#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Coup de Grâce by Paul Centeno

I like SteamPunk and this is a strong adventure.
Coup de Grâce
By: Paul Centeno
Narrated by: Rob Jones UK

Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins
Release date: 12-06-22
Publisher: Paul L. Centeno
Genre: Adventure, Steampunk
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
The world has changed. Gone are the old gods. Nature withers and dies beneath the growing bane of machines and industry. Desperate to prevent their world from dying, citizens turn to science and sprawling cities of steam ruled by the Imperium. Kaimo de Morté has never known another life. He is an optometrist by trade but too poor to open an optical boutique. Forced to work in the mines, Kaimo has no idea how his life is about to change. A chance encounter with insurgents thrusts him into a battle for the very future of mankind. One he is ill prepared to fight. Kaimo uncovers hidden truths, forms alliances stretching to the highest halls of power, and becomes the catalyst for either saving the world or watching it end.
©2022 Paul Centeno (P)2022 Paul Centeno.

Review:
Kaimo is a young man who is an optometrist skilled in building spectacles. He wants to go to school to become an eye doctor, but he doesn’t have the money or prestige. Kaimo is forced to work in the mines with little hope that he can earn enough money to pursue his dreams. One day after an explosion in the mines, Kaimo emerges to find the local train under attack by the insurgent rebels. The rebels are soon met by the Imperium forces under a brutal commander, the Grand Marshal. Kaimo rescues a woman he finds encased in a medical tube on the train. He is hiding Zylpha at his home when his father goes to the place of battle. Kaimo’s father and others are cut down by the Grand Marshal and Kaimo barely escapes.

Kaimo and Zylpha flee his hometown and head off on a journey to find a scientist she trusts to help her. Apparently, her blood has special life force properties that are sought by the evil Grand Marshal. Their journey is hard and not everyone is helpful. Will they find the scientist to help and, if they do, can they avoid capture by the Grand Marshal?

This is my second novel written by Centeno (see Dark Sanity). He is a creative author and has provided an interesting steampunk world, strong characters, and an adventure that includes magical blood and crystals. I liked Kaimo and his skills at inventing optical tools. I also enjoyed the drama and action in the plot. This is a distinct story that I recommend to fans of steampunk, adventure, and action.

Audio Notes: I liked the narration by Rob Jones but the music in the background and between chapters was a little too much. I appreciated getting this through NetGalley to listen to the audiobook.

Source: Source: December 2022 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, 2023Alphabet, and 2023NetGalley goals.

Audible Book Review: At Love's Command, Hanger's Horsemen, Book 1, by Karen Witemeyer

This is a lovely, western, historical romance.
At Love's Command
By: Karen Witemeyer
Narrated by: Amy Rubinate

Series: Hanger's Horsemen, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
Release date: 06-09-20
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Christian, Historical, Romance, Western
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger's Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. 
They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they're the ones in need of saving. Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she's not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger's dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine's respect, and when she hears of her brother's abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.
Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything - even his team - to save her.
©2020 Karen Witemeyer (P)2020 Recorded Books

Review:
Matthew Hanger is an ex-cavalry officer leading a mercenary group that battles evil in 1890s Texas. The band, known as Hanger’s Horsemen, is legendary as they seek out justice against the outlaws and defend the innocent and oppressed. Of course, that makes them the target of outlaws. One of the Horsemen has suffered a bullet wound so the team heads to the nearest town to seek out the doctor, where they are surprised to find a female doctor.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men questioning her medical skills, but she knows she is the one who can help their injured companion. Matt, after momentary reluctance, agrees to assist Dr. Josephine in the surgery. Over several days of recovery, the team grows to respect Dr. Josephine even as she learns to respect the care and dedication of the men for each other and for the doing good to help others.

Shortly after the Horseman leave the Doctor, she opens a letter telling her that her brother is in the hands of outlaws and her father is refusing to pay the ransom. Dr. Josephine knows who she has to get to help her brother and she takes off to retrieve the Horseman.

The author has created wonderfully strong, caring characters who live with integrity. It is delightful to ‘watch’ these independent and confident individuals grow in their regard for each other. The other supporting characters, including one dubbed “Preacher” and a well-trained horse, are well developed also. I enjoyed the underlying faith and growth in God’s command over the situation. The story includes an issue of redemption which is nicely presented. The only reason I am not giving it a full five star rating is that some of the ‘heroics’ are rather over the top.

This is the fourth story I have enjoyed by Ms. Witemeyer and I plan to read more. I recommend this series and this author to readers who enjoy faith based, western historical romance.

Audio Notes: Amy Rubinate does a lovely job with the narration. She delivers clear and distinct voices with intonation fitting the scenes. The narration increased my enjoyment of the story.

12/18/2021 November Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: You Can Thank Me Later by Kelly Harms

This is a story of family grief and love.

You Can Thank Me Later, A Novella
By: Kelly Harms
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

Length: 3 hrs and 5 mins
Release date: 10-31-19
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Grief
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

About This Audible Original
A short and sweet audio novella that’ll leave listeners wanting second helpings, You Can Thank Me Later follows an unforgettable family over the course of three Thanksgivings.
When the Dickenson clan sits down for Thanksgiving dinner in 2016, it is the last holiday when their tight-knit family will ever be the same. Oldest brother Pete and his wife are expecting their first child. Youngest sibling Sophie is too busy running her restaurant, The Little Plum, to bother with any kind of social life. And middle child Charlie’s happy, uncomplicated life as a Midwestern science professor is upended when his wife Annette is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Knowing this will be her last Thanksgiving, Annette asks Sophie to look after Charlie after she’s gone. Which would be a lot easier if Charlie didn’t show up with an insufferable new girlfriend at the next holiday meal.
From the best-selling author of The Overdue Life of Amy Byler, this heartwarming novella embraces the spirit and gratitude of the holiday, and shows how a family’s love can endure anything.
©2019 Kelly Harms (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC

Review:
Sophie, is a busy restaurant owner who hosts the annual Thanksgiving family get together. The guests are her older brothers with their spouses, and an unremarkable ‘extra’ date for Sophie. For the 2016 Thanksgiving, eldest brother, Pete and his wife, Keiko, are expecting their first baby. Keiko is deep in nausea when facing most food. Middle child, Charlie is married to Sophie’s bff Annette. Charlie has been happy with his quiet professor life and the wife he adores. But Annette has arrived with bad news. She has had a reoccurrence of cancer and doesn’t expect to live for another Thanksgiving. She asks Sophie to take care of Charlie.

The group next meets in 2018. Keiko has her toddler in tow and is back to dealing with pregnancy nausea. Sophie brings a nice date although she is not so nice to him or Charlie’s date. Part of the family has wanted Charlie to move on to dating but Sophie isn’t ready. It isn’t the happiest of celebrations.

Sophie has to decide if she will even attend the get together in 2020 which is being hosted by Charlie and his girlfriend of the past two years. How will the interaction be in the latest meeting?

Each year begins with a unique feature of leaving messages on Sophie’s phone even though she wants texts, not messages. The listener gains information on the other siblings through these messages and I thought this was a clever writing style.

Keiko and her pregnancy and child issues adds humor and relatable family situations. Charlie’s new girlfriend initially appears to be a bit of a mess, but she contributes a special relationship, plus children of her own, to Charlie and the group. Sophie is the most difficult character with a certain arrogance and nastiness.

I felt some grief from the beginning, both from the cancer issues and the loss of my own husband this spring. Fortunately, the story was entertaining enough to push me beyond that point. I found Sophie’s attitude annoying but was glad for the way it changed for the ending. I do like how the story shares the message of how grief of one family member, a spouse, can impact others in the family. I recommend this as a good listen, particularly for those interested in movement through grief to a new place.

Audio notes: Lauren Fortgang does a good narration fitting Sophie’s character. She portrays the emotions that Sophie feels from grief to disdain and distress. Lauren also manages clear, distinct voices for the other characters. The narration enhanced the story for me.

Source: 11/25/19 Free Audible Originals. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Voyage of the Defiance: Breaking Free, Book 1, by S.E. Smith

This teen coming of age story ended up more entertaining than I initially expected.
Voyage of the Defiance: Breaking Free, Book 1
By: S. E. Smith
Narrated by: Suzanne Elise Freeman

Series: Breaking Free, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 12-15-15
Publisher: S.E. Smith
Genre: Action and Adventure, Family, Teen and Young Adult
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
From S. E. Smith, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, comes this emotionally charged coming-of-age story filled with action, adventure, and suspense for listeners of all ages.
An act of defiance will either kill her or change her life forever.
Sixteen-year-old Makayla Summerlin enjoyed one thing in her crazy, messed-up existence: hanging with her friends at school. But her life is uprooted when she suddenly finds herself forced to live with a grandfather she barely remembers. One act of defiance will change her life forever. Having trouble adjusting to her new home, she sets sail in her grandfather's old sailboat. On a journey that will challenge everything she has ever believed about herself, Makayla must overcome her fears if she, and a surprising stowaway, are to survive.
©2015 S. E. Smith (P)2015 S. E. Smith

Review:
Sixteen-year-old Makayla has had to deal with a mother who would rather escape with drugs and a new boyfriend. Makayla finds refuge with a handful of friends at school. But she doesn’t want to tell even them how difficult her home life is. When her mother is in an accident, Makayla is forced to go live with her grandfather.

Her grandfather explains that her mother is in rehab, but Makayla isn’t happy and continues to try to get home to her mother. Grandfather begins to show Makayla how to care for an handle his sailboat, the Defiance. Makayla tries to resist falling for a young man who helps her grandfather, but, in spite of her efforts, her heart becomes engaged. Then she learns that the boy is leaving for college and that he will return with the snobby girl who has become Makayla’s nemesis at her new school.

Makayla decides to run. She loads food and supplies on the boat and heads out to sail home, from one side of Florida to the other. Makayla finds a surprise stoyaway on the boat and then has to face nature, as well as herself, as they struggle to get home safely.

This is definitely a story for teens and young adults. Although her parental situation was sad, I had some difficulty accepting Makayla’s attitude and poor choices. However, as the story progressed and she receives help from an unexpected friend, I enjoyed the friendship and developments of the story. The story does a good job addressing bullying and racial issues.

The survival story was a bit far-fetched but it worked for the fiction. I also liked the Florida settings and the boating details. (I grew up in Florida with close connection to power boats and occasional forays on sailboats.) I recommend this to teens and young adults, and also to fans of family issues and boats.

Audio Notes: Suzanne Elise Freeman does a fine job with the narration. Her tone is clear and smooth and portrays the emotions appropriately. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

Source: 7/19/2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet (“V”) goal.

Audio Book Review: Spellsinger Dramatized Adaption by Alan Dean Foster

This is a fun fantasy listen.
Spellsinger [Dramatized Adaptation]
By Alan Dean Foster
Narrated by: Multi

Duration: 8 hours 1 minutes
Release date: 10-30-20
Publisher: GraphicAudio
Genres: Apocalyptic & Dystopian, Immersive & Radically Different, Science Fiction & Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Summary:
Snatched through a portal into a land of magic, a young musician must use a mysterious, multistring duar to rescue the world into which he has fallen before he can return to his own. Jonathan Thomas Meriweather is a typical college student, interested in girls, music, and an occasional taste of reefer. But when a journey through an interdimensional portal lands him in a world of talking animals and ominous sorcery, he finds he is on a very different trip indeed. Here, when he plays a strange instrument called a duar, peculiar things happen: powerful magic that may be the only way to stop a dark force that threatens his new world-and his old one. Reluctantly, he finds himself teaming up with a semi-senile turtle wizard; a thieving, backstabbing otter; and a bewildered Marxist dragon to rally an army for the war about to come. Spellsinger, the first in Alan Dean Foster's eight-book Spellsinger series, introduces a world of magic and mayhem, where animals are people and plunging ahead no matter what the consequences may be the only way to survive.

Review:
Jon is a serious college student who enjoys music, playing his own instruments, enjoying eyeing the girls, and occasionally enjoying a reefer. One evening he is pulled into an interdimensional portal to a world filled with talking animals and full of legal and illegal sorcery. Jon battles one of the first creatures he meets, an otter, and ends up being taken before a powerful wizard who is also a bit of a senile bumbler. The wizard, a turtle, had tried to call out another powerful sorcery but ended up with Jon who appears to have no sorcery skills…until he picks up a strange instrument and things happen.

Jon teams up with the turtle and the rascally otter who takes him into town to get decked out with clothes that will blend in and a weapon or two. After Jon sets off a riot in a bar, they escape to an outcasts camp. Once again, Jon stirs up trouble and now they escape again with a female warrior. They return to the wizard hoping that he has found a way to return Jon to his real world. That doesn’t exactly work.

Now the full team is traveling to seek support to fight the dark evil that the wizard knows is coming. Along the way, Jon’s singing conjures up a Marxist dragon who will help them only because Jon convinces him they are comrades.

I do enjoy a good graphic novel now and then. As the story started, I wasn’t sure but quickly I learned that this is surprisingly fun. I enjoyed the discovery of Jon’s skills, I loved the variety of characters and the support they give each other. The story does set up as a battle of good and evil with the evil insects reminding me of the Orc Army. I would be interested in listening to more and I recommend this to fans of fun fantasy.

Audio Notes: There is a large group of narrators that help to make this fun. I liked the narration but did find the background noise to be too loud and distracting sometimes.

Narrated By: Gregory Linington, Paul Reisman, Chris Genebach, Todd Scofield, David Jourdan, Rose Elizabeth Supan, Bradley Smith, Alyssa Wilmoth, Jeff Allin, Ren Kasey, Yasmin Tuazon, Andy Clemence, Scott Mccormick, Michael John Casey, Shanta Parasuraman, Ken Jackson, James Konicek, Michael Glenn, Mort Shelby, Terence Aselford, A Full Cast, Nanette Savard, Richard Rohan.

Source: 3/14/2021 Two for One Young Adult Credit Deal at Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible book Review: Commune: Book Four by Joshua Gayou

This story kept me up when I should have been sleeping.

Commune: Book Four Commune Series, Book 4
By: Joshua Gayou
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 22 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 05-03-19
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
The philosopher asks: "Faced with the mutually exclusive choice between moral principle and the survival of your family, which is the correct path?"
Philosophers love to pose such questions, and in the day-to-day struggle, such thinkers rarely attain to a level of relevance rivaling that of the simple hunger pang. Their careful considerations dissipate under the leveled gun.
We do not feel their disapproving gaze when The Others draw near.
When the world sends doom, the survivors do not hesitate.
The survivors do what is necessary.
©2018 Joshua Gayou and Blue Heron Audio (P)2019 Joshua Gayou and Blue Heron Audio

Review:
Although Brian, a member of the Jackson Commune, continues his character interviews in this episode, there is much more action. The military group that visited and helped the Commune has moved on. The Commune has set aside enough reserves to survive the winter and do the spring planting. Life has settled into normal work routine as the Commune looks forward.

Beyond the state, there is a group of misfits that has grown to a large community. They are under the leadership of Clay who struggles to maintain loyalties and control as the group grows and factions form. Some of the factions are more brutal and devious than others. Ronny, Clay’s second in command, had a bad encounter with Jake’s team and knows that they have a “home base” near Jackson. He is intent on moving the group to Jackson and finally convinces Clay to move on as the food stores are becoming scarce.

The Commune occupants quickly learn that a large group has moved into Jackson. It is very unclear if the group is friendly or intend harm. Gibbs and a few other leaders go to the edge of town to meet and attempt to find out the intentions of Clay’s group. They step back in order to regroup.

Jake instructs the Commune members to begin to prepare for an attack. They do not have enough food and resources to share, and they must protect the new home they have established.

There is still a misguided member of the Commune who thinks it will be possible to negotiate a fair exchange of information and resources. He sneaks off to town starting a stream of violent events.

This particular book has a lot of brutality and, unfortunately, a lot of foul language. The language is a bit distracting to me, but I was able to push through because I like the characters and the action. I truly did stay up too late into the night listening. I recommend the series to those who like rough post-apocalyptic survival and don’t mind rough language.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray continues to deliver wonderful narration. Bray provides clear and distinct voices. As before in this series, I was engaged and my enjoyment of the story was enhanced by the narration.

Source: 11/18/2021 Audible October Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: End of Summer by S.M. Anderson

This is a satisfactory, pandemic Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian (and my "Summer" title).

End of Summer
By: S.M. Anderson
Narrated by: Jay Snyder

Series: Seasons of Man, Book 1 (2 books)
Length: 11 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 06-16-20
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
When a viral apocalypse kills 97 percent of the people on the planet, the survivors' humanity is hanging by a thread. Amid the leftovers of civilization, ex-Army Ranger Jason Larsen is reminded of the meaning of hope, family, and loyalty by a dog and a young boy who are as alone as he is. The survivors he seems to collect become family, and that is very bad news for those who think they run the apocalypse. ©2019 S.M. Anderson (P)2020 Podium Publishing

Review:
A new virologist is flippant about the sanitation rules in the lab. He bends the rules one too many times and ends up taking sickness to the world.

Ex-Army Ranger Jason Larsen is more prepared physically than most for an apocalypse. Initially he just wants to die and be with his pregnant wife. But before her death by the virus, she made him promise to stay alive and help “the children”. Jason reluctantly steps out to the street and hears nearby gunshot. He goes through the back ways and discovers a woman shot in the back of a truck. He learns there are a group of thugs, ‘Tyson’s gang’, working out of the FEMA base under the direction of a twisted Sheriff. They are gathering kids to scavenge and adults with useful skills. If someone doesn’t have a good skill, they are left behind with a bullet.

Jason happens to know that one of his wealthy neighbors was a serious prepper. He carefully approaches the house and finds the neighbor’s black lab, Loki. Fortunately, the dead occupant has provided info to access the stored supplies.

Meanwhile, Pro is a fourteen-year-old from across town. He knows his father isn’t coming home and after several days he has to leave his dead family behind. He finds a house with good supplies where he sets up camp and begins to scavenge the neighborhood. Soon the Tyson gang realizes that someone e is cleaning out houses before they get there. Jason happens to stumble on Pro while he is tracking Tyson’s gang. Jason tries to direct Pro to safety, but Pro is suspicious of everyone. After Pro gets caught, Jason has to figure out if he can rescue the boy. Slowly Jason wages war on the scavenge crews, taking out the anonymous enemy one by one.

Jason has added to his small group a frightened, but fierce young women Rachel, who is protecting a young girl, Elsa. Rachel has no reason to trust any man and is only happy that Jason has given her a gun and trained her to shoot. She is set on revenge.

Pro manages to escape the compound by himself but now Jason has to grab him to save him from getting caught again. Pro insists there are others in the FEMA compound who aren’t brutal killers and he wants Jason to help free the good people. Can Jason control Rachel and Pro as he prepares an assault on the FEMA compound?

Jason is a quiet, strong, and likeable protagonist. He doesn’t want to be a hero, but he is prompted by the promise to his wife to try to save others. Pro is a smart teen who has to grow up too fast. Rachel is a young woman who is trying to recover from the trauma of sexual abuse by seeking revenge on bad men. These three create an interesting core who struggle to survive and help others.

I liked all of the action as well as the development of the characters. I am glad I have the second book to listen to. I recommend this to fans of the genres, post-apocalyptic, and dystopian. (Warning: there is violence, reference to rape, and some rough language.)

Audio Notes: Jay Snyder does a good job with the narration. He provides distinct voices for the characters and gives appropriate energy to the story. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 7/18/2021 Audible $5.00 sale. (Regular Price: $34.99.) This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Season goal.

Audible Book Review: Quake!: Disaster in San Francisco, 1906 by Gail Langer Karwoski

This is an easy listen and would be good for school children..
Quake!: Disaster in San Francisco, 1906
By: Gail Langer Karwoski
Narrated by: Terry Bregy

Length: 4 hrs and 12 mins
Release date: 04-08-11
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Historical Fiction, Middle Graders
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Buildings were weaving in and out, the street pitched like a stormy sea and bricks were raining down all around him.... Experience first hand through young Jacob what it was like living through this country’s most destructive earthquake!
©2006 Gail Langer Karwoski (P)2011 Audio Bookshelf

Review:
Jacob is a young Jewish boy of 13 (he celebrated Bar Mitzvah his last birthday) living in San Francisco in the early 1900s. His father runs a meat stand and Jacob helps by delivering the orders through out the town. One of his stops is to deliver meat to his Uncle Avram who runs a produce market. While making the delivery, Jacob, discovers he is being followed by a small dog. Uncle Avram encourages Jacob to take the dog home since Avram’s wife won’t let him take the dog in since they have an infant to care for. But Jacob suspects his father will not allow him to keep the dog. His father, his little sister, Sophie, and Jacob have been struggling since his mother died during the past year. There is little happiness in the house as father and children suffer with grief.

The next morning Jacob leaves early to take the dog away as his father has insisted. Along the way to Uncle’s home the dog gets skittish and soon is pushing Jacob away as a wall is shaken down by an earthquake. Jacob and the dog, later named Quake, dodge through panicked crowds and falling buildings until they are lost. As Jacob tries to head home, Quake takes him to a cluttered hole in the ground where they rescue a young Chinese boy, San. The two boys and dog set off to try to find their families.

Jacob and San end up first in Union Square and later in Golden Gate Park searching desperately for their families. There are frightening rumors that the quake has damaged many other states and at first, they think no help will come. Along the way of their search, San faces racial discrimination and bullying but the boys also find a temporary tent home with a young Irish family who helps them.

The story is an easy read and does a good job describing the setting of 1906 San Francisco and the various class (wealth) separations and immigrant communities. The young boys and dog will help to keep children interested. I think this would be a good book for middle graders to learn about the time, the event and the negative aspects of racism. I recommend this to families to read or listen together.

Audio Notes: Terry Bregy does a nice job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and accents for the immigrant characters. I was glad to have this as a free audio.

Source: 6/10/2022 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold

This space sci fi has battles, dangerous enemies, and a conflicted, mild, romance.

Shards of Honor
Series: Vorkosigan Saga (chronological), Book 2
By: Lois McMaster Bujold
Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
Release date: 05-01-09
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Fantasy, Military Science Fiction,
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
It was the wrong war, in the wrong place, at the wrong time, for the wrong reasons. And Captain Cordelia Naismith of the Betan Expeditionary Force would be forced into a separate peace with her enemy, Lord Vorkosigan.
Shards of Honor is the novel in which Lois McMaster Bujold introduced the science-fiction world to Barrayar and Aral Vorkosigan, Beta Colony and Cordelia Naismith. From this beginning the author has created a multigenerational saga spanning time as well as space.
Bujold is generally recognized as the current exemplar of the character-based science-fiction adventure story.
©1986 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Cordelia is the Captain of a scientific survey crew that is exploring an uninhabited planet. Cordelia and one of her men return to camp to discover it destroyed and her team gone except for one man who has been killed by a nerve disruptor.

Cordelia is next surprised to learn the attack was by a Barrayaran force that is now off chasing Cordelia’s ship in space. Then Cordelia and her Ensign are confronted by an enemy soldier. Her crewman is injured and Cordelia becomes the prisoner of Barrayaran Captain Aral Vorkosigan who has been shot and abandoned in an act of betrayal. Cordelia won’t leave her man behind so she convinces Vorkosidan to help drag him as they head off to a hidden Barrayaran base to get supplies.

This starts the beginning of an interesting, and ultimately beautiful friendship. Vorkosigan first saves Cordelia, then she saves him, and his friends, particularly a man soldier, Sargeant Bothari, will save her again. Along they way Cordelia learns dangerous secrets. Vorkosigan’s leaders are intent on attacking a nearby world, Escobar, to control the jump hole there. Cordelia must get home to warn her people and help prevent the attack on Escobar.

Cordelia is from a planet that is scientifically and technologically advanced. Barrayar is a warrior-race with an aristocratic/feudal type society. Cordelia slowly learns that there is a great deal of infighting and machination in the Barrayar leading class. Cordelia and Vorkosigan may have developed a certain respect and interest in each other but their ability to continue a relationship is greatly limited.

Cordelia eventually gets safely home only to have her superiors question her loyalties. Has her mind been altered to slip her back in her world as a double agent?

I enjoyed the characters, the danger, and the suspense. Bujold has created a complex world in the aristocratic juggling of the Barrayar society. As the title indicates, the characters struggle to find honor in their activities. Best, I was delighted by the very mild development of the romance. I thought this was book 1, but apparently it is book 2 in reading order. I am glad I have books 1 and 3 to continue this series.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner is a wonderful narrator although I am accustomed to hearing him narrate other works (like the Andy Carpenter series). It took me a few minutes to adjust to his voice in this sci fi setting. Somehow I think Gardner’s voice matched Vorkosigan’s character.

Source: December 2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Zombies A Record of the Year of Infection by Don Roff

This journal style was interesting but less action than some might like.

Zombies
A Record of the Year of Infection
By: Don Roff
Narrated by: Stephen R. Thorne

Length: 1 hr and 40 mins
Publisher: AudioGO
Genre: Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Horror
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
The year is 2011, and what starts as a pervasive and inexplicable illness ends up as a zombie infestation that devastates the world's population. Taking the form of a biologist's journal found in the aftermath of the attack, this pulse-pounding, suspenseful tale of zombie apocalypse follows the narrator as he flees from city to countryside and heads north to Canada, where he hopes the undead will be slowed by the colder climate. Encountering scattered humans and scores of the infected along the way, he fills his notebook with descriptions and careful observations of zombie behavior, along with terrifying tales of survival.
This frightening contribution to the massively popular zombie resurgence will keep fans on the edge of their seats right up to the very end. ©2009 Don Roff (P)2012 AudioGO

Review:
As soon as a new illness begins to ravage the population, Dr. Robert Twombly, begins to journal the symptoms and progress of the decease. He dictates his findings noting that he and his colleagues soon realize the illness moves quickly into a zombie infestation. They lock up one doctor who is infected and Twombly (and the audio listener) can hear that co-worker banging on the door in the background.

Twombly and another healthy man plot an escape from the building when it is threatened by a mob of the undead. The doctor, and people he meets along the way, continue to hide and flee from the death behind him. Although he hears of a safe place further north, Twombly decides to locate and investigate a food facility which is believed to have started the illness.

Ultimately Twombly travels further north since reports are that the zombies can’t function in cold weather. He reaches a community that has not had any experience with the infected. Will they be safe?

Because this is presented as journal entries it lacks the intensity of live action and danger that some readers might want with their zombie story. I enjoyed the style for its uniqueness and quick presentation. It appears the print (and kindle) versions have some good drawings that enhance the journal style reading. Zombie reading fans who aren’t audio buffs might want to try the print versions.

Audio Notes: I found that the - sometimes rough - narration provided by Stephen R. Thorne fit the journal style of the story. I enjoyed the quick audio reading opportunity.

Source: October 2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: See You Someday Soon by Pat Zietlow Miller

This is a book with a very sweet message.
See You Someday Soon
by Pat Zietlow Miller, Suzy Lee (Illustrations)
Narrated by Katharine Chin

Listening Length: 6 minutes
Audible.com Release Date June 14, 2022
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Children, Family
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Description:
Someday soon, I'll see you.
Even though you are there.
And I am here.
So very far apart.
In this heartfelt picture book, a child imagines ways to connect with a grandmother who lives far way. Whether by rocket ship or jet pack, train or in a plane, any journey is worth it to see someone you love.
With an inviting, accessible text by Pat Zietlow Miller and inventive art from the critically-acclaimed illustrator Suzy Lee, this picture book reminds us that, no matter the physical distance between us, the people we care about are never far from our hearts. The book features clever and innovative die-cuts throughout, adding a creative, thoughtful and discussion-worthy novelty aspect to this layered and deeply emotional story.

Review:
This is a lovely book that helps explain the longing to be together when we are far apart. A grandmother and child express how they would like to visit each other and how they might travel to make it happen. Some readers might connect this to missing a loved one in heaven, although I think that is a stretch.

There are sample images on the Amazon post which show how charming the hardback book is. Listening to the exchange is nice but I think that the print book might be better for this book. I enjoyed the easy prose and know that my grandchildren would enjoy this book. I recommend this book to share with children.

Audio Notes: Katharine Chin does a nice job with the reading. The narration conveys the longing of the separated people. I enjoyed the very quick listening experience.

Source: NetGalley 2022. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Reviews: Three More Jack Reacher Novellas by Lee Child

This reminded me why I like this author and this character.

Three More Jack Reacher Novellas
Written by Lee Child
Narrated by Dick Hill

Run Time 8h 9min
Release Date: May 16, 2017
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Genre: Mystery, Short Stories, Thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher Description
Lee Child once again demonstrates his mastery of the thriller genre with an unbeatable collection of three Jack Reacher novellas and six short stories, together for the first time in one pulse-pounding collection from the #1 New York Times bestselling author
Too Much Time: In this original novella featuring Jack Reacher after his time in the army, Reacher finds himself in a hollowed-out town in Maine. He witnesses a random bag-snatching but sees much more than a simple crime, in a tale that leads into Lee Child’s new Reacher novel, The Midnight Line.

Small Wars: Lee Child goes back to 1989, when Jack Reacher is an MP assigned to solve the cold-blooded murder of a young officer.
The telex is brief and to the point: One active-duty personnel found shot to death ten miles north of Fort Smith. Circumstances unknown. The victim was shot twice in the chest and once in the head. A professional hit. The crime scene suggests an ambush. Military police officer Jack Reacher is given the case. He calls his older brother, Colonel Joe Reacher, at the Pentagon for intel and taps Sergeant Frances Neagley to help him answer the big question: Who would kill a brilliant officer on the fast-track to greatness?

Not a Drill: Jack Reacher is on the road, hitching a ride with some young Canadians who are planning a hike through the dense forests of Maine. They part ways after sharing a hot meal, and Reacher checks out a quiet town surrounded by countryside serene enough to cool even his raging wanderlust. But not for long. First the trail is suddenly closed. Then the military police show up in force. Maybe it’s a drill. Or maybe it’s trouble-the kind of trouble that always finds Reacher, no matter how far he travels off the beaten path.

And for the first time on audio, additional stories featuring Jack Reacher, including: James Penney’s New Identity, Everyone Talks, Maybe They Have a Tradition, Guy Walks into a Bar, No Room at the Motel, and The Picture of the Lonely Diner

Review:
Jack Reacher was once a military enforcement officer. He lives on the road because that is the way he likes it. He has excellent observation skills and is always watching his situation. He doesn’t always toe the line himself as he has his own sense of real justice. One might think that trouble follows him but, really, he tends to step into trouble. After all, when he sees trouble, i.e. crime, he almost always takes action to handle it, even though he may not be invited. This collection of stories finds Jack doing his normal – stepping into trouble and finding ways, legal or on the edge, to solve it.

In Too Much Time, Jack steps in to stop a bag snatcher. When the police turn on him and declare him to be a conspirator in the crime, he rethinks his observations and knows the crime wasn’t what he saw. He finds soon realizes that someone is anxious to take his view point out of the picture. Jack will have to convince another officer to look more closely at the circumstances if he wants to survive.

Small Wars takes place in 1989 when Jack is still an MP and called on to solve a murder of a rather brash young officer. Once again, Jack can see beyond the obvious at the crime site to unwind the events that resulted in the murder.

The third featured story, Not a Drill, finds Jack hitching a ride to the northern most point of our interstate highways. Jack doesn’t expect to see the three young people again but … things happen. The next day the forest trail is roped off and soon unexpected authorities are turning people away. Once again, Jack has stumbled upon trouble and he feels the need to help his young friends find their way out.

I totally enjoyed Jack’s acute observations and solutions in these stories. As a bonus there are six more short stories. There was only one that I didn’t really find delightful – from a procedural point of view. The package makes me want to go back to the beginning of the series and start listening again. I will have to pick up some more audios in the series.

Audio Notes: Dick Hill is a classic narrator. I hadn’t listened to his narration recently, but I was quick to recognize his distinctive voice. His tone fits Reacher’s character with dry and deliberate presentation. The narration enhanced the story pleasure for me.

Source: 8/14/2021 Chirp Under $2.00. This qualifies for 2022TBr, 2022Audiobook and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: Redemption Bay by RaeAnne Thayne

This is an easy contemporary romance.

Redemption Bay
By RaeAnne Thayne
Narrated By: Celeste Ciulla

Series: Haven Point, Book 2
Duration: 10 h 16 min
Release date: 06-30-15
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 3.75.

Summary:
New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne brings you back to Haven Point-a place made for second chances. McKenzie Shaw would do anything for her hometown of Haven Point. It may be small, but it's never let her down.unlike gorgeous, infuriating Ben Kilpatrick. He was her childhood hero until he closed his family's factory, leaving the town's economy in shambles. Now his tech firm is considering opening a local facility. For Haven Point's sake, McKenzie has to grit her teeth and play nice. What could a town filled with painful memories ever offer Ben? Yet seeing the town through the eyes of McKenzie-its fiery young mayor-he suddenly has his answer. If only he can resolve the animosity crackling between them, Ben may have found the place where he can build ties and find healing.a place where love arrives when it's least expected.

Review:
McKenzie Shaw owns a flower and gift shop and is the 30(ish) year old Mayor of her beloved hometown Haven Point. Even though she had a childhood crush on handsome Ben Kilpatrick, she has no soft feelings for him since he closed his family’s factory five years ago. The closure took away many jobs and caused the town decline that they are still trying to find a way to revive.

McKenzie has to bite her tongue when Ben shows up in town to assess it as a branch location for the successful company he works for, Caide Tech. Haven Point is a beautiful setting, and the company owner now leaves just outside town. But the next community down the road appears to be a better fit with houses and infrastructure already in place.

Ben is renting the tourist cottage next to McKenzie’s property. McKenzie’s standard poodle, Rika, has made fast friends with Hondo, the German Shepard Ben is ‘sitting’. Between the proximity and dogs, McKenzie and Ben find themselves pushed together.

Both McKenzie and Ben had painful childhood memories and relationships in Haven Point. McKenzie needs to stuff her enmity in order to show Ben how friendly and worthwhile her community. Ben, who seems to have shut himself off, has to try to see beyond the pains from his childhood in this town.

I enjoyed the development of both characters as they learned more about each other and overcame inaccurate assumptions. The story isn’t particularly eventful, but it does show the danger of miscommunication in relationships and struggles in small town life. Ms. Thayne is a reliable author for nice, easy read romance. I can recommend this series to romance readers who enjoy clean, contemporary romance.

Audio Notes: Celeste Ciulla delivers a nice narration which is more a read than an enactment. Her narration matched the easy tone of the story. I am glad I had an audio version.

Source: 8/31/18 Audiobooks.com 2 for 1 credit deal. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022phabet goals.

Audio Book Review: A Ripple In Time by Victor Zugg

This is a fair time travel adventure.

A Ripple in Time
A Historical Novel of Survival
Written by Victor Zugg
Narrated by Sean William Doyle

Run Time 7h 26min
Release Date: December 10, 2019
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Time Travel
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Publisher Description
A struggle for survival in a time long past.
It started as a routine Miami to Charlotte flight for the passengers, crew, and Federal Air Marshal Stephen Mason. But a freak storm over the Atlantic propels the airliner unexplainably back in time to the early 18th century. They find themselves on the sparsely populated coast of the Carolina Colony. Charles Town is the only English settlement of any size in the area. It’s an inhospitable place of vast plantations, slavery, hostile natives, tall ships, and marauding pirates.
Finding a way back, if that’s even feasible, is the least of their worries. These unintended time travelers quickly find themselves ill-equipped for hardships and dangers not faced for centuries. Perils loom at every turn in this world of loss, anguish, filth, and sweat.
Foreigners in their own land, can they survive and adapt? Is it even possible for these modern transplants to carve an existence from this foul and odorous place in time?
Stephen Mason will find a way or die trying.

Review:
Federal Air Marshal Stephen Mason is accustomed to flying “incognito”. He is called in last minute to cover a routine flight from Miami to Charlotte. The first hour of the flight is fine but then there are dark clouds and a strange storm flash. The plane has lost navigational tools and, more disturbing, the crew cannot locate any familiar airfields, or cities, on the ground. The pilot attempts to land in the water somewhere off the coast of Carolina.

As survivors of the crash gather, Mason, a former Delta Force warrior, begins to access the skills and attitudes of those around him. Some are cooperative and helping, while others are looking out for only their own interests. One young woman is a history student who adds a wealth of information to their situation. When native Indians appear to the survivors Mason is pretty sure that somehow they have landed in the past. No one really wants to believe that they won’t be rescued soon or find a modern city within a short distance. Clearly, they are in trouble, not only with natural survival, but facing possible hostile natives, and likely being branded as witches if they travel into the primitive town.

The story seems simplistic at times but rather suspenseful at others. The characters are not well developed and even Mason doesn’t seem to be a clear leader. Still, I liked the historical details (or conjectures) and I enjoyed following the successes and failures of the struggles of this small band of survivors. There is a light romance which is a little stilted. The author delivers a twist toward the end that at least gives this a hopeful ending.

I read this as a stand-alone but now see this is the first of a trilogy. I’m not sure I am invested enough with the characters to read more. We’ll see. (A boxed set on audio became available January 2022.) I do think fans of time travel and Colonial American history might want to try this.

Audio Notes: I am glad I had this in audio as it is an easy, quick way for me to listen. I wasn’t overly impressed with the narration by Sean William Doyle. When I relisten to the sample, I still find his voice and portrayals to be flat. It didn’t particularly hurt the reading but didn’t enhance it either.

Source: March 2021 Chirp Purchase $2.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

I did enjoy these creative stories of the mythological gods.
Norse Mythology
By: Neil Gaiman
Narrated by: Neil Gaiman

Length: 6 hrs and 29 mins
Release date: 02-07-17
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Classic, Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Mythology
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Introducing an instant classic - master storyteller Neil Gaiman presents a dazzling version of the great Norse myths.
Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin's son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of a giant, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. From Gaiman's deft and witty prose emerge the gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook. Download the accompanying reference guide.
©2017 Neil Gaiman (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
Gaiman introduces this collection with a disclosure of his passionate love of Norse gods. He then delivers a wonderfully creative and engaging collection of short stories. The stories are individual pieces interwoven due to the relationships between the gods and their children. I winced at some of the antics (remember Loki is a terrible trickster) and laughed at other situations.

The audio comes with a pdf file that identifies the underlying source of the myth or folk tale. It also includes a 9 page glossary of names, titles, and places. All of this is very interesting and entertaining. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy myths and folktales.

Audio Notes: Not all authors make good narrators but Neil Gaiman is one who can pull it off. He provides distinct voices for his characters and gives appropriate emotions to the stories. I am very glad that I had this on audio.

Source: 2/11/2019 Audible Daily Deal $3.95. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, 2022Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: Quest of Heroes by Morgan Rice

I enjoyed this coming of age with magic story.

Quest of Heroes, A & Slave, Warrior, Queen Bundle
By Morgan Rice
Narrated By: Wayne Farrell

Duration: 16 hours 28 minutes
Publisher: Findaway Voices
Genre: Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, Teen & Young Adult
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

In the #1 Bestseller A QUEST OF HEROES, Thorgrin, a special 14- year old boy, the least loved of his father, learns he has powers he does not understand. An outsider, he must fight for acceptance as he strives to become a warrior, to join the King’s Legion, and as he falls in love with the king’s 16- year old daughter. Most of all, he must learn who he really is, and why his destiny is so important.

Review:
Thorgrin is frustrated when his father refuses to let him go with his elder brothers to have a chance at being picked to be trained as a warrior in the King’s Legion. He goes forward anyway and is mocked as too young and too small. When he runs to the forest in anger he comes upon a strange man in a clearing. Thorgrin is shocked to find himself face to face with the King’s own Mage advisor. And the man brings to Thorgrin’s attention that he has special powers that he needs to learn to use.

Thorgrin kills a wild beast in a remarkable way with his newly emerging skills. Bolstered by this success, Thorgrin makes his way to the King’s city to force his way into the Legion. He faces opposition but manages to convince a handful of influential warriors to take him on. Thorgrin finds favor with the King and several of the royal children, including the Princess. But the King has enemies, even in his own household and not everyone likes Thorgrin and his interference. Thorgrin tries to warn the King of an assassination attempt but the warning goes awry.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I am not always into coming-of-age stories, but I totally enjoyed this one with its touch of magic Thorgrin is brave and means well even in his foolish impulsivity and naivety which made me roll my eyes. The theme of farmer boy making it good in the King’s forces isn’t new but it has a certain charm in this book. Further, although the characters are not greatly developed, there is a good mix of good guys and grades of bad to evil guys. I enjoyed the action and the bits of humor. This ends with a cliff hanger so part of me wants to get the next book to see what happens next. No big rush on this. Readers who enjoy magic and don’t stress on writing form may well enjoy this story.

Audio Notes: Wayne Farrell does a fair job for the work. He actually helps to deliver Thorgin’s youthful emotions. I am glad that I got to listen to this on audio.

Source: I've had this on Kindle since 2003 (it's still free). I picked up the audio at May 2020 Audiobooks.com bundle for $.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Unbowed, Lee Hardin, Book 5 by D. J. Molles

I did enjoy this Post-Apocalyptic adventure and am ready for the series' final book.
Unbowed
Lee Harden, Book 5
By: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 11 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 02-09-21
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Action & Adventure, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The United Eastern States has fallen. Lee Harden and a band of survivors have escaped President Briggs' invasion force. Their only options are to attack Briggs while his forces are delayed on the East Coast...or admit that they've been beaten and go into hiding. For Lee Harden, the decision seems obvious. But as disparate forces, factions, and loyalties begin to converge under the pressure cooker of all-out civil war, Lee is forced to confront not only insurmountable odds, but also the darkest parts of himself that he has left buried in the years since this all began.
©2020 D.J. Molles (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Major Lee Harden is battered and feels like half a man. But he is not bowed as he pushes on leading a rag tag group of United Eastern States (UES) survivors to take the battle to self-proclaimed President Briggs in Greeley, Colorado. Along the way, Lee and his friend and co-leader/warrior Abe, are trying to convince the surviving communities to join them in the battle. Initially they are successful in gathering supplies and civilian ‘soldiers’. That is until the forces returning from the East Coast who are following behind Harden brutally deal with the communities as a clear threat to those who might support the UES efforts. This puts the UES attack on a fine line.

Meanwhile, Sam Ryder, has infiltrated Greeley at the direction of Harden. He and his small group are a key element to provide inside intel and ultimately sabotage from the inside of the enemy compound. Although they find some allies resisting Briggs within the camp, Sam and his new friends are forced into hiding. Sam and his team members are under such pressure that Sam wonders if he can fulfill the mission he promised to do. Can Sam push to remain unbowed like his hero, Lee?

As the remnants of the UES forces descend on Greeley it is clear their attack has minimal likelihood of success. Especially as they become caught between the Camp in front of them and the forces behind them. Suddenly there is aid from an unsuspected source.

And don’t forget that somewhere behind all of these humans are the Primals who are developing more cunning … and more hunger.

All of this leads up to the final confrontation in Book 6, Terminus. Some readers felt this book was mostly a filler, but I liked the continued build up to the battle which is sure to be explosive. Not all of this is happy since both Lee and Sam struggle with depression under pressure. There is also unrelenting brutality against innocent civilians who are already struggling to survive. This actually hurts a reasonable soul. I appreciate the continued character development and the action and movement forward. I am looking forward to the next (final ☹) book.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel continues to add to my enjoyment of this series. He provides clear, distinct voices that even portray the tiredness and emotional stress of the characters.

Source: 10/17/2021 September Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Here are links to the earlier books in the Lee Hardin series:
Harden, Lee Harden, Book 1 by D.J. Molles 4.5
Southlands, Lee Harden, Book 2 by D.J. Molles 4.75
Primal, Lee Harden, Book 3 by D. J. Molles 4.5
Defiant, Lee Hardin, Book 4 by D. J. Molles

Links to my reviews of the earlier books before this series:
The Remaining, Book 1  4.25
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2  4.5
The Remaining: The Refugees, Book 3  4.25
The Remaining: The Fractured, Book 4  4.5
The Remaining: Trust: a Novella  4.0
The Remaining: Faith: a Novella  4.0
The Remaining: Allegiance, Book 5 4.25
The Remaining: Extinction, Book 6 4.5

Audible Book Review: Prador Moon: A Novel of the Polity, Book 1 By: Neal Asher

This is creative military space opera.
Prador Moon: A Novel of the Polity, Book 1
By: Neal Asher
Narrated by: David Marantz

Series: Polity, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
Release date: 10-22-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Alien, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Neal Asher takes on first contact, Polity style. This original novel recounts the first contact between the aggressive Prador aliens, and the Polity Collective as it is forced to retool its society to a war footing. The overwhelming brute force of the Prador dreadnaughts causes several worlds and space stations to be overrun.
Prador Moon follows the initial Polity defeats, to the first draws, and culminates in what might be the first Polity victory, told from the point of view of two unlikely heroes.
©2006 Neal Asher (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
The Polity is the Earths’s societal government entity that is led by AI with humans often integrated. Polity has been in space but over many years only found one other intelligent species. Now they have met another – the Prador.

The Prador are a species comfortable on land and in the sea. They resemble standing shrimp with a hard carapace and crab claws. They have technologically advance ships that appear to be undefinable as they proceed to annihilate worlds. The creatures themselves are led by Captains who breed children who are the soldiers. Only the best of the young live to become Seconds or Firsts and the Captain will kill and sometimes devour those who don’t make the grade.

Vortex is a First Child of Captain Immanence. When he leads a party of Prador to a meeting with the Polity he has no intent of friendship. Instead, he and his smaller soldiers attack the human and partially human hosts leaving a bloody room.

Jebel is a Polity, enhanced-human soldier who has been fixed with AI technology and parts. He suffers under the initial attack of Vortex, but lives to face the enemy again.

Moria is a brilliant scientist, technician, who has been promoted to a level beyond her capability to understand the gate technology she is tasked to study. The only way to manage is to accept augmentation in the form of AI nano tech inserted to connect with her own brain synapses. After surviving the aug installation, Moria begins to advance in her understanding to a point where she is able to comprehend the gate technology that will allow new leaps in space travel. Can she use her new knowledge to help stop the Prador?

Captain John Varence remembers vaguely when he was once only human, now he is mostly AI on (or part of) the ship Occam Razor. They have been in stasis for years but now awaken to the call of danger. They are ready to fight the Prador and make the first successful blow against the impenetrable Prador ships. But they can’t fight the enemy alone.

These three characters and their comrades must find a way to work together if they want to keep the Prador from taking out another Polity world.

This book jumps quickly into an alien bloody attack. There is plenty of action that moves the story along. The Polity characters are interesting although shallowly developed. On the other hand, Asher gives more depth to the Prador species. The world building is creative. There is some political commentary twisted into the story but that can be overlooked if the reader chooses.

The story is entertaining but did not pull me into committing to the Polity world of space sci fi. I will probably get another Asher title at some point, but I am not rushing. Space Opera fans should check out other reviews and consider reading/listening to this title.

Audio Notes: The narration by David Marantz is mixed. At times I thought Marantz was doing a good job delivering the energy with the underlying excitement and humor of the text. Other times I cringed at the mispronunciation of terms. Still, I am glad I had the chance to listen to this audio from the Plus Catalog.

Source: July 2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Into the Wild Warriors, Book 1 by Erin Hunter

>This is interesting but not for children, IMHO.

Into the Wild
Warriors, Book 1
By: Erin Hunter
Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins
Release date: 10-10-17
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genres: Action and Adventure, Animal, Cats, Fantasy
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary

Epic adventures. Fierce warrior cats. A thrilling fantasy world. It all begins here.
Listen to the book that began a phenomenon - and join the legion of fans who have made Erin Hunter's Warriors series a number-one national best seller.
For generations, four Clans of wild cats have shared the forest according to the laws laid down by their ancestors. But the warrior code has been threatened, and the ThunderClan cats are in grave danger. The sinister ShadowClan grows stronger every day. Noble warriors are dying - and some deaths are more mysterious than others.
In the midst of this turmoil appears an ordinary housecat named Rusty...who may turn out to be the bravest warrior of them all.
©2003 Working Partners Limited (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
Rusty, an ordinary house cat runs off to join the wild cat clans. He stumbles into the ThunderClan where he is renamed ‘Firepaw’. He is given the chance to train and prove he can be loyal to the clan rather than returning to being a ‘kitty pet’.

Firepaw goes through a time of growth as he tries to overcome skepticism and bullying from other cats. He helps an injured cat from another clan which brings ridicule and suspicions. He also follows his leader on a special journey where he realizes that he has special strengths that can be used to help his clan.

I did like Firepaw who is a smart, brave, kind, and, yes, loyal, cat. I also like the top leader of the ThunderClan (Blue Star), and a few of the other fair leaders. Unfortunately, there are wicked, mean, conniving, spoiled, and sullen characters too. The problem I had is that I felt this was much too pugnacious and brutal to be a good story for children. If you check reviews, many readers liked the story more than I did so read the sample or take a listen and see what you think.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by MacLeod Andrews. He brought the characters alive with clear, unique voices. He also delivered the story with the appropriate energy and emotions. The audio helped me finish the book.

This took over a year to finish listening to it as a backup when books (other than Audible) weren't connecting in my car.

Source: 12/8/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Nothing Girl by Jodi Taylor

I totally enjoyed this story of a young woman finding her inner strength.

The Nothing Girl
The Frogmorton Farm Series, Book 1
By: Jodi Taylor
Narrated by: Lucy Price-Lewis

Series: The Frogmorton Farm Series, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins
Release date: 03-03-15
Publisher: Headline Publishing Group
Genre: Coming of Age, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Getting a life isn't always easy. And hanging on to it is even harder....
Jodi Taylor brings all her comic writing skills to this heartwarming tale of self-discovery.
Known as The Nothing Girl because of her severe stutter and chronically low self-confidence, Jenny Dove is only just prevented from ending it all by the sudden appearance of Thomas, a mystical golden horse only she can see. Under his guidance Jenny unexpectedly acquires a husband - the charming and chaotic Russell Checkland - and for her nothing will ever be the same again.With overprotective relatives on one hand and the world's most erratic spouse on the other, Jenny needs to become someone. And fast!
Fans of Jodi Taylor's best-selling Chronicles of St. Mary's series will adore the quirky humour in this new, contemporary novel. Jodi Taylor, International Woman of Mystery, spent some time working undercover for North Yorkshire County Library Service. Heavily disguised as the world's most incompetent facilities manager, she shifted dead dogs, fell out of mobile libraries, and spent far too much time in the gents' toilets. The idea to rewrite history first came to her while studying history A level at an evening class.
Just One Damned Thing After Another is her first novel and was originally self-published as an ebook; it was downloaded by more than 60,000 readers on Amazon.
©2014 Jodi Taylor (P)2015 Audible, Ltd

Review:
Jenny Dove lost her parents and has been raised by the ‘benevolence” of her aunt and uncle. As a young teen with a bad stutter and low self-confidence, Jenny felt like a ‘nothing’. She was ready to end her existence until Thomas, a golden horse appeared to her to intervene. Jenny struggled forward with the help of Thomas and, to everyone’s surprise, including her own, Jenny gets a proposal of marriage from the charming, if chaotic Russell.

Russell is a kind heart, often rescuing strays. After being spurned by Jenny’s beautiful, outgoing and vivacious cousin, Russell lost his art muse and tried to bury himself in a bottle … or four. Russell realizing that he can’t get back the woman he thought he loved, also knows that he needs to gain financial support for his deteriorating estate. Russell sees Jenny and the oppression that she live in under the over-protective control of her aunt. He decides that he can rescue Jenny and perhaps help his own situation.

The pair gets off to a very rocky start when Russell is late and drunk to the wedding. Slowly, with the continued guidance of Thomas, and the quiet encouragement of Russell, Jenny finds her own voice and the Nothing Girl steps out to become someone.

I do like Jodi Taylor’s distinct combination of real-life personalities shared in clear characters with quirky humor. I already liked Jenny and Thomas as I had listened to the novella, Little Donkey. Russell is a harder character to like, but his rescue of Jenny, even if careless and self-motivated, sets him on a path of better growth. I listened to this at a time when I needed a lighter, engaging listen. I recommend this to fans of an imaginative, character-driven story with humor.

Audio Notes: Lucy Price-Lewis does a wonderful job with the narration. Her British accent fits the characters for who she provided distinct voices. She also captures the emotional tone and humor of the story. Her presentation enhanced my enjoyment of the work.

Source: 7/30/2021 Sale $5.00 each at Audible. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.