#FraterfestRat Audible Book Review: Black Virus by Bobby Adair

It is a quick listen with young protagonists in a messed-up, infected world.
Black Virus: Black Rust, Book 1
By: Bobby Adair
Narrated by: Tristan Morris

Series: Black Rust, Book 1
Length: 2 hrs and 34 mins
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Horror, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Virus. Chaos. Survival. Alienated in a world where he doesn't fit in, Christian Black survives because he's different. Then the virus came, and made the world turn different, too. Now people are dying by the million. Food supplies are short. Riots are blazing through the streets, and Christian's only goal is to keep his family alive. But safety lies far from the city, and just getting out will be tougher than anyone knows.
©2016 Bobby L. Adair (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Christian Black has been dubbed “different” by his parents, teachers, counselors, and doctors. He is always pushing the edge of acceptable behavior and has little emotional response to punishment. Yet, he is deeply loyal to his family, his ill parents and his older brother. They have already lost his younger twin brothers, his father is almost in a vegetative state, and his mother is becoming more confused every day. The virus that has struck the community kills some outright, but leaves others in various stages of ‘degeneration’, slowly losing cognitive and physical abilities. Alone the infected degenerates may be docile, but together they become loud and violent with social controls abandoned.

Rations have diminished and Christian sets out to the city to get supplies that are needed for his family. He stumbles upon a group of attackers and steps in to help save some apparent survivors. When the dust settles, Christian has to struggle to escape with a father and his teen daughter, Abby. Things aren’t good when they get back to Christian’s home. How are they to move forward in this wicked, sick world?

In this short story, the author provides reasonably developed characters and a twist on a virus that doesn’t quite result in zombies. I liked Christian even though he is presented as a dark youth. There is violence and suspense as the young protagonists try to move away from the danger and move forward. It is sufficiently entertaining if not gripping. It may be a while before I use a credit on book 2. I recommend this to fans of the zombie or virus post-apocalyptic genres.

Audio Notes: Tristan Morris does a good job with distinct voices for both the male and female characters. I am glad I had this as a free audiobook.

Source: August 2020 free Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook goal. This was my first listen for #FraterfestRat.

Audible Book Review: Who in the World is Carmen Sandiego by Rebecca Tinker

This adventurous story is fun but I had some concerns.
Who in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?
By: Rebecca Tinker
Narrated by: Kyla Garcia

Length: 4 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 01-22-19
Publisher: Audible Studios
Categories: Children's Audiobooks, Literature & Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

About This Audible Audiobook
The globe-trotting thief in the red fedora returns! And now, the question isn't where—but who? In the role of Carmen Sandiego, award-winning performer Kyla Garcia reveals, for the very first time, the backstory of the ever-elusive master criminal whose whereabouts captured the imaginations of children everywhere— through educational video games, animated series, and a popular PBS "gameshow" for middle schoolers in the 1990s.
In this novelization based on the new Netflix animated series, you'll discover there's even more to the story. More action, more details, more twists. And you'll hear from Carmen Sandiego herself how the mastermind behind some of the most audacious capers ever conceived became the best thief on the planet. Don’t miss your chance to learn who in the world is…Carmen Sandiego.
©2019 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Carmen Sandiego and related characters are trademarks of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and used under license. Published by special arrangement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Back in the 1980s-1990s, Where is the World is Carmen Sandiego was an edutainment computer game that directed the player to hunt down Carmen by clues that identified the country where she traveled. The game was focused on learning details of countries, cultures, money (yen, rubbles, pounds, etc), and identifiable landmarks or art works. Very little was known about who Carmen is and how she came to be an elusive master criminal. This story fills in the backstory.

The author explains how Carmen was trained in a thieving school run by V.I.L.E. (Villains' International League of Evil). Her teachers, mentor and co-students are revealed, showing the influence they had on Carmen’s development. There is also a surprise (to me) friend. It has been years since I played the computer came and I never saw the TV series. I have played the current card game with my grandchildren. This background gives me a new perspective.

Although I was enjoying Carmen’s upbeat character, I was a little concerned about the message her ‘training’ might give to vulnerable young people. Fortunately, deep into the book, a different message appears. I liked the dynamics between Carmen, her teachers and school friends. The story is fun, and I had to smile each time the phrase “who in the world” or “where in the world” was used. This book is easy entertainment and delivers a message that can be discussed by parents with their children or grandchildren.

Audio Notes: Kyla Garcia does a fine job with the narration. I admit I wasn’t enthralled by the voices but that is because the primary character, along with others, is portrayed with a teenage appropriate voice. I do like the audio book because it moves quickly for me.

Source: 7/5/2019 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

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: The Monster Hunter Files Anthology by Larry Correia, Jim Butcher, Faith Hunter and more

I enjoyed this collection of stories full of monsters and snark.
The Monster Hunter Files
By: Larry Correia, Jim Butcher, Faith Hunter, Jonathan Maberry and others
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman, Khristine Hvam, Bailey Carr
Series: Monster Hunter
Length: 13 hrs and 50 mins
Release date: 10-03-17
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Anthologies & Short Stories, Contemporary, Paranormal, Urban
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
For well over a century, Monster Hunter International has kept the world safe from supernatural threats small and large - and, in some cases, very, very large. Now, join us as MHI opens their archives for the first time. From experienced hunters on their toughest cases to total newbies' initial encounters with the supernatural, The Monster Hunter Files reveals the secret history of the world's most elite monster fighting force.
Discover what happened when Agent Franks took on the Nazis in World War II. Uncover how the Vatican's Combat Exorcists deal with Old Ones in Mexico. And find out exactly what takes place in a turf war between trailer park elves and gnomes. From the most powerful of mystical beings to MHI's humble janitor, see the world of professional monster hunting like never before.
Featuring 17 all new tales based on Larry Correia's best-selling series, from New York Times best-selling authors Jim Butcher, John Ringo, Jessica Day George, Jonathan Maberry, Faith Hunter, and many more.
Also includes stories by Larry Correia, John C. Wright, Jody Lynn Nye, Mike Kupari, and Brad R. Torgersen.
©2017 Larry Correia. All stories 2017 by Larry Correia, except "She Bitch, Killer of Kits" 2017 by Larry Correia and Faith Hunter. (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
I enjoy the Monster Hunter International (MHI) characters, and this is a fun collection that focuses on side stories for several of the well-known characters. There are stories of Julie Stackleford’s childhood, her husband’s, Owen’s, current day, and Franks facing a major threat in WWII. There are also some new monsters and hunters I would like to read more about in the future.

Another fun thing about this collection is that there are so many authors who brought their talents to share in the MHI universe. I honestly can’t say that I recognized distinct author voices because they blended so well with the world of MHI.

There are 17 stories making for quick listens. My top picked stories include:
• Thistle by Larry Correia (I hope to see this character in future stories.)
• Small Problems by Jim Butcher (Even janitors can be successful hunters.)
• Sons of the Father by Quincy Allen (These sons may not have met their hunter father before his death but they sure got his skills.)
• A Knight of the Enchanted Forest by Jessica Day George (Light, fun turf war between elves and gnomes.)
• Huffman Strikes Back -by Bryan Thomas Schmidt & Julie Frost (Revenge sought against one of the top MHI hunters.)
• The Gift by Steve Diamond (A Secret Order of Vatican's Combat Exorcists

I recommend this book for MHI fans that need a hunter fix (like me). And readers who enjoy monsters and heroes would like this too.

Audio Notes: Oliver Wyman, Bailey Carr, Khristine Hvam did a great job sharing the fun. Wyman is the usual narrator for the MHI series and I love returning to his voice for so many of the characters. The other narrators added to vary the tone and provide more female voices which enhanced my listening engagement.

Source: Audible Daily Deal 4/24/2018 $4.95. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

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: Spring Clean by Dina Gregory

I enjoyed this fun, quick listen.
Spring Clean
By: Dina Gregory
Narrated by: Nneka Okoye

Length: 4 mins
Release date: 05-22-20
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Light Humor, Short Story
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
What is it like to be spring cleaned? Find out in this tragicomic tale about a self-absorbed Hair Spider, an anxious Fluff Ball, and a friendly Dust Bunny. The perilous journey of these three friends is sure to suck you in.
©2020 Audible Ltd (P)2020 Audible Ltd

Review:
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a clump of hair brushed to the floor? A hairy pet fluff ball? Or a dust bunny under the bed? They might frolic together for a time, but then what?

This is a little surprise to begin though the ending is more predictable. It is only 4 minutes, and it is free on Audible Plus. I’m glad I listened. It it is cute and fun and good for adults and children. I plan to add more of Gregory's short gems to my library.

Audio Notes: Nneka Okoye does a spot on narration. She captures the fun and the irony. Her narration added to the experience.

I found this at Audible Plus Catalog - seen at Inside of a Dog. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook goals, and a “Spring” title.

Audible Book Review: Zero Day Code by John Birmingham

This end of the world thriller is scarily possible.

Zero Day Code
End of Days, Book 1
By: John Birmingham
Narrated by: Rupert Degas

Series: End of Days, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 07-04-19
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Thriller, Military Science Fiction,
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Every modern city has one week’s worth of food to feed itself. Then it will collapse.
Cut off the resources to New York, Sydney, or even a mid-size metropolis, and millions will soon starve. In Zero Day Code we see those immense and open, hyper-complex, networked supercities of the new millennium die. And in the last moments we see their vengeance take form as all the best and worst traits of humanity bubble to the surface.
Zero Day Code is set in a realistic near future with dwindling global food supplies under increasing pressure from worsening droughts, floods and extreme weather events. Written by prolific Australian writer John Birmingham, the thriller follows a handful of survivors from the first day of society’s descent into violent, uncertain futures.
James, a consultant to the US National Security Council, is the first to suspect that the worldwide emergence of a crippling computer virus is actually a cover for something else - a devastating cyber-attack by China on the food distribution system of the United States. The attack is a bid for the Middle Kingdom to distract America as it seizes the food bowl of South East Asia and feeds its starving population. But Beijing has miscalculated.
Follow the missions of an embittered activist chasing salvation, a single mum rescuing her child from a frantic San Francisco and an army veteran who has long retreated from society, as the world they knew crumbles around them.
Please note: this audiobook contains mature content and listener discretion is advised.
©2019 Audible Australia Pty Ltd. (P)2019 Audible Australia Pty Ltd.

Review:
This story follows several key characters who struggle to survive a collapse of society. James is a business adviser who studies the trends of the markets. He manages to become a consultant for the US National Security Council, where they provide him some additional information on a glitchy computer virus. He suspects that China is planning an attack on the US food distribution system. His warnings are accurate but just a tad too late. Apparently, most grocery stores in the US have only three days’ worth of supplies on hand, always expecting the next truck delivery. When the food distribution systems are scrambled it doesn’t take long for society to breakdown into chaos and brutality.

When the government contractors are released, James invites his new co-worker, Michelle, to join him to travel to his family home and farm in the Midwest. First, they have to gather some supplies, primarily transportation and food, in a hope to break out of DC and then they have to travel safely.

Rick is a former soldier who has chosen a solitary live style, with a service Lab, Nomi, as his companion. He finds himself with a sharp young woman, Mel, who teaches martial arts and self-defense in a nearby park. The pair are off in their own world enjoying their new relationship and not following the news. A routine stop to pick up dog supplies finds them caught in the middle of an armed robbery.

Another character is a violent, low-life thug who dreams of becoming a famous pod-caster. He is part of the evil side of the society breakdown and contributes a barrage of ugly language to the book. One woman, dealing with an escape from an abusive ex-husband, is desperate to get to her son to find a safe place for them.

The author includes vignettes of the situation in other countries which led to this attack. The China powers tried to make the attack less than full on to minimize the response, but they didn’t recognize the extent of the damage they would cause and the reaction that would follow.

The plot is a scarily possible version of an end of the world scenario. The mix of characters are interesting with some quite likeable and others not so much. Real life struggles that emerge are shown through the various points of view. Few of the characters are prepared to face the rapid decline of life as we know it. This is the first book I have read by Mr. Birmingham but it certainly won’t be the last. I am glad to have books 2 and 3. I highly recommend this to fans of TEOTWAWKI thrillers.

Audio Notes: Rupert Degas does a wonderful job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and strong energy. I will admit I was engrossed in the story and I think that gives support for good narration that helped draw me into the story.

Source: February Free Audible Catalog. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and 2021Alhabet 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: Primal, Lee Harden, Book 3 by D. J. Molles

I like this series and this was a quick listen that kept my attention.
Primal
Lee Harden, Book 3
By: D.J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 11-05-19
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military Thriller, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Lee Harden is out for blood. After a month, the cartel is looking over their shoulders and jumping at shadows, worried about the madmen in their backyard, who seem obsessed with little else but killing cartel members. Lee continues to claw his way towards revenge, searching for a target to strike at, or a person to destroy, that will force his enemies to reveal themselves. And nothing is going to stop him. Not even Abe.
In the United Eastern States, things are crumbling around Angela. Safe zones are dropping out of communication, and no one seems to have any faith in her since the fall of Fort Bragg. Carl Gilliard's methods of purging the dissenters grow harsher and harsher, and Angela is forced to run interference for him, denying allegations of misconduct. She needs to get them back to Fort Bragg to show that they aren't losing this war. But she's not sure they can get there before everything falls apart.
Working fast - and sometimes unsafely - to secure the route back to Fort Bragg, Sam Ryder and his squad make a grim discovery that might be the start of an evolutionary jump for the primals - and a threat to the survival of the human race.
In this thrilling and gritty third installment to the Lee Harden series, the only thing you can be certain of is that things are about to change. ©2019 D. J. Molles (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Lee had grown close to his team of ‘warriors’ who have been on the front lines fighting the hordes of infected and trying to protect their safe zones. In the last book, Southlands, Lee and the team had to leave Fort Bragg to seek allies and resources. When they thought they were about to succeed in their mission goals, they were betrayed. Lee lost most of his team including his friend and lover, Julia, who helped keep him focused on more than survival. Now, left with only his fellow soldier, Abe, Lee has no softness and is focused on nothing more than revenge. Abe tries to fulfill their original mission, but he can’t keep Lee on track. Lee’s drive is brutal and gritty and although he gets to some of his enemies he finally gets reeled into the net of the strongest foe.

Meanwhile, President Angela, security leader Carl and others are trying to keep the refugees of the United Eastern States together while they weed out the dissenting ‘traitors’. They hope to retake Fort Bragg which they lost due to the internal coup allowing the infected primals to swarm their home fort.

Sam Ryder, a young man rescued by Lee and left in the care of Angela, is hiding the secret that he knows at least one of the dissenters who is living among the other refugees. Sam has become one of the many teams who go out to hunt and kill the primals. He is one of the few who begins to see a disturbing change in the patterns of the mutating creatures. Unless others take note of the ‘evolution’ the primals could succeed in eliminating the remaining human population.

I do enjoy the fast pace action in this series. The characters are well developed and make for interesting conflict, even if I don’t like all of them. I do like Lee and Abe and the tension that exists between them. There are a couple of chapters where the language gets too foul for my tastes but, fortunately, that passes and the plot takes precedence again. This episode had more battle issues than moving the survivors forward to safety but it laid the foundation for the next book to do that with some potential allies and the new level of primals to face. I will definitely be continuing with the series.

This is a series spin off (or continuation) of Molles' series called the Remaining where Lee, Abe and other soldiers are introduced as leaders in Project Hometown. I recommend both series to fans of zombie type survival, action stories.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel is the voice of the series and he doesn’t disappoint. He delivers the pain, grit, weariness and frustrations of the characters. I will be glad to continue to listen to the series.

Source: September 2020 Credit purchase. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Zombie Fallout: Zero by Mark Tufo

I liked this military based addition explaining the beginning of the Zombie Fallout. Zombie Fallout: Zero
By: Mark Tufo
Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Series: Zombie Fallout, Book 0.5
Length 2h 44m
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Dystopian Sci Fi, Horror, Zombie
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
#Fraterfest

Publisher's Summary
In this audio-exclusive prequel - a must-hear for die-hard Zombie Fallout fans and newcomers alike - listeners are brought back to the days before outbreak; to the origins of a virus capable of raising the dead, its patient zero, and the events that set in motion the destruction of the human race.
Those who would seek a new world order have unleashed the most devastating virus onto mankind, and even they do not know the secrets hidden in their weapon. Follow along as Harry, a CDC scientist, races to figure out what exactly the virus is and how to stop it. It will be up to him and a group of marines led by Major Sanders to stop the zombie fallout before it ravages an unsuspecting world.
©2016 Mark Tufo (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
A strange mob has overrun the police in New York. As Harry, a CDC scientist, studies the films he notes alarming behavior because the mob appear not to die even when shot or disembodied. Harry digs deep into the scientific genome of the virus that has turned these humans into beasts. He reports to his co-worker that the virus has been modified to allow a quick and harmful infection. They don’t realize how serious the infection is until they watch a test subject, Patient Zero, who is believed to be dead. The man comes alive, with inhuman strength and hunger, to attack the guards in his holding cell. The CDC scientists try to warn the government but soon learn that their warnings are being thwarted by nefarious forces who have actually planned the spread of the evil virus.

Major Sanders is in the field for the last two days of training of his new marines when his superior orders him to return to base so that the base can meet vaccination levels. Sanders ignores the order and is then called back by an even higher superior the next morning. Sanders and his new recruits return to learn that they are facing a new enemy.

I listened to book 1 which tells the story of a Michael Talbot and his family fighting in their gated community. It was okay but didn’t pull me into the series. I did like this novella that explains how the virus started and who was Patient Zero. I particularly enjoyed the military involvement fighting the early waves of infected. If the rest of the series included Harry and Sanders I would be more interested in listening. I recommend this to fans of the zombie genre.

Audio Notes: Sean Runnette is the narrator for this series and he does a good job. He portrays the characters with distinct voices and captures their personalities. I am glad I had this as a plus catalog free story to listen too as part of my 2020 October #Fraterfest.

Source: 2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook. Alphabet and #Fraterfest goals.

Audible Book Review: Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

This is a twisted Vampire short story. I saved this for #Fraterfest too.
Carmilla
By: Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
Narrated by: Phoebe Fox, Rose Leslie, David Tennant, David Horovitch, James Wilby, Susan Wooldridge, Hannah Genesius

Length: 2 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 10-27-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Classic, Gothic, Horror, Vampire
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25 Narration 4.25.
#Fraterfest

About This Audible Original
Their house guest is beautiful and charming, but she carries a dark secret—one that could prove deadly. It’s time for gothic horror fans to sink their teeth into one of the very first vampire thrillers ever written. David Tennant (Doctor Who, Harry Potter), Phoebe Fox (Life in Squares, The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death), and Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones, Downtown Abbey) breathe new life into J. Sheridan Le Fanu’s classic horror story, Carmilla.
It all begins when Laura’s widowed father finds Carmilla stranded in the forest after a carriage accident and takes her in. The young women develop a fast friendship which turns into a passionate meeting of souls. A relationship of vampire and prey, the story is told through Laura’s eyes as she is drawn further into Carmilla’s terrifying world of pleasure and pain.
A masterpiece of erotic gothic horror, Carmilla encompasses mystery, suspense, forbidden lust, violence...and blood. This audio adaptation of Carmilla has been dramatized by Robin Brooks, an actor, dramatist, and author who has been working as a playwright for over 25 years. Carmilla was directed by Fiona McAlpine of Allegra Productions for Audible Originals. David Tennant, Phoebe Fox, and Rose Leslie bring their talent and gravitas to this Audie nominated performance (Original Work), making it an exhilarating listening experience.
©2015 Audible Ltd. (P)2015 Audible Ltd.

Review:
Laura is a lovely young woman who is secluded at home with her protective father. When a carriage breaks down not far from their schloss (castle in Austria), Laura’s father is persuaded to take in the woman’s ethereal daughter who appears unwell. Carmilla is near Laura’s age and the two girls grow closer. Laura is intrigued by Carmilla’s advances even as she is slightly uncomfortable with them. No one in the household seems to see the danger in the relationship until Laura begins to grow more and more languid and Carmilla begins to go missing from her room. Even then the danger isn’t clear until a neighbor, who lost his beloved daughter, shares his experience.

This is a twisty vampiric, erotic, gothic novel. Isn’t that a mix? I like the ghostly and vampire quality as well as the dark gothic setting. The full story made me curious about the history and this is what I found:

“Carmilla is an 1872 Gothic novella by Irish author Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu and one of the early works of vampire fiction, predating Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897) by 26 years.”

Similar to Laura, I found the story engaging and repelling at the same time. I recommend this quick read/listen to serious vintage fans, vampire fans and those who enjoy a touch of horror.

Audio Notes: This is a dramatic presentation that pulled me into the dark atmosphere which is conveyed by all of the narrators. The narration is a bit of a treat itself and made this book an extra special gem in my October horror reading/listening.

Source: 10/23/2019 Audible Original. This qualifies for 2020 TBR, 2020Audiobook and #Fraterfest goals.

Audible Book Review: Machine World, Undying Mercenaries, Book 4, by B. V. Larson

This is another good installment of this military sci-fi series.
Machine World
Undying Mercenaries, Book 4
By: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Series: Undying Mercenaries, Book 4
Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-12-15
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Hard Science Fiction, Military Space Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The Galactics arrived with their battle fleet in 2052. Rather than being exterminated under a barrage of hell burners, Earth joined a vast empire that spanned the Milky Way. Our only worthwhile trade goods are our infamous mercenary legions, elite troops we sell to the highest alien bidder.
In the fourth book of the series, James McGill is up for promotion. Not everyone is happy about that, and McGill must prove he's worth his stripes. Deployed to a strange, alien planet outside the boundaries of the Galactic Empire, he's caught up in warfare and political intrigue. Earth expands, the Cephalopod Kingdom launches ships to stop us, and a grand conspiracy emerges among the upper ranks of the Hegemony military.
In Machine World McGill faces an entirely new kind of alien life, Galactic prosecution, and thousands of relentless squid troopers. He lives and dies in the falling ashes of the empire, a man of unique honor at the dawn of humanity's resurgence.
Machine World is a military science fiction novel by best-selling author B. V. Larson. (To find the first book in the series, search for Steel World by B. V. Larson.)
©2015 B. V. Larson (P)2015 Audible Inc.

Review:
James McGill is one of the ‘undying mercenaries’ in the least respected Earth troop, Legion Varus. Earth is a lowly planet on the fringe of the galaxy that is controlled by the Empire. Legion Varus is the lowly of the mercenary troops that are sent out as expendable soldiers. They are known as the ‘undying mercenaries’ because they can be regenerated as they die in the field.

McGill gained rank moving from recruit to regular to specialist all while being known for stumbling into, and remarkably out of, trouble. He has a strange relationship with highly ranked Imperator Turov. She has pulled him into more than one bad situation where they then have to keep each other’s secrets. This leaves James in an awkward situation as she could order his permanent death at any time.

As Legion Varus prepares to go to another world confrontation, McGill faces hazing and testing but gains the rank of Veteran, the highest rank for enlisted soldiers. Now McGill is in charge of troops supporting the officers in battle. Fortunately, even though McGill seems to get into bad situations, he thinks fast under stress and tends to move his troops in the right format and direction.

Once again McGill and his friends and band of superiors face a new alien force of a distant planet. In addition to the indigenous Machine creatures, the Earth mercenaries find an old enemy, the Squids (see book 2). The Earth leaders think that they can win during the initial engagement but then some other alien ships show up and things go from bad to worse.

I enjoyed the creative plotting of these stories. I might have liked a little more development of the Machine aliens but still, they were interesting and the encounter with McGill is engaging. There is power corruption, some little bad language, and female entanglements that tend to follow McGill. All of this makes for an entertaining listen. I recommend the series for fans of military sci-fi.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett is a consistently effective narrator for this series. He helps draw the listener into another realm and provides distinct voices and emotions. I totally enjoy this listening experience.

Source: 5/12/19 Audible April Credits. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goal.

Dust World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 2 by B. V. Larson 4.5
Tech World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 3 by B.V. Laron 4.5

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Siege by Larry Correia

This is another action-packed, intense adventure.

Monster Hunter Siege
Monster Hunter, Book 6
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Series: Monster Hunter, Book 6
Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-01-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Number six in multiple New York Times best seller Larry Correia's Monster Hunter series.
Go big or go home.
When Monster Hunter International's top hunter, Owen Zastava Pitt, was given a tip about some hunters who had gone missing in action, he didn't realize their rescue mission would snowball into the single biggest operation in MHI's history. Their men are being held prisoner in a horrific nightmare dimension, and the only way to reach them is through the radioactive ruins of a monster-infested war zone.
As if that wasn't bad enough, it's also the home base of the powerful creature behind the devastating attacks on the Last Dragon and Copper Lake. It turns out ancient gods of chaos really hate trespassers. But this god picked a fight with the wrong crew, and now MHI wants payback. Calling on their allies, a massive expedition is formed, and with the odds stacked against them, a legion of hunters goes to war.
It's D-Day at the City of Monsters.
©2017 Larry Correia (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Many hunters were lost in the Las Vegas battle (Monster Hunter Legion) with seven who disappeared into the nightmare realm presumed to be dead. Two were from MHI and five others were from rival companies that were involved in that nightmare battle. Owen received a secret message that has led him to a new information source who reveals that there are seven hunters alive in the nightmare dimension – far away and nearly impossible to enter. But Owen is of the genre that won’t leave a man behind.

Owen talks the boss into allowing him to lead a rescue mission. The other companies who have lost hunters are invited and readily join the highly risky mission. This mission takes months of planning trying to find a way to reach the prisoners who are held in the radioactive ruins of a monster-infested, abandoned city in Siberian. The huge endeavor will have to get permission just to step foot, or boat, in Russia.

The city where they have to go has a strange tie with Owen’s father. This brings in some history of Owen’s family just at a time when Owen is facing becoming a father himself. The stakes are even higher since Owen as “the chosen one” may have to face the newest evil alone and there are predictions of death.

This may not be as strong as some of the prior books and is more focused on Owen rather than a broader range of the characters. It still has plenty of action and the underlying snarky humor that the series is known for. There is some craziness – but that shouldn’t be surprising considering that a good part of the story takes place in a nightmare realm filled with skeleton and other nightmarish monsters. There is some foul language that I don’t like but realize is expected from ‘Bad A’ warriors.

The ending leaves an open segue to the next book which is now in my Wish List. I recommend the series from book 1 and this installment to fans of the series.

Audio Notes: Oliver Wyman is the voice of this series. I felt comfortable as soon as I heard his voice and was glad to have his energy in the presentation. I do enjoy this series on audio.

3/17/19 February 2019 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia 4.75
Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Vendetta by Larry Correia 4.5
Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Alpha by Larry Correia 4.75
Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4 by Larry Correia 4.5
Goodreads Review: Monster Hunter Nemesis (Monster Hunter International #5) by Larry Correia 4.25

Audible Book Review: Thunderhead Arc of a Scythe by Neal Shusterman

This series has me fully engaged.
Thunderhead
Arc of a Scythe
By: Neal Shusterman
Narrated by: Greg Tremblay

Series: Arc of a Scythe, Book 2
Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-09-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Dystopian, Futuristic, Sci-Fi, Teen and Young Adult
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
Rowan and Citra take opposite stances on the morality of the Scythedom, putting them at odds, in the chilling sequel to the Printz Honor Book Scythe from New York Times best seller Neal Shusterman, author of the Unwind dystology.
The Thunderhead cannot interfere in the affairs of the Scythedom. All it can do is observe — it does not like what it sees.
A year has passed since Rowan had gone off grid. Since then, he has become an urban legend, a vigilante snuffing out corrupt scythes in a trial by fire. His story is told in whispers across the continent.
As Scythe Anastasia, Citra gleans with compassion and openly challenges the ideals of the "new order". But when her life is threatened and her methods questioned, it becomes clear that not everyone is open to the change.
Will the Thunderhead intervene?
Or will it simply watch as this perfect world begins to unravel?
©2018 Neal Shusterman (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
At the conclusion of book one, Scythe, Rowan and Citra were set against each other at the Scythe conclave to select one new member. Through an unexpected move, Citra is initiated as a true Scythe and Rowan went underground. Rowan takes a secret and different path to fight the corruption that is growing in the Scythedom. The Scythedom are the elite bringers of death who help maintain what should be a very peaceful society. But there is a heavy division between old and new factions of the Scythe. The old guard respects the weight of their task and serves with humility. However, there is a growing number of newer Scythes who are corrupt, brutal, and evil. This new faction is pushing to take control and rule for their own pleasure and gratification.

Grayson Tolliver is a good, quiet civilian, pretty much nondescript and of no particular notice. The Thunderhead, the AI that manages Earth, has noticed Grayson and has been his best friend for years. Now the Thunderhead has a plan to use Grayson even if it means trauma to the young man when it appears that the Thunderhead abandons him. Grayson gets unexpectedly drawn into Citra’s circle. While other Scythe’s suspect Grayson of attacks, Citra knows that isn’t true, but she can do little to protect Grayson when he is marked as an Unsavory.

Meanwhile, Scythe Farraday is off hunting for the secret to bring the Scythedom back into control. He finds a surprising bright ally hidden in a faraway museum and they race against time trying to save the world as they have known it.

Throughout the struggles of the humans, the Thunderhead is observing and commenting in the background. Although the Thunderhead may take actions that impact citizens at large, it is not allowed to interfere with the Scythedom, no matter how much it is distressed by the growing corruption.

I was completely drawn into this second book. There are surprises in the Scythes that rise to take action and it hurt my heart as situations turn against the primary characters. The final chapters of this volume have the supporters of good at the mercy of the evil.

I totally enjoyed having the Thunderhead as an alternating narrator sharing bits of history, wisdom, ponderings and even frustrations. The creativity of the author has me awed. I am excited to go on to book three to see how the conflict is resolved. I recommend this to readers who enjoy strong futuristic, dystopian elements.

Audio Notes: Greg Tremblay’s expert narration had me immersed in this world. Tremblay delivers the work with distinct voices and spot on emotion. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 12/16/19 Audible 2nd Settlement Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Redshirts: A Novel with Three Codas by John Scalzi

This fun story made me think of Star Trek, Galaxy Quest, and The Thirteenth Floor.

Redshirts
A Novel with Three Codas
By: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Wil Wheaton

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-05-12
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Exploration
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0; Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Ensign Andrew Dahl has just been assigned to the Universal Union Capital Ship Intrepid, flagship of the Universal Union since the year 2456. It’s a prestige posting, and Andrew is thrilled all the more to be assigned to the ship’s Xenobiology laboratory. Life couldn’t be better…until Andrew begins to pick up on the facts that (1) every Away Mission involves some kind of lethal confrontation with alien forces; (2) the ship’s captain, its chief science officer, and the handsome Lieutenant Kerensky always survive these confrontations; and (3) at least one low-ranked crew member is, sadly, always killed.
Not surprisingly, a great deal of energy below decks is expended on avoiding, at all costs, being assigned to an Away Mission. Then Andrew stumbles on information that completely transforms his and his colleagues’ understanding of what the starship Intrepid really is…and offers them a crazy, high-risk chance to save their own lives.
©2012 John Scalzi (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Ensign Andrew Dahl is happy to be assigned to the Intrepid, the flagship of the space fleet in 2456. Andrew is put through a strange test with the ‘Box” to save Lieutenant Kerenesky. As he leaves the bridge, having saved the day, Andrew is surprised when he is confronted by a strange hairy wraith who appears out of the shadows. “Stay off the bridge. Avoid the narrative.” he is warned. Soon Andrew begins to question what is going on as he recognizes that every away mission results in the death of one of the new, lowly crewmembers while the captain, chief science officer, and handsome Lieutenant Kerensky survive the alien confrontations and heal quickly.

Andrew realizes that he and the other four new crewmembers are at risk of being expendable. In pursuit of what is going on, Andrew seeks out the hairy man who warned him. The hiding crewmember presents a wild theory that seems to play out in the next away mission. Andrew, his friends, and the mysterious wraith decide on an equally wild plan to save their lives. This plan will take them back in the past to approach the men they think can help change the pattern of events.

The story has a Star Trek ring to it but if you are familiar with Galaxy Quest (or The Truman Story), you can guess where the search of the ‘narrative’ takes Andrew. Is he in control of his own fate or is someone else controlling the events that will ultimately lead to his death? How deeply does the control run? The story is told in the third person, past tense, from Andrew’s point of view. There is a twist near the end of the book and as a conclusion, the author throws in a little bonus with three codas: in first person, a second person, and a third person view.

I enjoy the Old Man’s War series by Scalzi a bit more than this, but this is a quick, fun sci-fi filled with appropriate sci-fi irony. I recommend this to fans of easy, ironic sci-fi spoofs.

Audio Notes: Wil Wheaton is paired successfully with Scalzi’s snide humor. He delivers the characters with distinct voices and energy. His narration works to put me into the story. I am always happy to listen to this narrator.

8/4/19 Audible Sale $5.00. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Orion Colony by J.N. CHaney, Jonathan Yanez

I enjoyed this fast dystopian to space adventure.

Orion Colony
An Intergalactic Space Opera Adventure
By: J.N. Chaney, Jonathan Yanez
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Series: Orion Colony, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 06-04-19
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Colonization, Space Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0; Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Humanity's Exodus is about to begin.
When half of mankind revolts and demands more opportunity, those at the top decide on a compromise: They will build the first colony ships and allow the rest to discover new worlds and start over.
Twelve ships are built. The first is called the Orion.
Many are eager to go, but only 100,000 are chosen for each vessel. Far from Earth, a new life awaits, and it promises the prosperity they've always wanted.
But still, resistance stirs.
There are those who are eager to sabotage this new expansion effort, threatening the promise of a new life. As Orion moves through the void of space, towards a distant world, its passengers must fight for survival in an unprecedented conflict.
Win or lose, their future will be forever changed.
Experience a sprawling galactic tale in this first entry to The Orion Colony series. If you're a fan of Firefly, Battlestar Galactica, or Indiana Jones, you'll love this epic, space opera adventure.
©2018 Variant Publications (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Dean Slade has a past life as a champion fighter. This he keeps secret as he works as a Transient Mechanic, grade 2. Earth society is ruled by the Eternals who modify their bodies for immortality. The Transients rebelled against the powerful Eternals which resulted in the Eternals agreeing to send the Transients to their own space colonies to begin anew. Twelve ships are scheduled to go out but there are still rebels who are attacking the crews and attempting to sabotage the plans.

Dean is working on the Orion which is in its final stages of preparation to launch. When rebels attack the work yard, it is decided to launch early and finish the work on the journey. Dean didn’t plan to go on the trip but gets stuck on board when he rushes on to save a friend.

The Orion crew is headed by two sibling Eternals who seem to truly care for the people and want the recolonization to be successful. Dean is initially accused of sabotage but the AI cameras show that the true culprit is camouflaged. Dean’s qualifications, other than his mechanic skills, are the ability (and somewhat reluctant) willingness to fight and capture the enemy. He is recruited to investigate alongside an undercover agent.

The rebellion attacks continue, throwing the ship out of the slipstream and forcing a crash landing on an unknown planet. As this book ends the survivors gather around an existing domed facility.

I liked Dean’s character as a reluctant hero surrounded by mystery and courage. This is clearly a dystopian society that sets up the background. The story runs to the ‘cheesy’ side, but it is easy enjoyable action. The grammatical errors are not as obvious with audio but I agree with other reviewers that additional editing would help. Although some readers might object to the cliff hanger or half story nature of this book, I found it to be a reasonable length that stops before the next adventure. I recommend this to fans of light sci-fi colonization adventure.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter is a good sci-fi narrator. He delivers this story with fitting emotion and personalities. I enjoyed the listen and would listen to more in the series.

Source: 11/2/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Vanguard by Jack Campbell

I enjoyed this space colonization sci-fi.
Vanguard
The Genesis Fleet, Book 1
By: Jack Campbell
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Series: Genesis Fleet, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 05-16-17
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Colonization, Military Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Jack Campbell returns to the world of the New York Times best-selling Lost Fleet novels with a new action-packed military science fiction series that explores the founding of the Alliance...and the men and women who fought to create it.
Earth is no longer the center of the universe. After the invention of the faster-than-light jump drive, humanity is rapidly establishing new colonies. But the vast distances of space mean that the old order of protection and interstellar law offered by Earth has ceased to exist.
When a nearby world attacks, the new colony of Glenlyon turns to Robert Geary, a young former junior fleet officer, and Mele Darcy, a onetime enlisted marine. With nothing but improvised weapons and a few volunteers, Geary and Darcy must face down warships and armored soldiers - or die trying.
As battles rage and pirates take an increasing toll throughout the colonies, the only hope for lasting peace lies with Carmen Ochoa, a "Red" from the anarchic world of Mars, and Lochan Nakamura, a failed politician. They have a plan: to lay the groundwork for mutual defense that could someday grow into an alliance. But if their efforts don't succeed, the growing power of aggressor worlds could turn regions of space founded on freedom into battlefields between the first interstellar empires.
©2017 John G. Hemry (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Humanity has taken to the stars to establish new colonies, but they aren’t always safe. Glenlyon is a new colony that has established some primary living areas but has done nothing towards space defense. They can reach out to the home world for help but not only will that take time, ut the home world isn’t exactly jumping to aid the colonies.

Robert Geary is a former junior fleet officer looking for a new start on Glenlyon. He didn’t expect to be recruited to lead a rag tag, untrained force of volunteers. When an unannounced freighter and escort shuttle enter the planet’s orbit, Robert and his new force surprise everyone by capturing the shuttle. Their success provides a small advantage, but they still don’t have the weapons or forces to protect the planet if – or more likely when - the bullying enemy returns.

Mele Darcy, a former marine, with her rebellious nature, has traveled out to a distant colony for a new start in her own life. When the Glenlyon leadership need to set up a force to fight the intruding enemy, they discover Mele’s background and recruit her to put together a military presence. Fortunately, Mele has enough background and strategy intelligence to be able to set up successful raids to damage the enemy.

Meanwhile, two others looking for a new life, Carmen and Lochan, have landed on a neighboring planet. Even though Carmen was successful on Earth as a crisis and peace negotiator, she is afraid others will reject her because she is a “Red” from Mars. Lochan views himself as a failed politician and a failure in all aspects of his life. They begin to show each other that they can be accepted and succeed with a change in attitude.

Mele helped Lochan escape becoming part of a slave group. This connection becomes helpful when Robert reaches out to the colony where Carmen and Lochan have just arrived. The small group of friends realize they may be able to survive better if they join as an alliance to help each other.

It has been years since I read the first book in the Lost Fleet and I should probably return to the rest of that series. The background of the humanity expansions from Earth seemed very brief in this book and initially I felt the characters were disjointed or disconnected. I was glad when the connections came together. The story flowed quickly, and I enjoyed the easy characters who each have a talent that was needed. There were some moments that required a stretch of belief, but I find that okay to some degree especially in science fiction. I was troubled by some inconsistencies as one scene indicated a problem with space delayed communications and in a later scene the communications seemed to be instantaneous. The romantic element was a little annoying, though intended to be cute.

Overall, I enjoyed the ride and watching the characters face new challenges and battles. I would be interested to see how they continue to defend their worlds and seek resolution with the enemy. I recommend this to readers who enjoy an easy, fast-paced space sci-fi filled.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel is a very talented narrator. He added life to the story by providing distinct and apt voices for the characters. I definitely enjoyed listening to this story.

Source: 12/6/2019 Audible Free Titles for Settlement. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Alphabet and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Extracted by R. R. Haywood

I liked the plot and characters but not the language in this.
Extracted
By: R. R. Haywood
Narrator: Carl Prekopp

Series: Extracted, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-01-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
In 2061 a young scientist invents a time machine to fix a tragedy in his past. But his good intentions turn catastrophic when an early test reveals something unexpected: the end of the world.
A desperate plan is formed: recruit three heroes, ordinary humans capable of extraordinary things, and change the future.
Safa Patel is an elite police officer, on duty when Downing Street comes under terrorist attack. As armed men storm through the breach, she dispatches them all.
'Mad' Harry Madden is a legend of the Second World War. Not only did he complete an impossible mission - to plant charges on a heavily defended submarine base - but he also escaped with his life.
Ben Ryder is just an insurance investigator. But as a young man, he witnessed a gang assaulting a woman and her child. He went to their rescue and killed all five.
Can these three heroes, extracted from their timelines at the point of death, save the world?
©2016 R. R. Haywood (P)2017 Audible, Ltd

Review:
Three distinct characters are pulled through time to be asked to save the future. ‘Mad’ Harry Madden is a large, tough soldier in WWII who was willing to take on a suicide mission for the cause against the enemy Germans. He succeeded in his mission and apparently survived. When he wakes up in a bunker he thinks he has been taken as a prisoner.

Ben Ryder is an insurance investigator who has twice acted with untrained precision to foil attacks. He was only a teenager when he defeated gang members in the midst of an assault on a woman and child. Years later he steps out of an investigation scene to discover a terrorist attack about to kill thousands. He quickly accesses the problem and takes action. He wakes up in a bunker and has trouble accepting the situation he finds himself he is in.

As Ryder was trying to thwart the terrorists his heroism was seen by a young enforcement officer, beautiful Safa Patel. With the inspiration of a man like Ryder Safa pushes through the training to become an elite officer. She has to suffer through horrific exploitation, but she is intent on preforming her job. When her vile boss is threatened by an attack she does all she can to protect him, facing the enemy single-handed. Safa wakes up in the bunker with two heroes she knows and reveres from history. She makes it her personal goal to prepare Ryder for the fight ahead even as he resists her efforts.

The three heroes struggle with their training, even facing a crisis. Meanwhile, there are sources in the real timeline closing in on the location of the time machine. Can the team be ready for the assignment before the secrets are uncovered?

When you have a print book you can go back and check the timeline but that is difficult in audio. Once I figured out the characters were coming from different dates, I was able to settle into the plot. Interestingly enough, this book is as much character-driven as it is plot focused. The three “heroes” who have been extracted to save the future are unique individuals who don’t necessarily see themselves as heroes. I really enjoyed the characters and the tense suspense built in the story. I suspected it would end in a cliff hanger and it did. I would plunge on to the next book except for one problem: the foul language is pretty free-flowing. Additionally, there are several rather raw scenes of sexual content and misogyny. I am just not sure that I am comfortable going on with the extent of rawness and foul language. I do recommend this to readers who can manage the language and enjoy the twists that come with time travel. And don’t forget that it is an incomplete story in book 1.

Audio Notes: I found the narration by Carl Prekopp to fit the story. His British accent works for the narration and the character voices. I would be willing to listen to more of his narration provided I could confirm there isn’t a lot of raw language. I am glad I listened to this in audio as I am not sure I would have read through the language and raw scenes.

Source: September Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Spring in Geneva by Sylvia Kelso

This is a delightful listen!
Spring in Geneva
By: Sylvia Kelso
Narrated by: Jesse Einstein

Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-18-15
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Gothic, Short Story, Steampunk
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
Mary Shelley, a young banker’s son, and William, an excessively tall man with a “lividly hued visage, watery eyes, and blackened lips within a straggling beard,” pit their wits and derring-do against Lord Byron, master of steampunk technology, and his thuggish minions.
©2013 Sylvia Kelso (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Like the Frankenstein story, this novella takes the form of a letter correspondence. Anton writes to explain “what it was all about”. Anton sees a “Promethean” in the garden and befriends him. Then a striking young lady comes along to collect the strange-looking creature she calls William. The young lady turns out to be the widow of Percy Shelley. Anton is intrigued by the curious William and smitten by the sad but enchanting Mary Shelley. Anton sets about helping William to present himself appropriately in public.

But the men who helped create William discover that he is alive and they are not inclined to let him reveal their secrets to anyone. When William, Mary, and Anton realize that the men are set to run another creation experiment, they are determined to prevent that tragedy even though it risks their lives.

The story has friendship, romance -or at least the dream of it-, danger, and questions regarding what signifies a man and more particularly a soul. The prose has a European flair that fits the Georgian time period. I enjoyed the rich descriptions and found the Frankenstein connections captivating. It makes me want to read the original story again. I will also look at other stories by Ms. Kelso. I recommend this to fans of the original Frankenstein story and to readers who enjoy a gothic, steampunk fantasy.

Audio Notes: Jesse Einstein does a beautiful job with the narration. He captures the gothic elements as well as providing distinct voices. I found the listening experience delightful.

Source: 12/13/2019 Audible Sale for $1.50. This qualifies for 2020TBR,  2020Audiobook and season "Spring" reading goals.