Audible Book Review: A Change of Plans: A Short Story by Dennis E. Taylor

This is a quick teaser which might make a satisfactory intro to a new series.

A Change of Plans: A Short Story
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Neil Hellegers

• Length: 44 mins
• Release date: 05-26-20
• Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Adventure, Colonization, Short Story, Space Opera
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Content 3.5; Narration 3.75.

Publisher's Summary
Earth is dying, and humanity is scrambling to set up colonies in other star systems. But the search process for habitable planets is not perfect, as the crew of the Ouroboros discover on arrival at their new home.
©2017 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Earth citizens are vying for the few spaceships available to take them to habitable planets. While many wait in line, a group of citizens has gained the ability to help pay for and build a ship to take them as the first colonists. The captain and crew are on a schedule to drop the colonists on the chosen planet and then return to Earth to get another group of citizens. But when they arrive to the chosen planet they realize that the conditions are not as expected.

Delivering the eager colonists to the surface may result in death rather than a viable colony. The captain can’t take them back because it would put them to the end of the line for another ship. The choices aren’t good. When negotiations fail, the colonists decide to implement a change of plans.

I snagged this for a quick space listen which it is. I really enjoy this author’s Bob universe with space colonization and action laced with danger and humor. Although I liked the fitting science fiction irony in this story, it left me feeling a bit “meh”. I think it might work as an introduction to a new series but as a standalone it left me wanting more and disappointed. I can recommend this as a quick filler and diehard fans of Taylor, especially as a free book on Audible Plus.

Audio Notes: Neil Hellegers does a good job with the narration. He really managed to add life to the story even though voices were not uniquely distinct. I am glad that I listened to this short story.

Source: Audible Plus Catalog March 22, 2021. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: Save Me (Broken Idols #2) by M.C. Frank

This is full of intense YA emotional romance.

Save Me (Broken Idols #2)
by M.C. Frank

ASIN : B087YG3KCX
Publication date : April 20, 2021
File size : 2133 KB, 173 pages
Genre: Billionaire, New Adult & College Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.

"You saved my life."
"I did. Now I'm the one who's drowning."
I was playing Mr Darcy in a modern Pride and Prejudice film adaptation, shot on a Greek island. I was Hollywood's golden boy, Wes Spencer. A billionaire. One of the youngest Academy Award nominees. A prodigy.
She was just a stunt girl from Greece, surfing and diving into the azure waters of the Corfu beaches between my takes.
There was no reason for us to meet. The stunt girl and the actor. Our worlds should have never collided, but they did.
We went from a near-death experience to indifference, from indifference to hate and from hate to... to something I never would have imagined.
She changed my life and then she disappeared. I guess nearly dying in my arms scared her too much, and she couldn't come back from that. I was scared too. I still have nightmares about losing her, but this... this is worse than all my nightmares put together.
Losing her is breaking me. Without her I am constantly suffocating.
But how can I get her back, when she won't even talk to me? When she won't even tell me what I did?

Review:
This is a love story told from the perspective of a spoiled, famous and ridiculously wealthy actor. Wes is only 22 and known as “Hollywood’s golden boy”. Wes suddenly falls for a stunt girl who initially spurns him. He saves her from drowning and then his life begins to change. He begins to change for her and eventually realizes (maybe) that he has to change for himself. The story starts at his present sense of loss and then backtracks to tell the story of his dramatic romance with Ari.

Wes and several close friends hide emotional pain which he expresses with angst. I like the author’s ability to write intense emotional drama that is fitting to YA although perhaps it is a bit much for an elder reader like me. I appreciate the transition and growth that Wes experiences. There are a couple of mixed tenses that were momentarily distracting. My primary disappointment is, just as I was wrapped in the story and wanted to see what happened between them, this book ends -- to be continued in the next book. I do recommend this for fans of YA emotional love. Just be prepared to need the next book, Lose Me.

Source: Received from Author. This qualifies for 2021 Author goal.

Audible Book Review: Murder on New Year's Eve, A Ridgeway Rescue Mystery, Book 1, by P. Creedan

The mystery is fine but the character seems like a teen.
Murder on New Year's Eve
A Ridgeway Rescue Mystery, Book 1
By: P. Creeden
Narrated by: Shaniese Reyes

Length: 1 hr and 11 mins
Release date: 08-15-19
Publisher: Pauline Creeden
Genre: Cozy, Animal, Mystery
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 3.75.

Publisher's Summary
Ridgeway Rescue Mysteries can be enjoyed in one to two hours. Perfect for when you're waiting for an appointment or just want a fast listen. Don't miss out on this quick, clean, cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until the end!
It's New Year’s Eve, and 20-year-old Emma Wright has a date with her crush - well, not a real date, but she can dream! Colby Davidson, the K9 search and rescue deputy, is allowing her to accompany him while he’s on patrol at the Ridgeway Illumination Festival. Though they are just friends, she’s still hoping for a possible kiss at the end of the festivities.
When a stranger asks them to help take some pictures at the event, Emma and Colby are happy to oblige. But their assistance turns them into alibis for the man’s whereabouts while his girlfriend was killed. Most of the clues point to a robbery gone bad, but Emma doesn’t believe all of them point that way. Was it really a robbery, or was it murder?
©2018 Pauline Creeden (P)2019 Pauline Creeden

Review:
Emma, a twenty-something, is the daughter of the local Sheriff and has a crush on the K9 search and rescue deputy, Colby. Colby has a well-trained K9 Shepherd, Gabby, while Emma is struggling to train her new foster dog, Molly, an exuberant Saint Bernard puppy.

Colby has agreed to have Emma accompany him on the New Year’s Eve patrol at the Ridgeway Illumination Festival and she is hoping for a kiss. As the lighting event proceeds the lights will spell out Happy New Year. A stranger steps up and asks that Colby and Emma take his picture with the lights. Before the last lights are lit, Emma’s father arrives to question the man about the death of his girlfriend. As alibi witnesses, Emma and Colby join the Sheriff and the suspect as the crime scene is investigated. Initially the clues indicate a robbery gone bad but Emma spots details that challenge that theory.

I did enjoy the mystery even though I struggled with Emma’s character. She is sweet and very observant, but her crush is expressed much more like a teen than a twenty-year-old. The story writing also seemed a juvenile style. Still, this is an easy, quick listen with a fun mystery to enjoy especially on New Year’s Eve.

Audio Notes: Shaniese Reyes is a new narrator for me. Her young voice certainly fit the story which she delivers more as a read rather than giving unique voices to the characters. This contributed to the ‘young’ sound of the book.

Source: Sale at Audible November 2019 $5.99. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Snowbound at Christmas by Jennifer Ryan, Maisey Yates, Lia Riley

The first story was fine but the other two were a little too sexy for my tastes.
Snowbound at Christmas
by Jennifer Ryan, Maisey Yates, Lia Riley
Narrators: Lillian Thayer, Coleen Marlo and Carly Robins

Date: November 2016
Duration: 7 hours 56 minutes
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Christmas, Holiday Romance
My Rating: 3.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.25; Narration 3.25.

When a snowstorm pummels the western half of the country, three couples find once off-limits love just in time for Christmas. An unforgettable holiday anthology from bestselling authors Jennifer Ryan, Maisey Yates, and Lia Riley.
Close to Perfect: A Montana Men Novella by Jennifer Ryan
At sixteen, Abigail gave Dex the gift of a lifetime, but the cost of it was more than he ever knew. Now she's back in town with a secret that has been ten years in the making and this time it's Dex's turn to make the ultimate sacrifice or risk losing her forever.

Snowed in at Copper Ridge: A Copper Ridge Novella by Maisey Yates
Mia Landry has always had it bad for brooding cowboy Devlin Grayson. Too bad he's her best friend's older brother. But when they find themselves snowed in at Copper Ridge Lodge, Mia finally has the chance to tell the man of her dreams exactly what she wants... him.

Hot Winter's Night: A Brightwater Novella by Lia Riley
While Brightwater is being covered in snow, Goldie Flint is stuck in her flower shop. She never expected her hero to be Kit Kane, the former love of her life. Kit knows that what he had with Goldie isn't just in the past and with the help of a little bet, an ornery grandmother, and a lot of snow, he's ready to show her that what he really wants for Christmas is a second chance.

Review:
These are three different Christmas romance stories that deal with snowbound characters. I enjoyed Close to Perfect but the other two not so much. My rating overall 3.25 of 5.0.

Close to Perfect: A Montana Men Novella by Jennifer Ryan My rating 4.0.
I enjoyed the story of Dex and Abigail who were teen sweethearts separated by actions of Abigail’s oppressive father. It was a sweet story bringing them back together so they could learn what kept them apart. More importantly they could find their way to a future as a family.

Snowed in at Copper Ridge: A Copper Ridge Novella by Maisey Yates My rating 3.0.
Dev has a reputation as a ‘bad boy’ cowboy who has had to resist his attraction to his younger sister’s best friend. Mia has always had a bit of a crush on Dev but she has had negative physical reactions to men that no one knows about, not even Dev’s sister. When the two find themselves stranded they discover their attraction is too hard to resist. And to Mia’s delight she doesn’t have a negative reaction to Dev’s touch.

Mia seems more like an awkward teen than an mid-twentys young woman. Dev sounded like a man led by his sexual desires who had little emotional thought for his conquests. There was a strong focus on their sexual attraction and interaction and the language was ugly. Just not my cup of tea.

Hot Winter's Night: A Brightwater Novella by Lia Riley My rating 3.0.
Goldie gets stuck in a snowstorm and gets rescued by her old and fiery flame, Kit. Kit takes her to her house only to discover it flooded. Then he takes her home where the large family sends them off to a room in the attic. Kit and Goldie discover there is a bet online on how many days they will last before ‘killing each other’. They decide to take advantage of the betting to win some money to help Goldie’s damaged shop and home. To win they will stay cozied up until Christmas day. Again, this was a little too much focused on sexual attraction and interaction for my comfort. It pulled my interest away from the story and I wanted it to finish. Others might enjoy the sexually oriented stories but this combination wasn’t for me.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the first narration. The voices fit and conveyed the distress and regret of the characters. The other two I have little recollection of as a I was so turned off by the language and sex.

Source: Sale Audiobooks.com December 2019. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Book Review: Thomas & the Christmas Orange: Storybook Advent Calendar Singles by Lewis Brech

This is a nice book that speaks of sharing small blessings.
Thomas & the Christmas Orange: Storybook Advent Calendar Singles
by Lewis Brech

ASIN : B004AE3MOS
Publisher : LEEP Publishing (October 30, 2010)
File size : 1533 KB
Genre: Children, Christmas, Classic
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.

From Storybook Advent Calendar
A charming story about giving and the simple things in life was inspired by a folktale about that orange that seems to appear in Christmas stockings each year. Thomas and his parents leave England in 1824. Tragedy strikes and despair and destitution follow, but warmth and love are returned from a simple orange. This is an instant classic and beloved by all who read it!

Review:
Thomas and his parents have lived a sparse life with the landlord raising rents causing hardship. One morning father returns with the surprise of an orange and tickets to take them to the new world. The orange signifies their chance at freedom and the family is excited, anticipating a new life. Sadly, sickness changes things.

Thomas ends up in a work orphanage where one of the few moments of joy is when the children receive an orange as a treat on Christmas morning. One Christmas Thomas is punished and refused his orange gift. When things look completely desolate, a surprise gives warmth and hope to Thomas.

This is a quick, sad read with an inspirational message. The few images are simple and fitting. I enjoyed the story but not the advertisements that take numerous pages at the end. A simple listing of other books would have been fine.

Source: August 2011 Free Kindle download. This qualifies for 2020TBR goal.

Audio Book Review: Pupcakes: A Christmas Novel by Annie England Noblin

This is a sweet romance story with flawed characters.

Pupcakes: A Christmas Novel
Written By: Annie England Noblin
Narrated By: Amy McFadden

Date: October 2017
Duration: 9 hours 59 minutes
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Animals, Women's Divorce, Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 3.75.

Summary:
Sit! Stay! Speak! author Annie England Noblin’s novel takes one woman starting over, adds an aging pug named Teddy Roosevelt, and proves the power of a well-baked dog treat.
All she wants is a settled-down life.
What she gets is a dog—and a whole new normal . . .
There he stood in the doorway: overweight, depressed and nearly homeless—a pug named Teddy Roosevelt. Teddy was Brydie Benson’s latest problem, arriving on top of her messy divorce and sudden move. Brydie needed a place to start over, so this rent-free home seemed a great idea. She just never counted on Teddy, or his owner, the Germantown Retirement Village’s toughest customer, Pauline Neumann.
And because rent-free doesn’t mean bills-free, Brydie gets a night-shift job at a big-box grocery. Whoever guessed there were so many people who wanted baked goods after midnight?
Then, she gets an idea—why not combine her baking skills with her new-found dog knowledge? And so her store Pupcakes is born. Along with a new start comes a possible new love, in the form of Nathan Reid, a local doctor with a sassy Irish Wolfhound named Sasha. And as fall turns to winter, and then to Christmas, Brydie begins to realize that life is a little bit like learning a new recipe for puff pastry—it takes a few tries to get it just right!...

Review:
Brydie is struggling to make a comeback after her husband cheated on her and divorced her for the ‘other’ woman. Her husband was also her business partner in the bakery they built together. Brydie left all of that mess, but not the heart-break, behind and has lived for months with her best friend, Elliott. Now that Elliott and her husband are preparing to welcome their second child, Brydie needs to find another place to live. Elliott recommends a house that needs ‘sitting’ for Mrs. Neumann, a woman in a nursing retirement home. The house comes with an important occupant – Mrs. Neumann’s beloved pug, Teddy Roosevelt. Brydie has never had a dog and she has to find a way to engage this elderly, reluctant animal.

Elliott suggests that Brydie take Teddy to a nearby dog park. Finally, the dog shows some enthusiasm except he throws up on the shoes of Nathan Reid who is there with his lively Irish Wolfhound, Sasha. Brydie takes off in embarrassment but gets to meet Nathan again when she visits Mrs. Neumann in the nursing facility. Nathan turns out to be a local doctor with rotating duties at the retirement home. It is clear that all the single nurses (and some of the residents) are interested in the handsome doctor. Brydie has trouble accepting the fact that Nathan is interested in dating her.

Byrdie takes a night-shift job at a local grocery where she begins to make new friends, but also makes mistakes. Byrdie experiments making dog treats to tempt Teddy to eat. This leads to a group of customers from the dog park and the nursing home.

When Byrdie uncovers a family mystery at Mrs. Neumann’s home, her curiosity is pushing her to ask Mrs. Neumann about the locked trunk. Nathan insists that doctor’s orders are not to raise the issue as it is likely to upset his patient. Byrdie takes umbrage at the doctor’s position and cuts off their growing relationship. Although Byrdie’s confidence begins to return with her baking, she continues to struggle to control her emotions.

First, I need to note that the blurb is not totally accurate as the new Pupcakes bakery isn’t really established until very near the end of the book. Second, I have to admit that I was frustrated by Byrdie’s despondency and self-absorption. I was relieved when she finally stepped away from her negative attitudes. In contrast, I found Nathan to be extraordinarily patient and kind. The romance develops with a subdued spark but some natural urges. The dogs add fun interest with birthday parties and stolen turkey antics. I liked the sweet (if predictable) surprise at the end even though the ending does seem rushed. As long as the reader can push through Byrdie's emotions, I recommend this as a sweet read/listen.

Audio Notes: Amy McFadden does a satisfactory job with the narration. She provides distinct voices and manages to convey Byrdie’s struggling emotions. I was glad to be able to listen to this story.

Source: November 2019 Sale at Audiobooks.com $3.99. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Actualized, The Configured, Book 3 by Jenetta Penner

This is a good conclusion although I wasn't really into the YA elements.
Actualized
The Configured Trilogy, Book 3
By: Jenetta Penner
Narrated by: Brittany Goodwin
Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 12-17-19
Publisher: Jenetta Penner
Genres: Dystopian, Sci Fi, Teen and Young Adult
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
It comes down to one choice: save the world or save the ones you love.
Listen to the exciting and emotional conclusion to The Configured Trilogy.
©2018 Jenetta Penner (P)2019 Jenetta Penner

Review:
Avlyn has escaped to the Affinity Camp with her brother, Ben, Meyers, Aron and some other surprising, and sometimes connected characters. Aron had asked to pair with Avlyn but she fell for Meyers. Now Avlyn, who was raised in a society that suppressed emotions is trying to cope with all sorts of emotions.

She is stressed about Ben who is in a coma recovering from a system attacking his nanites. She is also experiencing a lot of conflicting emotions even as she commits to helping Cynthia Fisher the ousted director of Elore, leader of Affinity and relation to Avlyn and Ben. The Affinity team has to find a way to overthrow the dictatorship of Manning who is using nanites to control an army in Elore while also avoiding the dangers from the powers of New Philadelphia who are trying to mimic the abilities that Ben and Avlyn share.

Her superior gives orders to Avlyn that she repeatedly ignores. Although she may help gain information and save lives, she is also putting herself and others in danger. This doesn’t stop her behavior. Avlyn is conflicted trying to safe all of the family she has learned to love and trying to save society. Will she be able to help stop the dark powers before they destroy the outside people of Affinity and other humans in the two warring communities?

I listened to book 1, Configured, which introduced Avlyn, Aron, Meyers and Avlyn’s natural mother and community assigned mother. Avlyn’s unique abilities, the intrigue and rivalries were revealed. I did not read or listen to book 2 but enough detail was provided in this book so I didn’t feel like I missed anything.

There is some interesting character relation involvement in this conclusion. However, I struggled with Avlyn’s angst and irresponsible insistence on doing things her own way. The writing felt immature (like the characters) and the plot machinations were clearly worked out to provide danger and rescue. Sadly, not particularly realistic or comfortable. The story did have a suitable conclusion and might work better for true fans of YA (which I may not be). I recommend this to those who like dystopian sci fi with YA elements.

Audio Notes: Brittany Goodwin does a fairly good job providing sufficiently distinct voices. I’m not sure she captured the full depth of emotions (which might have been a good thing) but she did convey the YA feel of the book. I am glad I listened to this rather than reading.

Source: 2/13/2020 Author Code for Review title. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook and Author goals.

Audible Book Review: Prominence by A.C. Hadfield

This is an action-packed, but disjointed, space sci-fi.
Prominence
By: A.C. Hadfield
Narrated by: Marc Vietor

Series: Blackstar Command, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 50 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-09-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Alien Invasion, Colonization, Military Sci-Fi
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
They tried to destroy our planets. Our way of life. They tried to send us into extinction. But we, the Coalition, fought them and won. That was a decade ago. We had assumed they were beaten for good.
We were wrong.
They’re known as the Host: a cabal of aliens seeking to dominate our sector of space. And they’re back - with help from a powerful new enemy.
Against their wrath, we must stand. We’re outnumbered and unprepared. If we lose, we lose everything.
But there is hope. An ancient race of long-dead but technologically advanced aliens called the Navigators have a ship called the Blackstar that could potentially turn the tide. That is if I, Kai Locke, a humble ship racer, can find it and learn how to harness its power in time.
If I fail, the Coalition will fall, and the Host will consign us to a distant memory. I refuse to let that happen. I will fight to my last breath for the Coalition’s survival.
For fans of Star Wars, Firefly, Battlestar, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
©2017 A.C. Hadfield & Colin F. Barnes (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Kai’s father disappeared on a secret mission to find an alien ship known as the Blackstar. Although his mother keeps trying to pull him into the military, to follow in his parent’s footsteps, Kai chose to be a ship racer pilot, seeking to make his own way. Kai struggles to win the local race, with the help of his childhood friend, half-human Senaya. They are desperate to win the money to get off the planet where illness, known as the blight, is spreading.

Kai and Senaya are pursuing a salvage ship that crashed in the wilderness. When they arrive at the site they are attacked as they discover pirates have beat them to the prize. Surprisingly, the infamous pirate leader lets Kai escape with his father’s locker and a mysterious alien artifact.

Suddenly life is disrupted again with news that the great space enemy, the Host, has returned. Kai soon learns that others are tracking the alien artifact. He realizes he has to get help from the pirate brigand and when he and Senaya find him the three have to make a rushed escape.

Kai finally consents to work with the military when they give him a mission to search for his father and the Blackstar. They are only one step ahead of pursuers as they manage to get to the hidden world. Even if Kai can return with the Blackstar will that be enough to fight the Host?

The story moves along at a good pace with plenty of action from beginning to end. Some of the scenes are initially disjointed until the reader gets accustomed to the author’s jumps from Kai’s situation to scenes of his mother. Maybe the primary character’s youth, (age 17) made him seem less compelling as a character. I did like the pirate character though. There was a bit of telling rather than showing which tends to make sections a slog. There is an ending to this book but it also springs off into a new alien world. Although I found the story to be acceptably entertaining, I didn’t find myself caught up and eager to get the next book in the series.

Audio Notes: Marc Vietor does a good job with the narration, working with the weaker writing. He provides distinct voices and some energy. I am glad that I listened to this.

Source: 4/2/19 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Who Rescued Who by Victoria Schade

The cover is adorable and the story gets there eventually.

Who Rescued Who
by Victoria Schade

File Size: 2526 KB
Print Length: 351 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0593098838
Publisher: Berkley (March 24, 2020)
ASIN: B07TSWP85J
Genre: Animal, Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Where can you turn when the world turns against you? When Elizabeth Barnes’ life fell apart she never imagined that she’d be rescued by a new friend on four paws.
The plan was simple: Elizabeth would ignore the fact that she was unjustly fired from her dream job, fly across the pond to settle an unexpected inheritance in her father’s home country and quickly return to reclaim her position among the Silicon Valley elite.
But when Elizabeth stumbles upon an abandoned puppy, she’s shocked to realize that her brief trip to England might turn into an extended stay. Her strict itinerary is upended completely by the pup’s dogged devotion, and soon the loveable puppy helps her to connect with a tight-knit community of new friends on two legs and four, from the aunt and uncle she didn't know existed, to a grumpy coffee shop owner to two very opinionated sheep. Along the way Elizabeth is confronted by long-kept family secrets, hard truths about her former life and a new romance that might lead her to question everything she knows about love. Because sometimes rescue magic happens on both ends of the leash.

Review:
Elizabeth Barnes is a workaholic who has no life beyond her job and her obsessive social media focus. She is experiencing a bit of shellshock and a lot of anger after being unfairly fired from her dream Silicon Valley job. While trying to figure out how to get her feet – and life—back on track, she gets a surprising email from a man claiming to be her uncle. The problem is she never knew she had an uncle in England.

Elizabeth finally decides to take a quick trip to England to settle the unexpected inheritance which will provide a financial cushion while she is trying to get back into the work market. Elizabeth is surprised to find a warm welcome and soon growing friendships in the small backwater village of Fargrove. Elizabeth discovers a man she is interested in and stumbles upon an abandoned puppy who adopts her. Everyone tells her that she is responsible for the puppy since she found her.

Elizabeth is surprised to learn her uncle is a well-known artist. She hadn’t planned to remain in Fargrove but finds herself staying to help nurse her aunt after a fall, help her uncle categorize his many unrevealed paintings, train a new puppy, and nurture a possible romance. Meanwhile, she continues to fret that she has limited cell phone service and she fusses over her minimized social responses.

In spite of a rocky start, Elizabeth is soon wrapped into the community with everyone hoping she will settle on the land she has inherited and strengthen her developing relationship with James. When Elizabeth is offered a job to get back in the scene of Silicon Valley, will she walk away from her uncle and aunt, her puppy Georgina, her new friends, and James?

I was drawn to the adorable puppy cover. Unfortunately for over 50% of the book, I had a hard time coping with Elizabeth’s very self-centered and self-absorbed attitude. She was given wonderful opportunities but was too focused on her Silicon Valley elitism to really see what was in front of her. Her romance interest tried to resist getting involved, but once he did, instead of pushing Elizabeth to talk about the future they ignored the topic or he sulked. I found it hard to understand why no one really pushed Elizabeth to consider her choices.

I really enjoyed the art aspects of this story and the wonderful natural setting with dogs and sheep included. Jame's beer business added interest too. Although I am glad I finished, I had to struggle to get to the end because of the primary character. Apparently many other reviewers did not have this problem so if you can handle a character who needs a swift boot a good talking to, you would likely enjoy this book.

Source: NetGalley Requested 2019 but Received 2020. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Black Crow, White Snow by Michael Livingston

This is a short, female-powered survival story.

Black Crow, White Snow
by Michael Livingston
Narrated by: Janina Edwards

Length: 2 hrs and 37 mins
Original Recording Audiobook
Release date: 05-02-19
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Original
Categories: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 4.25.

About This Audible Original
In a world where women hold all the power and men have barely been an afterthought, an intrepid shipmistress must put aside everything she knows if she is to save her people.
Bela is at the helm of the Sandcrow, a ship sent from calm seas to the far frozen north in search of a legendary power that could turn the tide of war. Locked into ice, the Sandcrow is lost. Now, for the shipmistress and her crew, a desperate voyage becomes a chilling struggle for survival against nature, fear, and prejudice.
If Bela can lead them to their ultimate destination, will the magic they find be their redemption—or their destruction?
©2019 Michael D. Livingston (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review:
Bela is the Mistress of the Sandcrow, a ship with a primarily female crew who have been sent to the frozen icefields of the north. The society of the crew is matriarchal with a class system that respects earned skills. It is also a world with an ugly disdain for men.

The crew is determined to find a legendary power that could bring hope to their people in a fight against enemies with skyships. Included in the crew are a magician and one male, a young man trained as a Reader. Reading and storytelling are necessary but held in low regard compared to warriors and sailors.

The crew fights through one tragedy after another after the ship is trapped in the ice. Those who survive the vicious attack of a huge white bear must abandon the ship and decide whether to go back or forward. Mistress Bela, now an injured warrior leader, is intent on completing the mission but not everyone agrees. Along with her female partner, Bela finds a surprising ally in the young Reader. As their trek takes them to more danger, but closer to their goal, Bela struggles just to keep everyone alive.

I found the characters interesting although I felt the demeaning treatment of the male (and attitude towards men) was abhorrent. The settings and fight for survival are vividly described. I did find myself rooting for the success of the battered survivors. I was glad Bela’s character wasn’t as prejudiced as some of the others and I appreciated her willingness to allow other perspectives.

The story is short and perhaps sets up as an introduction of warring peoples. I liked the first-person voice and I felt this short work was sufficient to get a feel for the creativity and valid storytelling skills of the author. I rarely read stories with gay or lesbian characters. This story does have some (not graphic) lesbian love scenes but focuses more on the matriarchal society issues. I recommend this to readers who like survival adventures.

Audio Notes: Janina Edwards delivers this story with a wonderfully exotic (West Indian) accent. It took a few minutes to get accustomed to the voice and the writing style, but they soon fit for me. I enjoyed the audio entertainment.

Source: 5/17/19 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020 Alphabet goals.

Book Review: The Lady Lassoes an Outlaw: Western Historical by Charlene Raddon

I like this story premise but feel the writing needs polishing.

The Lady Lassoes an Outlaw: Western Historical
by Charlene Raddon

File Size: 1211 KB
Print Length: 103 pages
Publication Date: October 14, 2018
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07JG3MHCL
Genre: Western Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Aurora Cavender's twin brother Jason is missing, reportedly kidnapped by a notorious gang of outlaws in Utah. Aurora feels his pain and fear. He's hurt. Determined to help, she travels to Price, Utah to board a stagecoach she's sure the gang will rob. Her hope is to discover a clue to Jason's whereabouts. A dangerous job, but one she's better equipped to deal with than many men.
To run smack into her ex-fiancee, Garret Mosely, is a shock. To learn he's part of the Hell's-Gate gang is unfathomable.
Can Aurora find her brother, free him and get the two of them to safety? And what part will Garret Mosely play in her plans?

Review:
Aurora and her brother Jason have that special connection that exists between twins. He has been missing and now she feels his pain and fear. She is intent on finding him especially since rumors indicate he is dead or has been kidnapped by a notorious gang of outlaws.  Aurora arrives in Price, Utah planning to board a stagecoach she hopes will be robbed by the Hell’s-Gate gang. It’s a dangerous move but she is trained and ready to face the danger.

What she wasn’t prepared for was to run into her ex-fiancee, Garret Mosely, who left her at the altar with no explanation three years before. She is even more shocked to learn he is part of the outlaw gang as that isn't the Garret that she knew. Garret immediately takes steps trying to protect Aurora from revealing his true identity and also to protect her from the unwanted advances of the gang members.

Aurora finds a maybe safe place in the gang as a good cook and supposedly ‘Garret’s girl’. Aurora, Garret, and Jason all have secrets and they are all in danger from the brutal outlaws. Can Aurora find Jason and escape safely? And what is she going to do about Garret and their continuing feelings for each other?

This is an action-packed western romance with some good character and danger elements. Not all things are sweet considering Aurora is stuck in a camp of evil men. I enjoyed the action, twists, and surprises in the story.

Sadly, the writing seemed stilted and very amateurish to me which seems strange from an apparently well-experienced author. I felt the writing needed more polish to improve the natural flow of the story. I can recommend the story as a quick, easy read as long as the reader isn’t expecting a polished work nor a totally sweet historical.

Source: Review request received from Babs Book Bistro. This qualifies for 2019 Author Review goal.

Book Review: Ruth's First Christmas Tree by Elly Griffiths

This is a sweet Christmas story.

Ruth's First Christmas Tree
(Ruth Galloway #4.5)
by Elly Griffiths

File Size: 11359 KB
Print Length: 29 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (December 11, 2012)
ASIN: B00AFDUN72
Genre: Holiday, Traditional Detective
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

It is three days before Christmas and a bitter wind is blowing across Norfolk.
Until her daughter was born, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway didn’t do Christmas, but now that Kate is a year old, she wants it to be special.
She must get a tree, shop for food, clean the house, buy presents, including one for her new boyfriend—who she isn’t even sure is her boyfriend—and remember to get the turkey out of the freezer.
But time is rushing by and the best-laid plans don’t always work out …

Review:
Ruth is a forensic archaeologist living in a bleakly cold and secluded cottage in Norfolk. Her career skills have her working closely with the DCI to help solve murders. During one of her earlier forays to help the police, she ended up getting pregnant. Now she has a precious child, Kate, and Ruth wants to have her first true Christmas to share with Kate.

Ruth is rushing to get everything ready especially since she has a new friend – maybe boyfriend -- coming to celebrate with her and Kate. When the cat and Kate get to the decorated tree, things look to be tumbling. Ruth is lucky to have a close friend, Cathbad, step in to help make Christmas really special and even Kate's father makes an unexpected appearance.

I like forensic characters and was curious about this series. The story is cute but I found the reading difficult. The author presents the work in third person, present tense which makes it a little awkward. I very much like Ruth’s unusual friend, Cathbad, but had some concerns about the affair with the married inspector that led to Ruth’s child.

I might try one of the full novels to see if I could adjust. I recommend this as a cute Christmas story that introduces the reader to the characters and the author’s writing style.

Source: 2012 free Kindle. This qualifies for 2019TBR goal and #HoHoHoRat.

Book Review: It Started with Goodbye by Christina June

This is a nice story; particularly good for YA and Teens.
It Started with Goodbye
by Christina June

File Size: 990 KB
Print Length: 272 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0310758661
Publisher: Blink (May 9, 2017)
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishing
Language: English
ASIN: B01HAKH5LY
Genre: Family Life, Teen & YA
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.

Sixteen-year-old Tatum Elsea is bracing for the worst summer of her life. After being falsely accused of a crime, she's stuck under stepmother-imposed house arrest and her BFF's gone ghost. Tatum fills her newfound free time with community service by day and working at her covert graphic design business at night (which includes trading emails with a cute cello-playing client).
When Tatum discovers she's not the only one in the house keeping secrets, she finds she has the chance to make amends with her family and friends. Equipped with a new perspective, and assisted by her feisty step-abuela/fairy-godmother, Tatum is ready to start fresh and maybe even get her happy ending along the way.
A modern play on the Cinderella story arc, IT STARTED WITH GOODBYE shows us that sometimes going after what you want means breaking the rules.
IT STARTED WITH GOODBYE will appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen, Stephanie Perkins, and Jennifer E. Smith.

Review:
Tatum was only trying to protect her best friend (bff), Ashley, when she got caught up in a crime situation. The accusations put Tatum in a tough spot and it hurts that her father not only is severely disappointed in her but he won’t even believe her explanation. As her father heads out of town for his job, Tatum is grounded for the summer with her stepmother. Tatum is only allowed out of house to do her job and perform her community service.

Tatum has always worked the summer sitting for two girls but that has changed this year. She doesn’t tell her stepmother the full story so she can still get out of the house. Tatum also is keeping secret that she has started an online graphic design business to earn the extra money she will need to pay fines and still purchase the item she has on her wish list.

Tatum is frustrated that her former bff has gone silent and won’t return here emails or calls. But Tatum is making new friends, one engaging young cello player online and a couple during community service. Tatum is chafing against her ‘house arrest’ and her friendships are tempting her to violate her house rules.

Tatum has a friend at home with her step-abuela (step grandmother) who challenges Tatum to see a broader perspective. A surprising situation reveals other secrets in her household and Tatum begins to see a way to make amends with her family and find a way to come clean. Maybe the summer will turn out better than she could have expected.

Tatum is sixteen – which says a lot. She is questioning if her dad really loves her, if her stepmom cares at all and if her stepsister is human beyond her ice ballerina image. She only finds support from her step-abuela and her new friends. The story is sweet and has a bit of Cinderella uplifting ending. I like the overall conflicts which include (not unexpectedly) teen angst. I liked the light teen romance, but I didn’t care for the sneaking and less that honest activities that Tatum engages in. Fortunately, I enjoyed the final resolution.

I’ll be interested to hear the reaction of the other ladies in the ladies book club. I recommend this as a light, easy read with a nice final message.

Source: Print books discounted through Christianbook.com. I picked up the Kindle version 2019. This is a book for ladies book club.

Audible Book Review: The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs

I was disappointed in this and hope the movie turns out better.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls
By: John Bellairs
Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 4 hrs and 33 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-14-18
Language: English
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Children, Fantasy, Magic, Middle Grade,
My Rating: 3.75 Overall; Story 3.5 and Narration 4.0

Publisher's Summary
A haunting gothic tale by master mystery writer John Bellairs - soon to be a major motion picture starring Cate Blanchett and Jack Black!
When Lewis Barnavelt, an orphan, comes to stay with his Uncle Jonathan, he expects to meet an ordinary person. But he is wrong. Uncle Jonathan and his next-door neighbor, Mrs. Zimmermann, are both witches! Lewis is thrilled. At first, watching magic is enough. Then Lewis experiments with magic himself and unknowingly resurrects the former owner of the house: a woman named Serenna Izard. It seems that Serenna and her husband built a timepiece into the walls - a clock that could obliterate humankind. And only the Barnavelts can stop it!
©1973 John Bellairs (P)1992 Recorded Books, LLC

Review:
Lewis loses his parents when he is aged 10. He took the bus to be with his Uncle Jonathan, who he wasn’t allowed to meet when his parents were alive. In 1948 the family considered the Uncle who “smoked and drank and played poker” a “black sheep” to the Catholic family. Shortly after being met at the station by his Uncle, Lewis discovers there is something strange happening with clocks in the community.

The first night at his new home, Lewis finds Uncle Jonathan prowling the halls. It doesn’t take long before Lewis learns that his Uncle and neighbor, Mrs. Zimmermann, are more than black sheep --- they are witches.

When Lewis isn’t playing games with and observing the banter between Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmermann, he is reading magic books he finds in his Uncle’s home. Lewis, an overweight boy, has always struggled to make friends at school. In order to impress a new friend, Lewis starts to experiment with the magic he is reading about. He and his friend challenge each other to visit a cemetery during Halloween. Lewis inadvertently releases the evil spirit of Serenna Izard, the wife of the prior owner of Uncle Jonathan’s house.

Lewis keeps the secret of his misdeed to himself until danger forces him to confess to his Uncle. Jonathan, Mrs. Zimmermann and Lewis must locate the clock in the walls before Serena gets to it and turns on the doomsday timepiece.

This lightly ‘spooky’ story is set years ago (1948) and was copyrighted in 1973. I had difficulties with the “fat” reverences, the name calling, the sneaking and the careless mischief. These actions might not be unusual for the age group, but I was disappointed that there didn’t seem to be an effort to encourage the moral virtues of truth and obedience. At least there was good over evil in the later part of the story. I suppose this light, ghostly mystery might be more engaging for a tweener than an adult. (Also, I understand that the print has engaging illustrations that probably helps with the target audience.)

Audible Notes: The narration by George Guidall suits the time period and the audience. His delivery demonstrates an experienced storyteller. The audio enhanced the story for me.

Source: January 2019 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: SkyLine: The Dragon Commander - A Military Science Fiction Romance Adventure

This was a quick read; intro to a series.
SkyLine The Dragon Commander
A Military Science Fiction Romance Adventure
by Kennedy King

File Size: 4302 KB
Print Length: 90 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Mind of Khan Studios (October 21, 2018)
ASIN: B07JL9PNKD
Genre: Cyberpunk, Dragon, Fantasy, Military Sci Fi
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

It's 2350. Cold Fusion, AI nanotech cops, and the SkyLine between a dying Earth and a developing Mars are parts of life.
Major General Christopher Droan has survived a crisis. It left him with trauma and a deeper understanding of his dad’s distrust for technology.
Now all he wants is to focus on the love of his life, Sheeba.
It’s a turbulent time to be a Major General, even one resigned to desk work. But the calm can only last so long. When tragedy strikes Precinct 117 in Shanghai, Chris and his unit are forced to gear up again.
What waits for them in the heart of a robot with a beta personality matrix will change the planets on both ends of the SkyLine, mankind, and Major General Christopher Droan, forever.

Review:
Major General Christopher Droan leads a special team who has survived some traumatic battles. They have seen and survived devastating attacks. Droan is trying to put his love life first as he helps his fiancé, Sheeba, plan their wedding. Sheeba is afraid to tell Droan of the nightmares that are increasing. When she’d like to keep Droan close to hand, he is called away to meet his team at the site of a radical attack.

Droan suspects that something is troubling Sheeba but she isn’t telling him the problem. He has no choice but to respond to the call out. A strong precinct in Shanghai has had all of the officers killed but one, Finch. The attack wasn’t from outside, but rather by the AI partners of the officers. Finch only survived because his new partner, DA-Vos, protected him. What, or who, could cause these specialized AI units to turn on their human masters?

The story has intrigue and some strange paranormal twists. Sheeba’s nightmare visions have a strange connection to an unexplained power that challenges Droan. How can Droan deal when confronted with “You cannot shoot a thought”?

I really liked the action and intrigue in the story. Droan’s assignment is a little confusing but I imagine it would come clear in the next book. There is some sexual contact (not vulgar) and some (gruesome) killing. The writing is easy and the story moves quickly. I just feel it could have used a little more depth and clarity. I recommend this to readers who like military sci fi with cyberpunk and dragon elements.

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: Trouble on the Books by Essie Land

I liked the setting and premise of this cozy mystery.
Trouble on the Books
by Essie Lang

File Size: 2896 KB
Print Length: 332 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1683319818
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (March 13, 2019)
ASIN: B07H7R7GVP
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Essie Lang’s series debut is perfect for fans of Lorna Barrett, Vicki Delany, and book lovers everywhere.
Rookie bookstore owner Shelby Cox must hit the books to learn the ropes before she loses a killer in the stacks.
Shelby Cox never intended to become a bookseller, so when the former editor returns to her hometown of Alexandria Bay, nestled in upstate New York’s breathtaking Thousand Islands region, to take over her aunt’s bookstore, she has no idea what to expect. To her amazement, she discovers that she now owns a fifty-percent share in Bayside Books, and will also run the store’s second location in the majestic castle on nearby Blye Island.
But just as Shelby is gearing up for the start of the tourist season, the Castle volunteer coordinator is found murdered in the nearby Grotto. Castle caretaker Matthew Kessler is suspect number one, but Shelby thinks the killing may be connected to an earlier era, when violence among Prohibition-era smugglers was rampant in the region. As Shelby launches her own investigation, handsome and unnerving Special Agent Zack Griffin of the Coast Guard Investigative Services tries to quell her smuggling theory and keep her safe. But Shelby is determined to summon all her savvy as a book editor to plot the murder—and find the killer before he strikes again—in Trouble on the Books, Essie Lang’s clever and captivating series debut.

Review:
Shelby Cox who normally works as a publishing editor in the Massachusetts, comes home to Alexandria Bay, upstate New York, to help her Aunt who is recovering from surgery. Shelby is surprised to learn that she is a 50% owner in two local bookstores, one in town and a second location in the tourist destination of Blye Castle on Blye Island. Shelby begins work and quickly runs up against the autocratic Castle volunteer coordinator, Loreena. A few hours after they have a confrontation, Shelby stumbles upon Loreena’s body in the nearby Grotto.

Several police offices are involved in the investigation: the cantankerous Island Chief of Police, the quiet county sheriff and, to Shelby’s surprise, the interesting and handsome Coast Guard Special Agent Zack Griffin. The local chief is quick to challenge the Castle caretaker, Matthew, which upsets Aunt Edie. Edie asks Shelby to try to find out what is going on. Shelby begins to develop a theory of current day smuggling which brings Zack to her door on several occasions trying to get her to stop snooping.

Shelby is also trying to learn more about her mother who she believes died when she was a toddler. Shelby’s technique of investigating both issues consists mostly in questioning local residents. This puts someone on edge, but despite an attack on her houseboat, Shelby continues to try to plot out the means, motive and opportunity.

Stories involving books and bookstores tend to capture my attention. I liked the setting elements of the bookstore, the Castle grounds, the Grotto, and the houseboat where Shelby lives. The descriptions are good and the character interaction is reasonably developed. I found the mystery development and suspense a little weak. There is some repetition of Shelby’s thought processes which could have been cut allowing for a shorter, more concise work. As a debut I think the work shows promise and I would try another to see if the mystery plot improves. Fans of book related cozy mysteries might give this a try.

Source: NetGalley 2018. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019NetGalley Goals.

Audible Book Review: Zero G by Dan Wells

This fits the target audience - children.
Zero G
By: Dan Wells
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller, Margaret Ying Drake, Josh Hurley, Eddy Lee, Jennifer Van Dyck, Allyson Johnson, David Shih, Betsy Hogg

Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-06-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Kids, Middle Grade (ages 8-10)
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5 and Narration 4.0.

It’s one kid versus an entire band of space pirates in this cosmic middle grade caper from New York Times bestselling author Dan Wells.
Zero is just one of 20,000 people aboard a spaceship bound for a new planet set to be colonized. The journey is over a century long but luckily, everyone is in stasis, so they’ll be safe and sound asleep during the trip. Everyone that is, except for Zero, whose pod has malfunctioned, waking him up a hundred years early. His initial excitement in roaming the ship alone quickly turns to a heart-stopping interstellar adventure when a family of space pirates show up, trying to hijack the ship and take the colonizers hostage. With everyone he knows fast asleep, it’s up to Zero to think fast and find a way to stop them–all on his own.
The full cast for this production includes Emily Woo Zeller, Margaret Ying Drake, Betsy Hogg, Josh Hurley, Jonathan Davis, Jennifer Van Dyck, Chelsea Spack, Charlie Thurston, David Shih, Eunice Wong, Eddy Lee, Allyson Johnson, and Polly Lee.
©2018 Dan Wells (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review:
Zero is a Tweener who is traveling with his family to colonize a new planet. Zero’s father is one of the space engineers who helped build the spaceship which will carry 20,000 people in stasis for 105 years. Zero is a typical young boy full of energy and mischief, poking at his older brothers. Before settling into the stasis pod, Zero bounces around the ship where he meets the pilot and the onboard navigation AI.

Everyone buckles into their pods hoping to wake up “tomorrow” in the future. Unforntunately for Zero, he is the only one whose pod malfunctions resulting in his waking after just a couple of weeks. Zero knows from his discussion with the navigation AI that no one out of a pod can survive the upcoming jump through space. That is worrisome but then Zero discovers that the pilot has disappeared, and space pirates are boarding the ship.

The pirates are a back biting, dysfunctional, misfit family who quickly move to disable the AI so they can redirect the ship. This leaves Zero as the only person who can protect everyone else on the ship. After stealing a pirate communicator, Zero struggles to foil the enemy with common life tools which he finds as he was exploring the cargo bays. There are tense moments mixed with comical situations.

The story is an easy listen although it is requires embracing unbelievable coincidences and a manipulated plotline. That’s okay as it is fun and appropriate for the middle grade bracket. I was not impressed with the boyish pranks but young people would probably appreciate that childish humor. I think this would be a fun listen for families with middle graders.

Audio Notes: The mix of narrators makes this story fun and easy listening. The voices should help keep the attention of young listeners.

Source: Free Audible Original December 2018. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook and 2019Alphabet Goals.

Audible Book Review: Gracie’s Touch by S.E. Smith

This is spicy sexually but a very warm romance in a space sci fi.

Gracie’s Touch
By: S.E. Smith
Narrated by: David Brenin

Series: Zion Warriors, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 59 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-03-17
Language: English
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Romance, Sci Fi, Space Military
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of science fiction and paranormal romance brings another action, adventure, and suspense-filled story to transport listeners out of this world. Gracie Jones was little more than a child when Earth was invaded by an alien species. Escaping into the subway tunnels of New York City, she hid in fear of being captured. Discovered by four men who became her protectors, she fought alongside them, and they became known as the Freedom Five. At 17, she made a decision that turned the tide in the war between Earth and the Alluthans, but in exchange, she gave up all that she knew. Kordon Jefe is a Zion Warrior and the commanding officer in charge of the Confederation of Planets' military. When an unknown species begins attacking some of their outer settlements, he is assigned to discover who they are and stop them - at any cost. Gracie finds herself stranded millions of light years and hundreds of years in the future in a distant galaxy on an undeveloped moon. When an old enemy threatens once more, she does not hesitate to use her knowledge to try to stop them once again. Only this time, it is not just Earth she will be saving, but the Confederation itself. When their two worlds are thrown together, Kordon is unsure what to do with the strange, delicate creature who fights and behaves unlike anyone he has ever encountered before. One thing he does know - he plans to keep her.
©2016 S.E. Smith (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Gracie was just a child when she survived the invasion of a brutal alien attack that decimated humanity on earth. Gracie hid in the subway tunnels until she was brought under the protection of a group of young men. The five rebels became known as The Freedom Five who led a revolution against the aliens. The only way to defeat the enemy was for Gracie to risk infiltrating the enemy mothership. She succeeded but instead of returning to earth the stolen ship she was on was hurtled deep in space to an “unknown” planet. Gracie survives on the planet and after three years despairs of ever hearing another voice. To her surprise her radio outreach attracts a lead military ship of the Confederation of Planets'.

Gracie’s gentle voice pulls in captain Kordon Jefe, a strong, usually unexcitable, Zion Warrior. Kordon becomes obsessed with finding the woman behind the voice even as his team warn him that it might be a trap as the ship is similar to a recent mysterious enemy who has been attacking isolated mining worlds.

Gracie has linguist and technical knowledge that can help the Confederation. The time travel changes the situation for Gracie. Her joy at being rescued soon turns to devastation. How can Kordon and his crew convince Gracie to fight the common enemy? And how can Kordon convince Gracie to forget her first love and take a chance on a current love? He’ll figure a way to woo her since he isn’t going to give her up.

I enjoyed the space sci fi elements, the danger and the action. In addition to the threat of the Alluthan enemy, there is an enemy closer to home who poses a threat particularly to Gracie. Not all of the plot threads are realistic so some of that has to be overlooked to enjoy the rest of the story.

All of this is a setting for a strong romance between an emotionally hurt human and a normally unemotional warrior. Kordon wants to be this big, protective mate, but of course, there is no real way to control an independent human female! Part of the fun of the story is watching (listening to) the couple grow in their relationship. (There is a secondary romance between other crew members too.) The sex elements are a little to heavy for me – Audible labeled “hot d..n”.

The world building and writing is clean and strong. The action story is still engaging but the romance takes over the story. I recommend this to sci fi readers who like heavy romance… or even more to heavy romance readers who like sci fi elements.

Audio Notes: David Brenin does a very good job with the narration. He provides believable female voices as well as strong male voice. He carries the story plot lien with appropriate pacing and energy.

Source: August 2017 Audible sale $4.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook Goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Last Woman in the Forest by Diane Les Becquets

This is an interesting psychological thriller.

The Last Woman in the Forest
by Diane Les Becquets

Print Length: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley (March 5, 2019)
Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07DMZ4P68
Genre: Mystery, Psychological Thriller
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

From the national bestselling author of Breaking Wild, here is a riveting and powerful thriller about a woman whose greatest threat could be the man she loves.…
Marian Engström has found her true calling: working with rescue dogs to help protect endangered wildlife. Her first assignment takes her to northern Alberta, where she falls in love with her mentor, the daring and brilliant Tate. When they’re separated on another assignment, she’s shattered to learn of his tragic death. Before long, Marian discovers disturbing inconsistencies about Tate’s life, and begins to wonder if the man she loved could have been responsible for the unsolved murders of at least four women.
Hoping to clear Tate’s name, Marian reaches out to a retired forensic profiler who’s haunted by the open cases. But as Marian relives her relationship with Tate and circles ever closer to the truth, evil stalks her every move.…

Review:
Marian Engström is a gentle sort of person who loves animals. She drifted from job to job until she found a job working with rescue dogs in an endangered wildlife research program. The dogs are specially trained and assigned to trained handlers. Marian was lucky to get accepted to the program and slowly gets to advance with the training skills. She meets Tate who becomes her training and mentor. Marian is surprised by Tate’s interest but craves his gentle, caring attention. Romantic entanglement is not permitted in the project teams but they secretly become involved. One of the other workers warns Marian that a relationship with another handler would probably not survive their separation to different jobs around the world.

After being assigned separate projects, Marian is devastated to learn of Tate’s death by a bear attack. She becomes more confused and distraught when a visit with Tate’s sister reveals that Tate lied to her about his life history.

Tate once told her that he found a female victim of a serial murderer who was never caught. Tate described the body with particular detail which Marian realizes shouldn’t be possible if the woman wasn’t found for months. Marian calls the investigating forensic profiler, Nick, trying to assure herself that she hadn’t fallen in love with a monster.

Nick is retired and dealing with his own health issues. But he agrees to talk to Marian and review the information she has. Bit by bit a picture of Tate develops that leaves Nick scared for Marian’s safety just as he himself is preparing for specialist treatment for life threatening cancer.

This story builds through an interesting series of present events, then switch back profiles and memories. Marian dialogs her history, her first encounter and subsequent romantic development with Tate. Interspersed with Marian’s accounts are Nick’s developed profiles of each of the murder victims, describing the facts that led him to believe how they were approached and the events of each of their murders. The book starts with a prologue description of the first victim. This pulled me in. Chapter 1 jumps to present day situation with Marian concerned about the doubts she was having about Tate. Chapter 2 moves back seven months. This pattern continues throughout the book.

There was still a slowness to the story, perhaps due to this pattern of changing entries, but this was balanced with the intriguing plot that was developed by the author. There wasn’t really strong suspense until late in the story. I think this is a solid physiological thriller.

Source: 2018 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019NetGalley and 2019Alphabet Goals.