Audible Book Review: Mavericks Expeditionary Force, Book 6, by Craig Alanson

I enjoyed this sci fi, military adventure.

Mavericks Expeditionary Force, Book 6
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 17 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 09-25-18
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The remnants of the Expeditionary Force stranded on the alien-controlled planet "Paradise" get a chance to prove themselves, in a simple off-world training mission with a ship full of teenage alien cadets. When the mission goes horribly wrong and the survival of everyone on Paradise is at risk, the Merry Band of Pirates may have to come to the rescue. Unless they get killed first....
©2018 Craig Alanson (P)2018 Podium Publishing

Review:
Colonel Joe Bishop is still exchanging barbs with the elder AI ‘beer can’, Skippy. The pirate crew of the Flying Dutchman are hoping to go home to earth but first they must deal with an energy virus that threatens to eat through the patched together ship. Skippy determines he can eliminate the virus but only after all the systems are turned down… which means removing the humans from the ship. Doesn’t’ that sound like a piece of cake?

Meanwhile, the Mavericks, led by Emily Perkins, are back on Paradise trying to prove to the Ruhar that the humans can contribute to their military force. Perkins and her handful of human soldiers are hoping to impress the leaders as they participate in training exercises in space. Suddenly the training ship finds itself the sole survivor of an attack and the humans get to help save the crew.

The author does a good job of showing the lonely burden and struggles the captain as Joe deals with coping with the unknown and resisting temptations. This is balanced with the continued snarky humor between Joe and Skippy. It is apparent that the Mavericks are a branch off that allows the development of additional characters. I enjoyed both threads of action and look forward to more in the series. I recommend this to fans of military space opera.

Audio Notes: It is such fun to listen to this series narrated by R.C. Bray. He has provided the characters with distinct voices, even the aliens. I totally enjoy and recommend the audio experience.

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

Prior book reviews:
Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, #1) by Craig Alanson, Rating 4.5
Audible Book Review: Spec Ops, Expeditionary Force, Book 2 by Craig Alanson, Rating 4.5
Audible Book Review: Paradise, Expeditionary Force, Book 3 by Craig Alanson, Rating 4.5
Audible Book Review: Black Ops, Expeditionary Force, Book 4, by Craig Alanson, Rating 4.5
Audible Book Review: Zero Hour, Expeditionary Force, Book 5, by Craig Alanson; Rating 4.5.

Audible Book Review: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson

This is a creative and good story to share with children.
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
By: Andrew Peterson
Narrated by: Andrew Peterson

The Wingfeather Saga, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 01-05-21
Publisher: Listening Library
Genre: Adventure, Children, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog, Nugget.
Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their disabled sister, Leeli, are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice. The Igibys hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a tale children of all ages will cherish and families can listen to together.
This audiobook includes a PDF of maps, illustrations, and more.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2020 Andrew Peterson (P)2020 Listening Library

Review:
Janner, Tink and Leeli are three children who try to live a normal life but instead have to live under the shadow of evil authorities, the Fangs of Dang, and the threat of being taken off at night in the black carriage. The Igiby children who live with their dignified and loving mother and their ex-pirate grandfather, are not aware of their full history.

Leeli has a damaged leg and walks with a crutch. She is almost always accompanied by their sweet little dog, Nugget. Janner, as the oldest, is always taxed with watching over his younger brother and sister. But the children are curious and although they get to share some exciting and dangerous adventures, they end up in desperate trouble. As they try to get away from the Fangs, they find help from a strange character and betrayal from another.

The story is filled with creative characters and adventures any child might enjoy. There are secrets that aren’t revealed till near the ending and it gives a whole new picture of the Igiby family and their allies. There are footnotes and items set out in a pdf that comes with the audio.

Our grandchildren are reading this series so I decided to listen and be able to share. I enjoyed the characters, the creativity and the adventures in the plot. We have the other books in the series and I will be listening to book two in the near future. I recommend this as a family listen to enjoy.

Audio Notes: I didn’t realize until I finished the story that the narrator is the author! Andrew Peterson  does a wonderful job with the voices, and of course brings the appropriate energy and emotion to the story. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2/14/2021 January Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022 Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Chaos Rising, Edge of Collapse, Book 0.5, by Kyla Stone

This is a quick intro to a post-apocalyptic series.
Chaos Rising
An Edge of Collapse Prequel
By: Kyla Stone
Narrated by: Stacey Glemboski

Series: Edge of Collapse, Book 0.5
Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins
Release date: 12-31-19
Publisher: Paper Moon Press
Genre: Adventure, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
In a heartbeat, everything grinds to a halt. On Christmas Eve, the lights go out. Vehicles stop working. Communications break down. Reclusive former soldier Liam Coleman doesn't want to be anywhere near bustling downtown Chicago the day before Christmas. But his twin brother and his pregnant sister-in-law need him.
But mere minutes after leaving O'Hare, their car crashes, along with hundreds of other vehicles. When Liam's phone stops working, he begins to suspect something more sinister than a local power outage. But before he can react, the first plane falls from the sky.
When a super EMP takes down the nation's power grid, Liam knows it's time to bug out. He's prepared, but he never expected to be caught in the middle of Chicago as chaos erupts. With society collapsing before his very eyes, Liam will have to risk more than he ever thought possible to protect the ones he loves if it's not already too late.
Chaos Rising is a riveting post-apocalyptic EMP survival thriller set in the Edge of Collapse universe, a brand new series from best-selling author Kyla Stone. Perfect for fans of Jack Hunt, T.L. Payne, and Ryan Schow.
©2019 Kyla Stone (P)2019 Kyla Stone

Review:
Liam is a former soldier arriving in Chicago to share Christmas with his twin brother, Lincoln, and his very pregnant sister-in-law, Jessa. It is just a bit difficult due to the history of their meeting. That may be the emotional difficulty, but the real-life problem hits everyone in the form of an unexpected power loss. Not just any loss, but disastrous damage from an EMP strike that sends planes crashing into the city.

Many are injured from the first plane crash and the people in the street panic. Lincoln, also a former soldier, freezes in trauma. As the masses run to get away from the next plummeting plane, Liam has to make unimaginable choices. How can Liam rescue Lincoln if he has to rush Jessa to a hospital? Can he save the ones he loves while struggling to get out of the chaos that surrounds them?

This was a short introduction to the series. The writing is clear if not compelling to me. I liked Liam as a character and felt for the hard decisions he has to make. However, I questioned the actions at the end of the book as not fully taking into account the power loss and that dampened my enthusiasm for the rest of the series.  Fans of Post-Apocalyptic may wish to check this introductory book.

Audio Notes: Stacey Glemboski does a good job with the narration. She provides proper emotion and distinct voices. I enjoyed the audio.

Source: 6/18/2021 $5.95 Audible Purchase. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Eternal Frontier by Anthony J. Melchiorri

This is full of action with one fight and miraculous escape after another.

Eternal Frontier
By: Anthony J. Melchiorri
Narrated by: Bradford Hastings

Series: Eternal Frontier, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 04-18-17
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Adventure, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Humanity has avoided interstellar war for centuries.
It was a time of peace, prosperity, and exploration. But when an unexpected attack cripples a scientific vessel, the SRES Argo, it appears that time has come to an end.
Chief Medical Officer Tag Brewer is the ship's only survivor. He is alone in the far reaches of space. To survive, he must restore and protect the downed vessel from its unknown attackers on a planet as deadly as it is mysterious. He vows to do everything in his power to seek justice for his fallen crew.
When Tag uncovers a sinister secret about those who attacked the Argo, he realizes far more is at stake than just his survival. Something more powerful, more technologically advanced, and more ruthless has emerged from the darkest voids of the galaxy. It's up to Tag to survive long enough to warn humanity and stop the dawn of a new war.
©2017 Anthony J. Melchiorri (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Tag Brewer once trained to be a captain, but one failed exercise resulted in a change in his career. He still wanted to go to space, so he became a Chief Medical Officer on a scientific ship, the Argo. The ship is headed to a particular inhospitable planet to pick up a biologist who was left there to explore the local life. When the ship enters the planet atmosphere, they begin to lose communication abilities. Then they are attacked by ‘pirates’ who swiftly take control of the ship poisoning all humans on board…except Tag who watches in horror from his secured medical bay.

Tag manages to stay alive and take out the three aliens who remained on the bridge in spite of their superior weapons and armor. Tag finds himself without any AI which has been compromised. He cannot make repairs or man the ship without aid, so he implements an experiment he has been working on. He implants brain tissue from one of his dead friends into the medical robot. The robots reaction when activated is to attack its creator!

Tag has to dodge the pirates, land a badly damaged ship and hope he can find the biologist if he wants a chance of finding another human and getting the Argo back running. He survives one death situation after another to finally gather a handful of companions to help make a risky, miraculous escape and then an equally risky and unexpected rescue.

It doesn’t take long into the book to wonder at Tag’s remarkable escapes and versatile skills. He is the sole character for the beginning of the book. The story was full of action which was good although it required a suspension of belief. I downloaded this book and its sequels for free through the Audible Plus Catalog, so I have the next two books in the series and will read them at some point. I don't count this as stellar space opera but it should be entertaining for action junkies.

Audio Notes: Bradford Hastings does a good job with the narration. He provides distinct voices (when there is more than one character) and he brings good energy to the presentation. I enjoyed the audio.

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

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Mickey7 by Edward Ashton

Entertaining but not gripping.

Mickey7
by Edward Ashton
John Pirhalla (Narrator)
Katharine Chin (Narrator)

Listening Length: 9 hours and 16 minutes
Audible.com Release Date: February 15, 2022
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Adventure, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Space
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Mickey7, an "expendable," refuses to let his replacement clone Mickey8 take his place.
Dying isn’t any fun…but at least it’s a living.
Mickey7 is an Expendable: a disposable employee on a human expedition sent to colonize the ice world Niflheim. Whenever there’s a mission that’s too dangerous—even suicidal—the crew turns to Mickey. After one iteration dies, a new body is regenerated with most of his memories intact. After six deaths, Mickey7 understands the terms of his deal…and why it was the only colonial position unfilled when he took it.
On a fairly routine scouting mission, Mickey7 goes missing and is presumed dead. By the time he returns to the colony base, surprisingly helped back by native life, Mickey7’s fate has been sealed. There’s a new clone, Mickey8, reporting for Expendable duties. The idea of duplicate Expendables is universally loathed, and if caught, they will likely be thrown into the recycler for protein.
Mickey7 must keep his double a secret from the rest of the colony. Meanwhile, life on Niflheim is getting worse. The atmosphere is unsuitable for humans, food is in short supply, and terraforming is going poorly. The native species are growing curious about their new neighbors, and that curiosity has Commander Marshall very afraid. Ultimately, the survival of both lifeforms will come down to Mickey7.
That is, if he can just keep from dying for good.

Review:
Mickey7 is an “Expendable”. After bad gambling put him into debt to a loan shark, Mickey wanted to get off planet quickly. His friend Berto is going on a colonization expedition and Mickey, having no special skills to offer a space mission, volunteers to take the only open spot– the job of an “Expendable”. That means he gets all the dangerous jobs that are likely to get him killed. The twist is that his memory is “backed-up” and he is brought back as a clone. Mickey figures he can “live with” this arrangement.

When Mickey meets the commander on the mission he learns that not everyone agrees with cloning, and the captain is a strong opponent. Other members of the expedition don’t like the idea much either, especially if they think the Expendable is likely to duck hard work if he can.

The expedition is exploring an ice world, Niflheim, where they have discovered large, vicious snow ‘worms’ they name Creepers. The ship already suffered damage on the journey and Mickey is now Mickey7. On a fairly routine scouting mission, Mickey7 falls through a deep ice crevice. He calls for his friend to rescue him, but Berto says it is too dangerous and he can just come back as Mickey8. Mickey7’s girlfriend is prepared to come get him, but Mickey7 doesn’t want to put her at risk. Expecting to die, Mickey7 is surprised when he gets help getting back to base. Mickey7 slips into his room only to find Mickey8 in his, now their, small bed.

If it is discovered that there are two clones out at one time, the captain will surely kill them both. The pair must juggle their existence, sharing half-rations, rotating jobs, room time, and trying to avoid contact that would reveal their deception. Of course, it isn’t long before the juggling causes trouble. But there is more than just that. It appears that Mickey7’s exposure on the way back to base has had some strange effect on his neuron system. This causes problems at first but soon turns into a saving grace for Mickey7.

I found the story idea intriguing and wanted to really like it. Unfortunately, I didn’t find Mickey to be a very likeable character. Even though he volunteered to die for the expedition, he isn’t a self-sacrificing person. No, he is much more self-centered and his relationships seem shallow to me. I did like the twists near the end but I found the ending to be weak and unsatisfactory. The story has some entertainment value but didn’t pull me in. Others may find it more enjoyable.

Audio Notes: John Pirhalla and Katharine Chin share the narration performance and I liked their voices. Pithalla seemed to capture the weak nature of Mickey’s character while Chin conveyed the quirky natures of the female characters. The audio performance enhanced the story for me.

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

#NetGalley Audiobook Review: Fall of the Core by Ryk Brown

This is an interesting story with intrigue until the end.

Fall of the Core
by Ryk Brown
Narrated by Jeffrey Kafer

Length: 15 hours and 21 minutes
Release Date: January 25, 2022
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Adventure, Artificial Intelligence, Science Fiction, Space
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

A freelance reporter struggling to get into the "big time"....
A rookie officer starting her career in public safety....
A cargo ship captain trying to outlive a terminal illness that has no cure....
A bounty hunter returning a long-hunted fugitive to Earth....
A terrible plague that threatens to destroy the human race....
The 25th century is not starting off very well.

Review:
The four main characters are facing a bio and digital virus that has them on different paths to the same destiny. The reporter wants to question the connection between the viruses over the objections of her production manager. Because she is willing to push a little, a mysterious entity contacts her and pushes her further through intimidation that includes putting an interview guest to death in her presence.

The rookie officer is lucky to get a smart, experienced, and mentoring partner. He helps her manage the day-to-day issues as matters intensify during the early days of fear and social chaos. After being suspended due to possible exposure to the virus, she is shocked to have her great (great?) grandfather show up at her door to give her an alternate future.

The space cargo ship captain has been extending his life by living in space while hoping that a cure for his terminal illness will be discovered. When faced with the potential death of most humans on Earth, and who knows where else, the captain determines to meet his (great?) grandson and offer him the chance to live off-world. He is surprised to meet his great (great?) granddaughter instead but still wants her to join him.

A very tough, bounty hunter has a prisoner on the cargo ship. She plans to deliver him to authorities on Earth and receive her bounty. Unfortunately, by the time the ship is approaching Earth, the bio and digital virus is close to eliminating the authority chain and penal facilities.

These four come together late in the story, joining resources with a gang boss to make a last-ditch effort to save the human race. Ironically, they may have to rely on the character who started the virus.

This is my first book by this author, so I had no conflicting series or expectations to overcome as some reviews seem to mention. There is some environmental ‘preaching’ and debate regarding the possible dangers of AI sentience. I didn’t let any of that bother my enjoying the story. The story is set in the 25th century where all things are (mostly) peaceful on Earth and there are many inhabited planets and space colonies.

I found it interesting following the different threads until they met. I appreciated that the intrigue continued until the end which had a bit of a last-chapter twist. I would be interested to know what happens to the survivors and how the other planets fared. I recommend this to fans of AI issues and space sci fi.

Audio Notes: I have enjoyed the narration of Jeffrey Kafer on other books, and he delivered well on this story too. He provides distinct voices and energy so that there was no confusion in the characters. I actually selected the audiobook because of Kafer and I am glad that I had the opportunity to listen to this.

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

Audible Book Review: Alexander X Battle for Forever, Book 1 by Edward Savio

This is an exciting and historically informative story.
Alexander X
Battle for Forever, Book 1
By: Edward Savio
Narrated by: Wil Wheaton

Series: Battle for Forever, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins
Release date: 06-05-19
Publisher: Babelfish Press
Genre: Adventure, Humor, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Alexander Grant is a little too good at a few too many things. Two dozen martial arts. Twice that many languages. Chess, the piano, sports, forging excused absences, you name it. He graduated high school top of his class...seventeen times. Of course, no one knows any of this. Not that he wants to go unnoticed. It’s just safer that way. So for the last several decades, Alexander has been forced to move from town to small town to even smaller town - he just bought his 651st house - in an effort to live a painfully quiet life. But when a mysterious cabal attempts to kidnap him and kill his friends, Alexander must use all his skills and centuries of training to outwit the most dangerous man alive, the mastermind of a plot that would change the world forever.
Clever, intriguing, skillfully woven with humor, Alexander X launches us on an epic journey toward a future few of us will survive, rising from a past we never knew existed.
©2019 Edward Savio (P)2019 Babelfish Audio

Review:
Alexander Grant is not your typical teenager. He inherited a rare gene that slows his aging significantly. He is centuries old and has attended high school seventeen times. He must move from town to town and hide his knowledge and skills to try to live a semi-normal life. Before the days of computers, internet and social media, his task of remaining unnoticed was much easier. In the current years, he and others like him, are facing the danger of discovery of their secret.

Alexander, the teen boy, is having to deal with a school bully who gets in his face and pushes his nerdy friend, Daniel. Of course, there is a pretty girl, Phoebe, in the mix but Alex knows better than to risk getting too involved. Unfortunately, Daniel and Phoebe are nearby when Alexander finds himself under attack by skilled men, apparently with his same rare gene. The men don’t want to kill him but want to capture him, but they have no reason to save any of Alexander’s friends who get in their way.

Alexander stops to grab some supplies so he can get out of town and to a safe house. Alex is confronted by a powerful man and he and his friends barely escape. Now they are on the run and struggling to stay one step ahead of the kidnappers/killers. Finally, Alex and his friends are trapped, and Alex again faces the man who is trying to capture him. Alex learns the man has destructive plans for society and Alex’s father is standing in the way. Will Alex be able to save his friends and find his father to stop the madman?

I liked Alexander’s character with his skills and wisdom based on years of training and living. I found the premise of the book inventive, and I loved the glimpses of historical events described from Alexander’s perspective. I thought this is pretty unique, although the teen element reminded me of The Lorien Series (I Am Number Four), without the aliens and superpowers. I liked the action, which, if not gripping, is entertaining. I will be getting book two to find out how Alexander gets to his father.

Audio Notes: Wil Wheaton is a wonderful narrator and makes Alexander come alive. He conveys the frustrations, self-deprecation, doubts and strengths. Wheaton also provides distinct voices for the characters. The narration helped make this more entertaining for me.

Source: 12/17/2020 Audible Sale – $5.00. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet, Audio goals.

Audible Book Review: Zero Hour, Expeditionary Force, Book 5, by Craig Alanson

I enjoyed this episode - more snark, off -key singing, and action.
Zero Hour
Expeditionary Force, Book 5
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R. C. Bray

Length: 17 hrs and 20 mins
Release date: 02-06-18
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
United Nations Special Operations Command sent an elite expeditionary force of soldiers and pilots out on a simple recon mission, and somehow along the way they sparked an alien civil war. Now the not-at-all-merry band of pirates is in desperate trouble, again. Their stolen alien starship is falling apart, thousands of light years from home. The ancient alien AI they nicknamed Skippy is apparently dead, and even if they can by some miracle revive him, he might never be the same.
©2017 Craig Alanson; 2018 Podium Publishing

Review:
The super awesome AI “Skippy” has disappeared into a canister leaving Captain Joe Bishop and the ‘merry band of pirates’ without the ability to fix the failing, pieced together alien starship, much less face any potential enemies. And the likelihood they can get home safely is pretty much nonexistent.

Small Spoiler Alert:
Skippy does return from the canister but only as a small portion of himself with the main part of his systems trapped and hidden from the enemy worm in the can. Unless the crew and Skippy can find elder technology to allow Skippy a back door to spring a surprise attack on the worm, Skippy’s existence is counting down to a “Zero Hour”.

The banter between Skippy and Joe continues as they struggle to come up with ‘miracles’, even if they are ‘monkey-brained ideas’, to get out of each trouble spot that Skippy helps get them into. I love the banter and I laughed out loud at Skippy’s musical entertainments.

The pattern does repeat: the crew faces catastrophe, brilliant AI Skippy’s solution fails, the monkey-brain humans (particularly Joe) comes up with an off the wall, last minute plan that works (to Skippy’s dismay), there is a short celebration before the next catastrophe appears. Still, the process is entertaining.

This series is an easy listen which means I can drive while listening because I don’t have to have a strong focus on tracking new characters or complex plot lines. There is plenty of danger, action and some plot twists to keep it interesting. The author provides a plot twist that will clearly lead to a new problem, not planned for by the crew, in the next episode. I will be picking up the next book in the near future. I recommend this series to fans of military space opera and I suggest starting from the beginning to get to know the characters and enjoy the ride of danger and fun.

Audio Notes: R. C. Bray as the narrator is a big plus to the story for me. He presents voices to fit the characters, including various aliens. His off-key singing is great fun! The narration definitely adds to my enjoyment of the series.

Source: 3/14/2020 Two For One Credit Sale at Audible. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Alphabet goals.

Prior book reviews:
Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, #1) by Craig Alanson, Rating 4.5
Audible Book Review: Spec Ops, Expeditionary Force, Book 2 by Craig Alanson, Rating 4.5
Audible Book Review: Paradise, Expeditionary Force, Book 3 by Craig Alanson, Rating 4.5
Audible Book Review: Black Ops, Expeditionary Force, Book 4, by Craig Alanson, Rating 4.5

Audible Book Review: A Long Time Until Now by Michael Z. Williamson

This is an entertaining, character story of survival out of time.
A Long Time Until Now
By: Michael Z. Williamson
Narrated by: Dennis Holland

Length: 22 hrs and 10 mins
Release date: 06-02-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Adventure, Alternate History, Military, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Book one in a new series from the creator of the best-selling Freehold Universe series.
A military unit is thrust back into Paleolithic times with only their guns and portable hardware. Ten soldiers on convoy in Afghanistan suddenly find themselves lost in time. Somehow they arrived in Earth's Paleolithic Asia. With no idea how they arrived or how to get back, the shock of the event is severe. They discover groups of the similarly displaced: imperial Romans, Neolithic Europeans, and a small cadre of East Indian peasants.
Despite their technological advantage, the soldiers only have 10 people and know no way home. Then two more time travelers arrive from a future far beyond the present. These time travelers may have the means to get back, but they aren't giving it up. In fact they may have a treacherous agenda of their own, one that may very well lead to the death of the displaced in a harsh and dangerous era.
©2015 Michael Z. Williamson (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Ten soldiers in two military jeeps are carefully entering a dangerous area of Afghanistan. A jolt makes them think they have been hit, but then they realize otherwise. The road is gone, the temperature is cooler, there are no buildings and no visible people. As they survey their surroundings and see wooly rhinos in the distance, their combined knowledge reveals that they are lost in time – in Earth’s Paleolithic Asia. Their leader, a fairly new First Lieutenant, later named “Captain”, initially seems frozen in shock. NCO Spencer is wondering if he will have to take charge. Spencer confronts the LT and is glad when the superior officer takes charge and makes sense.

The ten ‘travelers’, eight men and two women, have a variety of useful skills. There is a Medic, a computer tech/photographer (an older female with thyroid problems), a veterinary NCO to care for animals, a linguist, a USAF Security female to help local females, several men at arms. One man is skilled at astronomy, another history, one has street smarts, and another has basic survival skills. As the days pass and the group has to build a safe base, they learn that each person is helpful.

They encounter native tribes, one peaceful and another more aggressive. The Americans are able to maintain control by advanced technology which they have been careful to use limited. They are mindful that they don’t want to inappropriately influence the primitive peoples. As the weeks go by other strangers, clearly out of time, appear and must be dealt with, like a 100 Roman soldiers. Their numbers and aggression are intimidating but the American Captain confronts them with a demonstration of superior weapons that initially convinces them to back off.

The crew struggles through medical, mental and spiritual issues. When new travelers arrive from the future there is new hope of being rescued and returning home.

I do enjoy time travel and was drawn to this book when I saw dinosaurs and warriors of mixed eras. I expected the story to be full of danger and battles but that isn’t the case at all. It is well written and the author’s military background is shown in the group dynamics. The story is a little slow and long, but I enjoyed the pepper, survival techniques and heavy focus on relationship issues. I was interested in the welfare and interaction of the characters. This story is fully resolved but noted as the first in a series. I am curious where the author would take the next book. I would also like to try other books by this author. I recommend this for readers who like time travel and survival elements, rather than battle action.

Audio Notes: Dennis Holland does a good job with the long narration. He provides effective voices even with creative language exchanges. I am very glad that I got to listen to this work.

Source: 1/31/21 Audible 2 for 1 credit sale. This qualifies for my 2021Audiobook goal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Audible Book Review: After It Happened, Publisher's Pack 2, by Devon C. Ford

This is a well-paced post apocalyptic series full of interesting characters.
After It Happened
Publisher's Pack 2
By: Devon C. Ford
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Series: After It Happened, Book 3-4
Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
Release date: 10-24-17
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
This publisher's pack contains Society (book three) and Hope (book four) of the After It Happened series.
Society, book three:
Set in the UK in the immediate aftermath of a mysterious illness which swept the country and left millions dead, the series follows the trials facing a reluctant hero, Dan, and the group he forms around him. They must battle the elements, find sufficient supplies and equipment to survive, and protect themselves against the most destructive force on the planet: other people.
The survivors have prospered, but their home is an enticing prospect for others to take. Besieged, they must respond with a savagery to dissuade further attempts.
Is this the end of society?
Hope, book four:
In the aftermath of the shocking revelations about the propagation of the human race, Dan latches on to a desperate chance to change the future which many have accepted. The group splits and Dan leads his closest allies on an uncertain journey to find a solution. They find themselves battling against the elements, against new foes, and above all, against time.
They must succeed.
They must have hope.
©2017 Devon C. Ford (P)2017 Podium Publishing

Review:
Dan is the ‘military’ leader of his community of 70+ or so plague survivors who are thriving at a former prison facility. Each member finds or is assigned a task where he or she can contribute. There are those working as farmers and in animal husbandry. Some are mechanics helping to maintain and improve equipment. Others are cooks, housekeepers, and medical staff. The whole compound is protected by the “Rangers” under Dan’s guidance. He also heads the teams of scavengers who go out to gather more supplies.

The community has been successful by working together, keeping their location quiet, and seeking other wanderers while being cautious who they allow to become part of the ‘family’. When outsiders threaten their home, Dan is quick to gather his protégé, 13-year-old Leah, and other Rangers to eliminate the threats.

Dan, his dog Ash, Lexi, and Leah rescue a woman who was being followed on the highway. Emma is frightened but finally reveals that she is a scientist researching the scientific beginnings of the plague. She is trying to find a common connection for those who have survived. Steve, a former pilot, agrees to take Emma north to a specialized Scotland research lab. Along the way they are brought into a military compound and assigned an “escort”, Mitch. Through various events, Steve creates an enemy and Mitch  joins him returning 'home'.

Dan and Emma realize the common connection (which is a surprise) of survivors. Then they have a particular, special, reason to travel to Africa seeking a remedy. A significant group of the community decide to travel with Dan, seeking 'hope', but leaving the home community resentful and vulnerable.

I liked how this book picked up right where book 2 ended. There is not a lot of back story but there is deeper development of several of the characters, Dan being the most significant. I enjoyed being caught up in the dangers and trauma of the characters who end up divided into two groups. I recommend reading the series from the beginning and I look forward to the next bundle.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray does a clear, emotionally fitting narration of these two stories. His presentation helps pull me into story. I will continue to listen to the series.

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

Audible Book Review: Sovereign by Jeff Hirsch

It's not gripping but it is an interesting listen, suitable for younger readers.

Sovereign
By Jeff Hirsch
Narrated by: Jesse Einstein

Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins
Release date: 01-31-19
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Adventure, Children's Audiobooks, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Space
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Content 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Jeff Hirsch, the mastermind behind such dark YA dystopias as The Eleventh Plague and The Darkest Hour, goes interstellar with Sovereign, a middle grade Audible Original voiced by Jesse Einstein, who listeners have called "first-rate."

Micah Cole has been in deep space for four years now. While his parents chase their obsession with finding intelligent life deeper and deeper into the universe, Micah can’t help but dream of the friends he’s left behind and counts the days until the family returns to Earth. When a devastating meteor shower nearly destroys the Coles’s ship, Micah is separated from his family and stranded alone on Sovereign—a vast planet of raging rivers and towering forests. If Micah ever wants to see his family or his home again, he’ll have to learn how to survive on this hostile alien world. Armed with only his wits and determination, he’ll have to battle the elements, his own deepest fears, and a strange presence that might just hold the key to his parents’ obsession—and be his ticket back home.
©2019 Jeff Hirsch (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review:
Micah is a young teen who has been ‘dragged’ off to space exploration with his parents. He misses his friends from middle school and often dreams of getting back to them. His parents are set on their obsession of finding intelligent life beyond earth. They have found at least one unique species but continue to push on to the next planet.

A meteor storm forces Micah’s parents to send him off in a lifeboat to a nearby planet that they probed and found suitable for life. He is stranded on Sovereign hoping his parents will be able to make quick repairs and return for him. In the first few days, Micah’s lifeboat is caught in a flash flood while he is outside. Now he has to struggle for shelter and supplies on an alien world with unknown elements. Micah knows he can send a distress call if he can reach the probe his parents sent before the storm. But he will have to travel over rivers and forests to get to the high mountain. As the days pass, he survives hostile attacks and is imagines his best friend from childhood is exhorting him to get up and keep going. Is Micah’s friend a memory or a strange presence helping him to survive?

I had to remember that Micah was just an impulsive teen when he made so many unwise choices that get him into trouble. Fortunately, luck is with him and then an unexpected friend. I appreciated the creative world building of the planet and creatures – friendly and dangerous. There is also a bit of a nice message as the story moves toward its conclusion. I found this to be entertaining for a quick read/listen. I recommend it for younger readers or those who might want to spend six or so hours that don’t require intense attention.

Audio Notes: Jesse Einstein does a good job with the narration. He captures the youth and immaturity of Micah as well as the energy of the story. For me, the narration helped the story move along.

Source: 2/10/19 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Traveler Series, A Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian Adventure: Books 1-3 by Tom Abrahams

I liked this series that focuses on one man's survival and ‘battles’ with the enemy.
The Traveler Series
A Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian Adventure: Books 1-3
By: Tom Abrahams
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 21 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 03-06-19
Publisher: Piton Press LLC
Genre: Adventure, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The first three books in the Traveler series in one bundle!
Book One: Home
He thought he was prepared. He thought his family was safe. He was wrong.
Five years after a pneumonic plague killed two-thirds of the world’s population, army veteran Marcus Battle is isolated. He’s alone with his guns, his food, and the graves of his wife and child.
Unaware of the chaos that’s befallen everything outside of his central Texas ranch land, Marcus lives a Spartan life. If anyone steps onto his property he shoots first and never ask questions.
But when a woman in distress, chased by marauders, seeks asylum, Marcus has a decision to make.
Does he throw her to the wolves to protect himself, or does he help her and leave the shelter and protection of home?
Book Two: Canyon
He’s homeless. He’s on the run. and he wants revenge.
Marcus Battle has left behind his home.
Now he’s on a seemingly impossible mission to find a missing child. But can he balance that responsibility with his deep, primal desire to exact revenge on the men who destroyed his solitary existence?
The world he discovers on his journey isn’t the one he remembers before a pneumonic plague called the Scourge killed two-thirds of the world’s population. It is lawless, depraved, and far deadlier than the disease which created it.
Battle made a promise to find that child. It’s a promise he regrets more acutely with every step of the journey where he is as much the hunter as he is the hunted.
Book Three: Wall
He survived the scourge. He escaped the cartel. Now he faces the wall.
In the chaos of a global plague, evil took hold. Governments fell, the good became servants, and the Cartel rose to power.
A wall was built to contain the wasteland and keep the evil at bay. Now an organized resistance wants change. They're willing to fight for it and they've asked Marcus Battle to help.
The last thing Battle wants is another war. But if that's what it takes to gain freedom and safe passage to the other side of the wall, he'll take aim and fire.
©2019 Piton Press LLC (P)2019 Piton Press LLC

Review:
Marcus Battle, a retired army vet, thought he had prepared to protect his family. But he couldn’t save his wife and young son when the plague (the scourge) swept across the world and came to his door. Marcus has survived five years alone on his isolated ranch with his hoarded supplies of food and guns, his fences and special protections, and the ghosts of his family.

Then the outside world intrudes on his solitude. An apparently abused and frightened woman, Lola, works her way into his property but with her comes trouble. He eliminates most of the threats but one man escapes to go back to his cartel boss to reveal that a man is living outside the control of the bosses. Not only do they want to retrieve their property, Lola, they are targeting Marcus. They just have no clue what a Battle they will face. (Sorry – the name reference is just too hard to resist.)

This is a bundle of the first three books in the series. Home introduces Marcus and tells about his Home. Canyon follows Marcus as he and Lola escape to join a rebellion group, the Dwellers, living in the mountains. The third book, Wall, shares how Marcus helps in the fight between the Cartel and the Dwellers. Then Marcus and a few friends are escorted to the Wall to hopefully find a new start in the world to the north. I liked reading the first three books together.

The author does a good job blending personal issues with danger and violence. Abrahams uses alternating present events with flash back chapters to fill in the history, both of Battle at home with his family and Battle saving another soldier in Syria. I liked Marcus Battle’s character with his firmness and emotional struggles to reconnect with other people. His character pretty much overshadows everyone else although we do get to learn some of the history of a handful of the bad men. The story is sadly plausible in the aspect that a Cartel system could take over if government forces pull out.

I recently read a spin off story, Unprepared, The Scourge, about the beginning of the plague.. I think this series is a little stronger for entertainment. I do plan to continue with the next bundle, books 4 through 6. I recommend this to fans of post-apocalyptic, dystopian with lots of fight action.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does his usual excellent job of narration. He provides distinct voices and fitting energy and emotion. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: November 2019 Audible purchase $7.49. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021 Alphabet audio goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Ever Winter by Peter Hackshaw

This is a suspenseful dystopian, revenge story with strong characters.
Ever Winter
By: Peter Hackshaw
Narrated by: Dan Stevens

Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins
Release date: 01-26-21
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Narrated by award-winning actor Dan Stevens (Beauty and the Beast, FX’s Legion) Ever Winter is a vivid and eloquent story of loss, rehabilitation, and revenge set in a post-apocalyptic ice world.
Far from the savage remnants of humanity, Henry and his family have managed to survive the grip of desolate, perpetual winter on a vast tundra that was once an ocean teeming with life. When the family is discovered, their peaceful existence is shattered and their lives changed forever.
Henry’s siblings are kidnapped, leaving him alone in the ruins of their home. Broken, altered, and tormented by all that has befallen him, he is driven to wreak vengeance upon those who assume him dead...by any means necessary.
Fans of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road or Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven will enjoy the raw, emotional pull of debut author Peter Hackshaw’s writing.
©2020 Peter Hackshaw (P)2021 Podium Audio

Review:
Henry is a teen raised with his younger sisters and brothers in a solitary family. His parents made a choice to go into the wilderness in the vast tundra, once an ocean, where they struggle to survive the perpetual winter. Henry’s father taught him to stay alive, scavenge, and provide food for the family. One day they found a recently dead body in the snow. They scavenged from the body as that is the way of the wild. This act led to another man showing up at their home while Henry and his father were out. They return to find the man charming the younger girls although their mother is cautious. Henry’s father sends the man on his way and warns the family that they need to relocate.

Henry, his sister Mary, and their father make a remarkable find of a supply ship frozen in the former ocean. Henry remains behind intent on opening a container. When he returns home, he finds the home on fire, his mother and infant son killed and his father dying. His siblings have been kidnapped and Henry swears to find and rescue them.

But what can a young boy do against a community led by brutal, evil men and women? His first attempt meets with failure and he is dragged out to the snow and left to die. Surprisingly, another young boy sneaks out to try to help. Then an android entity arrives to treat his injuries and bring him back to the ship to be nursed back to health. In the process, Henry is changed and trained to become a warrior who might be able to face the savage community where his sisters reside.

The story started just a bit slowly, but I was soon wrapped into Henry’s world and cheering for the family’s, specifically Henry’s, survival. I liked the AI companion and the other feline companion that Henry managed to befriend.

Peter Hackshaw created a fascinating, if brutal, world, and then added historic (to Henry but not the reader/listener) elements including a surprise vehicle. Admittedly the story is harsh with deprivation, violence, and evil. Some sensitive readers might be offended by some of the scenes. I cringed a few times but, overall, I appreciated the author’s ability to weave a tale of personal determination in a harsh world. I recommend this to readers who like dystopian and can handle the evil elements that might exist in a broken-down society. I would be interested in reading more by Mr. Hackshaw.

Audio Notes: Dan Stevens does an excellent job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and accents that fit the characters. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story and I would be glad to listen to more stories narrated by Mr. Stevens.

Source: 2021 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley and 2021Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Departure by A.G. Riddle

I liked this engaging time travel suspense.

Departure
By: A.G. Riddle
Narrated by: Nicola Barber, Scott Aiello

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
Release date: 02-17-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Technothriller, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
En route to London from New York, Flight 305 suddenly loses power and crash-lands in the English countryside, plunging a group of strangers into a mysterious adventure that will have repercussions for all of humankind.
Struggling to stay alive, the survivors soon realize that the world they've crashed in is very different from the one they left. But where are they? Why are they here? And how will they get back home?
Five passengers seem to hold clues about what's really going on: writer Harper Lane, venture capitalist Nick Stone, German genetic researcher Sabrina Schröder, computer scientist Yul Tan, and Grayson Shaw - the son of a billionaire philanthropist.
As more facts about the crash emerge, it becomes clear that some in this group know more than they're letting on - answers that will lead Harper and Nick to uncover a far-reaching conspiracy involving their own lives. As they begin to piece together the truth, they discover they have the power to change the future and the past - to save our world...or end it.
To read an epilogue to Departure and access other bonus material, go to agriddle.com/departure/extras
©2014 A.G. Riddle (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
Harper is a writer who has been offered a contract to do an important biography. She is flying home from the interview and trying to decide if she should take this lucrative offer or turn her energies to her fiction writing. Near her in first class seating is a drunken, obnoxious man, Grayson Shaw, the son of the man she may write about. When Grayson gets too rowdy with an attendant, another passenger, Nick Stone, tries to calm him down. While they are in conflict the plane suddenly lunges, and quickly crashes.

Nick, a confident venture capitalist, takes charge at the crash scene where many of the passengers in the front have survived. He enlists a doctor, Sabrina, to help with the injured. Meanwhile, one man, later identified as computer scientist Yul Tan, remains in his seat fiercely working on his computer. The survivors soon realize that the rear half of the plane has fallen into a nearby lake and is in danger of sinking.

This group of five primary characters have an interwoven past that they aren’t aware. When a current day conflict involves them, they begin to question what is really going on.

I had some frustration with the stubbornness and opposition of characters who were supposed to be altruistic visionaries. Still, their behaviors created the conflict that fueled the tension among the characters. I enjoyed the suspense and time travel elements. There was also a small, but nice element of romance. The story is told in alternating views by Harper and Nick. The reading moved along at a quick pace. All together the plot and action made for an entertaining reading/listening. I recommend this to readers who enjoy time travel and suspense.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the dual narration by Nicola Barber and Scott Aiello. They managed to portray the character personalities through their voices. The narration enhance my reading experience.

Source: Audible Two for One Credit Sale 10/31/2020. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook an 2021Alphabet Audio goals.

Audible Book Review: You're Going to Mars by Rob Dircks

This was a fun story, a mix of Willy Wonka, Survivor and America Ninja Warrior competition to get to Mars.

You're Going to Mars!
By: Rob Dircks
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
Release date: 11-13-18
Publisher: Audible Originals
Genre: Adventure, Humor, Sci Fi, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Living and slaving in Fill City One, you get used to the smell. We call it the Everpresent Stink. But every once inI a while, on a spring day with a breeze, it clears away enough to remind us that there is something more out there. Most Fillers' wildest dreams would be just to get past the walls and live in the mainland. But my dream? It’s a little bigger.
I’m going to Mars.
Well, I’m only going to Mars if I can find a winning Red Scarab to get on Zach Larson’s crazy reality show. And then I’ll have to figure out how to escape this hellhole. And then compete on live television for three months. And somehow win a spot on the crew of the very first manned mission to Mars. Oh, and one more slight obstacle? There might be a reason that by 2085 a human still hasn’t set foot on the Red Planet. A dangerous reason. A reason worth killing for.
In You’re Going to Mars! Rob Dircks, Audible best-selling author of Where the Hell Is Tesla?, creates a near-future filled with family (the good kind and the insufferable kind), pop divas, mobsters, and the world’s first trillionaire - and sends them all on a science fiction odyssey/comedy/love story/adventure that will change their world forever.
©2018 Rob Dircks (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review:
Paper (yes, that’s her name with triplet sisters, Rock and Scissors – there’s a story there of course), likes to play at making rockets and has a dream to go to Mars. This is most unlikely as she is a filler in a family stuck for generations in the Everpresent Stink, formerly known as Staten Island, one of the walled-in landfills operated by a private waste management company run by a mob family, the Gitanos.

The world’s richest man, Zach Larsen, is running a “Wonka chocolate" like contest so a limited number of people who secure a winning red scarab get the chance to travel on Zach’s funded Mars mission. Paper obtains a winning scarab with the help of her loving family. Next, with help from her downtrodden friends she escapes the Island. Then with the aid of an unexpected source and an alias name, Robin, she makes her way to the contest site with minutes to spare. The very last contestant to arrive is a singing diva, Aurora, who doesn’t like coming in second place.

The contestants are put through a “boot-camp” training reminiscent of a televised survivor version of Ninja Warrior. Some contestants voluntarily leave and others are eliminated from show to show. Robin/Paper isn’t expected to be a top contender, but she finds creative ways to stay in the contest and win the favor of the viewers. Several of the contestants have the ability to pull “MacGyver” fixes to solve problems. Events are moving along when suddenly there is sabotage. The remaining contestants, including Paper, manage to survive but now it is clear that someone is hiding something important and wants to stop the mission to Mars.

When Paper’s real name and background are exposed, she is forced to leave with the Gitano ‘enforcer’. Once again events take a reversal, and she ends up back in the team as the mission rushes forward. But the obstacles aren’t over as even the government steps in to try to stop the mission. Can Zach, Paper and her fellow contestants get to Mars and if they do will they be able to return without being blown out of space?

This is the second book I have read by Rob Dircks (The Wrong Unit) and my assessment: what fun! The characters are warm and likable, and it is easy to cheer on Paper, her family, and her friends, old and new. The characters have different levels of snark, sass and bravery. The nods to known books, tv shows and movies (include Wall-E and The Martian too) adds interest. Yes, there are cheesy moments but that too adds to the fun entertainment. I recommend this to sci fi fans who are looking for a humor break.

Audio Notes: Khristine Hvam does a wonderful narration on this story. She fully portrays the personality of Paper and provides appropriate voices for the other characters. And she does a fair job on the singing snippets too! I totally enjoyed the listening experience.

Source: 7/21/2019 Audible Daily Deal $3.95. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Paradise, Expeditionary Force, Book 3 by Craig Alanson

This is a space military adventure series that I really enjoy.
Paradise
Expeditionary Force, Book 3
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 15 hrs and 53 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-23-17
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Military Space Sci-fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
While the crew of the starship Flying Dutchman have been trying to assure people that hostile aliens do not have access to Earth, the UN Expeditionary Force has been stranded on the planet they nicknamed "Paradise". The Flying Dutchman is headed back out on another mission, and the UN wants the ship to find out the status of the humans on Paradise. But Colonel Joe Bishop warns that they might not like what they find, and they can't do anything about it without endangering Earth.
©2016 Craig Alanson (P)2017 Podium Publishing

Review:
UN Expeditionary Force (UNEF) took forces to the planet they named “Paradise” supposedly to help an allied force to free the planet from the grasp of an enemy alien force. When the allied force turned out to be the real enemy, the UNEF forces ended up stranded on the planet to fend for themselves, including the necessity to grow their own food.

Joe Bishop and a small group of UNEF soldiers escaped from Paradise by capturing an alien spaceship they renamed The Flying Dutchman. Joe and his crew are merely human without the capability to understand, much less operate, alien technology. But Joe discovered an ancient alien AI, a small cylinder nicknamed “Skippy”, who has become the oddest friend. The Flying Dutchman and crew returned home to Earth and, again with the help of Skippy, saved the homeworld by closing a wormhole in use by threatening aliens.

Now Joe and his crew have been sent back out into space to gather intel about potentially imminent threats. The most important thing for the ship is to remain secret. They cannot allow the alien forces - not even their own people on Paradise – know that the humans have an AI helping them to control the alien technology.

While carrying out their primary mission the crew learn that Paradise is about to be surrendered to the enemy who will kill the humans either by slow deprivation or outright massacre. The crew has to puzzle out a way to help while still staying secret from all the groups around them. Will Joe and Skippy be able to pull another rabbit out of the ‘magic’ cylinder?

I totally enjoy this crew and the irreverent snark and teasing, particularly between Joe and Skippy. As brilliant as the AI is, it drives him crazy when he misses possible solutions that only humans thinking out of the box can suggest. This installment is a little slower perhaps but still has plenty of interest that kept it moving quickly for me. I appreciate that there is minimal foul language in this series. If I didn’t try to spread my reading between solid series I enjoy and new series on my TBR, I would be willing to move on with the next book! I recommend the series to readers who enjoy space military adventure.

Audio Notes: Once again, R.C. Bray delivers wonderful narration that enhanced the listening experience for me. I could probably pick books by choosing this narrator if I needed to add to my large audio TBR.

Source: March 2019 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, #1) 4.75
SpecOps, Expeditionary Force, Book 2 4.5

Audible Book Review: Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (The Chronicles of St Mary's #6.5) by Jodi Taylor

This is such a fun series and I enjoy the mishaps and Max’s recovery efforts.

Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (The Chronicles of St Mary's #6.5)
by Jodi Taylor
Narrated by: Zara Ramm

Length: 1 hr and 25 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-13-15
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

It’s Christmas again at St Mary's and time for Max’s obligatory illegal jump. On this occasion, however, they’re right up against it.
A loaded gun has been left behind in Ancient Egypt and it’s up to them to retrieve it before anyone accidentally blows their own head off, thus affecting the timeline for centuries to come.
And as if that’s not enough, someone (Max) has inadvertently poisoned Mr Markham.
It’s hot, they’re running out of supplies, they can’t find the gun, and it’s all going horribly wrong. Again.

Review:
The staff at St. Mary’s don’t call themselves time travelers. They are historians who “investigate major historical events in contemporary time”. They have strict instructions to watch and record; never to get involved, take anything or leave anything behind. Dr. Maxwell (Max) is the chief training officer of the team and has learned that one of the crews left something behind in Ancient Egypt.

Max always likes to clear up messes before the big boss finds out. She and her usual cohorts in mischief, Mr. Markham and Tim Peterson, are prepared to sneak back in time to fix the problem. This seems like it would work easily enough but somehow this trio always runs into trouble.

I love the humor in this series. And the history is interesting too – this time including shipbuilding, insect stings, and a wedding ring. The characters interact with banter and comradery. Even Max’s new husband, Leon, a Chief Technical Officer, helps in the final rescue.

I recommend this series to those who enjoy history, time travel, and humor. Listening to this spurred me into getting the second book so I could continue with the main stories.

Audio Notes: Zara Ramm does such a great job with the characters, the energy, and the fun. This series is great fun on audio.

Source: November 2015 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook goal, #HoHoHoRAT and #SciFiMonth 2019.

My other reviews so far in this series:
Audible Review: Just One Da*ned Thing After Another: The Chronicles of St Mary's, Book 1 by Jodi Taylor; Rating 4.25
Audible Book Review: The Very First D*ned Thing: An Author-Read Audio Exclusive by Jodi Taylor; Rating 4.5
Goodreads Review: Christmas Present, The Chronicles of St. Mary's #4.5 by Jodi Taylor; Rating 4.0
Audible Review: When a Child Is Born, A Chronicles of St. Mary's Short Story. by Jodi Taylor; Rating 4.25.

Audible Book Review: Roman Holiday, The Chronicles of St. Mary's. Book 3.5 by Jodi Taylor

This series and these short novellas are always fun listening.
Roman Holiday
The Chronicles of St. Mary's
By: Jodi Taylor
Narrated by: Zara Ramm

Series: The Chronicles of St Mary's, Book 3.5
Length: 1 hr and 12 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 04-07-15
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Adventure, Humor, Fantasy, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Another rollicking short story from the Chronicles of St Mary’s author Jodi Taylor.
Question: What sort of idiot installs his mistress in his wife’s house? Especially when that mistress is Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, queen of Egypt and the most notorious woman of her time? Answer: Julius Caesar - poised to become king of Rome. Or as good as.
Question: At this potentially sensitive point in your political manoeuvrings, who are the last people you’d want crashing through the door, observing, recording, documenting...? I think we all know the answer to that one.
Roman Holiday - an epic, standalone tale set in Ancient Rome, 44 BC, featuring, in no particular order: an attempted murder; stampeding bullocks; Cleopatra, queen of the Nile; a bowl of poisonous snakes; a smallish riot; Julius Caesar; and Mr Markham’s wayward bosoms.
Jodi Taylor is and always has been a history nut. Her disinclination to get out of bed for anything after 1485 can only be overcome by massive amounts of chocolate and sometimes, if it's raining, not even then. She wanted to write a book about time travel that was a little different and, not having a clue how difficult this would make her book to classify, went ahead and slung in elements of history, adventure, comedy, romance, tragedy, and anything else she could think of. Her advice to booksellers is to buy huge numbers of her books and just put one on every shelf.
©2014 Jodi Taylor (P)2015 Audible, Ltd

Review:
Max (Madeleine Maxwell) and four of her historian comrades (Peterson, Van Owen, Guthrie and Markham) visit Caesar and Cleopatra. They were there, as always, to observe, NOT to go in the house or get involved. But, as usual, they stumble into trouble and hope that their actions don’t change history! As noted in the blurb: this quick adventure includes “in no particular order: an attempted murder; stampeding bullocks; Cleopatra, queen of the Nile; a bowl of poisonous snakes; a smallish riot; Julius Caesar; and Mr Markham’s wayward bosoms.”

This series has wonderful humor, interesting technology (time traveling pods) and always include fascinating tidbits of history. The characters always stumble into trouble and have to use their knowledge of history and quick witted insight of human nature to escape capture --- or sometimes they just have to run fast. These novellas can be read out of order but it is best to at least read the first novella, The Very First Da**ed Thing or the first full book, Just One Da**ed Thing After Another, so you get to know the primary characters. I recommend this for readers who like history, adventure, time travel and zany fun.

Audio Notes: Zara Ramm does a great job narrating this series. She captures the voices and personalities and delivers the story with on point pacing and energy. I will continue to listen to more in this series.

Source: November 2015 Audible Free title. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.