Audible Book Review: The Ranch (A Legacy of Violence) by Sean Liscom

This had lots of action in a continuing series.

The Ranch (A Legacy of Violence)
The Legacy Series, Book 2
By: Sean Liscom
Narrated by: Christopher Lane

Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
Series: The Legacy Series, Book 2
Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's summary
Post-Apocalyptic Fiction by Sean Liscom
Jason Sterling had a simple life by all accounts. He had worked the same job his entire adult life, he had never married and he had no children. He was used to doing things on his own. His comfortable life was shaken to the core the day he learned of his fathers death. It was a mysterious meeting that set life altering events in motion and the allure of a new life was too great to walk away from. When an Electromagnetic Pulse brings the modern world to its knees, Jason's choice proves to be the right one.
Excerpt:
“I’d tell you boy’s good luck but you’re going to need a whole lot more than that. Divine intervention maybe. Stack your magazines deep, keep your powder dry and be ready to fight the devil himself,” It abruptly ended there. “What the hell?” I said looking up at my brother. That's what my father wrote in his journal. It was ominous, sinister, menacing.... All the words that raced through my mind when I read it. No matter which word I chose to use, they all meant the same thing. Something bad was on the horizon.
©2019 Sean Liscom (P)2020 Creative Texts Publishers, LLC

Review:
Jason Sterling has had to take over his father’s ranch to protect the survivors of an EMP strike. The ranch survived the first year with the aid of General Jackson who brought forces to save Jason at the last minute. Over the past year the Sterling ranch has created a training facility to prepare young men and women to serve under General Jackson. It is clear that there are more battles coming.

There is a ghost force traveling the roads that serves as a threat that Jackson’s troops have been unable to track. But there is a worse threat of military forces decimating the communities trying to survive and rebuild. How will the Sterling ranch and General Jackson protect the local community from the path of destruction?

I was in the mood for action and continuing in this series met the bill. There are relational issues, particularly with Jason and Jill, but others too, that fill in gaps so that it isn’t just a battle story. Some of the escapes and victories are rather contrived but it is still interesting. There is intrigue with questionable allies and some twists as this episode concludes. I will continue with more in the series. I recommend this series to fans of post-apocalyptic/dystopian.

Audio Notes: Christopher Lane does a good job with the narration. He provides sufficiently distinct voices and his delivery fits the energy of the story.

Source: 3/3/22 Audible Sale $3.74. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Extinction Inferno, Extinction Cycle: Dark Age, Book 2 by Nicholas Sansbury Smith

I enjoyed this and will be purchasing the next in series sooner rather than later.

Extinction Inferno:
Extinction Cycle: Dark Age, Book 2
By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith, Anthony J. Melchiorri
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins
Release date: 10-01-19
Publisher: Blue Heron Audio
Categories: Horror, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The government said the Variants were dying off....
That the beasts would be extinct in a matter of years....
That the Allied States had returned to prosperity and freedom....
The government was dead wrong. Deep under the cities, the Variants weren't just hiding, they were breeding. While the human survivors of the Extinction Cycle built outposts and brought back industries, the monsters were building something of their own. Working with human collaborators, they constructed a vast underground organic network to control this new army and launch a blitzkrieg assault across the Allied States. After tunneling under the walls, the beasts managed to overwhelm even the most fortified outposts. Many of them fell within days, forcing the military to abandon bases and retreat.
But not everyone is on the run. Team Ghost hunts a monster behind enemy lines that could change the tide of war. On the USS George Johnson, Doctor Kate Lovato and her team of scientists seek to understand and tap in to the Variant network while oil tycoon S. M. Fischer and his engineers come up with a plan to help buy time for the remaining outposts. And, at Outpost Portland, Captain Reed Beckham and Master Sergeant Parker Horn investigate a frightening conspiracy involving the human collaborators.
As the Variant armies surge across the Allied States, those working to stop them realize even desperate measures may not be enough to prevent the total annihilation of their country.
©2019 Nicholas Sansbury Smith (P)2019 Nicholas Sansbury Smith

Review:
This book picks up from Extinction Shadow. Our protagonists have learned that, rather than dying off, the Variants have been hiding and are now coming out in force with the aid of an evil and intelligent master. There are even human collaborators who are working with the Variants having decided that ultimately the humans will die and a new order will take over.

Kate and another doctor have found a communications link among the variants. They arrange to send int the Ghost Team, first to kill massive creatures controlling the Variant masses and then to capture one for study!

Beckham Reed and Fischer are in a new Outpost base trying to convince the leader there that he may not be as prepared as he thinks. They are just barely staying a step ahead of the Variant attacks. The Ghost Team go from one dangerous mission to another treacherous mission into territory that was abandoned to the hordes. They have no good intel but there are resources in the location that must be recovered to help the human race have a chance of survival.

Reed is distressed that he lost a young man, Timothy, who was captured by collaborators. Unknown to Reed and Horn (his faithful guard), Timothy escapes with crucial news for the survivors. As the base around him collapses, how can Timothy get the info back to Reed and those who need to know?

Once again, the story moves at high pace with action in multiple threads. I experience stress for all of the heroes not knowing when one or more of them will fall. I will be getting the next book in the series so I can follow the suspense, hoping that the humans can survive the evil that is hidden.

Audio Notes: I can’t say much more in favor of narrator R.C. Bray. He helps deliver an engaging suspense.

Source: October 2022 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Kindred by S.J. West

This is interesting fantasy, but a romance that drags.
Kindred
By: S.J. West
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley

Series: The Watcher Chronicles, Book 2
Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
Release date: 11-01-16
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
In the second book of The Watcher Chronicles series, Jess finally learns where her father has been since the Tear first opened. While Mason tries to keep his distance from her, Jess continues to search for the other vessels with Chandler by her side.
This series is intended for a mature audience. Recommended for ages 17 and older due to sexual situations and adult themes.
If I were to use the movie rating system, I would rate this series an R.
©2013 S.J. West (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Jess has met her father and learned more about the history and workings of the Tear. Jess is looking for more of the special guardians, like Chandler. They each have a crown, a special artifact and an angelic being who is their guide. They need to find all seven in order to have a chance to close the Tear.

Meanwhile, Jess wants to continue her growing friendship with Mason, but he is convinced that he will only put her in danger so he stays away… until he accepts that she will be in danger with or without him. Maybe he can help protect her.

I do enjoy the underlying storyline, but the romance is pervasive and just too frustrating. It detracts from the story. I’m not sure why the author says this would be rated R as there is no active sex. However, there is description of sexual abuse in the past. There is intrigue that ends this story and leads to Book 3, Oblivion. I may pick that title up in the future. Like Book 1, Broken, I recommend this to fantasy readers who like slow building romance.

Audio Notes: Brittany Pressley continues to do a nice job with the narration. I am glad I had the story on audible.

Source: May 2023 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Kingdoms of Sorrow, Catalyst, Book 2 by JK Franks

This was an engaging continuation of the survival problems in post-apocalyptic America.
Kingdoms of Sorrow
Catalyst, Book 2
By: JK Franks
Narrated by: Steven Varnum

Series: Catalyst, Book 2
Length: 15 hrs and 15 mins
Release date: 07-18-17
Publisher: J K Franks
Genre: Adventure, Genetic Engineering, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
The fight for survival continues in book 2 of the Catalyst series.
A murderous army, an unspeakable plague and an approaching hurricane. One man will risk it all to save his community. Cities, nations, and governments lie in ruins and billions have perished. In the wake of a global apocalypse, survival has become a way of life in a world that seems intent on wiping them all out.
Among the survivors are Scott Montgomery and his friends on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. They have struggled to hang on better than most. But growing threats - both man-made and natural - leave their chances on a razor's edge. Now with the help of uncertain alliances they must face a new danger none of them saw coming. This group, "The Messengers", are like a biblical plague, destroying everything - and everyone - in their path.
Time is short for the survivors and another grim new discovery means the Messengers may not be the only thing they should fear.
Don’t miss out on the second installment of the best-selling Catalyst series.
©2017 J K Franks (P)2017 J K Franks

Review:
This book picks up from book 1, Catalyst Downward Cycle. The story primarily follows three groups in the survival struggles. It has been five months or so since the solar flare took out the electrical grid and left Americans trying to survive pre-industrial conditions and marauding bands of criminals. Scott and Todd are in Harris Springs, Mississippi, on the Gulf of Mexico on the cruise ship that has been turned into a refuge home for 200 or so people seeking to rebuild community.

Jack, aka Preacher, is a former convict who is out on a working boat with four other men. Their job has been to forage supplies and trade with smaller farms or communities along the water ways. Things had been going well until they have to face pirate raids. Then they learn about the butchery by a large, supposedly religious group known as the Messengers. This cultish group is sweeping across the south giving people the choice to join and serve or die.

Skybox 5 is a new character. He is a special forces paramilitary operative in a very secretive group called the P-Guard. Before the electric went out, he and his team were on mission in Pakistan. They were tasked with retrieving an crucial scientist/virologist who was working in a remote university lab. Before they could get to the target, something went wrong and a deadly virus was released. Although there were efforts to contain the virus, the efforts failed miserably. Skybox is the only man who comes out alive as he is apparently immune. Now he is directed to get to the coast so he can be taken to scientists in America who can test his blood for a vaccine. Skybox ends up at a secret location that happens to include a personal friend of Scott's niece. Scott is recruited by an opposing military group to try to retrieve Skybox.

I like these characters and the mostly realistic struggles and battles. There is good character development and better action. The cult group is scary and adds additional tension and suspense. I will be looking to get the third book in the series and a side story too. Reading book 1 may not be necessary, but I think it provides better background to the characters and events. I recommend this to readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic survival stories.

Audio Notes: Steven Varnum does a good job with the narration. He delivers good character voices and I thought his energy input was better on this book than the first. I am glad to listen to this on audio.

Source: 3-3-2022 Audible Sale Purchase $3.74. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: To the Far Blue Mountains by Louis L'amour

This story is full of swashbuckling sea battles and Indian filled land battles.

To the Far Blue Mountains
Written By Louis L'amour
Narrated By: John Curless

Duration: 9 hours 19 minutes
Release date: 12-19-05
Publisher: Random House Audio
Genre: Adventure, Colonial Fiction, Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Summary
In To the Far Blue Mountains, Louis L’Amour weaves the unforgettable tale of a man who, after returning to his homeland, discovers that finding his way back to America may be impossible.
Barnabas Sackett was leaving England to make his fortune in the New World. But as he settled his affairs, he learned that a royal warrant had been sworn out against him and that men were searching for him in every port. At issue were some rare gold coins Sackett had sold to finance his first trip to the Americas—coins believed to be part of a great treasure lost by King John years before.
Believing that Sackett possesses the rest of the treasure, Queen Bess will stop at nothing to find him. If he’s caught, not only will his dream of a life in America be lost, but he will be brutally tortured and put to death on the gallows.

Review:
Baranabas Sackett is wrapping up his business as he prepares to leave England to make his way in the New World, America. Unfortunately, he learns that he is being pursued under a royal warrant that claims he has found and possesses a royal treasure. Now Barnabas must go on the run instead of directly leaving with his intended on her father’s ship. His pursuers may well capture the ship he was intended to take so they aren’t safe either.

Barnabas will find allies and betrayers as he flees as a royal fugitive. Even if he is able to get to Raleigh and Jamestown on the American coast, Barnabas expects to remain a target for his pursuers. Also, he has past enemies, hostile and friendly native Indians to deal with in the New World. He faces swashbuckling battles on land and sea to save himself, the woman he loves, and the men who choose to go with him. All along, the goal is to reach those ‘far blue mountains’ beyond the east coast.

I had thought more of this story would be on land, but a good bit of it is sea travel and battles. The last portion of the book moved quickly through the life of Barnabas and his family. Since there are more books in the series featuring the Sackett sons, I don’t think its much of a spoiler to note that the family grows in the wilderness.

L’Amour was a skilled writer making the historical settings, clothing, and activities come alive for the reader/listener. Barnabas was well developed as the central character of the first (Sackett's Land) and second books. The rest of the family is introduced with some distinct character traits but all carrying their father’s strength and tenacity. I do plan to read more in the series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy historical adventure full of primitive action fitting the period.

Audio Notes: John Curless does a wonderful job with the British accents and the other voices. He also delivers strong energy. His narration enhances the listening experience.

Source: 9/17/2022 One Credit at Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, 2023Location, and 2023Color goals.

Audible Book Review: North! Or Be Eaten The Wingfeather Saga, Book 2 by Andrew Peterson

This is book 2 of an engaging children’s series.

North! Or Be Eaten
The Wingfeather Saga, Book 2
By: Andrew Peterson
Narrated by: Andrew Peterson

Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 01-05-21
Publisher: Listening Library
Genre: Action and Adventure, Growing Up, Family Life, Religious Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
First they found themselves On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. Now they must make their way North! Or Be Eaten....
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they're really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.
In order to survive, the Igibys must flee to the safety of the Ice Prairies, where the lizardlike Fangs of Dang cannot follow. First, however, they have to escape the monsters of Glipwood Forest, the thieving Stranders of the East Ben, and the dreaded Fork Factory.
But even more dangerous are the jealousies and bitterness that threaten to tear them apart. Janner and his siblings must learn the hard way that the love of a family is more important than anything else.
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, North! Or Be Eaten is a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can listen to together, and readers' groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning.
This audiobook includes a PDF of maps, illustrations, and more.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2020 Andrew Peterson (P)2020 Listening Library.

Review:
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby are still on the ‘run’ with their mother, grandfather and a few other adult guardians. There are enough dangers on the journey but there are also petty squabbles among the children who have not yet accepted, much less understood their roles as the royal Lost Jewels of Anniera.

There are also dangers from betrayal as it is hard to distinguish friend from foe. Some foes are natural but others are willing to trade loyalties for financial gain or promises of future power. There are new allies but losses to deal with too.

The characters are well defined with good uniqueness. I enjoyed the active adventures experienced by the family. I am listening to this series so I can enjoy the stories with my grandchildren. I was not thrilled with all of the violence and dishonest issues but I think it is good for parents/adults to read/listen to with children so these issues can be discussed. The series is now available to watch through Angel Studios. https://www.angel.com/ I recommend this adventure series to families.

Audio Notes: The author, Andrew Peterson, does a wonderful job on the narration. He delivers distinct voices, appropriate energy, and pacing that fits. I am glad I got to listen to the audio version.

Source: 4/8/2021 March Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness My rating 4.25

Audible Book Review: Twas the Knife Before Christmas by Jacqueline Fost

Although this is a nice cozy, I had some issues with the primary heroine.

'Twas the Knife Before Christmas: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery, Book 2
By: Jacqueline Frost
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan

Series: A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Series, Book 2
Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins
Release date: 11-13-18
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuths
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
A Christmas delight, 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas will charm the stockings off fans of Joanne Fluke and Leslie Meier.
It's out of the cupcake tin, into the fire for Holly White's best friend, Caroline. Can Holly clear Caroline's name in time to go caroling?
When a body turns up in the dumpster behind Caroline's Cupcakes, Holly White is horrified to learn her best friend, Caroline, is the main suspect. Everyone in town, including Mistletoe, Maine's sheriff, saw Caroline fighting with the victim on the night of his death. Worse, Caroline's fingerprints are all over the murder weapon, a custom-designed marble rolling pin. 
Now, just 10 days before Christmas, Holly's up to her jingle bells in holiday shenanigans and in desperate need of a miracle. Juggling extra shifts at her family's Christmas tree farm and making enough gingerbread jewelry to satisfy the crowd is already more than she can handle - and now she has to find time to clear her best friend of murder. Add in her budding relationship with the sheriff and run-ins with an ex-fiance looking to make amends, and Holly's ready to fly south until springtime. 
But her Sherpa-lined mittens come off when Caroline is taken into custody. Can Holly wrap up the case in time for Christmas...even after she gains the true killer's attention? Find out in 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas, Jacqueline Frost's second pine-scented Christmas Tree Farm mystery.
©2018 Jacqueline Frost (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Two weeks before Christmas, Holly is busy helping her parents with remodeling at their Christmas Tree Farm. Her best friend, Caroline, is coerced by her political father to attend a society event with an unpleasant, ‘handsy’ man. Caroline is caught on camera reprimanding the man for his inappropriate behavior. The next day, the tree lighting ceremony reveals the dead body of the man half buried in a giant dish of peppermint candies.

Everyone, including the local sheriff, Evan, is aware of the quarrel the night before. Then a butcher knife from Caroline’s Cupcake shop is found next to the dead man. When Caroline is arrested, Holly is determined to find the real killer and get her friend released before Christmas.

Holly found a dead body the Christmas before on the tree farm ( book 1, Twelve Slays of Christmas) and almost got killed while she was investigating. She and Evan began dating during that event and Evan is quick now to remind her to keep her nose out of this murder and allow him to due his job. Holly isn’t particularly inclined to listen to Evan who has been secretive and avoiding her company since the spring.

Soon Holly is getting threats from someone telling her not to pursue the investigation. Can Holly uncover helpful information without risky her own safety? And can she figure out what is going on with Evan?

I did like how the author developed interesting suspects and was curious to see how Holly found the killer. However, the relationship between Holly and Evan, with the months of evasion, lack of communication, and Holly’s hanging on and pushing was annoying and distracting to me. I was glad that an explanation was finally revealed but I do think this made the mystery less enjoyable for me. I enjoyed the inclusion of Santa in the story, and I still think this is a cute cozy series. Recommended for fans of cozy mysteries set in small town at Christmas time.

Audio Notes: Allyson Ryan does a good job with the narration. She provides sufficiently distinct character voices and conveys the emotion and energy of the story. I enjoyed the audio presentation.

Source: 11/7/22 Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: An Univited Ghost by E.J. Copperman

I enjoyed this as a lighter, haunted, cozy mystery.

An Uninvited Ghost
By: E.J. Copperman
Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi

Series: Haunted Guesthouse, Book 2
Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 10-22-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Ghosts, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Alison and her resident gumshoe ghost are on their next case when the deceased Scott MacFarlane floats in worried that he accidentally killed a prominent local woman. Turns out she's still alive...that is, of course, until she's murdered - in Alison's house. Now, between the demands of her guests and the arrival of a reality television crew, Alison must find the killer before she sees reality from the other side.
©2011 Jeffrey Cohen (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Alison is hosting a group of guests who signed on for a ‘unique tour’ that includes “ghost” experiences. Fortunately, Alison is able to accommodate as she works with her house ghosts, Maxi, a former owner, and Paul, a PI hired by Maxi. Other guests who arrive to camp out back are teens from a reality television show. This increases the suspect pool as well as elevating the drama around the ongoing events.

Another ghost, Scott, shows up worried he was tricked into killing a local woman. Alison checks into the situation and learns that the woman is alive. She invites her to visit the next night for a séance but then the woman is murdered at the event. Now Alison, with some help from Paul, is intent on finding the murderer before the authorities shut down her guesthouse.

There is plenty of background banter between the ghosts and Alison. I enjoyed the quirky characters and the pursuit of the mystery. I appreciate that this is an easy, and enjoyable listen. I will continue more in the series. I recommend this to fans of cozy mysteries, especially if they like ghost characters too.

Audio Notes: Amanda Ronconi continues to do a nice job with the narration. I like her clear, distinct voices, and the appropriate energy that she gives the characters. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: October 2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Galvanism and Ghouls, Book 2 of Manners and Monsters Collection by Tilly Wallace

I like these characters and the mystery of this series.

Manners and Monsters Collection: A Regency paranormal mystery series
by Tilly Wallace
Narrated By: Marian Hussey

Duration: 23 hours 46 minutes;
book 2, Galvanism and Ghouls.
Book 2 Length: 8 hrs and 36 mins
Release date: 03-03-21
Publisher: Tilly Wallace
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Gaslamp, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Galvanism and Ghouls
Publisher's Summary
Time reveals all secrets....
A new unnatural horror is about to rattle Hannah Miles' quiet existence, and it's not the short-tempered viscount prowling the hallways. Someone is creating a monster by stitching together pieces of different people. When a limb makes an escape attempt, Viscount Wycliff is called to investigate. All of London knows there is one mad scientist among them capable of creating such an ungodly monster...Sir Warren Miles.
Hannah's father is suspected of a most heinous crime, and she is determined to clear his name, even as Wycliff works to see the murderer hang. Buried secrets that touch all their lives will be brought to the surface. One such secret belongs to Hannah and could tear her world apart.
With Hannah and Wycliff on opposing sides, can they find the real monster, and will it be the hand that wields the scalpel or the creature hiding in the dark?
©2019 Tilly Wallace (P)2019 Tilly Wallace

Review:
Growly Viscount Wycliff is called out to investigate a “monster” terrorizing the public. He doesn’t immediately find the monster but he finds a dismembered arm and hand…that is still moving. Wycliff brings it back to the Miles’ household where Hannah and her father get to examine the specimen. Hannah realizes that the hand is sentient, and she makes a ‘pet’ out of it. Next thing, they are using the hand as a blood hound to search out the rest of its body!

As other citizens go missing and stitched up bodies are discovered, the public begins to call for the arrest of the scientist they believe capable of these atrocities – Hannah’s father, Sir Warren Miles. Wycliff has no choice but to allow the arrest of Sir Wiles. Hannah is horrified and now opposes the mysterious viscount more than ever.

But both Hannah and Wycliff are hiding secrets. When the secrets are revealed, will their animosity create a complete divide, or will they learn to empathize for each other? Meanwhile, what happens to the hand and the monster?

I enjoy the mystery and the humor of these characters and their situations. I like how the author is developing the relationship between Hannah and Wycliff. I suspect I will listen to book three, Gossip and Gorgons, sooner than later. I recommend this series to fans of paranormal and historical mysteries.

Audio Notes: Marian Hussey does a wonderful job with the narration. She provided distinct voices and I get caught up in listening. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 11/1/2020 Audiobooks.com Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Breaking by Daniel Greene

This is a brutal zombie story.

The Breaking: The End Time Saga, Book 2
By: Daniel Greene
Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka

Series: The End Time Saga, Book 2
Length: 12 hrs and 55 mins
Release date: 07-24-18
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
 Genre: Horror, Military, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25

Publisher's Summary
The hunt is on to find Patient Zero...
Both the East and the West Coasts of the United States have collapsed, and the US military is in full retreat. All their attempts to stem the tide of the dead have failed.
Former counter-terrorism agent Mark Steele and his fellow survivors have been bushwhacked in the West Virginia hills. The fringe West Virginians are teaching him a valuable lesson in the new rules of the apocalypse. The mountain folk are as resilient as they are ruthless, and Steele must find a way out to save his people.
In a desperate gamble to stop the virus, retired Air Force Colonel Michael Kinnick has been entrusted with finding Dr. Joseph Jackowski, who's gone missing in West Virginia. Kinnick's depleted unit of Special Forces soldiers have reached the breaking point as the dead assault them at every step.
Outside of Pittsburgh, Dr. Joseph Jackowski's quest to find Patient Zero has stalled. Unwillingly conscripted into the National Guard, he has been enlisted into Colonel Jackson's rapidly depleting force. As the military quarantine disintegrates around Pittsburgh, death marches closer, and time is running out.
Steele is forced to go further than he ever imagined in order to save his loved ones, but when he is done, will anyone still recognize him? Will he recognize them? And will he recognize himself?
In this thrilling sequel to End Time, Daniel Greene continues his fast-paced and gripping apocalyptic saga. The Breaking transports us to a near future composed of death, honor, destruction, and hope as the United States falls and lives crumble before a devastating zombie virus.
©2018 Daniel Greene (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Mark Steele seems to be a “man of steel” but he takes a brutal beating when he and his small band of survivors, including his love, Gwen, are attacked by a violent group of hillbilly-country bullys (think Deliverance). Steele is left for dead while the survivors in his team are taken captive to be used for vile forms of entertainment.

Dr. Joseph Jackowski escaped the attack that took down Steele. He can’t spend time thinking about those he left behind because he is intent on finding Patient Zero. Joseph is glad to get to a military facility in Pittsburgh thinking they will help him on his quest. Instead, he finds himself in the clutches of a tyrant who insists that he put his skills to use to help the injured on his base.

Once Steele gets aid, he has to face the evil enemy on one side and the undead on the other. Can Steele save his friends without becoming like the brutes that tortured them? Meanwhile can Joseph find Patient Zero and what will happen if he does?

Although I like the action in this story, this one felt a little too long as it kept delivering blow after blow. I have the next book in the series, but I don’t plan to listen very soon. Fans of evil filled zombie action might like the series.

Audio Notes: Keith Szarabajka does a good job with the narrations. I enjoyed his voice characterizations and the energy he brings to the story. I am glad I listened to this.

Source: October 2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Redemption Bay by RaeAnne Thayne

This is an easy contemporary romance.

Redemption Bay
By RaeAnne Thayne
Narrated By: Celeste Ciulla

Series: Haven Point, Book 2
Duration: 10 h 16 min
Release date: 06-30-15
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 3.75.

Summary:
New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne brings you back to Haven Point-a place made for second chances. McKenzie Shaw would do anything for her hometown of Haven Point. It may be small, but it's never let her down.unlike gorgeous, infuriating Ben Kilpatrick. He was her childhood hero until he closed his family's factory, leaving the town's economy in shambles. Now his tech firm is considering opening a local facility. For Haven Point's sake, McKenzie has to grit her teeth and play nice. What could a town filled with painful memories ever offer Ben? Yet seeing the town through the eyes of McKenzie-its fiery young mayor-he suddenly has his answer. If only he can resolve the animosity crackling between them, Ben may have found the place where he can build ties and find healing.a place where love arrives when it's least expected.

Review:
McKenzie Shaw owns a flower and gift shop and is the 30(ish) year old Mayor of her beloved hometown Haven Point. Even though she had a childhood crush on handsome Ben Kilpatrick, she has no soft feelings for him since he closed his family’s factory five years ago. The closure took away many jobs and caused the town decline that they are still trying to find a way to revive.

McKenzie has to bite her tongue when Ben shows up in town to assess it as a branch location for the successful company he works for, Caide Tech. Haven Point is a beautiful setting, and the company owner now leaves just outside town. But the next community down the road appears to be a better fit with houses and infrastructure already in place.

Ben is renting the tourist cottage next to McKenzie’s property. McKenzie’s standard poodle, Rika, has made fast friends with Hondo, the German Shepard Ben is ‘sitting’. Between the proximity and dogs, McKenzie and Ben find themselves pushed together.

Both McKenzie and Ben had painful childhood memories and relationships in Haven Point. McKenzie needs to stuff her enmity in order to show Ben how friendly and worthwhile her community. Ben, who seems to have shut himself off, has to try to see beyond the pains from his childhood in this town.

I enjoyed the development of both characters as they learned more about each other and overcame inaccurate assumptions. The story isn’t particularly eventful, but it does show the danger of miscommunication in relationships and struggles in small town life. Ms. Thayne is a reliable author for nice, easy read romance. I can recommend this series to romance readers who enjoy clean, contemporary romance.

Audio Notes: Celeste Ciulla delivers a nice narration which is more a read than an enactment. Her narration matched the easy tone of the story. I am glad I had an audio version.

Source: 8/31/18 Audiobooks.com 2 for 1 credit deal. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022phabet goals.

Book Review: The Fair (Time Box #2) by John A. Heldt

I enjoy this author and his time travel family adventures.
The Fair (Time Box #2)
by John A. Heldt

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08C2RMG6Q
Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 30, 2020
File size ‏ : ‎ 1423 KB
Print length ‏ : ‎ 329 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction, Time Travel Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

Months after stealing two time machines from a madman who wants them back, the Lanes, a family of six, seek safety and contentment in 1893, the latest stop on a journey through time. While parents Mark and Mary find relief at Chicago's World's Columbian Exposition, an extravaganza of science and splendor, children Jeremy, Laura, and Ashley find romance, friendship, and thrills.
Older son Jordan, meanwhile, heads west in search of answers. Grieving the loss of a lover from 1865, he travels to Virginia City, Nevada, where he integrates himself into a storied mining community and the heart of a pretty library clerk.
Billionaire Robert Devereux could not care less. Reeling from the theft of his million-dollar devices, he sends an assassin to the past to retrieve his property and rid the world of his former business partner and his troublesome clan.
Filled with humor, heartbreak, and suspense, THE FAIR follows a modern family on the adventure of a lifetime as they navigate their way through an unforgettable year in American history.

Review:
Mark Lane and his family (wife and four children) took two time machines from 2021 in order to keep them away from harmful use by Mark’s corrupt partner, Robert. The Lanes were regrouping in 1865 until their lives got complicated with the assassination of President Lincoln. Their presence in that time and place was revealed to Robert who sent an assassin, Silas, to kill the family and retrieve the time machines. At the end of book 1, The Lane Betrayal, the family made a last-minute escape to the 1700s to throw off the search and again regroup.

Now, in book 2, the Lanes have to escape Silas again, so they travel to 1893 hoping to get lost in the crowds attending the Chicago’s World’s Columbian Exposition. As the parents and three children explore the wonders of the Fair and make new friends, Jordan, the eldest son, takes a train west seeking to recover after losing his second lover in a year of life changes.

Jordan makes friends with a mature female librarian from Virginia City, Clara. Rather than continuing west, Jordan detours to Virginia City where he meets Clara’s ‘adopted’ daughter, Jessie. As Jordan and Jessie share time together growing a friendship, Jeremy is growing his own romance back in Chicago. The problem for Jeremy is that his first love is out of his reach and star-crossed.

Jeremy’s twin, Laura, makes friends with a spirited Irish lass, Prudence, who is an underappreciated commercial artist working in the Women’s Building of the Fair. Their friendship and interaction, as well as Jessie’s situation in Nevada, highlight the big changes for women’s rights that exist now that didn’t exist 120 years ago.

While the young adults are busy making friends, they are not forgotten in current times by Robert who is still obsessed with retaking the machines and eliminating the family. Robert has his company staff searching for clues to locate the Lane’s location in the past. No one knows that the Lane’s have one ally in the company who continues to try to protect them. He can only do so much and is unable to prevent the clues that surface that allow Robert’s scientists to send Silas back to attack the family for the third time.

I enjoy the blend of historic, relational, and suspenseful elements this author is able to weave in his stories. The personal relationships and historical details make for an engaging story while the author skillfully maintains a thread of tension for the danger that keeps the family on edge. The danger erupts in the last 15% of the story and had me reading on edge to know what would happen. I want to get the next books to continue following the adventures and suspense surrounding this family. I recommend the series to those who enjoy strong time travel adventures that include good character building and nice romance developments.

Source: June 20, 2021 received from the author. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Alphabet, and 2022ebook reading goals.

The Lane Betrayal, Book 1 my rating 4.5

Audible Book Review: Junkyard Bargain by Faith Hunter

I like Shining Smith, her cats, and the action of this series.

Junkyard Bargain
By: Faith Hunter
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

Series: Shining Smith, Book 2
Length: 5 hrs and 40 mins
Release date: 02-25-21
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Sometimes before you can face your enemies—you need to confront yourself.
Time is running out for Shining Smith and her crew to gather the weapons they need to rescue one of their own. But will they even make it to the ultimate battle? First, they’ll need to hit the road to Charleston—a hell ride full of bandits, sex slavers, corrupt lawmen, and criminal bike gangs looking to move in on Shining’s territory.
Shining’s human allies will do anything to protect her—because they must. But will victory be worth it if she must compel more and more people to do her bidding? And will her feline warriors, the junkyard cats, remain loyal and risk their lives? Or are they just in it for the kibble?
Shining knows she’ll need to keep her friends close and her enemies closer. That is, if she’s able to tell which is which.
©2021 Faith Hunter (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC

Review:
Shining Smith receives a package that reveals that a friend, Evelyn, has been taken prisoner by Clarrise Warhammer. Clarrise is a woman with nanobots like Shining but, unlike Shining, Clarrise has no reluctance from using her nanobots to enslave those she touches.

Shining and crew, Cupcake, Mateo, and a group of the junkyard cats, set out to retrieve special weapons needed to pursue a rescue attempt. They head to Charleston and soon run into an ambush by bandits. They discover sex slavers along the journey and Shining and Cupcake are determined to return to save the women…assuming they can get what they want and escape from the city.

Once they reach Charleston, Shining is surprised to find her short term love interest, Jagger, watching her. Their reunion quickly begins to spin out of control until others bring them back to their senses. Shining is not surprised to find that she is in danger from rival motorcycle gangs who don’t want anyone else taking resources from their territory. But she is surprised when it appears her ‘thralls’ seem to be thinking for themselves and not as much under her control as she thought. That has good and bad aspects.

This is the second book in the series, and it picks up where book one ended, and moves quickly forward. These are short books but packed with action and intriguing world building of nanobots and hive minds. I enjoy the action, the character interactions, and the addition of the cats, who aren’t always clear allies. I recommend this story and series to fans of futuristic fantasy. But do start with the first book.

Audio Notes: Khristine Hvam continues to do a great job with the narration. She presents the characters with distinct voices and wonderful energy. The narration enhances this story for me.

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

Junkyard Cats Shining Smith, Book 1 - My Rating 4.25.

#Fraterfest Audible Book Review: Murder by Other Means: The Dispatcher, Book 2 by John Scalzi

This is a good, short mystery series.
Murder by Other Means: The Dispatcher, Book 2
By: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Zachary Quinto

Series: The Dispatcher, Book 2
Length 3h 33m
Release date: 09-10-20
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Mystery, Science Fiction & Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

About This Audible Original
From Hugo and Audie Award-winning author John Scalzi comes an exciting sequel to The New York Times best-selling, number one Audible hit The Dispatcher, performed by the incomparable Zachary Quinto.
Welcome to the new world, in which murder is all but a thing of the past. Because when someone kills you, 999 times out of 1,000, you instantly come back to life. In this world, there are dispatchers—licensed killers who step in when you’re at risk of a natural or unintentional death. They kill you—so you can live.
Tony Valdez is used to working his job as a dispatcher within the rules of the law and the state. But times are tough, and more and more Tony finds himself riding the line between what’s legal and what will pay his bills. After one of these shady gigs and after being a witness to a crime gone horribly wrong, Tony discovers that people around him are dying, for reasons that make no sense...and which just may implicate him.
Tony is running out of time: to solve the mystery of these deaths, to keep others from dying, and to keep himself from being a victim of what looks like murder, by other means.
©2020 John Scalzi (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC

Review:
Tony is a dispatcher who is accustomed to killing … as long as it is within the rules which allow him to kill, or “dispatch” people whose lives may be saved when they come back to life. Tony agrees to take a job that isn’t quite on the up and up, but he needs the money. He doesn’t expect the situation to cause trouble as it isn’t in the interest of any of the participants to reveal the job.

As Tony is in the bank to deposit his fees, he becomes a witness to a bank robbery. The head of the gang turns to shoot the others, with that apparently being their get-away plan. The problem is, the first man shot stays down instead of disappearing. The dead man is the one in a thousand who stays dead. That means the cops can trace the identity of at least one of the robbers who turns out to be another dispatcher. As the investigation moves forward clues begin to point to Tony as part of the gang, if not its leader.

The lead detective is soon found dead, supposedly of a suicide. Then others associated with the robbery. Tony is in a race to uncover the true villains before others around him die of murder ‘by other means’ while the authorities focus only on him.

I like Tony’s character as he uses his assassin skills to help others even if it isn’t always comfortable. I enjoyed this mystery and the twists that Tony has to untangle. I also like that this is a quick listen. I recommend this to fans of mystery with a twist.

Audio Notes: Zachary Quinto’s narration fits this series nicely. His voice captures Tony’s personality and character and keeps the edgy nature of the mystery. I liked listening to this mystery.

Source: August 2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook goals and #FraterfestRat #5.

Audible Book Review: The Dispatcher by John Scalzi 4.5

#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.

#NetGalley Book Review: A Good Day for Chardonnay by Darynda Jones

Ms. Jones writes fun stories.
A Good Day for Chardonnay
by Darynda Jones
Narrated by Lorelei King

Series: Sunshine Vicram, Book 2
Pub Date 27 Jul 2021
Release date: 07-27-21
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Small Town & Rural Fiction, Women Sleuth Mysteries
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Running a small-town police force in the mountains of New Mexico should be a smooth, carefree kind of job. Sadly, full-time Sheriff--and even fuller-time coffee guzzler--Sunshine Vicram, didn't get that memo.
All Sunshine really wants is one easy-going day. You know, the kind that starts with coffee and a donut (or three) and ends with take-out pizza and a glass of chardonnay (or seven). Turns out, that's about as easy as switching to decaf. (What kind of people do that? And who hurt them?)
Before she can say iced mocha latte, Sunny's got a bar fight gone bad, a teenage daughter hunting a serial killer and, oh yes, the still unresolved mystery of her own abduction years prior. All evidence points to a local distiller, a dangerous bad boy named Levi Ravinder, but Sun knows he's not the villain of her story. Still, perhaps beneath it all, he possesses the keys to her disappearance. At the very least, beneath it all, he possesses a serious set of abs. She's seen it. Once. Accidentally.
Between policing a town her hunky chief deputy calls four cents short of a nickel, that pesky crush she has on Levi which seems to grow exponentially every day, and an irascible raccoon that just doesn't know when to quit, Sunny's life is about to rocket to a whole new level of crazy.
Yep, definitely a good day for chardonnay.

Review:
Sunshine is still trying to settle into her new job as sheriff, but events are giving her no time to relax and settle. As usual, she is juggling death, child-rearing, and a lingering childhood crush. And don’t forget the unresolved abduction and resulting murder from her own teenaged experience.

Sunshine’s teen crush, Levi, steps in to help a friend who is attacked at a local bar. Levi may have killed one of the assailants who take off after repeatedly stabbing his friend. Before the bad guys get away, they almost kill Levi. Sun has to arrest Levi to get him to the hospital rather than taking off after the villains, but they may not be enough to stop him.

While scrutinizing the crime scene and taped footage Sun finds a shocking surprise that will add to her list of cases. And in the background is a raucous raccoon terrorizing Sun’s deputy and best friend, Quincy. Add to all of this, Sun is beginning to get more flashbacks from her abduction which has been blocked by amnesia for years.

Meanwhile Sun’s daughter, Auri is convinced that their neighbor, a woman in her 80’s is a serial killer from years past. She recruits her friends, bestie, Sybil, and Auri’s teen crush, Cruz, to help her investigate by breaking into the woman’s house. Step by step this leads Auri to more trouble and danger behind her mother’s back.

This second book in the series has lots of threads, some of which have interesting ties. There is fun banter and interaction among the characters that I have grown to appreciate from the author. I felt frustrated knowing that Auri was heading into trouble, but it is a full thread that adds to the story. I enjoyed the community coming together to pull Sun into their secrets. I also appreciated the clear chemistry and romance between Sun and Levi although the culminating sex scene is a bit more vivid than I need.

I enjoy the full package which includes mystery, danger, humor and romance. There is some introduction, but I recommend reading the first book to get a better feel for the characters and history, then continue to enjoy the mystery and fun in this book.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King is just a wonderful narrator. As soon as she begins to read I get pulled into the characters. She provides clear voices and fitting emotion that enhances the story for me. If I get a choice, I will listen to this series rather than just read it.

Source: 2021 NetGalley Audio Book. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Dragon Planet by Dan Wells

This is fun, easy listening, good for middle graders.

Dragon Planet
By: Dan Wells
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller, Steve Rimpici, full cast
Series: The Zero Chronicles, Book 2

Length: 3 hrs and 45 mins
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Children's Audiobooks, Science Fiction & Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.25.

About This Audible Original
The much-anticipated sequel to Zero G and the middle grade debut by Dan Wells.
The colonists from the Pathfinder have arrived on Kaguya, a planet with low gravity but a very dense atmosphere. It’s fun to jump around, but the air makes you loopy. Even worse than that, the heavy atmosphere means that wind storms, although rare, are absolutely devastating.
Zero and Nyx help to get everything locked down before the first big storm, but they stumble onto a group of thieves who have stolen some mining equipment. Before the kids have a chance to get away and tell anyone, the storm hits and the massive winds carry them far away. Zero and Nyx are stranded on an unknown planet with no way to communicate, being chased by thieves, and with another storm bearing down on them.
And, oh yeah, this planet has dragons.
It will take more than just good luck to get back to the colony. It’s going to take science.
©2019 Dan Wells (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC

Review:
Zero and Nyx have arrived on the planet Kaguya where the gravity is low and a dense atmosphere. They are told the colonists will be living in shelters to protect them from the unknowns of the planet and the big wind storms that ravage the surface. The young people are skeptical about the planet until they get excited seeing a dragon outside the windows. The adults are alarmed by the damage the dragon does to a digger, an important piece of equipment. They are more disturbed when they realize that another digger is missing and was apparently not loaded on the ship.

The kids decide to investigate and soon stumble onto the thieves. Before they can escape, the kids and thieves are blown away from base by the heavy winds. Zero and Nyx find themselves in a strange, beautiful but frightening world. They have to be careful what they touch and what they eat while running from the twisted thieves and racing to get back to base before another storm hits.

Okay – so it is not so realistic that two children can manage on a strange planet, but it is fun. And the author makes it particularly interesting by having the kids use their knowledge of basic science principles to solve dilemmas. I really enjoyed this aspect. I enjoyed this second book a bit more than book one. The world building was well done and I look forward to reading the next book. I recommend this for middle grade students and adults who like light, sci fi listening.

Audio Notes: Emily Woo Zeller, Steve Rimpici, and a cast of other narrators make the listening fun. There is background sound that also enhances the story. This is a fun story in audio.

Source: August 2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Zero G By: Dan Wells, Book 1 My Rating 3.75.

Audible Book Review: The Witch of Hebron: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 2 by James Howard Kunstler

This EOTWAWKI is a bit raw but intriguing.

The Witch of Hebron: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 2
By: James Howard Kunstler
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen

Series: World Made By Hand, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 09-07-10
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Metaphysical Fiction, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
In the sequel to his best-selling World Made by Hand, James Howard Kunstler expands on his vision of a post-oil society with a new novel about an America in which the electricity has flickered off, the Internet is a distant memory, and the government is little more than a rumor.
In the tiny hamlet of Union Grove, New York, travel is horse-drawn and farming is back at the center of life. But it’s no pastoral haven. Wars are fought over dwindling resources and illness is a constant presence. Bandits roam the countryside, preying on the weak, and a sinister cult threatens to shatter Union Grove’s fragile stability. Here is a novel that seamlessly weaves hot-button issues like the decline of oil and the perils of climate change into a compelling narrative of violence, religious hysteria, innocence lost, and love found—a cautionary tale with an optimistic heart.
Already a renowned social commentator and a best-selling novelist and nonfiction writer, Kunstler has recently attained even greater prominence in the global conversation about energy and the environment. In the last two years he has been the focus of a long profile in the New Yorker, the subject of a full-page essay in the New York Times Book Review, and his wildly popular blog and podcast have made him a sought-after speaker who gives dozens of lectures and scores of media interviews each year.
©2010 James Howard Kunstler (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
This post-apocalyptic series is not an action packed EOTWAWKI but instead is character and drama driven. This second book expands on describing the world where the survivors are living in without power and trying to relearn skills that existed before electricity, cars, tractors, medical facilities and more. There are local rivalries that are just tense, and there are bandits and killers who are frightening.

A big portion of this story is centered on Jasper, the Doctor’s 11-year-old son. When Jasper’s puppy gets killed accidentally, Jasper is desolated. He allows his anger to push him into an act of revenge, after which he runs away to find a new life elsewhere. Jasper meets a mix of people on his adventure. He offers to help nurse a man in pain and then is cheated when he asks for food. He is then forced to become an unwilling protégé of a deranged psychopath. Along the way he finds kindness from a young girl a couple of years older and finally he helps and is helped by a self-titled witch.

The witch plays an important role interacting in separate encounters with a handful of men from Union Grove. These men include Jasper’s father and the man who is seeking to confront Jasper over his act of revenge. The ‘witch’ is a curious mix of hostess, herbalist, dream hacker and female companion.

Kunstler provides some background to the fall of society and to the history of the local religious group. He writes with strong detail and presents a world of natural and complex emotions. The events occur near Halloween and there is some dark rawness in the stark evil described. This is offset by some beauty through the author’s storytelling. I am interested in listening to the next book, The Harrows of Spring.

Audio Notes: Jim Meskimen does a very good job with the narration. He shares appropriate voices and energy for the characters. He delivers with a calm undertone until he needs to portray the manic nature of a particular character. I enjoyed the audio version which added to the entertainment value for me.

Source: 12/21/2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Murder of Crows: A Novel of the Others, Book 2, by Anne Bishop

This is a series which I really enjoy.

Murder of Crows
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
Release date: 03-04-14
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy, Paranormal Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Return to New York Times best-selling author Anne Bishop’s "phenomenal" (Urban Fantasy Investigations) world of the Others - where supernatural entities and humans struggle to co-exist, and one woman has begun to change all the rules.…
After winning the trust of the terra indigene residing in the Lakeside Courtyard, Meg Corbyn has had trouble figuring out what it means to live among them. As a human, Meg should be barely tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more.
The appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the humans and the Others, resulting in the murder of both species in nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in the snow, Simon Wolfgard - Lakeside’s shape-shifting leader - wonders if their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or a future threat.
As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now, the Others and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet - and stop the danger that threatens to destroy them all. ©2014 Anne Bishop (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Review:
Meg Corbyn has found a mostly safe haven in the Lakeside Courtyard where she works as the human liaison with the Others, Terra Indigene natives who are supernatural, shape shifting entities. Meg, a human with special abilities, has created her own small human pack whom the Others are willing to work with and protect. Lakeside communities are recovering from the overwhelming winter storm brought about by angering the Elementals (Written in Red, Book 1). Now the authorities have discovered that two addictive drugs are causing violence in many human cities, causing the deaths of humans and Others and increasing tensions.

Meg has a dream about black feathers and bloodied snow. As she and friends try to puzzle these images, the urge to cut herself for prophesies becomes overwhelming. Simon Wolfgard, Lakeside’s shape-shifting leader, and Meg’s friend and guardian, has been trying to protect Meg from cutting. He inadvertently becomes entangled with her blood which results in confusion and a strain on their friendship.

Meg is able to warn the Lakeside Crowgard before they fall victim, like regular crows, to a local attack. Now Simon finds himself working with local law enforcement even as he calls together distant clans of the Terra Indigene. Now that they know the source of the poisonous drugs, they need to find the creator and remove the threat.

This second book introduces more communities including an island that serves as home to some humans with heightened intuition and home to others who wish to live apart and simply. It also introduces new Other characters (Owlgard) from other communities and furthers the involvement of some primary humans interacting with the Others. I really enjoy the primary characters and the creative plot-lines in this series. There is a good meld of character development and action suspense. The friendship between Meg and Simon is warm but faces difficulties. It will be interesting to see where the author takes them as the series continues. There is also the interesting tension in the conflict among the humans and the Others with a range from reluctantly co-operative to murderously hostile.

I am looking forward to continuing this series. As a caution - there is description of abuse in the nature of sex trafficking; there is some disturbing violence; and there are violent threats even by the primary characters. I recommend this series to readers who like action, paranormal, and urban fantasy genres.

Audio Notes: Alexandra Harris does a spot-on job on the narration. She provides distinct voices and conveys the emotions of the characters. The audio experience adds to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 8/8/2020 July Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet goals.

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.