Audible Book Review: Caffeine by Michael Pollan

This is fascinating, quick history about coffee.

Caffeine How Caffeine Created the Modern World

By: Michael Pollan

Narrated by: Michael Pollan

Length: 2 hrs and 2 mins

Original Recording Audiobook

Release date: 01-30-20

Language: English

Publisher: Audible Originals

Categories: Home & Garden, Food & Wine

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Michael Pollan, known for his best-selling nonfiction audio, including The Omnivores Dilemma and How to Change Your Mind, conceived and wrote Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World as an Audible Original. In this controversial and exciting listen, Pollan explores caffeine’s power as the most-used drug in the world—and the only one we give to children (in soda pop) as a treat. Pollan takes us on a journey through the history of the drug, which was first discovered in a small part of East Africa and within a century became an addiction affecting most of the human species. Caffeine, it turns out, has changed the course of human history—won and lost wars, changed politics, dominated economies. What’s more, the author shows that the Industrial Revolution would have been impossible without it. The science of how the drug has evolved to addict us is no less fascinating. And caffeine has done all these things while hiding in plain sight! Percolated with Michael Pollan’s unique ability to entertain, inform, and perform, Caffeine is essential listening in a world where an estimated two billion cups of coffee are consumed every day. ©2019 Michael Pollan (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review: This work starts with self-deprecating humor that charmed me into a comfortable listening mood. Mr. Pollan choose to stop drinking caffeine to observe the effects as part of his research. According to him, this contributed to being unfocused and having to struggle to get the book on track. In spite of this proclamation, Pollan does a great job of delivering a lively history of the origins of caffeine and how it came to be a staple of working people everywhere. The description of the influence of caffeine in man’s development, work, politics, economics, and even war, is fascinating.

Pollan presents the position that caffeine does have scientific support showing a “pick-me-up” and focus effect. It is addictive to insects and addictive to humans. I was feeling fine accepting myself as a caffeine addict until Pollan mentions the negative impact on sleep patterns. Then I had to consider my afternoon consumption and remind my office staff to switch to decaf after noon.

The book is not an exhaustive history of caffeine and doesn’t’ purport to be a scientific tome. It is a light history in a quick, easy listen. The author moves among his themes which help to keep my interest. I recommend this especially to caffeine lovers and to others who would like a short history.

Audio Notes: Michael Pollan narrates his own work. He does a nice job delivering the work with a light humor. I totally enjoyed this quick listen.

Source: 2/8/2020 Free Member Audible Originals. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook and nonfiction goals.

Giveaway Celebrating Audiobook Month and Audio Release of Birthright, Ivy Granger Book 4

[Please see the prior post for MBS review of Burning Bright, Ivy Granger Book 3. Review of Birthright will be posted tomorrow.]
FROM E.J. Stevens:
Happy Audiobook Month!  To celebrate Audiobook Month and the audio release of BIRTHRIGHT, the fourth full-length novel in the award-winning Ivy Granger urban fantasy series, we're giving away an Ivy Granger swag pack.

Birthright (Ivy Granger, Psychic Detective #4) by E.J. Stevens, narrated by Melanie Mason and Anthony Bowling.

Being a faerie princess isn't what it's cracked up to be...

Ivy must go to Faerie, but the gateway to the Wisp Court is through Tech Duinn, the house of Donn—Celtic god of the dead. Just her luck.

Unable to share her secret with Jinx, and with Jenna called away on Hunters' Guild business, Ivy must rely on Ceff and Torn to lead her to Death's door, literally, and back again. As if that wasn't dangerous enough, there's no saying what horrors lay in store within the Faerie realm. Too bad the Wisp Court is the one lead Ivy has in the search for her father—and possible salvation.

Maybe hiding away and dodging sidhe assassins isn't so bad after all.


BTS Red Carpet Award winner for Best Novel, finalist for Best Cover, PRG Reviewer's Choice Award finalist for Best Urban Fantasy Series, and winner of the PRG Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Urban Fantasy Novel.

Buy Now at Amazon, iTunes, Audible UK, and Audible.

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Whispersync for Voice Ready

Add to Goodreads.

About the Author:

E.J. Stevens is the author of the HUNTERS' GUILD urban fantasy series,the SPIRIT GUIDE young adult series, the award-winning IVY GRANGER urban fantasy series, and the upcoming the DARK ARCANA urban fantasy series.She is known for filling pages with quirky characters, bloodsucking vampires, psychotic faeries, and snarky, kick-butt heroines.

BTS Red Carpet Award winner for Best Novel, and winner of the PRG Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Paranormal Fantasy Novel, Best YoungAdult Paranormal Series, Best Urban Fantasy Novel, and finalist for Best Young Adult Paranormal Novel and Best Urban Fantasy Series.

When E.J. isn't at her writing desk she enjoys dancing along seaside cliffs, singing in graveyards, and sleeping in faerie circles. E.J. currently resides in a magical forest on the coast of Maine where she finds daily inspiration for her writing.

About the Narrators:

Melanie A. Mason is a voice actress known for Ghost Hunt, Fairy Tale, Blassreiter, and Case Closed.
Anthony Bowling is a voice actor knownfor Samurai 7, Baka and Test, Sekirei, Ultimate Otaku Teacher, Is This A Zombie?, and The Devil is a Part-Timer.

Birthright Audiobook Release Swag Giveaway

We are giving away a button, pen, custom earbuds, and a signed Birthright mini poster to one lucky winner!

To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is international.  Giveaway ends June 29, 2016.


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Good luck!

Audio Book Review: Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things: The Wedding Planner Mysteries, Book 1, by Rachelle J. Christensen,

This is a fast, fun cozy mystery. 
Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things: The Wedding Planner Mysteries, Book 1
Written by: Rachelle J. Christensen
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter

Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins
Series: Wedding Planner Mysteries, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-05-15
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Adrielle Pyper knows how to plan a wedding, and she is especially good at pleasing bridezillas. But when her biggest client and best friend is murdered just three days before the wedding, Adri's world falls apart. She moves to the resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho, and starts from scratch. Thanks to Adri's impeccable taste and unique style, she lands two celebrity clients, and her business seems headed for success - that is until someone vandalizes the specialty wedding dresses she imported from overseas. The race is on to uncover a secret hidden within the yards of satin and lace before Adri becomes the next victim.
With a delightful blend of mystery, toe-curling kisses, humor, and spine-tingling thrills, Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things is a romantic suspense novel that will keep you listening long into the night.
©2014 Rachelle Christensen (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Adrielle is a wedding planner who moved to Sun Valley, Idaho after a trauma in her big city career. She is slowly building her new business, planning two important society weddings, one with a lovely bride and the other with a bridezilla ‘starlet’ diva. The brides have an interesting connection as the sweet bride is the new fiancé of the wealthy, handsome ex of the diva.

Adri and her best friend, Lorea, are expanding their business by including wedding dresses in their inventory. The first shipment of dresses arrives with one dress missing and one with hem damage. As the girls scramble to keep the plans moving for their brides, Adri has to cope with vandalized dresses, stolen diamonds and threatening pictures.

Meanwhile Lorea is encouraging Adri to take a chance on a little bit of romance. Even as Adri has a couple of dates with a shy friend, she is eyeing a gorgeous hunk on the jog trail and another gorgeous man who shows interest but has a distaste for weddings.

The story is lively and fun as Adri hides facts from the police to save her dresses, soothes competing brides and juggles potential beaus. The characters are real and likable - except for Bridezilla of course. The writing is straightforward and moves at a good easy pace. The mystery has twists that kept me guessing and l liked the light romance elements as well. I also enjoyed the bridal tips that start each chapter. I recommend this to readers who love a fun, cozy mystery and those who enjoy wedding elements.

Audio Notes: Kirsten Potter does an okay job narrating the story. Once I got accustomed to her voice, I decided it fit well for the primary characters and she adds enough inflection for the other voices to keep them distinct. I enjoyed the audio which made this a quick enjoyable “read.”

I received this audio title through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review. This qualifies for my 2015 Audiobook challenge.

Audiobook Review and Giveaway: Dawn of Destiny (Epic Book 1) by Lee Stephen

I enjoyed this engaging story with its well developed characters and solid action.

Dawn of Destiny (Epic Book 1)
by Lee Stephen

Genre: Sci-fi
Publisher: Stone Aside Publishing, L.L.C.
Published: October 2014
Available in: Mp3
Length: 9 hours, 47 mins
Available in: Print, ebook (mobi for Kindle and ePub) and audiobook (full cast with cinematic sound effects - see more description below)
Content Rating: PG-13 for violence and depictions of war. There is no profanity, sexual content, or drug use.
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 4, 2006
Some men go to war for the glory. Some men go to war to escape. For Scott Remington, war is entirely different. It is a belief. It is a calling. It is a destiny. Leaving everything behind-his fiancée, his future, his life-he embarks on a mission of faith into a battle he can barely understand. This is his story. This is his war. This is only the beginning.

Review:
Scott Remington is a Christian young man who has a natural talent for leadership. He did well at the Philadelphia Academy training to be a new soldier for EDEN, the Earth Defense Network. Even though the soldiers are well trained and learn about the alien creatures that are now invading earth, it isn’t the same as suddenly being thrust into the fight and facing live enemies.

Scott applies for assignment to Detroit where his young fiancé, Nicole, is in nursing school. Instead he is sent to Richmond, VA where he meets new friends. David is the eldest, a fourteen year old New York Police officer. Becan is a brash, cocky Irishman. Jayden is a quiet young Texan who is the respected sniper of the group. Scott and the other rookies are assigned to the top unit, the Falcon Platoon. Their commander is less than pleased to be given alpha level privates but they are the only troops available especially after Falcon lost all but three of its members in the last engagement at Cleveland.

The platoon is called out with others to face the purple, eye-bulging Bakma in Chicago. Scott steps into command when his unit leader falls and leads the team to complete a successful mission. The men respect Scott’s quick, calm authority.

Scott’s actions result in his becoming the youngest soldier to be awarded the rare and prestigious Golden Lion medal. Although the press makes a fuss, Scott accepts the honor humbly, sharing credit with others.

The four friends face other enemies and their versatility and successes cause them to be reassigned to Novosibirsk, Russia. The Russian base is under the command of the famed, brutal General Thoor who leads the mysterious Russian unit known as the Nightmen. These are all fierce, highly trained soldiers and rumor has it the initiation price is murder.

Scott and his friends are assigned to unit 14 where they build new friendships and face more serious dangers. There are painful losses even before the troops face a major stealth attack on their base. Scott again gains respect with his fast, decisive actions.

I really enjoyed the fierce and fast paced battle scenes. I also liked how Mr. Stephen’s develops the characters and builds their friendships. The story is not just war but it includes personal interactions that add interest. I appreciated the faith foundation of Scott’s character yet the story does not have religious preaching that might put off some readers. I was also impressed that the author deals in intense situations without resorting to unnecessary swearing. Finishing the first book left me anxious to jump right into the next one.

Audio Notes: The audiobook is a dramatization with background sounds fitting the scenes. The production is well done making the action come alive. The only drawback was the spacing and music at the end of chapters is left a bit longer than necessary. I definitely enjoyed the audio version and recommend it to those who enjoy a full, surround sound experience.

I received this in Audiobook from iRead Book Tours to provide an honest review. This qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge.

The Audiobook:
The Dawn of Destiny audiobook project is a full adaptation of the first book in the Epic series. It's not your typical “audiobook,” even though technically that's what it is. When people hear “audiobook,” there’s a certain type of thing that usually comes to mind. Most likely it’s the thought of someone reading a book to them, occasionally with music playing in the background. This isn't that.

What you’re going to hear in this project, is more of an audio “experience,” the audio equivalent of a summer blockbuster movie. Over thirty voice actors played a role in this. This is ear-splitting sound effects, bombastic music, and characters shouting back and forth in the middle of a war zone. This is unlike anything you've ever heard.

Where to buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Author's Bio:
Born and raised in Cajun country, Lee Stephen spent his childhood paddling pirogues through the marshes of South Louisiana. When he wasn’t catching bullfrogs or playing with alligators in the bathtub (both true), he was escaping to the world of the imagination, creating worlds in his mind filled with strange creatures and epic journeys. This hasn’t stopped.

Now a resident of Luling, Louisiana, Lee spends time every day delving into the world of Epic, the science-fiction series that has come to define him as a writer and producer. Alongside his wife, Lindsey, their sons, Levi and Lawson, and their dog, Jake, Lee has made it a mission to create a series that is unique in its genre—one unafraid to address the human condition while staying grounded in elements of faith.

Connect with Lee:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Enter the Giveaway!

Prizes: ​ Win one of 3 sets of books in the Epic series, Dawn of Destiny and Outlaw Trigger; Open to USA & Canada.  Ends July 4, 2015.


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For additional information visit the blog tour page at iRead Book Tours.

AudioBook Review: Cleansed by Fire: A Father Frank Mystery by James R. Callan

I like the primary character in this mystery where church fires spark confessional issues for a concerned Priest.
Cleansed by Fire: A Father Frank Mystery
Written by: James R. Callan
Narrated by: Jonathan Mumm

Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-27-14
Publisher: James R. Callan
Genre: Mystery, Christian
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Arsonists have torched two churches in a small Texas town, plunging its residents into a state of fear. Father Frank DeLuca, pastor of Prince of Peace Church, is thrust into an impossible dilemma when he hears that another church will be burned. The disturbing information comes to him via the confessional, and church law forbids him from telling anyone - even the police. Still, he can't sit idly by, and no law prevents him from looking into the matter himself. The crimes have set the town's residents on edge, fraying the bonds of trust. Is the mysterious newcomer with ties to the local drug scene involved? What about the man who says maybe the churches deserved to burn? Or the school drop-out who threatens the priest with a knife. Father Frank digs deeper into the town's secrets when a man is murdered. His investigation leads him dangerously close to the drug scene and he discovers the danger has come to him. Can he save his own church? Can he save his own life?
Cleansed by Fire is the first of the Father Frank Mysteries.
©2012 James R. Callan (P)2014 James R. Callan

Review:
Father Frank is a Catholic Priest who has a hands on approach to helping his parishioners. He sincerely seeks the Lord’s guidance and help but he plays an active part too. He is involved helping the youth of his church by playing and organizing basketball games and he keeps tabs on other activities such as a new “pop” band.

An arsonist has burned down a Baptist church in the community and Father Frank takes a personal interest. That interest is increased by an anonymous confession of a youth who seems to have some knowledge but won’t reveal it. Father Frank thinks he knows which boy makes the confession but he is restricted from disclosing any information given in the confessional. As more Baptist churches are burned down Father Frank lines up a handful of suspects. There is the rough, mysterious, man who keeps hanging around the ball park asking about drug sources; a young man who seems to have a drug problem; an angry teen who was abused as a young boy by his mother’s boyfriend; and a man in a bar who sneers at Father Frank as he burns a paper steeple.

Meanwhile Father Frank encourages the budding romance of an active widow in his church who has captured the heart of the local police detective. These two add a nice, gentle side line to the mystery story.

I really liked Father Frank’s character. He lives his grounded faith in a real way, including some impulsive action. The story moves along well with Father Frank actively investigating any clue he can follow. There are side lines of interest including the youth choir and the sweet romance. There is danger, faith and sweetness in a short package that combine to make this a solid Christian cozy mystery.

Audio Notes: I’m sorry to say that I found the narration rather dry. It seemed more like a reading than a narration. I still enjoyed the overall book but I recommend a prospective listener try the audio sample to decide if this might be a story to read in print or ebook instead of audio.

I received this title for review through Audiobook Jukebox.
This qualifies for AudioBook Challenge and "C" in Alphabet Soup challenge.

Audio Book Review: Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12 Written by: J. D. Robb

Another great mystery in this entertaining series.

Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12

Written by: J. D. Robb

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins

Series: In Death, Book 12

Release Date:05-20-08

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Genre: Crime Thriller

My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

At the luxurious Roarke Palace Hotel, a maid walks into suite 4602 for the nightly turndown - and steps into her worst nightmare. A killer leaves her dead, strangled by a thin silver wire. He's Sly Yost, a virtuoso of music and murder. A hit man for the elite. Lieutenant Eve Dallas knows him well. But in this twisted case, knowing the killer doesn't help solve the crime. Because there's someone else involved. Someone with a more personal motive. And Eve must face a terrifying possibility - that the real target may, in fact, be her husband Roarke.

Crack another case with Eve Dallas.

©2007 J. D. Robb; (P)2007 Brilliance Audio

Review:
Eve’s gorgeous husband, (hunky Irishman) Roarke, is hosting, at his premier hotel, a prestige auction for a mature movie star selling her memorabilia. The actress and her handsome son are working to make the event a big success to raise funds to fund a foundation to help young actors. .

Roarke and Eve are at a pre-auction preview when Eve is called to a murder of a maid in one of the suites. Although the maid is no one of great importance the killer’s signature is well known. The very brutal killing, ending in humiliation and stragulation by silver wire, is a recognizable MO of an assassin who has been slipping by authorities, including the FBI, for years. Now the killer has stepped into Eve’s territory and made it personal by killing someone associated with Roarke.

The FBI who try to muscle in on the case are not readily cooperative. The female agent has some sensibilities but the male shows outspoken dislike for Roarke and distain for Eve. His arrogance is clearly going to get in the way of the investigation.

An old childhood mate of Roarke’s, Mick, shows up for a surprise visit. He admits he is a rogue and a thief but he would never hurt Roarke and although he loves a good brawl, killing is not his thing.

Eve and her team dive in with their usual meticulous attention to detail and a little added internet help from Roarke. After a second murder Eve and Roarke know that it won’t be enough to find the hit man. They must determine who paid the fees to kills innocents associated with Roarke. Eve is able to track the assassin within a week but the FBI insist on making, and flubbing, the bust. Now Eve and Roarke must search his history to determine the next victim before the killer can strike again.

Eve and Roarke have to balance their singularly independent and protective-of-each other natures. Peabody and McNab have to cope with their increasing intimacy while trying to maintain their professional duties. There is tension, suspense and emotion that keep the reader/listener on edge.

I have to give a big “Thank You” and kudos to J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts). She does a great job keeping the relationships among these characters interesting while provided an entertaining mystery with each story. I have now finished book 12 and she is on number 40! I am glad there is lots of entertainment still to come. There is some bad language in this series, which, fortunately, flows by quickly. The murders tend to be fairly graphic as the forensics and details play an important part in each story. The total package is worthwhile entertainment for avid mystery fans.

Audio Notes: Susan Ericksen does an excellent job with the character voices and personalities. She has this series down to a fine art and I am very quickly engrossed when I begin each new audiobook. I can highly recommend this series in audio as the narration enhances the character relationships and the suspense of the mystery.

This audiobook is a choice from my own Audible Library. It qualifies for my 2015 Audiobook Challenge, TBR Dare, Winter COYER, “B” in Alphabet Soup, and Continuing a Series in Full House Challenge.

Audiobook Review: Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series by Deborah Heal

There are wonderful history and faith lessons woven into this interesting story.

Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series
Written by: Deborah Heal
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 5 hrs and 12 mins
Series: History Mystery, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-17-14
Publisher: Write Brain Books
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian, Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
An old house + A new computer program = The travel opportunity of a lifetime...to another century.
Abby Thomas is spending the summer in a run-down old house with a bratty pre-teen named Merrideth she is supposed to tutor. Not a dream job. But it does come with perks.
There's John Roberts, a devastatingly attractive neighbor who is almost too wonderful to be real.
And there's the new computer program Beautiful Houses--also too amazing to be real. No one knows how it works, but with it she can rewind and fast-forward the lives of all the people who ever lived in the house, including Charlotte Miles.
In 1858, the house is a train stop on the Alton & Chicago Line. And Charlotte is stuck there serving meals to the passengers, wondering if she'll ever get to have any fun. And then she meets two travelers who change her life forever.
There's James McGuire with whom she falls in love. And there's his boss, a young Springfield lawyer named Abraham Lincoln. His debate with political opponent Stephen Douglas catapults him onto the national stage. And it inspires Charlotte to take up the cause of abolition.
The House
A stop on the Alton & Chicago Line. A stop on the Underground Railroad.
Watching the house's history unfold, Abby and Merrideth gain a new perspective on their own lives as time and again they see God's loving hand in the lives of its inhabitants.
©2013 Deborah Heal (P)2014 Deborah Heal

Review:
Abby Thomas is a college student using her summer to earn funds and credits towards her degree. She is tutoring an 11 year-old resentful girl, Merrideth. Merrideth is upset by her parents’ divorce especially since her mother has moved them away from her home, friends and father in Chicago. Now they live six hours away in a small town in an old house which seems dull and isolated -- at first..

Merrideth’s expensive computer keeps turning on a program called Beautiful Houses, which Merrrideth is surprised to discover includes their house when it was in new condition. As Merrideth and Abby explore the remarkable program they are immersed in the life of Charlotte Miles, whose father was the original founder of the whole community. They are fascinated by Charlotte’s life in the years leading up to the civil war. Charlotte is also resentful of her father for not allowing her to go on the train to the Alton Fair with a local boy. Instead she must stay home and serve the meal as her home is the Station Way-Stop. But one of the guests is a nice young man, James McGuire, who works for a Springfield attorney, Abraham Lincoln. There are other interesting guests too that add to the charm and history of the house.

Abby and Merrideth are able to develop a friendship while learning that God has His hand on those who seek and trust Him. There is a charming young boy as an added character as well as a local fellow, John Roberts, who is smitten by Abby. The author does a smooth transition of scenes from present to past with the interesting twist of technology. She skillfully uses difficulties and problems from Charlotte's life, with wonderful depth of historical elements, to show Abby and Merrideth lessons that apply to their emotional struggles in the current day.

I really enjoyed the history and the way the author weaves in God’s care and love in both time lines. I was sorry the story ended rather abruptly, but I recognize it leaves room for more historical adventures. This is a good book for teens, adults and history lovers. I do recommend it in text however, as I was disappointed by the narration.

Audio Notes: Sad to say, I was not impressed by Michelle Babb’s narration. There was little variation of character voice and only a few attempts to add emotional impact. I felt this was more a reading than a narration and it detracted from my enjoyment. This is an occasion when I recommend the text rather than the audiobook. However, other listener's enjoyed the narration so test a sample and decide what you think.

I received this audio through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review. This qualifies for Audio challenge and T in Alphabet Soup. 

Audible Book Review: Seventh Grave and No Body by Darynda Jones

This is fun, quick listening entertainment.

Seventh Grave and No Body

Written by: Darynda Jones

Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
Series: Charley Davidson, Book 7
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-21-14
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre:  Paranormal, Detective
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Twelve. Twelve of the deadliest beasts ever forged in the fires of hell have escaped onto our plane, and they want nothing more than to rip out the jugular of Charley Davidson and serve her lifeless, mangled body to Satan for dinner. So there's that. But Charley has more on her plate than a mob of testy hellhounds. For one thing, her father has disappeared, and the more she retraces his last steps, the more she learns he was conducting an investigation of his own, one that has Charley questioning everything she's ever known about him. Add to that an ex-BFF who is haunting her night and day, a rash of suicides that has authorities baffled, and a drop-dead sexy fiancé who has attracted the attentions of a local celebrity, and Charley is not having the best week of her life.
But all of that combined barely scratches the surface of her problems. Recent developments - and a few distressing prophesies - have forced her to become a responsible adult. Exactly the kind of adult she's never aspired to be. To conquer such a monumental task, she's decided to start small. Really small. She gets a pet. But how can she save the world against the forces of evil when she can’t even keep a goldfish alive? A tad north of hell, a hop, skip, and a jump past the realm of eternity, is a little place called Earth, and Charley Davidson, grim reaper extraordinaire, is determined to do everything in her power to protect it. We're doomed.
©2014 Darynda Jones (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

Review:
This is the seventh story in this fun series. Charley is excited to be pregnant but she is insecure about her ability to succeed as a mother. Meanwhile she still wants to continue her PI duties and she is glad to help her Uncle Bob on a case of suicide notes and missing people. It is just too inconvenient that the twelve hounds of hell are out to kill her.

Reyes, Charley’s ‘affianced’, is frustrated because he wants to keep Charley and the baby safe but Charley keeps slipping out on him. She gets help from The Dealer, a demon who Reyes doesn’t trust, and Garret, Charley’s skip trace buddy who learned the truth the hard way. But no one really knows how to kill the hellhounds.

Charley helps FBI SAC Carson to find the bodies of missing girls. In the process Carson begins to uncover some of Charley’s secrets. Charley is also worried because her missing father and she has learned that the Vatican has a full file on her. Charley is being annoyed by the whiney ghost of her former bff and Rocket actually leaves his ‘asylum’ to complain to Charley about her actions that are upsetting heaven.

I continue to enjoy the snarky t-shirt and bumper stickers that open each chapter. I also enjoy the humor and the action that keeps the crew hopping. Charley is a little whiny herself at times even as she grows into her surprising strengths and skills. The sex scenes are on the steamy side but I like the natural frustrations that spark the relationship between Charley and Reyes. The overall story moved forward only a little with a bit more history and some new elements thanks to some dead flashbacks and a Priest from the Vatican. Still this is fun, quick listening entertainment.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King does such a great job narrating this series. Her reading completely enhances the story entertainment.

This title is a purchase in my Audible library.

Audio Book Review: Snowbeard the Pirate and the Naughty List by Chip Huddleston

This is a delightfully fun listen with a bit of hope for naughty 'children' at Christmas time.

Snowbeard the Pirate and the Naughty List
by Chip Huddleston

From the Album Snowbeard the Pirate and the Naughty List

August 1, 2014 | Format: MP3

Genre: Humor
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

A funny, whimsical story for older children and adults, it is about Santa's younger brother who runs away to Florida and becomes a pirate.

Review:
This is just a light delight! As soon as it started I was reminded of The Night Before Christmas.  Of course Snowbeard the Pirate isn’t quite a nice as Santa and in fact he has been on the bottom of the naughty list. He has banned the most polite words - what I taught my children as the “magic words” - from his ship’s crew.

Then, one ‘eve of THE eve’ Santa arrives to embrace his brother, Kasper Kringle. Santa enlists his brother’s help to deliver stale fruitcake and a token gift to the all the ‘naughties’ on Santa’s list.

Snowbeard’s sleigh is Dreadnaught’s jolly boat pulled by eight sharks and “at the head for their beacon, they placed with great care, an angel fish nicked named “the Dentist’s nightmare”. And as he delivers the gifts he raids the icebox with a shout, not a “Ho, Ho’Ho” but “Yo, Ho, Ho...and a bottle of Yum”.

The story gives hope to even naughty children and acknowledges that sometimes we need to look at the circumstances and make an effort to help the "naughties" find where they can "fit in" and maybe stop their rebellious, naughty behavior. Along with the total humor, there is a little bit of scatological humor that is likely to get a few giggles from kids (and guys). I look forward to sharing this with my grandchildren, but as noted on the cover, it is a tale for "Pirates Ages 1-92".

Audio Notes: The author narrates this short work with a wonderful deep voice that fits the tale with swashbuckling glee. The only difficulty was that I had to turn the sound volume on full to hear properly (instead of my usual setting of 25). It is a wonderful listen though.

This audiobook was provided by the author for an honest review.

Audio Book Review: Divided We Fall by Trent Reedy

I found this interesting for its political presentation through an engaging protagonist.

Divided We Fall

Written by: Trent Reedy

Narrated by: Andrew Eiden

Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins 

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:05-13-14

Publisher: Scholastic Audio

Genre: Sci Fi, YA

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 

Publisher's Summary
From the author of Words in the Dust: an action packed YA novel set in a frighteningly plausible near future, about what happens when the States are no longer United.
Danny Wright never thought he'd be the man to bring down the United States of America. In fact, he enrolled in the National Guard because he wanted to serve his country the way his father did. When the Guard is called up on the governor's orders to police a protest in Boise, it seems like a routine crowd control mission... but then Danny's gun misfires, spooking the other soldiers and the already fractious crowd. By the time the smoke clears, 12 people are dead. The president wants the soldiers arrested. The governor swears to protect them. And as tensions build on both sides, the conflict slowly escalates toward the unthinkable: a second American civil war.
With political questions that are popular in American culture yet rare in YA fiction, and a plot that's both excitingly provocative and frighteningly plausible, Divided We Fall will be Trent Reedy's very timely YA debut.
©2014 Trent Reedy (P)2014 Scholastic Inc.

Review:
Danny Wright is a seventeen year old who joined the Idaho National Guard to serve his country as his father did. Danny lives with, and helps to calm, his mother who struggles with an anxiety disorder. Danny did his summer basic training and returned to school expecting to finish out his senior year with his long time girl friend and his school buddies.

The President institutes a mandated ID registration for all US citizens. Idaho’s governor disagrees with the plan and refuses to implement or enforce it. Danny never expected to get called up to real action but his unit is pulled in to assist in quieting a protest riot in Boise. The crowd doesn’t back off and when a rock hits Danny’s gas mask his gun accidentally goes off initiating unplanned gunfire and tragedy. The Governor seeks to protect the young men in the unit while the Federal authorities seek to arrest and punish those responsible. People split in their opinions with many calling the guardsmen murderers, others calling them soldiers doing there jobs and another group naming them heroes.

Danny’s name is leaked and he and his school friends end up in a dangerous car chase trying to outrun Federal Agents. The kids get help from a surprising source but now his friends and the world wonder about Danny’s involvement with the Boise incident. Danny especially has to face his own sweetheart who has been harping about ‘those murderers being brought to justice’.

The political standoff escalates to a point where the soldiers have to choose loyalties between the Federal government and Idaho authorities. Idaho is shut off from access, leaving Danny’s fragile mother in another state, causing even more worry for Danny who has been pulled into full time defensive duty.

This story presented a scenario that could be all too real. The story deals with young adult issues of family, school, responsibilities and young love. I enjoyed the action and the real, natural teenage characters - to a point. There is some (sadly true to life?) idiocy in the behavior of the teens and there is one young man that is obsessed with conquering every cute female, younger and older. That activity and the repeated underage drinking makes this book not such a good teen role model/read, in my opinion. The ending crashed a bit with some of that teen idiocy and then leaves the action at an unresolved state.

The story brings to the forefront the very real problem of young adults going into battle situations and having to make difficult decisions that will impact the rest of their lives. On a philosophical level the story also opens up debate on the interesting political/civil issues of state versus national rights which is a timely discussion. I’m curious where the author takes the political battle from here. I recommend this to those who like an entertaining young adult story involving interesting political issues.

Audio Notes: The story is told from Danny’s view and I think Andrew Eiden did a good job of narrating. There was enough diversity in the narration to keep the characters distinct and to keep the story pace engaging. I liked the author’s use of news feeds and this added interest to the audio.

I received this as a free download through SYNC 2014 Summer audios. This selection was paired with the classic The Red Badge of Courage.  

Audio Book Review: WARP Book 1: The Reluctant Assassin (W.A.R.P.) by Eoin Colfer

This is a fun, active time-travel sci fi with a dark villain.

WARP Book 1: The Reluctant Assassin (W.A.R.P.)
by Eoin Colfer

Narrated by: Maxwell Caulfield
Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins
Series: WARP, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-07-13
Publisher: Listening Library

Genre: Sci Fi, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Riley, a teen orphan boy living in Victorian London, has had the misfortune of being apprenticed to Albert Garrick, an illusionist who has fallen on difficult times and now uses his unique conjuring skills to gain access to victims' dwellings. On one such escapade, Garrick brings his reluctant apprentice along and urges him to commit his first killing. Riley is saved from having to commit the grisly act when the intended victim turns out to be a scientist from the future, part of the FBI's Witness Anonymous Relocation Program (WARP). Riley is unwittingly transported via wormhole to modern-day London, followed closely by Garrick.
In modern London, Riley is helped by Chevron Savano, a 19-year-old FBI agent sent to London as punishment after a disastrous undercover, anti-terrorist operation in Los Angeles. Together Riley and Chevie must evade Garrick, who has been fundamentally altered by his trip through the wormhole. Garrick is now not only evil, but he also possesses all of the scientist's knowledge. He is determined to track Riley down and use the timekey in Chevie's possession to make his way back to Victorian London where he can literally change the world.
©2013 Eoin Colfer (P)2013 Listening Library Audio

Review:
Riley is a young boy in Victorian London struggling to survive. He has been supposedly “rescued” and apprenticed by Albert Garrick, an illusionist who slipped and killed his former apprentice during a performance. Now Garrick uses his excellent skills in a new profession - as an assassin. Garrick is grisley and evil. He has set Riley up to make his first kill and prove his worth as an assassin’s apprentice. Riley has managed to learn many illusionist secrets and crawl in tight spaces to help Garrick but he is really reluctant to kill a man, any man, but especially this old man sleeping in bed.

When Riley hesitates, Garrick forces the strike. But not before the man awakens and sends Riley tumbling through a time portal to the future. Riley emerges only to be jailed on the suspision of murder. He tries to explain what happened but they won’t believe that someone else pushed him and that the ‘demon man’ will follow him.

Chevron (Chevie to her friends) was brought into a prototype teen FBI program. She longs to be a true FBI agent but has been sent to London as a form of demotion. Her gruff, Scottish boss, Agent Orange, has instructed her to guard a completely secret pod without any explanation until a young urchin boy pops out.

Orange suspects that the owner of the portal must be dead to allow anyone through. He takes a clean up team back in time to fix any damage. If only he had listened to Riley Orange would have realized that Garrick would be there to ambush the team and steal the secrets. Garrick attacks the team and manages to tangle with Orange, sending them both back to the future. Orange doesn’t survive the trip except as thought patterns merged into Garricks brain!

Garrick is obsessed with power and intent on eliminating Riley and Chevie. Riley and Chevie must go on the run, trying to stay one step ahead of Garrick until they can bring him down. Riley and Chevie run into other thugs and trouble before they pool their skills together to find away to stop Garrick.

There is plenty of action and some irony in subtle lines and in twists in the story. I enjoyed the fast pace and determination of the teens even though I also felt the book had a dark atmosphere due to Garrick seeming to have such success and control in his evil actions.

This is the first book I have read by Eoin Colfer and I was surprised to realize he is the author of the Artemis Fowl series which I had thought to read but never got to. This story would be good for older youth and adults who appreciate a bit of satire with their adventure.

Audio Notes: Maxwell Caulfield does a very good job presenting the different voices in culture and time period accents. He captured the darkness of the villain and made the listening a lot of fun.

I received this audiobook through SYNC 2014 Summer audios. It was paired with The Time Machine which I haven't read in years. I will listen to that classic soon to note the comparison.

Audio Book Review: Falling Up:Hours

I found this audiobook entertaining and very unusual.

Falling Up: Hours

I have looked but been unable to find a "blurb" or description for this.
It is a paranormal novella that brings the reader to a world of gifted orphans and focuses on 6th graders as they explore a mysterious gym.

Review:
This story follows a class of orphans where all of the children are extremely smart with Seth being the lead child prodigy. Seth’s class has reached 6th level and as their ‘leader’ he accepts the secret contract from the school administrators for his class to enter a mysterious gym for lunch hour each day during the year. Each year the sixth grade class has secretly been offered the same arrangement and during their unsupervised hour each class has developed their own often dangerous ‘game.’ Seth plans a dangerous, meticulous game that involves great technical details but offers a clear chance for disaster. There is also the confusion added by the spirit or ghost of a prior class mate who appears and causes mischief. Things go well for many months but there are issues that continue between the children outside of the gym.

Seth has realized for some time that many of his classmates experience “shimmerings”. He is upset that he has not been selected for that group and he struggles with his jealousy and determination to uncover the secret. Seth finds some pills he knows are taken by his classmates and is caught trying them. The administrators take him to be disciplined by an overseer aka ‘outsider’ who appears to be not all human.

The outsider tells Seth an alarming history of the orphans indicating that they are a group ‘at war’ with the human population due to their ‘different’ behaviors. Seth is initially alarmed and then confused when the administrators continue to tell him that what he has heard from the outsider “doesn’t matter”. Things spin out of control when Seth accuses the outsider of being an enemy and a spy. Next the game in the secret gym is sabotaged and his classmates begin to die. Finally Seth uncovers another secret that presents him with more decisions on how to proceed and how to fight the “enemy”.

The story is told by Seth, who shares his emotions of curiosity, joy, jealousy, excitement, fear and more. I found the plot concept to be very unique and there is a surprising element of intolerance revealed at the end that adds a whole new twist. I believe there were some inconsistencies in the world and presentation and there were some glaring grammatical errors that made me cringe. Still the story is engaging and I particularly liked Seth as a character with real emotions.

The author is part of the band Falling Up and apparently there is an album that accompanies the audiobook. I did enjoy the music that slips in at scene or chapter breaks which is very evocative and sometimes startling. The ending implies a continuation as Seth is to pursue and stop The Outsider. I would be curious where the story goes because, although this book was very entertaining, it left me hanging.

I received this book from my son who listens to the music of Falling Up. I am looking forward to discussing the story with him.