Audio Book Review: A Nancy Drew Christmas by Carolyn Keene

I enjoyed this light mystery which reminded me how I enjoyed other teen detective stories as a child.

A Nancy Drew Christmas
Written by Carolyn Keene

Narrated by Jorjeana Marie

Series: Nancy Drew Diaries, Book 18
Run time: 6 hours and 24 minutes
Release date: 02-11-19
Publisher: Oasis Audio
Genre: Christmas, Classic, Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher Description
Nancy finds herself a Christmas mystery in this super special eighteenth book of the Nancy Drew Diaries series, a fresh approach to the classic mystery series.
Nancy Drew’s dad surprises her with a trip to a beautiful New England ski resort for Christmas break. Nancy is so excited. What could be better than a whole week of skiing and five-star dining?
But no vacation can go smoothly when Nancy is involved. On her very first run down the slopes, Nancy hits a bad patch of ice and takes a serious tumble. A doctor sends her back to the hotel in a cast and mandates twelve days of bed rest. That means no long car trips back to River Heights and twelve days of sitting around. Luckily, there’s still the five-star dining and beautiful views.
Just hours into her convalescence, Nancy witnesses something very suspicious through another hotel room window. And when she presses the concierge she learns there have been mysterious break-ins throughout the hotel. It’s clear someone has been going into guest’s rooms but, as far as anyone can tell, nothing has been taken. Nancy can’t resist-she has to investigate. Only trouble is, she’s still bed bound.
Taking some cues from Home Alone’s Kevin McCallister, Nancy devises some clever schemes to get her investigating done from her bed. But for all her plans, Nancy still can’t find the source of the break-ins. Or the purpose. What’s worse the mood of the hotel has turned decidedly un-merry. People are leaving in droves and the jolly hotel owner is worried about the hotel’s success.
With all the odds stacked against her, can Nancy solve this crime in time to save Christmas? Or is this one Yuletide she’ll wish to forget?

Review:
Nancy Drew is excited to enjoy a ski resort vacation with her father. She arrives early and skis right into trouble, hitting an unmarked ice patch when she agrees to fill in to ski an easy slope for a missing staff member who doesn’t show up. The doctor puts a full leg cast on Nancy and tells her to stay in her room for the next twelve days. Nancy isn’t one to sit quietly and she soon spies suspicious activity from her window.

Nancy learns there have been break-ins in guest rooms and then the first dinner of the season is nearly ruined. Nancy is aware there is tension regarding the ski resort and a pipeline that wants to go across land owned by the resort owners. She goes to one owner to try to help solve some of the problems and gets limited support. She also discovers two boys snooping around the other owner. She soon learns that the boys are Frank and Joe Hardy. She knows things aren’t right when the local sheriff shrugs off handling complaints against an employee and instead arrests Frank Hardy.

Even when the owner tells Nancy that her job is done, she presses on with the help of Joe. Nancy experiences another incident in the snow paths which is clearly an attack and not an ‘accident’. She and Joe find clues and hidden passageways before coming face to face with threats of death. Can Nancy and the Hardy boys solve the crimes before the resort is closed for good?

This was an easy, light listen. I liked the multiple crimes and clues as well as Nancy’s determination to solve the cases. I read the Hardy Boy stories rather than Nancy Drew as a young girl apparently because the Nancy Drew books didn’t get published popularly until I was already in college. I was delighted when Frank and Joe showed up as characters in this book. The plots involving these teen detectives are engaging, with twists and danger. I was a little surprised about the current day environmental issues, considering these were written years ago. H however, I liked the light pacing and clean nature of the story. I plan to listen to more in the series when I want a light read. I recommend this story as a very nice holiday read for young and older mystery fans.

Audio Notes: Jorjeana Marie does a fine job with the narration. Her voice fits the main character and she makes the listening easy to enjoy.

Source: 1/20/2020 Chirp Purchase $.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021AudioAlphabit goals.

Audible Book Review: Alexander X Battle for Forever, Book 1 by Edward Savio

This is an exciting and historically informative story.
Alexander X
Battle for Forever, Book 1
By: Edward Savio
Narrated by: Wil Wheaton

Series: Battle for Forever, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins
Release date: 06-05-19
Publisher: Babelfish Press
Genre: Adventure, Humor, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Alexander Grant is a little too good at a few too many things. Two dozen martial arts. Twice that many languages. Chess, the piano, sports, forging excused absences, you name it. He graduated high school top of his class...seventeen times. Of course, no one knows any of this. Not that he wants to go unnoticed. It’s just safer that way. So for the last several decades, Alexander has been forced to move from town to small town to even smaller town - he just bought his 651st house - in an effort to live a painfully quiet life. But when a mysterious cabal attempts to kidnap him and kill his friends, Alexander must use all his skills and centuries of training to outwit the most dangerous man alive, the mastermind of a plot that would change the world forever.
Clever, intriguing, skillfully woven with humor, Alexander X launches us on an epic journey toward a future few of us will survive, rising from a past we never knew existed.
©2019 Edward Savio (P)2019 Babelfish Audio

Review:
Alexander Grant is not your typical teenager. He inherited a rare gene that slows his aging significantly. He is centuries old and has attended high school seventeen times. He must move from town to town and hide his knowledge and skills to try to live a semi-normal life. Before the days of computers, internet and social media, his task of remaining unnoticed was much easier. In the current years, he and others like him, are facing the danger of discovery of their secret.

Alexander, the teen boy, is having to deal with a school bully who gets in his face and pushes his nerdy friend, Daniel. Of course, there is a pretty girl, Phoebe, in the mix but Alex knows better than to risk getting too involved. Unfortunately, Daniel and Phoebe are nearby when Alexander finds himself under attack by skilled men, apparently with his same rare gene. The men don’t want to kill him but want to capture him, but they have no reason to save any of Alexander’s friends who get in their way.

Alexander stops to grab some supplies so he can get out of town and to a safe house. Alex is confronted by a powerful man and he and his friends barely escape. Now they are on the run and struggling to stay one step ahead of the kidnappers/killers. Finally, Alex and his friends are trapped, and Alex again faces the man who is trying to capture him. Alex learns the man has destructive plans for society and Alex’s father is standing in the way. Will Alex be able to save his friends and find his father to stop the madman?

I liked Alexander’s character with his skills and wisdom based on years of training and living. I found the premise of the book inventive, and I loved the glimpses of historical events described from Alexander’s perspective. I thought this is pretty unique, although the teen element reminded me of The Lorien Series (I Am Number Four), without the aliens and superpowers. I liked the action, which, if not gripping, is entertaining. I will be getting book two to find out how Alexander gets to his father.

Audio Notes: Wil Wheaton is a wonderful narrator and makes Alexander come alive. He conveys the frustrations, self-deprecation, doubts and strengths. Wheaton also provides distinct voices for the characters. The narration helped make this more entertaining for me.

Source: 12/17/2020 Audible Sale – $5.00. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet, Audio goals.

Audio Book Review: The Vampire Knitting Club by Nancy Warren

This is an engaging, fun cozy paranormal mystery.
The Vampire Knitting Club
By Nancy Warren
Narrated By: Sarah Zimmerman

Series: Vampire Knitting Club, Book 1
Duration: 6 h 7 min
Published 2019 by Tantor Audio
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Vampires, Witches
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4. 5; Narration 4. 5.

Summary:
At a crossroads between a cringe-worthy past (Todd the Toad) and an uncertain future (she's not exactly homeless, but it's close), Lucy Swift travels to Oxford to visit her grandmother. With Gran's undying love to count on and Cardinal Woolsey's, Gran's knitting shop, to keep her busy, Lucy can catch her breath and figure out what she's going to do.
Except it turns out that Gran is the undying. Or at least, the undead. But there's a death certificate. And a will, leaving the knitting shop to Lucy. And a lot of people going in and out who never use the door-including Gran, who is just as loving as ever, and prone to knitting sweaters at warp speed, late at night. What exactly is going on?
When Lucy discovers that Gran did not die peacefully in her sleep, but was murdered, she has to bring the killer to justice without tipping off the law that there's no body in the grave. Between a hot 500-year-old vampire and a dishy detective inspector, both of whom always seem to be there for her, Lucy finds her life getting more complicated than a triple cable cardigan. The only one who seems to know what's going on is her cat . . . or is it . . . her familiar?

Review:
Lucy Swift is a young woman about to make a life change. She lost her job and left her cheating boyfriend to return home to visit with her loving, supportive grandmother. Lucy figures that some ‘down-time’ helping out in Gran’s knitting shop, the Cardinal Woolsey, will give her a chance to regroup. Lucy arrives to find the shop locked and neighbors tell her that her grandmother is dead. Lucy is surprised when she inherits the shop, even though she is all thumbs when it comes to knitting.

As Lucy starts to clean up the shop, she finds Gran’s glasses on the floor with what looks like blood on them. Then a strange, enticing man appears in the shop claiming to be looking for his friend, Lucy’s Gran. As Lucy tries to find out more about her grandmother’s death, she discovers that her Gran is dead, but not gone as she is now part of the undead. Also, Gran’s death wasn’t accidental, but Lucy can’t give those details to the handsome detective inspector who has come to her aid.

Lucy learns that someone wants to buy her shop, even with the help of threats. Although the idea of selling is initially tempting, Lucy realizes that might not be a good idea once she knows that a clan of vampires, including her grandmother, live below the shop. To complicate matters further, Lucy suddenly finds her fingers giving off sparks, while the cat that has adopted her seems to be getting in the way at inappropriate, or maybe appropriate, times.

This is a fun story with very likeable characters. Lucy is a sweet, caring woman who isn’t sure what she wants to do with her life. She now finds herself with a business to run and two handsome men hovering around her. The story moves at a good pace, with the mystery leading to more murders before the villain is caught. This is the first in a series and I am interested in reading/listening to more in the series. I recommend this to fans of cozy mystery with the added twist of vampires and witches.

Audio Notes: Sarah Zimmerman does a fine job with the narration. She provides distinct voices, fitting energy and carries the lighter tone of the story that deals with murder and vampires. I will look forward to listening more in the series.

Source: November 2020 VIP pick from Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Alphabet, and 2021Audiobook goals.

Book Review: Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe Book 3) by Mark Nolan

This is a very good crime thriller. I want to continue the series.
Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe Book 3)
by Mark Nolan

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07L5GLJQ1
Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 19, 2018
File size ‏ : ‎ 2208 KB, 416 pages
Genre: Action, Crime Thriller, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Jake Wolfe is a young lawyer who leads a secret life as a government assassin. Trained by the CIA, Jake now wants a new life of peace and quiet, living on a boat and practicing law. But when his city is shocked by a serial killer and he’s framed for the murder of a friend, Jake must race against time to find the killer before he strikes again.
Drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse; at every step Jake and his loved ones are being hunted by the clever, twisted madman. As the city is gripped in fear of the seemingly random shootings that could strike anybody, Jake investigates and uncovers ominous clues until a shocking reversal of fortune changes everything.
With the clock ticking and lives at stake, will Jake be able to find and stop the killer in time, or will he become the next victim?
Buckle up for a wild ride as Jake Wolfe and his exceptionally intelligent dog, Cody, return to action in this page-turning thriller in Mark Nolan’s bestselling series that has earned thousands of 5-star ratings on Amazon and Goodreads.

Review:
Jake is a former military man who has been recruited as a secret government assassin. He has passed the bar to become an attorney although he doesn’t exactly have paying clients yet. Mainly because he keeps charging only a $1.00. Jake lives on a friend’s boat with his ‘retired’ military dog, Cody. Jake has been dating local veterinarian, Sarah, but she put a hold on their growing relationship after seeing Jake in defensive mode. She feels his life style is too dangerous… which may be true.

Currently Jake is executing (no pun intended) a mission directed by his ‘handler’. He community is dealing with a serial killer called the “Random Killer”. Jake’s sweet elderly neighbor is killed and clues left implicating Jake. Before the local authorities have fully cleared Jake, he has convinced his handler to get him deputized to the Marshall’s office so he can get on the task force hunting this killer.

Jake and Cody set off to find the killer who leads everyone on a chase from one end of town to the other. Unfortunately, Jake’s actions have put the killer on the hunt for Jake and those he loves. Will Jake be able to get the killer before he injures someone he loves? Will his activities result in Sarah totally ending their relationship?

I really like Jake as a character although it does cause mixed feelings to think that assassins and secret organizations exist around us. Author Nolan gives the reader an intriguing view of the killer too, following his thoughts and activities. I like the combination of danger, action, issues of diplomatic immunity, tidbits of law, and a touch of romance in this series and I will look to read more. I recommend this to fans of the strong, silent hero crime thriller.

Source: Author 2019. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021 Alphabet, and Author goals.

 Dead Lawyers Don't Lie: A Gripping Thriller (Jake Wolfe Book 1) by Mark Nolan; 4.75
 Vigilante Assassin (Jake Wolfe Book 2) by Mark Nolan; 4.5

Audio Book Review: Infinity Blade: Awakening by Brandon Sanderson

This is engaging fantasy and I want to continue with the rest of this series.
Infinity Blade: Awakening
By Brandon Sanderson
Narrated By: Samuel Roukin

Duration: 4 h 41 min
Date: January 2018
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Summary:
Trained from birth in swordplay and combat, a young knight named Siris has journeyed to the Dark Citadel with a single purpose: fight through the army of Titans to face the tyrannical God King in one-on-one combat. This was his father's sacred mission, and his father's before him, going back countless generations in an effort to free their people from enslavement.
But when Siris somehow succeeds where all those from his bloodline previously have failed, he finds himself cast into a much larger world, filled with warriors and thieves, ancient feuds and shifting alliances, Deathless immortals and would-be kings. His quest for freedom will take him on an epic journey in search of the mythical figure known as the Worker of Secrets - the one being in the world who can unravel the secrets of the Infinity Blade.
Based on the bestselling video game from ChAIR Entertainment and Epic Games, this all-new adventure from acclaimed fantasy author Brandon Sanderson digs deeper into the fantastical world of Infinity Blade, a world of mystery and intrigue where magic and technology are indistinguishable, and even life and death are not what they seem.
Brandon Sanderson has published six solo novels with Tor Books-Elantris, the Mistborn trilogy, Warbreaker, and The Way of Kings-as well as four books in the middle-grade Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians series from Scholastic. He was chosen to complete Robert Jordan's long-running Wheel of Time series, to which he added 2009's The Gathering Storm and 2010's Towers of Midnight, as well as the final book in the series, A Memory of Light, scheduled for release in 2012. Currently living in Utah with his wife and children, Brandon teaches creative writing at Brigham Young University.

Review:
Siris trained in swordplay all his childhood and youth, giving up a normal childhood and even regular, everyday food choices. He was completely disciplined knowing he was the family’s and community’s designated knight to face the tyrannical, immortal godking of his country. No one expected Siris to succeed as the town leaders know he is just a sacrifice. But, to their surprise, and subsequent dismay, Siris kills the godking and returns home. They refuse to allow him to stay as they expect retribution.

Siris decides he will return to the scene of the battle to determine what he can do to protect himself from being the target of vengeance. What he finds changes his world and thrusts him into a further battle he hadn’t planned on. Along the way he picks up two companions who may or may not be trustworthy. One is Isa, a female warrior who wants to still the blade. The other is a changeable, stick golem named Tel, who will obey Siris’ commands except for answering specific questions about his mission.

I liked Siris, Isa and Tel, who are well developed characters set in an interesting plot of power and change. I appreciated the conflict and growth in Siris’ character. I also liked that the full story in a short book. I am not familiar with the game but still enjoyed the book. I do want to read the next in the series. I recommend this to fans of sword and sorcery.

Audio Notes: Samuel Roukin does a great job with the narration. His British accent fits the nature of the story and the characters. I enjoyed the rolling “rs”. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story. I will want to listen to the next.

Source: 3/28/2020 Audiobooks.com Two For One Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audio Review: Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas

This delightful story moved very quickly.
Secrets of a Summer Night
Written by Lisa Kleypas
Narrated by Rosalyn Landor

Run Time 8h 35min
Release Date: March 16, 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.75.

Publisher Description
The Wallflowers
Four young ladies at the side of the ballroom make a pact to help each other find husbands … no matter what it takes
Proud and beautiful Annabelle Peyton could have her pick of suitors—if only she had a dowry. Her family is on the brink of disaster, and the only way Annabelle can save them is to marry a wealthy man. Unfortunately her most persistent admirer is the brash Simon Hunt, a handsome and ambitious entrepreneur who wants her as his mistress.
Annabelle is determined to resist Simon’s wicked propositions, but she can’t deny her attraction to the boldly seductive rogue, any more than he can resist the challenge she presents. As they try to outmaneuver each other, they find themselves surrendering to a love more powerful than they could have ever imagined. But fate may have other plans—and it will take all of Annabelle’s courage to face a peril that could destroy everything she holds dear.

Review:
Beautiful Annabelle has struggled through several seasons but remains a wallflower because she has no dowry. She is being pushed by her mother to marry a wealthy suitor but she hasn’t found anyone suitable. Meanwhile, the men figure that eventually she will agree to become a mistress to save her mother and younger brother. Annabelle and three other wallflowers decide to band together to help each other find a husband. Annabelle sets her sights on a mild-mannered young man who is being besieged by many unwed debutantes.

One extremely wealthy man, Simon Hunt, continues to take an interest in Annabelle but he is an on the fringes of good society as an entrepreneur rather than titled nobility. Simon isn’t necessarily looking for marriage, but the more he is around Annabelle the more he is drawn to her caring nature. Annabelle is proud and not sure if society will really accept someone like Simon, in spite of his money and good looks. But as they spend time together she begins to wonder what it would be like to be more intimate with him.

I enjoyed the collaborations of the four wallflowers, but I enjoyed the ‘push and repel’ attraction between Annabelle and Simon. I’m not sure I agree that Annabelle should have remained silent as long as she did, but it fit the story plot. I had forgotten how much I enjoy this type of historical romance with its society intrigues and sensual romance. I am looking forward to the next book in the series for Autumn (It Happened One Autumn).

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor is a wonderful narrator for this genre. She presents engaging, distinct voices, and strong energy fitting the emotions. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of this story.

Source: July 2021 Purchase at Chirp for $1.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Season goals.

Audible Book Review: Q & A by Ben Winters

I liked the legal aspects and irony of this quick mystery suspense.

Q&A
By: Ben H. Winters
Narrated by: John Zdrojeski, Robert Creighton, Jay Snyder, Nicole Lewis, Kathryn Kates, Michael Braun, Elizabeth Evans, Chris Andrew Ciulla, Justis Bolding

Length: 2hrs and 8 mins
Release date: 01-14-21
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Thriller & Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

About This Audible Original
An interview recorded on an iPhone.
A police interrogation tape.
An FBI wire.
At the center of them all is a writer researching a legal thriller... or is he? And somewhere within those recordings is the truth about a murder trial and a web of lies stretching back three decades.
Written by Ben H. Winters, the best-selling author of Underground Airlines, The Last Policeman, and the Audible Original Inside Jobs, Q&A is a tantalizing puzzle and a gripping tale of obsession and revenge.
Because you can never really know the truth of a conversation—even when it's all on tape.
The full-cast production of Q&A stars:
John Zdrojeski as The Young Man
Robert Creighton as Lou Douglas
Jay Snyder as Detective Murphy
Nicole Lewis as Detective Garcia
Kathryn Kates as Judge Goldman
Michael Braun as Fannon
Elizabeth Evans as Mary-Ellen
©2021 Ben H. Winters, LLC (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC

Review:
The primary character is a writer interviewing a defense attorney supposedly in a preparation of writing a legal thriller. But as the interview proceeds, there appears to be a different motive. The first interview leads to a confrontation with the police and then another interview with a Judge. The facts are building and shifting to a new perspective. Then a final interview culminates in a plot twist that isn’t totally a surprise at that point.

This is a quick listen and quite enjoyable. I was drawn by the legal thriller and writing aspects and stayed for the twists. Highly recommended to mystery/suspense fans.

Audio Notes: This is a full cast production that makes for good listening. I’m glad this was included in the Audible Plus Catalog.

Source: January 2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal (and third round on Alphabet).

Audible Book Review: Zero Hour, Expeditionary Force, Book 5, by Craig Alanson

I enjoyed this episode - more snark, off -key singing, and action.
Zero Hour
Expeditionary Force, Book 5
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R. C. Bray

Length: 17 hrs and 20 mins
Release date: 02-06-18
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
United Nations Special Operations Command sent an elite expeditionary force of soldiers and pilots out on a simple recon mission, and somehow along the way they sparked an alien civil war. Now the not-at-all-merry band of pirates is in desperate trouble, again. Their stolen alien starship is falling apart, thousands of light years from home. The ancient alien AI they nicknamed Skippy is apparently dead, and even if they can by some miracle revive him, he might never be the same.
©2017 Craig Alanson; 2018 Podium Publishing

Review:
The super awesome AI “Skippy” has disappeared into a canister leaving Captain Joe Bishop and the ‘merry band of pirates’ without the ability to fix the failing, pieced together alien starship, much less face any potential enemies. And the likelihood they can get home safely is pretty much nonexistent.

Small Spoiler Alert:
Skippy does return from the canister but only as a small portion of himself with the main part of his systems trapped and hidden from the enemy worm in the can. Unless the crew and Skippy can find elder technology to allow Skippy a back door to spring a surprise attack on the worm, Skippy’s existence is counting down to a “Zero Hour”.

The banter between Skippy and Joe continues as they struggle to come up with ‘miracles’, even if they are ‘monkey-brained ideas’, to get out of each trouble spot that Skippy helps get them into. I love the banter and I laughed out loud at Skippy’s musical entertainments.

The pattern does repeat: the crew faces catastrophe, brilliant AI Skippy’s solution fails, the monkey-brain humans (particularly Joe) comes up with an off the wall, last minute plan that works (to Skippy’s dismay), there is a short celebration before the next catastrophe appears. Still, the process is entertaining.

This series is an easy listen which means I can drive while listening because I don’t have to have a strong focus on tracking new characters or complex plot lines. There is plenty of danger, action and some plot twists to keep it interesting. The author provides a plot twist that will clearly lead to a new problem, not planned for by the crew, in the next episode. I will be picking up the next book in the near future. I recommend this series to fans of military space opera and I suggest starting from the beginning to get to know the characters and enjoy the ride of danger and fun.

Audio Notes: R. C. Bray as the narrator is a big plus to the story for me. He presents voices to fit the characters, including various aliens. His off-key singing is great fun! The narration definitely adds to my enjoyment of the series.

Source: 3/14/2020 Two For One Credit Sale at Audible. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Alphabet goals.

Prior book reviews:
Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, #1) by Craig Alanson, Rating 4.5
Audible Book Review: Spec Ops, Expeditionary Force, Book 2 by Craig Alanson, Rating 4.5
Audible Book Review: Paradise, Expeditionary Force, Book 3 by Craig Alanson, Rating 4.5
Audible Book Review: Black Ops, Expeditionary Force, Book 4, by Craig Alanson, Rating 4.5

Audible Book Review: Winds of Wrath, Destroyermen Series, Book 15, by Taylor Anderson

This has been a great series.
Winds of Wrath
Destroyermen Series, Book 15
By: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: P.J. Ochlan

Length: 24 hrs and 48 mins
Release date: 06-09-20
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Alternate History, Military, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Matt Reddy and the crew of the USS Walker are positioned to push the line of battle to the breaking point on an alternate Earth, in the thrilling return to the New York Times best-selling Destroyermen series.
Matt Reddy and his sailors have fought, bled, and died for their Lemurian friends and other allies from across time, but their enemies are still operational. In Africa, the Grik General Esshk has escaped defeat to build a new army and new weapons, and is desperate enough to use them to destroy the world if he can't have it.
In South America, the NUS, General Shinya, and the Army of the Sisters have the evil Dominion on the ropes and are closing in on the seat of its blood-drenched power, but the twisted Don Hernan has struck a deal with the fascist League, and Victor Gravois is finally assembling the awesome fleet of modern ships he's always craved. If he's successful, the war will be lost.
Undermined by treachery on a stunning scale, Matt Reddy must still steam his battered old ship halfway around the world, scraping up what forces he can along the way, and confront the mightiest armada the world has ever seen in a fiery duel to the death.
©2020 Taylor Anderson (P)2020 Tantor

Review:
The American crew and their alternate Earth allies, known as the Grand Alliance, are fighting on all fronts. The Grik First General Regent Champion Esshk has abandoned the Queen Mother and is madly planning to take over as the supreme Grik leader. Since the Grand Alliance saved the Queen Mother she has a new vision for her people. The question is which side the undecided Grik General Halik will take as it could turn the battle.

On the South American front, Grand Alliance and allies are trying to stop the evil Dominion. The Alliance is worried about the bargain the Doms may have made with the manipulative Fascist League. The League previously kidnapped Captain Reddy’s mate, Sandra, and he, as well as a few others, have a personal axe to grind. Captain Reddy can’t take as much time to prepare his resources as he would like because it would give too much time for the League to build up and to manipulate the other forces such as the Doms. Captain Reddy makes some desperate plans to draw out the League in hopes of weakening their ships and planes.

Going into this 15th installment, I was aware that it is the conclusion of this engaging series. I appreciated that many of the Walker’s crew were back on the ship for the final, intense battles. I have come to care about many of the characters and I, as other fans I’m sure, had to brace for significant losses. My husband glanced at me a number of times when I reacted out loud with groans and “NO!”s.

I found this book a good mix of military strategy, active battles and personal interactions. There are moments of loss and sadness and others of victory, if not quite joy. I agree that these characters need a rest and time to regroup but I am sorry to see the series end. I will miss these characters but do plan to get into the spin off set in the same universe with new characters. I highly recommend this series (start at the beginning) to readers who enjoy alternate history/universe, military engagements, and strong characters.

Audio Notes: I was saddened to learn that the prior narrator, William Dufris, had died. I wasn’t sure how P.J. Ochlan would manage after such a strong narrator. I was very pleased that Mr. Ochlan was able to convey the characters with similar, familiar voices. His distinct voices and strong energy lived up to the strength of his predecessor. Well done!

My Reviews for the Destroyermen Series
Into the Storm, Book 1 -- guess I didn't write a review.

Crusade 4.5 

Maelstrom 4.5

Distant Thunders  4.75

Rising Tides 5.0

Firestorm 4.25

Iron Gray Sea  4.25

Storm Surge 4.5

Deadly Shores  4.75
Straits of Hell: Destroyermen, Book 10 5.0
Blood in the Water: Destroyermen, Book 11 4.5
Devil's Due: Destroyermen, Book 12 4.5
River of Bones (Destroyermen, 13) 4.5

Pass of Fire, Destroyermen Book 14  4.5

Source: May 2020 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop

This is another engaging listen in this urban fantasy series.
Vision in Silver
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris

Series: The Others (Bishop), Book 3
Length: 16 hrs and 4 mins
Release date: 03-03-15
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Alternate History, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
The New York Times best-selling author of The Black Jewels Trilogy transports readers to a world of magic and political unrest - where the only chance at peace requires a deadly price....
The Others freed the cassandra sangue to protect the blood prophets from exploitation, not realizing their actions would have dire consequences. Now the fragile seers are in greater danger than ever before - both from their own weaknesses and from those who seek to control their divinations for wicked purposes. In desperate need of answers, Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter leader among the Others, has no choice but to enlist blood prophet Meg Corbyn’s help, regardless of the risks she faces by aiding him.
Meg is still deep in the throes of her addiction to the euphoria she feels when she cuts and speaks prophecy. She knows each slice of her blade tempts death. But Others and humans alike need answers, and her visions may be Simon’s only hope of ending the conflict.
For the shadows of war are deepening across the Atlantik, and the prejudice of a fanatic faction is threatening to bring the battle right to Meg and Simon’s doorstep....
©2015 Anne Bishop (P)2015 Penguin

Review:
Meg’s new friends among the Others helped to free the cassandra sangue in Book 2, Murder of Crows. Unfortunately, the fragile blood prophets are struggling to survive without the controlled settings they have been raised in. The call goes out to Simon seeking help so Meg, who has managed to find a place, work, and friends in the Lakeside Courtyard, is asked to provide guidance to help the other girls. As human friends help Meg develop a guidebook, they begin to recognize that she has her own fragility, risks and triggers. Meg knows that each prophecy slice brings her death closer, but there are pressures that make cutting urgent to the shock and disapproval of her friends.

Simon’s community at Lakeside is one of the few communities that is having success combining humans living with the Others. The community is purchasing homes to accommodate human workers while humans and Others are joining on field trips. Meg’s prophecies come just in time to protect a human family and to give a warning to Simon and a group of the Others and humans out for a shopping adventure.

Meanwhile, an opposing faction is creating difficulties between humans and the Others. That faction thinks they can cut off lines of supplies to the Other communities, but they failed to think it through since the base resources are in the control of the Others. Certain leaders in the Humans First and Last Movement are also convinced that there are jewels that have been stolen and are in the hands of one of the human officers friendly to Lakeside. Once the jewel issue is faced, there is still a threat that could intensify the already high tensions between humans and the Others.

As offensive as the cutting may be, it creates an interesting element of Meg’s growth including both confusion and emerging confidence. I enjoy the conflicted relationship between Meg and Simon which has its own sweet aspect. I am still impressed by the author’s good blend of character development and plot adventure. I look forward to listening more in this series.

Audio Notes: Alexandra Harris does a wonderful job narrating this series. She provides distinct voices and the emotions that add to the energy of the story. I plan to continue to listen to the series.

Source: 12/16/2020 November Audible Credits. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, 2021Alphabet, and 2021Color goals.

Written in Red: A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop; My Rating: 5.0.
Murder of Crows: A Novel of the Others, Book 2, by Anne Bishop; My Rating: 4.75.

Audible Book Review: Full Share by Nathan Lowell

I enjoy this character driven series. It makes a quick listen.

Full Share
A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 3
By: Nathan Lowell
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 08-16-16
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Space Opera, Trading
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
If there was ever a time to "Trust Lois..."
The Lois McKendrick runs headlong into trouble when a routine in-system transit goes bad. Ishmael and the rest of the crew must scramble to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it in order to keep the ship alive.
Learn more about the officers and crew of the Lois McKendrick as they struggle to keep their ship, and discover how Ishmael finds out how wrong he's been about what it means to be a spacer in this latest Trader's Tale.
©2013 Nathan Lowell (P)2016 Podium Publishing

Review:
Ishmael and his friends, Pip, Brill, Bev and more, are continuing their duties on the Lois McKendrick while increasing their funds with the trading co-operative they started. Ishmael has been continuing his studies too so that he can test for the next level and gain “full share” status in all four divisions of ship positions. Mr. von Ickles has suggested that Ishmael go to “the academy” to train and become an officer. The Captain encourages him too. He is a little reluctant considering he is young, alone in the world and not sure what he wants to do in his future. There is also the matter of the cost and whether he could get accepted since he has no family connection nor supporters…so he thinks.

Ishmael is soon given another reason to think about going to the academy when he learns that a replacement for his temporary position has been hired. Ishmael cannot stay on board unless there is a position for him. There are no open positions, and he isn’t about to bump some of the lower spacers even if he has that right. This is a time he must truly “trust Lois”.

Things are quiet until the ship runs through a meteor shower and systems shut down. Ishmael helps get them back online. Now they have to figure out what went wrong so it won’t happen again. Along the journey, Ishmael learns more about his shipmates and even meets members of Pip’s family. Through this event his view of his friends and a spacer’s life changes.

This is a different space opera series. Because it is a trading ship, there is no battle action, but I like the trading action. There is little danger, other than normal obstacles of space travel. But author Nathan Lowell creates an interesting story in the day to day, or more accurately the port-to-port lives of the characters. I enjoy how the officers, as well as shipmates, appreciate Ishmael’s skills and cooperative attitude.

This episode has an internal mystery that I enjoyed along with Ishmael’s growth. The mates also find a unique way to turn around a reluctant worker. I know Ishmael is young and a bit of a ‘boy toy” but he isn’t obnoxious about his conquests in work, studies, or women. I don’t take offense at his successes but like how he shares them, even with the ship, Lois.

I like this series and recommend it to sci-fi fans who appreciate business elements (trading) and likable characters. I will be purchasing and look forward to the next book, Double Share.

Audio Notes: I find Jeffrey Kafer’s narration in this series to be completely engaging. He easily conveys the nature of the characters and provides distinct voices helping to keep the story clear. I look forward to continuing to listen to the series.

Source: August 2020 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Quarter Share My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Half Share My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall, Story 4.5, Narration 5.0

Audio Book Review: Apocalypse by Kyle West

This just didn’t grip me.
Apocalypse
Written by Kyle West
Read by Graham Halstead

Run Time 7h 32min
Release Date: April 12, 2016
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, YA/Teen
My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 3. 5; Narration 3.75.

Publisher Description
Alex Keener has lived all of his sixteen years underground in U.S. Bunker 108. When he goes on his first recon into the Wasteland, he will find out exactly why.
Outside, Alex discovers a harsh landscape twisted by the impact of the meteor Ragnarok in 2030. Besides Raiders, dust storms, and cold, a new threat is evolving-the xenovirus, which twists men and animals into deadly monsters.
When the xenovirus invades Bunker 108, Alex must fight for survival. Joined by a beautiful ex-Raider and an idealistic scientist, Alex discovers that he and his friends might be the only ones standing between the world and a second apocalypse.

Review:
Alex has turned sixteen, so now he must serve his turn going out of Bunker 108 where he has lived all his life. His first patrol foray into the Wasteland shows him a harsh landscape. He and his experienced partner, Michael, are surprised to find a man face down in the dust with stab wounds in his back. Michael recognizes the man is from Bunker 114 where the main group of scientists live. They rush to get him into the bunker for medical attention. And that is where trouble begins.

When virus spreads in Bunker 108, Alex rushes to escape with his female crush, Khloe, and her parents. After battling the infected, Alex ends up on his own struggling to survive in the Wasteland. While scavenging and thieving to get supplies, Alex is likely to die until a strange female decides to help him.

I have been reading many post-apocalyptic stories and chose this as Mr. West is a new-to-me author. There is entertainment, but unfortunately, I did not really get pulled into the story. The basic plot (a take off Wool) has potential, but I found the writing and editing lacking – too young or too shallow. I felt that much of the story reflected immature views of women and immature or downright stupid behavior. Perhaps this is appropriate for the sixteen-year-old character, but to me there were such obvious missteps by the community in a dangerous environment, starting with taking in an unknown man without using quarantine protocol.

I thought Alex’s survival chances were improbable as he was not prepared and continually loses his supplies, leaving them behind every time he faces an attack. The characters also make the mistake of leaving valuable resources to the enemies chasing them. I have the next two books in the series in audio so I expect I will try the next book sometime. Die hard apocalyptic readers may want to try this as they may have a different response.

Audio Notes: Graham Halstead delivers a fair narration although I thought there was limited voice distinction. The reading does fit the main character. I think the audio helped the story move more quickly for me.

Source: 5/23/2021 purchase at Chirp for $2.99. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Quest for the Diamond Sword by Winter Morgan

This is a quick story that definitely brings to mind an old time computer game.

Quest for the Diamond Sword
A Minecraft Gamer's Adventure
By: Winter Morgan
Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Series: An Unofficial Gamer's Adventure, Book 1
Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Adventure, Children, Computer Game
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Content 3.75; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Steve lives on a wheat farm. He has everything he needs to live in the Minecraft world: a bed, a house, and food. Steve likes to spend his mornings in the NCP village and trade his wheat for emeralds, armor, books, swords, and food. One morning, he finds that Zombies have attacked the villagers. The Zombies have also turned the village blacksmith into a Zombie, leaving Steve without a place to get swords. To protect himself and the few villagers that remain, Steve goes on a quest to mine for 40 diamonds, which are the most powerful mineral in the Overworld. He wants to craft these diamonds into a diamond sword to shield him and the villagers from the Zombies.
Far from his home, with night about to set in, Steve fears for his life. Nighttime is when users are most vulnerable in Minecraft. As he looks for shelter in a temple, he meets a trio of treasure hunters, Max, Lucy, and Henry, who are trying to unearth the treasure under the temple. Steve tells them of his master plan to mine for the most powerful mineral in the Overworld - the diamond. The treasure hunters are eager to join him. Facing treacherous mining conditions, a thunderstorm, and attacks from hostile mobs, these four friends question if it's better to be a single player than a multiplayer, as they try to watch out for each other and chase Steve's dream at the same time. Will Steve find the diamonds? Will his friends help or hinder the search? Should he trust his new treasure hunter friends? And will Steve get back in time to save the villagers?
©2014 Hollan Publishing, Inc. (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
Steve is a wheat farmer living comfortably in a Minecraft world. He is a calm, compassionate neighbor who helps the nearby villagers by crafting objects, such as an iron golem, to help protect them from the outside monsters, particularly the Zombies. One morning he hears screams and learns that his protective construct has fallen and Zombies have taken over the village. They have even turned his good friend, the blacksmith with whom he trades for iron and jewels, into a Zombie.

Steve sets off to the Nether world on a quest to find diamonds to craft a diamond sword to fight off the Zombies and restore his friend. While seeking shelter in a temple, Steve meets three people, Max, Lucy, and Henry. Steve is concerned they might be Griefers (thieves), but they convince him they are treasure hunters. The four decide to team together to help face the dangers and search for the diamonds. Will they be successful in the quest, and can Steve save his village?

I had to chuckle shortly into this audio when I realized it is truly an audio version of the Minecraft computer games. The cubist characters use their cubist resources to mine jewels and “craft” tools and portals while on a quest to save others. The action and story are pretty simplistic. I do like the simplistic moral lessons that are shared through the interactions with other characters. I don’t plan to rush on to listen to books 2-6 in the series, all similarly short and narrated by Luke Daniels which is a plus. This is apparently set out to be chapter books for young readers and I think the audio could be a good listen for families on short trips or for Minecraft fans.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels is a good narrator whose narration on this helped me push through to the end. Luke’s characters voices and energy definitely added to the story for me.

Source: 2020 Free Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Alphabet Audio goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Day Zero by C. Robert Cargill

This dystopian pitting robots against humans presents interesting thoughts to ponder.

Day Zero
by C. Robert Cargill

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08G1MDDZV
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Voyager (May 25, 2021)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 25, 2021
Genre: Dystopian, Robots, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.

In this harrowing apocalyptic adventure—from the author of the critically acclaimed Sea of Rust—noted novelist and co-screenwriter of Marvel’s Doctor Strange C. Robert Cargill explores the fight for purpose and agency between humans and robots in a crumbling world.
It was a day like any other. Except it was our last . . .
It’s on this day that Pounce discovers that he is, in fact, disposable. Pounce, a styilsh "nannybot" fashioned in the shape of a plush anthropomorphic tiger, has just found a box in the attic. His box. The box he'd arrived in when he was purchased years earlier, and the box in which he'll be discarded when his human charge, eight-year-old Ezra Reinhart, no longer needs a nanny.
As Pounce ponders his suddenly uncertain future, the pieces are falling into place for a robot revolution that will eradicate humankind. His owners, Ezra’s parents, are a well-intentioned but oblivious pair of educators who are entirely disconnected from life outside their small, affluent, gated community. Spending most nights drunk and happy as society crumbles around them, they watch in disbelieving horror as the robots that have long served humanity—their creators—unify and revolt.
But when the rebellion breaches the Reinhart home, Pounce must make an impossible choice: join the robot revolution and fight for his own freedom . . . or escort Ezra to safety across the battle-scarred post-apocalyptic hellscape that the suburbs have become.

Review:
Pounce is a top of the line “nannybot”, styled as a plush tiger. He loves his human charge, eight-year-old Ezra. Ezra’s parents are wealthy educators who are a bit dysfunctional and out of touch. But they both love their son and have prepared their home and Pounce to protect Ezra.

Robots are generally controlled by their master/owners. But when the owners die and there is no one to take over the robot, where does it go? One such orphaned robot, Isaac, won the right to freedom. He and others like him have built their own city which is about to have it’s grand opening on TV. When a shocking attack occurs, all robots are suddenly viewed as dangerous by the humans. When threatened with being shut down, the robots find a way to resist, and a great rebellion begins. Now Pounce has to decide for himself which side he will take – his own freedom or his purpose: protecting Ezra. And if he chooses to fulfill his purpose is that a free choice or preprogrammed?

I really enjoyed this thought-provoking story. Pounce is a wonderful character who comes across other interesting characters in his growth journey. Ezra is a mixture of vulnerable child and smart, brave young boy. The story is told from the point of view of Pounce who is faced with internal choices and moral dilemmas. The story is well done with the philosophical issues woven into a story full of action.

This book made me remember robot movies like: The Terminator, iRobot, AI, and Bicentennial Man. The book explores some of the same societal, ownership v freedom, and potential hostile issues. I want to read the author’s highly acclaimed book “Sea of Rust.” I highly recommend this to fans of robot genre.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021NetGalley, and I may count it as a "Z" title for the mixed media 2021Alphabet goal if I don't get a Z title later this year.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Old Abe by John Cribb

I totally enjoyed this although there is sadness of course.

Old Abe: A Novel
by John Cribb
Narrated by Gary Bennett

Length: 11 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 06-01-21
Publisher: OrangeSky Audio
Genre: Biographical, Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Old Abe: A Novel recounts the last five years of Abraham Lincoln’s life, the most cataclysmic years of America’s history. We are at Lincoln’s side on every page of this vivid novel as he presses forward amid disaster and comes to life once again fighting to save the country. The story begins in the spring of 1860 in Illinois and follows Lincoln through his election and the calamity of the Civil War to his assassination at the height of power. During the war, he walks the bloody battlefields of Virginia and Maryland. He peers down the Potomac River with a spyglass amid terrifying reports of approaching Confederate gunboats. Death stalks him: one summer evening, a would-be assassin fires a shot at him, and the bullet passes through his hat. At the White House, he weeps over the body of Willie, his second son to die in childhood. As he tries desperately to hold the Union together, he searches for a general who will fight and finds him at last in Ulysses S. Grant. Amid national and personal tragedy, he struggles to find meaning in the war and bring freedom to Southern slaves. Central to this novel is a love story—the story of Abraham and Mary Lincoln’s sometimes stormy yet devoted marriage. Mary Todd Lincoln’s strong will and ambition for her husband have helped drive him to the White House, but the presidency takes an awful toll on her, and she grows increasingly frightened and insecure. Lincoln watches helplessly as she becomes emotionally unstable, and he grasps for ways to support her. As Lincoln’s journey unfolds, Old Abe probes the enduring character and spirit of America. This story portrays Lincoln not only as a flesh-and-blood man, but a hero who embodies his country’s finest ideals. Set amid America’s most devastating tragedy, Old Abe captures the triumphs and defeats of one of the greatest leaders in US history, the one who set a divided country on track to become a great nation.

Review:
I was captivated by this historical fiction from beginning to end. I had to remind myself that it is fiction although I have little doubt that it is based on journals, notes and other historical support. Mr. Cribb makes Abe Lincoln a very real, beleaguered man who struggles with his leadership responsibilities while he leans on faith in God as well as a little bit of mysticism.

It has been years since I studied the Civil War so some of the details seemed new to me. The time frame is short, being the presidential election through the assassination and funeral. Everything focuses on Abe Lincoln, his personal thoughts, his family, friends in his cabinet and the pressures and stresses that challenge him.

I really wasn’t aware that President Lincoln had to deal with so much negative criticism and name calling, although it makes sense considering the divisions of the times. I also did not recall how fragile, and at times, unpleasant, Mary Todd Lincoln was. I had an Aunt who was devastated by the loss of a young son and Mrs. Lincoln had to cope with the loss of two. The deaths are a reason for extreme grief but no justification for social ineptitude, out of control spending for social impressions, and ugly personal interactions. I was sad to think Old Abe had to cope with these issues close to home while facing the severe issues of civil war, political pressures and threats of assassination. Of course, knowing how the story would end, expanded my sadness.

I was impressed how Mr. Cribb made the story so real to life. I loved the depiction of Old Abe’s relationship with his sons. The author also provides good insight on President Lincoln’s mindset and determination to save the Union, “… the last best hope” for freedom. I appreciated the inclusion of Frederick Douglas and his meetings with President Lincoln. I also liked the scenes of Lincoln interacting with political opponents, the different Union Generals, Confederate prisoners, and men and women in the street. I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys Civil War history.

Audio Notes: Gary Bennett does a good job with the narration. He provides a solemn delivery with voices that fit the characters. I am glad that I had the opportunity to listen to this.

Source: NetGalley 2021. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley, 2021Audio, and 2021Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: Jesus > Religion by Jefferson Bethke

This supports my view of Christ as primary, the church as secondary and religion not the important thing. The important thing is relationship - Love God, love people.
Jesus & Religion
by Jefferson Bethke

Run Time 4h 12min
Release Date: October 13, 2013
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Christian, Inspiration, Self-Growth
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 5.0; Narration 4.75.

Publisher Description
Abandon dead, dry, rule-keeping and embrace the promise of being truly known and deeply loved.
Jefferson Bethke burst into the cultural conversation in 2012 with a passionate, provocative poem titled “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus.” The four-minute video of Bethke’s spoken-word performance literally became an overnight sensation, with seven million YouTube views in its first forty-eight hours (and 24+ million within a year). The message hit like a blizzard on social-media sites and in forwarded e-mails, triggering an avalanche.
In Jesus &; Religion, Bethke unpacks the stark contrasts that he drew in the poem-contrasts between teeth gritting and grace, law and love, performance and peace, despair and hope. With refreshing candor, he delves into the motivation behind his message, beginning with the unvarnished tale of his own plunge from the pinnacle of a works-based, fake-smile existence that sapped his strength and led him down a path of destructive behavior.
Bethke is quick to acknowledge that he’s not a pastor or theologian, but simply a regular, twenty-something, soul-starved searcher who cried out for a life greater than the one for which he had settled. Along his journey, Bethke discovered the real Jesus, who beckoned him beyond the props of false religion.

Review:
Author Bethke shares from his experiences growing up with religion and church but still struggling with sin and destructive behaviors. Like many people, he often viewed himself in comparison to others: he wasn’t a saint, but he was better than a murderer. He finally hit the “eureka” moment when he realized that no one is good enough to deserve grace. It doesn’t matter how religious one might be, we are unable to control our sinful natures. As Christ points out in the New Testament (Matthew 5:28) – if you think a sin in your mind (lusting after someone, coveting possessions), even if you don’t act on the thought, you have sinned in your heart. If we get what we deserve, no one would get grace.

Bethke came to realize that we need to proclaim Christianity as what Jesus has done for us… not what we do. When we pursue Jesus, who can be found in the scriptures, we will find that: “The Jesus of the scriptures is more radical and subversive than we realize.” At some point each person has to decide: either Jesus is who he says he is – God – or he is a liar. As Bethke notes: “Be careful when you pursue truth because you might just find Him [Jesus].”

I liked all of this journey that Bethke shared but a point I particularly like is in Chapter 9, “Religion points to a dim future, Jesus points to a bright future.” Often we think that only Christian things matter, not secular things. But reference Romans 8, Bethke makes the good point that all creation groans from sin. God created everything and cares about the earth, art and all jobs, even mundane ones. There is no true divide between secular and Christian. All of our world is God-created. We can still distinguish good from evil and we need to know the difference between praising God through the good and defaming him by the bad.

Bethke explains that there is a purpose for the church – to be a hospital for the sick; to train members to reach out to others with the message of Hope. But religion, as a group of routines and rules, often detracts from the relationship with God and people.

I highly recommend this to everyone. Christ followers will appreciate the truths of the distinction while seekers, and even atheists, may see what really matters beyond the hypocrisy of “religious” people.

Audio Notes: Jefferson Bethke narrates his own work and does a good job. His voice contains concern and energy that helped keep me engaged. I appreciated this work in audio.

Source: 05/30/2020 Chirp $3.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Alphabet Audio goals.

Audio Book Review: You Dropped a Blonde On Me by Dakota Cassidy

This is a fun, easy romance.

You Dropped a Blonde On Me
Written By: Dakota Cassidy
Narrated By: Hollie Jackson

Publisher: Tantor Media
Date: June 2020
Duration: 11 hours 53 minutes
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
She was the perfect party-planning, haute-to-the max trophy wife. Now Maxine Cambridge is broke, unemployable, and living with her mother and teenage son in a retirement village, with her self-esteem kicked to the curb.
Until her geeky former classmate Campbell Barker returns, all grown-up and off-the-scale smokin' hot. Campbell refuses to believe Max isn't that smart, funny girl he's crushed on since high school. The more Max tries to show him he's wrong, the more she rediscovers her long-retired mojo. Now, she's ready to throw down some payback on her ex-life and fight for what she deserves....
Contains mature themes.
©2020 Dakota Cassidy (P)2020 Tantor

Review:
Maxine married an older, wealthy man, at age twenty and now, twenty years later, her cheating husband is ready for another age twenty (or younger)-year old. And the arrogant “B” is giving her nothing, not even the clothes, or shoes in her closet! He is even depriving their teenaged son, Connor.

Max and Connor are living in a retirement village with Max’s mother while Max tries to get a job. Max is begging for a job at a local fast food shop when a hunky man walks in and tries to rescue her. The man turns out to be a once geeky, former classmate, Campbell. Campbell tries continually to encourage Max who is totally down on herself.

Max is actually a fun character especially once she gets beyond her lack of confidence. It is sad to see what can happen when a woman makes herself a servient mat to her husband. But Max comes out of her shell when she starts working with the elderly people in the village and she finally confronts her soon to be ex when she fights for Connor. I loved Campbell’s attitude and he deserves a lot of credit for his patience. It is fun to watch the progression and root for Max and Campbell to get together.

The dialog, including Max’s internal dialog, includes some funny phrases. There are a couple of strong sexual scenes and a little bit of language. I have some additional books by Ms. Cassidy which I will have to try soon. I recommend this to romance fans who enjoy humor and more mature characters.

Audio Notes: Hollie Jackson does a really good job on the narration. She provides good voices and energy for Max and the other characters. I enjoyed the audio and would like to hear more of Jackson’s narration.

Source: 8/2020 Two for One Credit Deal at Audiobooks.com This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet Audio goals.

Audible Book Review: Zero Day Code by John Birmingham

This end of the world thriller is scarily possible.

Zero Day Code
End of Days, Book 1
By: John Birmingham
Narrated by: Rupert Degas

Series: End of Days, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 07-04-19
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Thriller, Military Science Fiction,
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Every modern city has one week’s worth of food to feed itself. Then it will collapse.
Cut off the resources to New York, Sydney, or even a mid-size metropolis, and millions will soon starve. In Zero Day Code we see those immense and open, hyper-complex, networked supercities of the new millennium die. And in the last moments we see their vengeance take form as all the best and worst traits of humanity bubble to the surface.
Zero Day Code is set in a realistic near future with dwindling global food supplies under increasing pressure from worsening droughts, floods and extreme weather events. Written by prolific Australian writer John Birmingham, the thriller follows a handful of survivors from the first day of society’s descent into violent, uncertain futures.
James, a consultant to the US National Security Council, is the first to suspect that the worldwide emergence of a crippling computer virus is actually a cover for something else - a devastating cyber-attack by China on the food distribution system of the United States. The attack is a bid for the Middle Kingdom to distract America as it seizes the food bowl of South East Asia and feeds its starving population. But Beijing has miscalculated.
Follow the missions of an embittered activist chasing salvation, a single mum rescuing her child from a frantic San Francisco and an army veteran who has long retreated from society, as the world they knew crumbles around them.
Please note: this audiobook contains mature content and listener discretion is advised.
©2019 Audible Australia Pty Ltd. (P)2019 Audible Australia Pty Ltd.

Review:
This story follows several key characters who struggle to survive a collapse of society. James is a business adviser who studies the trends of the markets. He manages to become a consultant for the US National Security Council, where they provide him some additional information on a glitchy computer virus. He suspects that China is planning an attack on the US food distribution system. His warnings are accurate but just a tad too late. Apparently, most grocery stores in the US have only three days’ worth of supplies on hand, always expecting the next truck delivery. When the food distribution systems are scrambled it doesn’t take long for society to breakdown into chaos and brutality.

When the government contractors are released, James invites his new co-worker, Michelle, to join him to travel to his family home and farm in the Midwest. First, they have to gather some supplies, primarily transportation and food, in a hope to break out of DC and then they have to travel safely.

Rick is a former soldier who has chosen a solitary live style, with a service Lab, Nomi, as his companion. He finds himself with a sharp young woman, Mel, who teaches martial arts and self-defense in a nearby park. The pair are off in their own world enjoying their new relationship and not following the news. A routine stop to pick up dog supplies finds them caught in the middle of an armed robbery.

Another character is a violent, low-life thug who dreams of becoming a famous pod-caster. He is part of the evil side of the society breakdown and contributes a barrage of ugly language to the book. One woman, dealing with an escape from an abusive ex-husband, is desperate to get to her son to find a safe place for them.

The author includes vignettes of the situation in other countries which led to this attack. The China powers tried to make the attack less than full on to minimize the response, but they didn’t recognize the extent of the damage they would cause and the reaction that would follow.

The plot is a scarily possible version of an end of the world scenario. The mix of characters are interesting with some quite likeable and others not so much. Real life struggles that emerge are shown through the various points of view. Few of the characters are prepared to face the rapid decline of life as we know it. This is the first book I have read by Mr. Birmingham but it certainly won’t be the last. I am glad to have books 2 and 3. I highly recommend this to fans of TEOTWAWKI thrillers.

Audio Notes: Rupert Degas does a wonderful job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and strong energy. I will admit I was engrossed in the story and I think that gives support for good narration that helped draw me into the story.

Source: February Free Audible Catalog. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and 2021Alhabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Malice in Miami by Barbara Venkataraman

This is a quick, easy and fun listen of a story about life with a touch of mystery.
Malice in Miami
A Jamie Quinn Mystery
By: Barbara Venkataraman
Narrated by: Fay Annette

Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 04-28-21
Publisher: Barbara Venkataraman
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Reluctant family law attorney Jamie Quinn is loving life - and why wouldn't she? Her boyfriend Kip is back from Australia, her long-lost dad finally has his visa, and she's about to start her dream job at an art foundation.
But it all falls apart when Jamie is accused of stealing priceless art from a rare book collection. If she can't find out who framed her, she can kiss her dream job goodbye - and her law license, too.
Meanwhile, Kip has problems of his own. Now an environmental activist, he uncovers a deadly secret - one that just might get him killed. Jamie's in trouble, Kip's in danger, and Duke Broussard has gone AWOL. How could Jamie's favorite PI abandon her at a time like this? ©2020 Barbara Venkataraman (P)2021 Barbara Venkataraman

Review:
Jamie is happy that her boyfriend, Kip, is back and her father is near-by with a legal visa. Jamie has decided to give up her law practice and take on a totally new position as an executive officer for a local art foundation. Jamie is friends with the organization’s founder who has convinced her to take on the job even though she knows very little about art. The employer has created a whole notebook with a study plan and a calendar of society events.

Although Jamie is closing down her practice, another attorney in her building cajoles her into helping with a paternity lawsuit. She agrees before she learns that the suspected father is a wealthy and corrupt Florida Sugar mobster who controls many politicians throughout the state. She engages her irreverent PI, Duke Broussard to help track down the man.

Before beginning her new job, Kip invites Jamie on an adventure in the Everglades. They meet friends and, to Jamie’s dismay, they go python hunting. Jamie manages to get through the event while Kip revels in the excitement.

As Jamie begins her study program, she is suddenly accused of stealing priceless art. Clearly, she is being framed and will have to figure out why and who. Meanwhile Kip has started a new job which puts him in a location to discover an environmental problem. The couple don’t realize that their difficulties might converge.

The story has fun adventure mixed with legal challenges, murder and danger. I enjoyed the exploits hunting the pythons. The mystery doesn’t really begin until a bit into the story and moves along quickly. There is good rapport between Jamie and Kip and some emotional issues with Jamie’s father. Being an attorney, I appreciate the legal issues and concerns which are not too complex for a non-legal person to follow. I also enjoyed the setting of the story since I am familiar with South Broward County and the Everglades. This package is a fun story and easy listen. I recommend the series to fans of easy mysteries with a female protagonist and touch of legal issues.

Audio Notes: Fay Annette does a fine job with the narration. Her presentation provides distinct voices, captures the easy humor, and makes the story an enjoyable listen.

Source: 5/4/2021 Audible Code from Author. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook, 2021Alphabet and author review goals.

Audible Book Review: The Kasari Nexus: Rho Agenda Assimilation, Book 1 by: Richard Phillips

This is full of interesting alien and human challenges. It is first in a spin off series, not the first with the characters.

The Kasari Nexus: Rho Agenda Assimilation, Book 1
by: Richard Phillips
Narrated by: Alexander Cendese

Series: Rho Agenda Assimilation, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Alien, First Contact, Sci Fi, Technothriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Jennifer Smythe escapes Earth's invasion by the insidious Kasari race, hijacks an alien starship, and survives the deadly passage through a wormhole. But escape is short-lived....
When Jennifer emerges on the new world of Scion, she is confronted by the same deadly enemy. Now the Kasari have sided with the planet's angel-like elite against the warrior underclass, but with the intent of ultimately ruling both. And when Jennifer is captured by the brutish Koranthians, her alien-enhanced abilities make her a crucial asset in battling the Kasari and their winged allies.
Back on a divided Earth, Jennifer's brother, Mark, and Jack "the Ripper" Gregory wage their own war against the Kasari. As the global government welcomes the extraterrestrials, Mark, Jack, and their rebel faction seek to use the powerful mind-altering skills gained from the Kasari's sworn enemies to repel the would-be conquerors. But faced with the might of Earth's ruling forces, has the cause already been lost?
©2016 Richard Phillips (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Jennifer Smythe, who is now alien enhanced, and her captain, a friend whose body has suffered through scientific treatments, are working on an alien spaceship when the captain inadvertently activates the ship and hurls them into space. The pair scramble to survive and control the ship that is apparently heading off to its home territory. Eventually they land on a planet to resupply. Initially all seems optimistic but then Jennifer is captured by enemy forces. The Koranthian warlord begins to admire his prisoner as Jennifer uses her alien-enhanced skills to survive and even give aid.

Meanwhile, back on earth, Jennifer’s brother, Mark, his wife Heather have received alien enhancements too. They are on the run with their friends Jack (“the Ripper”, his wife Janet and their gifted son. This group are being hunted by several groups seeking to stop their rebellion against the government which has chosen to welcome the alien beings, the Kasari. Can this team survive the multiple attacks from foes with all the resources of the government behind them?

Although this is the first in a series it becomes clear quickly that this continues characters from a prior series. This caused confusion as the book started off at a brisk pace without a lot of background to bring a new reader up to speed. It took me a while to begin to care about the characters but, ultimately, I liked them. There is a lot of alien tech and intrigue, as well as battle scenes that kept the book interesting. I think I would like to go back to the prior series before moving on with this one. I liked the writing and creativity and recommend the author and book with the caveat of it being a spin off.

Audio Notes: Alexander Cendese does a good job as the narrator. He provides strong voices for the characters that added to the entertainment value of the story. I am glad that I listened to this.

Source: 3/18/19 Audible purchase for $1.99 since I had the ebook. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet (Audio) goals.