Audible Book Review: Genesis: Arisen, Book 0.5 by Michael Stephen Fuchs

This zombie genre story has strong characters and good action.
Genesis: Arisen, Book 0.5
By: Michael Stephen Fuchs
Narrated by: R. C. Bray

Series: Arisen, Book 0.5
Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-11-14
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Sci Fi, Zombie
My Rating: Story: 3.75 of 5.0
Narration: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Tucked away in a high-tech Tactical Operations Center, inside an isolated safehouse in the Horn of Africa, sits Agency analyst Zack Altringham. He is Kenyan-born, Princeton-educated, badly burnt-out - and condemned by his language and cultural skills to a lifetime of fighting America's shadow counter-terror wars. But when another mystery epidemic breaks out, terrifyingly quickly it reaches a tipping point and chaos descends - and Zack and his team (including two former Team Six SEALs) are trapped between the millstones of the sick and the dying on one side, and heavily armed militias on the other. Soon their "safe" house is in flames, and their only remaining option is to get in their up-armored SUV and try to escape the imploding gravity well of the city, to the safety of the American military base in Djibouti. But by then, will there be anywhere safe left on Earth to escape to?
©2012 Michael Stephen Fuchs (P)2014 Podium Publishing

Review:
This is military v zombie tale which explains how the virus outbreak starts. A special CIA team is deep in Africa providing tactical intel on the continual unrest in the area. The team consists of two analysts, Zach and Baxter, supported by two former Seal protectors, Mad Bob and Duggin. People in the area are beginning to show signs of illness – then it becomes more serious. This is no simple civilian unrest but something much worse. As they begin to witness the infected people turning into attacking zombies, the team monitors events from their well-equipped safe house. Zach is able to make contact with his superiors in Langley but the plague isn’t limited to Africa and there will be no support coming from the states. Within two weeks their safe house is overrun and they are out on the streets in a desperate run for safety to an American military base.

The story is well told in first person by Zach. The beginning is a bit slower as the characters are developed with background history. I really liked the characters and hoped they would all survive. Zach provides an interesting philosophical perspective as the apocalypse becomes apparent. There is plenty of action once the plague takes over the population and as the team tries to escape to safety. The military detail is strong and there is good discussion of viral science.

I was glad to listen to this entry in a longer series. It sounds as though the stories are related but do not necessarily include connecting characters. I recommend this to readers who enjoy zombie stories. I won’t be rushing to get the next in this series, but I might pick up more if I am in the mood for more zombie stories.

Audio notes: R. C. Bray is a superb narrator whose skills add to the works he reads. He provides unique voices with fitting accents, making the characters more alive.

Source: Audible 2017 December Sale Purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenges.

Tour Review: Operation Earth by Maria Hammarblad

I liked the premise of the book but, sadly, the story didn’t grab me.

Operation Earth
by Maria Hammarblad

File Size: 1845 KB
Print Length: 179 pages
Publication Date: August 29, 2018
ASIN: B07GZ1ZHH7
Genre: Alien Invasion, Romance, Sci Fi
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Tagline: They’re here. Are you ready?

Seven billion people on Earth go about their daily lives, and no one is prepared when a global EMP slows the world to a crawl. Within days alien soldiers line the streets, and life will never be the same. In the midst of chaos, Rachael Hill struggles to adapt to the new order, doing her best to keep herself and her cat alive.
On a ship far above the planet surface, Peter just got his new Earth name, and can’t even remember his identity from the last world he visited. It’s another day on the job, one more planet on a never-ending list. That is, until Rachael bumps into him, dropping exotic objects all around his feet. His culture taught him females should be obeyed and protected, but he never had an urge to leave himself at a woman’s mercy until now.

Review:
Rachel Hill is a young woman whose quiet lifestyle is abruptly changed when aliens initiate an EMP strike on earth. Many humans fear the alien beings who are taking over and patrolling their neighborhoods. Rachel bumps into one at the local grocery store and becomes enamored. Rachel’s neighbors invite her to join a secret rebellion group, but she isn’t interested, especially after her new alien friend, Peter, steps in to save her from a threatening situation.

Peter has been given a new name and new memories. He is a commander of a local patrol when he meets Rachel. They bump into each other a couple of times and soon he is escorting her home and enjoying earth dinners and games. He is willing to learn more about the earthlings, up close and personal.

Peter and others are sent to meet with leaders in France to calm the rebels there. Internal attacks result in Peter stepping up to protect one of the female leaders. The alien society is led by females so it is natural for Peter to seek to help and protect.

The aliens want to control the recolonization without harming the people or the environment. As hostilities intensify, the aliens seek a way to calm the situation before things escalate to more dangerous control options.

I liked the premise of the book but, sadly, found the characters and story fell flat. Rachel is too naïve and wimpy for my tastes, except for her courage in making friends with Peter. Of course, she was easily drawn to the tall, blonde, blue-eyed and buff alien. Peter’s character was a little more interesting, but I felt that there was mystery to his background which was never disclosed.

Not being engaged by the characters made this hard for me to really get into the story. The ship and alien society have some interesting elements, but again, it didn’t seem fully developed. There are a few exciting action scenes, but I found most of the plot line unimpressive. This is primarily a romance with an alien who is very similar to earth men. It is an easy read but I wasn't excited by it. I would suggest that a romance audience would be more appropriate than readers who like the more usual action and imagination of sci fi.

Source: Review book from Bewitching Book Tours: This fits as a 2018 book for my Alphabet Challenge.

Excerpt:

The neighbor’s house mocked her. Were they still watching her, or had they given up? Had they noticed Peter was no longer around, and if so, what did they make of it?
Rachael probably kept her eyes as much on them as they did on her, and in less dire circumstances the situation would have been comical.
Bonbon wanted to go outside, and she followed the cat into bright morning sunshine.
It’s a fine day. I wish I had coffee. This would be a good day for having morning coffee on the porch.
She glanced over toward Melissa’s house. They had a window open. Interesting. Before she knew what she was doing, she pulled her hairclip off and tossed it into their yard.
“Oops, I must have dropped it there that one day I went over to see them. I’d better go get it.”
Setting foot on the other side of the hedge seemed dangerous, but she had Peter’s gun tucked in a pocket, and the hairclip glittered in the grass, close to the open window.
How did she become so bold?
Walk casually. How the hell does one walk casually? Do I whistle? No, make as little sound as possible...
She strolled, doing her best to look normal. Just an ordinary woman going over to pick up something ordinary she dropped on an ordinary day.
Seconds later, she crouched under the window. At first, she couldn’t hear anything, then Melissa’s voice drifted out.
“I don’t think this is a good idea.”
“Of course it is. We need to show them what we’re made of.”
That was clearly Ryan. She didn’t know his voice all that well, but the feisty attitude gave him away.
A third voice followed. It must be Martin of the tobacco-stained teeth and bad breath.
“It doesn’t matter what you think, Hon. The missile is ready and will be launched.”
Missile? What the hell are these people up to? Do they know I’m out here? Did they leave the window open to see if I’d overhear and tattle, or do they feel safe now when Peter isn’t around?
Either way, overthinking wouldn’t do her any good. She strained her ears and heard Melissa speak again.
“I didn’t think missiles could go into space.”
“It’s complicated. I’m worried about the guidance system, we’ve scraped together bits and pieces, but nothing is as good as it should be,” Martin answered.
Another long silence followed, and Rachael dried her palms on her clothes, immediately scolding herself for doing so. Her mom would have had a field day with that behavior. Maybe they were coming out, and she should hurry to leave.
“You know, the guy next door, he doesn’t seem so bad.”
Something heavy fell to the floor and Rachael imagined Ryan’s chair toppling over. His voice was anything but patient.
“Don’t be such a goose. Rachael’s just as bad as them and should burn with them. If she chooses to stand with them, she will. With any luck, that guy is on the ship when we bomb it and we can talk her back to the right side. If not, well, we’ll just have to kill him anyway, won’t we?”

About the Author:

Maria Hammarblad is an author and bass player whose fascination with books started early. Before she could read or write, she made her mother staple papers together to resemble books. She drew suns in them and claimed they were "The Sun Book." They were all about the sun.

The four-year-old also claimed her existence on Earth was a mistake, the result of a horrible mix-up, and that her real family would come to bring her home to her own planet at any time. This didn't happen, but her fascination with books and other worlds stayed with her.

Besides novels, she also writes award-winning screenplays, enjoys photography, and works with animal rescue organizations.

Website: http://www.hammarblad.com

Blog: http://www.scifiromance.info

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariahammarblad/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mariahammarblad

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4114780.Maria_Hammarblad

Audible Book Review: Spider Bites by Jennifer Estep

This left me with mixed feelings. It is entertaining with a few positives, but not enough to make me continue the series.

Spider's Bite
Elemental Assassin, Book 1
By: Jennifer Estep
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

Series: Elemental Assassin, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-28-10
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
They call me the Spider. I'm the most feared assassin in the South -- when I'm not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.
Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I'm out for revenge. And I'll exterminate anyone who gets in my way -- good or bad. I may look hot, but I'm still one of the bad guys. Which is why I'm in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I'm battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction... especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.
©2010 Jennifer Estep (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Gin is better known as Spider, a feared assassin. Gin has been honing her skills since she was rescued off the streets by her mentor/handler, Fletcher. Gin is a stone elemental with some Ice magic. Although she has worked with her magic she prefers to rely on her physical dexterity and weapons, particularly knives.

Fletcher has an assignment for Gin even though she is asking for a break. He assures her that this assignment could be the final one and then she can retire. Instead, the job turns into a double cross with the murder framed back to Spider so the evidence can be eliminated with the target. As Spider tries to extricate herself from the job, she comes face to face with Donovan Caine, a hero type detective, whose partner Spider killed.

Fletcher is brutally tortured and slain and Gin has to save his son, Finn, before the Air elemental gets to him. Although Gin is on the run as a murder suspect, she soon has a surprising ally on her side. And the client who hired her has underestimated Spider’s skills and determination.

There is strong action as Spider takes down opponents, usually quickly, leaving bodies in her wake. I liked the premise of the fantasy and the elemental magic skills. I liked the secondary characters -- the older mentor, Fletcher, his young, almost flamboyant son, Finn, and the betrayed cop, Caine, as well as other friends who help Gin when she returns with injuries. I was glad for Caine as so many of the other cops were corrupt, child molesters.

Sadly, I couldn’t embrace Gin/Spider as a character. For a skilled assassin she makes careless mistakes and poor decisions. There are vulnerabilities and caring of those she considers family, but I think I found her just a tad too harsh and cold. That fits her assassin nature but doesn’t make for a warm, empathetic character. I also didn’t care for the sexual aspects of the story. It is mostly primal, pushy lust which is not my thing.

There is unnecessary repetition of trite phrases – descriptions of eyes and body shapes. I did find some humor in the repetitious “sloppy, sloppy, sloppy” and “MMmm” comments. Although the package didn’t quite grab me, there are many positive reviews. I think many urban fantasy fans would enjoy the series. Take a peek at the “inside” sample or listen to the audio sample to see what you think.

Audio Notes: Lauren Fortgang does an interesting job with the narration. I actually like her accents and drawls that fit the female character. I didn’t care for it as much with the ‘rugged detective’ who sounded growly or druggy most of the time. I can’t say the narration hurt the story but it didn’t help make it for me either.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If anyone has read this series I would be curious to know if the writing got more mature as the series continued. What kept you interested?

Source: Audible 2012 Sale purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR and 2018 Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire

This has good elements for urban fantasy but didn’t grab me.
Discount Armageddon
InCryptid, Book 1
By: Seanan McGuire
Narrated by: Emily Bauer
Series: InCryptid, Book 1

Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-20-12
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Urban Fantasy
My Rating: Story and Audio: 3.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Ghoulies. Ghosties. Long-legged beasties. Things that go bump in the night....
The Price family has spent generations studying the monsters of the world, working to protect them from humanity - and humanity from them. Enter Verity Price. Despite being trained from birth as a cryptozoologist, she'd rather dance a tango than tangle with a demon, and is spending a year in Manhattan while she pursues her career in professional ballroom dance. Sounds pretty simple, right? It would be, if it weren't for the talking mice, the telepathic mathematicians, the asbestos supermodels, and the trained monster-hunter sent by the Price family's old enemies, the Covenant of St. George.
When a Price girl meets a Covenant boy, high stakes, high heels, and a lot of collateral damage are almost guaranteed. To complicate matters further, local cryptids are disappearing, strange lizard-men are appearing in the sewers, and someone's spreading rumors about a dragon sleeping underneath the city....
©2012 Seanan McGuire (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Verity Price is from a long line of monster hunters who broke away from the original Covenant of St. George. The Covenant believes in killing all monsters whether they are predators or not. The Price family line realized that some cryptids (other than human) are harmless and innocent. The Price family now train as cryptozoologists who study the cryptids, protecting them instead of killing them. They still need to defend themselves and the criptids so they train in all sorts of battle skills and weaponry. Verity’s favorite method of training is through dance but her family will only let her participate in dance under an assumed name and if she can show she still manages her true family purpose.

Verity has gained the privilege to be away from the family, living in Manhatten with a wonderful collection of special talking mice who love to Hail a new celebration almost every day. Verity works as a waitress at a local strip bar which is owned by a boogeyman. She participates in local dance contests hoping to advance to regional and national contests.

Verity stumbles into a trap set by a Covenant hunter in town scouting the monster situation. Their first encounter is less than friendly although they soon find themselves working together to help find local criptids who are going missing. Dominic and Verity encounter lizard-men in the sewer while investigating the missing women and a rumor about a dragon under the city.

I was drawn to the description of various monsters and monster hunters. There is plenty of action but for some reason I had trouble connecting with the main character. I don’t know if it was her portrayal as a young, rather careless warrior or the audio presentation just didn’t jive for me. I liked the secondary characters including Dominic, the Covenant hunter, and Verity’s friend/cousin Sara, a telepathic mathematician. There was more sexual discussion that I like, which isn’t unusual for the genre. As the story moved along I did enjoy the danger and the rescues. Although there are good elements for a strong beginning to an urban fantasy series, it just didn’t get me enthused. There are mixed reviews so take a peek at the inside of the ebook or listen to the sample and see if you want to give it a try.

Audio Notes: Emily Bauer provides a perky presentation with sometimes nasally and whiney sound. She does provide distinct character voices and energy. Still, the narration didn’t make the package work for me.

Source: 2016 Audible Credit Purchase after I saw this at Book Haven. This qualifies for 2018 TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

Book Review and Giveaway: A Simple Change (Home to Amana Book #2) by Judith Miller

This is a nice story of change, faith and acceptance, with a dash of mystery. 

A Simple Change, Home to Amana Series #2

By: Judith Miller

Amazon Link
File Size: 1486 KB
Print Length: 354 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (August 1, 2013)
ASIN: B00B85MPUE
Genre: Christian, Historical
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Product Description
Joining the communal society of the Amana Colonies isn't what Jancey Rhoder planned for her future, but when unforeseen circumstances force her family to make some difficult decisions, she chooses to give up her teaching position in a Kansas City orphanage and move with her parents to Iowa.
Her besotted suitor, Nathan Woodward, isn't at all happy about the move and is determined to get Jancey to change her mind. And Jancey herself isn't sure what she's gotten herself into when the simple life of the Amana Colonies means she'll be assigned a job and may have to give up teaching for good. Will Nathan woo her back to the city, or will she be forever changed by the mysterious events and new relationships that await her in the quiet villages of the Amana Colonies--and decide to make this unique place her forever home?

Review:
Jancey loves teaching the young orphan children even though her position is voluntary. But her mother’s health is failing and her parents want to move back to the Amana Community where mother was raised. Jancey’s beau, Nathan, wants her to stay in Kansas City; to marry him and maybe he can take over her father’s construction business. Jancey finds it hard to leave her current circumstance but she thinks it is more important to be with her mother during her illness.

Jancey finds the transition to the communal living requires following some strict rules for the safety and integrity of the members. One of these rules means not having contact with the outsiders, especially the young men who work at the wool mill. But Jancey met one of the boys while cleaning the men’s dormitory. He thinks she can help him find his sister who was placed in the Kansas City orphanage years before.

Meanwhile her hosts son is showing interest in Jancey. He is cautious though to protect his heart because it isn’t clear if Jancey will remain in the Community if her mother passes. Jancey is conflicted and even more confused when Nathan decides to move to the Community hoping to win her heart and hand.

The story is set in 1881 and shows the difference in lifestyles from city life to the simple life of the Community. The details of daily living and sharing were interesting. The simple faith was shown in the lifestyle of the members without being preached to the reader.

I didn’t really feel invested in the characters, so the read was a little slow for me. There is a little bit of mystery blended with the history and coming of age elements. The story ends in an appropriate spot but still leaves open the opportunity for more growth for Jancey in the next books. The other ladies in Book Club thought it read a bit slowly too but they were interested in the mystery and history. I had not read Ms. Miller before but several others said they enjoy her faith based stories. I recommend this to readers who like historical, faith based stories.

Source: Christianbook.com on sale. This qualifies for TBR2018.

GIVEAWAY:

One winner.

Paperback Book (US Only)

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review

or

(b) comment on the author's website

* This contest is open to US only for the paperback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) June 15, 2018.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Book Review and Giveaway: Dog Training the American Male by Steve Alten

This romantic comedy has its moments.

Dog Training the American Male
by Steve Alten

Website: here
ISBN: 978-1-943957-00-2
Publication Date: February 14, 2018 (Orig. Release September 2016; under LA Knight)
Pages: 262
Price: $4.99 (Kindle Version)
Publisher: WJM Books, an Imprint of A&M Publishing, LLC.
ASIN: B01LQU0TTO
Genre: Humor, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Meet Dr. Nancy Beach, a relationship counselor who hosts a local radio show called Love's a Beach. One problem: The relationship guru cant seem to make her own relationships work, sending her credibility and ratings into the toilet. Meet Jacob Cope, a walking thesaurus of phobias -- a Lehman Brothers casualty who's lost his job and swagger and now yearns to be a ventriloquist. When Nancy and Jacob are set up on a blind date and hit it off, their siblings, desperate to be rid of them, encourage the young couple to move in together. When the honeymoon stage abruptly ends, Jacob attempts to mend the fence by adopting a dog; a big dog and Nancy flips out . . . until she realizes the dog trainer's techniques can be used to housebreak Jacob and save her radio career.

Review:
Dr. Nancy Beach, a relationship counselor, hosts a radio show called Love’s a Beach. She also leads several private counsel groups, most of which are dwindling. Nancy has a major problem because she hasn’t had a successful relationship to serve as example. She has made bad choices in boyfriends who have been unfaithful liars and thieves.

Jacob Cope is a former Lehman Brothers’ financial guru who lost his job, perks and status with the economic crash. He has occasionally lived in an old van but is currently in his brother’s guest house. Jacob hopes to move to comedy work as a ventriloquist with his primary dummy, a George Bush dummy.

Nancy and Jacob are set up by their siblings who are eager to get them out of their living arrangements. The two hit it off and are encouraged by their siblings to move in together. It only takes a few days for Nancy to be unhappy with Jacob’s male behaviors: smelly shoes dropped at the door, toilet seat left up, expectations of being waited on. Jacob gets a dog hoping to appease Nancy and refocus her attention. The dog isn’t a cute, little Bichon but a large, untrained German Shepard.

Nancy arranges training for the dog which turns out to provide material for her show. Ratings really pick up as Nancy describes using the dog training techniques to train her man. Meanwhile there are a couple eccentric women, including one of Nancy’s bosses, who are chasing Jacob and bribing him with work engagements.

The book is promoted as romantic comedy and it is funny. My problem was wading through the first half of the book. Jacob’s brother is a gynecologist and the beginning is full of gutter language and crude, tasteless sexual banter. I came close to stopping at 12%, then 25%. I think I am glad that I pushed through because there was fun as the book progressed. The description of the impact of the job loss on Jacob creates a good picture of a fallen executive. There are also some very good psychological tips that I really like. There were scenes set on a fancy boat in the Boca Raton Inlet that I could relate to. On the other hand there were several sexual scenes that made me want to puke. I find it is interesting this was written by a man but it is doubtful I would try another book by this author. I am sure there are readers who will enjoy the fun of this; just be prepared for the grit and crudeness.

Source: Ralina Shaw PR. This will qualify for a 2018 title on my Alphabet Challenge list.

GIVEAWAY provided by the publisher through Ralina Shaw PR:

One Hardcopy Print Book (with the older cover) (US Only)

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review or (b) visit the author's website and tell me something you found there.

* This contest is open to US only for the hardback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) May 5, 2018.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Audible Book Review: Lords of Space by Michael Wallace

This story has strong action but some weaker elements.

Lords of Space
Starship Blackbeard, Book 2
By: Michael Wallace
Narrated by: Steve Barnes

Series: Starship Blackbeard, Book 2
Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 04-15-15
Language: English
Publisher: Balsalom Publishing
Genre: Action, Sci Fi, Space Marine
Story Rating: 3.75 of 5.0
Narration/Audio Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Captain James Drake is desperate to clear his name. Pursued relentlessly by the Royal Navy, he takes his loyal crew to attack Admiral Malthorne's estate and seize the evidence that will prove his innocence.
But their search uncovers something else the ruthless admiral has secreted away - the key to stopping a brutal and decades-old war with the Hroom, an ancient alien race. What they find sends Drake on a dangerous mission deep into Hroom territory. Joined by his valiant crew and the daughter of a former rival captain, Drake risks his life and his freedom to stop the war and save what's left of his world.
Book two in the Starship Blackbeard series by Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author Michael Wallace.
The series continues: book three - Dreadnought; book four - Rebellion of Stars.
©2015 Michael Wallace (P)2015 Michael Wallace

Review:
Captain Drake is on the run with his crew and a pirated spaceship dubbed the Blackbeard. Drake insists on striking back at Admiral Malthorne who has manipulated the predicament that set Drake and his crew on the run. He leads his loyal crew to raid the Admiral’s estate looking for evidence that will prove him innocent of the accusations made. Instead he finds another secret that could change the face of the decades old war with the Hroom. Of course they will have to escape and get somewhere safely with their find which may not be too easy with all the Royal Navy fleet pursuing them.

Drake teams up with an unlikely ally in the daughter of a former rival ship captain. They are two strong personalities and she envisions then as “lords of space”. He is more interested in clearing his name, but he is practical enough to accept help to fend off the enemy. The two dance around trust until they form a shaky alliance – in more than piracy. Captain Drake and his XO, Commander Tolvern, have an interesting and sometimes tense relationship. Their camaraderie is stressed by the female ally.

As the journey deep into enemy territory continues Drake comes face to face with his old friend, Captain Rutherford, who has been following orders to chase Drake down. Their encounter sets the stage for more intrigue in book 3.

I enjoyed the action in this story but the plot didn't move along as much as I would have liked. The entertainment was marred for me by a bit of crudeness and gratuitous sex (including a beginning in rather poor taste). The awkward love triangle with the Captain was another area that I wasn’t taken with. These have left me somewhat ambivalent about proceeding with the rest of the series. I might, but probably not anytime soon.

Audio Notes: Steve Barnes does a good job with narration. He portrays the strength of Captain Drake, the emotional upheavals of the women, and he provides good accents for various characters making them easily distinguishable. I also liked the intensity and energy he brings to the audio. I enjoyed listening to this book.

Source: Audible 2017 Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR, Take Control, Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.

Book 1 Review: Starship Blackbeard by Michael Wallace; My Rating 4.75

Audible Book Review: Cast in Shadow by Michelle Sagara

This is an entertaining start to a series, although not fully compelling for me.
Cast in Shadow
Chronicles of Elantra, Book 1
By: Michelle Sagara
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

Length: 14 hrs and 25 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 11-30-11
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Seven years ago, Kaylin fled the crime-riddled streets of Nightshade, knowing that something was after her. Children were being murdered— and all had the same odd markings that mysteriously appeared on her own skin….
Since then, she's learned to read, she's learned to fight and she's become one of the vaunted Hawks who patrol and police the City of Elantra. Alongside the winged Aerians and the immortal Barrani, she's made a place for herself, far from the mean streets of her birth.
But children are once again dying, and a dark and familiar pattern is emerging. Kaylin is ordered back into Nightshade with a partner she knows she can't trust, a Dragon lord for a companion and a device to contain her powers—powers that no other human has. Her task is simple—find the killer, stop the murders… and survive the attentions of those who claim to be her allies!
Spellbound? Listen to more Chronicles of Elantra.
©2011 Michelle Sagara (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Kaylin is a young woman seeking to be accepted as a Hawk warrior. The Lord of Hawks has accepted her into the Hawks for training and she is improving. Kaylin is sent on an assignment but must work with Severn, a childhood friend who has become an enemy to her. Kaylin and Severn are accompanied by a Dragon, Tiamaris. Fortunately, Tamaris, a formidable and quiet man, has great forbearance as he tires to keep Kaylin and Severn from attacking each other.

Children are dying in a bizarre manner in the poorer, crime-riddled section of the city known as Nightshade. Kaylin and Severn are familiar with the Nightshade as they were raised there as orphaned children. Seven years earlier Kaylin and Severn left the area, separately, after suffering the loss of friends who were being killed. The murdered children, then and now, are marked with tattoos which appeared on Kaylin’s skin too. Kaylin discovered that she has unusual healing powers that seem connected to the tattoos appearing on her body. But somehow she brings danger to others. Under the direction of the Hawklord, she is not supposed to use her healing skills without permission and she must keep her powers hidden.

Kaylin braves an audience with the Lord of Nightshade, an immortal who might be an enemy but currently is intrigued by Kaylin. He gives her a mark of protection. Although the mark doesn’t fully bind them as it might others, it is enough to raise questions by other powerful leaders possibly turning allies into enemies. While some try to take Kaylin down she struggles to save the children before another of her friends, a girl kidnapped from the orphanage, is killed.

I appreciate the world building and the different characters. Kaylin was a bit difficult to fully like as she is a messy character: immature, undisciplined and hotheaded. She is independent, a strong fighter and did mature some during the book providing hope for better behavior in future books. I definitely liked the interaction with the other characters, especially Tiamaris. It was annoying that others knew secrets regarding Kaylin’s powers but no one would share with her.

Between the interesting world, characters and action, the story kept my attention. I will likely try the next in the series at some point, although I don’t feel compelled to rush off to get it. I think readers who enjoy strong fantasy and YA characters should give this a try.

Audio Notes: Khristine Hvam does a good job narrating. She gives fitting voices to each character which adds depth to the audiobook. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

I picked this from my Audible TBR Shelf (2012). It added to my 2017 Audiobook Challenge and Mount TBR.

Audible Review: Terms of Enlistment by Marko Kloos

This is a solid military sci fi title.
Terms of Enlistment
Frontlines, Book 1
By: Marko Kloos
Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Series: Frontlines, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 01-28-14
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Military Space Opera, Sci Fi
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The year is 2108, and the North American Commonwealth is bursting at the seams. For welfare rats like Andrew Grayson, there are only two ways out of the crime-ridden and filthy welfare tenements, where you’re restricted to 2,000 calories of badly flavored soy every day. You can hope to win the lottery and draw a ticket on a colony ship settling off-world, or you can join the service. With the colony lottery a pipe dream, Andrew chooses to enlist in the armed forces for a shot at real food, a retirement bonus, and maybe a ticket off Earth. But as he starts a career of supposed privilege, he soon learns that the good food and decent health care come at a steep price…and that the settled galaxy holds far greater dangers than military bureaucrats or the gangs that rule the slums.
The debut novel from Marko Kloos, Terms of Enlistment is a new addition to the great military sci-fi tradition of Robert Heinlein, Joe Haldeman, and John Scalzi.
©2014 Mark Kloos (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:

Andrew Grayson is a 17-year-old welfare rat in a dysotpian world where there is a far divide between the few rich, the few upper class and the multitude of depressed, going nowhere welfare class. Andrew decides the only way out is to enlist in the service and hope he can make his way to a future rather than death because even in the service the lower class are considered expendable.

Boot camp is the expected torture but Andrew is lucky to team up with a wealthy and intelligent girl, Halley. At the end of the training she gets a coveted Navy assignment while Andrew is sent to serve in the Terrain Army (TA) which gets earth-side duty so he won't even get to go to space.

Andrew actually does well as a military grunt and for the most part likes his platoon team. They are sent on mission to help quell a welfare uprising but get trapped. There is a major firefight and Andrew helps pull off a rescue, but the PR guy isn't happy with his efforts which caused civilian casualties. He is facing discharge or imprisonment until his sarge leans on the desk jockey PR officer and gets Andrew a shot at his dream.

Andrew and Halley are reunited on a Naval ship and things are looking up until the ship is attacked and a handful of crew manage to survive on a hostile world. Halley helps come keep them alive initially and in a last-ditch rescue after Andrew and the marines face a devastating battle with Gargantuan aliens.

The author handles boot camp and unexpected combat action well. I really did like the action sequences but didn't get strong feelings for the characters. The plot wasn't bad, but the characters didn't seem fully fleshed out. Perhaps because they were teens they just didn't create a connection for me. The ending left me sort of "meh". It is an engaging first story for sci fi buffs to check out to see if it might click for them.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels is a good choice for this story. He does a good job with the feel of the settings and the nature of the characters such as they are. I enjoyed the listen.

This is another TBR sci fi title from my Audible Library. It qualifies for Mount TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

Book Review: Yak and Dove by Kyo Maclear, Illustrator Esme Shapiro

This sweet story, with lovely illustrations, delivers a nice message of friendship.
Yak and Dove
by Kyo Maclear (Author), Esme Shapiro (Illustrator)

Age Range: 4 - 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool - 3
Hardcover: 56 pages
Publisher: Tundra Books; Ill edition (September 19, 2017)
ISBN-10: 1770494944
Genre: Animals, Children, Friends
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Sometimes the unlikeliest friends form the greatest friendships. A funny, charming picture book from a dynamic duo.
Friends Yak and Dove are complete opposites. Yak is large and Dove is small. Yak has fur and Dove has feathers. Yak is polite. Dove is ill-mannered. Yak likes quiet. Dove likes noise. One day as Yak and Dove list their differences they come to the conclusion that maybe they aren't meant to be friends. In the hope of finding a new best friend, Yak holds auditions. But when a small feathered contestant sings Yak's favorite song, the two begin to think that maybe they are alike after all . . .
Yak and Dove whimsically captures the highs and lows of friendship through the three interconnected tales of two very different friends.

Review:
Yak and Dove are close friends in spite of their many differences. Yak is big, furry and polite. Dove is small, feathered and abrupt to the edge of rudeness. The pair see twins and wonder what it would be like to be so close and connected. Suddenly they are challenging their own friendship and decide they are not well suited as friends after all. Marmot helps Yak audition for new friends but in the end Yak and Dove remember all they share and care about. This portion of the book is fun, the message meaningful and the illustrations are full and lovely.

The book then becomes confusing as it moves to what seemed to me to be unrelated, and disjointed additional stories. At that point it lost my attention as well as the attention of my four year old granddaughter. The book would have been better without the strange jump and could have been shortened which would fit the intended audience even better. I can recommend the first portion of the book but am sorry I was lost on the remainder.

I received the ebook through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley challenge.

Book Review: AFTERLIFE by Marcus Sakey

This was interesting but strange; not really my cup of tea.
AFTERLIFE
by Marcus Sakey

File Size: 2950 KB
Print Length: 320 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1477848401
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer (July 18, 2017)
ASIN: B01NGT8YVM
Genre: Thriller, Ghosts, Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Soon to be a major motion picture from Imagine Entertainment and producers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer.
Between life and death lies an epic war, a relentless manhunt through two worlds…and an unforgettable love story.
The last thing FBI agent Will Brody remembers is the explosion—a thousand shards of glass surfing a lethal shock wave.
He wakes without a scratch.
The building is in ruins. His team is gone. Outside, Chicago is dark. Cars lie abandoned. No planes cross the sky. He’s relieved to spot other people—until he sees they’re carrying machetes.
Welcome to the afterlife.
Claire McCoy stands over the body of Will Brody. As head of an FBI task force, she hasn’t had a decent night’s sleep in weeks. A terrorist has claimed eighteen lives and thrown the nation into panic.
Against this horror, something reckless and beautiful happened. She fell in love…with Will Brody.
But the line between life and death is narrower than any of us suspect—and all that matters to Will and Claire is getting back to each other.
From the author of the million-copy bestselling Brilliance Trilogy comes a mind-bending thriller that explores our most haunting and fundamental question: What if death is just the beginning?

Review:
Brody is an FBI agent working under the direction of his boss, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Claire, who is also his lover, behind the scenes. Their FBI unit is pursuing a serial killer who always seems to be one step ahead of the authorities… as though the killer has insider knowledge.

Brody and a team follow a lead to an abandoned church. It appears to be a false lead until Brody looks out a broken window and sees a man on a balcony watching him. The building explodes and Brody wakes up without an injury but he soon faces three derelict types who clearly wish him harm. He learns that he is in a world that is similar to his “real” life but more like an echo or ‘shadow’ world.

Claire gets a vision that directs her to track down the killer. Events unfold that put her into Brody’s world. But the killer is there too and he is extremely powerful in the shadow world. Brody and Claire want to be together but their nature to protect others compels them to face the powerful evil. They don’t fully think it through which propels Brody on another unexpected path.

I can’t describe too much in this story without leaking into spoilers. Early in the story I felt like I was reading a horror rather than a thriller. The story did get deeper and offers an unusual view of life after death as well as offering a view of how evil develops and grows. The story is engaging although I felt there were inconsistencies and certainly I don’t agree with the after-death scenario. I did like the strong love connection, the moral good and the key elements that made the difference between evil and good.

I didn’t enjoy this as much as The Brilliance Trilogy which I would rather see in film than this book. This is more sensational and apt to be a bit controversial. The writing is good and the story moves along well. Although I wasn’t enthralled, I would recommend it to readers who like dark thrillers and are willing to look at an alternate view of death.

I received this through NetGalley by invitation from Little Bird Publicity. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.