Audible Book Review: To Serve and Protect by Glynn Stewart

I enjoyed this action story with supernatural villains and heroes.
To Serve and Protect
Onset, Book 1
By: Glynn Stewart
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 10-24-17
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Action, Paranormal, Superhero, Supernatural, Urban
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
A small town cop with an unexpected gift. A shadowy government agency on the side of justice. A call no good man could turn away.
When vampires attack David White's small town, only luck, firepower, and the intervention of an elite government task force saves his life. The aftermath of the attack leaves him in the middle of the world's biggest secret: the existence of government agencies that regulate the supernatural.
They insist that David's "luck" is actually a supernatural gift, and he's immediately recruited into ONSET, the most shadowy part of America's thin blue line of police protectors.
Questioning both his gifts and the agency he now serves, David is drawn into an escalating battle that threatens all of humanity. If he isn't what ONSET thinks he is, the entire world may pay the price.
©2016 Glynn Stewart (P)2017 Podium Publishing

Review:
David White is a small town cop, dedicated to the mantra of “serve and protect”. One day he chases after a group of young ‘punks’ who have murdered a store clerk in a bloody fashion, and on their escape path they also brutally murdered his own partner, a young, new officer.

A secret government police force known as Onset sees his valiant efforts to fight the pack of vampires. They barely save his life and take him to their secret facility to heal his injuries. When he wakes up they offer him the chance to work with the elite supernatural team. They recognize he has skills that he isn’t even aware of, just as he wasn’t aware of the existence of vampires, werewolves, and other creatures from the realm of fantasy and myths.

Initially David isn’t sure but a discussion with an old friend convinces him that he can “serve and protect” in a broader sense with this covert organization. Can David really help this team that includes a werewolf leader, a good demon, a mage and more? His initial training doesn’t reveal the extent of his powers but when he gets in the thick of battle a hidden ability appears. The dangers progress to a deadly battle with a large terrorist organization and the evils they summon. Not all of the good guys will make it out alive.

I liked the moments of introspection included in a consistent pace of action. I enjoyed the development of the primary character and the uniqueness of the supporting teammates. I will be getting more in the series. I recommend this to fans of action and supernatural characters.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter is a wonderful narrator. As with most of the works he narrates, his performance with distinct voices and fitting energy, added to my enjoyment of the audio.

Source: 7/31/2022 July Audible Credits. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Deadlands: Hunted by Skye Melki-Wegner

This reminds me of Land Before Time and I enjoyed the characters and their outcast clan.

The Deadlands: Hunted
by Skye Melki-Wegner
Narrated by: John Pirhalla

Series: The Deadlands, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
Release date: 04-04-23
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Action, Adventure, Dinosaurs, Middle Grade
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Wings of Fire meets Jurassic Park in this action-adventure middle grade debut series about five outcasts—and former enemies—who are the only hope to save their warring kingdoms from impending doom.
"My favorite middle grade book of the year.”—New York Times-bestselling author Amie Kaufman
Battle rages between the dinosaur kingdoms of Cretacea.
When the Fallen Star struck, it brought death and despair, ash and toxic rain. But some dinosaurs survived . . . and were changed. Their minds grew alert. They learned to speak. To dream. To wage war.
As the two remaining dinosaur kingdoms fight for territory, Eleri, the disgraced son of a prince, is exiled from his home for saving an enemy soldier. Banished to the merciless Deadlands, a terrifying desert full of tar pits, poisonous gas, and ruthless carnivores, he must join forces with a group of questionable allies—including the enemy soldier he saved—to avoid becoming prey.
When Eleri and his fellow exiles discover the horrific truth behind the war, the unlikely heroes must do all they can to save their kingdoms from a lurking predator. . . and a secret plot that might destroy them all.
A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company.
©2023 Skye Melki-Wegner (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Eleri is the disgraced son of a clan prince. He is a small dinosaur who likes storytelling and isn’t interested in battle like his larger brother. Eleri and his brother were out on the edge of territory to see the large longneck dinosaurs go by. When they hide from an air predator they stumble upon three enemy scouts. When the bird dives, Eleri shouts out resulting in saving the life of one of the enemy dinosaurs. Eleri’s own brother declares his action as treason. Eleri is quickly taken before the tribunal and king and exiled to the Deadlands. It is expected that outcasts to the Deadlands will not survive long.

Eleri manages to get to an oasis but finds that enemy raptors are stock piling food. Then he stumbles upon another outcast – the young dinosaur whose life he saved. She was raised to be a warrior but failed to kill Eleri when directed to. Now she wishes she had killed him rather than getting outcast. Eleri has to convince her to work with him so they can both survive. They manage to sneak into the oasis to get food. They also learn that there is a great conspiracy setting the woodland clans against each other.

Eleri and his new companion join forces with two more dinosaurs they meet, a cheery vegetarian who loves math, and a young longneck who was banned as a prophetic dreamer. As they try to find a way to save their clans back home, a fifth dinosaur, a messenger bird, joins their outcast clan. Can they do anything to thwart the Deadland tribes, of raptors and T-Rex, and save their clans?

I liked the outcast dinosaurs with their unique quirks. They each brought a useful skill that helped them  as they worked together. It is sweet how they realize they can be their own clan. This is a nice story showing how not everyone has to be a warrior or go the way of the majority. I recommend this as an entertaining adventure for middle graders and adults who like dinosaur adventure.

Audio Notes: John Pirhalla does a lovely job with the narration. He provides very distinct voices and tones that fit the natures of each character. The narration helped me to “see” the story and enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

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

Audible Book Review: Don't Call Me Ishmael by Chris Kennedy

This is a strong story, set in The Fallen World series, of a man without a memory seeking his identity.
Don't Call Me Ishmael
By: Chris Kennedy
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Series: The Fallen World, Book 2
Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 06-25-19
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Action, Post-Apocalyptic, Superhero
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Don’t call him Ishmael. Or do; he really doesn’t care. Just don’t call him Fred.
No matter what you call him, though, he has a problem. Well, several of them. Ishmael - for want of a better name - woke up in a world that had changed. The Corporations - the wielders of power in a society not long from now - brought about the end of civilization as we know it, nuking each other to the point where it collapsed.
Ishmael doesn’t know any of this, though; in fact, he doesn’t know anything about himself when he wakes up in this shattered world. All of his autobiographical and episodic memories are gone, and along with them, any knowledge of who he was or anything in his past.
Worse, he has made enemies of some very important people, and they are after him. They are armed and he is alone and in...well, he doesn’t know where he is, either.
Can Ishmael stay alive long enough to recover his memories - to find out who he is and how he fits - or will he be just another casualty of This Fallen World?
©2019 Blood Moon Press (P)2019 Podium Publishing.

Review:
“Ishmael” doesn’t know his name or his identity. He awoke in a ‘coffin’, like a tanning bed, in a locked room. He soon runs into hostiles and discovers that the world around him is in chaos. As he escapes from the building, he destroys it behind him not knowing how important that chamber was to his recovery.

Ishmael, or Fred as he gets dubbed, has some natural muscle memory that helps keep him alive. He learns clues that send him off to find a former Corporation leader who may be able to help him learn his identity.

I liked Fred’s personality even when he didn’t know who he was. It was clear he was a superhero/warrior of sorts, probably an assassin like Kade in This Fallen World. I was glad that his inclinations were to do good considering the history and reputation of the Corporation assassins.

I really enjoyed the story-telling that fit well even though this is a different author in The Fallen World series. There are good characters, plenty of action, and a sense of humor. Again, the use of “this Fallen World” was fun but the reader has to get used to the repetition as it is used at the end of almost every chapter. I will be looking for more books in the series and more series from this author. I recommend the series and this action packed superhero, post-apocalyptic story.

Audio Notes: Again, Mark Boyett does a wonderful job with the narration. He is one of a handful of narrators I would be willing to search to select books he has narrated. I am thankful to have gotten these books for free for Audible listening.

Source: 11/5 Audible Plus Catalog This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Dark of Night, A Joe Ledger Novella, by Jonathan Maberry and Rachel Lavin

This is a good zombie survivors' story that can be read outside of the series.
#FRATERFEST-4
Dark of Night
A Joe Ledger Novella
By: Jonathan Maberry, Rachael Lavin
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Series: Dead of Night, Book 2.5, Joe Ledger, Book 8.5
Length: 4 hrs and 59 mins
Release date: 06-21-16
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Action, Horror, Zombie
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The dead rose. We fell.
The survivors are trapped in a world of monsters who prey on the helpless. Some of them are zombies...but they are not the only predators who feed on pain and suffering.
Dark of Night is a story of worlds in collision. Three heroes who have survived the apocalypse are in a deadly race to save a busload of children from ravenous zombies and ruthless human scavengers.
This brand new novella brings together three of New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry's award-winning series. Captain Joe Ledger (Patient Zero and Code Zero), Officer Desdemona Fox (Dead of Night and Fall of Night), and Rachael Elle (Bits & Pieces) are caught between an endless wave of the living dead and an army of corrupt men who want to enslave the last human survivors.
©2016 Jonathan Maberry and Rachael Lavin (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Many years ago the zombie virus started taking over the world. The rare survivors are still struggling to find safe refuge.

Officer Dez Fox is struggling to get a busload of children to a safe camp under control of the National Guard. Then they see the dead passing the bus and realize that these dead are wearing National Guard uniforms. Fox will continue to do whatever it takes to protect these young survivors.

Meanwhile, Rachael Elle is a young woman who has managed to survive the zombie apocalypse in cosplay or LARP gear, fighting the dead “Orcs”. She stumbles upon the bus after Dez has gone out to scout and ends up leading the children by harnessing their superhero inner voices.

Joe Ledger is a career military man who sought to take down Patient Zero. Although he couldn’t stop the virus, he is a legendary warrior against the dead, traveling with the help of a smart warning and killing dog, Captain Joe and Baskerville stumble on the scene and is quick to step into the fray. First he saves a young girl from horrible NKK (New Klux Klan) bad actors. Then he proceeds to fight both enemies, the dead and living, to help the girls save the children.

I’ve read the prequel to this series, so I am aware of the beginnings of Joe Ledger facing the zombie hoard. I enjoyed the startling meeting between Joe and Dez and I appreciated the determination of all three characters to fight the dead and help other survivors. I had not met the two female characters and I will definitely backtrack to find their stories. There is plenty of fast paced action. However, the story is really only about two and a half hours as there is a second, totally unrelated story written by someone else that is tagged on. I am glad I got to listen to this and I will be reading/listening to more in the series. I recommend this to fans of battle action and some snarky character interaction.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter is an excellent narrator. He does such a good job with action and distinct character voices. I would feel comfortable searching out books narrated by Porter, and I could likely enjoy those stories. His narration enhances the story for me.

Source: 3-3-2022 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Nomad, The Nomad Triology 1, by Matthew Mather

This apocalyptic, action story has interesting climate science elements.

Nomad
The Nomad Trilogy 1
By: Matthew Mather
Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka

Series: The Nomad Series, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 11-04-15
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Action, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Something big is coming...big enough to destroy the entire solar system...and it's heading straight for Earth. That's what Dr. Ben Rollins, head of Harvard's exoplanet research team, is told by NASA after being dragged out of bed in the middle of the night. His first instinct is to call his daughter and wife, who are vacationing in Italy: Something is coming, he tells them, a hundred times the mass of our sun. We can't see it, we don't know what it is, but it's there. They're calling it Nomad, and it's coming fast. In just a few months, the Earth may be destroyed.
The world erupts into chaos as the end approaches - and Ben discovers that his wife and daughter are trapped in Italy. The key to humanity's survival may rest in the final answers he pieces together in the midst of his frantic scramble to find his family before Nomad swallows the planet.
©2015 Matthew Mather (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
As a young scientist, Dr. Ben Rollins provided research predicting a collision in space. That research paper was declined for publication many years ago. Now Earth is facing a catastrophic solar event which is being hidden from the public even as it will soon be in position to be seen by amateurs. Nomad, as the event is called, doesn’t have to collide with Earth to cause a terrible impact. Instead, it has enough draw to pull planets out of orbit. There will be cataclysmic global warming, volcanic activity, tsunamis, and more extreme conditions that will remove society infrastructure as well as causing immediate deaths.

Ben is picked up by government/scientific authorities. He apparently has the only records that would help pinpoint the origin and trajectory of Nomad. He tries to have his family, ex-wife, Celeste, and daughter, Jessica, fly to meet him but they get trapped in Italy when the climate reactions begin.

Jessica and Celeste were touring a castle (“castello”) in Chantilly, Italy. Jessica is an expert extreme climber in spite of having a prosthetic leg. She captures the eye of the owner of the castle which provides her a place to seek refuge after getting mugged in Rome.

The pacing was good and I enjoyed the action moving the story along. The scientific descriptions of the events and consequences made this interesting. On the other hand, I wasn’t particularly drawn to the characters with their poor decisions. It is an interesting post-apocalyptic and I expect I may pick up more in the series sometime in the future.

Audio Notes: Keith Szarabajka did a good job with the various voices, including acceptable accents (a least to my untrained ear). I am glad that I had this title to listen to.

Source: June 2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Forget Nothing by Jason Anspach and Michelle C. Meyers

I liked this quick listen which was full of action.

Forget Nothing
By: Jason Anspach, Michelle C. Meyers
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

Series: Galaxy's Edge Series, Book 0.6
Length: 4 hrs and 46 mins
Release date: 06-04-20
Publisher: Audible Originals
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

About This Audible Original
She Chose the Hardest Way
The daughter of a Legion war hero, fighting was in Andien Broxin's blood. But the battles Republic marines face on strange and alien worlds are a far cry from the vaunted, brutal, no-holds-barred conflicts fought at the edge of the galaxy by the elite legionnaires.
Until a devastating war erupts right in the Republic’s stellar backyard.
Newly stationed on a mid-core planet being harassed by terrorist revolutionaries, Andien and her fellow "hullbusters" find themselves right in the middle of a desperate fight for survival. All their training, standards, discipline—all the hard paths—have led to this. If she and her fellow marines are to come out of this alive, Andien will have to find out who she truly is...and what she can become.
Best-selling military science fiction author Jason Anspach and USMC/US Army veteran Michelle C. Meyers explore the rigors of combat, survival, and the human will in this edge-of-your-seat account set in the Galaxy’s Edge universe.
©2020 Galaxy's Edge, LLC (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review:
Andien grew up under a marine father who was an elite member of the Legion. Andien may have to push herself harder, but she can shoot better than most men and she can take most of them on for one-on-one combat. Always remembering her father's words: "Forget nothing", she has been advanced in rank on her own merit.

Andien and her troop are serving on a foreign planet where they are assigned to protect the locals and colonists from hostiles in the wild. Unfortunately, it that turns out the worst hostiles are a gathering of revolutionary, terrorist colonists. Her crew has to team up with the Legionnaires assigned to the planet. The Legion men have all the tech and enhancements but this group, not like others, is appreciative of Andien’s efforts.

When negotiations for Republic marines ends up agreeing to allow women to join the Legion, Andien’s name is submitted as a candidate. She is encouraged by others, but she has to decide if she is willing to work extra hard to go in the first class.

I did enjoy all of the action, strategy and tactics in this book. I like Andien and the supporting characters. Although it is set in a series, it is set in a different time and place and does not continue the characters from the other books. I enjoy this author and have more to listen to in the series. I recommend this shorter story to fans of space and high tech military action.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Khristine Hvam. She provided distinct voices and good energy. I am glad I had this in audio.

Source: 6/20/2020 a free Audible title. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Bunker (Book 3) Code of Honor by Jay J. Falconer

This series’ episode fits the bill for a quick action title.
Bunker (Book 3) Code of Honor
Written by Jay J. Falconer
Read by Gary Tiedemann

Run Time 5h 50min
Release Date: May 29, 2017
Publisher: BookBreeze.com
Genre: Action, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

A Warrior Lives for Peace. Sometimes All He Finds is War.
When the perpetrators finally reveal themselves, Jack Bunker finds himself the target of a deadly manhunt. He’s all that stands between them and complete control.
Yet mortars, artillery, and machine guns are not the only threats Bunker must face.
News of an airborne pathogen spreads panic across the countryside, leaving everyone to fend for themselves, including Bunker after he’s wounded.
Eventually the citizens of Clearwater must make an impossible decision: resist with their lives or serve on their knees.
>>> From award-winning, bestselling author, Jay J. Falconer, comes another heart-pounding, post-apocalyptic saga you won’t be able to put down. If you love high-intensity thrillers, this book was written just for you.

Review:
Jack Bunker was able to escape with Deputy Daisy from a gang of military mercenaries. But soon find themselves facing Russian enemies. Jack sends Daisy back to town to warn the mayor and others there. Then Jack finds himself running for his life after being spotted.

Jack isn’t the only one the Russians are chasing. Apparently, their real reason for being in Clearwater is to find the man who stole a deadly weapon. That man is on the run with a daughter returning to her home.

Back in town, the community is excited to welcome FEMA trucks and supplies when they roll into town. Although the ‘rescuers’ are manned by a foreign team, the mayor and citizens agree to line up for a special vaccination they are told is to protect them against radiation from the potential threat of a damaged nuclear site miles away.

Soon all injured parties are converging on the home of the local prepper, who is now dead. There is a delayed challenge between some of the primary characters before the straggling group recognize that they need to pull together if they want to protect themselves and help their community from the Russian threat and the unknown, but suspected, threat posed by the ‘FEMA’ group.

I enjoyed this quick listen. I still disapprove of some of the shallow jealousy of one character in particular, although that may have been resolved in this book. I still like how Bunker takes the blows and keeps pushing back. I will be continuing with the next two books which I already own.

Audio Notes: Once again, Gary Tiedemann does a fine job providing distinct voices and appropriate energy that fits the story. I am glad that I can listen to this series.

Source: 10/2/2021 Chirp Purchase $1.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Bunker (Book 1) Born to Fight by Jay J. Falconer - 4.0.
Audio Book Review: Bunker (Book 2) Dogs of War by Jay J. Falconer - 3.75.

Audio Book Review: Bunker (Book 2) Dogs of War by Jay J. Falconer

This Post-Apocalyptic/dystopian moves the story along.

Bunker (Book 2) Dogs of War
Written by Jay J. Falconer
Read by Gary Tiedemann

Run Time 4h 40min
Release Date: April 6, 2017
Publisher: BookBreeze.com
Genre: Action, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Thriller
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Those Who Resist, Triumph. Those Who Kneel, Serve.
When a covert communication is intercepted, Jack Bunker and the town leaders of Clearwater swing into action to uncover the secret behind its deadly intent.
However, before their defenses can be fortified and the threat neutralized, a ruthless faction gains a foothold, turning to kidnapping and torture for control.
As the body count rises, Bunker is forced to summon a part of himself he loathes in order to save everyone he cares about.
But rescuing his friends won’t be easy, not when the insurgents focus their attention on him and his mysterious past.

Review:
This second book picks up where book 1 ended. The town council agrees to have Bunker help prepare them for the difficulties they will face from their own community with the tech and electric systems down. But they soon learn of an outside threat. They will need more help and more resources.

Bunker is asked to join Deputy Daisy to travel to the farm of the local ‘prepper’ to try to obtain supplies. Bunker’s friend (from book 1), Stephanie, quickly moves into jealousy mode, having had a bad history with Daisy. Another town leader takes Stephanie and her son Tommy off to his home to help cool her temper.

Stephanie’s group runs into trouble as they approach home while across town, Bunker and Daisy run into trouble as they try to find the old man in his home. The story jumps into action that keeps the reader engaged. The story stretches realism a bit and ends with the next scene yet to come.

My headline summary says that this moves the story along. The bottom of the publisher info does indicate that this is “Audiobook 2 in the Mission Critical Series. A 5-part completed serial.” The reader needs to recognize that these are just short chapters of a full story. I am glad that I was able to get the other ‘chapters’ on sale. The best way to buy this series would be in a boxed set. I will continue to listen to the next books when in the mood for an action post-apocalyptic story.

Audio Notes: I can repeat my assessment of the narrator from my review of book 1. Gary Tiedemann does a fine job providing distinct voices and appropriate energy. I will continue to listen to more in the series.

Source: 10/2/2021 Chirp Purchase $1.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: Bunker (Book 1) Born to Fight by Jay J. Falconer

This is a quick post-apocalyptic listen with a hero that I like.
Bunker (Book 1) Born to Fight
Written by Jay J. Falconer
Narrated by Gary Tiedemann

Run Time 3h 46min
Release Date: March 31, 2017
Publisher: BookBreeze.com
Genre: Action, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher Description
Cyber-Attacks. EMPs. Invasion. War. When the end comes, few will have the ability to survive.
When a coordinated attack takes out the nation’s power grid, a small town finds itself at ground zero of an all-out invasion.
With limited options and no time to prepare, the citizens have no choice but to turn to a mysterious drifter, Jack Bunker, for help.
The former combat engineer has the skills to keep them alive, but he won’t be able to do it alone, not against an overwhelmingly superior force. Somehow he’ll have to find a way to transform the mild-mannered townsfolk into military-grade warriors and lead them into battle, despite his dark past that leads some to wonder whose side is he really on?
The Bunker series is a 5-part explosive, high-octane thriller. If you like pulse-pounding action, resourceful warriors, and deep political intrigue, then you’ll love this bestselling tale of true grit. It’s Rambo versus Red Dawn, only amped-up with one thrilling scene after another.

Review:
Jack Bunker is a soldier with a mysterious past. He was looking forward to ‘decompressing’ and finding a new beginning when events went haywire. Bunker was on a train traveling north when the power went out. At the same time, the cell phones and tablets of passengers went dead. Next a plane plunged from the sky. It is clear that Bunker suspects a greater problem – an EMP strike – that many others don’t recognize.

Sitting next to Bunker on the train is a young woman and her 10 year-old son. When Bunker chooses to exit the train and start walking, the woman, Stephanie, and her son, Jeffrey, are determined to go with him. Bunker doesn’t want to take any responsibility for them, but he can’t force them not to follow.

Before Bunker and his companions get to the town they set out for, they are pulled in to rescue a busload of children. Now Bunker is in town and facing a crowd with leaders who aren’t sure how to protect themselves from the disruptions that are quickly spreading.

The author has not yet revealed Bunker’s full background, so he is still a mystery, which adds interest to the story. The post-apocalyptic event has just occurred so there is still a lot to learn about what or who caused the event. I liked the action which I hope will increase in the next books. The writing could use more depth, but it has an easy flow in this series opener.

I didn’t necessarily find this ‘enthralling’, but I found it entertaining and want to continue. I was glad I could get audio books 2-5 for just under $10.00 at Chirp. I recommend this to fans of the post-apocalyptic genre.

Audio Notes: Gary Tiedemann does a fine job with the narration. The voices are distinct and the energy fit the story. I look forward to listening to more in the series.

Source: 9/5/2021 Chirp Purchase $.99. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

Book Review: Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe Book 3) by Mark Nolan

This is a very good crime thriller. I want to continue the series.
Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe Book 3)
by Mark Nolan

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07L5GLJQ1
Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 19, 2018
File size ‏ : ‎ 2208 KB, 416 pages
Genre: Action, Crime Thriller, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Jake Wolfe is a young lawyer who leads a secret life as a government assassin. Trained by the CIA, Jake now wants a new life of peace and quiet, living on a boat and practicing law. But when his city is shocked by a serial killer and he’s framed for the murder of a friend, Jake must race against time to find the killer before he strikes again.
Drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse; at every step Jake and his loved ones are being hunted by the clever, twisted madman. As the city is gripped in fear of the seemingly random shootings that could strike anybody, Jake investigates and uncovers ominous clues until a shocking reversal of fortune changes everything.
With the clock ticking and lives at stake, will Jake be able to find and stop the killer in time, or will he become the next victim?
Buckle up for a wild ride as Jake Wolfe and his exceptionally intelligent dog, Cody, return to action in this page-turning thriller in Mark Nolan’s bestselling series that has earned thousands of 5-star ratings on Amazon and Goodreads.

Review:
Jake is a former military man who has been recruited as a secret government assassin. He has passed the bar to become an attorney although he doesn’t exactly have paying clients yet. Mainly because he keeps charging only a $1.00. Jake lives on a friend’s boat with his ‘retired’ military dog, Cody. Jake has been dating local veterinarian, Sarah, but she put a hold on their growing relationship after seeing Jake in defensive mode. She feels his life style is too dangerous… which may be true.

Currently Jake is executing (no pun intended) a mission directed by his ‘handler’. He community is dealing with a serial killer called the “Random Killer”. Jake’s sweet elderly neighbor is killed and clues left implicating Jake. Before the local authorities have fully cleared Jake, he has convinced his handler to get him deputized to the Marshall’s office so he can get on the task force hunting this killer.

Jake and Cody set off to find the killer who leads everyone on a chase from one end of town to the other. Unfortunately, Jake’s actions have put the killer on the hunt for Jake and those he loves. Will Jake be able to get the killer before he injures someone he loves? Will his activities result in Sarah totally ending their relationship?

I really like Jake as a character although it does cause mixed feelings to think that assassins and secret organizations exist around us. Author Nolan gives the reader an intriguing view of the killer too, following his thoughts and activities. I like the combination of danger, action, issues of diplomatic immunity, tidbits of law, and a touch of romance in this series and I will look to read more. I recommend this to fans of the strong, silent hero crime thriller.

Source: Author 2019. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021 Alphabet, and Author goals.

 Dead Lawyers Don't Lie: A Gripping Thriller (Jake Wolfe Book 1) by Mark Nolan; 4.75
 Vigilante Assassin (Jake Wolfe Book 2) by Mark Nolan; 4.5

Audible Book Review: Commune: Book Two by Joshua Gayou

This is another spot on entry in this dystopian, post-apocalyptic series.
Commune: Book Two
Commune Series 2
By: Joshua Gayou
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 15 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 04-03-18
Publisher: Joshua Gayou, Blue Heron Audio
Genre: Action, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
2019 Independent Audiobook Award Winner for Apocalyptica
Survival can be a lonely existence...or not. The reality of the situation always comes down to a simple decision: What kind of world do you want to build?
The survivors have come to settle in the mountains of Wyoming, fighting day in and day out to establish a home for themselves in a near-empty world. Things are good at first; scavenging is a workable, short-term solution that seems to be providing all they need.
But they know that it’s only a matter of time before the food runs out. They need to scramble to find a sustainable solution before the clock stops, and for a little handful of people up in the mountains, the odds don’t seem very favorable.
Further south, a new band of people migrates across the map, running on fumes and searching desperately for a place to settle. All around them, as resources run thin, the world grows colder and more violent.
It’s getting worse out there, always getting worse, and it’s starting to look like survival might just depend on how violent they’re willing to get.... ©2017 Joshua Gayou (P)2018 Joshua Gayou

Review:
Brian, a member of the Jackson Commune, continues his character interviews in this episode. The primary character discussed is Blake Gibson, formerly SSgt Gibs. Gibs is a wonderful character and, as Gayou states in the intro, he did his best to make Gibs a true to life Marine Sergeant. Gibs is clearly well read and well spoken but he comes with the full blown rough language of a Marine.

This book provides Gibs the opportunity to tell about the misfit survivors that he gathered in his ‘bus’ as they struggled through Colorado. They scavenged along the way and hoped to find good supplies in Denver but found trouble instead. Gibs describes their losses and harrowing escape before he explains how they ended up in Jackson, Wyoming where he was fortunate to meet Jake, the leader of the commune. In the early days there weren’t outsiders aware of the location of the secluded cabin and surroundings. Once Gibs arrived with his busload of people the occupants grew from three to over twenty. It was important that everyone find a task they could perform to contribute to the community.

The story goes from desperate gun fight to methodical, planning and working toward long term (at least past winter) survival. Some interviews are shared from Amanda and a few others which gives a break from all Gibs. In spite of the potty mouth, I enjoyed the fighting action and the prepper development activities. I am looking forward to book 3. I recommend this book and series to readers who enjoy real to life post-apocalyptic stories.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray is a great narrator for this work. He captures the voices and personalities of the characters. His narration enhanced the book for me. I plan to continue to listen to the audio versions.

Source: 05/17/2020 Two Audible Credit choices for April. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet Audio goals.

Commune: Book One Review, 4.5.

Audible Book Review: I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

I enjoyed this fast, easy listen.

I Am Number Four
By: Pittacus Lore
Narrated by: Neil Kaplan

Series: The Lorien Legacies, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-03-10
Language: English
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Action, Alien, Sci Fi, Teen Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books but we are real.
Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.
But they know.
They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.
I am Number Four.
I am next.
Also included is a sneak listen to the first chapter of the next book in the series. Enjoy!
©2010 Pittacus Lore (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
“John Smith” is one of nine young Loriens who were sent to earth to protect their race. The Loriens are aliens whose planet was destroyed by monster aliens known as Mogadorians who have followed them to earth. The enemy is killing the Lorien ‘superheroes’ in sequential order. One through Three have been killed and John is number Four. John and his guardian, Henri, have recently moved to Ohio after an accidental exposure of John’s strangeness. It is imperative that John hide his secret strengths, or they will have to move again. This would be fine except that John has arrived at the age where his power gifts-- his “legacies”-- are manifesting. It is pretty hard to hide glowing hands!

But John has met a young girl who returns his interest, and with the fervor of young love, he refuses to be pushed into moving. That is until it becomes clear that his girlfriend and other school friend, Sam, an alien enthusiast, are in danger. By then it is a little too late to run so John, Henri and some unexpected allies have to take a stand to fight.

This is a fast paced teen action. There are fun super powers and standard teen love and angst. It is a bit frustrating to read John’s current careless attitude after successfully protecting his secrets for 15 years. This reads/listens quickly with easy writing that is suitable for young teens. There are some environment comments and some issues that are unbelievable like how are the very large, albino Mogadorians not obvious on earth? Overall, the story makes for a good, clean adventure appropriate for young men and women… and for adults you enjoy a light superhero story. The reviews imply that the series gets better so I might read more someday but I’m not rushing out to get them.

Audio Notes: Neil Kaplan does a solid job with the narration. Whether it is the text or his interpretation of the characters, he captures the teen ambiance and maintained my interest. It is likely I would listen to further books in the series.

Source: 11/6/2018 Audible Daily Deal $3.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Ethereal Squadron: A Wartime Fantasy (The Sorcerers of Verdun)

I totally enjoyed this alternate history military fantasy.
The Ethereal Squadron: A Wartime Fantasy (The Sorcerers of Verdun)
by Shami Stovall

File Size: 3713 KB
Print Length: 327 pages
Publisher: TCK Publishing (December 26, 2018)
ASIN: B07KWT5BHK
Genre: Action, Historical Fantasy, Historical Military
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

SOLDIERS, SORCERERS, AND MONSTERS...THIS IS WORLD WAR ONE LIKE YOU’VE NEVER IMAGINED IT.
It’s 1916, and the world is on fire.
The Great War has already consumed much of the globe, but a second, secret war between sorcerers threatens to crack it in two. The ruling families of Germany and Austria-Hungary, those with the chill of magic in their blood, will stop at nothing in their quest for power, and they’ve drawn the entire world into a bloody war because of it.
But Florence Cavell—codename Geist—means to stop them. She had to defy her family, cut her hair, and disguise herself as a man to join the legendary Ethereal Squadron: a joint US-UK division of the allied powers’ mightiest sorcerers. Armed with her powerful specter sorcery, which allows her to “ghost” through bullets and barbed wire alike, Geist fights a tireless battle to end the war once and for all.
But then the Germans unleash the Grave-Maker Gas, a concoction so deadly it destroys everything it touches and transforms even the strongest sorcerers into terrible monsters. Even her ghostly magic can’t resist the gas’s corrosive power, and it costs Geist everything she loves—her team, her friends, even the use of an arm.
This is the new weapon that could end the war—and give the Germans the world.
Now Geist must risk it all to lead a new team deep into hostile territory to discover the source of this terrifying new technology before the enemy sets it loose upon the world. Will she be able to stop the Grave-Maker Gas before it’s too late...or will the secrets of her past finally catch up with her?

Review:
Florence Cavell has special specter sorcery skills that come in handy by allowing her to “ghost” through bullets, barbed wire and more. This gained her the code name ”Geist”. All of her Ethereal team mates are named after their powers, and each one has a special skill that helps them succeed as a team. Geist returns from a devastating battle where she learned of a horrendous new weapon in use by the Germans and lost members of her team to the corrosive, skin eating gas.

At first it is hard for even her superior to believe and understand the horror of the Grave-Maker Gas. It is crucial to find a way to combat or stop the gas. She is assigned to lead her new team, including a mysterious man she rescued from the German dungeon, to go behind enemy lines to get more information. Every step they take puts them in danger and challenges their skills. And soon they are facing monster soldiers created through experimentation with blood stolen from other sorcerers.

Initially only one person at the base knows Geist’s true nature but the closer she grows with the team the harder it is to hide not only her sex but also her family background. She is afraid everyone will reject her leadership, if not condemn her, when they discover her secrets.

I very much liked Geist’s character. She is loyal, brave, determined and caring, in addition to being a skilled warrior. Her newest team member, Vergess (Vergessenheit or Oblivion), discovers her secret and it becomes clear that he plans to try to protect her whenever he can. He has secrets of his own and I really liked his strengths and his gentlemanly attitude toward Geist. The team has to work through suspicion and tension while trying to stay alive.

The characters are well defined with their histories shared as the danger ramps up. The story is set in an alternative wartime 1916 Europe. It is creative and action-packed. I was pulled in by the opening action and remained engrossed as the suspense and the emotional and interesting interactions continued. I sort of wish there would be more stories with these characters.  I recommend this to readers who enjoy a strong alternative military fantasy.

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

Book Review: Vigilante Assassin (Jake Wolfe Book 2) by Mark Nolan

This is a high action and I love Cody, the former war dog.
Vigilante Assassin: An Action Thriller
(Jake Wolfe Book 2)
by Mark Nolan

File Size: 2775 KB
Print Length: 362 pages
Publication Date: October 27, 2017
ASIN: B075665WN5
Genre: Action, Mystery, Thriller
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Every marriage has a secret, and this one is deadly. Lauren Stephens wakes up to find her husband, Gene, has vanished during the night. His phone is dead. Desperate, she hires Jake Wolfe and his war dog, Cody. They search the house and discover something so disturbing that Jake won’t allow Lauren near it. “No, if you see this, there is no unseeing it.”
Lauren thought she had it all: a loving partner, two great kids, a successful business, and a beautiful home in the San Francisco hills. But all of that is about to come crashing down, due to a missing husband, a hidden past, and a frightening secret that will shock a trusting wife to the core. Gene has enemies, and now they want something from Lauren.
Jake Wolfe is a flawed man who has a habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He wants to leave his secret, violent past behind him, but when Lauren and her children are threatened, his protective instinct takes command. Jake soon finds himself involved in a dangerous conspiracy, targeted for death, and engaged in battle with a powerful, unseen group who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Jake’s going to have to think fast and fight hard to protect Cody, Lauren and her kids.

Review:
Jake is contemplating peace and quiet as he relaxes on his friend’s boat with his new girlfriend, Sarah. He wakes early and his retired war dog, Cody, warns him of danger in the water. The sun hasn’t even risen as Jake faces the first attack of the day.

As soon as Jake docks, the head of an executive security company appears to ask for his help to protect Lauren Stephens, a wealthy woman whose husband has just gone missing. Soon Jake locates a body in a secret room and discovers dangerous, scandalous secrets. Jake dodges weaponized drones as he begins to hunt for a motive and a killer.

Jake can’t even get to breakfast before he is stopped by a cop who resents Jake. Jake ends up with a head lump and wakes up in jail facing a sexual predator. Jake calls in a government agency to help him get out of jail quickly. The government people will be glad for this extra leverage to get Jake to sign on to their special project(s).

The excitement continues with multiple kidnappings, another beating and Jake facing death threats by a powerful, mysterious enemy. In addition to finding Mr. Stephens’ killer, Jake and his long-time detective friend, Terrell, are tracking drug and arms dealers. While rushing from one danger to another Jake is intent on protecting Lauren and her kids, as well as protecting Sarah and Cody. Jake is even willing to risk teaming up with the mob in order to get quick, on the street help.

Wow! This is packed with high octane action! It reminded me of the TV show 24 with all the things that go in such a short time. Jake and Cody are at the center of all the action and Cody shines with his brilliant nose work. Cody’s skills and complex character are almost on level with Jake’s. The story reads very quickly as the mysteries and danger twists and turns.

This is the second in the series and I do recommend reading the first book, Dead Lawyer’s Don’t Lie. That book introduces the primary characters and explains their backgrounds. I am very glad that I have book three to read soon. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy fast paced action with an extra smart dog as a great partner.

Source: Author review request December 2018. This qualifies for 2019TBR and Author goals.

Audible Book Review: A State of Treason by David Thomas Roberts

This is entertaining with lots of action and suspense.

A State of Treason
By: David Thomas Roberts
Narrated by: Charles Craig
Length: 12 hrs and 13 mins

Unabridged
Release date: 05-13-15
Language: English
Publisher: Vibrant Technologies
Genre: Action, Alternate History, Political Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
A US president with outward contempt for the Founding Fathers and the limits of the US Constitution, who's administration is rocked by scandals....
The Governor of Texas, the self-described mortal enemy of the president, directs a legendary Texas Ranger to rescue a Tea Party organizer from the clutches of federal agents. The resulting struggle sets the stage for a cataclysmic power struggle between officials in Austin and Washington, DC, further polarizing the nation and resulting in arrest warrants for duly elected state officials.
The rest of the country and, the world, watches in awe and despair as the "Texas Crisis" unfolds, affecting world financial markets amid skyrocketing fuel prices. The Texas legislature sends the vote to the people of Texas and the president orders the vote stopped as he suspends the Second Amendment and declares martial law. Texas is now in A State of Treason.
©2014 David Thomas Roberts (P)2015 David Thomas Roberts

Review:
This is the sequel to Patriots of Treason in the Patriots Series. It picks up where book one ended and continues the political struggles, including the Federal corruption and brutality, that are the basis for Texas considering seceding from the United States.

The story moves along well and includes good action which keeps it entertaining. There are several key characters, good guys and villains, who are life-like personalities. Particularly the legendary Texas Ranger, Pops Younger, is a strong character who encompasses the “don’t mess with Texas” attitude.

The plotline made me ponder how I would feel about any state taking sides against the Union that we love. The author incorporates some timely political issues. Of course, in this book the corruption, including lies, cover-ups and murder, was truly extreme, providing a basis for the actions of the Texas leadership. The cost of rebellion is great but to capitulate might result in loss of freedoms that are intended as part of the American way. I enjoyed this entertaining story of a state at odds with a corrupt Federal government. I recommend this series to readers who like alternate history, action stories.

Audio Notes: Charles Craig does a good job with the narration. His voice took a bit to get used to but pretty soon it seemed to fit the nature of the story. I found this to be good listening!

This was an Audible selection from 2017. It qualified for my 2017 Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Review: Blood in the Water: Destroyermen Series, Book 11, by Taylor Anderson

I really enjoy this Alternate History Series with its strong character, lots of action and adventure.
Blood in the Water: Destroyermen Series
Book 11
Written by: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris

Length: 17 hrs and 15 mins
Series: Destroyermen, Book 11
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-07-16
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Alternate History, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Ever since the USS Walker came from another world war to defy the terrifying Grik and diabolical Dominion, Matt Reddy and his crew have given their all to protect the oppressed Lemurians. But with the Walker in desperate need of repairs just as the Grik's first general is poised to strike, Reddy is desperate.
With more enemies than ever before arrayed against them, the crew of the Walker needs new allies. That means combing the lethal wilds of Madagascar to find the Lemurians' fabled ancestors as well as the enigmatic dwellers east of the Pass of Fire. But what Reddy's crew unearths may be more than they can handle - discoveries so shattering that they could tilt the balance of the war in either direction.
But Reddy's greatest adversary is from his past: a madman named Kurokawa whose single-minded mission of revenge will shake the Alliance to its core and raise the stakes to the most personal and terrifying levels Reddy has ever faced.
©2016 Taylor Anderson (P)2016 Tantor

Review:
This is book 11 of this engaging alternate history series. The story follows the adventures, and continued battles, of WWII destroyer, the USS Walker, and its enemy, the Japanese battlecruiser Amagi. Both ships were pulled by a storm into a different Pacific Ocean. In this alternate Earth, the continents are populated by giant lemur-like beings known as Lemurians, and their brutal, cannibalistic enemy, the lizard (or dinosaur)-like Grik.

The Americans, led by Captain Reddy, have trained the peaceful Lemurians so they can defend themselves against the Grik. The Lemurians are now busy building new ships, planes and weapons for the upcoming battles.

During the battles and explorations of their new surroundings, they have discovered that various ships from other countries and years of our history have been pulled into this alternate world. There are British, Spanish, German, French and more.

At this point Captain Reddy and the Alliance are spread out on numerous fronts. There is a group pursuing the wicked Dominions, while other groups are out seeking aid from ancient Lemurian tribes. Some ships are moving into position for the next battle and one ship has been sent out to explore beyond the explored lands. A new player has entered the local field, a coalition known as the League of Tripoli. The Alliance members don’t know if the League are friend or foe, but their actions in this episode will set them at odds with Captain Reddy.

The previously barbaric and drone-like armies of the Grik have begun to change and learn with the help of the Japanese and from the battles they have been engaged in. This is creating dangers for the Alliance but also creating interesting tension within the Grik forces. Meanwhile, the mad Japanese commander, Kurokawa, has a ship to replace the Amagi, and he is making his own plans for revenge.

The story follows at least seven threads of characters. There are battle scenes but also there are scenes of preparation, exploration and confrontation. I was glued to my earplugs to learn what would happen with each team. I enjoy the character interactions and am finding the growth of the Griks, especially General Halick, interesting. Once again I am impressed with Mr. Anderson’s wonderful imagination. I am glad I already have book 12 in my Audible library. I highly recommend the series, and the audios, to readers who enjoy alternate history and battle stories with well-developed characters.

Audio Notes: William Dufris does his usual great job of narration. He manages all the numerous character voices, accents and nuances, so the story becomes alive. I love listening to this series on audio.

Check out the artwork, plane models, maps and ship silhouettes at the author's new Website. (The website was down when I checked but hopefully will be back soon.)

Also check out my prior reviews:

Into the Storm -- 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

If you like the reviews, please follow this link to Audible and click the yes button on the “was this review helpful”.

I had this title in my own Audible library (credit purchase in 2016). It qualifies for Audio Challenge and Mount TBR Challenge.

Book Review: On the Chase (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit Book 2) by Katie Ruggle

I like this author for fast-paced action, sweet romance between likeable characters – and canine characters too.
On the Chase (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit Book 2)
by Katie Ruggle

File Size: 2103 KB
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 5, 2017)
ASIN: B01ND1K3M6
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Small Town
My Rating 4.25 of 5.0

An Amazon Best Book of the Month
“Vivid and charming.”—CHARLAINE HARRIS, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse series
Injured in the line of duty,
His orders are simple:
Stay alive.
But when a frightened woman bursts into his life, Hugh and his K9 companion have no choice but to risk everything to keep her safe.
The sole witness to a horrific crime, Kaylee Ramay flees to the Colorado Rockies to start a new life. There she becomes Grace, a dog kennel employee desperately trying to avoid attention—especially from dangerously attractive K9 Officer Hugh Murdoch.
Because Hugh is tall, dark…and nothing but trouble.
Hugh is anxious to get back in the field after an act of heroism left him warming the bench.
Until then, he and his K9 partner Lexi spend their hours teasing the town’s mysterious newcomer. But when their simmering attraction is nearly cut short by a sniper’s bullet, Hugh’s mystery woman must come clean about the secrets she keeps…
Or both of them will pay the price.

Review:
Kaylee is attending a socialite dinner with her almost “Disney Prince” boyfriend when a wrong turn has her uncovering a crime situation. She manages to escape the last-minute grab of the dinner host but is afraid to go home. A friend helps her get out of town, hidden in the small town of Monroe, CO, where she is known as Grace and must find any job to make a living.

Hugh has been injured and is supposed to be recovering and staying out of the field. But ‘cop mode’ runs in Hugh’s blood and he has a hard time sitting home, even under orders that he is not allowed on scene or at the station. Hugh is really stressed since the force is trying to catch a drug smuggler who keeps sliding through his small town of Monroe.

Hugh meets Grace and, besides being stunned by her good likes, he is immediately suspicious and tries digging for the truth. Grace tries to avoid Hugh but they are like magnets drawing together. After several near-death events, Grace reveals her past thinking that the dangerous bad guy has found her. Hugh still thinks the attempts are against him, not her, but he isn’t about to let her problem rest either.

I liked Kaylee/Grace and Hugh right away. The beginning is fun and quickly moves into high adrenaline action. The story has some crazy moments and there are character actions that caused the reaction “what are you thinking?”. I like the other officers, including the canine characters. The ending seemed a little rushed and I would’ve liked a little more detail on the bad guy’s activities. Also, there were a few incidents of unnecessary (IMHO) ugly language. Still, all in all, I completely enjoyed the fast-paced story and strong romantic chemistry without overdone sexual aspects.

I am always comfortable picking up a Katie Ruggle title as I am confident I will get a good story that includes danger, action and sweet romance. I may have to go back and read the other stories in this series so I don’t miss anything. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy a good romantic suspense that is full on action and nice romance.

This type of phrasing (location 2899) had me chuckling:

“In fact, the love semitruck was tumbling down the mountainside at high speed with no brakes, about to run her over, flatten her on the pavement and leave its Hugh-shaped tire tracks all over her heart.”

I received this through NetGalley and it qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Book Review: Eric Olafson: Space Pirate by Vanessa Ravencroft

This is great sci fi with wonderful world building, fascinating characters and plenty of action!

Eric Olafson: Space Pirate
(Eric Olafson Series)
by Vanessa Ravencroft

File Size: 1055 KB
Print Length: 589 pages
Publisher: Inkitt (March 11, 2017)
ASIN: B06XJZLYBG
Genre: Military Sci Fi, Space Exploration
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

It's the year 5019, and the Milky Way Galaxy is teeming with exotic species. The majority of the known civilizations have formed a multi-cultural mega organization called the United Stars of Galaxies.
This Union is protected by the brave men and women of the United Stars Space fleet against external threats.
Eric Olafson, born and raised under harsh conditions of the traditional and inward looking society of Nilfeheim, left his planet to fulfill his dreams of becoming a Starship captain.
When Eric gets kidnaped by an unknown organization and brought to Sin 4, a lawless Planet deep in free space, he slowly starts to discover his central role in an ancient conflict of cosmic proportions.

Review:
Eric Olafson is a creative midshipman who has always longed to become a Starship captain in the Union fleet that protects the numerous allies against unfriendly threats. Right now Eric is hoping to pass graduation in a few weeks – if he can stay out of trouble and live that long! It seems that trouble follows Eric… or he finds it. Fortunately, he has an unusual group of classmates who are usually nearby to help him face trouble with their remarkable skills. As one of the Admirals explains to Eric midway through the book: “You and your friends are not the average cadets and midshipman.”

Har-Hi is an extreme fighter – that’s what he loves. Wetmouth is a science whiz. Krabbel is an arachnoid (spider) who loves hugging and is ‘handy’ to have around. Narth is a from a planet of psi-mind readers who used to keep to themselves. But he has developed a bond with Eric and is determined to stay by his side and learn and share all the feelings humans have. Cirruit is a cyberunit who adds his own techno skills and subtle humor to the group. He is longing for the upgrade that will allow him to experience things like taste and other senses. The friends repeat, on more than one occasion, how important their friendship is and how their lives are enriched by knowing each other. They fear being separated when given their new assignments.

The first third of the book focuses on Eric as he is kidnapped and forced to escape and survive on a hostile planet. Eric has to dodge hostiles until he is aided by Mother Superior, a leader of a society of women who are shape shifters, extreme courtesans and sometimes spies. Eric is the first male allowed to enter their community, learn many of their secrets and train under the master teaching of the leader.

Eventually Eric is reconnected with his ship and warmly welcomed by his companions. After a short R&R they are sent on special assignment on a distant station base. It appears that nothing is going on and that prior accidents have been due to extreme boredom. But we know how appearances can be wrong! Once again, the action picks up as Eric and friends attempt to stop pirates from accessing supplies on the base.

The pattern of the story runs with fast paced action and a short R&R before the “Olafson team” faces another unexpected assignment. I love the "team" and how they contribute their talents to face the enemies. Now you might question why the titles says “Space Pirate” – what does that mean? It’s creative and lots of fun. The world building is wonderful with a great variety of characters and surprises all along the way. There are some social points made by the author through the story and I also appreciated that the story has minimal rough language.

This is apparently part of a series and alludes to prior adventures. This one works as a stand-alone but makes me interested in reading the back stories to discover more about Eric’s meeting and becoming friends with these many alien creatures. I strongly recommend this to readers who enjoy science fiction with detailed world building, creative characters and lots of action.

I received an ARC from Inkitt for an honest review.

About the Author

It all started in 1989 when my friends and I played Role Playing Games such as AD, Midgard, Traveler etc. Not really satisfied with the selection of commercially available RPGames, I created a new one called Action World. Our RPG evolved into the Galactic Chronicles and I am now almost 22 years in that Universe. There are 34 handwritten 500-600 page books in the Galactic Chronicles series. I love to write and spend time in this universe.

Now I have dedicated readership from all over the world and this makes me prouder than I could ever express in words. (Sad testament for someone who claims to be a writer, I know)

Want to know more about my world? Ever wondered what a viking handshake looks like? Or what kind of licensing you need to carry certain cybernetic weapons? I have written over 13,000 pages about the Universe on my GalNet Wiki which you can check out here: http://galnet.wikia.com

You can also follow me on Twitter & Facebook for more information and sneak peeks into the Galactic Chronicles: https://www.facebook.com/ravencroftvanessa/
Tweets at ‎@VanessaRaven

Book Review: Chakana: Encounter In The Sacred Valley by W.E. Lawrence

This is a fast paced and exciting ‘Indiana Jones’ style adventure with romance.

Chakana: Encounter In The Sacred Valley
by W.E. Lawrence

File Size: 2617 KB
Print Length: 346 pages
Publication Date: January 4, 2016
ASIN: B01A7PZ3MM
Genre: Action Adventure
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

In 1940, James Fleming, the original British secret agent, races on a high-stakes mission to track down the lost Incan treasure of King Huascar. Along with Kate Rhodes, a policewoman on leave from Ohio, he decodes clues and faces the challenges of the Chakana designed to allow only the most devoted to escape alive.

Among the ancient ruins of Peru, disaster hides around each corner as they battle Incan death traps and an international artifact smuggler who will do anything to acquire the hidden wealth. If James and Kate fail, the Nazi’s Third Reich could win WWII and take over the world. Intrigue, danger, adventure, and even romance abound in this quest to save the free world.

Review:
James Fleming was a young British Officer in training in America when he was rescued from a marshy bog by the lovely, young Kate Rhodes. Years later he is surprised when Kate shows up in Peru looking for her brother, a missing archaeologist. Kate has accompanied a professor of antiquities who is helping unravel the puzzle of an Incan decoding machine marked by the Chakana, an Incan cross shape. Such hidden instructions usually lead to a treasure of gold!

James isn’t in Peru for a treasure hunt exactly. He is undercover trying to catch a big time smuggler, Soros, who poses as a legitimate artifacts dealer. Solos is intent on finding gold to invest in the Nazi’s Third Reich so it is of utmost importance that James stop him from getting to the treasure. Soros is smart and ruthless. He will torture for information and kidnap parties of interest to get what he wants.

James and Kate make a good team hunting and collecting the clues needed to complete the decoding box. Many of the clues require two people and not just any two, but two lovers. James and Kate figure they can pretend or bluff their way through the challenge but the Incan traps have planned otherwise.

I greatly enjoyed the puzzle challenges and the dangerous escapes that James and Kate face and mostly conquer. I was a little surprised by the intensity of the sexual scenes in a story set in the 1940s, but what was I thinking? Twenty somethings are sensual beings whether in the 1880s, the 1940s or present day. Given Kate’s strong minded independence, standing up for herself as a police officer in a man’s world, I shouldn’t have found her liberated behavior that surprising.

The story moves at a good pace with Indiana Jones type of villains and dangers. The writing is crisp and flows well. The relationship between Kate and James is warm and I enjoyed how the ending left room for future development and adventures for the pair. There were several good history tidbits that I liked and found informative. This is worth the purchase for readers who enjoy action and adventure with romance.

(There was a glaring misuse of grammar that should have been caught in editing. Since I read a NetGalley version I will not note the specific phrase here but I will note it in my comments to the publisher.)

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley. It qualifies for NetGalley Challenge, TBR Triple Dog Dare, C on Alphabet Soup and March 2016 TBR Challenge.

Book Review: The Colossus by Ranjini Iyer

There is action, adventure and danger in this medical mystery/suspense.
The Colossus
by Ranjini Iyer

File Size: 745 KB
Print Length: 254 pages
Publisher: HighLine Editions; New edition (February 7, 2015)
ASIN: B016TX3HWE
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Maxine Rosen, a demure, clumsy, Chicago caterer gets more than she bargains for when she discovers her father’s coded research document linked to health pills unearthed from the ancient Indus Valley civilization. The pills, she learns, carry frightening secrets about the true nature of her father’s death; a truth that may be more than she can bear. Enlisting the help of handsome professor Julian McIntosh, Max travels across the continents to unlock the mystery of her father’s research, struggling to keep one step ahead of a powerful German pharmaceutical company who will stop at nothing to keep the disturbing document under wraps.

Review:
Maxine Rosen is a superb cook who struggles with her own weight. She hopes to make a success of the catering business she is building in Chicago. She was young when her mother died and hurt by her alcoholic father’s apparent suicide. Max is surprised when a scientist friend of her father arrives and implies that her father’s death may not have been suicide. Lars begins to explain a little about the research that her father had been working on and asks if Max can help decode the research papers. Lars and Max are threatened by a thug who takes papers he thinks are part of the research. Lars returns home to London leaving a trail of questions.

Max seeks help at a local University and meets handsome professor, Julian McIntosh. Julian is intrigued by the history involving an ancient civilization and begins to help Max gather information. Although Julian has been in a long time relationship, he is drawn to Max and finds her full figure attractive.

Max sets off to London trying to track down mysteries. Julian follows when she calls in a panic. The two set off following clues and trying to gather intel as they try to avoid the thug and a second enemy who is trying to capture any secrets they uncover.

The medical mystery plot-line includes engaging action, adventure and danger. Unfortunately, I didn’t care for Max’s squeamish, mostly wimpy, character. Her reactions were just this side of hysterical and nonsensical to me. Every once in a while she showed some sense and bravery, but usually I was struck by her weakness and stupidity. So – she didn’t work for me. Julian was an okay character although he delayed telling the truth of his status.

The writing moves fairly well with occasional spurts of strong description. The feel of the story is action adventure with a determined, if clumsy and wimpy, heroine. The medical issue is an interesting theory and the author adds notes at the end as supporting research. This book would be good for those who are interested by the mystery and adventure nature. There are many more positive reviews at Amazon so I suggest checking those and perhaps reading the “look inside” to get a feel for the book.

I received this for review last spring but it got lost in email. This is part of my TBR Triple Dog Dare.