Audible Book Review: Piles of Bones by Michael J. Sullivan

This is a nice, quick introduction to the young mystic, Suri, who is a character in the larger series.
Pile of Bones - FREE
By: Michael J. Sullivan
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Series: Legends of the First Empire, Book 0.5
Length: 1 hr and 45 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-07-20
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Short Story
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
When a storm reveals a mysterious cave behind a waterfall, the young mystic’s apprentice and her wolf investigate. Inside, she discovers a secret place containing a pile of human bones and the young girl makes what could be a fatal mistake.
In this Legends of the First Empire prequel, we witness the events that helped shape the woman who would one day become Suri the Mystic, the first Rhune Artist, and a hero to a generation.
©2020 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

Review:
The author introduces this short work as a piece to introduce one of the important characters in the Legends of First Empire. Here we meet Suri, a young mystic, and her ‘sister’ wolf, Minna. Suri is being mentored by Tura to become a mystic. Suri has begun to develop a close relationship with nature, the animals, the trees, the wind, and the water. She tries to listen to her friends to stay safe, but sometimes she has to learn through her own errors and curiosity.

One day Suri notes a tree branch has fallen near the waterfall, exposing a tunnel. She is excited thinking the tunnel will take her to a special hidden world. Minna doesn’t want to go in but Suri insists. Once down the tunnel, Suri has to puzzle how to open a hidden door. Instead of a tunnel to another world, she finds a room full of human bones. Inadvertently she and Minna end up with a bone which she takes home. She has no idea the trouble that will follow.

I enjoy Michael Sullivan’s writing as he creates a remarkable world with remarkable characters. He is an excellent storyteller weaving magic that pulls the listener in. There is a lengthy introduction to explain why Sullivan has produced several short stories in his series. This story is only half of the audio, leaving a good half-hour to pull the reader/listener into the first novel, The Age of Myth. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a strong medieval type fantasy.

Audio Notes: Tim Gerard Reynolds is a superb narrator. He infuses the characters with personality that helps to engage the listener. I enjoyed this quick audio experience.

Source: 1/21/2020 Free at Audible. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse

This is an entertaining fantasy with a female protagonist.

Trail of Lightning
By: Rebecca Roanhorse
Narrated by: Tanis Parenteau

Series: The Sixth World, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-07-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Dystopian, Fantasy, Native American
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
The sudden rising waters of a climate apocalypse have destroyed most of the planet…yet out of these waters, Dinétah, a former Navajo reservation, has been miraculously reborn. Listen along as Tanis Parenteau's impeccable narration, capturing the rhythms of Navajo speech, fully envelopes you into the Sixth World.
When Dinétah needs help finding a missing girl, Maggie - a monster hunter and supernatural killer - is its last, best hope. Trail of Lightning follows our heroine as she walks the land alongside gods, heroes of legend, and monsters alike. Reluctantly, she enlists the aid of an unconventional medicine man, and together they travel Dinétah, unraveling clues from ancient legends and trading favors with tricksters. As Maggie discovers the truth behind the killings, she will have to confront her past if she wants to survive - for what she uncovers about the monster she is sent to find is much more terrifying than anything she could imagine.
©2018 Rebecca Roanhorse (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Maggie lives in a post-apocalyptic world that is rebuilding after a massive wave wiped out much of earth. Maggie is a fringe outsider in a group known as Dinétah, a former Navajo reservation that has survived in the deserts of what used to be Southwestern US.

As a young girl, Maggie lost her grandmother to monsters. She was rescued by a man who is viewed as a supernatural, immortal monster hunter who appears with a thunderbolt. He helped Maggie to learn and develop her own supernatural clan powers as he trained her to be a monster hunter. She was enamored and believed he was her mate until one day he questions her motives and walks away. Months later Maggie continues to hope he will return.

In the meantime, Maggie takes jobs to hunt monsters and rescue people from monsters when she can. After failing to get anyone else to respond, a family calls in Maggie to rescue their daughter from an unknown monster.

Maggie discovers a monster unlike any she has seen. She seeks advice from one of her few friends in town. The grandfatherly man, Tah, encourages Maggie to accept his grandson, Kai, a training witch doctor, as a partner. Kai explains that the monster appears to be a creature created by a powerful witch doctor.

Maggie is soon visited by the trickster, Coyote, who directs Maggie to fulfill a quest for him which will deliver a tool to uncover the person who is creating the monsters. Reluctantly Maggie allows Kai to join her as they investigate the monsters. They seek out ancient legends and face danger and death before Maggie ends up lured into a deadly confrontation.

I liked the world-building which includes connections to Native American traditions and legends. Maggie is a very tough young woman, full of angst, and I did not find her to be a totally sympathetic character. I liked Kai but he is also hiding secrets. The ending of this book includes a climax that leaves a cliff hanger for the next book. The dystopian is heavier on fantasy and romantic conflict but is entertaining enough that I may look to pick up book 2 in the future.

Audio Notes: Tanis Parenteau does a very good job with the narration. I liked her natural accent and distinct voices for the characters. The audio production enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2/2/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Scythe by Neal Shusterman

This pulled my emotions back and forth!

Scythe
By: Neal Shusterman
Narrator: Greg Tremblay

Series: Arc of a Scythe, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-14-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Death, Dystopia, Teen & YA
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
Two teens must learn the "art of killing" in this Printz Honor-winning book, the first in a chilling new series from Neal Shusterman, author of the New York Times best-selling Unwind Dystology series.
A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: Humanity has conquered all those things and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life - and they are commanded to do so in order to keep the size of the population under control.
Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe - a role that neither wants. These teens must master the "art" of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.
Scythe is the first novel of a thrilling new series by National Book Award-winning author Neal Shusterman in which Citra and Rowan learn that a perfect world comes only with a heavy price.
©2016 Neal Shusterman (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Citra and Rowan live in a world where there is no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery and no death. People can become deadish but are able to be revived and restored. The Scythes are an honored group who “glean” or kill people to maintain population control. They have a set of rules they are to follow and they are the only group outside of the control of the Thunderhead which is the AI that controls all other aspects of the society.

Citra and Rowan are teens from different family situations. Citra lives with caring parents and a younger brother. She is a strong student who likes to always do well even though there is little reason for creativity and innovation. Her full family is on tenterhooks when a Scythe appears at their door although it turns out he isn’t there to glean any of them.

Rowan is a middle child from a large family. He is a loyal friend who has always managed to get by without being of interest or notice. One morning is in the wrong place when a Scythe comes to his high school to glean another student. Rowan chooses to stay with the luckless boy, not realizing that the other students will hold him responsible.

A few months later Citra and Rowan are invited to become apprentices to Scythe Faraday. Both young people are appalled but intrigued. They can say “no” but there are advantages to saying “yes”. Thus they reluctantly begin their training in all methods of delivering death: weapons, poisons, physical combat. They must also learn the basis for choosing those to glean and the compassion to deal with the deaths.

Citra and Rowan attend the first of three annual Scythe conventions and discover that not all Scythes are like their mentor. In fact, there appears to be a growing rebellious faction that is setting Scythe protocols on edge. Some members object to Faraday taking two apprentices. This faction ends up setting Citra and Rowan in competition with a terrible consequence. This event triggers other terrible events that split the team forcing Rowan to a new mentor where he will suffer and struggle.

How will Citra and Rowan fare under their new training? What will happen when the final convention and choosing arrives?

I was quickly pulled into the uniqueness of this story. It is dark and difficult reading at times but I found it worth sticking to the end. I liked how chapters were separated and introduced by journal entries from different Scythes. These fill in some history, personal feelings and ethical dilemmas that are faced by the Scythes. I enjoyed the developmental growth of the teens and there are Scythes to admire and some to truly dislike. There is intrigue, violence and even light humor. The story ends but leaves issues for the next book which I am eager to pick up. I recommend this to fans of dystopian.

Audio Notes: Greg Tremblay does an excellent job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and fitting personalities. I totally enjoyed the audio and plan to listen to the next books in the series.

Source: 1/27/18 Audible Sale $3.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook and #SciFiMonth November 2019 goals.

Audible Book Review: Christmas Eve, 1914 by Charles Olivier

This is heart-wrenching.

Christmas Eve, 1914
By: Charles Olivier
Narrated by: Cameron Daddo, Xander Berkeley, Cody Fern, Damon Herriman, James Scott, John Beck, Lance Guest, Gabe Greenspan, Nate Jones

Length: 1 hr and 13 mins
Performance
Release date: 12-16-14
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Categories: Fiction, Historical
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

About This Audible Original
"Gentlemen, maybe war takes a holiday today."
This mesmerizing audio drama takes you to the dismal trenches of World War I. It is here, under the constant threat of exploding shells and artillery, that British and German soldiers live in deplorable conditions. Braving the merciless cold and crushing exhaustion and hunger, the men conduct patrols and fight, often to the death, to advance mere inches in the frozen No Man’s Land that lies between them.
But on Christmas Eve, the Western Front gives way to a miracle of grace, as soldiers from both sides emerge from their trenches to greet each other, share their meager rations, and bury the dead for an unofficial and temporary truce. Drawing upon the unforgettable true story of history’s most transcendent ceasefire, this Audible Original, a finalist for the 2016 Audie Award for Best Audio Drama, commemorates an astonishing moment of peace—and celebration of man’s capacity for kindness—in the midst of total war. A full cast performance of a heart-wrenching script written by Emmy Award-winner Charles Olivier and produced by Dawn Prestwich (The Killing), Christmas Eve, 1914 is the perfect reminder of how holiday hope can be found in the unlikeliest of places. At the story’s end, listeners will also enjoy a performance of the classic carol, "Il Est Ne" by Tom Tom Club.
The ensemble cast includes Damon Herriman, Cameron Daddo, Xander Berkeley, James Scott, Lance Guest, Nate Jones, Cody Fern, John Beck, Gabe Greenspan, and Heiko Obermoeller.
©2014 Audible Inc. (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
This story is set up as a letter from a field officer to a mother of a very young soldier who died ten years earlier. The officer describes the events surrounding the soldier’s arrival at the front, leading to his death and a moving impact resulting in his burial and a day of truce on the battlefield. The officer clearly expresses his emotions of regret, heartbreak, and humility based on the bravery of the young man who stepped forward to fight for his country and to encourage the other soldiers.

This is a full-cast dramatization that puts the listener at the front with the mud, the grit, the stink, the hunger, the exhaustion, the sounds of bombing, the fear, and even the dysfunction – all expressing the horror of war. The lack of integrity and the incompetence of the officers is disturbing as are the sometimes nonsensical orders. The conditions that all of the soldiers faced on the front line are gut-wrenching.

I think that I had heard about this cessation of hostilities for Christmas before, but this story brings it alive. I loved the addition of the singing by the young man and the echoes that bring the sides to the point of truce and allow them to move out to “No Man Lands” to bury the dead. My heart was soon hurting as I listened and by the end tears were running into my ears (I was lying down).

This is beautifully written on a very tough subject. I hope to get my children and grandchildren to listen to this and to recognize how human we are and how horrible war is. The Audible is moving and I highly recommend it.

#HoHoHoRat.
Source: December 2018 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Alien: Out of the Shadows by Tim Lebbon, Dirk Maggs

This is a good dramatization and made me want to see the movies again.

Alien: Out of the Shadows
An Audible Original Drama
By: Tim Lebbon, Dirk Maggs
Narrated by: Rutger Hauer, Corey Johnson, Matthew Lewis, Kathryn Drysdale, Laurel Lefkow, Andrea Deck, Mac McDonald.

Series: Audible Original, Alien, Book 1, Alien, Book 3
Length: 4 hrs and 28 mins
Performance
Release date: 04-26-16
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Categories: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Dramatizations
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

About This Audible Original
In space, no one can hear you scream. In this gripping Audible Original performance, Ellen Ripley, the last human survivor of the salvage ship Nostromo, once again takes on the relentless Xenomorphs: vicious, intelligent extra-terrestrials notorious for tearing humans apart. When her lifeboat Narcissus locks onto the mining ship Marion, she awakes from hypersleep to a nightmare: the dreaded creatures are lurking on board, ominously prowling a sealed-off shuttle after slaughtering the crew. When one of the merciless beasts escapes the hold, acting Captain Chris “Hoop” Hooper and his team are faced with an unimaginable horror—and Ripley just may be the crew’s only hope.
An ensemble cast, featuring film icon Rutger Hauer and Harry Potter’s Matthew Lewis, commands this unforgettable performance, punctuated by immersive sound design from audio master and fan favorite Dirk Maggs. Awarded the 2017 Audie for Excellence in Production, the result is terrifying–and utterly pause-resistant.
©2016 20th Century Fox (P)2016 Audible, Ltd.

Review:
Ripley, the sole survivor of the Xenomorphs alien attack on the Nostromo, is in hypersleep in a lifeboat headed home… at least that was the plan. She is awakened when her ship is diverted and pulled onto the mining ship Marion. Apparently two ships went to the surface and ran into trouble in the form of an alien attack. Snagging Ripley’s ship is fortuitous for the mining crew since Ripley is the only one who has experience with these aliens.

While Ripley was longing to get back to earth, it turns out the disembodied AI, Ash, who tried to take back an alien, is controlling her ship. Ash redirected Ripley’s ship so he could get to the aliens again. Now he is prepared to take over the mining ships and again try to get an alien to take back to earth… even if it means leaving most of the humans behind.

The action is fast paced, and Ash makes a creepy, strong villain. I like how his journal entries fill in backstory on ‘the Company’. Chief Engineer, now acting Captain, Hooper, “Hoop”, and Ripley share bantering chemistry and begin to form a supportive friendship as they try to survive the alien beasts. Sadly, most of the other characters are disposable. Beyond humans trying to sneak past the aliens, while Ash steers them into trouble, there isn’t a huge plot line.

Audio Notes: The dramatization makes this an interactive, movie-like (at least in sound) experience. I loved Rutger Hauer as Ash and Laurel Lefkow does a great job portraying Ripley. At times she sounds just like Sigourney Weaver. There are a few times I had to strain to hear the voices over the dramatic music and background sounds but overall the performance is engaging and exciting.

Source: 2016 Audible Original. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: FREE: Crackanory Too Cracked for TV

I enjoyed this humourous collection of macabre British stories.

FREE: Crackanory Too Cracked for TV - exclusive to Audible
By: Crackanory
Narrated by: Toby Jones, Katherine Parkinson, John Robins, Robert Bathurst, Simon Bird

Length: 1 hr and 38 mins
Radio/TV Program
Release date: 01-25-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: British, Entertainment, Humor
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Imagine if Jackanory was set free from its childish shackles. What twisted, funny tales would it unleash upon the world?
Combining some of the UK's best and brightest comedy writers and performers, this exclusive to audio edition of UKTV's Dave Channel Crackanory is a master class in storytelling and features an all-star cast including Toby Jones, Katherine Parkinson, John Robins, Robert Bathurst and Simon Bird.
Episode List:
'Kill Phil'
'Mummy Business'
'The Character Assassin'
'The IT Man'
'The Egg That Knew Too Much'
©2017 UKTV (P)2017 Audible Ltd

Review:
I really did not know what “Crackanory” meant. I found this in a Goodreads review by Paul E. Morph: “For the uninitiated, Crackanory is a British t.v. show that spoofs Jackanory, an older British t.v. show.” Apparently, the original show featured celebrities reading short stories to children. The Crackanory version presents stories that have a macabre or dark sense and might be considered inappropriate for TV. I found all five stories entertaining and nothing that would alarm me (as an adult anyway) on TV since I have seen – and turned off – worse. The stories are full of dry British humor and irony.

The five stories in this free Audible are:
1. Kill Phil by Ali Crockatt & David Scott
    Phil accidently gets his dry cleaner assassinated which results in a humous twisting threat to Phil and his girlfriend. Robert Bathurst delvers the dry humor with fitting voice nuance.
2. Mummy Business by Barunka O’Shaughnessy
    This a ghostly tale told with great humor by narrator Katherine Parkinson.
3. The Character Assassin by Tanya Qureshi
    A reclusive author suddenly meets her character and then tries to change the ending of her novel. The narration of this ironic piece is provided by John Robins.
4. The Egg That Knew Too Much by Steve Burge
    This is the story of Ted, who loves eggs, One day he cracks open an egg and finds a tiny scroll predicting a horse race winner. Now he gets a new prediction with each egg and is able to follow the leads to fortune. But after a time the predictions begin to accurately forewarn of deaths. When a death is predicted that Ted dreads, he travels far trying to find the egg farm in hopes of breaking the curse. I enjoyed the fun story and the accented narration by Toby Jones
5. The IT Man by Tom Meeten
    Two nerdy type friends, Mike and Rob, grow up together and seem to proceed along the same path until Rob gets married, leaving Mike to needle him. Mike gets more resentful after Rob gets a dream IT job. When they go off to a conference together their paths take a surprising, unexpected twist. This was narrated by Simon Bird.

I don’t know any of the authors and I don’t recognize any of the narrators either. The package was fun, macabre listening perfect for October, or anytime, entertainment. And I believe it is still available for free! (I have a 7 hour Crackanory collection on my Audible TBR shelf for listening in the future.)

Source: September 2017 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Ghost Talkers by Mary Robinette Kowal

I enjoyed this ghosting mystery.
Ghost Talkers
By: Mary Robinette Kowal
Narrated by: Mary Robinette Kowal

Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-16-16
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Ghosts, Military Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Ghost Talkers: a new novel from beloved fantasy author Mary Robinette Kowal featuring the mysterious spirit corps and their heroic work in World War I.
Ginger Stuyvesant, an American heiress living in London during World War I, is engaged to Captain Benjamin Hartshorne, an intelligence officer. Ginger is a medium for the Spirit Corps, a special Spiritualist force. Each soldier heading for the front is conditioned to report to the mediums of the Spirit Corps when they die so the corps can pass instant information about troop movements to military intelligence.
Ginger and her fellow mediums contribute a great deal to the war efforts, so long as they pass the information through appropriate channels. While Ben is away at the front, Ginger discovers the presence of a traitor. Without the presence of her fiancé to validate her findings, the top brass thinks she's just imagining things. Even worse, it is clear that the Spirit Corps is now being directly targeted by the German war effort. Left to her own devices, Ginger has to find out how the Germans are targeting the Spirit Corps and stop them. This is a difficult and dangerous task for a woman of that era, but this time both the spirit and the flesh are willing....
©2016 Mary Robinette Kowal (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Ginger is an American Heiress engaged to Captain Benjamin, a British intelligence officer during WWI. Ginger has a secret job as a medium in the Spirit Corps. Although women are still viewed as less important, the corps serves a crucial purpose, receiving the last messages of the soldiers as they die. The soldiers are able to report their death circumstances and any special intelligence that may help the British. Ginger and the other team members share harrowing deaths and then pass the information to the highest officials. Ginger experiences the murder death of a man who overheard a traitor in London. Ben is away in the field and the officials she reports to shrug off her concerns even though the threat appears to be targeting the Spirit Corps and its vital work.

Ginger and another brave member of her direct team set out to the front to try to uncover clues. They are accompanied by Ben’s batman, an unimposing soldier. Ginger is pushing herself under extreme stress, but she has a secret soldier at her side. Their efforts to gather information are challenged by Ben’s cousin who competed with Ben, the heir, all of their childhood.

Ginger has to use unconventional sources to battle the enemy and unmask a traitor who is threatening her close friends as well as her allies. There is heartbreak and sorrow and Ginger has to dig deep in her character to brave the danger and losses.

This story is well written and creative. There is good action and mystery, tense suspense and a sweet love story. I found it all engaging and recommend this to readers who enjoy fantasy and military (WWI) mystery.

Audio Notes: I didn’t realize initially that the author, Mary Robinette Kowal, narrated her own story. There were moments where the voice seemed whispered and a strain to hear, but for the most part I was impressed by the voices and fitting presentation. I am glad that I listened to this on audio.

Source: 8/2/18 Sci Fi Sale $4.95 each. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Genesis by Ken Lozito

I enjoyed this fast moving military sci fi.
Genesis
By: Ken Lozito
Narrated by: Scott Aiello

Series: First Colony, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-27-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Colonization, Military Sci Fi, Space Fleet
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5

Publisher's Summary
A mission gone wrong. Innocent lives have been lost.
Escaping wrongful imprisonment wasn't something Connor had in mind, but being put into stasis aboard Earth's first interstellar colony ship was something he couldn't have prepared for.
For 300,000 colonists, the new colony brings the promise of a fresh start...a second chance. Connor might be the wrong man for the colony, but he's the right man to see that it survives what's coming.
A new world with new challenges, but the mission has changed.
If you loved Old Man's War and Ender's Game, you'll love Genesis from First Colony, a new military science fiction series.
©2017 Ken Lozito (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Colonel Connor Gates is hot on the tale of a criminal mastermind. He thinks his elite team of ‘Ghosts’ has the leader cornered. Instead, the mission explodes around them, taking millions of innocent lives. Connor goes to sleep wondering what charges he will have to face. He isn’t at all prepared for what he learns when he wakes up – over a hundred years in the future.

Connor was smuggled aboard the Earth’s first interstellar colony ship. The 300,000 colonists and their leaders had set out to establish a peaceful society. They have security but no true military experience. This might have worked fine if the ship had arrived at the expected planet. When the ship is detoured to a different planet they must deal with natural predators that weren’t planned for.

Connor is invited to tour the planet base and begin to think where he might fit. It doesn’t take long for him to see gaps and weaknesses in the security system. This riles the man in charge of the local force. But increasing predator attacks make it clear that Connor has a better plan to protect the people. He sets out to train a dozen men and women to be a new special search and rescue team. Can they get the defenses in place before losing people, even the newly trained team, to the surprisingly clever beasts?

Connor is a well-developed dedicated and intense character. He is not a superhero but has the skills and instincts that are needed for the colony. I especially enjoyed the fast-paced military action as well as the mysteries that are presented. Why was the ship diverted? What secrets are contained in the ancient city that seems to be affecting the enemy beasts? What is the true danger revealed by the encrypted message sent through time and space to warn the colonists?

I will be picking up more in this series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy military sci fi and first colony stories.

Audio Notes: I’ve enjoyed the narration of Scott Aiello on other works and he does another good job on this one. He presents the characters with different voices and fitting emotions. He helps put the listener in the middle of the action. I am very glad I listened to this on audio.

Source: 8/30/18 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

I have mixed reactions to this.
The Handmaid's Tale
By: Margaret Atwood
Narrated by: Claire Danes

Series: The Handmaid's Tale, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 1 min
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-01-12
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Dystopian, Fantasy, Literary Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Audie Award, Fiction, 2013
Margaret Atwood's popular dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale explores a broad range of issues relating to power, gender, and religious politics. Multiple Golden Globe award-winner Claire Danes (Romeo and Juliet, The Hours) gives a stirring performance of this classic in speculative fiction, one of the most powerful and widely read novels of our time.
After a staged terrorist attack kills the President and most of Congress, the government is deposed and taken over by the oppressive and all-controlling Republic of Gilead. Offred, now a Handmaid serving in the household of the enigmatic Commander and his bitter wife, can remember a time when she lived with her husband and daughter and had a job, before she lost even her own name. Despite the danger, Offred learns to navigate the intimate secrets of those who control her every move, risking her life in breaking the rules in hopes of ending this oppression.
Cover Art by Fred Marcellino. Used with permission of Pippin Properties, Inc.
Explore more titles performed by some of the most celebrated actors in the business in Audible’s Star-Powered Listens collection.
©1985 Margaret Atwood (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Before she was named Offred (her non-identity name), she used to have a job, a husband and a child. One day all the working women were fired, their funds frozen and given into the control of a male. Fearing their child will be taken away, her husband and she tried to sneak out of town with their child. They are caught and separated.

Now Offred is part of the first generation of women who are relegated to certain limited tasks: society spouse of a privileged leader, housekeeper (a ‘Martha’), a housemaid, a handmaiden to serve as a surrogate to birth children for the society women, or a unwoman sent to struggle to survive in the colonies. Offred has had a healthy child and is young enough to have more so she is assigned to be a handmaiden.

She is moving into a new family with a high-ranking Commander and his wife. She hopes they will be nice but instead finds he is taciturn and the wife is bitter, most likely jealous. If Offred can become pregnant all will be pleased and she will secure her future. If she does not become pregnant then she may become an unwoman.

The society and Offred’s traumatic situation is revealed through her journal entries as though they are contemporaneous although they cannot be as such thoughts are not allowed to be voiced. The handmaidens are not allowed to talk to others except in limited situations and certainly, they are not allowed to have paper and pen, much less write out their thoughts.

Offred’s trauma and confliction are understandable since she lived in a free America before the violent overthrow. She struggles not knowing what has happened to her family and her best friend. Slowly she learns about a quiet underground rebellion but how can she know who to trust? There are plenty of secret lives behind the public ones and Offred becomes embroiled in the secrets despite the great risks. The intrigues build until an anticipated unmasking that comes with twists in the final consequences.

The tasks of women in this society seemed to be justified by twisted views from biblical teachings, however, it is never explained how these views became so skewed. The story presents some moral dilemmas which are thought-provoking. It is engaging although difficult emotionally. Reading the book blurb gives a quick history of the government overthrow which I don’t recall being explained until the informative Historical Notes which is basically the epilogue.

I was pulled in from the start by the beautiful writing prose. The story is focused on Offred and Atwood builds a strong conflicted character. However – apparently intentionally -- Atwood fails to fill out where the society goes. It isn’t clear what happens to Offred, much less the rest of the women in this horrible world. I was disappointed by all of the questions left unexplained at the end. It isn’t clear to me that Offred’s story is wrapped up in the sequel. I’m not sure how to recommend this except to say that it is a dark dystopia and many readers really liked it.

Audio Notes: Claire Danes’ superb narration enhances this unhappy tale. She delivers the work as though she is there reading, if not writing, the thoughts. The emotional delivery captures the depression and repressed anger and frustration. I am glad that I listened to this to this and do recommend the audio if you are planning to read this.

Source: 11/25/18 Audible Sale $5.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

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.

Audible Book Review: The Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi

A little slow start and then I was engrossed.

The Collapsing Empire
The Interdependency, Book 1
By: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
Series: The Interdependency, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins

Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-21-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Galactic Empire, Space Opera, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
2018 Locus Award, Best Science Fiction Novel
Our universe is ruled by physics, and faster-than-light travel is not possible - until the discovery of The Flow, an extradimensional field we can access at certain points in space-time that transports us to other worlds, around other stars.
Humanity flows away from Earth, into space, and in time forgets our home world and creates a new empire, the Interdependency, whose ethos requires that no one human outpost can survive without the others. It's a hedge against interstellar war - and a system of control for the rulers of the empire.
The Flow is eternal - but it is not static. Just as a river changes course, The Flow changes as well, cutting off worlds from the rest of humanity. When it's discovered that The Flow is moving, possibly cutting off all human worlds from faster-than-light travel forever, three individuals - a scientist, a starship captain, and the empress of the Interdependency - are in a race against time to discover what, if anything, can be salvaged from an interstellar empire on the brink of collapse.
©2017 John Scalzi (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
The Interdependency is a universe of human occupied worlds, planets and outposts, which are connected by The Flow. The Flow is an extradimensional field which allows travel through space so the worlds can trade together. As in any empire, there are social layers (workers, teachers, scientists), some struggling, some succeeded. And there are ‘elite’ houses competing for power. On the ruling planet, the Hub, a brand-new Emperox, Cardenia, is struggling to learn how to handle her unexpected role which includes balancing the governing council, the mercantile guilds, the spiritual arm and the other interests which are the concern of the ultimate ruler.

A starship captain, after surviving an ill-timed mutiny, arrives at the farthest planet, End, to learn that the Duke, currently in charge but involved in rebel war, wants to quarantine their cargo. Now the captain and the owner’s rep, Lady Kiva, need to figure out how to bring back a profitable return. As the rebellion rages it looks like they might be able to sell passage to people who want to leave the planet.

Meanwhile, there is a family on another section of End where a friend of the prior emperor has been engrossed in quietly studding The Flow. Father and son physicists have determined that The Flow is soon going to collapse. Lord Marce hopes to get his son and the important research on the last starship that will be able to leave End. This information will change the Interdependency and some of the powers on End don’t want the information to get to the Hub.

The lives of these three primary characters become intertwined as the universe begins its drastic change. The story started a little slowly, but I did become involved in personalities and the political plot. I enjoyed the humor and intrigue but was just disappointed by the bad language. The book ends at a point that leaves open a lot for the next struggles. I will finish the Old Man Series while I think if I want to continue this series. I can recommend this to readers who like intergalactic politics and don’t mind the language.

Audio Notes: Wil Wheaton does a nice job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and strong energy. The narration made this a better ‘reading’ experience for me.

Source: September 2017 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Memoirs:Sinners by Larry Correia, John Ringo

This is an easy, fun listen.
Monster Hunter Memoirs: Sinners
By: Larry Correia, John Ringo
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Series: Monster Hunter Memoirs, Book 2, Monster Hunter , Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-06-16
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.75

Publisher's Summary
A new novel in the Monster Hunter Memoirs series. Two authors, who combined have over four million books in print and 10 New York Times best sellers, team up to expand Larry Correia's Monster Hunter universe!
Nightmare in the Big Easy
With New Orleans out of control, Chad Oliver Gardenier, one of Monster Hunter International's premier hunters, has been dispatched from Seattle to reinforce the beleaguered members of MHI'S Hoodoo Squad in their fight against the darkness.
Chad had once taken a werewolf while wearing only jogging gear. With half a dozen or more loup garou appearing every full moon, mysterious shadow demons, houdoun necromancers, 50-foot bipedal crocodiles showing up every couple of months, and more vampires than a Goth concert, New Orleans in the '80s gives a whole new perspective to the term hell on earth. In fact more monsters are popping up than crawfish at a fais do do! Chad may be able to collect enormous bounties for the monsters he kills. But there's one catch: He has to stay alive to do it!
©2016 Larry Correia and John Ringo (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Chad Oliver Gardenier took the chance to get out of Seattle where he had a target on his back for messing with a young (40 year old) elf. Chad doesn’t like the heat of Louisiana but soon realizes that he likes the food, the women and the busy hunting action, not necessarily in that order.

New Orleans is experiencing an increase of supernatural creatures and it is important for the forces who fight the monsters to get control of the infestations before the issues leak to the pubic at large. The local communities aren’t such a problem since they are inclined to believe in the paranormal and magic and most of the people love the HooDoo squad.

I liked the more relaxed relationship between the Monster Hunter International (MHI) team and the local authorities including the local officers in the Federal Monster Control Bureau (MCB). The MCB is tasked with keeping supernatural from the public eye. When an incident occurs the MCB have a clean up crew and a mostly reasonable accidental explanation for the damage and deaths.

I was glad to listen to this cheeky monster hunting journal in the MHI universe. This series is full of action and humor. Chad is fun although on the wild side as a Casanova aka Player. He feels his exuberance in life is justified since he expects to die soon considering the nature of his business fighting werewolves (loup garou), vampires, zombies, strange squid, giant (elephant size) mole rats and eventually giant land scrambling, people eating lobsters (or similar crustacean). Chad actually does have a soft side for his friends and teammates and he tries to save the innocent bystanders whenever he can. This comes out even with some bad language and lots of ‘battle’ action.

It was nice to have some regular MHI characters join the New Orleans battle including, Earl, Ray, Milo and even MCB Agent Franks. This story is presented as a journal of Chad’s early days in New Orleans. The journal includes fun and serious tips for younger hunters and fun details regarding the Puff bounties which were numerous. I recommend this to those who already love the MHI series and as a fun listen to someone who might want to try the series.

Audio Notes: Oliver Wyman does a wonderful job narrating this series. I love his emotional energy as well as his multiple voices. Listening is a wonderfully entertaining experience.

Source: July 2017 Audible Sale $4.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Harden, Lee Harden, Book 1 by D.J. Molles

This is gritty but I was glued to listening.
Harden
Lee Harden, Book 1
By: D.J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Series: Lee Harden, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-23-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Harden is the highly-anticipated return to the NYT best-selling series, The Remaining.
It’s been three years since Lee Harden emerged from his bunker into a world gone mad. Governments have fallen. And new ones have taken their place. In the United Eastern States, Lee and his team of battle-hardened operatives walk a tightrope of survival, keeping their fledgling society safe from the creatures beyond their gates - and from the enemies within.
Then, an ambush in hostile territory reveals a traitor in their midst - and leaves Lee barely clinging to life. Wounded and on the run, Lee and his team race to uncover the leak before it’s too late. Through a background of destruction, betrayal, and newly-evolved apex predators, they must stay one step ahead of a ruthless organization spreading out of the south - an organization that has allied with someone who wants Lee dead, and the United Eastern States demolished. But how do you stay ahead of an enemy that knows every move you make?
Reintroducing one of the most beloved heroes in post-apocalyptic fiction, Harden immerses you in a reality of desperate gambits, where wrong moves could cost the lives of thousands, but saving them could cost your humanity. The only rule is NEVER STOP FIGHTING.
©2018 D.J. Molles (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Harden is a dedicated soldier who found himself as one of the few left with resources when a virus turned the majority of people into zombies. He started his days struggling for survival with the mantra “the only easy day was yesterday”. (The Remaining.) This story opens with Harden nearly dead. His team is trying to revive him from a chest wound while they are on the run and under fire. Harden is now struggling to live, get up and fight, reminding himself that this is who he is: he has to protect his team and he can “never stop fighting”.

Harden helped establish a community of survivors which has allied with other groups along the coast as the United Eastern States. They all face the threat of self-appointed “president” Briggs who has commandeered resources and set up base in Colorado. Briggs wants to abandon the south to the infected hordes and he needs to eliminate Harden to get to the resources Harden has gathered. Harden and his team are facing a new force and coping with the realization that someone from their home base at Fort Bragg has betrayed them.

Harden and allies were able to stop a horde of infected about to take over North Carolina. But now the infected have adapted and are changing into stronger and more reasoning creatures dubbed Primals. While Harden and team try to escape, trouble is expanding back home. There is opposition sniping (literally) at Angela, the selected leader (and semi love interest of Harden). And some of the residents have gotten lax about perimeter safety allowing a threat into the protected community. They are in crisis when they learn that there is a mole and traitor in their midst.

I was glad to pick up this series again and appreciated that Harden is exhausted and struggling (after he survives death). I had forgotten how harsh the language is and I had to get into the story to get around the swearing. Thank goodness that Mr. Molles concentrates on intense plotting and suspense. I stayed up too late listening and was glad and sad at the end. Glad because there is a small light of hope and sad because the book ended with open issues (mini cliff hanger). I will have to pick up the next one to continue the saga. I recommend starting this series at the beginning.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel continues to do a wonderful job providing voices and emotional intensity for these characters. The narration enhances my enjoyment of the story.

Source: November 2018 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.

Links to my reviews of the earlier books:
The Remaining, Book 1  4.25
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2  4.5
The Remaining: The Refugees, Book 3  4.25
The Remaining: The Fractured, Book 4  4.5
The Remaining: Trust: a Novella  4.0
The Remaining: Faith: a Novella  4.0
The Remaining: Allegiance, Book 5 4.25
The Remaining: Extinction, Book 6 4.5

Audible Book Review: Changeling: A Novel of Sorcery and Society by Molly Harper

This was a fun, easy listen.

Changeling: A Novel of Sorcery and Society
by Molly Harper
Narrated by Amanda Ronconi

Series: Sorcery and Society, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-22-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Action & Adventure, Children, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
If 14-year-old Cassandra Reed makes it through her first day at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies without anyone discovering her secret, maybe, just maybe, she’ll let herself believe that she really does belong at Miss Castwell’s. Except Cassandra Reed’s real name is Sarah Smith and up until now, she lived her whole life in the Warren, serving a magical family, the Winters, as all non-magical “Snipes” are bound by magical Guardian law to do. That is, until one day, Sarah accidentally levitates Mrs. Winter’s favorite vase in the parlor....
But Snipes aren’t supposed to have magical powers...and the existence of a magical Snipe threatens the world order dictated during the Guardians’ Restoration years ago. If she wants to keep her family safe and protect her own skin, Sarah must figure out how to fit into posh Guardian society, master her newfound magical powers, and discover the truth about how an ordinary girl can become magical.
©2018 Molly Harper White (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Cassandra is part of a non-magical “Snipe” family. The Snipes have few freedoms and few choices as they are assigned to work for the Guardian families. One day Cassandra surprises her employer by using strong magic. Rather than being angry, Mrs. Winter embraces Cassandra and creates an alias for her as a family cousin so she can be sent for training to Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies.

Cassandra, now known as Sarah, arrives at the school with stigma as an unknown. Even the headmistress, a friend of Mrs. Winter, is reluctant to accept Sarah. However, when Sarah is sent for a basic tour of the library a startling event occurs. The premiere magic book responded to Sarah, breaking through its glass cover to brand her as the first translator in over a hundred years. There are other loner students who might befriend Sarah but she is scooped up by the elite, ‘popular’ student who intimidates the ‘lesser’ girls. Sarah is struggling to balance her non-magical upbringing with the expectations of her substitute family and the upper society of the Guardian class she has been pushed into. She faces the danger of being exposed but there is an even greater danger stalking her on the campus grounds.

I liked that this is a gaslight, Victorian story with a touch of young romance rather than a sexually on-the-edge romance. I really liked the friends that Sarah rallied with. I enjoyed the conflict, the mystery and the suspense. It has the wonderful Molly Harper humor but there are editing issues and plot gaps that need fixing. I recommend this to readers who enjoy light, fun paranormal.

Audio Notes: Amanda Ronconi brings her excellent narration skills to this fun story. I liked the voices she provided to help the story come alive. I am glad I listened to the audio version.

Source: 2/20/19 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: The Event By Nathan Hystad

This is a quick sci fi listen.

The Event
By: Nathan Hystad
Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Series: The Survivors, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-24-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: First Contact, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
The ships came at dawn. Dean’s wife is dead. Her last words: When the ships come...wear the necklace. Then the ships arrived.
Cities all around the world reported strange alien vessels descending. Some saw them as the heralds of a new age; others fired everything they had at them. All were taken as the beams lashed down and drew them into the sky.
Dean was left behind, seemingly the last man on Earth. A trail of clues left by his dead wife guides Dean on a perilous journey across America and beyond to learn the truth behind the mysterious ships and save humanity from its doom.
But not everything is as it seems.
The Event is the epic first novel by Nathan Hystad, creator of the best-selling Explorations anthology series.
©2018 Nathan Hystad (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Dean’s wife suffered an unexplained illness and died a few years ago. She left Dean with a whispered “sorry” and instructions to wear the necklace when the ships arrive. Now the ships have arrived and Dean retrieves the necklace just in time to see everyone around him beamed into the alien ships. Why wasn’t he taken and what secrets did his wife hide from him? With a letter from his dead wife in hand, Dean sets off with his neighbor’s dog as his only companion. It is only as he follows the mysterious instructions of the letter that he begins to find others with similar mysteries. Dean, an accountant, is an unlikely hero to help save humanity but he is a man on a mission and finds more and more reasons to persist as he gets closer to the goal.

This wasn’t really compelling for me but it is a quick story/listen. It kept me interested to see how the small band of survivors would face the aliens. There isn’t a great depth of character development and there are scenes that just don’t jive. I liked that there was light humor and no swearing. There are six more books in the series and the ratings seem to have gotten better so I might continue the series sometime in the future.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels is a reliable narrator who is able to add life to a story. The narration enhanced the story for me.

Source: 1/24/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Noble Beginnings by L.T. Ryan

This is a fast listen but a little beyond believable.
Noble Beginnings
By: L. T. Ryan
Narrated by: Dennis Holland

Series: Jack Noble, Book 1
Length: 5 hrs and 30 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-13-15
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military Thriller
My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.0; Narration 3.0.

Publisher's Summary
In March of 2002, while the eyes of the world focused on Afghanistan, Jack Noble finds himself on the outskirts of Baghdad, Iraq. A Marine in name only, Jack is on loan to the CIA. Normally an integral part of the team, he finds that he is nothing more than a security detail in Iraq.
Jack and his partner Bear have a run-in with four CIA special agents over the treatment of an Iraqi family. Within hours Jack and Bear are detained.
All Jack wanted was to finish his enlistment and move on with his life. All he did was intervene and save a family from unwarranted violence at the hands of four CIA agents. But he soon discovers that he did far more than intervene. He has placed himself dead square in the middle of a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of the US government.
This fast-paced political crime thriller by USA Today best-selling author L.T. Ryan will leave you burning through the minutes as Jack races to stop the conspiracy before it claims his life. Fans of Jack Reacher, Mitch Rapp, and Jason Bourne should enjoy Jack Noble.
©2012 L.T. Ryan (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Jack, a ‘Marine’ (apparently special forces, specially trained) and his partner, Bear, are on loan to a team of CIA agents in Baghdad. When the CIA leader threatens innocents, Jack balks and gets in the way. He and the leader take it to the street to settle the disagreement by fists. Although Jack gets some good licks in, there are four to one as they have separated him from Bear. When the CIA team is chased off, Jack knows he has really ticked them off. Soon he and Bear are way-laid on their way back to base and find themselves being interrogated and accused of murder. Jack has difficulty reaching his handler and suspects something more serious is afoot.

Jack and Bear narrowly escape one detention cell after another, always suffering beatings and then dodging bullets on the way out. As Jack tries to find answers and get to safety, he begins to realize that someone really wants them, especially him, out of the picture. If only he can figure out how deep or high up the chain the problem goes before it is too late.

I have seen the Jack Reacher movie and read one of the books (by Lee Child). I had hoped this would be similar, but I found it disappointing. I wanted to like Jack as a character, but he was just a bit too quick to fight first and think second for my tastes. I did appreciate his intelligence and the dangerous suspense. I liked how he was able to piece together the threat and address it although the ending wasn’t ideal. It was sad to think that forces would abuse each other – that I suspect is too true. I can only recommend this to readers who like repeated beatings and unrealistic scenarios of escape.

Audio Notes: Dennis Holland does a fair job of narrating. He attempts different voices without creating any particularly interesting characters. The audio made it easier for me to try the series but it didn’t enhance the week story enough to make me want to try more.

Source: 9/21/18 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Spies That Bind: A Gallagher Girls Prequel by Ally Carter

This is a fun, quick listen.
The Spies That Bind
A Gallagher Girls Prequel
By: Ally Carter
Narrated by: Rebecca Soler

Series: Gallagher Girls, Book 0.5
Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-25-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Category (Genre): Teens, Ages 11-13
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0 and Narration 4.0.

In this Audible Original prequel to Ally Carter's New York Times best-selling Gallagher Girls series, narrator Rebecca Soler brings her charm, enthusiasm, and impeccable accent work to the world of teen spies and boarding school drama, making for a perfect introduction to the series—or a new favorite for long-time listeners.
The first day at a new school is tough for any kid, but it's especially scary when you're going to a school for spies. Cammie Morgan has spent her whole life dreaming of becoming a Gallagher Girl, but she has no idea what she’ll face when she arrives at The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women. Secret passages? Check. Lab experiments that might make you lose your eyebrows (and other body parts)? Check. Classmates who are the smartest, strongest, most intimidating girls in the world? Double check.
Cammie might be a Gallagher legacy, but she's about to learn that the most intimidating part about the Gallagher Academy are the Gallagher Girls themselves. Soon Cammie and her clumsy-but-genius roommate Liz, and the glamorous Bex have to learn the most important lesson of the seventh grade: getting into spy school is hard. Surviving spy school is harder.
©2018 Ally Carter (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review:
Cammie is excited to follow her parent’s footsteps into the world of covert operations. Cammie is struggling with the absence of her father and won’t accept even her mother’s statement that he must be dead since he hasn’t made contact. At least Cammie has her energies directed toward training as a spy. Her mother is a Gallagher Girl and now Cammie is starting at the prestigious spy academy at the same time her mother takes over as the new headmaster.

Cammie realizes there are other girls who are smarter and more skilled than she. But the professors try to assure the girls that each one has unique talents to bring to the academy. Still, the insecurities and rivalries among the girls are causing concerns for Cammie and her new roommates. Their concerns lead them into trouble and danger.

This is a fun, light listen. The story opens with an event in 1860 that reveals the first Gallagher Girl. Many young girls would love to follow the adventures and bravery of this legacy. I enjoyed the message in the story which is told with the inner thoughts of a 12-year-old girl. The story has enough to keep a senior citizen like me interested and would be suitable for young ladies. It made me smile and does a good job of introducing the series. I recommend this for a taste and easy intro into the series.

Audio Notes: Rebecca Soler does a very effective job with the narration. She captures the youthful characters and the quirky professors too.

Source: January 2019 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Oath of Swords by David Weber

I enjoyed this fun fantasy of a reluctant 'Knight in Shining Armor'.

Oath of Swords

War God, Book 1

By: David Weber

Narrated by: Nick Sullivan

Series: War God, Book 1

Length: 14 hrs and 49 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 03-27-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genre: Epic Fantasy, Fantasy

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall, Story 4.25 and Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary

Bahzell is no knight in shining armor, and besides he has too many problems of his own to be messing with anybody else's problems - let alone the War God's. Unfortunately, the War God has other ideas for him.

©1995 David M. Weber (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Bahzell is a Horse Stealer Hradani, a race of men who are bigger and stronger than normal men and subject to uncontrollable rages. Bahzell is one of the biggest warriors. The Hradani tend to stay to themselves as they frighten men, elves and dwarves… well maybe not the dwarves so much and not those who rely on magic. Bahzell is living in an enemy stronghold as a form of control. Bahzell should be staying quiet and out of the limelight. Instead, he keeps coming to the aid of the abused and oppressed…starting with a young woman who has been physically and emotionally attacked by a perverted prince. After rescuing the young woman Bahzell needs to find a way out of the castle and to safety.

That is only the beginning of Bahzell’s journey with the evil prince sending assassins after him. Bahzell is joined by a good friend who refuses to let him face his troubles alone. Brandark has the heart of bard and the instrument to go with it. Although he can write the ballads he doesn’t have the voice to go along with it. They lead the first set of assassins away and into a trap, but more dangerous assassins are sent to follow up.

Bahzell is (sort of) trying to stay low in a town, when he again steps in to rescue a damsel in distress. This leads to adding more enemies after them as Bahzell and Brandark are joined by the woman and her servant on the next part of the journey.

The God of War is trying to get Bahzell’s attention even while he and his companions are dodging arrows, swords and black magic. Bahzell doesn’t want to listen as the God repeatedly asks him to be a Knight for good. Bahzell doesn’t see himself as a knight especially considering he comes from a race of Horse Stealers known for angry rages. Still he does seem to be a warrior for the downtrodden wherever he goes and he has learned to mostly control his rages. There may be some conditions to giving his oath to a God, but maybe the aid and support he could get in return will be worth the commitment. Bahzell will have to make a decision soon as black wizards and creatures of black magic draw close.

I found this to be a fun adventure story. Bahzell is clearly a reluctant hero, more in the line of a Robinhood than a St. George. The traveling companions add their own quirks and troubles. The reading is easy and flowed well. There were even some interesting philosophy points in the good and evil face off. I will keep this author and series in mind for future listening. I recommend this for fans of fantasy adventure.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the energetic and creative narration by Nick Sullivan. He provides voices that fit the characters. The narration made this a fun, easy listen.

Source: 2012 Audible. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook and 2019Alphabet Goals.

Audible Book Review: A Breach of Security by Susan Hill

I enjoyed this novella mystery and would like to read more of the series.
A Breach of Security
By: Susan Hill
Narrated by: Steven Pacey
Series: Simon Serrailler, Book 8.5

Length: 1 hr and 28 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-16-14
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Crime Thriller, Police Procedures
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0 and Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
When a bunch of neo-fascist thugs named The Bulldogs attack a Gay pride march in the sleepy country town of Lafferton, detective Simon Serrailler moves quickly to find the assailants. He’s already got his hands full making security arrangements for a memorial service to honour soldiers returning from Afghanistan. When anonymous threats come in, Serrailler wonders if the Bulldogs are behind these too - and worries that they know the Prince of Wales will be in attendance. As the day approaches, the threats intensify, and Serrailler finds himself racing against the clock to prevent catastrophe.
Susan Hill has won the Whitbread, Somerset Maugham, and John Llewelyn Rhys prizes, as well as being shortlisted for the Booker Prize. She has written 55 books in several genres, including the ghost story The Woman in Black, the play adapted from which is still running in London’s West End after 25 years. I'm the King of The Castle has been a GCSE set text. She has also published collections of short stories, fiction for children, several nonfiction books and the highly successful crime novel series about the detective Simon Serrailler, who features in a short story here for the first time. Her new novel, The Soul of Discretion, is the eighth in the Serrailler series, and will be published by Chatto and Windus in October. Susan Hill is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, a Fellow of King’s College, London, and was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Honours of 2012.
©2014 Susan Hill (P)2014 Audible Studios

Review:
Serrailler is a detective who takes his work seriously. He is focused on duties planning security for an upcoming memorial service at which the Prince of Wales is expected. Serrailler isn’t happy to have to investigate a gang of neo-fascists who call themselves The Bulldogs after they attack participants of a Gay Pride march. Then threats are received regarding the memorial event. Are the attacks and the threats connected? Can he and his coworkers keep the Prince and soldiers safe?

I enjoyed this very quick listen. The story is well written with enough character development and story plot to make it interesting. There is a glimpse of Serrailler's off duty time as he tries to relax with his sister and one of his nephews.  I like Serrailler as a character and appreciate this chance to sample the author’s work. There is a bit of swearing that I don’t like but that is not unexpected in police, crime thriller genres.

Audio Notes: Steven Pacey provides solid narration. As the story began I double checked the narrator as the accent made me think of a (different) famous British actor. Pacey makes the story even more realistic with expressions of exasperation, disdain and frustrations totally fitting the setting and characters.

Source: Audible November 2016 Sale. This fits 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook Goals.

Audible Book Review: Escape from Bythos by Phil Tucker

This is engaging - I've put the first full book on my Wish List.

Escape from Bythos
By: Phil Tucker
Narrated by: Noah Michael Levine

Series: Chronicles of the Black Gate, Book 0.5
Length: 1 hr and 31 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-13-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Dark Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
While listed as book 6, Escape from Bythos is actually the prequel novella to the series and can be enjoyed at any point.
How did Asho end up as Lord Kyferin's squire?
Escape from Bythos leads seamlessly into the novel The Path of Flames, detailing how Asho acquired his freedom against all odds and escaped the slave city of Bythos.
All Ennoian knights must sacrifice a single year of their lives to garrison the subterranean city of Bythos. Known as their Black Year, it is a time both loathed and dreaded. Lord Kyferin, the infamous leader of the Black Wolves, is down in the depths with six of his knights. Biding his time. Whoring. Dreaming of bloody invasions he'll launch when he is free to return to Ennoia.
Then a Bythian slave brings word of dangerous prey. A legendary monster. A cavekiller. Kyferin chooses to mount a hunt, taking a fraction of the men needed so as to increase his glory. This cavekiller, however, is different. More lethal. Ferocious. And the Bythian slave that Kyferin brings as a guide is none other than Asho's father....
©2016 Phil Tucker (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Bythos is a slave city, the bottom (subterranean) of the classes in the Ascendant Empire. Zekko is a worker who has lived under the oppressive regime wondering how his gods can allow this system. Zekko’s children, Asho and his younger sister Shaya, will soon be of age to face the Choosing process where they will be evaluated to be sent to a life of servitude in the next level or contemned to remain as a slave in Bythos.

The children seek adventure by going into a forbidden mine, where legends tell of a killing monster, the cavekiller. They are frightened back to their father to let him know that there is a living cavekiller deep in the shaft. This will require action by the Ennoian knights who are serving their year in the loathed city. Zekko seeks out Lord Kyferin who agrees to take a small force to face the cavekiller even though legends indicate that only a large group of fighters should face the monster. Kyferin directs Zekko to be the guide into the depths of the mine.

Zekko has been approached by his work friends who are recruiting to rebel against the higher realms. This has pushed Zekko into a mindset of confusion and he has to contemplate his faith and tradition. He has choices to make as he could lead the knights with protective or deadly motives. When they face the battle, Zekko makes a sacrifice that will change his life and the lives of his family.

I know (knew) nothing about this series but I like fantasies with class battles and dangerous creatures. This is a short novella that explains how Asho ends up where he is for the following books. The characters were well developed, and the world building was displayed through the lifestyles and actions of the characters. I found the story engaging and I would be willing to listen to more in the series.

Audio Notes: Noah Michael Levine does a nice job with the narration. He portrays the characters with appropriate voices and emotion. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: Audible 2019 purchase $1.95. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook Goal.