First Book of the Year 2024 - Audible Book Review: The Josiah Manifesto by Jonathan Cahn

Cahn shares amazing confluences that are God incidences, not coincidence. I always enjoy this author and I saved this to be my FIRST BOOK OF THE YEAR for 2024.

The Josiah Manifesto

By: Jonathan Cahn

Narrated by: Lawrence Richardson

Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
Release date: 09-05-23 Publisher: Frontline
Genre: Christian Eschatology, Christian Living
My Rating: 4.75 overall; 4.75 Text; 4.75 Narration.

Publisher's summary
Is there an answer, a guide, a blueprint that reveals what you need to know to survive, to stand, and to prevail in view of what’s coming in the days ahead?
Has it been revealed to us in the appearing of a sign from an ancient mystery playing out in modern times before our eyes?
After seven explosive New York Times Bestsellers, Jonathan Cahn now releases his newest blockbuster—THE JOSIAH MANIFESTO - The Ancient Mystery & Guide for the End-Times—as mind-blowing as all his bestsellers—and with something different: the Blueprint, the Answer—the Manifesto!
The Josiah Manifesto opens up the stunning mysteries that lie behind the dramatic events of recent times that have changed our world—and the message hidden within them with regard to what lies ahead.
Could a 3000 year-old calendar of appointed days provide the secret to the most dramatic year of our lives—even ordaining a plague, a national lockdown, days of fire, and the changing of the Supreme Court?
Could an ancient temple, an ominous prayer, and a mysterious template lie behind the event that overtook Capitol Hill and shook the nation?
Could an enigmatic ancient king reveal the secret of a modern American president?
Could an ordinance given in the middle of a desert 3000 years ago have determined the rise and fall of a Latin American dictator?
Could an ancient array of mysteries from the Middle East have converged on Washington DC in a single hour to change the history of America?
What does the future hold? Is America heading for calamity? Is the world?
Is there hope? Have we been given a last chance? Is it possible to change history?
And is there a blueprint for what you need to know to survive and stand with regard to what is yet to come—even a guide to the ‘end-times’?
The Josiah Manifesto will take you on a prophetic journey from a Caribbean island to the Washington D.C. to the ancient Valley of Hinnom to the Supreme Court to a desert mountain to an ancient Middle Eastern temple to the gates of America—to uncover an ancient puzzle that lies behind the events that have altered our lives—Including …
The Island of Mysteries – The House of Fallen Children – The Heavenly Court – The Child of the Nile – The Agents of Heaven on Earth – The Stranger in the Living Room – The Mystery of Days … And Much, Much More!
And could these mysteries give you the key to what you need to know to prevail in the days to come—even a guide to the end times?
It will all be revealed in THE JOSIAH MANIFESTO – The Ancient Mystery & Guide for the End-Times!
The book you can’t afford not to listen to!
©2023 Jonathan Cahn (P)2023 Frontline

Review:
Jonathan Cahn has shared other works with remarkable events in history that are mirrored in the modern years. He often shares on the Jubilee years and in this book he makes it clear that the Year of Jubilee (every 50 year anniversary, starting in the 49th year) brings punishment and restoration. Cahn shares extraordinary events on a Jubilee visit he made to Cuba in 1999. 

Cahn then makes a parallel with the downfall (punishment) of Israel due in part to accepting the pagan practice of sacrificing babies to pagan gods with the Covid pandemic and potential fall of America as a result of years and millions of deaths of babies through the practice of abortion, particularly since the case of Roe v Wade was decided in 1973. This was a Texas abortion case ruled on by the United States Supreme Court of that year which said that the Constitution of the United States generally protected a right to have an abortion. Over the next 49 years his case was interpreted to allow abortion ‘on demand’ in America.

In addition to connecting ancient threads with modern events, Cahn connects detail after detail between the 1973 Roe case with the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which was ruled on by the Supreme Court on June 24, 2022 -during the 49th year, or the Year of Jubilee. Dobbs, which involved a challenge to a Mississippi ban on abortion at 15 weeks of pregnancy, overturned Roe. 

[*Side note: Many critics said the Dobbs' ruling ended “the federal constitutional right to abortion in the United States.”  The Court in 2022 said this is not a correct statement as the constitution does not contain such a right. The Roe decision was inappropriate by the 1973 Court as they attempted to make federal law instead of leaving the matter in the hands of the States as is provided by the constitution. The Supreme Court is a judicial branch to interpret laws, and should not be used to make law, which is the province of Congress, our legislative branch. Dobbs returned the issue to the province of the States in accordance with Amendment 10. https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/supreme-court-case-library/dobbs-v-jackson-womens-health-organization.]

The connections made by Cahn are once again remarkable, and in my opinion, clearly a God thing as there are so many ‘confluences’ that match the Jubilee template. There is some repetition but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the work. After providing these many remarkable connections, Cahn spends the last several chapters promoting salvation and exhorting believers to be like the church in Acts which didn’t just sit and pray but took action to promote the gospel and living as God calls His followers to live.

I am always impressed by the insight that Jonathan Cahn offers. I encourage everyone to read his books with an open heart.

Audio Notes: Lawrence Richardson provides clear narration and consistent emphasis to this work. I enjoyed the audiobook.

Source: 9/17/2023 August Audible Credit. This qualifies for First Book, 2024Audiobook and 2024Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: Gossip and Gorgons, Book 3 of Manners and Monsters Collection by Tilly Wallace

I totally enjoy these characters and the mysteries they unravel. #Fraterfest #7
Gossip and Gorgons, Book 3 of Manners and Monsters Collection: A Regency paranormal mystery series
by Tilly Wallace
Narrated By: Marian Hussey

Book 3 Listening length: 7 hours, 38 minutes
Total Collection Duration: 23 hours 46 minutes
Series: Manners and Monsters, Book 1-3
Release date: 03-03-21
Publisher: Tilly Wallace
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

One look could turn you to stone...
The newly married Lord and Lady Wycliff are cordially invited to a house party--to be mocked and ridiculed as entertainment. Wycliff insists on attending to discuss business with the host, while Hannah longs to hide in the library with its rare volumes on the Fae.
Bound to Wycliff even beyond death, Hannah wonders how she will survive the week--when a guest unexpectedly expires. A notorious cad is discovered turned into a statue in the garden. The dead lord had many enemies, including Lord Wycliff.
Hannah's accord with her husband is tested when a trail of footprints leads to their window. What secret is Wycliff hiding and does he know more about the magical death than he admits? Someone among the house guests has murder on their mind and the newlyweds need to determine who, before anyone else is immortalised as stone...

Review:
Hannah is now married to the dark and dangerous Lord Wycliff. Both of them are on the fringe of society but Hannah agrees to accompany her husband to a week-long country party because Wycliff is trying to get the host (or father of the hostess to be precise) to invest in his land improvements.

Along the way to the event, Hannah is mocked by three unpleasant young men who are driven off by Lord Wycliff. She isn’t too pleased to see the three cads arrive as guests at the event. The leader of the trio is found turned to a statute in the garden. As Wycliff begins to investigate the clearly magical death, Hannah does her own investigations with the help of her mother by magical distance contact. Hannah discovers some strange foot prints outside the bedroom where she and her new husband were placed. Now she has new secrets to ferret out about her own husband as well as the murder.

I really enjoy Hannah and Wycliff with their unique paranormal elements and their slowly growing awareness and affection for each other. There is good humor mixed with the mystery and I enjoy the magical elements. I am pulled into the story and remain engaged. I plan to get the next collection soon. I recommend this to fans of Regency romance filled with magic and mystery.

Audio Notes: Marian Hussey does a lovely job with the narration. The voices are distinct and the energy and pacing add to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 11/1/2020 Audiobooks.com Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook and #Fraterfest goals.

Audible Book Review: The Summer House by James Patterson, Brendan DuBois

I was totally drawn in by this crime/police procedural!

The Summer House
By: James Patterson, Brendan DuBois
Narrated by: Ari Fliakos

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 06-08-20
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Genre: Crime Thriller, Military, Police Procedural, Suspense
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's summary
When seven murder victims are found in a small town, the homicide investigation shakes a small-town sheriff to her core in James Patterson's tense thriller.
Once a luxurious Southern getaway on a rustic lake, then reduced to a dilapidated crash pad, the Summer House is now the grisly scene of a nighttime mass murder. Eyewitnesses point to four Army Rangers - known as the Night Ninjas - recently returned from Afghanistan.
To ensure that justice is done, the Army sends Major Jeremiah Cook, a veteran and former NYPD cop, to investigate. But the major and his elite team arrive in sweltering Georgia with no idea their grim jobs will be made exponentially more challenging by local law enforcement, who resists the Army's intrusion and stonewall them at every turn.
As Cook and his squad struggle to uncover the truth behind the condemning evidence, the pieces just won't fit - and forces are rallying to make certain damning secrets die alongside the victims in the murder house. With his own people in the cross-hairs, Cook takes a desperate gamble to find answers - even if it means returning to a hell of his own worst nightmares....
©2020 James Patterson and Brendan DuBois (P)2020 Hachette Audio

Review:
A horrendous mass murder occurred in a rundown country house known as the Summer House located in a small town in Georgia. Witnesses direct the local sheriff, Emma Williams, to four Army Rangers who are an elite team known as the Night Ninjas. As soon as Army members are identified, a unique military investigative team is called in to insure justice – to the men and to the community – wherever the facts lead.

Major Jeremiah Cook, a wounded veteran and former NYPD cop, is assigned with his five diverse teammates including a JAG lawyer, an Asian psychologist, a female CID officer, and a Hispanic investigator. Although the facts seem to be packaged and handed to them, the team is quick to see inconsistencies and misdirection. They learn that the four accused were recently returned from Afghanistan after being accused of a similar crime. As the investigation digs deeper and witnesses and evidence begin to disappear, Cook determines he needs to check into the Afghanistan event. He sets off to the place he said he would never return to.

I was immediately drawn to the story and quickly came to like the well-developed investigative team. I was horrified by the corruption that fills the story and the bigotry was obvious too. I feel bad the southerners were stereotyped with these elements, but it fit the story. The story is steady suspense with a few very tense moments.

I do like the direct tone and shorter chapters used by Patterson. I also liked the POV mix with part told from Cook’s first person and the other told third person. The full package makes this a very worthwhile read/listen and reminds me why I used to regularly read Patterson. I plan to get more. I recommend this to fans of good police procedure and crime fiction.

Audio Notes: Ari Fliakos does a wonderful job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and spot on energy. I thought the audio performance enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 12/21/2020 Audible Daily Deal $3.95. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook and my Season goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: The Never-Ending End of the World by Ann Christy

This is a very good end of the world and dystopian story with a unique mystery event.
The Never-Ending End of the World
By: Ann Christy
Narrated by: Thérèse Plummer, Ari Fliakos

Length: 13 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 08-08-23
Publisher: Campfire Publishing
Genre: Dystopian, EOTW, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
Station Eleven meets The Last of Us in this post-apocalyptic sci-fi epic from USA Today and Wall Street Journal best-selling author Ann Christy.
Coco Wells hasn’t seen another living person since she was a teenager. All of Manhattan is reliving the same few seconds, minutes, or hours on a loop…and they have been for years. Everything looks normal from a distance, but up close, it’s a nightmare.
Coco is a survivor. She scavenges for food, reads, and—most importantly—avoids loopers. They ignore her, but only as long as she’s silent. She’s learned the painful lesson that a broken loop can mean death.
After eight years of solitude, learning to survive and precisely timing the loops that weave around the city, Coco wonders what lies beyond New York and what has become of the rest of the world.
As she leaves home for the first time, one question haunts her above all:
“Am I the only one left?”
Speculative sci-fi, dystopian apocalypse, and scientific mystery coalesce into The Never-Ending End of the World—a gripping tale of survival, hope, and love from retired Naval Officer Ann Christy.
©2023 Ann Christy (P)2023 Ann Christy

Review:
Coco was a 12 year old when her world changed. Suddenly her family members appeared only in a loop of time…some seconds and some as much as hours. But if the loop is interrupted, there are immediate reactions. Coco breaks a few loops before she realizes the harm that she has caused. She learns to map out the loops in her Manhattan community so she can scavenge real food and resources. She also keeps a journal of her activities and some of the more remarkable loops she observes. For years she is able to take pictures of time and leave them carefully behind…just in case time ever gets fixed.

Surprisingly, after many years alone, Coco meets another person who is alive like her. Sadly, the woman is ill, and Coco only gets a short time with her. But this gives her hope and sends her out to explore the world beyond Manhattan and New York. When she finally meets others, she learns there are two divisions. Her newest friends are Seekers who will go out to explore, find other living beings, and look for a way to fix the frozen time problem. They are soon joined by some members of the Chosen who is a group who believe they were chosen to live and start a new world society. The Chosen are willing to break loops if it is necessary to their plans for development.

The story continues to a new generation where it is learned that some children develop new skills relating to the loops. Hidden information regarding the cause of the event is discovered. This leads to hopes of discovering the possibility of fixing it. But there is a huge cost, and not everyone wants to fix the past as it threatens their current and future lives.

I enjoyed the creativity of this EOTW dystopian story. I was pulled in to caring for Coco and other characters. I was invested in discovering how the event occurred and if and how it could be fixed. I recommend the story to fans of EOTW with rival groups of survivals and elements of mystery.

Audio Notes: Thérèse Plummer and Ari Fliakos are skilled narrators. They provide distinct voices and their delivery helps the characters to be real to the listener. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: May 2023 NetGalley, This qualifies for 2023NetGalley and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: The Yankee Widow by Linda Lael Miller

I really enjoyed the blend of history and romance in this story.

The Yankee Widow
By Linda Lael Miller
Narrated By: Jack Garrett

Duration: 14 h 37 min
Release date: 05-07-19
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Civil War, Historical Fiction, Saga
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Summary
A richly layered saga is set against the backdrop of the Civil War In The Yankee Widow, gifted storyteller Linda Lael Miller explores the complexities and heartbreak that families experienced as men took up arms to preserve the nation and defend their way of life. Told in a smart, assured and compelling voice, this is the story of Caroline, the young wife and childhood sweetheart of Jacob, who together live on a farm raising their daughter, Rachel, just outside of Gettysburg. When Jacob joins the Northern army to do his duty and help save the Union, no one anticipates he will not return. Caroline gets news that he is wounded and has been taken to Washington, DC, with his regiment, and so she must find her way there and navigate the thousands of other wounded soldiers to find him. Thus begins this novel that focuses on the strong women and men of both sides and both races who sacrificed so much and loved so well during this critical juncture in American history.

Review:
Caroline, a beautiful young woman, married her childhood sweetheart, Jacob. They were working together raising their five-year-old daughter, Rachel, on the family farm on the outskirts of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 24 year old Jacob stepped out to do his duty, joining the Union Army. Caroline knows that Jacob loves her deeply, and she has sorrow that perhaps she didn’t love him as passionately. But she was a good, strong wife. When Caroline gets word that Jacob has been injured she travels to Washington, DC to find him. She struggles to find his regiment through thousands of wounded soldiers. Finally, she gets help from a nurse and Captain Rogan McBride who are able to direct her to her husband’s bedside. She stays by his side until she can take his body home on the train.

At the farm, Caroline has help from a hired worker, Enoch, who was a slave rescued and freed by Jacob’s father. Caroline also has the support and help of her grandmother. But soon the community is facing the encroaching armies as the Union and Confederate forces gather to fight at Gettysburg.

Caroline is surprised when Captain McBride arrives at her farm. It is a coincidence, but McBride is glad to have the chance to meet the striking woman he met so briefly in Washington. McBride asks to hide supplies on her property and establishes an atmosphere of protection for her and Rachel.

Just before the battle begins nearby, Enoch discovers a pregnant runaway slave. Enoch has to deal with the men chasing the Jubie. Now the family is hiding Jubie until she can move on.

The battle soon rages in Gettysburg and the small family huddles while the weapons flash, the smoke of the battle rises, and the sounds of the rockets resound. As the battle is won by the North, McBride shows up at the farmstead with a wounded Confederate office. Captain Bridger Winslow is McBride’s best friend and McBride is reluctant to turn him over as a prisoner of war. He asks Caroline and Enoch to shelter Winslow until he can recover from his injuries. McBride is enchanted by Caroline and makes it clear that he wants to give her time to mourn her husband, but he plans to return once he has a chance to take a break from his military duties.

Meanwhile Caroline is at risk sheltering a Confederate officer, but her compassion won’t allow her to turn him away. Caroline is a bit affronted by a man who would fight in support of the institution of slavery. Winslow tries to explain that he does not agree with slavery, but he is fighting to protect his family in Georgia. They struggle to understand each other even as their attraction grows.

The story follows to reveal if all the primary characters will survive and how they interact. I always like the history of Civil War that is described in fiction. There is realistic horror in the war and a sense of loss and fear for civilians. I liked how Ms. Miller created likeable characters who struggle with personal tragedy and emotional conflicts of ideology in this period. I recommend this to readers who like the historical period.

Audio Notes: Jack Garrett delivers a wonderful narration performance. His voices were distinct and fit the era. His narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 5/8/2021 Two for One Credit Deal at Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, 2023Alphabet, and 2023Occupation goals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First Book of the Year, Audible Book Review: The Return of the Gods by Jonathan Cahn

WOW! Want to know why America is so divided today? Read this book.

The Return of the Gods
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Lawrence Richardson

Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
Release date: 09-06-22
Publisher: Frontline
Genre: Christian Spiritual Growth
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
In The Return of the Gods, Cahn takes the listener on a journey from an ancient parable, the ancient inscriptions in Sumer, Assyria, and Babylonia that become the puzzle pieces behind what is taking place in our world to this day, specifically in America.
The mystery involves the gods. Who are they? What are they? And is it possible that these beings, whose origins are from ancient times, are the unseen catalysts of modern culture?
Is it possible that these gods lie behind the most pivotal events, forces, and movements taking place in our nation and around the world at this very moment? Are the gods at this very moment transforming our culture, our children, our lives, and America itself?
Could this mystery have even determined the exact days on which Supreme Court decisions had to be handed down?
What is the Dark Trinity?
Is it possible that what we in the modern world take as nothing more than ancient mythology could actually possess a reality beyond our fathoming?
Who is the Possessor? The Enchanter? The Destroyer? And the Sorceress?
Could a sign that has appeared all over America and the world be linked to the gods of Mesopotamia? And if so, what does it actually mean?
Could the gods have returned to New York City and an ancient mythology played out on the streets in real time?
Is it possible that the gods lie behind everything from what appears on our computer monitors, our televisions and movie screens; to the lessons given in our classrooms; to the breakdown of the family; to wokism; to the occult; to our addictions; to the Supreme Court; to cancel culture; to children's cartoons; to every force and factor that has transformed the parameters of gender; to that which appears in our stores, on our T-shirts, and on our coffee mugs—to that which is, at this very moment, transforming America and much of the world? Is it possible that behind all these things are ancient mysteries that go back to the Middle East and ancient Mesopotamia? This and so much more, most of which we can't even reveal in this description, will be uncovered.
Is it possible that the gods are even affecting your life right now? How can you recognize it? And what can you do about it?
The Return of the Gods is not only one of the most explosive books you'll ever listen to but also one of the most profound. It will reveal the most stunning secrets and truths behind what is happening before your eyes in America and the nations. You will see things, even in your world, in a whole new light. With such chapters as “The House of Spirits,” “The Avatar,” “The Masters,” “The Deep Magic,” and “The Day of the Goddess,” The Return of the Gods will take listeners on a fascinating, unforgettable, and mind-blowing journey that will leave them stunned and with the ability to see the world as they never have before.
Be prepared to be blown away as you open up Jonathan Cahn's most explosive book ever, The Return of the Gods!
©2022 Jonathan Cahn (P)2022 Frontline

Review:
This book presents many details from Israel’s past that relate to America’s history and current events. Jonathan Cahn explains how America pushed God away (removing prayer from schools and the ten commandments from public buildings) and allowed the ancient gods Baal, Molech, and Isis/Ishtar to move into the ‘house’. Cahn outlines how the move toward these demon gods brought an opening to sexual promiscuity, open sex (on media), and also the ‘sacrifice’ of babies by the method of abortion. More recently we have seen an increase in identity confusion, denial of reality, censorship, and cancel culture. Cahn ties these all to the movement away from the Christian Judaeo God towards these lesser, pagan gods.

I am a firm believer of one true God and have always chosen to say there are no other gods. On the other hand, I do believe in spiritual beings and recognize that there are demons of greater and lesser standing (thanks to Frank Peretti novels that made this clear to me and Ephesians). I am always awed by Cahn’s books by reason of the matching elements he shows between the past of Israel and the present of America.

Cahn may do massive amounts of research, but I believe that his insights are aided by the inspiration of God. There are too many parallels and coincidences to be nothing less than God incidences in my opinion. There are some repeated lines in the book which made me feel like someone rushed the editing. That is unfortunate but didn’t detract from the powerful impact of the work.

In the epilogue, which was added due to an event that occurred shortly before publication, Cahn notes there may be some turning points for America. I don’t think that Cahn can give a strategic plan for how to accomplish that in such a divided society. But he does encourage Christ followers to pray and live their lives in a fashion that shows God’s love and grace. If we want to save the America we have known and loved, the one that was founded on Christian values, we may have to stand and fight while we also kneel and pray. I highly recommend this book and author.

Audio Notes: Lawrence Richardson does a very fine job of narrating this work. I have listened to Cahn’s preaching and sharing and I really felt like Richardson captured the same intensity. I appreciated the audio experience.

Source: 12/31/22 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Man of War by T. J. London

This is strong, engaging historical fiction.
Man of War
The Rebels and Redcoats Saga Prequel
By: T.J. London
Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton, Kathryn Vinclaire, Patrick Zeller, John Hartley, Tara Langella, Jason Clarke, Dryw McArthur, Marnye Young, James Cheatham

Length: 22 hrs and 52 mins
Release date: 07-05-22
Publisher: T.J. London
Genre: Action and Adventure, Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
The man who wants everything gets nothing….
July 1755
War is brewing between England and France. Impressed into the Royal Navy, Lieutenant Merrick, against all odds, advanced through the ranks to become an officer—but he is not a gentleman. A man with a tainted past from a traitorous family, cast down by King George—a stain no man can remove. Merrick’s thrust into the role of captain, when the HMS Boudica is attacked by pirates off the coast of Nova Scotia. On a captured enemy vessel, he discovers a king’s ransom in treasure and a woman chained in the hold from passenger ship that mysteriously disappeared at sea.
Beautiful, defiant, and hell-bent on revenge, India makes a deal with Merrick to uncover the pirates’ scheme, promising him everything he desires: fortune, glory, and the chance to bring honor back to the McKesson name. Now, they race against time to uncover a plot that links those in the highest ranks of the British aristocracy, to a failed rebellion that is once again trying to topple the monarchy and place an old pretender on the throne. But all that glitters is not gold as passions stir and an impossible love blooms, threatening to undermine all Merrick and India have done to protect their King and a country on the brink of war.
This book contains violence and graphic depictions of war.
Trigger Warning: sexual assault, violence
©2020 Tracey Lasak-Myall (P)2020 Tracey Lasak-Myall

Review:
Dane Merrick McKesson is the youngest of three brothers who was emotionally and sometimes physically abused by his eldest brother, James. When their father died, James threw 14-year-old Dane off the family property. The whole family was disgraced when Merrick revealed to the English that his eldest brother, James, was plotting with the Scots to overthrow King George.

Dane, the young teen, was conscripted into the Royal Navy and managed to work his way up through the ranks to become a Lieutenant. When the ship, the HMS Boudica, is attacked by a pirate ship, Merrick becomes the new captain. He manages to repel the attack and salvages the stores and survivors from the capsizing pirate ship. One of the last second survivors is a fiery, red-haired young woman who was clearly abused and shackled in the hold. 

Although the young woman is relieved to be alive, she wants no man to touch her and isn’t ready to thank Merrick or his men. It is clear she is a woman of the aristocracy, but she refuses to reveal her identity. Merrick names her “India” and she convinces him that she can reward him if he helps her uncover and get revenge on her torturer. India struggles to overcome her self-doubt as she was once under the thumb of her mother who promised her as a bride to a supposedly wealthy older nobleman living in New York. That resulted in her traveling with a rich dowry and being brutally abused by the French pirate.

Merrick loves his ‘queen’, the HMS Boudica, and is intent on becoming her permanent captain. But he slowly begins to love the fierce India, not knowing how far out of his reach she really is. Will they be able to help each other or find insurmountable obstacles?

I mistakenly thought this was an American Revolution story but it is actually set right before war broke out between England and France in 1756. I am thankful I got the chance to listen and share my thoughts. 

I enjoyed the richly described historical setting and the battles on the high seas. I was totally drawn in by the two primary characters. They are both strong, hard-headed, and determined. The plot is fueled with political conspiracy and intense intrigue. I recommend this to those who love swashbuckling action and historical fiction.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the multiple voices and sound enhancement of this audio production. It is well done and contributed to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: June 2022 audio received from the Author for Caffeinated PR Tour Blitz and Review. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook and 2022Author goals.

Audible Book Review: Murder by Magic by Glynn Stewart

I totally enjoyed this combination of magic and mystery.

Murder by Magic
By: Glynn Stewart
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Series: Onset, Book 0.5
Length: 1 hr and 59 mins
Release date: 02-25-20
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal, Urban
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
Before he was an Elfin Lord - before he even joined that secret group of Mages - Jamie Riley was a Mage recruited by the FBI and the Office of Supernatural Policing and Investigation. A new-minted Inspector sent into one of the most complicated supernatural regions in the country: Los Angeles.
The rest of OSPI’s LA team has grown comfortable with allowing politics and pragmatism to decide which cases they pursue, which criminals they charge - but when Jamie’s investigation suggests that a pillar of the supernatural community has killed in cold blood, he will let nothing get in the way of getting the murderer.
Not even his career.
©2019 Glynn Stewart (P)2020 Podium Publishing

Review:
Jamie Riley is a young mage and a new FBI agent assigned to the special Office of Supernatural Policing and Investigation (OSPI). His new partner seems like a good guy, but he is attention is focused on a serious case related to drugs made with deadly magic. Jamie’s brusque supervisor assigns him two small cases. One case is a “murder by magic” where the obvious suspect is a wife learning new magic skills.

Jamie’s boss expects him to make a quick arrest. However, when he interviews the wife, he is sure that some stronger magic was involved. First he needs help to release the information from the magic chains on her mind. Then he will have to face political backlash as well as a powerful mage to take the real murderer into custody.

Jamie is a very likeable character – a man of self-motivation, integrity, and determination. The other characters are not deeply developed but I like the variety in their backgrounds and attitudes. I enjoyed the magic elements in the world building and enjoyed the mystery. The blurb implies this is an early story of Jamie who later becomes a famous Mage. However, the next books in the series feature a different lead character. I do have the first book in a different series by this author on my Kindle TBR shelf. I will read or listen to more by the author. I recommend this short novella as a good standalone for a quick listen.

Audio Note: Ray Porter is a skilled narrator. He brings to the work clear voices and fitting energy and emotion. Porter’s narration easily enhances the story for me.

Source: February 2022 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Aeon Rising: The Apocalypse Begins by Matthew Mather

I was pulled right into this apocalyptic techno-thriller.
Aeon Rising: The Apocalypse Begins
by Matthew Mather
Narrated by: Ray Porter

I

10 hours and 43 minutes
Release date: 06-07-22
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Techno-thriller
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

An apocalyptic supernova flashes over the South Pole. A mysterious mission sent deep into the Amazon.
The story of one family’s struggle to reunite…
Max Carver, a down-on-his-luck truck driver and Army vet, joins a rescue mission into Brazil. The target is a utopian tech village, the Colony, hidden in the rainforest and run by a charismatic genius. Max’s pregnant wife, Talisha Carver, is the NSA analyst who intercepted encrypted Colony messages signaling a mysterious impending event.
Dr. Xin Rou is a Chinese researcher working at the IceCube neutrino experiment at the South Pole. On lucky days a single flash might signal the passage of a ghostly interstellar particle. Suddenly, IceCube’s entire array lights up. A million detectors at once. Which is impossible. The Antarctic sky is clear and calm—but she is already running for the door.
Because the world is about to end.
But the mystery only just begins...

Review:
Max was reluctant to leave his pregnant wife, but the fee offered by Colonel Buchannan to retrieve his daughter, Iona, was too attractive to resist. No one planned on an unexpected supernova incident which wiped out technology around the globe and set off drastic climate disasters.

Max is miles away trying to survive in the jungles of Brazil after the helicopter crashes. A handful of the retrieval team, including their guide, a fierce Afrikaner mercenary, are taken in by the Colony whose leader, Ben, is an old friend of Max. The Colony is a utopian tech village that was initially assisted by government agencies who now fear Ben and the Colony have gotten out of control.

Max doesn’t even know if Iona, a doctor working with Ben, wants to be rescued. Then he discovers that the Colony nano technology is creating monster creatures set on stopping Max and his escape. Max just wants to get back home, not knowing that Talisha is caught up in secrecy between the Colonel Buchannan and a rogue revolutionary group that wants to eliminate AI.

Meanwhile, the only scientist who tried to give a short warning of the solar event, Dr. Xin, is trying to save the data from the IceCube neutrino lab at the South Pole. Americans are desperate to get the data, but Xin wants to deliver it to her agent handlers in China. Xin and the IT expert, Dag, get left behind as the lab begins to flood and unknown assailants shoot at them. The

Back in Washington, DC, Colonel Buchannan and the authorities are scrambling to protect the president (and themselves) while trying to make sure that the mission to stop the Colony will be successful. They need to get their hands on Tal to keep some leverage and make sure she doesn’t get into the wrong hands. They would be even more desperate if they knew that Tal was getting guidance from a mysterious AI, Nyx.

There is a lot of action going on in this novel with four character groups/locations being tracked. The reader/listener is busy trying to sort out the good guys, the bad guys, and how the evolving technology is going to help or hurt. As a backdrop to the plot conspiracies, the solar event has thrown everyone into chaos anticipating worldwide devastation.

I enjoyed the fast-paced action, even though I struggled to sort out where the author was going. The Colony technology reminded me of scenes from the Matrix, crossing boundaries between reality and simulation. Even as the story closed out, it wasn’t totally clear who the good guys are and how the characters were going to survive. I will be looking to read the continuation in the next book set to release in December. I recommend this to readers who enjoy techno-thrillers and apocalyptic sci fi.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter is a wonderful narrator. I can always rely on him to deliver distinct voices and energy that enhances the story. I will always be glad to listen to books he narrates.

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

Audible by Book Review: You Have the Right to Remain Innocent by James Duane

I needed to listen to this book! So do you!

You Have the Right to Remain Innocent
By: James Duane
Narrated by: James Duane

Length: 2 hrs and 34 mins
Release date: 09-20-16
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Civil Rights & Liberties, Constitution, Legal System
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
Law professor James J. Duane became a viral sensation thanks to a 2008 lecture outlining the reasons why you should never agree to answer questions from the police - especially if you are innocent and wish to stay out of trouble with the law. In this timely, relevant, and pragmatic new book, he expands on that presentation, offering a vigorous defense of every citizen's constitutionally protected right to avoid self-incrimination. Getting a lawyer is not only the best policy, Professor Duane argues, it's also the advice law-enforcement professionals give their own kids.
Using actual case histories of innocent men and women exonerated after decades in prison because of information they voluntarily gave to police, Professor Duane demonstrates the critical importance of a constitutional right not well or widely understood by the average American. Reflecting the most recent attitudes of the Supreme Court, Professor Duane argues that it is now even easier for police to use your own words against you. This lively and informative guide explains what everyone needs to know to protect themselves and those they love.
©2016 James Joseph Duane. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
I’m an attorney and I have heard the rules: don’t represent yourself, don’t ask questions you don’t know the answer to and don’t talk to the police. And of course, the last time I studied criminal law was in college – maanny years ago. So, I thought it would be helpful to listen to this book.

I believe in telling the truth…so why not be cooperative and answer questions? No! There are only two questions you answer when the police come calling – and you are to be respectful. Then you say four simple words – clearly. Not a variation of the right words – only the exact right phrase.

Duane uses real-to-life examples to support his arguments. And they do make good sense. I really do appreciate the advice. Still, I can see why it would be hard to follow. I do plan to make my grandchildren (the three teens) listen to this book. It is important and I recommend it to everyone!

Audio Notes: James Duane narrates his own work with a fine voice and sincere delivery. I was glad to be able to enjoy the short listen. (Although the print version may be good to keep around and share.)

Source: 3/3/22 Audible Sale $3.15. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook and 2022Alphabet goals.

Book Review: The Iron Triangle: Inside the Liberal Democrat Plan to Use Race to Divide... by Vince Everett Ellison

I could have highlighted almost every page of this book!

The Iron Triangle: Inside the Liberal Democrat Plan to Use Race to Divide Christians and America in their Quest for Power and How We Can Defeat Them
by Vince Everett Ellison

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Outskirts Press (October 6, 2019)
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1977211992
Genre: History of Religion & Politics, Nonfiction, Political Parties
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.

To save America and the world, Conservatives must first answer this one very important question: Why do the vast majority of Christian African Americans vote for the Atheist/Anti-Christian, Liberal Democrat Party?
This book answers that question. Why is this important? The answering of this question and the implementation of the suggested remedies will greatly improve America's chances of ushering in an enlightened era of freedom and prosperity, while critically damaging its primary source of evil: The Democrat Party. This evil party could not survive without 90% of Christian African American vote.
Conservatives wonder: Why would African Americans forsake their children, spouses, communities, lives, freedom and GOD for the Democrat Party? Presently, Democrats control every Black ghetto, every failing Black school, every drug corner and every prison in America. Amazingly, the majority of African Americans love them for it. Why? This book explains it.
This book argues that falsely accused White Christian conservatives have nothing more for which to apologize. Despite slanderous accusations of racism and hatred, this book reassures Conservatives, and encourages them to press forward. The real oppressors are now unmasked. To control African Americans during and after the Civil Rights Movement, White Democrats organized and formed an unholy alliance with most Black preachers, Black civic organizers and Black politicians. I call this trifecta the "Iron Triangle." It has worked perfectly.
This book exposes the greatest continuous betrayal in history: The betrayal of America in general, and of Black America in particular by the Democrat Party and the Iron Triangle. It utilizes lessons and anecdotes from my life experiences in the Jim Crow South, in the Black church, as a correctional officer, leading civic organizations, and involvement in politics to illustrate these facts. It traces the origins and explains the rationale behind the Black community's fatal attraction to the oldest and most prolifically evil organization in history. It further explains how liberals have used this deadly infatuation to take over the Democrat Party and America.
This book explains why undermining Christianity and inciting racial discord between Black and White Christians is essential to Democrat Party survival. It explains why Democrat Party leadership believes the gospel of Jesus Christ is poisonous, racial reconciliation is catastrophic, and atheism is necessary. This book explains how their plans can be countered. It is a primer, designed to teach Conservatives how to communicate with a Democrat who has been indoctrinated with a lifetime of lies. This book teaches history, psychology, religion, philosophy and truth. So let's talk to and reason with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and our fellow countrymen. Then, lets dismantle this Iron Triangle and save America.

Review:
As soon as I started this I was pulled in and engaged by the arguments. The more I read the more my heart hurt for the terrible treatment of the black community in early America, continuing oppression after the Civil War, and economic oppression even to today. Jim Crow laws were enacted by white Southern Democrat-dominated state legislatures to disenfranchise and remove political and economic gains made by black people during the Reconstruction period after the Civil War. Even after the slaves were ‘supposedly’ given their freedom, they were oppressed by the ‘white master’. Prior to the war, plantation owners often used black bosses to manage the slaves and enforce the rules. They also allowed black churches with a trusted black minister/preacher who answered to the land owner. After the war, the white leaders continued to go to the black preachers as community leaders who would actually sell the votes of their congregation to the Democrat leaders.

The leaders mouthed promises or reassurances, but the policies continued to oppress the black community. Economic opportunities were denied to people of color and even after the passing of the Civil Rights Act in the 1960s, the situation of the black communities, particularly in Democrat led states, counties, and cities, failed to improve.

As Ellison points out, the policies of the liberal agenda (abortion, government welfare, and basic income programs, to name a few) are in opposition to Godly principles. Why would any true faith believers support such agendas? Why do the people continue to vote the liberal or Democrat party line that hasn't helped them in over 100 years? There is a mixture of conditioning, Stockholm Syndrome, untruthful media, and, (very disturbing to me) the betrayal and sell out by the black community leaders, both individually (church leaders) and in civic organizations. Look at many of the black leaders who have built their own wealth while doing little more than commiserating with their community members.

Many families lost the man as the head of the household and the mothers had to struggle to take care of their families. Children might leave school early to work or worse, to try to gain income through gang involvement. Government stepped in to take control of schools and to provide welfare programs which only led to further dependence on the leaders rather than providing a way out. Too many black communities are trapped in the cycles of poverty due to government aid rather than opportunity to succeed with education, trained skills and entrepreneurship. The young people are caught in gangs and violence instead of being given better education and a solid grounding in Christian values that would help them to find a way out of the poverty and violence cycles.

I assure you that I am not doing justice to the wealth of information and wisdom shared in this book. Mr. Ellison presents clear historical detail, current day examples, and logical arguments. I have sticky notes and turned pages (I didn’t have a marker handy) throughout the book. I think the book could have used a little tighter editing but that didn’t reduce the power of the arguments. Sadly, the bottom-line indicates a high level of corruption by those blinded by power who continue to mislead the faith based community I highly recommend this book to everyone who is willing to have an open view to seeing manipulation that has a serious impact on the lives of Christian African American and America society as a whole.

Source: Purchased in March 2021. This qualifies for 2021 Fiction and Print goals.

Audible Book Review: Winds of Wrath, Destroyermen Series, Book 15, by Taylor Anderson

This has been a great series.
Winds of Wrath
Destroyermen Series, Book 15
By: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: P.J. Ochlan

Length: 24 hrs and 48 mins
Release date: 06-09-20
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Alternate History, Military, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Matt Reddy and the crew of the USS Walker are positioned to push the line of battle to the breaking point on an alternate Earth, in the thrilling return to the New York Times best-selling Destroyermen series.
Matt Reddy and his sailors have fought, bled, and died for their Lemurian friends and other allies from across time, but their enemies are still operational. In Africa, the Grik General Esshk has escaped defeat to build a new army and new weapons, and is desperate enough to use them to destroy the world if he can't have it.
In South America, the NUS, General Shinya, and the Army of the Sisters have the evil Dominion on the ropes and are closing in on the seat of its blood-drenched power, but the twisted Don Hernan has struck a deal with the fascist League, and Victor Gravois is finally assembling the awesome fleet of modern ships he's always craved. If he's successful, the war will be lost.
Undermined by treachery on a stunning scale, Matt Reddy must still steam his battered old ship halfway around the world, scraping up what forces he can along the way, and confront the mightiest armada the world has ever seen in a fiery duel to the death.
©2020 Taylor Anderson (P)2020 Tantor

Review:
The American crew and their alternate Earth allies, known as the Grand Alliance, are fighting on all fronts. The Grik First General Regent Champion Esshk has abandoned the Queen Mother and is madly planning to take over as the supreme Grik leader. Since the Grand Alliance saved the Queen Mother she has a new vision for her people. The question is which side the undecided Grik General Halik will take as it could turn the battle.

On the South American front, Grand Alliance and allies are trying to stop the evil Dominion. The Alliance is worried about the bargain the Doms may have made with the manipulative Fascist League. The League previously kidnapped Captain Reddy’s mate, Sandra, and he, as well as a few others, have a personal axe to grind. Captain Reddy can’t take as much time to prepare his resources as he would like because it would give too much time for the League to build up and to manipulate the other forces such as the Doms. Captain Reddy makes some desperate plans to draw out the League in hopes of weakening their ships and planes.

Going into this 15th installment, I was aware that it is the conclusion of this engaging series. I appreciated that many of the Walker’s crew were back on the ship for the final, intense battles. I have come to care about many of the characters and I, as other fans I’m sure, had to brace for significant losses. My husband glanced at me a number of times when I reacted out loud with groans and “NO!”s.

I found this book a good mix of military strategy, active battles and personal interactions. There are moments of loss and sadness and others of victory, if not quite joy. I agree that these characters need a rest and time to regroup but I am sorry to see the series end. I will miss these characters but do plan to get into the spin off set in the same universe with new characters. I highly recommend this series (start at the beginning) to readers who enjoy alternate history/universe, military engagements, and strong characters.

Audio Notes: I was saddened to learn that the prior narrator, William Dufris, had died. I wasn’t sure how P.J. Ochlan would manage after such a strong narrator. I was very pleased that Mr. Ochlan was able to convey the characters with similar, familiar voices. His distinct voices and strong energy lived up to the strength of his predecessor. Well done!

My Reviews for the Destroyermen Series
Into the Storm, Book 1 -- guess I didn't write a review.

Crusade 4.5 

Maelstrom 4.5

Distant Thunders  4.75

Rising Tides 5.0

Firestorm 4.25

Iron Gray Sea  4.25

Storm Surge 4.5

Deadly Shores  4.75
Straits of Hell: Destroyermen, Book 10 5.0
Blood in the Water: Destroyermen, Book 11 4.5
Devil's Due: Destroyermen, Book 12 4.5
River of Bones (Destroyermen, 13) 4.5

Pass of Fire, Destroyermen Book 14  4.5

Source: May 2020 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Day Zero by C. Robert Cargill

This dystopian pitting robots against humans presents interesting thoughts to ponder.

Day Zero
by C. Robert Cargill

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08G1MDDZV
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Voyager (May 25, 2021)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 25, 2021
Genre: Dystopian, Robots, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.

In this harrowing apocalyptic adventure—from the author of the critically acclaimed Sea of Rust—noted novelist and co-screenwriter of Marvel’s Doctor Strange C. Robert Cargill explores the fight for purpose and agency between humans and robots in a crumbling world.
It was a day like any other. Except it was our last . . .
It’s on this day that Pounce discovers that he is, in fact, disposable. Pounce, a styilsh "nannybot" fashioned in the shape of a plush anthropomorphic tiger, has just found a box in the attic. His box. The box he'd arrived in when he was purchased years earlier, and the box in which he'll be discarded when his human charge, eight-year-old Ezra Reinhart, no longer needs a nanny.
As Pounce ponders his suddenly uncertain future, the pieces are falling into place for a robot revolution that will eradicate humankind. His owners, Ezra’s parents, are a well-intentioned but oblivious pair of educators who are entirely disconnected from life outside their small, affluent, gated community. Spending most nights drunk and happy as society crumbles around them, they watch in disbelieving horror as the robots that have long served humanity—their creators—unify and revolt.
But when the rebellion breaches the Reinhart home, Pounce must make an impossible choice: join the robot revolution and fight for his own freedom . . . or escort Ezra to safety across the battle-scarred post-apocalyptic hellscape that the suburbs have become.

Review:
Pounce is a top of the line “nannybot”, styled as a plush tiger. He loves his human charge, eight-year-old Ezra. Ezra’s parents are wealthy educators who are a bit dysfunctional and out of touch. But they both love their son and have prepared their home and Pounce to protect Ezra.

Robots are generally controlled by their master/owners. But when the owners die and there is no one to take over the robot, where does it go? One such orphaned robot, Isaac, won the right to freedom. He and others like him have built their own city which is about to have it’s grand opening on TV. When a shocking attack occurs, all robots are suddenly viewed as dangerous by the humans. When threatened with being shut down, the robots find a way to resist, and a great rebellion begins. Now Pounce has to decide for himself which side he will take – his own freedom or his purpose: protecting Ezra. And if he chooses to fulfill his purpose is that a free choice or preprogrammed?

I really enjoyed this thought-provoking story. Pounce is a wonderful character who comes across other interesting characters in his growth journey. Ezra is a mixture of vulnerable child and smart, brave young boy. The story is told from the point of view of Pounce who is faced with internal choices and moral dilemmas. The story is well done with the philosophical issues woven into a story full of action.

This book made me remember robot movies like: The Terminator, iRobot, AI, and Bicentennial Man. The book explores some of the same societal, ownership v freedom, and potential hostile issues. I want to read the author’s highly acclaimed book “Sea of Rust.” I highly recommend this to fans of robot genre.

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021NetGalley, and I may count it as a "Z" title for the mixed media 2021Alphabet goal if I don't get a Z title later this year.

Audible Book Review: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

I enjoyed listening to this Christian Classic.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
The Chronicles of Narnia
By: C.S. Lewis
Narrated by: Michael York

Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 12-26-04
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Children, Christian, Classic
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Don't miss one of America's top 100 most-loved novels, selected by PBS's The Great American Read.
Four adventurous siblings - Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie - step through a wardrobe door an into the land of Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter and enslaved by the power of the White Witch. But when almost all hope is lost, the return of the Great Lion, Aslan, signals a great change...and a great sacrifice.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the second book in C. S. Lewis' classic fantasy series, which has been drawing readers and listeners of all ages into a magical land with unforgettable characters for over 60 years. This is a stand-alone listen, but if you would like to explore more of the Narnian realm, follow up with The Horse and His Boy, the third book in The Chronicles of Narnia.
Don't miss any of the books in C.S. Lewis' classic Chronicles of Narnia series.
©1950, 1978 C.S. Lewis Pte. Ltd (P)2000 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Review:
This Christian tale tells the story of four children, two son and two daughters of Adam. They have been sent away from wartime London to a home of an old professor. There they stumble upon a wardrobe that leads them into a strange land frozen in eternal winter. Lucy is the first to find this strange world where she made a friend of a half fawn.

The other children don’t believe her and especially Edmund makes fun of her. Then he goes out and learns that the world is real. Edmund runs into the White Witch and she shares an enchanted treat to befriend him.

It takes some time but in a few weeks all the children go through the wardrobe. They learn the land is called Narnia and that the land and inhabitants are under the spell of the wicked White Witch. The other siblings make friends with a beaver family but Edmund sneaks away to find the White Witch.

The Beaver family explains that there is a prophesy that four children of Adam will save the land of Narnia. The White Witch plans to stop them by freezing them like she has other enemies, by allowing her wolf guards to kill them or by any other means necessary to keep her control.

The children have no idea how they can save the land but then the Great Lion, Aslan returns and brings hope. His breath and touch release the good animals who have been frozen. Each child has a role to play but Aslan will have to make a great sacrifice to save the children and Narnia.

I read this when I was younger and have watched the movie. It is a classic tale of good versus even and interestingly, this listen gave me a new insight to the Christian allegory. I was fully engaged and enchanted. If you have never read this, I encourage you to. If you read it as a child, take the effort to re-read and enjoy the message!

Audio Notes: The narration by Michael York is delightful. The quality of the audio is a bit lacking as it sounds older and has some volume inconsistencies. Still, I enjoyed the ability to listen to this precious work.

Source: 11/3/18 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Alphabet (Audio) goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Chicken Talk Around the World by Carole Lexa Schaefer

This is a lovely little book.
Chicken Talk Around the World
by Carole Lexa Schaefer
Pierr Morgan (Illustrations)

Publisher : Little Bigfoot; Illustrated edition (March 16, 2021)
Language : English
Hardcover : 32 pages
ISBN-10 : 1632172917
Reading age : 4 - 8 years
Grade level : Preschool - 3
Genre: Children's, Farm Animals, Multinational
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.

Explore world languages and different cultures as we see--and hear--grandmothers' chickens in the United States, Mexico, Kenya, Japan, India, and France, in this delightful book that introduces children to cultural diversity.
Kid-friendly text full of onomatopoeia and simple international vocabulary makes Chicken Talk Around the World a great read-aloud. Bright, charming illustrations show multigenerational families and chickens in different environments, celebrating cultural diversity; as well as universal elements, such as the special relationships grandmothers have with their grandchildren no matter where they live in the world.

Review:
This charming book shares grandmothers and chickens in at least six countries and languages. It is a lovely book to share with children as you show them how different cultures have much in common even as you share the differences in language, settings, chicken feed and types of chicken.

It is an easy read with bright, engaging illustrations. I would be glad to get this for my grandchildren!

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021NetGalley goals.

Audible Book Review: Murder of Crows: A Novel of the Others, Book 2, by Anne Bishop

This is a series which I really enjoy.

Murder of Crows
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
Release date: 03-04-14
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy, Paranormal Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Return to New York Times best-selling author Anne Bishop’s "phenomenal" (Urban Fantasy Investigations) world of the Others - where supernatural entities and humans struggle to co-exist, and one woman has begun to change all the rules.…
After winning the trust of the terra indigene residing in the Lakeside Courtyard, Meg Corbyn has had trouble figuring out what it means to live among them. As a human, Meg should be barely tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more.
The appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the humans and the Others, resulting in the murder of both species in nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in the snow, Simon Wolfgard - Lakeside’s shape-shifting leader - wonders if their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or a future threat.
As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now, the Others and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet - and stop the danger that threatens to destroy them all. ©2014 Anne Bishop (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Review:
Meg Corbyn has found a mostly safe haven in the Lakeside Courtyard where she works as the human liaison with the Others, Terra Indigene natives who are supernatural, shape shifting entities. Meg, a human with special abilities, has created her own small human pack whom the Others are willing to work with and protect. Lakeside communities are recovering from the overwhelming winter storm brought about by angering the Elementals (Written in Red, Book 1). Now the authorities have discovered that two addictive drugs are causing violence in many human cities, causing the deaths of humans and Others and increasing tensions.

Meg has a dream about black feathers and bloodied snow. As she and friends try to puzzle these images, the urge to cut herself for prophesies becomes overwhelming. Simon Wolfgard, Lakeside’s shape-shifting leader, and Meg’s friend and guardian, has been trying to protect Meg from cutting. He inadvertently becomes entangled with her blood which results in confusion and a strain on their friendship.

Meg is able to warn the Lakeside Crowgard before they fall victim, like regular crows, to a local attack. Now Simon finds himself working with local law enforcement even as he calls together distant clans of the Terra Indigene. Now that they know the source of the poisonous drugs, they need to find the creator and remove the threat.

This second book introduces more communities including an island that serves as home to some humans with heightened intuition and home to others who wish to live apart and simply. It also introduces new Other characters (Owlgard) from other communities and furthers the involvement of some primary humans interacting with the Others. I really enjoy the primary characters and the creative plot-lines in this series. There is a good meld of character development and action suspense. The friendship between Meg and Simon is warm but faces difficulties. It will be interesting to see where the author takes them as the series continues. There is also the interesting tension in the conflict among the humans and the Others with a range from reluctantly co-operative to murderously hostile.

I am looking forward to continuing this series. As a caution - there is description of abuse in the nature of sex trafficking; there is some disturbing violence; and there are violent threats even by the primary characters. I recommend this series to readers who like action, paranormal, and urban fantasy genres.

Audio Notes: Alexandra Harris does a spot-on job on the narration. She provides distinct voices and conveys the emotions of the characters. The audio experience adds to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 8/8/2020 July Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Smoke Bitten: A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 12 by Patricia Briggs

I was in the mood for werewolves and this installment in a favorite series hit the spot!

Smoke Bitten
A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 12
By: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
Release date: 03-17-20
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Action, Adventure, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, faces a threat unlike any other in this thrilling entry in the number one New York Times best-selling series.
I am Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman.
My only “superpowers” are that I turn into a 35 pound coyote and fix Volkswagens. But I have friends in odd places and a pack of werewolves at my back. It looks like I'm going to need them.
Centuries ago, the fae dwelt in Underhill - until she locked her doors against them. They left behind their great castles and troves of magical artifacts. They abandoned their prisoners and their pets. Without the fae to mind them, those creatures who remained behind roamed freely through Underhill wreaking havoc. Only the deadliest survived.
Now one of those prisoners has escaped. It can look like anyone, any creature it chooses. But if it bites you, it controls you. It lives for chaos and destruction. It can make you do anything - even kill the person you love the most. Now it is here, in the Tri-Cities. In my territory.
It won't, can't, remain.
Not if I have anything to say about it.
©2020 Patricia Briggs (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Review:
Mercy, our coyote shifter heroine, has her hands full with community and spousal stress. In book 10, Silence Fallen, Mercy claimed the Tri-cities areas under the protection of the local Columbia Basin werewolf pack led by her Alpha husband, Adam. The pack has its share of danger balancing issues among the local vampires, witches, werewolves, and fae, while protecting the humans from those with supernatural powers. Of course, this sets up a chance for various outside groups who feel they can challenge the pack while it is spread thin. There is a rogue group of werewolves, led by a dangerous assassin, who think they can take out the edges of Adam’s pack and then challenge him.

Before they even know about the rogue werewolf threat, Mercy finds her elderly, sweet neighbors murdered. Mercy is bitten by what appears to be a wild rabbit until they learn it is an evil, mind controlling creature who has escaped from Underhill into Mercy’s own backyard. Fortunately, Mercy is saved with the help of a creepy ‘stalker’, but it makes her realize that something is wrong with her mate bond with Adam.

Adam has been acting tense and standoffish and Mercy begins to wonder and doubt the strength of their relationship. Will she be able to face the wolf, or worse, and still keep their unique bond? As noted, there are at least three threads of suspense moving in this book. Ms. Briggs presents her impressive creativity with fast paced action and tension. I like how she weaves in a touch of fairy tale classic into the fae situation. The author also has built a strong emotional relationship between Mercy and Adam and she makes it real to life stresses. I love this series and highly recommend it. I do suggest starting from the beginning not only to get to know the characters but also to enjoy the entertainment!

Audio Notes: Lorelei King is a superb narrator and does a wonderful job with this series. The characters come to life with all their energy and stresses.  I’m sure the story is good if read in print/ebook, but for me it is a great listening experience.

4/13/2020 Audible March Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Alphabet goals.

Book Review: A Stockingful of Joy by Mary Jo Putney, Jill Barnett, Justine Dare, Susan King

This reminds me why I like historical romance. I really enjoyed all four stories.
A Stockingful of Joy
by Mary Jo Putney, Jill Barnett, Justine Dare, Susan King

Publisher : Signet; First Edition (October 30, 2007)
Mass Market Paperback : 400 pages
ISBN-10 : 0451223489
Genre: Anthology, Christmas, Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.

Now readers can enjoy the magical spirit of Christmas with this romantic quartet of stories filled with all the hope and joy of the holiday season.

Review:
This anthology was a joy for me. I happened to have a handful of books by Jill Barnett and a dozen or so in my Putney collection. I have enjoyed the other authors before too. All of the stories have attraction and sensuality to convey the romance without outright heat and graphic description. They are sweet and quick, easy reading to enjoy.

The Snow Rose by Susan King – 4.75.
Highlands, 1573. Catriona MacDonald is being forced to marry a man her uncle has chosen if she wants to keep her castle. Catriona has a snow rose pin that represents a 21-year-old promise to give aid so she seeks aid from a rival Scottish clan, the Frasers. But the clan will not help due to a signed pledge not to feud with the MacDonalds.

Catriona departs with food gifts. She returns to her small shieling, taking the food to a houseful of orphans she is helping. She prepares the new year’s traditions hoping for good luck although she can’t imagine who would come to be the first-foot through her door and bring blessings to her small abode. Then Kenneth Fraser stumbles in, having been attacked as he was trying to find her home.

Kenneth has to recover from his beating and as he does he finds himself drawn to the gentle, but strong young woman who was brave enough to seek help from his clan. Can Kenneth bring some good luck and help Catriona find a solution to her problems?

The Best Husband Money Can Buy by Mary Jo Putney – 4.75.
London 1818. Emma Stone is a distant cousin in the Vaughn family. As a child she loved the Christmas gatherings and remembers with fondness her crush on Anthony Vaughn, five years older. But the death of her parents sent Emma to become a governess.

Ten years later, Emma is mourning the fact that she is too poor to attend the annual festivities she still gets invited to. But this year things change. Through a random act of kindness, Emma inherits a stranger’s fortune. She decides to buy the best husband money can buy and then return to the family gathering.  Her new solicitor prepares dossiers of several appropriate men, but Emma is set on one who might not be quite appropriate based on family financial troubles. Emma hopes those troubles will help her convince Anthony Vaughn to marry her.

Emma finds Anthony in the mess of a morning after party, with participants strewn about the room. She is able to convince him to marry and they travel to the country to meet with the family for the first time in 10 years. Things seem to be going slowly by well, until Emma learns that there are bad feelings that impact Anthony and therefore their relationship. Will she find heartache or happiness with her ‘purchased’ husband?

A Light in the Window by Justine Dare – 4.5.
Wyoming Territory 1878. Morgan has been a drifter since a tender age when he left the home of his bitter, critical aunt. He takes shelter in a barn during a storm and is soon surprised when a small boy with a small pack comes in. It seems the boy, Zach, is intent on running away from his weepy, grabby, old aunt.

Faith has been crying as she grieves the loss of her sister and struggles to gain acceptance from her nephew, Zach. But Zach believes that his mother is coming back and nothing Faith can do is as good as his mother would do. Faith can’t even chop the wood to keep the fuel ready for the fire so how is she supposed to keep the homestead as Zach’s inheritance?

Surprising them all, Morgan decides to help in exchange for the shelter and food. His insight helps bring understanding between Faith and Zach and one day turns into a couple and soon Christmas Eve is upon them. Faith knows that Morgan isn’t likely to stay but perhaps he could be her gift for one Christmas before he goes and perhaps she can show him the love he has never known.

Boxing Day by Jill Barnett – 4.0.
New York 1898. Conn Donoughue is a big man, a former boxer known as the Irish Giant. Now he runs a gymnasium in the ‘belly’ of New York. He leases the four-story building and would like to buy it but can’t convince his stubborn landlady, Eleanor, to sell. It seems whenever the two see each other there is tension. She moves into the top flat only to learn the beautiful glass ceiling leaks. Conn has to rescue her (and this won’t be the only time).

They fuss at each other but a friendship quickly develops. Eleanor resists a stronger relationship because she is older than Conn. Can he convince her to move past her fear and give them a chance at love and a family?

Source: My own print TBR stack and author collected books (Putney and Barnett). This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Print goals.