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.

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 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: 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.

Audible Book Review: The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

This is nice but not as good as I had expected/hoped.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
By: J.K. Rowling
Narrated by: Warwick Davis, Noma Dumezweni, Jason Isaacs, Jude Law, Evanna Lynch, Sally Mortemore, Bonnie Wright

Series: Wizarding World, Wizarding World Length: 1 hr and 35 mins
Release date: 03-31-20
Publisher: Pottermore Publishing
Categories: Children's Audiobooks, Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Content 3.5; Narration 4.0.

About This Audible Audiobook
Performed by talented actors from across the Wizarding World, this is the first ever audiobook edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, which was originally written in 2007 by J.K. Rowling and has raised money for her children's charity Lumos ever since.
As familiar to Hogwarts students as "Cinderella" and "Sleeping Beauty" are to Muggle children, Beedle's stories are a collection of popular fairy tales written for young witches and wizards. So, if you're wondering what's in store in this brand-new audio edition…well, your ears are in for a treat.
Once you've checked this fabulous Hogwarts Library book out, you'll start by hearing the author's introduction, read by Sally Mortemore (librarian Madam Pince from the Harry Potter films). Then it's time for the tales to begin…
• You'll laugh along to "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot" as you listen to the havoc wreaked by a father's impish gift to his son, read by Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick—Harry Potter films).
• "The Fountain of Fair Fortune" will take you on a quest through an enchanted garden, alongside three witches and a luckless knight, read by Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood—Harry Potter films).
• In "The Warlock's Hairy Heart", you'll be warned about a young warlock who is fearful of love, and turns to dark magic to avoid it at all costs, read by Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy—Harry Potter films).
• The calamitous meeting of a foolish king, a cunning charlatan and a mischievous washerwoman unravels in "Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump", read by Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley—Harry Potter films).
• And finally, the most iconic of Beedle's stories. "The Tale of the Three Brothers"—with its message of humility and wisdom—will introduce you, dear listener, to the Deathly Hallows, read by Noma Dumezweni (Hermione Granger—Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, London's West End and New York's Broadway).
Each of the tales is accompanied by wise and whimsical notes from a certain Albus Dumbledore, surely everyone's favorite headmaster, read by Jude Law (Albus Dumbledore—Fantastic Beasts films).
We're told these five fables have been firm favorites in wizarding households for centuries, and now it's your turn to experience these tales from the Wizarding World, as you've never heard them before.
©2008 J.K. Rowling (P)2020 J.K. Rowling/Pottermore Publishing

Review:
I was looking forward to this as a revisit to creatures and possibly characters from the Harry Potter series. There are five new (though the themes aren’t new) fairytale stories which I did enjoy. I think my favorite was the first, "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot", both for its whimsy, irony and wisdom. The other stories themselves are okay.

Following each tale is a commentary by Albus Dumbledore – narrated by Jude Law. Although the commentary is a bit interesting, adding historical context, I found it dry and boring. I can’t imagine a child finding this engaging. Maybe I am not enough of an avid Potter fan, as I felt these parts of the short audio made it less interesting. It is a plus that sale proceeds go to what appears to be a worthy charity. But, frankly, I am glad I got the book for free. I am sure diehard fans will want to read this.

Audio Notes: I liked the various narrators and the sound effects. Those added to the audio for me and made it an easier listen.

Source: 2/29/2020 Free Audible. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Monster Hunter Files Anthology by Larry Correia, Jim Butcher, Faith Hunter and more

I enjoyed this collection of stories full of monsters and snark.
The Monster Hunter Files
By: Larry Correia, Jim Butcher, Faith Hunter, Jonathan Maberry and others
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman, Khristine Hvam, Bailey Carr
Series: Monster Hunter
Length: 13 hrs and 50 mins
Release date: 10-03-17
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Anthologies & Short Stories, Contemporary, Paranormal, Urban
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
For well over a century, Monster Hunter International has kept the world safe from supernatural threats small and large - and, in some cases, very, very large. Now, join us as MHI opens their archives for the first time. From experienced hunters on their toughest cases to total newbies' initial encounters with the supernatural, The Monster Hunter Files reveals the secret history of the world's most elite monster fighting force.
Discover what happened when Agent Franks took on the Nazis in World War II. Uncover how the Vatican's Combat Exorcists deal with Old Ones in Mexico. And find out exactly what takes place in a turf war between trailer park elves and gnomes. From the most powerful of mystical beings to MHI's humble janitor, see the world of professional monster hunting like never before.
Featuring 17 all new tales based on Larry Correia's best-selling series, from New York Times best-selling authors Jim Butcher, John Ringo, Jessica Day George, Jonathan Maberry, Faith Hunter, and many more.
Also includes stories by Larry Correia, John C. Wright, Jody Lynn Nye, Mike Kupari, and Brad R. Torgersen.
©2017 Larry Correia. All stories 2017 by Larry Correia, except "She Bitch, Killer of Kits" 2017 by Larry Correia and Faith Hunter. (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
I enjoy the Monster Hunter International (MHI) characters, and this is a fun collection that focuses on side stories for several of the well-known characters. There are stories of Julie Stackleford’s childhood, her husband’s, Owen’s, current day, and Franks facing a major threat in WWII. There are also some new monsters and hunters I would like to read more about in the future.

Another fun thing about this collection is that there are so many authors who brought their talents to share in the MHI universe. I honestly can’t say that I recognized distinct author voices because they blended so well with the world of MHI.

There are 17 stories making for quick listens. My top picked stories include:
• Thistle by Larry Correia (I hope to see this character in future stories.)
• Small Problems by Jim Butcher (Even janitors can be successful hunters.)
• Sons of the Father by Quincy Allen (These sons may not have met their hunter father before his death but they sure got his skills.)
• A Knight of the Enchanted Forest by Jessica Day George (Light, fun turf war between elves and gnomes.)
• Huffman Strikes Back -by Bryan Thomas Schmidt & Julie Frost (Revenge sought against one of the top MHI hunters.)
• The Gift by Steve Diamond (A Secret Order of Vatican's Combat Exorcists

I recommend this book for MHI fans that need a hunter fix (like me). And readers who enjoy monsters and heroes would like this too.

Audio Notes: Oliver Wyman, Bailey Carr, Khristine Hvam did a great job sharing the fun. Wyman is the usual narrator for the MHI series and I love returning to his voice for so many of the characters. The other narrators added to vary the tone and provide more female voices which enhanced my listening engagement.

Source: Audible Daily Deal 4/24/2018 $4.95. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch

This is a twisted time travel mystery thriller.

The Gone World
by Tom Sweterlitsch
Read by Brittany Pressley

Run Time 13h 38min
Release Date: February 6, 2018
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Genre: Alternate History, Police Procedure, Post-Apocalyptic, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Inception meets True Detective in this science fiction thriller of spellbinding tension and staggering scope that follows a special agent into a savage murder case with grave implications for the fate of mankind…
Shannon Moss is part of a clandestine division within the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. In Western Pennsylvania, 1997, she is assigned to solve the murder of a Navy SEAL’s family—and to locate his teenage daughter, who has disappeared. Though she can’t share the information with conventional law enforcement, Moss discovers that the missing SEAL was an astronaut aboard the spaceship U.S.S. Libra—a ship assumed lost to the darkest currents of Deep Time. Moss knows first-hand the mental trauma of time-travel and believes the SEAL’s experience with the future has triggered this violence.
Determined to find the missing girl and driven by a troubling connection from her own past, Moss travels ahead in time to explore possible versions of the future, seeking evidence or insight that will crack the present-day case. To her horror, the future reveals that it’s not only the fate of a family that hinges on her work, for what she witnesses rising over time’s horizon and hurtling toward the present is the Terminus: the terrifying and cataclysmic end of humanity itself.
Luminous and unsettling, The Gone World bristles with world-shattering ideas yet remains at its heart an intensely human story.

Review:
The government has secrets normal citizens don’t know. Sharon is part of a secret criminal unit that has the ability to travel to the future as part of its investigative process. It’s easier to capture a killer, and sometimes prevent a crime, if you already know where to look by seeing the future facts.

While investigating a particularly brutal murder involving a Navy SEAL and his family, Sharon learns the SEAL was an astronaut aboard a spaceship U.S.S. Libra which had traveled to Deep Time and was lost. Her further encounters lead to other members of the Libra crew, and she recognizes some of the mental trauma of time-travel that she has experienced first-hand.

Although Sharon is focused on solving the initial crime, and some other related crimes that occur along the way, she soon becomes aware from each trip in time that the Libra has started a chain reaction that will ultimately bring a horrific doom to society. Sharon’s investigations result in bringing that fate closer as what begins as a threat thousands of years in the future, moves forward to hundreds of years, then decades and then within two years. Unless Sharon can change the triggering events, the future of the world as she knows it will not exist.

Sharon can’t share the details of her special techniques and information with her civilian cohorts and this makes for interesting interactions in the current time and in future encounters. I admit the story is twisted which is fitting for time travel. The author does a good job of dealing with time travel issues of lapsed time and aging. The horrors of the Libra are a bit more contrived and stretch beyond the realms of realism. Although the epilogue is a bit lame, I give the author kudos for creating such an involved, twisted trail of events and bringing the journey back to the surprising start. I enjoyed the mix of time travel, sci fi and mystery. I recommend this to readers who like time travel and mystery, especially if they are prepared for a touch of horror.

Audio Notes: Brittany Pressley provides an excellent performance on the narration. I quickly was caught into Sharon’s life and world with the aid of the narration. Pressley delivers the characters with distinct voices and expression. The narration enhanced the story for me.

Source: 8/30/2020 Chirp Purchase for $4.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Baron Steele by Rhett C. Bruno, Jaime Castle

This is a quick, fun story about a retired superhero.
Baron Steele
By: Rhett C. Bruno , Jaime Castle
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Series: Raptors, Audible Original Stories
Length: 47 mins
Release date: 10-22-20
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Fantasy, Science Fiction & Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.5.

About This Audible Original
Paul Steele, known to the world as Baron Steele, isn’t your average masked crimefighter. As a matter of fact, he doesn’t even wear a mask. And he doesn’t even fight crime anymore. That’s for the guys with too much brawn and not enough brain.
No, Steele works in consulting. After having his license revoked by the Guild of Masked Crimefighters, he decided he would scout talent instead. Match up heroes with their villainous counterparts, help the young bucks and buckettes discover their talents and abilities. That sort of thing.
It’s all going fine and well until Steele gets a bad cup of coffee. No. Seriously. Day after day, the same little twerp gets his order wrong. From there, it’s a downhill spiral into chaos, and Steele finds himself fighting for his freedom in a court of law. Did he really kill a barista over a cup of joe?
Don't miss this hilarious spin on the superhero genre from the number one Audible best-selling duo of Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle.
©2020 Aethon Books (P)2020 Aethon Books

Review:
Paul Steele, formerly known as masked crimefighter Baron Steele, retired from active crimefighting after he ran into problems with the superhero guild. Now Steele operates a consulting business, scouting new crimefighter talents. He interviews would-be-heroes to determine if they have appropriate skills and if they do, he helps to train them in preparation of facing a matched villain.

One morning Steele has had it with a local barista who keeps messing up his coffee. His tirade against the young man is witnessed by others and will come back to haunt him, landing him in trouble again with the Guild.

I really didn’t know what to expect, but this is a quick, fun story. Baron Steele is a gruff, realistic character. I appreciate the world-building and irony in the events, all of which are distributed in under an hour! Great for a quick listen and I will look forward to listening to more in the series. I recommend this to those who enjoy superhero, comic book type stories, and short stories.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray does his usual spot-on narration bringing Steele’s character - the contempt, arrogance, and frustrations - to life. He also provides distinct voices and fitting emotion for each of the other characters. The narration contributed to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: Audible Plus Catalog October 2020. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook 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: Dragon Planet by Dan Wells

This is fun, easy listening, good for middle graders.

Dragon Planet
By: Dan Wells
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller, Steve Rimpici, full cast
Series: The Zero Chronicles, Book 2

Length: 3 hrs and 45 mins
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Children's Audiobooks, Science Fiction & Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.25.

About This Audible Original
The much-anticipated sequel to Zero G and the middle grade debut by Dan Wells.
The colonists from the Pathfinder have arrived on Kaguya, a planet with low gravity but a very dense atmosphere. It’s fun to jump around, but the air makes you loopy. Even worse than that, the heavy atmosphere means that wind storms, although rare, are absolutely devastating.
Zero and Nyx help to get everything locked down before the first big storm, but they stumble onto a group of thieves who have stolen some mining equipment. Before the kids have a chance to get away and tell anyone, the storm hits and the massive winds carry them far away. Zero and Nyx are stranded on an unknown planet with no way to communicate, being chased by thieves, and with another storm bearing down on them.
And, oh yeah, this planet has dragons.
It will take more than just good luck to get back to the colony. It’s going to take science.
©2019 Dan Wells (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC

Review:
Zero and Nyx have arrived on the planet Kaguya where the gravity is low and a dense atmosphere. They are told the colonists will be living in shelters to protect them from the unknowns of the planet and the big wind storms that ravage the surface. The young people are skeptical about the planet until they get excited seeing a dragon outside the windows. The adults are alarmed by the damage the dragon does to a digger, an important piece of equipment. They are more disturbed when they realize that another digger is missing and was apparently not loaded on the ship.

The kids decide to investigate and soon stumble onto the thieves. Before they can escape, the kids and thieves are blown away from base by the heavy winds. Zero and Nyx find themselves in a strange, beautiful but frightening world. They have to be careful what they touch and what they eat while running from the twisted thieves and racing to get back to base before another storm hits.

Okay – so it is not so realistic that two children can manage on a strange planet, but it is fun. And the author makes it particularly interesting by having the kids use their knowledge of basic science principles to solve dilemmas. I really enjoyed this aspect. I enjoyed this second book a bit more than book one. The world building was well done and I look forward to reading the next book. I recommend this for middle grade students and adults who like light, sci fi listening.

Audio Notes: Emily Woo Zeller, Steve Rimpici, and a cast of other narrators make the listening fun. There is background sound that also enhances the story. This is a fun story in audio.

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

Zero G By: Dan Wells, Book 1 My Rating 3.75.

Audio Book Review: Radioactive Evolution by Richard Hummel

I liked this action story with a dragon companion.
Radioactive Evolution
Written by Richard Hummel
Narrated by Armen Taylor & Anneliese Rennie

Release Date: November 15, 2018
Publisher: Hummel Books
Genre: Cyperpunk, Fantasy Gaming, Post-apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
How far would you go to change humanity's fate?
Jared Cartwright grew up in a loving, caring community, completely isolated from the horrors of the outside world. When tragedy leaves him alone and untethered, Jared sets out to explore the unknown: a world where twisted, scarred creatures roam an earth ravaged by nuclear war while the rich fled to the skies on floating utopias, escaping destruction and leaving the rest of humanity to die.
To face his new reality, Jared must learn to survive in a cold, harsh world. A twist of fate changes Jared's destiny when he discovers dragons are real. The dragon unlocks a hidden technology within his body, giving him powers he never imagined existed.
With deadly adversaries above and below, he must evolve beyond mere human limitations to defeat the powerful rulers of the cities and the rabid beasts lurking in the shadows.
Amazon number-one best seller in Post-Apocalyptic & Cyberpunk!
©2018 Richard Hummel (P)2019 Richard Hummel

Review:
Jared is a lone explorer in a post-apocalyptic world that is full of ravaged cities and twisted creatures. The elites who survived live in floating cities far above the radiated earth. Jared scavenges for supplies, including food, weapons and nanite injectors. The nanite injectors are necessary to preserve the nanotechnology within the humans which corrupts over time.

Jared descends into the tunnels of the city (once New York) following another explorer. After facing off with giant lizards, Jared finds the explorer buried in a pile of what appears to be a nest. Jared snags the pack of the other explorer and an unusual object with radiating heat. He fights his way out of the tunnels to his safe space. There he uncovers secrets about the nanotechnology and, more importantly, he inadvertently bonds with a newborn dragon! The dragon, nicknamed Scarlet, can share nanotechnology with Jared providing him the opportunity to increase his physical and mental skills so that each has super powers.

Having bonded, Jared and Scarlet have to agree to help each other’s species rather than be enemies. They set off to find other surviving humans who can be recruited to bond with dragons, or other creatures. Once they have a force the plan is to challenge one of the sky cities. The pair fight off and escape from enemies ultimately saving a strange community of water people.

This story has a definite LitRPG vibe with plenty of mutated creatures, such as killer bunnies, to battle, and nanites and powers to be absorbed and assigned to increase (‘level up’) skills. Jared is a surprising survivor considering his naivety. I enjoyed the relationship between Jared and Scarlet who communicate through telepathy and share their growth journeys. The writing kept me engaged even though it is not complex. The world building is good with lots of strange creatures. I do want to read/listen to the next book in the series. I recommend this to fans of action and fantasy gaming.

Audio Notes: Armen Taylor & Anneliese Rennie make a good narration team. I liked both voices and energy for the characters. I hope they will be the narrators for the next book which I plan to get on audio.

Source: October 2020 Chirp $2.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

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

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.