, who is believed to be dead. The man comes alive, with inhuman strength and hunger, to attack the guards in his holding cell. The CDC scientists try to warn the government but soon learn that their warnings are being thwarted by nefarious forces who have actually planned the spread of the evil virus.

Major Sanders is in the field for the last two days of training of his new marines when his superior orders him to return to base so that the base can meet vaccination levels. Sanders ignores the order and is then called back by an even higher superior the next morning. Sanders and his new recruits return to learn that they are facing a new enemy.

I listened to book 1 which tells the story of a Michael Talbot and his family fighting in their gated community. It was okay but didn’t pull me into the series. I did like this novella that explains how the virus started and who was Patient Zero. I particularly enjoyed the military involvement fighting the early waves of infected. If the rest of the series included Harry and Sanders I would be more interested in listening. I recommend this to fans of the zombie genre.

Audio Notes: Sean Runnette is the narrator for this series and he does a good job. He portrays the characters with distinct voices and captures their personalities. I am glad I had this as a plus catalog free story to listen too as part of my 2020 October #Fraterfest.

Source: 2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook. Alphabet and #Fraterfest goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Honor in an Age of Metal and Men by Anthony W. Eichenlaub

This is a good conclusion to the series, with lots of twists.
Honor in an Age of Metal and Men
by Anthony W. Eichenlaub

Publisher : Oak Leaf Cemetery (December 5, 2019)
ASIN : B07XJM1S9F
Print Length : 197 pages
Publication Date : December 5, 2019
File Size : 2117 KB
Genre: Cyberpunk, Futuristic,Sci-Fi, Western
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

War blazes all around, but it's not J.D.'s war. Not this time.
There are two bounties out for Francis William Brown. One alive. One dead. J.D. finally catches the man he's been after all these years when Francis comes without hardly a fight.
But it ain't ever that simple. A bullet in the skull would be proper for what Francis has done but keeping him alive might be the key to ending the war that's tearing Texas apart. J.D. needs to decide if keeping a promise and ending the war is worth the risk of seeing the worst criminal in the history of Texas walk free.
An itch at the back of his skull tells him that maybe all this is part of Francis' plan.
Will he kill Francis in cold blood, or is there still Honor in an Age of Metal and Men?

Review:
J.D. is an ‘older’ survivor of Texas and the wars that devastated the country. J.D. reluctantly works with a metal arm while others around him embrace multiple tech modifications to enhance their bodies. J.D. is a retired sheriff who believes in justice, peace, and honor even though they are difficult concepts to hold onto. J.D. still works sporadically as a bounty hunter and when a contract is issued regarding his long-time nemesis Francis Brown. Actually, there are two bounties – one to bring Francis in alive and one to bring him in dead.

J.D. has a twisted history with Frances since the days when J.D. shot his mother when Frances was only a boy. Over the years Frances has become a notorious criminal and J.D. feels the guilt. As he tries to bring Frances in alive, he gets saddled with a teen girl who claims Frances promised to get her out of her hometown. J.D. faces another bounty hunter group who is willing to bring Frances in dead. If that isn’t enough struggle, J.D. and his replacement, Sheriff Trish, uncover a deadly plot by another crime lord, Casket Jones, that puts the bounty situation on hold. It will take combined efforts of the ‘honorable’ and not so honorable to stop a devastating war crime.

The first book in the series, Justice in an Age of Metal and Men, laid out the characters and the history that supports this conclusion. I may have missed adventures and more conflict by not reading book two, but it wasn’t needed to enjoy this one. I enjoy the creativity and cyberpunk elements of the story. Also, Mr. Eichenlaub mixes a healthy dose of humor with the suspenseful danger. The plot twists are anticipated but still a good surprise when they arrive. I recommend this book to fans of cyberpunk, western and suspense.

This is my last NetGalley book received in 2019. (It only took eight months to get it read!) This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020NetGalley and Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: You Need A Budget by Jesse Mecham

This book contains useful tools for those who struggle with spending and saving.
You Need a Budget
The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Getting out of Debt, and Living the Life You Want
By: Jesse Mecham
Narrated by: Jesse Mecham

Length: 4 hrs and 54 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-26-17
Language: English
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Budgeting, Money Management, Non-Fiction, Self Help
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
For most people, budgeting conjures up the same feelings as, say, prison and dieting. But your initial instinct couldn't be further from the truth. You just haven't budgeted the right way.
You Need a Budget will teach you four simple rules to completely revolutionize the way you think about managing your money. With a budget, you'll break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, get out of debt, and save more money. A liberating, enabling, empowering budget will actually make you feel more free, not more restricted. The YNAB philosophy is centered around these four rules:

• Give every dollar a job. Take your cash, checking, and saving accounts and assign jobs to that money. Begin now with what you have on hand. Then follow your plan. Pick your priorities, and make sure your dollars are helping you move closer to the things you care about most.
•  Embrace your true expenses. Look ahead and identify the larger, less frequent expenses that tend to sneak up on you. Break those expenses into manageable monthly amounts. Consider insurance premiums, birthdays, holidays, charitable giving, car repairs, etc. This practice evens out your cash outflows, decreases your stress, and helps you make better decisions.
•  Roll with the punches. Accept the fact that life always changes and you'll likely always go over budget somewhere. If an unexpected expense comes up and you need to change your budget, just change it. The YNAB philosophy not only tolerates changing your budget but encourages it.
•  Age your money. The goal of this rule is to increase the time between the moment you earn money and the moment you spend that money. In other words, if you're going to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, you need to learn to live on money you earned a month or two months or even three months ago.

YNAB's four rules are the pillars of a tried-and-true system that gets you to engage with your money every day. It helps you change your behavior so that you're proactive and in control of your finances. It's not about stressing over last month's statement; instead, you're looking ahead and actively deciding how you want and need to build a life of meaning, not stress.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2017 YNAB Licensing LLC (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
This engaging nonfiction gives a workable plan to help anyone manage their money. The author, Jesse Mecham, provides four precise steps to follow for getting control of your funds. A short version of the rules is: 1) Give each dollar a job, 2) Embrace (identify) your true expenses, 3) Roll with the punches, and 4) Age your money (increase the time it remains in your bank or pocket).

These rules are very important for those living paycheck to paycheck, especially considering the stress of dealing too many bills and too little money. Even those with excess funds will find the rules helpful to reduce wasted spending and help achieve goals once they are prioritized. After covering each of the rules, Mecham presents several focused chapters on couples, slaying debt and teaching kids to budget.

Mecham uses real-life examples that readers/listeners can relate to. The book moves along well and is a good length so it isn’t overwhelming. The pdf that is provided is primarily an appendix of additional resources. Since this shorter work does leave room for more detail and hands-on practice, it is good to know that there are great videos available online. I shared the videos of the basic rules with my office staff to encourage them to remember the benefits of budgeting. I recommend this to everyone who struggles with money management.

Audio Notes: Mecham narrates this with an engaging voice and clearly knowledgeable base. I am glad that I picked this up at a good discount as a daily deal.

Source: 9/9/18 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook, and 2020Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: #The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water by Zen Cho

I found this to be delightfully different and very engaging.
The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water
by Zen Cho

File Size: 5364 KB
Print Length: 160 pages
Publisher: Tor.com (June 23, 2020)
ASIN: B07WPNGGGB
Genre: Action and Adventure, Asian Myth, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Zen Cho returns with The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water, a found family wuxia fantasy that combines the vibrancy of old school martial arts movies with characters drawn from the margins of history.
A bandit walks into a coffeehouse, and it all goes downhill from there. Guet Imm, a young votary of the Order of the Pure Moon, joins up with an eclectic group of thieves (whether they like it or not) in order to protect a sacred object, and finds herself in a far more complicated situation than she could have ever imagined.

Review:
Guet Imm is a young votary (like a nun) who has taken work at a tavern after her temple home was raided and burned. A group of thieves, who consider themselves more than bandits, stops in the tavern and one of their group, Tet Sang, can’t help but interfere when Guet is abused by a customer. After the ensuing brawl, Guet attaches herself to the band of misfits insisting that she has nowhere else to go. Tet tries to discourage Guet as the band is on a mission to deliver certain booty to a buyer in another town. They will have to dodge gangs of bandits as well as military troops along the way.

Guet manages to put off any sexual advances by an explicit threat of retribution. Even though she is a bit of a nuisance, and not particularly skilled, Guet begins to endear herself to the rough band. Eventually, she discovers secrets and interferes with the plans of thieves. Dangers are narrowly escaped and, while Guet is trying to make amends, more secrets are revealed.

I was not familiar with “wuxia fantasy” which apparently means ‘martial-arts chivalry or martial arts heroes’. I totally enjoyed the story, even with its few risqué elements. The characters, especially Guet and Tet, are well developed and the relationships and dialog are entertaining and humorous. There is an unexpected delightful mix of adventure, wit, charm, and magic. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a fun, Asian adventure.

Source: 2020 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Vanguard by Jack Campbell

I enjoyed this space colonization sci-fi.
Vanguard
The Genesis Fleet, Book 1
By: Jack Campbell
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Series: Genesis Fleet, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 05-16-17
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Colonization, Military Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Jack Campbell returns to the world of the New York Times best-selling Lost Fleet novels with a new action-packed military science fiction series that explores the founding of the Alliance...and the men and women who fought to create it.
Earth is no longer the center of the universe. After the invention of the faster-than-light jump drive, humanity is rapidly establishing new colonies. But the vast distances of space mean that the old order of protection and interstellar law offered by Earth has ceased to exist.
When a nearby world attacks, the new colony of Glenlyon turns to Robert Geary, a young former junior fleet officer, and Mele Darcy, a onetime enlisted marine. With nothing but improvised weapons and a few volunteers, Geary and Darcy must face down warships and armored soldiers - or die trying.
As battles rage and pirates take an increasing toll throughout the colonies, the only hope for lasting peace lies with Carmen Ochoa, a "Red" from the anarchic world of Mars, and Lochan Nakamura, a failed politician. They have a plan: to lay the groundwork for mutual defense that could someday grow into an alliance. But if their efforts don't succeed, the growing power of aggressor worlds could turn regions of space founded on freedom into battlefields between the first interstellar empires.
©2017 John G. Hemry (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Humanity has taken to the stars to establish new colonies, but they aren’t always safe. Glenlyon is a new colony that has established some primary living areas but has done nothing towards space defense. They can reach out to the home world for help but not only will that take time, ut the home world isn’t exactly jumping to aid the colonies.

Robert Geary is a former junior fleet officer looking for a new start on Glenlyon. He didn’t expect to be recruited to lead a rag tag, untrained force of volunteers. When an unannounced freighter and escort shuttle enter the planet’s orbit, Robert and his new force surprise everyone by capturing the shuttle. Their success provides a small advantage, but they still don’t have the weapons or forces to protect the planet if – or more likely when - the bullying enemy returns.

Mele Darcy, a former marine, with her rebellious nature, has traveled out to a distant colony for a new start in her own life. When the Glenlyon leadership need to set up a force to fight the intruding enemy, they discover Mele’s background and recruit her to put together a military presence. Fortunately, Mele has enough background and strategy intelligence to be able to set up successful raids to damage the enemy.

Meanwhile, two others looking for a new life, Carmen and Lochan, have landed on a neighboring planet. Even though Carmen was successful on Earth as a crisis and peace negotiator, she is afraid others will reject her because she is a “Red” from Mars. Lochan views himself as a failed politician and a failure in all aspects of his life. They begin to show each other that they can be accepted and succeed with a change in attitude.

Mele helped Lochan escape becoming part of a slave group. This connection becomes helpful when Robert reaches out to the colony where Carmen and Lochan have just arrived. The small group of friends realize they may be able to survive better if they join as an alliance to help each other.

It has been years since I read the first book in the Lost Fleet and I should probably return to the rest of that series. The background of the humanity expansions from Earth seemed very brief in this book and initially I felt the characters were disjointed or disconnected. I was glad when the connections came together. The story flowed quickly, and I enjoyed the easy characters who each have a talent that was needed. There were some moments that required a stretch of belief, but I find that okay to some degree especially in science fiction. I was troubled by some inconsistencies as one scene indicated a problem with space delayed communications and in a later scene the communications seemed to be instantaneous. The romantic element was a little annoying, though intended to be cute.

Overall, I enjoyed the ride and watching the characters face new challenges and battles. I would be interested to see how they continue to defend their worlds and seek resolution with the enemy. I recommend this to readers who enjoy an easy, fast-paced space sci-fi filled.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel is a very talented narrator. He added life to the story by providing distinct and apt voices for the characters. I definitely enjoyed listening to this story.

Source: 12/6/2019 Audible Free Titles for Settlement. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Alphabet and 2020Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Finders (Mace Reid K-9 Mystery Book 1) by Jeffrey B. Burton

Vira, the golden retriever cadaver dog, is a star in this story!

The Finders
A Mystery (Mace Reid K-9 Mystery Book 1)
by Jeffrey B. Burton

File Size: 4502 KB
Print Length: 288 pages
Publisher: Minotaur Books (June 30, 2020)
ASIN: B0818NVFT7
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Canine, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Jeffrey B. Burton's The Finders marks the beginning of a fast-paced new mystery series featuring a heroic golden retriever cadaver dog named Vira and her handler, Mason Reid.
Mason "Mace" Reid lives on the outskirts of Chicago and specializes in human remains detection. He trains dogs to hunt for the dead. Reid’s coming off a taxing year—mourning the death of a beloved springer spaniel as well as the dissolution of his marriage. He adopts a rescue dog with a mysterious past—a golden retriever named Vira. And when Reid begins training Vira as a cadaver dog, he comes to realize just how special the newest addition to his family truly is…
Suddenly, Reid and his prize pupil find themselves hurled into a taxing murder case, which will push them to their very limits. Paired with determined Chicago Police Officer Kippy Gimm, Mace must put all his trust in Vira's abilities to thwart a serial killer who has now set his sights on Mace himself.

Review:
Mason Reid is a dog trainer who contracts with the police for the use of his trained cadaver dogs. Mace has had a rough year and hopes to turn things around when he adopts a rescue golden retriever. Elvira, later dubbed Vira, picks up the training very quickly.

Mace brings Vira to her very first official job and discovers the dog has a unique sensitivity. After finding the body of a kidnapped, buried girl, suddenly Vira turns on a spectator in the gawking crowd. The dog is taken into custody due to the attack, but Mace is certain that the man is the truly guilty party. Mace sets out to investigate, taking one of his other dogs. They uncover a situation that the police hadn’t found. This seems a good result except that this time there is a man hiding in the shadows. Mace and Vira are the hunted instead of the hunters when they become the target of the real serial killer.

I was quickly pulled into the easy flow of the story. Vira is an easy dog to love and I liked Mace as her trainer/handler. I enjoyed the slow build of friendship between officer Kippy and Mace. The author adds interest by interspersing chapters from the view of Everyman, the very creepy killer. The story has a good blend of dog interest, humor, and danger.

I will look forward to reading more in this series. I recommend this to readers who like canine dogs and crime thrillers.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: Vanishing Girls by Lisa Regan

This is a tough and engaging thriller.
Vanishing Girls: A totally heart-stopping crime thriller (Detective Josie Quinn Book 1)
by Lisa Regan

File Size: 1883 KB
Print Length: 337 pages
Publisher: Bookouture (January 17, 2018)
ASIN: B076KMQ7M3
Genre: Crime Thriller, Detective Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

When Isabelle Coleman, a blonde, beautiful young girl goes missing, eeautifulveryone from the small town of Denton joins the search. They can find no trace of the town’s darling, but Detective Josie Quinn finds another girl they didn’t even know was missing.
Mute and unresponsive, it’s clear this mysterious girl has been damaged beyond repair. All Josie can get from her is the name of a third girl and a flash of a neon tongue piercing that matches Isabelle’s.
The race is on to find Isabelle alive, and Josie fears there may be other girls in terrible danger. When the trail leads her to a cold case labelled a hoax by authorities, Josie begins to wonder is there anyone left she can trust?
Someone in this close-knit town is committing unspeakable crimes. Can Josie catch the killer before another victim loses their life?
Utterly gripping crime for readers who adored Angela Marsons, Helen Fields and Robert Dugoni. You will be sleeping with the lights on once you discover the first in this unputdownable new crime thriller series.

Review:
Detective Josie Quinn is a tough, dedicated officer, committed to solving crime. She tends to act impulsively at times and has recently been suspended for an assault. Josie is frustrated that her husband, her childhood sweetheart, has betrayed her and has been slow to sign the divorce papers she is waiting for. Josie is doubly frustrated as a beautiful teenage girl has gone missing and her chief won’t let her participate in the investigation.

Josie keeps sneaking into the investigation and hunting out clues behind the scenes. When another young woman is discovered alive, Josie is skeptical that the man accused and killed during the arrest, was the true kidnapper. The young girl is basically catatonic and unable to help in the investigation. But Josie discovers the existence of an older case with a similar abduction. She enlists the help of her fiancé and a pesky news journalist to work on the case and gather the older police file only to learn that the file is missing much of the report. Can Josie get enough information to help the case before she gets fired by her boss? The investigation takes a dangerous twist when the information that Josie gathers apparently threatens some people resulting in Josie and those close to her becoming targets to keep quiet.

Sadly, from the beginning, I couldn’t warm to Josie’s rough character. She was on suspension for excessive reaction and still chose not to follow the rules as she continued to push to be on the abduction case. The investigation and the criminal conspiracy are very interesting, suspenseful, and, at times, horrifying. I recommend this to readers who enjoy dark crime and tough detective stories.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Deal with the Devil: A Mercenary Librarians Novel by Kit Rocha

I really liked this post-apocalyptic biotech action/romance and will want to read more in the series.

Deal with the Devil: A Mercenary Librarians Novel
by Kit Rocha

Print Length: 336 pages
Publisher: Tor Books (July 28, 2020)
ASIN: B07QMHKDGB
Genre: Action Adventure, Post-apocalyptic, Romance, Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Deal with the Devil is Orphan Black meets the post-apocalyptic Avengers by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author duo Kit Rocha.
Nina is an information broker with a mission—she and her team of mercenary librarians use their knowledge to save the hopeless in a crumbling America.
Knox is the bitter, battle-weary captain of the Silver Devils. His squad of supersoldiers went AWOL to avoid slaughtering innocents, and now he's fighting to survive.
They’re on a deadly collision course, and the passion that flares between them only makes it more dangerous. They could burn down the world, destroying each other in the process…
Or they could do the impossible: team up.
This is the first book in a near-future science fiction series with elements of romance.

Review:
Nina and her friends, Maya and Dani, were raised under a program of clones and genetic modification. They each have special and unique skills, tactical strategies, fighting and assassination expertise, and retrievable memories of extensive info. These women were trained to be used as tools, and weapons, as might be directed by the powerful. Somehow along the way, Nina’s conscious helped her to escape with Maya and Dani. Now, in addition to protecting her team, the girls serve their community by providing food, treasured books, and more.

Knox is a cynical, battle-weary captain of a squad of supersoldiers widely known as the Silver Devils. Knox and his squad watched their handlers torture his medic to death. The remainder of the squad escaped the next chance they got. But they are living on borrowed time. The men were able to remove the trackers under their skin but the super strengths they have are based on supplements that are no longer available. They had hope that a specialist could tune their biometrics but she has been kidnapped. In order to ransom her, the Silver Devils need to team up with Nina and her team. Well… is it a team-up or a double-cross?

As the two teams travel to a distant target, there are natural tensions. Some are competitive issues but others are due to attempts to resist the sexual attraction, particularly between Nina and Knox. As the days and nights roll along the chemistry between them builds to a point of no resistance. Under Knox’s fiercely cold demeanor is a heart troubled by guilt and regrets. He admires Nina and thinks he could never be worthy of her caring nurture. But what will happen when they reach their destination and the true state of affairs is revealed?

I loved the strengths and vulnerabilities of the characters. There is plenty of tension and danger that kept me on edge. There were moments that required suspension of belief but I accepted that for the sake of the story. I enjoyed the enhanced skills, the action, the suspense, and the romance. I hope to read more in the series. I recommend this to those who enjoy futuristic, post-apocalyptic sci-fi with romance.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Quack by Anna Humphrey

This is a good story about children with mutism (a form of autism) and bullying.
Quack
by Anna Humphrey

File Size: 3544 KB
Print Length: 240 pages
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (April 1, 2020)
Genre: Children, Emotional Support, Middle Grade
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

"...Shady, Pouya, and their diaper-wearing duck are working to help all of the underdogs (or is it underducks?) at their school--and there are many."
Ten-year-old Shady Cook struggles with selective mutism caused by anxiety. His best friend, Pouya, gets it—despite being the class clown, he has his own hang-ups lurking just below the surface. Shady's parents, however, are eager to find a way to help their son start talking more, so when a live duck waddles into their lives and Shady starts to respond, they reluctantly decide to give Svenrietta the emotional support duck a chance. Before long, Shady, Pouya, and their diaper-wearing duck are working to help all of the underdogs (or is it underducks?) at their school—and there are many.

Review:
Shady is a ten-year-old who struggles with selective mutism. He rarely speaks even with his sister and parents and almost never outside his home. His teachers and classmates have become accustomed to his behavior although it does leave him with limited friends. Shady’s only true friend is Pouya, the class clown and another classmate on the fringe, with mothers who have immigrated from a country where their relationship was outlawed.

One day as they are returning from school, Shady and Pouya stumble upon some ducklings who have been separated from their mother who has crossed the road. The pair make a daring, messy rescue to deliver the babies to their mother. But in the excitement of the reunion, one duckling is forgotten and not discovered until the boys arrive home.

Shady quickly becomes attached, turning Quack into a true emotional support pet. There is hope in the strengths that the duck brings but not all of the students are understanding. Some of his classmates resent that Svenrietta is allowed in class as a therapy duck. When Sven goes missing during a Christmas play rehearsal, it is a crisis for Shady. That trauma spills over to his sister and parents, his friend Pouya, and even his classmates.

I totally loved Sven and the support she brings to Shady. The author uses this story to great effect to share the difficulties and struggles of Shady’s condition. The story shows how a support pet, even an unusual one, can help the child and the family. The story also shows the impact on classmates and how important it is to help children be sensitive to the struggles of others. I supposed it will be difficult to convince children they can’t each have their own therapy duck, like Svenreitta.

My 8-year-old granddaughter read part of this one day while visiting the office. She really liked it too. I recommend this to middle-grade students and to parents for sharing the lessons with their children.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet Goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The K Team by David Rosenfelt

Full of the usual Rosenfelt humor and mystery... and dogs included.

The K Team
by David Rosenfelt

File Size: 3187 KB
Print Length: 292 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1250257190
Publisher: Minotaur Books (March 24, 2020)
ASIN: B07S7L676S
Genre: Canine, Cozy, Mystery, Private Investigator
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

From bestselling mystery author David Rosenfelt comes a new series – a spinoff of the much beloved Andy Carpenter mysteries – about a dynamic new investigative team featuring a determined former cop and his loyal German Shepherd.
Corey Douglas and his K-9 partner, Simon Garfunkel, have recently retired from the police force. Not ready to give up the life yet, they come up with a proposal for fellow former cop, Laurie Carpenter, and her investigating partner, Marcus. Laurie and Marcus – who help out Laurie’s lawyer husband Andy on cases – have been chafing to jump back into investigating on their own, so they are in.
They call themselves the K Team, in honor of Simon. Their first job as private investigators comes to them from Judge Henry Henderson, who's known as a very tough but fair judge, and they've all come up against him in court at one time or another. Though it's hard to believe, Judge Henderson is being blackmailed and extorted, and he doesn't want to involve the police--he needs the K Team to figure out why.

Review:
Corey Douglas is a retired Paterson, NJ cop. He was fortunate to get to retire with his K-9 partner, a Shepherd, Simon Garfunkel. Corey used to work with Laurie Carpenter and they have now joined to start a firm of private investigators, with their third partner, Marcus, who tends to be as much a bodyguard as an investigator.

The new team is called in by a local judge who wants them to uncover a blackmail scheme that is threatening him. Andy Carpenter (Laurie’s husband), a languid but sharp lawyer, is present but not part of the team at the Judge’s request. The team begins their intrepid investigation and Corey runs along a few herrings. Bit by bit they hone in on the truth. Although I guessed part of the mystery there were reveals and surprises through the end.

Corey is an interesting character – a cop with confidence but commitment issues that are part of his storyline. I enjoyed this team and was glad that Andy got to step in to help. The tone, plotline, and characters will be very familiar to those who enjoy the Andy Carpenter series. The reading is comfortably engaging with the author's usual humor. I would recommend it to those who already enjoy Rosenfelt and to those who would like to find a new, easy reading mystery series that includes canines as added characters.

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2020 TBR, 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Leo's Monster by Marcus Pfister

This is fun for children.
Leo's Monster
by Marcus Pfister

Age Range: 4 - 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool - 2
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: NorthSouth Books (May 5, 2020)
ISBN-13: 978-0735844179
Genre: Children, Emotions, Preschools
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

When Leo, the city mouse, visits his friend Zoe in the countryside for the first time, he meets a huge and horrible monster.
It’s gigantic, has lots of horns, an enormous tail, and when it roars, the earth shakes. At least that’s what Leo saw. Or did he? Zoe thinks his description sounds just like Berta, the sweet-tempered cow in the meadow . . .
Bestselling author Marcus Pfister skillfully weaves a hilarious story of mystery, suspense and just a hint of scariness.

Review:
I totally enjoyed Leo, the city mouse, as he tries to describe the country “monster” to his country friend, Zoe. Leo describes the tail, the vicious-looking horns, the loud roar and the tongue that snatches the grass. I could hear the smile and amusement in Zoe’s response as he knows what and who the ‘monster’ is.

I have to admit that I didn’t fully read the description nor the back jacket and I am very glad that I didn’t. I suspected what animal the monster was and enjoyed getting to the reveal

The illustrations are bright and clear and the text is easy to read. I do think this is a fun, descriptive story to share with children. I can see the chance for parents to have fun with this and to use it for teaching to explain to a child the difference between city and country experiences. I recommend this to parents for use with children.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The New Husband by D.J. Palmer

This is a creepy thriller.

The New Husband
by D.J. Palmer

File Size: 3611 KB
Print Length: 379 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1250270553
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (April 14, 2020)
Language: English
ASIN: B07SBQ9VZM
Genre: Domestic Thriller, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

What makes Simon Fitch so perfect?
-He knows all her favorite foods, music, and movies.
-Her son adores him. He was there when she needed him most.
-He anticipates her every need.
-He would never betray her like her first husband.
The perfect husband. He checks all the boxes.
The question is, why?
Nina Garrity learned the hard way that her missing husband, Glen, had been leading a double life with another woman. But with Glen gone—presumably drowned while fishing on his boat—she couldn't confront him about the affair or find closure to the life he blew apart.
Now, a year and a half later, Nina has found love again and hopes she can put her shattered world back together. Simon, a widower still grieving the death of his first wife, thinks he has found his dream girl in Nina, and his charm and affections help break through to a heart hardened by betrayal. Nina's teenage son, Connor, embraces Simon as the father he wishes his dad could have been, while her friends see a different side to him, and they aren't afraid to use the word obsession.
Nina works hard to bridge the divide that’s come between her daughter and Simon. She wants so badly to believe her life is finally getting back on track, but she’ll soon discover that the greatest danger to herself and her children are the lies people tell themselves.

Review:
Nina is the mother of two teens. Her husband Glen seems to be absent more than at home. Then one day he turns up missing under dark circumstances. Nina discovers more evidence of betrayal and isn’t sure if Glen is dead or faked his disappearance. As she is struggling to get her life back together, a new man appears. Simon is a widower and a teacher at her children's' school. Simon seems to quickly know all of Nina’s favorites. She is on shaky ground and vulnerable to his charm.

Nina’s elder teen son, Connor, is quick to find an attentive friend in Simon. But Nina’s daughter, Maggie, isn’t ready to give up on her father and she isn’t ready to trust Simon. Nina’s friends are worried when Nina begins to cancel plans with them after she moves in with Simon. Nina doesn’t see the signs as easily as those who are a step away. Is Simon really “perfect” or are there unrevealed problems?

When the true situation is revealed to the reader it is likely to catch your breath. From that point, the suspense is thick as the dangers increase.

I did enjoy the intense ride. I liked how Maggie develops a new relationship and was able to question appearances. This made a good contrast element. The writing moved along well and kept me wanting to find out how events would play out. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a good domestic thriller.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones

This is fun and intriguing; full of Jones' snarky humor and sharp writing.
A Bad Day for Sunshine
by Darynda Jones

File Size: 1957 KB
Print Length: 396 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1250149444
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (April 7, 2020)
ASIN: B07SCRJ2DF
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Private Investigator
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Sheriff Sunshine Vicram finds her cup o’ joe more than half full when the small village of Del Sol, New Mexico, becomes the center of national attention for a kidnapper on the loose.
Del Sol, New Mexico is known for three things: its fry-an-egg-on-the-cement summers, strong cups of coffee—and, now, a nationwide manhunt? Del Sol native Sunshine Vicram has returned to town as the elected sheriff—thanks to her adorably meddlesome parents who nominated her—and she expects her biggest crime wave to involve an elderly flasher named Doug. But a teenage girl is missing, a kidnapper is on the loose, and all of this is reminding Sunshine why she left Del Sol in the first place. Add to that the trouble at her daughter’s new school, plus and a kidnapped prized rooster named Puff Daddy, and, well, the forecast looks anything but sunny.
But even clouds have their silver linings. This one's got Levi, Sunshine's sexy, almost-old-flame, and a fiery-hot US Marshal. With temperatures rising everywhere she turns, Del Sol's normally cool-minded sheriff is finding herself knee-deep in drama and danger. Can Sunshine face the call of duty—and find the kidnapper who's terrorizing her beloved hometown—without falling head over high heels in love...or worse?

Review:
Sunshine Vicram has returned to her hometown as the new Sheriff after her parents managed to get her elected even in her absence. She has mixed feelings but is glad to bring her teen daughter, Auri, to be near her loving, if meddlesome, parents. At the Sheriff’s office she’s meeting and getting to know the team which includes her childhood and teen bestie, Quincy. He’s always been a hunk, but they never went beyond their inseparable friendship. The one she has trouble facing is Levi, a dark, tempting member of a local family with history and secrets.

Sunshine’s first day starts inauspiciously with a basket of muffins – a predictor of trouble. Before they finish the treats she is almost run over by a car through the front window. The driver is a panicked mother whose teen daughter is missing. This situation triggers memories of Sun’s own abduction when she was 17.

It takes a few interviews, and unsolicited help from Auri, before Sun finds clues that tie the girl to Levi’s family and reveal special details the parents didn’t disclose. Sun finds Levi and his clan, on one hand, antagonistic and on the other more than ready to step up to help with the tracking in their mountains.

Meanwhile, a handsome US Marshall has swooped into town hunting an escaped convict. He is intrigued by Sun and more than willing to work together in their investigations.

Auri continues to help in the investigation even though a certain group in school tries to bully and shame her into seclusion. She finds a surprising ally in a striking young man who takes no guff from anyone.

I was thrilled to enjoy the quick, snarky humor that Jones brought to her Charlie Davidson series. (I was quick to share several passages with my office staff who appreciate ‘snarky’.) I also liked a couple of elements that reappeared here including a hearing-impaired character and just a touch of psychic ability. The current day mystery interweaves with Sun’s own traumatic past. And the secrets involving Levi provide a sexy tension-filled interaction with Sun. There was a handful of bad words that I found unnecessary. Still, the combined strong characters, humor and suspense make this a wonderfully entertaining read and I look forward to continuing the series.

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Differently Morphous by Yahtzee Croshaw

This is fun and a bit zany whodunnit.
Differently Morphous
By: Yahtzee Croshaw
Narrated by: Yahtzee Croshaw

Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-06-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Original
Genre: British-Irish Humor, Fantasy, Satire
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
A magical serial killer is on the loose, and gelatinous, otherworldly creatures are infesting the English countryside. Which is making life for the Ministry of Occultism difficult, because magic is supposed to be their best kept secret.
After centuries in the shadows, the Ministry is forced to unmask, exposing the country's magical history - and magical citizens - to a brave new world of social media, government scrutiny, and public relations.
On the trail of the killer are the Ministry's top agents: a junior operative with a photographic memory (and not much else), a couple of overgrown schoolboys with godlike powers, and a demonstrably insane magician.
But as they struggle for results, their superiors at HQ must face the greatest threat the Ministry has ever known: the forces of political correctness....
Differently Morphous is the latest and greatest tale to emerge from the mind of writer (and narrator) Yahtzee Croshaw.
©2018 Yahtzee Croshaw (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review:
Magic is supposed to be hidden from the public with the help of the Ministry of Occultism. Then an alien species from a side dimension arrives in the countryside to seek asylum. It seems that whenever the gelatinous, slimy masses came into the country alone they were quickly killed. Now a group of the Fluidics have gotten into the public eye and become popular, but not with everyone. The aliens are a hive group, all with the name Shoggoth, and someone is continuing to track them to murder them.

Now that the Ministry of Occultism has been exposed, they are separated from their original mysterious leaders, the Hand of Merlin, and moved into a new department. The handful of quirky agents are tasked with finding the murderer and saving the image of the magical community. It isn’t easy with the stumbling agents. The ever-controlling office manager pairs Alison, a young, brand new agent who has a photographic memory, with a mistrusted insane magician, Diablory. The other pair of agents has been a long-time team, one with enhanced senses and the other with fire powers, who banter like immature schoolboys.

The new director adds another cog when he introduces a social-minded phycologist, Dr. Pavani, to work with Adam, a young student who is possessed by an Ancient. Dr. Pavani insists that the Fluidics and the “Dual Consciousness” must be treated with political kindness, although much of the time her attitudes are ridiculous too.

Alison does her best to use her memorized facts to help Shoggoth, her ‘own’ aide, and the group generally. She is also trying to protect Adam’s sister so she won’t get returned to the ministry controlled schools for the magical. Alison, the twisted Diablory, and the other agents pursue each lead with a few red herrings to keep the searching interesting.

The story is full of humor and satire. The Fluidics/Shoggoths are a likable species for slime creatures! There are clues to the identity of the killer, but the truth hides until close to the end. The listen didn’t move along as quickly as I thought it might which I contribute to some level of disorientation and fatigue I am experiencing with the stresses of coping with the times of coronavirus. If you enjoy fantasy, magical zaniness with a good whodunnit, I recommend this story to you.

Audio Notes: The author, Yahtzee Croshaw, serves as the narrator and who better to capture and portray the quirks of the characters? The narration is engaging and fitting to the characters. I enjoyed Shoggoth even though you have to listen closely to understand his/their lisping speech. I enjoyed the audio experience which enhanced the reading for me.

Source: May 2018 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Who Rescued Who by Victoria Schade

The cover is adorable and the story gets there eventually.

Who Rescued Who
by Victoria Schade

File Size: 2526 KB
Print Length: 351 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0593098838
Publisher: Berkley (March 24, 2020)
ASIN: B07TSWP85J
Genre: Animal, Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Where can you turn when the world turns against you? When Elizabeth Barnes’ life fell apart she never imagined that she’d be rescued by a new friend on four paws.
The plan was simple: Elizabeth would ignore the fact that she was unjustly fired from her dream job, fly across the pond to settle an unexpected inheritance in her father’s home country and quickly return to reclaim her position among the Silicon Valley elite.
But when Elizabeth stumbles upon an abandoned puppy, she’s shocked to realize that her brief trip to England might turn into an extended stay. Her strict itinerary is upended completely by the pup’s dogged devotion, and soon the loveable puppy helps her to connect with a tight-knit community of new friends on two legs and four, from the aunt and uncle she didn't know existed, to a grumpy coffee shop owner to two very opinionated sheep. Along the way Elizabeth is confronted by long-kept family secrets, hard truths about her former life and a new romance that might lead her to question everything she knows about love. Because sometimes rescue magic happens on both ends of the leash.

Review:
Elizabeth Barnes is a workaholic who has no life beyond her job and her obsessive social media focus. She is experiencing a bit of shellshock and a lot of anger after being unfairly fired from her dream Silicon Valley job. While trying to figure out how to get her feet – and life—back on track, she gets a surprising email from a man claiming to be her uncle. The problem is she never knew she had an uncle in England.

Elizabeth finally decides to take a quick trip to England to settle the unexpected inheritance which will provide a financial cushion while she is trying to get back into the work market. Elizabeth is surprised to find a warm welcome and soon growing friendships in the small backwater village of Fargrove. Elizabeth discovers a man she is interested in and stumbles upon an abandoned puppy who adopts her. Everyone tells her that she is responsible for the puppy since she found her.

Elizabeth is surprised to learn her uncle is a well-known artist. She hadn’t planned to remain in Fargrove but finds herself staying to help nurse her aunt after a fall, help her uncle categorize his many unrevealed paintings, train a new puppy, and nurture a possible romance. Meanwhile, she continues to fret that she has limited cell phone service and she fusses over her minimized social responses.

In spite of a rocky start, Elizabeth is soon wrapped into the community with everyone hoping she will settle on the land she has inherited and strengthen her developing relationship with James. When Elizabeth is offered a job to get back in the scene of Silicon Valley, will she walk away from her uncle and aunt, her puppy Georgina, her new friends, and James?

I was drawn to the adorable puppy cover. Unfortunately for over 50% of the book, I had a hard time coping with Elizabeth’s very self-centered and self-absorbed attitude. She was given wonderful opportunities but was too focused on her Silicon Valley elitism to really see what was in front of her. Her romance interest tried to resist getting involved, but once he did, instead of pushing Elizabeth to talk about the future they ignored the topic or he sulked. I found it hard to understand why no one really pushed Elizabeth to consider her choices.

I really enjoyed the art aspects of this story and the wonderful natural setting with dogs and sheep included. Jame's beer business added interest too. Although I am glad I finished, I had to struggle to get to the end because of the primary character. Apparently many other reviewers did not have this problem so if you can handle a character who needs a swift boot a good talking to, you would likely enjoy this book.

Source: NetGalley Requested 2019 but Received 2020. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Coding Capers by Angela Cleveland and Tamara Zentic

This is a fun, informative STEM adventure.

Coding Capers
by Angela Cleveland and Tamara Zentic
Illustrated by Juan Manuel Moreno

Age Range: 8 - 12 years
Grade Level: 3 - 6
Series: Coding Capers
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: National Center for Youth Issues (November 21, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1937870634
Genre: Children School Issues, Computers, Robots, STEM
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Join Luci and her friends as they go on an adventure to find a missing robot! In the process they learn the foundational concepts of coding, the increasing capabilities of technology, and the power of persistence.
Was it just a dream?! Luci wakes up after dreaming about robots only to learn that her teacher has a robot emergency at school! The class robot has disappeared, and the students must decipher codes to locate it, reprogram it, and return it.
We huddled together. "Hurry! Read the card!"
Go to the gym where you'll find a maze,
Up and down and then sideways,
Over and over with your group,
Not a pattern, but a ______.
This STEM-friendly tale takes children on a fun game of hide and seek that teaches coding terminology and how technology and computer science work together to create and manage so many of the things we use in our daily lives.
With a little ingenuity and a lot of perseverance, Luci and her friends follow the clues and end up with a surprise that will allow each of them to help others and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Review:
Luci and her friends get to work together as a team to solve a special treasure hunt. Their teacher has created a programable robot and one is ‘lost’ within the school. The teams must solve the clues and apply them properly. The team that gets to the robot first and solves its programming problem will each get a surprise.

This story has relatable young school children and fun rhyming clues like the example in the blurb. The blanks to fill in are all words the children have learned in their technology, computer lessons. As an adult, I was glad to be reminded of my early years of programming. The story is laid out well and reads quickly. I received the print book this week and was pleased to see that the production is glossy and inviting. The images are bright, distinct and fit the text blocks. I enjoyed the informative lesson and think it would be appropriate for young students. I look forward to sharing this with my 7 and 8-year-old granddaughters. I recommend this to encourage young children who have any interest in robots and programming.

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.