Audible Book Review: The Tracker, Sam Callahan, Book 1, by Chad Zunker

This is good suspense.

The Tracker
Sam Callahan, Book 1
By: Chad Zunker
Narrated by: Noah Berman
Series: Sam Callahan, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins
Release date: 02-14-17
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Political Thriller, Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Trust no one. Sam Callahan learned this lesson from a childhood spent in abusive foster care, on the streets, and locked in juvie. With the past behind him and his future staked on law school, he is moonlighting as a political tracker, paid to hide in crowds and shadow candidates, recording their missteps for use by their opponents. One night, after an anonymous text tip, Sam witnesses a congressional candidate and a mysterious blonde in a motel indiscretion that ends in murder, recording it all on his phone.
Now Sam is a target. Set up to take the fall and pursued by both assassins and the FBI, he is forced to go on the run. Using the street skills forged during his troubled youth - as well as his heightened mental abilities - Sam goes underground until he can uncover who is behind the conspiracy and how far up it goes. A taut thriller with an unforgettable young hero, The Tracker is a heart-stopping debut from an exciting new voice.
Revised edition: This edition of The Tracker includes editorial revisions.
©2017 Chad Zunker (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Sam Callahan was delivered to a hospital on a freezing night on his first birthday. He spent 15 troubled years in the foster care system suffering various degrees of abuse. He gets caught in a crime as a 15-year-old and spends some months in the juvenile system. Finally, he gets a helping hand which gets him back on the right track. At age 24, Sam is on his way to earning a law degree.

To earn money while in school, Sam works as a political “tracker”, a person who quietly follows a candidate to capture and report all actions. The information is fed each night to the tracker bosses who examine the material for negative kernels. Sam is winding down one night when he gets a text that tells him to go to a particular location at a specific time. Sam doesn’t know who sent the text but he shows up and witnesses his candidate subject with a woman who is not his wife. As he watches and records from the dark, a murder occurs. Sam races to hide in a hotel room contacting his superior to report the information.

When his boss finally arrives, he takes Sam’s phone and sends the video to a website other than the usual reporting site. Before they can determine what to do next the man is shot through the window. Sam is on the run using his hard-won street skills to barely stay ahead of the men trying to kill him. He can trust no one, not even the FBI when they begin to search for him after a third man is found dead!

This is a story that is tense and suspenseful from beginning to end. The author tells the story in first person, with background chapters, explaining Sam’s childhood and youth, in between the intense scenes. These show his struggles, his serious relationship and even his reactions upon finding his birth mother. I found this writing format to work well even though I was often ready to know the next steps that fugitive Sam would take. Fortunately, Sam has some friends to call upon who have skills to help. One is a whiz computer hacker and another is a respected legal professor. The most important person who Sam seeks to help him, is his former girl friend who is a brilliant and determined reporter.

I liked the intensity of the suspense but felt there were some gaps in reality. I couldn’t quite figure out how cash-strapped Sam kept coming up with funds along his journey. Also, it was a stretch that Sam went to certain locations and wasn’t caught there by the assassins or authorities. On the other hand, he had the help of a mysterious interloper and the whole story takes place in less than three days.

I liked Sam as a character trying to make a good life after an awful childhood. The mystery was different and interesting. I expect I will pick up the next two books. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a good murder thriller.

Audio Notes: Noah Berman does a good job with the narration. He gives the characters distinct voices and shares the story with strong energy. The narration help me stay immersed in the story and I recommend the audio version.

Source: 1/14/2018 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Dungeon Born by Dakota Krout

This is an interesting view of LitRPG as it is from the view of the dungeon!

Dungeon Born
By: Dakota Krout
Narrator: Vikas Adam

Series: Divine Dungeon Series, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 03-28-17
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Fantasy, LitRPG, Teen & YA, Sci Fi 

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
A powerful dungeon. A sheep-herder turned Noble. Their path to ascendance through cultivation.
Conquering dungeons and using them to grow has long been the most efficient way to become a powerful adventurer. The only thing keeping the process from being easy is the Beasts that inhabit these places. Questions plague those entering this particular place of power: Where do the "rewards" of weapons, armor, and heavy gold coins come from? Why is a fluffy bunny charging at me? For abyss-sake, why are there so many monsters?
Cal has all of the answers to these age-old questions for a very simple reason. He is a Dungeon Core, a soul forced against his will into a magical stone. With the help of an energetic friend, Cal grows a dungeon around himself to bring in new sources of power.
When a threat he doesn't fully comprehend bares its many teeth, Cal is determined to survive the attempt on his life. Unfortunately for adventurers, the only way for him to achieve his goal is to eat anyone that enters his depths. ©2016 Dakota Krout (P)2017 Tantor

Review:
“Cal” was human before his soul was forced into a magical stone by a necromancer. When Cal wakes up, he doesn’t remember his former life except to know that he hates necromancers. Cal begins to stretch with his magic when he is able to ‘eat’ surrounding stones and moss, but he has no idea of the extent of his abilities. A senior magical source assigns a Wisp to help the young dungeon grow and level up. Wisp Dani names Cal for the calcium that surrounds his pretty gem.

Dani then begins to instruct Cal on how to eat and share the essence of his surroundings and how to build and expand the dungeon. Dani also helps Cal develop monsters, even if the first set are created from fluffy bunnies. The dungeon monsters are modified to have skills and even poisons to fight intruders. Cal learns how to pattern items of the intruders to create ‘loot’ of trinkets, coins or weapons to reward those who survive their visit in the dungeon. Occasionally Cal makes mistakes threatening his own existence, including earthquakes and uncontrolled monsters.

Dale is the sole survivor of the first treasure hunters to investigate the dungeon. Realizing the importance of this find, Dale manages to purchase the surrounding lands. Thus, begins Dale’s journey of growth towards a dungeon warrior and mage who will face Cal several times.

In LitRPGs you usually become, or follow, a hunter into the dungeon to face monsters, seek rewards and progress in levels. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that this was a story describing how the dungeon was developed. Cal grows in ability and in strategic planning to entice hunters with enough adventure and loot to keep them coming back. I found this clever and fun. Most of the story is told of Cal and his sidekick, Dani, but bits also follow Dale and his growth. I appreciated that the battles are active but not overly graphic. The tone is light and contributes to making this entertaining. I may not rush to get the next book right now, but I have it saved to my wish list as a future choice. I do recommend this to fans of LitRPGs and Dungeon fantasy.

Audio Notes: Vikas Adam does a fine job with the narration. He is able to express the naïve wonder and eagerness of Cal and the playfulness of Dani. Adam also captures the various human characters. I enjoyed the audio and will look forward to listening to more in the series.

Source: 1/27/18 Sale for 2017 Audible Daily Deals $3.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Dead Rising (The Templar Book 1) by Debra Dunbar

This is a knight story with vampires, necromancy and a twist.

Dead Rising
The Templar, Volume 1
By: Debra Dunbar
Narrated by: Elizabeth Phillips

Format: Digital Audiobook
Run Time: 8h 50min Release
Date: August 22, 2016
Publisher: Debra Dunbar
Genre: Necromancy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Vampires
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Solaria Ainsworth was born a Templar, destined to take up the mantle of responsibility and duty as her family's Order had done for hundreds of years. Except she refuses to take her Oath of Knighthood.
Barely making ends meet in Baltimore, Aria finds it difficult to obtain gainful employment with no work experience and skills in jousting and swordsmanship. Just before she's served an eviction notice, the Mistress of the local vampire family offers her a job - to research a magical symbol. It's an easy task for a woman who has spent every moment of her life either in armor, or with her nose in ancient manuscripts. The money's good, and the seven day deadlines should be no problem. But when her research reveals a sordid connection between the vampires and a mass murder, Aria needs to decide who is in the right and worthy of her protection. Modern Templars believe only God should judge, but Aria must do exactly that, or watch the Baltimore streets run red with blood.
©2016 Debra Dunbar (P)2016 Debra Dunbar

Review:
Solaria, known as Aria, is a daughter of the Templars who are trained to protect others. But Aria has resisted her parent’s expectations to take the Oath of Knighthood and begin her duties. Her jousting and swordsmanship skills don’t help in finding work so Aria struggles to make ends meet as a waitress. She is surprised but pleased when the Mistress of the local vampire family offers her a specialized job researching a magical symbol. Aria doesn’t realize that when she accepts the assignment it comes with an ‘escort’, handsome vampire Dario, and the threat of death if she fails.

The assignment turns out to be not so simple, especially when the research reveals a connection between a vengeful necromancer and the vampires over a mass murder many years before. Templars are taught that only God should judge, and the Templars protect those who need protection. But Aria has to decide who needs the protection as dead spirits brutally attack the vampires.

Aria is a 26 year old woman still trying to find her place in life. I wasn’t particularly pulled in by her character who often acted like a self-absorbed teen. I liked Dario’s loyalty to his family and enjoyed his bantering friendship with Aria which is a cautious relationship as there is a taboo between the vampires and Templars. In addition to Aria finding herself, the plot involves an interesting mystery, danger and action. I may not be rushing out to get the full series (although I’d snag them on sale), but I enjoyed the overall story. I recommend this to fans of urban fantasy, vampires, knights and mysteries.

Audio Notes: Elizabeth Phillips does a good job with the narration. She brings distinct voices and good energy. I enjoyed the audio presentation of the story.

Source: 7/28/2019 Chirp Deal $.99. (Hard to resist an audiobook for $.99.) This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Open Season by C. J. Box

I enjoyed the mystery and the endangered species aspects of this story.
Open Season
By: C. J. Box
Narrator: David Chandler

Series: Joe Pickett, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
Release date: 02-14-11
Genre: Ecology, Mystery, Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Joe Pickett is the new game warden in Twelve Sleep, Wyoming, a town where nearly everyone hunts and the game warden—especially one like Joe who won't take bribes or look the other way—is far from popular. When he finds a local hunting outfitter dead, splayed out on the woodpile behind his state-owned home, he takes it personally. There had to be a reason that the outfitter, with whom he's had run-ins before, chose his backyard, his woodpile to die in. Even after the "outfitter murders," as they have been dubbed by the local press after the discovery of the two more bodies, are solved, Joe continues to investigate, uneasy with the easy explanation offered by the local police.
As Joe digs deeper into the murders, he soon discovers that the outfitter brought more than death to his backdoor: he brought Joe an endangered species, thought to be extinct, which is now living in his woodpile. But if word of the existence of this endangered species gets out, it will destroy any chance of InterWest, a multi-national natural gas company, building an oil pipeline that would bring the company billions of dollars across Wyoming, through the mountains and forests of Twelve Sleep. The closer Joe comes to the truth behind the outfitter murders, the endangered species and InterWest, the closer he comes to losing everything he holds dear.
©2001 C.J. Box (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Review:
Joe Pickett decided as a young boy that he wanted to be a game warden. It isn’t a glamorous or well paying job, but he gets to be outdoors, protecting the ecosystem. He is a new game warden struggling to make ends meet with his pregnant wife and two young daughters. Joe’s trying to do his job the right way without corruption or bribes.

Joe is surprised when his seven-year-old daughter tells him there is a man behind the woodpile. When Joe investigates, he discovers a dead local outfitter. A neighboring game warden, a local deputy and Joe go into the mountain to find the camp of the dead man’s friends. They discover more dead hunters and a survivor gets shot at the site. The local sheriff’s office is quick to declare the severely wounded survivor as the murderer and to close the case. Joe suspects there is a reason this hunter, with whom he had a prior run-in, chose his home to run to. He continues to push into the background, unknowingly stirring up trouble.

Joe doesn’t realize initially that the outfitter left something else in the woodpile as his daughter discovers the creatures and keeps them as secret pets. But someone else knows and is willing to lie, threaten and even kill to keep the secret. As Joe begins to suspect there is an endangered, maybe even thought extinct, species involved in the murders. Can Joe gather the facts he needs to show the truth before his career is ruined and his family suffers physical harm?

Joe is portrayed as a ‘regular Joe’ who sometimes feels inadequate. He plods along determined to uncover the truth. The story slowly, but steadily builds the suspense and danger to Joe and his family to the point where I was catching my breath. I enjoyed the scenes with Joe’s daughters and the critters. I appreciated the facts regarding the job of a game warden and the regulation details regarding endangered and extinct species. The author also explains the negative impact that the community will experience once an extinct species is disclosed. The dilemma between nature and man is an interesting element of the story. Meanwhile, the villains are disgusting and the corruption disturbing. There is foul language which is too bad. The writing is clearly written from a male viewpoint and it flows easily. I enjoyed the mystery and recommend this to crime suspense fans.

Source: August 23, 2017, Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook 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.

Audio Book Review: Hunted by Meagan Spooner

I was impressed by this creative Beauty and the Beast retelling!

Hunted
By Meagan Spooner
Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, Will Damron

Publisher: HarperCollins
Date: March 2017
Duration: 9 hours 20 minutes
Genre: Action & Adventure, Fairy Tales & Folklore, Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Summary:
New York Times bestselling author Meagan Spooner spins a thoroughly thrilling Beauty and the Beast story for the modern age, expertly woven with spellbinding romance, intrigue, and suspense that readers won’t soon be able to forget.
Beauty knows the Beast's forest in her bones—and in her blood. After all, her father is the only hunter who’s ever come close to discovering its secrets. So when her father loses his fortune and moves Yeva and her sisters out of their comfortable home among the aristocracy and back to the outskirts of town, Yeva is secretly relieved. Out in the wilderness, there’s no pressure to make idle chatter with vapid baronessas . . . or to submit to marrying a wealthy gentleman. But Yeva’s father’s misfortune may have cost him his mind, and when he goes missing in the woods, Yeva sets her sights on one prey: the creature he’d been obsessively tracking just before his disappearance. The Beast.
Deaf to her sisters’ protests, Yeva hunts this strange creature back into his own territory—a cursed valley, a ruined castle, and a world of magical creatures that Yeva’s only heard about in fairy tales. A world that can bring her ruin, or salvation. Who will survive: the Beauty, or the Beast?

Review:
Yeva, nicknamed Beauty, has always loved the forest and hunting since her father taught her how to hunt as a child. But over the years he became a wealthy merchant and his daughters had to behave properly for society and hopefully to secure a favorable marriage. When her father is told that he has lost his fortune he moves the family back to their cottage in the forest.

Yeva is happy to be back in the forest but frustrated that her father won’t allow her to go out hunting with him. He has become obsessed with finding the rumored monster known as “The Beast”. When her father fails to come home Yeva finally sets out to find him. She goes deeper and deeper in the woods, stumbling through the snow. At the point of exhaustion, she comes to face with The Beast. The Beast believes that Beauty can save him from the curse that he can’t speak of. He shows her his cursed valley, crumbling castle and a world of creatures in the magical realm. Beauty is drawn to a magical creature from her childhood fairy tale stories. She realizes that creature has a crucial role in freeing The Beast or maybe freeing Beauty from the Beast.

I found this story wonderfully creative. It has basic similarities but is distinct from the well-known fairy-tale version. The story builds slowly but is worth getting into the depths. The tone is dark which fits the strong character of The Beast. Beauty is a strong-minded character too although there are times she is young and foolish. I enjoyed the twists and I really liked the views of The Beast that are interspersed between the story following Beauty. I will be looking to read/listen to more retellings from Ms. Spooner. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys fairy tale retellings.

Audio Notes: Saskia Maarleveld and Will Damron do a wonderful job on the narration. Saskia delivers the majority of the story with energy and emotion. Then Will steps in with the dark, growling nature of The Beast. Very well done and I found it all entertaining. I’m glad that I listened to this.

Source: March 2019 TWO FOR ONE Fairy Tale Fantasies with my February Audiobooks.com credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Machine World, Undying Mercenaries, Book 4, by B. V. Larson

This is another good installment of this military sci-fi series.
Machine World
Undying Mercenaries, Book 4
By: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Series: Undying Mercenaries, Book 4
Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-12-15
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Hard Science Fiction, Military Space Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The Galactics arrived with their battle fleet in 2052. Rather than being exterminated under a barrage of hell burners, Earth joined a vast empire that spanned the Milky Way. Our only worthwhile trade goods are our infamous mercenary legions, elite troops we sell to the highest alien bidder.
In the fourth book of the series, James McGill is up for promotion. Not everyone is happy about that, and McGill must prove he's worth his stripes. Deployed to a strange, alien planet outside the boundaries of the Galactic Empire, he's caught up in warfare and political intrigue. Earth expands, the Cephalopod Kingdom launches ships to stop us, and a grand conspiracy emerges among the upper ranks of the Hegemony military.
In Machine World McGill faces an entirely new kind of alien life, Galactic prosecution, and thousands of relentless squid troopers. He lives and dies in the falling ashes of the empire, a man of unique honor at the dawn of humanity's resurgence.
Machine World is a military science fiction novel by best-selling author B. V. Larson. (To find the first book in the series, search for Steel World by B. V. Larson.)
©2015 B. V. Larson (P)2015 Audible Inc.

Review:
James McGill is one of the ‘undying mercenaries’ in the least respected Earth troop, Legion Varus. Earth is a lowly planet on the fringe of the galaxy that is controlled by the Empire. Legion Varus is the lowly of the mercenary troops that are sent out as expendable soldiers. They are known as the ‘undying mercenaries’ because they can be regenerated as they die in the field.

McGill gained rank moving from recruit to regular to specialist all while being known for stumbling into, and remarkably out of, trouble. He has a strange relationship with highly ranked Imperator Turov. She has pulled him into more than one bad situation where they then have to keep each other’s secrets. This leaves James in an awkward situation as she could order his permanent death at any time.

As Legion Varus prepares to go to another world confrontation, McGill faces hazing and testing but gains the rank of Veteran, the highest rank for enlisted soldiers. Now McGill is in charge of troops supporting the officers in battle. Fortunately, even though McGill seems to get into bad situations, he thinks fast under stress and tends to move his troops in the right format and direction.

Once again McGill and his friends and band of superiors face a new alien force of a distant planet. In addition to the indigenous Machine creatures, the Earth mercenaries find an old enemy, the Squids (see book 2). The Earth leaders think that they can win during the initial engagement but then some other alien ships show up and things go from bad to worse.

I enjoyed the creative plotting of these stories. I might have liked a little more development of the Machine aliens but still, they were interesting and the encounter with McGill is engaging. There is power corruption, some little bad language, and female entanglements that tend to follow McGill. All of this makes for an entertaining listen. I recommend the series for fans of military sci-fi.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett is a consistently effective narrator for this series. He helps draw the listener into another realm and provides distinct voices and emotions. I totally enjoy this listening experience.

Source: 5/12/19 Audible April Credits. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goal.

Dust World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 2 by B. V. Larson 4.5
Tech World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 3 by B.V. Laron 4.5

Audible Book Review: Agent 355 by Marie Benedict

I liked this historical short based on true events.

Agent 355
By: Marie Benedict
Narrated by: Emily Rankin

Length: 2 hrs and 7 mins
Original Recording Audiobook
Release date: 07-02-20
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Original
Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

About This Audible Original
From Marie Benedict, best-selling author of The Only Woman in the Room and Lady Clementine, comes a captivating work of historical fiction about a young female spy who may have changed the course of American History.
The tide is turning against the colonists in the Revolutionary War, and 18-year-old Elizabeth Morris cannot sit by idly. Quietly disdainful of her Tory parents, who drag her along to society events and welcome a British soldier into their home during their occupation of New York City, Elizabeth decides to take matters into her own hands. She realizes that, as a young woman, no one around her believes that she can comprehend the profound implications of being a nation at war - she is, effectively, invisible. And she can use this invisibility to her advantage. Her unique access to British society leads her to a role with General George Washington's own network of spies: the Culper Ring.
Based on true events, Agent 355 combines adventure, romance, and espionage to bring to life this little-known story of a hero who risked her life to fight for freedom against all odds.
©2020 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review:
Elizabeth lives with her parents who want her to appear properly in society and seek an appropriate betrothal. But Elizabeth isn’t interested in marriage, especially not to a red-coated British soldier. When Elizabeth hears some careless talk among the soldiers, she wonders how she can share that information to the benefit of the revolutionaries. Fortunately, a local merchant recently rescued Elizabeth from a pushy soldier at one of the society dances. She decides to approach him and thus begins a secret spy ring and a developing romance. Although Elizabeth faces danger, she is intent on helping George Washington and those seeking freedom even if it risks her newfound romance.

I was not aware of the historical records about Agent 355, a female spy who helped uncover the betrayal of Benedict Arnold. This is a fictionalized story as no one knows the true identity of the female agent but the author weaves a creative and mostly believable scenario. The romance is gentle and the danger builds in an emotional plot. Ms. Benedict’s passion is showing the impact unknown heroines have had on historical events. I would gladly read more of her historical books.

Audio Notes: Emily Rankin does a fine job with the narration. She provides suitable voices and accents. The audio moves along smoothly and quickly. I am glad I had the opportunity to listen to this Audible Original.

Source: July 2020 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Prominence by A.C. Hadfield

This is an action-packed, but disjointed, space sci-fi.
Prominence
By: A.C. Hadfield
Narrated by: Marc Vietor

Series: Blackstar Command, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 50 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-09-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Alien Invasion, Colonization, Military Sci-Fi
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
They tried to destroy our planets. Our way of life. They tried to send us into extinction. But we, the Coalition, fought them and won. That was a decade ago. We had assumed they were beaten for good.
We were wrong.
They’re known as the Host: a cabal of aliens seeking to dominate our sector of space. And they’re back - with help from a powerful new enemy.
Against their wrath, we must stand. We’re outnumbered and unprepared. If we lose, we lose everything.
But there is hope. An ancient race of long-dead but technologically advanced aliens called the Navigators have a ship called the Blackstar that could potentially turn the tide. That is if I, Kai Locke, a humble ship racer, can find it and learn how to harness its power in time.
If I fail, the Coalition will fall, and the Host will consign us to a distant memory. I refuse to let that happen. I will fight to my last breath for the Coalition’s survival.
For fans of Star Wars, Firefly, Battlestar, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
©2017 A.C. Hadfield & Colin F. Barnes (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Kai’s father disappeared on a secret mission to find an alien ship known as the Blackstar. Although his mother keeps trying to pull him into the military, to follow in his parent’s footsteps, Kai chose to be a ship racer pilot, seeking to make his own way. Kai struggles to win the local race, with the help of his childhood friend, half-human Senaya. They are desperate to win the money to get off the planet where illness, known as the blight, is spreading.

Kai and Senaya are pursuing a salvage ship that crashed in the wilderness. When they arrive at the site they are attacked as they discover pirates have beat them to the prize. Surprisingly, the infamous pirate leader lets Kai escape with his father’s locker and a mysterious alien artifact.

Suddenly life is disrupted again with news that the great space enemy, the Host, has returned. Kai soon learns that others are tracking the alien artifact. He realizes he has to get help from the pirate brigand and when he and Senaya find him the three have to make a rushed escape.

Kai finally consents to work with the military when they give him a mission to search for his father and the Blackstar. They are only one step ahead of pursuers as they manage to get to the hidden world. Even if Kai can return with the Blackstar will that be enough to fight the Host?

The story moves along at a good pace with plenty of action from beginning to end. Some of the scenes are initially disjointed until the reader gets accustomed to the author’s jumps from Kai’s situation to scenes of his mother. Maybe the primary character’s youth, (age 17) made him seem less compelling as a character. I did like the pirate character though. There was a bit of telling rather than showing which tends to make sections a slog. There is an ending to this book but it also springs off into a new alien world. Although I found the story to be acceptably entertaining, I didn’t find myself caught up and eager to get the next book in the series.

Audio Notes: Marc Vietor does a good job with the narration, working with the weaker writing. He provides distinct voices and some energy. I am glad that I listened to this.

Source: 4/2/19 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Woof by Spencer Quinn

This is a fun listen suitable for kids and adults.
Woof
Written By: Spencer Quinn
Narrated By: James Frangione

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Date: May 2015
Duration: 7 hours 5 minutes
Genre: Animals, Kids, Middle Grade, Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Summary:
"Spencer Quinn speaks two languages--suspense and dog--fluently."--Stephen King
Bowser is a dog detective on the loose, paired with an eleven-year-old girl, Birdie. Bowser and Birdie live on the Louisiana coast with Birdie's Grammy. When a prize stuffed marlin is stolen from Grammy's bait and tackle shop, Birdie and Bowser decide to take on the case. But what looks like a straightforward break-in soon becomes as tangled as a tourist's fishing line. Was Grammy hiding a treasure map in the marlin? What's up with Old Man Straker, owner of a rival tackle shop, and his juvenile delinquent son? And most sinister of all, why does it suddenly look as if someone wants to harm Birdie? Told entirely from Bowser's hilarious dog point of view, WOOF launches a brand-new, slightly slobbery, but utterly winning detective duo.

Review:
Bowser is a dog of mixed heritage and he is thrilled when a young girl named Birdie picks him for adoption. Birdie's Granny isn’t so thrilled but Birdie and Bowser quickly become best buds. Bowser does his best to understand how to please his new friend although there are times when his natural urges just take over.

The first day Bowser goes home with Birdie they discover that a prized stuffed marlin, Black Jack, has been stolen from Granny’s bait shop. Bowser is quick to pick up on the scents of strangers (why can’t the humans do that?) in the shop and leads Birdie to find a cigar as a clue. Birdie wants to recover Black Jack and her determination to solve the mystery only increases when Birdie learns that there may be a hidden treasure involved. Fortunately for Birdie, Bowser is along to help her with smells and protection although he also adds to the risks on occasion. But the thief apparently is willing to try to kidnap Birdie and even kill if need be to get to the treasure.

The story is told from Bowser point of view and it is delightful. He is pretty much a normal dog, thrilled with food, all sorts of scents, and new experiences like riding in the truck or boat. He is also territorial and doesn’t like the fact that some other dog has been visiting the yard of his humans, which is now Bowser’s yard. The story is fun and suitable for middle graders and adults who love dogs. I will be glad to get more of these books in the future.

Audio Notes: James Frangione does a very nice job with the narration. He portrays the nature of the dog and manages the human voices too. The audio helped make this a fun ‘read’.

Source: 10/29/2019 Audiobooks.com 2 for 1 Deal. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Dodge & Twist by Tony Lee

This is a fun production listen.
Dodge & Twist
An Audible Original Drama
By: Tony Lee
Narrated by: Matt Lucas, Stephen Mangan, Michael Socha, Kara Tointon

Length: 4 hrs and 56 mins
Original Recording Audiobook
Release date: 12-12-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Literature & Fiction, Classics
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

It’s rumored that Dickens wanted to return to his classic novel Oliver Twist—to bring Oliver back as an older character—but never managed this before he died. If Oliver had returned, what would he have been like? Would the scars of his childhood effect the man he would become? And what of ‘Dodger,’ sent to a land halfway around the world, his friend, mentor and master dead because of Oliver?
Dodge & Twist is that story. The tale of two boys, 12 years later, returning into each other’s lives—for both good and bad.
This Audible Original production of Dodge & Twist is fully dramatized with an immersive SFX soundscape and is performed by a full cast including Stephen Mangan as Charles Dickens (Green Wing, Episodes, I'm Alan Partridge), Matt Lucas as Fagin (Little Britain, Me, Bridesmaids, Alice in Wonderland), Kara Tointon (Eastenders, Mr Selfridge, The Sound of Music Live) and Michael Socha (Being Human, This is England). Will Howard and James Joyce portray Oliver and Dodger.
©2018 Audible, Ltd (P)2018 Audible, Ltd

Review:
Oliver returns to London after twelve years. He is once again penniless and seeking the withheld funds which should be his inheritance as the adopted son of Mr. Brownlow. He doesn’t want the funds for himself, but so he can pay the servants and take care of Mr. Brownlow’s properties. Oliver is surprised to run into Dodger. Their meeting is tense since Oliver remembers this boy tried to trap him into a life of crime in Fagan’s gang. Dodger remembers that Oliver’s escape brought the death of Fagan. Dodger directs Oliver to the solicitor’s office but tells him to contact him later. When the lawyers deny his claim, Oliver is so desperate that he allows Dodger to convince him to join him in a major heist.

Although reluctant, Oliver, still rather naïve, finds himself making plans with a small team that includes Nancy’s sister and Noah, one of Fagan’s bullies. Oliver struggles with his conscience while trying to dodge abuse from Noah and slowly learning that Dodger has input from a strange voice.

Other characters from the past (original story) make appearances and some have a surprising role. Charley Bates, once a pickpocket for Fagan, is now a police officer. He is trying to save Dodger from his demons and Oliver from Dodger.

I haven’t read Oliver Twist in years but I did recognize many of the characters. I am not such a student of Dickens to be offended by Mr. Lee’s efforts to create a sequel. Mr. Lee wove the past of the characters together to help remind the reader/listener of the events of the original story. The squalor of the city continues. The ‘twists’ of plot continues. There is banter, suspense, and danger. The pacing is good and I found myself listening to find out what would happen next. I recommend this to fans of historical adventure and mystery as well as fans of Dickens.

Audio Notes: This is a full drama production which added to the enjoyment of the work. There are different voices for each character as well as background noises that enhance the scenes. I enjoyed the audio production and recommend this as a fun listen.

Source: 2/23/19 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Catalyst Downward Cycle by J K Franks

This is a good beginning of a post-apocalyptic series, though not stellar.

Catalyst Downward Cycle
by J K Franks
Narrated by: Steven Varnum

Series: Catalyst, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-28-16
Language: English
Publisher: J K Franks
Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
In the first five minutes, more than a million people will die.... That’s just the beginning of the nightmare.
The super solar storm wasn’t supposed to hit Earth - the odds were against it. And yet it did, and everything changed. The storm causes a global blackout. Society begins to come apart as the planes begin falling from the sky and all traces of normal vanish. Scott Montgomery watches helplessly as pandemonium consumes the world around him. But the loss of electrical power is just the first of the problems facing the survivors in the chaos that follows.
Soon, they discover the loss of electricity was just the beginning of their problems. In a land without laws and few consequences for their actions, individuals must come to terms with their darkest fears and desires. What will Scott do when he learns the draconian plans one secret group has for regaining control and ensuring their own vision for the new world?
Catalyst is a shockingly realistic tale of how society copes when the world is thrust back to a time before technology. If you are a fan of Steve Konkoly, Tom Abrahams, or A. American, you will love this audiobook.
©2016 J K Franks (P)2016 J K Franks

Review:
Scott is a computer analyst who lives in a solitary life in a small, rather isolated community on the Gulf. Scott became a bike enthusiast and a loner after a failed marriage. Scott isn’t a prepper although he is familiar with the group because his brother is one. Scott quickly recognizes the devastating impact of the solar flare that disables all electric systems in America and around the world. Scott isn’t sure how he will survive especially after he uncovers secret government plans regarding the recovery efforts.

Scott is fortunate to stumble upon three other men who are ready to band together for survival. Jack is a gritty ex-con turned preacher who is ready to help those who are ready to help themselves and he won’t take guff from anyone. Bartos is a rugged lineman who is more than prepared to defend and protect his friends. Todd is a former warrior with skills that can help with planning strategies while protecting the gathering band. These new friends see in Scott an intelligent, steady man who has valuable information and one who can help lead other men and women to work together for common good.

Scott is surprised when Todd volunteers to help him travel several hundred miles away to try to find and retrieve his niece who is in college. They are surprised to find a strange militaristic group controlling the campus. Will they be able to sneak Scott’s niece out safely? And what sort of community can they develop at their small town?

I did enjoy this overall story. Scott is a reluctant leader who needs a lot of help to succeed. He finds that help in interesting rather gritty comrades. Their communications were peppered with foul language which bothered me but wasn’t why I didn’t find the work compelling. I felt the story started slowly and plodded along. The story is realistic but seems to skip sections of development as the survivors gather. I’m not quite sure if it was the narration or the POV that made this seem like a lot of tell rather than show. There could have been more time spent on developing the community before they face a violent gang directed by an arrogant man of privilege.

I acknowledge that the story is worth listening to and continuing in the series. The problem is, with so many other series in this genre, this wouldn’t be my first choice. I do recommend this for readers/listeners who enjoy this genre.

Audio Notes: Steven Varnum does a fair job providing voices, but I think he could have provided a little more energy. I think this is partially the nature of the material. I still love listening to audio as it moves stories along for me.

Source: 9/18/18 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2020 TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Waiting for Summer's Return by Kim Vogel Sawyer

This is a charming, lovely story.
Waiting for Summer's Return
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Narrated By: Barbara Caruso

Series: Heart of the Prairie, Book 1
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: March 2008
Duration: 11 hours 47 minutes
Genres: Christian Romance, Historial, Inspirational
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Summary:
Kim Vogel Sawyer pens an inspiring debut novel whose unforgettable characters resonate with emotional intensity and compelling authenticity. Suddenly all alone in 1894 Kansas, Summer Steadman can't find the employment she needs to settle near the fresh graves of her husband and four children. Bitter against the Lord and refusing to eat, she collapses in despair. Remembering his own painful loss, godly widower Peter Ollenbuger offers her food and shelter for tutoring his 10-year-old son.

Review:
Summer convinced her Boston husband to leave the comforts of home and travel west to make a new home for their family. Sadly, her husband and children caught typhoid and died outside a small German, Mennonite community in Kansas. Stranded with nothing, mired in grief and having dismissed God after he failed to grant her prays for healing, Summer feels she has nothing to live for.

Widower Peter lives with his elderly mother-in-law and his son, Thomas, who is currently house bound due to injuries. Peter and Summer reach an agreement that she will tutor Thomas in exchange for food and shelter in the small shack on his farm. Others in the community are fearful of Summer as ‘not one of their kind’ and begin to make trouble for Peter and Summer. After a blizzard destroys the shack and Summer moves into the house, the rumors and resentment increase.

Summer is a sad woman but a dedicated teacher. Thomas appreciates her efforts and slowly, between Thomas’ joy in learning and Peter’s patience, caring, and steadfast faith in God, Summer begins to believe that perhaps there is a future for her after all. Just as plans for her to settle in the community are coming together, Summer gets a letter that changes her plans.

Thomas is devastated to lose a woman he views as a mother and, only when she is leaving does Peter realize how important Summer has become to him and his family. Summer too realizes that she is leaving behind something precious, but she is now listening to God and feels she must follow as he leads. What is God’s plan for all of them?

I thoroughly enjoyed this faith-filled story with the double meaning of Summer’s return. Peter’s character is wonderfully developed as a simple man with practical talents and deep-rooted faith. Thomas is a good character and even the non-English speaking grandmother has an interesting role. I enjoyed learning the fascinating tidbits of the Mennonite Community and early grist mills.

Although the community is faith-based, the author shows how small-minded people can cause hurt even in such a community. We all know that Christians are flawed and fail to live up to the teachings of Christ in one way or another. On the other side of that lesson, the author shows how true faith and love of God can spread from one faithful follower to another.

I am sure I have read and enjoyed this author before but it has been a number of years. I won't wait so long for the next book by Ms. Sawyer. I recommend this sweet story to readers who enjoy historical, Christian romance.

Audio Notes: Barbara Caruso does a great job with the narration. She captures the emotional tones of the characters as well as delivering the accents and German phrasings. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story. I am surprised that I didn't see I had come across Ms. Caruso as a narrator in all my readings but I would be glad to listen to more that she narrates.

Source: 7/20/19 Sale at Audiobooks.com $6.99. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook goals, and my "Summer" title.

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Siege by Larry Correia

This is another action-packed, intense adventure.

Monster Hunter Siege
Monster Hunter, Book 6
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Series: Monster Hunter, Book 6
Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-01-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Number six in multiple New York Times best seller Larry Correia's Monster Hunter series.
Go big or go home.
When Monster Hunter International's top hunter, Owen Zastava Pitt, was given a tip about some hunters who had gone missing in action, he didn't realize their rescue mission would snowball into the single biggest operation in MHI's history. Their men are being held prisoner in a horrific nightmare dimension, and the only way to reach them is through the radioactive ruins of a monster-infested war zone.
As if that wasn't bad enough, it's also the home base of the powerful creature behind the devastating attacks on the Last Dragon and Copper Lake. It turns out ancient gods of chaos really hate trespassers. But this god picked a fight with the wrong crew, and now MHI wants payback. Calling on their allies, a massive expedition is formed, and with the odds stacked against them, a legion of hunters goes to war.
It's D-Day at the City of Monsters.
©2017 Larry Correia (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Many hunters were lost in the Las Vegas battle (Monster Hunter Legion) with seven who disappeared into the nightmare realm presumed to be dead. Two were from MHI and five others were from rival companies that were involved in that nightmare battle. Owen received a secret message that has led him to a new information source who reveals that there are seven hunters alive in the nightmare dimension – far away and nearly impossible to enter. But Owen is of the genre that won’t leave a man behind.

Owen talks the boss into allowing him to lead a rescue mission. The other companies who have lost hunters are invited and readily join the highly risky mission. This mission takes months of planning trying to find a way to reach the prisoners who are held in the radioactive ruins of a monster-infested, abandoned city in Siberian. The huge endeavor will have to get permission just to step foot, or boat, in Russia.

The city where they have to go has a strange tie with Owen’s father. This brings in some history of Owen’s family just at a time when Owen is facing becoming a father himself. The stakes are even higher since Owen as “the chosen one” may have to face the newest evil alone and there are predictions of death.

This may not be as strong as some of the prior books and is more focused on Owen rather than a broader range of the characters. It still has plenty of action and the underlying snarky humor that the series is known for. There is some craziness – but that shouldn’t be surprising considering that a good part of the story takes place in a nightmare realm filled with skeleton and other nightmarish monsters. There is some foul language that I don’t like but realize is expected from ‘Bad A’ warriors.

The ending leaves an open segue to the next book which is now in my Wish List. I recommend the series from book 1 and this installment to fans of the series.

Audio Notes: Oliver Wyman is the voice of this series. I felt comfortable as soon as I heard his voice and was glad to have his energy in the presentation. I do enjoy this series on audio.

3/17/19 February 2019 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia 4.75
Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Vendetta by Larry Correia 4.5
Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Alpha by Larry Correia 4.75
Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4 by Larry Correia 4.5
Goodreads Review: Monster Hunter Nemesis (Monster Hunter International #5) by Larry Correia 4.25

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 Wolf at the End of the World by Douglas Smith

This is a wonderful shapeshifter, urban fantasy.

The Wolf at the End of the World
by Douglas Smith

File Size: 5454 KB
Print Length: 353 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Spiral Path Books; 2 edition (October 15, 2013)
ASIN: B00FXGJMU0
Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifter, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

A shapeshifter hero battles ancient spirits, a covert government agency, and his own dark past in a race to solve a murder that could mean the end of the world.
The debut novel from the multi-award winning author that Library Journal describes as "one of Canada's most original writers of speculative fiction."
"I can’t remember the last time I read a book that spoke to me, so eloquently, and so deeply, on so many levels. ... I’ll be rereading it in the future because it’s that sort of book. Richly layered and deeply resonant. An old friend, from the first time you read it." —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner
The Heroka walk among us. Unseen, unknown. Shapeshifters. Human in appearance but with power over their animal totems.
Gwyn Blaidd is a Heroka of the wolf totem. Once he led his people in a deadly war against the Tainchel, the shadowy agency that hunts his kind. Now he lives alone in his wilderness home, wolves his only companions.
But when an Ojibwe girl is brutally killed in Gwyn's old hometown, suspicion falls on his former lover. To save her, Gwyn must return, to battle not only the Tainchel, but even darker forces: ancient spirits fighting to enter our world…
And rule it.
Cree and Ojibwe legends mix with current day environmental conflict in this fast-paced urban fantasy that keeps you on the edge of your seat right up to its explosive conclusion.

Review:
Gwyn Glaidd is a Heroka – a human/wolf shapeshifter. The Heroka are humans with “extra” – sort of superhuman. They try to live alone and in peace, often dwelling with native tribes like the Ojibwe and Cree. But there are those who fear the Heroka and others who want to study them. The Tainchel is a shadow government agency that has captured and tortured the Heroka, trying to learn their secrets. Years ago the Tainchel came in force against Gwyn and his community. Gwyn decimated the hunters, including the leader’s son, and Gwyn has lived in seclusion since.

When a young woman in the Ojibwe tribe is killed in a brutal and unexplainable fashion, Gwyn is asked to return to the tribal grounds to investigate. Also, to prove that his ex-girlfriend, another Heroka -- of the cat totem-- is innocent of the murder. Initially, Gwyn wants to refuse until Tainchel hunters arrive at his secluded location and kill his friend. Gwyn is visited by the great wolf spirit of his ancestors and told that he must save the world with ‘the boy’. Gwyn is left in charge of a seventeen-year-old troubled teen, Cas – a Heroka of the rodent clan (specifically the otter family).

Running from the Tainchel at his lodge, Gwyn knows he is taking his companion dog and his new ‘ward’ to danger filled with unknown evil. But he doesn’t realize he is also delivering them into a confrontation with the head of the Tainchel. It’s hard to tell which is the greater danger – the spiritual threat or the relentless revenge of a father who lost his son. And there is a big surprise for Gwyn when he meets the young blind boy who will play an important part in the upcoming battles.

I enjoy shapeshifter stories and I always like the Native American (Canadian) connections. The characters are well developed with strengths and weaknesses. The leader of the Tainchel is presented as a zealous and delusional Christian, which didn’t thrill me, but he is clearly over the edge. The world-building is wonderful and the mysteries kept me glued with effective surprises. There is plenty of action and good pacing. When I read the author’s notes I learned that there are earlier short stories introducing the Heroka and Gwyn in particular. I hope to read those. I recommend this to fans of shapeshifter suspense.

Source: Title from the publisher and NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020NetGalley goals.

Audible Book Review: Thunderhead Arc of a Scythe by Neal Shusterman

This series has me fully engaged.
Thunderhead
Arc of a Scythe
By: Neal Shusterman
Narrated by: Greg Tremblay

Series: Arc of a Scythe, Book 2
Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-09-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Dystopian, Futuristic, Sci-Fi, Teen and Young Adult
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
Rowan and Citra take opposite stances on the morality of the Scythedom, putting them at odds, in the chilling sequel to the Printz Honor Book Scythe from New York Times best seller Neal Shusterman, author of the Unwind dystology.
The Thunderhead cannot interfere in the affairs of the Scythedom. All it can do is observe — it does not like what it sees.
A year has passed since Rowan had gone off grid. Since then, he has become an urban legend, a vigilante snuffing out corrupt scythes in a trial by fire. His story is told in whispers across the continent.
As Scythe Anastasia, Citra gleans with compassion and openly challenges the ideals of the "new order". But when her life is threatened and her methods questioned, it becomes clear that not everyone is open to the change.
Will the Thunderhead intervene?
Or will it simply watch as this perfect world begins to unravel?
©2018 Neal Shusterman (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
At the conclusion of book one, Scythe, Rowan and Citra were set against each other at the Scythe conclave to select one new member. Through an unexpected move, Citra is initiated as a true Scythe and Rowan went underground. Rowan takes a secret and different path to fight the corruption that is growing in the Scythedom. The Scythedom are the elite bringers of death who help maintain what should be a very peaceful society. But there is a heavy division between old and new factions of the Scythe. The old guard respects the weight of their task and serves with humility. However, there is a growing number of newer Scythes who are corrupt, brutal, and evil. This new faction is pushing to take control and rule for their own pleasure and gratification.

Grayson Tolliver is a good, quiet civilian, pretty much nondescript and of no particular notice. The Thunderhead, the AI that manages Earth, has noticed Grayson and has been his best friend for years. Now the Thunderhead has a plan to use Grayson even if it means trauma to the young man when it appears that the Thunderhead abandons him. Grayson gets unexpectedly drawn into Citra’s circle. While other Scythe’s suspect Grayson of attacks, Citra knows that isn’t true, but she can do little to protect Grayson when he is marked as an Unsavory.

Meanwhile, Scythe Farraday is off hunting for the secret to bring the Scythedom back into control. He finds a surprising bright ally hidden in a faraway museum and they race against time trying to save the world as they have known it.

Throughout the struggles of the humans, the Thunderhead is observing and commenting in the background. Although the Thunderhead may take actions that impact citizens at large, it is not allowed to interfere with the Scythedom, no matter how much it is distressed by the growing corruption.

I was completely drawn into this second book. There are surprises in the Scythes that rise to take action and it hurt my heart as situations turn against the primary characters. The final chapters of this volume have the supporters of good at the mercy of the evil.

I totally enjoyed having the Thunderhead as an alternating narrator sharing bits of history, wisdom, ponderings and even frustrations. The creativity of the author has me awed. I am excited to go on to book three to see how the conflict is resolved. I recommend this to readers who enjoy strong futuristic, dystopian elements.

Audio Notes: Greg Tremblay’s expert narration had me immersed in this world. Tremblay delivers the work with distinct voices and spot on emotion. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 12/16/19 Audible 2nd Settlement Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Written in Red: A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop

This is very good so now I will be into this series.
Written in Red
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris

Series: The Others (Bishop), Book 1
Length: 18 hrs and 33 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-05-13
Language: English
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Shape Shifters, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
No one creates realms like New York Times best-selling author Anne Bishop. Now in a thrilling new fantasy series, enter a world inhabited by the Others, unearthly entities - vampires and shape-shifters among them - who rule the Earth and whose prey are humans.
As Cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut - a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg's Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard - a business district operated by the Others.
Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she's keeping a secret, and second, she doesn't smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she's wanted by the government, he'll have to decide if she's worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.
©2013 Anne Bishop (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Review:
This unique fantasy takes place in a world where humans and Others have negotiated a truce after years of battling with the humans suffering as ‘clever prey’ under the view of the Others. The Others consist of non-human beings like vampires, elementals (Winter, Air, etc) and many shape-shifter creatures from birds to bears, horses, and wolves. The humans are now living mostly securely on certain lands known as "reservations while the Others live in Courtyard communities observing the ‘prey’.

Meg is a rare Cassandra Sangue, a blood prophet who is able to see the future when her skin is cut in precise control. She has escaped from the very secret owner/organization who exploits these women, keeping them in confinement and limiting their knowledge except as needed to make profit from selling their prophecies.

As she was fleeing in a snowstorm, Meg stumbled into an Others Courtyard. The Others district leader, Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard, is reluctant to give shelter to a person on the run but the community desperately needs a Human Liaison. Simon recognizes that Meg is not just ‘prey’ like normal humans. He decides to give Meg a trial run especially as it helps him avoid the pestering of a young woman who keeps throwing herself at him and begging for the job. To everyone’s surprise, Meg quickly shows that she cares about the postal office job even as she tries to learn how to act in society. The humans are comfortable with her professional approach to the clerical (but important) task and the Others are entertained and cheered by her friendliness and caring gestures. The Others come to care for Meg and are determined to protect her especially as they learn that outside, human forces are intent on kidnapping her.

Although some might see Meg as frail, she has an inner strength that is revealed as events unfold. She may be cautious of the clearly powerful Simon, but she won’t kowtow to even him. She has seen visions and knows that danger is imminent. Meg is intent on protecting Simon’s damaged but emerging nephew, “pup” Sam.

I like stories with ‘otherworldly’ creatures and they abound in this story. I loved the relationship between Meg and the Others. There is no overt romance but clear budding friendships that may have future growth.

The world-building is wonderful and the story full of tension and suspense. The characters are engaging and even the villain is well developed. This first volume has a logical conclusion spot but clearly, there is plenty to come. I'm a few years behind getting to this series but now I’m hooked. I will be continuing with the series and I recommend this to readers who enjoy intriguing urban fantasy.

Audio Notes: Alexandra Harris does a very fine job with the narration. She provides different accents for the many characters and her voice for Meg fits well. The narration carries through on the good pacing and emotion. I enjoyed the audible performance.

Source: 4/28/19 Audible Whisper Sync title for $7.95 less $5.00 Credit so it cost me only $2.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Conflicted Home: The Survivalist Series by A. American

This is a good continuation of a strong post-apocalyptic, survival series.

Conflicted Home
By: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine

Series: The Survivalist Series, Book 9
Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 04-10-18
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Action & Adventure, Dystopian Fiction, Survival
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The only possible thing that could make Morgan's world even more difficult happened. The Japanese fleet off the coast of California was wiped out. An even that Morgan and friends and family only knew about because of the radio broadcasts from the Radio Free Redoubt. So far removed from them it barely warranted notice. That is until the Chinese retaliated by launching a nuclear counter-strike against Mac Dill Air Force base. This, did warrant their attention and had the potential to profoundly impact their lives.
As bad as the fear of nuclear fallout was, it wasn't the only threat still haunting northern Lake county. With proof the Russians had pathfinder units on the ground, at a minimum, in the state and discovery of Cuban forces cooperating with them, something had to be done. After encountering armored units and realizing they were ill equipped to deal with the threat, the old man called for help. The call was answered, but would require a near impossible trip by truck to Eglin Air Force base. America was certainly on the ropes, but she wasn't down yet.
All Morgan wants to do is protect his family and friends. To restore a normal sense of life. To see to it Mel and his girls are safe and protected. He doesn't want to get involved in these military actions. He's more focused on trying to restore power to town. But his desires are, to use a military term, overtaken by circumstances, and, once again, Morgan and his friends are compelled to get involved. And this time, it will cost them.
©2017 A. American (P)2018 Podium Publishing

Review:
Morgan is back home recovering from injuries suffered at the end of Home Invasion. The biggest concerns though come from two major threats. A nuclear bomb has been dropped on an air force base in Tampa which is only 100 or so miles away from Morgan’s community in Eustis, Florida. Meanwhile, Russians joined by Cuban forces have invaded Florida to the south and are moving north. In order to protect their home and the neighboring community which includes US troops, Morgan joins the immutable Sarge and his handful of men take a road trip to Eglin Air Force Base (near Pensacola) which is roughly six hours away in normal days.

This episode of the series is very much a ‘days in the life of’ journal. Like the last book, Home Invasion, this book has less battle action and more life experiences. I actually enjoyed the relationship developments and the living details including foods and medical treatments. The story moves along well and the quiet portions get a punch with action engagement along the journey to Florida Panhandle. Then Morgan and his friends suffer a brutal surprise attack after the crew returns with supplies to share.

I will say that the rough ‘male humor’ continues (again see my review of Home Invasion) especially among Sarge and his special forces team. I’m not really in favor of that language but, fortunately, it didn’t interfere with my enjoyment of the story overall. I also like the fact that the setting in Florida is well known to me. I recommend this series to fans of the post-apocalyptic survival genre.

Audio Notes: I am glad that Duke Fontaine continues to narrate this series. He delivers the story with good energy and distinct voices. His narration successfully contributes to making this an entertaining listen.

Source: 7/16/19 Audible 2nd June Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goal.

Audio Book Review: The Bomb Squad: Clash of the Patriots by Neil Perry Gordon

This has interesting intrigue and history mixed with a touch of romance.
The Bomb Squad
Clash of the Patriots
By: Neil Perry Gordon
Narrated by: Frank Block

Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 06-08-20
Language: English
Publisher: Neil Perry Gordon
Genre: Espionage Thriller, Historical Fiction, WWI
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
At the stroke of midnight, a devastating explosion at Black Tom Island, an armaments depot, rocks New York City awake; and so begins this story of two patriots in World War I, each willing to put his life on the line in order to achieve a glorious victory for his cause.
Serving the Fatherland is Dr. Harold Schwartz, administrator of the prestigious Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital and a German spy. Along with his father, a dealer in lethal weapons and a lifelong friend of Kaiser Wilhelm, Schwartz is hell-bent on distracting the Americans from entering the war.
Meanwhile, the British Secret Intelligence Service recruits highly regarded New York City police detective Max Rothman to assemble a team of German-speaking specialists, known as the Bomb Squad. Their mission is to investigate the sudden surge of German espionage activity wreaking havoc along the Eastern Seaboard and among steamships attempting to cross the Atlantic.
The Bomb Squad follows these men’s exploits through an interconnecting tale of love, loss, friendship, and betrayal, stretching from American shores to the epicenter of German power during a time when the world is at war.
©2020 Neil Perry Gordon (P)2020 Neil Perry Gordon

Review:
In July 2016 an explosion rocked the Statute of Liberty. Germans exploded a munitions depot on Black Tom Island. Bombs began to destroy numerous locations, cargo, and steamships. New York City police detective Max Rothman is recruited to investigate. He pulls together a team of German-speaking specialists dubbed The Bomb Squad.

On the other side of the war, Dr. Harold Schwartz is a German spy working as the administrator at Ellis Island. There are those who suspect Harold’s father is working with the Germans, but they haven’t found proof yet that either Harold or his father are involved in the rising cigar bomb attacks.

Soon the Bomb Squad recovers funds intended for the German enemies. When Irish militants supporting the German cause are threatened, Max is surprised to discover opposition among his own friends.

Max develops a relationship with a young woman with whom he becomes engaged. The romance between them is sweet and gentle. Maria reveals a secret that sets Max and Maria off on a mission into Germany.

This story weaves an engaging intrigue with interesting history. I wasn’t really aware of the bombings in New York Harbor and had forgotten that German immigrants were interned on Ellis Island during WW1. The author reflects the entanglement of the Jewish, Irish, and German communities in America and also reflects the involvement of European countries as Max and Maria travel to Germany.

The characters seemed reasonably developed and the plot moves at a good pace with a few twists. There was some suspension of reality in the second half of the story as Max and Maria travel through Europe to sneak into Germany. They make their presence known and seem to think they will manage their mission with no consequences. There is an unexpected twist that brings the characters back to New York for an intense conclusion. I recommend this to readers who like WWI historical fiction.

Audio Notes: Frank Block does a good job with the narration. He manages the varied accents and voices with appropriate emphasis. I am glad I got to listen to this book.

Source: 6/28/2020 Audible Code from the Author. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook goal.