Audio Book Review: Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War by P.W. Singer, August Cole

This is an interesting, scary, 'future war' possibility.

Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War
Written By: P.W. Singer, August Cole
Narrated By: Rich Orlow

Duration: 14 hours 28 minutes
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Military, Political Fiction, Technothrillers
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Summary:
The year is 2026. China has taken over as the world's largest economy, while the United States, mired in an oil shortage, struggles to adjust to its diminished role. Then, a surprise attack throws the U.S. into a chaos unseen since Pearl Harbor. As the enemy takes control, the survival of the nation will depend upon the most unlikely forces: the Navy's antiquated Ghost Fleet and a cadre of homegrown terrorists. Ghost Fleet is unique in that every piece of technology featured in the novel already exists or is in the works. Peter W. Singer is Senior Fellow and Director of the 21st Century Defense Initiative at the Brookings Institution and a consultant for the US Department of Defense and FBI. August Cole is a journalist and writer specializing in national security issues and is an Adjunct Fellow at the American Security Project.

Review:
China is taking over while the United States flounders. Then China’s specially trained hackers take control of the U.S. computers shutting down electronics locally and globally by taking control of the satellites. The U.S. has nothing to fight with except the Navy’s Ghost Fleet which is made up of antiquated ships that don’t rely on up-to-date technology.

The story follows specific characters which include a reluctant ship captain whose father, a former naval grunt (hands-on worker) gets assigned to the same ship, a female assassin (very slick!), a Chinese General struggling to get his strategies approved, a Russian officer who isn’t quite sure which side he should be supporting, and more. Some of the characters are rather extreme therefore unrealistic and several are too slightly developed. But a highlight of the story is all of the tech that is described and used as the author explains they are real and available. Some of these, especially the hackers VR type tools, and advanced gunnery, are rather scary. Apparently, the book is full of footnotes supporting tech and other details.

As the story started, there were many character threads that made it a little hard to follow on audio. I was able to settle in to catch most of the shifting scenes and characters. There are some pretty dry segments describing the tech in detail that slows the pacing. Still, I like the military strategy and action, and found the story entertaining. I recommend it to readers interested in modern tech with fictional military intrigue.

Audio Notes: Rich Orlow does a good job with the narration. He manages the different voices well and does a good effort to keep the pace moving. I tend to think Orlow is a good narrator for military or other thrillers. I will look forward to listening to other books by him.

Source: 1/24/2020 January Audiobooks.com Free VIP selection. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Penny Preston and the King’s Blade, Misaligned Book III, by Armen Pogharian

This author provides a very creative series!

Penny Preston and the King’s Blade
Misaligned, Book III
By: Armen Pogharian
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 08-24-21
Publisher: Sue Arroyo
Genre: Fantasy, Teen and YA, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Eight-grader Penny Preston thought she knew how to handle the Bodach, the spirits from the fifth dimension. But suddenly something is attacking the structure of the multiverse. Left unchecked, the attack will tear the fabric separating the dimensions and destroy the universe in a cataclysmic cosmic crunch. As the stress on the fabric grows, higher-dimensional energy escapes into Piper Falls, NY, reenergizing the Bodach. Emboldened, they use their regained powers to wreak havoc on the small town. The extra energy draws several new higher-dimensional entities to Piper Falls. One of them, a former Bodach commander, seeks to rally her followers and avenge her defeat at the hands of King Arthur more than 1,600 years ago by reestablishing her rule. The energy also attracts an especially destructive ethereal Celtic spirit, which has a special taste for ancient artifacts and exotic nuclear particles. The last of the new arrivals is a mysterious and conflicted shape-shifter a spy known as Newiddyn.
The interactions of the newcomers and their empowered brethren with the town's residents results in chaos and brings paranormal researcher Darin Kolchak back to town. Teamed with the deputy sheriff, their high technology investigation leads them to the local lab conducting state of the art nuclear fusion experiments. The same lab where Penny's parents work. Penny and her friends must again dodge detection, as they sort out the capabilities and intentions of these powerful entities. One bad choice or wrong step risks unleashing the apocalypse of the Darkest Day.
Source: 8/26/2021 Audible Code Received from the Narrator for Review.
©2021 Armen Pogharian (P)2021 CamCat Publishing

Review:
Penny is a ‘misaligned’ girl with the ability to see and move in different dimensions. Since discovering her paranormal skills as a Dawnus, Penny has been busy fighting nasty Bodachs (monsters from the fifth dimension). She is guided by her science teacher, Mr. Myrdin, and his human-speaking Raven, Mr. Poe. Penny also gets help from her protector, Cate Sith, ‘cat’, Simon, and her classmate, Duncan. All of the friends are concerned as Mr. Poe explains that something is attacking the structure of the multiverse and could result in tearing the fabric that separates the dimensions and ultimately destroy the universe.

The leaking energy is drawing more supernatural spirits to the small town of Piper Falls. Some are annoying Bodach who are busy wreaking havoc on the town. Of greater worry are the high level entities that see the thinning fabric as a way to get back to the dimensions from which they have been banished. One of these is a shapeshifter (a Newiddyn, known to Simon as ‘the bird that isn’t a bird’) named Menw. Menw once spied for the Bodach against King Arthur until he changed sides. But there is another former Bodach commander who lost to Arthur and now seeks revenge if she can get it.

All of the strange activity in town causes amateur spirit hunter, deputy sheriff, Fred, to call in paranormal researcher Darin Kolchak with his van rigged with paranormal tools. They are trying to locate the causes of paranormal activity at the work site of Penny’s parents, who do not know about her special abilities.

I really enjoy all of the Celtic folklore elements, many of which are shared by Duncan’s Welsh grandmother who quickly recognizes Menw’s nature. The author also shares some thoughts on Ying and Yang while Penny and Duncan research their most recently assigned class project. Simon, “I am Cait Sith”, plays a strong character in this third installment which leads to a fun concluding line by Penny.

I find this series full of creativity, humor, and a good mix of legendary history with well-paced action. This is easy to listen to and good for the middle grade audience. I found it entertaining too and recommend it for family listening.

Audio Notes: Michelle Babb continues to do a lovely job with the narration. She portrays the children and adult voices with distinct and fitting accents and energy. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the book and I appreciate having this on audio.

Source: Audible Credit from narrator. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and Review goals.

Penny Preston and the Raven's Talisman, Misaligned Book I, by Armen Pogharian, My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
Penny Preston and the Silver Scepter, Misaligned Book II, by Armen Pogharian, 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Audible Book Review: Commune, Book Three by Joshua Gayou

This is an engaging post-apocalyptic that I found hard to put down.

Commune: Book Three
By: Joshua Gayou
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 17 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 11-15-18
Publisher: Joshua Gayou, Blue Heron Audio
Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Having been bolstered with the supplies sufficient to carry them through the winter, the survivors of the Jackson commune must now hunker down and endure the bitter Wyoming snows, while to the south, factions are beginning to form, coalescing from the ashes of the dead world.
Out in Arizona, the leftovers of the US Military encamped in the last known surviving tent city: the Elysium Fields.
In Nevada, a clan of scavengers grows ever larger, each day bringing them a step closer to collapsing under their own weight.
Resources are becoming scarcer by the day as the world trudges on, and as it so happens, the folks up in Wyoming appear to be sitting on prime real estate....

Review:
The survivors of the Jackson commune are preparing for a long winter even as they begin plans for a green house in the spring. Slowly the visits down the mountain to the town are halted but not before Jake puts in a secret supply request. This turns out to be a wonderful surprise.

While the commune is hunkering down, two other groups are on the move. The leftovers of the US Military, under Captain Otter, are preparing to move the tent city from the Elysium Fields in Arizona to Jackson, Wyoming. Otter’s goal is to gather survivors wherever they may be so he can fulfill his mission to protect the US citizens. He will be returning Wang to the commune, but his goals may not be welcome by Jake and the other commune occupants.

Meanwhile a rough group of scavengers in Nevada is gathering survivors and struggling to provide for the growing group. There is a conflict between the leader, Clay, and a second level leader, Ronny. Ronny wants to push out to Jackson seeking revenge on the men who devastated his team out on the road. Clay is more interested in a place where he hopes to find a stockpile of weapons. Once they arrive at Clay’s destination, he is rewarded with more than the weapons.

The introduction/prologue of Book 3 indicates that this is Jake’s story. The reader does eventually learn more of Jake’s background through the length of the book. The first two books were presented from multiple character 1st person points of view. This story shifts to third person which makes sense since it is following other groups. I enjoyed the expanded world and characters, although Jake’s remarkable, but illusive character is still my favorite. Several other characters get focus too, revealing true to life personalities, some intriguing and some very ugly.

My only disappointment with this book is the extent of foul language. Some language is expected because you have military characters. But the worst of it comes from the ‘bad’ characters. I suppose that contributes to the ugliness, but I think the point could be made without the cussing. I still recommend this series to those who like post-apocalyptic stories that follow survivors.

Audio Notes: As always, R.C. Bray provides wonderful narration. There are diverse, clear, and fitting voices. I was engaged and my enjoyment of the story was enhanced by the narration.

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

Audible Book Review: Commune, Book One by Joshua Gayou 4.5
Audible Book Review: Commune: Book Two by Joshua Gayou 4.5

Audible Book Review: The Unwanted Heiress by Amy Corwin

This is a fun Regency romance & I will seek this author again.
The Unwanted Heiress
By: Amy Corwin
Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart

Series: The Archer Family, Book 1
Release date: 03-16-17
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
An American heiress nobody wants; a duke every woman desires; and a murder no one expects.
As a young duke, all Nathaniel wants is to be left alone. So when he meets Charlotte, an outspoken American heiress, he is suspicious of her indifference. Too many women have sought - and failed - to catch him.
However, Charlotte is unimpressed by his title. She has no interest in English dukes. All she wants is to leave dreary England and travel to the sunny sands of Egypt to see the grand pyramids.
Unfortunately, a debutante seeking to entrap Nathaniel gets murdered, and his reputation as a confirmed misogynist makes him a suspect. On impulse, Charlotte comes to his aid, unaware that her actions place her in danger, too.
Neither Charlotte nor the duke know that a highwayman interested in rich heiresses is following Charlotte, and that another debutante lies dead in Nathaniel's carriage. And unfortunately, the evidence soon complicates Nathaniel's efforts to prove his innocence and convince Charlotte that he is worthy of her love.
Some nights just don't go as planned.
©2008 Amy Corwin (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Charlotte is an orphaned, outspoken American heiress. She has been passed from one distant family household to another when the fathers or mothers find her ideas unwanted. Charlotte has just been moved again, not realizing that she was lost/won in a card game. Lucky for Charlotte her new guardians, John Archer and Lady Victoria, are thrilled to have her and want her to feel wanted. Charlotte is surprised by this pleasantness, but her real hope is that perhaps they will help her fulfill her dream to travel to Egypt to work with an archeological dig. Meanwhile she is stuck attending the ton events even though she has no interest in finding a suitable husband.

Nathan is a young Duke who is not interested in finding a wife. Predictably, society is full of single women and their mothers who are determined to catch him. Rather unpredictably, these young women are willing to do anything, even if it means compromising situations. When Nathan meets his uncle’s new ward, Charlotte, he doesn’t trust the fiery redhead’s indifference. But before he can learn much about her, other than that she likes to study moths, one of the young ladies who chased him into the gardens during a ball is found dead. No one saw the murder, but another man is quick to direct suspicion at Nathan, noting that Nathan has a reputation as a misogynist since he keeps trying to avoid the ladies.

Uncle John talks Nathan into a rather crazy idea, or two, which don’t go well. The relationship between Nathan and Charlotte grows but gets greatly muddled. Meanwhile, more young ladies are found dead in situations implicating Nathan. Nathan has a limited time to clear his name before he is forced to meet one of the fathers in a duel.

Charlotte believes in Nathan’s innocence but that doesn’t mean she wants to enter into a fake engagement. No one realizes that a wicked fortune hunter is stalking Charlotte until she is kidnapped. Can Nathan find her before she is injured, and can he convince her that he wants her for real?

There are elements not totally believable in this story of reluctant, but growing, romance. The story moves along nicely with a fun plot and engaging characters. I really liked the secondary characters too, including Nathan’s friend from school who steps in to help investigate. I discovered that I have several other ebooks from this series, and I look forward to reading them. I recommend this to fans of clean, lighter Regency Romance.

Audio Notes: Ruth Urquhart’s narration provides an apt accent with voices that are distinct. I wasn’t enthralled with the narration but it worked fine for me. Listening moves faster for me than reading on my kindle so I appreciated having this on audio.

Source: 8/2/2021 Audible Plus Catalog (with a limited time availability). This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Striking Range (Timber Creek K-9 Mystery #7) by Margaret Mizushima

This is an entertaining mystery in a good series.

Striking Range
(Timber Creek K-9 Mystery #7)
by Margaret Mizushima
Narrated by Nancy Wu

Series: A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery, Book 7
9 hours and 46 minutes
Release date: 09-07-21
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Crime Thriller, Mystery, Police Procedures, Women Sleuths
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.0.

He was suspect number one - the man who tried to kill Deputy Mattie Cobb and may have killed her father 30 years earlier. But when Mattie and cold-case Detective Jim Hauck reach the Colorado state prison where they will finally get to interview him, he's found dead in his cell. There's only one clue: a map leading to Timber Creek and rugged Redstone Ridge.
Following the clue, Mattie and her K-9 partner, Robo, journey into the burned forest surrounding Redstone Ridge. But before they can finish their search, they're called to help investigate the death of a young woman found in a campground filled with elk hunters. Identification of the deceased points to her having recently given birth, but the infant is nowhere to be found.
As a deadly storm descends upon the mountains, covering everything with a layer of ice and snow, Mattie and her team search for the missing newborn. The storm batters the area, taking its toll on the team and forcing the sheriff to call in reinforcements. When new evidence surfaces, they decide that finding the woman's killer will lead them to her baby, making them even more desperate to solve the case.
Then veterinarian Cole Walker goes missing, stranded alone in the high country with a person that Mattie now suspects is the mastermind behind several murders, including her father's. She and Robo take to the trail to find Cole - but the killer has a cold-blooded plan that threatens them all.

Review:
Deputy Mattie Cobb escaped from a man who tried to kill her and she thinks he is the man who killed her father 30 years ago. Maddie has teamed with cold-case Detective, Jim Hauck, to interview the man in prison. As they are waiting for the interview, the prison goes on lockdown and they soon learn that the man has been found dead in his cell. Upon viewing the body and inspecting the man’s belongings, Maddie finds clues that direct her back to her own community in Timber Creek.

Mattie and her K-9 partner, Robo, find suspicious sites in the mountain forest and caves. Before they can dig out the sites, Mattie and Robo are called in to investigate a missing young pregnant girl. They find the girl dead and no longer pregnant. Now they are looking for the baby.

Maddie’s beau, veterinarian Cole Walker, and other K-9 units are called in to help with the search on the mountain before a deadly storm wipes out more evidence. There are several suspects to interview and watch as the situation intensifies. Meanwhile, a local officer is found injured on the side of the road.

As Maddie pursues the missing baby she and another officer stumble upon a crucial bit of evidence. Now Maddie has to worry about Cole and the other officers left on the mountain with a man that might be involved with the killings.

This moved very quickly, and I enjoyed the multiple crisscrossing investigations. Ms. Mizushima creates life-like characters with real-life personal problems to deal with as they juggle their official duties. The story involves timely criminal issues including drugs and child trafficking. There are several suspects and clues to keep the reader eager to find the true villains. And of course, I like the K-9 dog elements which describe differences between the different search and cadaver dogs.

I liked the first book in this series and have more to listen to. I read this one out of order which was okay although I would suggest reading at least the first book so that you know the characters. I recommend this to mystery and K-9 fans.

Audio Notes: I guess I am not a huge fan of Nancy Wu’s narration. She supplies some voices but they are not totally distinct. For me there is more breathy reading than voice and emotional performance. Still, the audio moves quickly for me and I am thankful to have snagged this audio from NetGalley.

Source: 9/8/2021 from NetGalley. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Killing Trail (Book 1) by Margaret Mizushima

Audible Book Review: Who in the World is Carmen Sandiego by Rebecca Tinker

This adventurous story is fun but I had some concerns.
Who in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?
By: Rebecca Tinker
Narrated by: Kyla Garcia

Length: 4 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 01-22-19
Publisher: Audible Studios
Categories: Children's Audiobooks, Literature & Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

About This Audible Audiobook
The globe-trotting thief in the red fedora returns! And now, the question isn't where—but who? In the role of Carmen Sandiego, award-winning performer Kyla Garcia reveals, for the very first time, the backstory of the ever-elusive master criminal whose whereabouts captured the imaginations of children everywhere— through educational video games, animated series, and a popular PBS "gameshow" for middle schoolers in the 1990s.
In this novelization based on the new Netflix animated series, you'll discover there's even more to the story. More action, more details, more twists. And you'll hear from Carmen Sandiego herself how the mastermind behind some of the most audacious capers ever conceived became the best thief on the planet. Don’t miss your chance to learn who in the world is…Carmen Sandiego.
©2019 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Carmen Sandiego and related characters are trademarks of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and used under license. Published by special arrangement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Back in the 1980s-1990s, Where is the World is Carmen Sandiego was an edutainment computer game that directed the player to hunt down Carmen by clues that identified the country where she traveled. The game was focused on learning details of countries, cultures, money (yen, rubbles, pounds, etc), and identifiable landmarks or art works. Very little was known about who Carmen is and how she came to be an elusive master criminal. This story fills in the backstory.

The author explains how Carmen was trained in a thieving school run by V.I.L.E. (Villains' International League of Evil). Her teachers, mentor and co-students are revealed, showing the influence they had on Carmen’s development. There is also a surprise (to me) friend. It has been years since I played the computer came and I never saw the TV series. I have played the current card game with my grandchildren. This background gives me a new perspective.

Although I was enjoying Carmen’s upbeat character, I was a little concerned about the message her ‘training’ might give to vulnerable young people. Fortunately, deep into the book, a different message appears. I liked the dynamics between Carmen, her teachers and school friends. The story is fun, and I had to smile each time the phrase “who in the world” or “where in the world” was used. This book is easy entertainment and delivers a message that can be discussed by parents with their children or grandchildren.

Audio Notes: Kyla Garcia does a fine job with the narration. I admit I wasn’t enthralled by the voices but that is because the primary character, along with others, is portrayed with a teenage appropriate voice. I do like the audio book because it moves quickly for me.

Source: 7/5/2019 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

I enjoyed this charming and suspenseful western historical romance.

A Worthy Pursuit
By Karen Witemeyer
Narrated By: Barbara McCulloh

Duration: 11 h 7 min
Date: June 2015
Bethany House Publishers // Recorded Books
Genre: Historical Romance, Inspirational, Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Summary:
A teacher on the run. A bounty hunter in pursuit. Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear? Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts. Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the orphaned girl entrusted to her care. Charlotte promised Lily's mother she'd keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them. When Miss Atherton produces documentation that shows her to be Lily's legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he's been led to believe. Is she villain or victim? Then a new danger forces Charlotte to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone vows to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he's ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte's heart.

Review:
Charlotte is unhappy when the school where she works closes down. She has three special students she wants to protect. Even though she has the rights to take the two boys and young girl, she packs them all up at night, so she won’t have to face Lily’s powerful grandfather. She knows that the man will look for her but she hopes that she has hidden her charges and her trail.

Lily’s grandfather hires Stone Hammond, the best tracker in Texas, to find his kidnapped granddaughter. It has taken some heavy tracking, but Stone has finally found the location of the teacher and orphaned girl. Stone expects to find a wicked school marm using the children as slave labor. Instead, he finds a lovely young woman with three happy children and a protective ‘gnome’ handyman. Charlotte claims to have documentation appointing her as the legal guardian for Lily. He plans to stay and watch her movements until he gets confirmation of her claims. He is surprised to observe the talents of the teacher and children as he waits.

Meanwhile, Stone has to wonder if Lily may be in danger and if he has inadvertently led the threat to her doorstep. When another danger begins to stalk Charlotte and Lily, will Stone be able to keep the small ‘family’ safe?

Charlotte is a caring teacher with a beautiful, Christian heart. She is cautious because she has been let down and betrayed in the past. Still, she is ready to offer healing rather than condemnation even to the man who has come to take her precious Lily. Stone is a wonderfully honorable man who has a reputation for getting the job done. But he is willing to protect the innocent when he learns that evil stalks. As he works beside Charlotte, he realizes that her injured heart is ‘a worthy pursuit’.

There are some nice musical elements in the story. There is gentle development of the relationship between the characters. The Christian foundation is shown through the steadfast characters without having to be preached. I appreciated the message acknowledging God’s control and I enjoyed the suspense that added interest to this lovely story. I want to read more by this author. I recommend this story to fans of clean, historical romance with a touch of danger.

Audio Notes: Barbara McCulloh does a wonderful job with the narration. I really enjoyed her tone, voices and delivery. It fit well with the story and enhanced my enjoyment of the work.

Source: 6/3/19 Audiobooks.com 2 for one credit with May credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: The Dauntless by Alex Kings

I enjoyed this action-packed space adventure, even though a bit far fetched.
The Dauntless
Written by Alex Kings
Narrated by Mark Boyett

Series: War of the Ancients Trilogy, Book 1
Run Time 8h 34min
Release Date: February 6, 2018
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Military, Science Fiction, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher Description An alien fugitive carrying a secret. A mob of relentless assassins sent to stop her. A million-year-old ship from a dead civilisation.
Captain James Hanson of the Solar Alliance Vessel Dauntless knows he has to help. But soon he finds the conspiracy goes deeper than he ever imagined. Hunted down by his own government, he scrapes together a ragtag team and goes hunting for the truth.
He’s hounded on every side — from the authorities, from alien warriors, from mysterious, faceless soldiers. From the criminal backwaters of the galaxy to idyllic colonies hiding dark pasts, he uncovers a threat to the entire galaxy. A damaged, renegade ship and its unlikely crew of fugitives, mercenaries, and principled officers is all that stands between mankind and its destruction.

Review:
Captain James Hanson is on a patrol when a small ship jumps in besides him and asks for help and asylum. The Solar Alliance regulations direct that Hanson shouldn’t get involved in alien disputes, but Hanson decides he has to step in over the objections of his XO. Hanson manages to save a survivor and learns of a conspiracy that threatens mankind. He reports the allegations to his superior officer but without some tangible proof no action can be taken.

Hanson takes his ship rogue to hunt for evidence. He quickly faces new enemies while a galactic enforcer tries to take his ship and crew into custody. Somehow, Hanson manages to stay one step ahead of the authorities but one step behind the threat. Hanson and a handful of warriors keep trying to sneak into forbidden areas leaving his XO to fend off attacks on the ship. At each encounter his ship takes more damage until it is questionable if they can survive long enough to get their evidence to the right people.

Clearly, they do survive since this is the first book of a trilogy. But that doesn’t mean they have stopped the power grabbing enemy. That battle will have to continue.

There is plenty of stealth and battle action in this story. The escapes were rather farfetched, but I liked how the characters had to pull together to get out of the scrapes and corners they found themselves in. This is satisfactorily entertaining and at some point I will look to continue with books two and three in the trilogy. I recommend this to fans of military space opera as an entertaining, if not compelling, story.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett is a wonderful narrator and enhanced this book for me. He provides distinct character voices and keeps the pacing and energy in the story. As soon as the narration started, I appreciated the familiar voice.

Source: November 8th, 2020 Chirp Purchase $1.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Penny Preston and the Silver Scepter by Armen Pogharian

This is an entertaining series – good for children and adults.
Penny Preston and the Silver Scepter
Misaligned, Book II
By: Armen Pogharian
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 06-02-21
Publisher: CamCat Publishing, LLC
Genre: Fantasy, Teens
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
When Penny solves the riddle of an unbreakable knot in time, she unwittingly releases two time travelers from the distant past into Piper Falls. The town is plagued by a series of baffling events related to the appearance of a strange elf-like creature. Penny's science teacher and mentor, Mr. Myrdin, recognizes him as the Coch Coblyn, an evil spirit from Celtic myth with a penchant for igniting city-destroying fires.
Compounding the mystery is the discovery of a prehistoric scepter, made of impossibly pure silver that's intertwined with Seneca creation myth and Master Poe's past. The silver scepter draws the sole survivor from the ancient civilization that created it to Piper Falls. After traveling forward thousands of years in time, he plans to take the scepter back to his own time and save his people from the cataclysm that destroyed them.
Stumped by the escalating pranks of the Coch Coblyn, the Deputy Sheriff contacts his good friend, Darin Kolchak, a paranormal investigator. Kolchak answers the call by bringing the latest in ghost-hunting technology to town in his refurbished U-Haul. Kolchak's methods may not be conventional, but they lead him dangerously close to the truth. Penny and her friends race to unravel the secrets of the artifact, dodge detection, and prevent either of the new arrivals from using it to return to power.
©2021 Armen Pogharian (P)2021 CamCat Publishing

Review:
Penny is continuing her efforts to keep time travelers from her local community. The banishing of the misaligned time lines is reasonably straight forward until she runs into a group that includes twisted, knotted lines that she has difficulty unraveling. She inadvertently releases two time travelers. Suddenly the town is hit by a series of mischievous pranks by an elf-like creature. But this is the biggest threat.

While trying to puzzle out the pranks and danger, Penny, Mr. Myrdin, and Master Poe learn that a powerful antique artifact, a silver scepter, has been fund nearby. This is a puzzle on its own as it doesn’t fit the era where it has been uncovered by the archaeologist. The second traveler is from an ancient civilization and seeks to control the scepter in order to change the past. Can Penny and her friends stop the two travelers from reeking time havoc?

Armen Pogharian has created a fascinating ancient history which is shared through the lives of survivors from a devastating natural disaster. The author shares in intermittent chapters the events that follow certain survivors. The lives of past and present characters are tied together as the book nears the end.

I find this series creative and entertaining. I enjoyed the dual time line as the historical characters added to the story. This is an easy listen and I like that this series is totally appropriate for children and adults. I recommend it as a good family read/listen for fans of mystery, time travel and a touch of magic.

Audio Notes: Michelle Babb does a very nice performance for the audio. She manages to portray the different time characters with distinct and fitting voices. She handles the children’s voices as well as the prankster elf and evil ancient. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

Source: Audible Code from the Narrator. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and review goals.

Audible Book Review: Penny Preston and the Raven's Talisman by Armen Pogharian. 4.0.

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.

Audible Book Review: The Bone Farm: A Jane Hawk Case File by Dean Koontz

This is a pretty gritty, good thriller.

The Bone Farm: A Jane Hawk Case File
By: Dean Koontz
Narrated by: Elisabeth Rodgers, James Anderson Foster

Series: Jane Hawk, Book 0.5
Length: 2 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 04-25-18
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Suspense, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
An audio original novella featuring bestselling author Dean Koontz’s compelling new heroine, Jane Hawk. From the case files of the former FBI agent before she became the nation’s most wanted fugitive - The Bone Farm details a desperate man-hunt for a serial killer before he murders again.
Katherine Haskell, a young college co-ed is on her way back to school, but she never makes it there. Instead, she becomes the latest prey of the rapist and murderer dubbed by the tabloids the “Mother Hater.” He is a twisted soul who kidnaps young girls for pleasure then discards them.
Katherine is missing, but she’s not yet dead. FBI agents Jane Hawk and her partner Gary Burkett must descend into the hell of this killer’s mind to solve the case before it is too late. The question is - will they both get out alive?
©2018 Dean Koontz (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Review:
Jane Hawk is an FBI agent hunting down a serial killer who preys on young women. The man is known as the “Mother Hater” and Jane and her partner, Gary, are closing in. But they will find a surprise when they face the true killer.

This is a quick story that introduces Jane as a skilled agent who uses her acumen to avoid being trapped and is able to use her weapon if needed. There are chapters from the view of the killer, so the reader has gritty information that Jane and her partner don’t. How the FBI, particularly Jane, handle the interview and resulting actions is engaging. It has been years since I have read Koontz. This reminds me that he delivers a gripping story but often with dark, gritty elements.

I've been eyeing books in this series, so I am glad to listen to a prequel to get a better feel for the protagonist. I note the blurb refers to Jane as a “former” FBI agent who became the nation’s most wanted fugitive. That is intriguing and makes me want to read more in the series. I recommend this short thriller to fans of Koontz and fans of dark suspense.

Audio Notes: Elisabeth Rodgers and James Anderson Foster do a fine job with the narration. They captured the foibles of the characters and made the story more enjoyable for me.

Source: August 2021 Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

Audio Book Review: The Trouble with Dukes, Windham Brides, Book 1, by Grace Burrowes

This is another charming Historical/Regency Romance by an author I like.
The Trouble with Dukes
Windham Brides, Book 1
By: Grace Burrowes
Narrated by: James Langton

Series: Windham Brides, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 12-20-16
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Scottish Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Summary:
From the New York Times bestselling author of the beloved Windham series comes 'a wonderfully funny, moving romance,' (Eloisa James) perfect for fans of 'sexy heroes, strong heroines, intelligent plots, [and] enchanting love stories' (Mary Balogh).
THEY CALL HIM THE DUKE OF MURDER... The gossips whisper that the new Duke of Murdoch is a brute, a murderer, and even worse--a Scot. They say he should never be trusted alone with a woman. But Megan Windham sees in Hamish something different, someone different. No one was fiercer at war than Hamish MacHugh, though now the soldier faces a whole new battlefield: a London Season. To make his sisters happy, he'll take on any challenge--even letting their friend Miss Windham teach him to waltz. Megan isn't the least bit intimidated by his dark reputation, but Hamish senses that she's fighting battles of her own. For her, he'll become the warrior once more, and for her, he might just lose his heart.

Review:
Megan Windham is not the lead debutante although she is part of a wealthy, noble family. She is attractive, but short, a little feisty and her poor eyesight requires she wear glasses. She has not yet chosen a match but there is a particular, bullying man who is sniffing at her heals. She has secrets that make it awkward for her to refuse the attentions of Sir Fletcher. Megan is grateful to have Colonel, now Duke, Hamish MacHugh, step up as a buffer holding Fletcher at bay.

Hamish has terrible memories of the war as attested by his reputation now as the “Duke of Murder”. Very few people know the full story and Hamish has allowed the rumors as he expects to be out of London soon. Hamish is remaining in London to help escort his sisters through the London Season. As part of the activities, he finds himself sharing walks and waltzes with Megan. She brings out a softer side in him, but he thinks that she is hiding something that involves Sir Fletcher. The more Hamish sees Fletcher disrespectfully pursue Megan, the more Hamish is inclined to become her champion.

It has been too long since I enjoyed Ms. Burrowes rich romances. She creates engaging characters and threatened scandalous circumstances to overcome. I like the details she provides for society and war elements. I enjoy the friendship evolving into romance which is passionate but not gratuitous.

I thought that I had read and enjoyed earlier books in this series but now realize that I have read many of the Windham series but not the Windham Brides. So, I have more to look forward to. I recommend this author, book, and series to fans of historical romance.

Audio Notes: James Langton does a fine job with the narration. I was pleased he was able to provide fitting female voices as well as English and Scottish accents. The rich narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 8/9/18 Two for One Credit Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Here is a Link to other Burrowes’ titles I have reviewed.

Audible Book Review: The Reaper, Autobiography of One of the Deadliest Special Ops Snipers, by Gary Brozek, Nicholas Irving

Nicholas Irving shares his years of sniper action in service of our military.

The Reaper
Autobiography of One of the Deadliest Special Ops Snipers
By: Gary Brozek, Nicholas Irving
Narrated by: Jeff Gurner

Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Biography, Memoir, Military, Special Elite
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Groundbreaking, thrilling and revealing, The Reaper is the astonishing memoir of Special Operations Direct Action Sniper Nicholas Irving, the 3rd Ranger Battalion's deadliest sniper with 33 confirmed kills, though his remarkable career total, including probables, is unknown. In the best-selling tradition of American Sniper and Shooter, Irving shares the true story of his extraordinary career, including his deployment to Afghanistan in the summer of 2009, when he set another record, this time for enemy kills on a single deployment. His teammates and chain of command labeled him "The Reaper," and his actions on the battlefield became the stuff of legend, culminating in an extraordinary face-off against an enemy sniper known simply as The Chechnian. Irving's astonishing first-person account of his development into an expert assassin offers a fascinating and extremely rare view of special operations combat missions through the eyes of a Ranger sniper during the Global War on Terrorism. From the brotherhood and sacrifice of teammates in battle to the cold reality of taking a life to protect another, no other audiobook dives so deeply inside the life of a sniper on point.
©2015 Nicholas Irving (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Nicholas Irving was given his nickname, “The Reaper”, by other military men who heard of his skills and confirmed kills while protecting his teammates. He was rumored to have many more kills than were actual but he did have a good record especially after so many snipers had uneventful deployments. For Irving, a busy mission was a mixed blessing. Like many young soldiers he dreamed as a young boy of eventually becoming a soldier serving his country. He was only in his early 20s when he was a leader taking his team into enemy territory. On one hand many of the young men are eager to face the enemy, but Irving is mindful of each mate he is responsible for.

I enjoyed this autobiography which is written to be active and interesting. I found it amusing how Irving describes his special relationship with his equipment which is presented in a light way with a touch of self-deprecation. The entire book is presented with honest feelings addressing the relationships, including a dog and handler pair, developed and the reality of the dangers faced in hostile territory. I appreciated the intensity of the thoughts shared with minimal bad language. I recommend this to readers interested in the life of a military sniper.

Audio Notes: Jeff Gurner does a clear job with the narration. My only thought was that the accent didn’t really fit as Gurner appears to be an older white male narrating the thoughts and actions of a young black man. This detracted a bit from the reality of the biography.

Source: March 2016 Sale at Audible. 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: Lost Valley by Walt Browning

I thought this was post-apocalyptic (which it is) but it is zombie type horror and survival.
Lost Valley
By: Walt Browning
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

Series: Extinction Survival, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins
Release date: 04-09-19
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
War has a way of following some people....
John Eric Carver and Shrek are a retired Navy SEAL war dog team, now living in the mountains outside of San Diego. Both man and dog thought their life was now settled, finding peace on the 40-acre ranch they had moved to. But life, and a mutated virus, changed all that.
Now, they have to survive a worldwide pandemic. Taking refuge in a nearby Boy Scout camp, he leads a group of teens and their parents as they are forced to deal with infected creatures that are rapidly consuming the world. Will John and Shrek survive another war, or will this be the end of the line for the SEAL team?
©2019 Walt Browning (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
John Carver and his war dog Shrek have settled into a peaceful life after retiring from the Navy. He volunteers at a Boy Scout camp near his ranch. When an infection that turns people into ravenous cannibals strikes worldwide, John and Shrek are asked to help protect a group at the camp. The mutated virus is spreading quickly, and John is almost caught as he seeks to gather friends to take them to the camp.

The camp leaders are careful to inspect teens and parents as they seek refuge but they are still learning how the virus spreads… and how fast it works! A native teen from the reservation arrives on a motorbike only steps in front of an infected creature. She is able to join the camp and informs them that the infection is active in the coyotes as well as the humans. John and Shrek have been hunting a murderous coyote and now they know they will have to be even more careful.

John, another leader and a handful of teens have to make a run to a hospital to pick up medication. The risks are high but it is a necessary trip. Will they be successful to escape the infected and return to camp?

Browning is a new to me author and I found his writing direct with an easy flow. The plot and characters are well developed and the pacing worked well for a quick read. I likeed John and his dog Shrek, and also liked how the author shared a few chapters from Shrek’s view and the view of the rogue coyote. There is action as they face the infected and fight to escape from the mobs.

When I picked this out, I was looking more for a post-apocalyptic story rather than a zombie story. This would be a good story and series to read in October if, like me, you like your horror in that month. The story is entertaining, and I will likely listen to book two in October. I recommend this to fans of quick zombie-type survival tales.

Audio Notes: Bronson Pinchot is an effective narrator. He captures the voices of the characters (including the canines) and he shares appropriate emotions of fear and despair. I appreciate this was a free audio.

Source: September 2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Hour of Need by Melinda Leigh

This is an easy listen mystery with romance.

Hour of Need
Scarlet Falls, Book 1
By: Melinda Leigh
Narrated by: Cris Dukehart

Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
Release date: 12-09-14
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Mystery, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
A 2015 Daphne du Maurier Award finalist from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh.
While fighting in Afghanistan, Major Grant Barrett receives devastating news: his brother and sister-in-law have been murdered in Scarlet Falls, the sleepy suburb of Grant’s youth. Emotionally scarred from war, the career soldier returns home on emergency leave to temporarily care for his orphaned nephew and niece. But when someone tries to kidnap the kids and their teenage babysitter, Grant knows it’s not a random act…and neither were the murders.
Already devastated by her neighbors’ violent deaths, Ellie Ross is shattered by the attempted abduction of her teenage daughter so she desperately turns to Grant for help. As they navigate a deadly search for the truth, they struggle with growing feelings for each other and Grant’s impending return to Afghanistan.
But time is running out. The killer is growing bolder by the hour, and Ellie and Grant must find him before the children become his next victims.
Bestselling author Melinda Leigh delivers another gritty mystery simmering with spine-tingling passion in this first Scarlet Falls novel.
©2014 Melinda Leigh (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved

Review:
Major Grant Barrett is given emergency leave to return home after his brother, Lee, and sister-in-law, Kate, are murdered in the streets of Scarlet Falls. Grant needs to take charge of his orphaned six-year-old nephew, Carson, and 4-months-old, colicky niece, Faith. He is relieved to have the help from his neighbors, Ellie Ross, her mother and her teenage daughter, Julia.

Ellie is a legal assistant who worked for Lee and she is aware that Lee had taken on a controversial civil case. The case was the result of a suicide of a high school student involved in an ice-skating club who was allegedly being mercilessly bullied by two other girls on the skate team. The managing partner at the firm directs Ellie to find the case file, and any others that Lee had at home, and bring them back to the office. Before Ellie gets a chance to try to gather the office files, she is accosted by a man with a gun who threatens to kill her mother and daughter if Ellie doesn’t deliver the civil case file to the blackmailer. Ellie would like to trust Grant with her secret but she is too afraid to risk her family.

Grant and his high finance lawyer sister, Hannah, are staying at Lee’s home with the children, while a third brother/Uncle Mac, floats in and out to help. The group is not aware that the house is under surveillance until Grant comes home to find the house ransacked. A few days later a man tries to kidnap Carson while Julia is with the children at the park. Now Grant is determined to uncover Ellie’s secrets and to track down his brother’s murderer.

Grant and Ellie are drawn to each other but are reluctant to indulge their attraction since he is a career military man expected to return to Afghanistan within a month. She has experienced abandonment in her youth and doesn’t want to put herself or her daughter through that loss. Still, Grant and Ellie find themselves seeking comfort as they try to keep their families alive and safe.

This is what I consider an easy romantic suspense. I was glad to listen to this as a change to the sci fi genre which I have been into. The story is not heavy on action although Grant does get a chance to show off some of his soldiering skills. The bullying issue is sad, and the crime has some good twists. I enjoyed the mix of family, mystery, and not too heavy romance. I would read more by Ms. Leigh and I recommend this to fans of mystery romance.

Audio Notes: I think this is my first experience with Cris Dukehart as a narrator although she appears to be a prolific narrator. I enjoyed her clear, skilled presentation. She provides distinct voices and inflection fitting the scenes. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 12/13/2019 Audible Member Sale $5.24. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

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.

Audio Book Review: Cloak Games: Thief Trap by Jonathan Moeller

This is a good mix of mystery and magic.

Cloak Games: Thief Trap
Written by Jonathan Moeller
Narrated by Meghan Kelly

Series: Cloak Games, Book 1
Release Date: May 13, 2019
Publisher: Azure Flame Media, LLC
Genre: Alternate History, Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher Description
In 2013, a gate to another world opened, and Elves used their magic to conquer Earth, crushing all resistance before them.
Three hundred years after the Conquest, the exiled Elven High Queen rules an orderly but stagnant Earth, with humanity forced to fight in the High Queen’s war against the traitors on the Elven homeworld.
Nadia Moran doesn’t care about that. She doesn’t care about the High Queen, or the Rebels seeking to overthrow her. All she cares about is getting her baby brother the treatments he needs to recover from his potentially fatal disease…and those treatments have a steep price.
Fortunately, Nadia has magic of her own, and she’s a very, very good thief.
Unfortunately, the powerful Elven lord Morvilind has a hold on Nadia. If she doesn’t follow his commands, her brother is going to die.
Of course, given how dangerous Morvilind’s missions are, Nadia might not live long enough to see her brother’s death…

Review:
In the world Nadia Moran has grown up in, Earth is governed by the Elves. Nadia’s father was an elemental wizard in the Queen’s Wizards’ Legions. While only a child, Nadia lost her parents to a deadly virus which also struck her infant brother. A powerful Elven lord appeared at the hospital indicating he could save the child but only if Nadia went with him and trained to do his bidding for twenty years. Nadia has trained and attained skills, including some simpler magic spells. She has become a valuable thief, but the missions might not allow her to live the full twenty years.

Nadia’s current ‘job’ is to steal a highly important, ancient book for the Elven Lord. The man who supposedly has the book is a wealthy human who has the protection of another Elven Lord. He lives in a secure mansion which will pose challenges. Nadia has planned her ‘break-in’ but her plans are interrupted by a strange man. Is he an enemy or a temporary ally?

I liked Nadia’s sharp tongue, skills, intuition, and perseverance. There is good intrigue in the plot and engaging adventure and action in stealth and battles against unnatural creatures. I appreciated Nadia’s reluctance to align with an unknown force and I enjoyed how the author handled the situation. The story is set 300 hundred years beyond 2013 so it is a bit out of sync that the technology of the world is the same as today. However, this is explained due to impact of magic. This isn’t a big issue, I recommend this urban fantasy, and I look forward to reading or listening to more in the series.

Audio Notes: Meghan Kelly does a good job with the narration. She provides distinct voices and energy that maintains the pace of the story. I would like to listen to more in the series.

Source: 4/18/2020 Free at Chirp. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.