Audio Book Review: Gossip and Gorgons, Book 3 of Manners and Monsters Collection by Tilly Wallace

I totally enjoy these characters and the mysteries they unravel. #Fraterfest #7
Gossip and Gorgons, Book 3 of Manners and Monsters Collection: A Regency paranormal mystery series
by Tilly Wallace
Narrated By: Marian Hussey

Book 3 Listening length: 7 hours, 38 minutes
Total Collection Duration: 23 hours 46 minutes
Series: Manners and Monsters, Book 1-3
Release date: 03-03-21
Publisher: Tilly Wallace
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

One look could turn you to stone...
The newly married Lord and Lady Wycliff are cordially invited to a house party--to be mocked and ridiculed as entertainment. Wycliff insists on attending to discuss business with the host, while Hannah longs to hide in the library with its rare volumes on the Fae.
Bound to Wycliff even beyond death, Hannah wonders how she will survive the week--when a guest unexpectedly expires. A notorious cad is discovered turned into a statue in the garden. The dead lord had many enemies, including Lord Wycliff.
Hannah's accord with her husband is tested when a trail of footprints leads to their window. What secret is Wycliff hiding and does he know more about the magical death than he admits? Someone among the house guests has murder on their mind and the newlyweds need to determine who, before anyone else is immortalised as stone...

Review:
Hannah is now married to the dark and dangerous Lord Wycliff. Both of them are on the fringe of society but Hannah agrees to accompany her husband to a week-long country party because Wycliff is trying to get the host (or father of the hostess to be precise) to invest in his land improvements.

Along the way to the event, Hannah is mocked by three unpleasant young men who are driven off by Lord Wycliff. She isn’t too pleased to see the three cads arrive as guests at the event. The leader of the trio is found turned to a statute in the garden. As Wycliff begins to investigate the clearly magical death, Hannah does her own investigations with the help of her mother by magical distance contact. Hannah discovers some strange foot prints outside the bedroom where she and her new husband were placed. Now she has new secrets to ferret out about her own husband as well as the murder.

I really enjoy Hannah and Wycliff with their unique paranormal elements and their slowly growing awareness and affection for each other. There is good humor mixed with the mystery and I enjoy the magical elements. I am pulled into the story and remain engaged. I plan to get the next collection soon. I recommend this to fans of Regency romance filled with magic and mystery.

Audio Notes: Marian Hussey does a lovely job with the narration. The voices are distinct and the energy and pacing add to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 11/1/2020 Audiobooks.com Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook and #Fraterfest goals.

Audible Book Review: Along Came Holly by Codi Hall

This is a fun (if steamy) romcom.

Along Came Holly
By: Codi Hall
Narrated by: Veronica Worthington , Skyler Hutchinson

Series: A Mistletoe Romance, Book 3
Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins
Release date: 11-17-22
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Romance, Contemporary
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

About This Audible Original
How can Holly Winters, the Queen of Christmas Cheer, stand to be neighbors with her town’s resident Scrooge?
Holly owns the merriest holiday shop on Main Street. But right next door is the hardware store run by Declan Gallagher, the grinchiest man in all of Mistletoe, Idaho. With Christmas fast approaching, the small-town rivals engage in an all-out prank war, sending each other not-so-friendly season’s greetings.
But when Holly’s ambitious plan to win the town’s Festival of Lights falls apart, she has no one else to call but her handy sworn-nemesis. They say Christmas is a time for miracles, after all. As Holly and Declan work together, they slowly warm up to each other. They might just end up spending Christmas Eve cuddling by the fire.
Along Came Holly is the perfect enemies-to-lovers rom-com sure to warm hearts this holiday season. Curl up with a beau and a cup of hot cocoa and listen to the latest in A Mistletoe Romance series by author Codi Hall.
©2022 Codi Gary (P)2022 Audilble Originals, LLC

Review:
Holly is one of the Winter family who are a close family who enjoy Christmas. Holly herself is ‘Queen of Christmas Cheer’ and is at odds with her shop neighbor, Declan, who is a grinch in their charming town of Mistletoe, Idaho. Holly loves to play Christmas music but Declan bangs on the wall to get her to turn it off. Annoyed by his attitude, Holly sets off a prank war with Declan giving as good as he gets.

Holly is always an active participant in the town’s Festival of Lights. This year the company that is supposed to do the set up calls out sick. No one else has time to take on the job so her last resort is to ask handy man Declan to help put up her many decorations/lights.

Declan is a man with a chip on his shoulder. His mom left when he turned 18 and Declan blames her for tearing apart the family. He loved art and planned to open a studio after college but instead returned home to manage his father’s hardware store when his father broke his hip. Now there are other reasons Declan stays but he isn’t sharing his history with anyone. When it comes to helping Holly with her lights, Declan thinks he can handle it alone. He soon realizes he really can’t manage without help.

I enjoyed the clear tension between Holly and Declan that developed into a more than a light friendship. The bantering and family relationships are fun and engaging. I didn’t necessarily care for the blatant sexual innuendos but that didn’t overcome the fun in the story. This showed as only available until 3/31 so I chose to read it even though it is book 3 in the series and clearly a Christmas story. I’m glad I listened to it and will look forward to the first two books when I’m ready for more Christmas reading. I recommend this to fans of contemporary romance.

Audio Notes: Veronica Worthington, Skyler Hutchinson do a fairly nice job rotating the narration between the primary characters. My only complaint on the narration was that the male voice was joltingly loud. This did distract a little initially, but I adjusted for it. I was still glad to listen to the audio while it was available.

Source: 12/3/2022 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Kitty Takes a Holiday by Carrie Vaughn

I love this narrator and like the series.
Kitty Takes a Holiday
Kitty Norville, Book 3
By: Carrie Vaughn
Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins
Release date: 10-05-09
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Werewolf
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
After getting caught turning wolf on national television, Kitty retreats to a mountain cabin to recover and write her memoirs. But this is Kitty, so trouble is never far behind, and instead of Walden Pond, she gets Evil Dead.
When werewolf hunter Cormac shows up with an injured Ben O'Farrell, Kitty's lawyer, slung over his shoulder, and a wolf-like creature with glowing red eyes starts sniffing around the cabin, Kitty wonders if any of them will get out of these woods alive.
©2007 Carrie Vaughn, LLC (P)2009 Tantor

Review:
Kitty has retreated to a mountain cabin to ‘hide’ from her exposed nature as a werewolf and to, maybe wrote a book. Someone in the nearby community begins to harass her by leaving dead animals on her porch and in her yard. The local police chief inspects but clearly isn’t too favorable to Kitty and is willing to blame her for the ‘pranks’.

While Kitty is struggling with the harassment, her ‘friend’ Cormac arrives with her attorney, Ben, who is injured. Cormac brought Ben to Kitty to help him through the injury. Cormac is upset by the increasing ugliness of the harassment and the sudden appearance of a killing beast like the one he was hunting when Ben got hurt.

Kitty and Cormac are on the edge of changing their friendship until an incident with Ben makes that unlikely. Feeling like a third wheel, Cormac takes off. But Cormac has sent a strange Native American to investigate the harassment which appears to be some type of attempt to curse Kitty. The perpetrators are exposed but they all face mauling when the red-eyed beast shows up.

Cormac reappears but runs into trouble while trying to protect his friends. Ben and Kitty do some serious investigation trying to get more information and witnesses, but it may be impossible to solve the problem that Cormac now faces.

It has been a while since I listened to the previous book in this series, and I was glad to continue with this one. I like the characters and the magic elements. Kitty struggles listening to a competitive radio host but the interaction results in allow Kitty to grow as a character. I also liked how she begins to find the benefits of having a pack. There is plenty of action and mystery that keeps the story moving. I recommend the series to fans of good (rather than evil) werewolves. .

Audio Notes: Marguerite Gavin is a wonderful narrator and I have picked up audios because she narrates them. She does a great job with this series, providing distinct voices and clear energy for the characters. The narration enhances my enjoyment of the story.

Source: March 2022 Audible Sale Purchase at $3.67. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Audiobook Review: Citizen K-9: A K Team Novel by David Rosenfelt

I enjoy this author and the characters in this spin off series.
Citizen K-9: A K Team Novel
David Rosenfelt
Narrator: Fred Berman

Series: K Team Novels, Book 3
Listening Length: 5 hours and 53 minutes
Release date: 03-15-22
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: K-9, Mystery, Private Investigator
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

In Citizen K-9, best-selling author David Rosenfelt masterfully blends mystery with dogs and humor to create an investigative team that listeners will be rooting for book after book.
The Paterson Police Department has created a cold case division, and they want to hire the private investigators known as the K Team to look into the crimes. After all, Corey Douglas and his K-9 partner, German shepherd Simon Garfunkel, recently retired from the force. Plus, another K Team member, Laurie Collins, used to be a cop as well.
Their first cold case hits home for the K Team. A decade ago, at Laurie's 10th high school reunion, two of their friends simply…vanished. At the time Laurie had just left the force, and Corey was in a different department, so they had no choice but to watch from the sidelines. With no leads, the case went cold.
As the team starts to delve deeper into the events leading up to that night - reopening old wounds along the way - the pieces start to come together. But someone wants to stop them from uncovering the truth behind the disappearance, by any means necessary.
©2022 David Rosenfelt (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

Review:
The K Team consists of characters from the original Andy Carpenter legal mystery series. The Team includes Andy’s wife and former cop, Laurie, bodyguard/bouncer, Marcus, and former officer Corey and his K-9 partner, German shepherd Simon Garfunkel. The team is hired by the Paterson Police Department to work on cold cases. The K Team chose a case that involved the disappearance of two people, Chris Vogel and Kim Baskin from the 10th class reunion.

The team backtracks to interviews and evidence (or lack thereof) from the events 10 years ago. They find little connection between Chris and Kim but they discover that Chris was selling drugs for one of the local drug lords. Corey’s probing leads him to a local professor who specializes in statistical predictions. They also meet a menacing messenger, probable killer named Z who may be connected to Escobar. As the investigation moves forward it appears that someone is attempting to manipulate the investigation paths.

The investigation moves along quickly and, as always, I enjoy the interaction among the characters. Corey continues his rather snarky attitude and there is a very fun twist with Marcus that made me chuckle. I also enjoyed the caring relationship growing between Corey and his romantic interest, Dani. I recommend this story, the series, and the original series (Andy Carpenter), to readers who enjoy investigation mysteries with humor and dogs.

Audio Notes: Fred Berman does a good job with the narration. It took only a few minutes for me to remember that this series has a different narrator than the Carpenter series. Although I still hear Andy’s voice in the other narrator tones, Berman gives distinct life to Corey and the associate characters. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

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

Audible Book Review: Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop

This is another engaging listen in this urban fantasy series.
Vision in Silver
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris

Series: The Others (Bishop), Book 3
Length: 16 hrs and 4 mins
Release date: 03-03-15
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Alternate History, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
The New York Times best-selling author of The Black Jewels Trilogy transports readers to a world of magic and political unrest - where the only chance at peace requires a deadly price....
The Others freed the cassandra sangue to protect the blood prophets from exploitation, not realizing their actions would have dire consequences. Now the fragile seers are in greater danger than ever before - both from their own weaknesses and from those who seek to control their divinations for wicked purposes. In desperate need of answers, Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter leader among the Others, has no choice but to enlist blood prophet Meg Corbyn’s help, regardless of the risks she faces by aiding him.
Meg is still deep in the throes of her addiction to the euphoria she feels when she cuts and speaks prophecy. She knows each slice of her blade tempts death. But Others and humans alike need answers, and her visions may be Simon’s only hope of ending the conflict.
For the shadows of war are deepening across the Atlantik, and the prejudice of a fanatic faction is threatening to bring the battle right to Meg and Simon’s doorstep....
©2015 Anne Bishop (P)2015 Penguin

Review:
Meg’s new friends among the Others helped to free the cassandra sangue in Book 2, Murder of Crows. Unfortunately, the fragile blood prophets are struggling to survive without the controlled settings they have been raised in. The call goes out to Simon seeking help so Meg, who has managed to find a place, work, and friends in the Lakeside Courtyard, is asked to provide guidance to help the other girls. As human friends help Meg develop a guidebook, they begin to recognize that she has her own fragility, risks and triggers. Meg knows that each prophecy slice brings her death closer, but there are pressures that make cutting urgent to the shock and disapproval of her friends.

Simon’s community at Lakeside is one of the few communities that is having success combining humans living with the Others. The community is purchasing homes to accommodate human workers while humans and Others are joining on field trips. Meg’s prophecies come just in time to protect a human family and to give a warning to Simon and a group of the Others and humans out for a shopping adventure.

Meanwhile, an opposing faction is creating difficulties between humans and the Others. That faction thinks they can cut off lines of supplies to the Other communities, but they failed to think it through since the base resources are in the control of the Others. Certain leaders in the Humans First and Last Movement are also convinced that there are jewels that have been stolen and are in the hands of one of the human officers friendly to Lakeside. Once the jewel issue is faced, there is still a threat that could intensify the already high tensions between humans and the Others.

As offensive as the cutting may be, it creates an interesting element of Meg’s growth including both confusion and emerging confidence. I enjoy the conflicted relationship between Meg and Simon which has its own sweet aspect. I am still impressed by the author’s good blend of character development and plot adventure. I look forward to listening more in this series.

Audio Notes: Alexandra Harris does a wonderful job narrating this series. She provides distinct voices and the emotions that add to the energy of the story. I plan to continue to listen to the series.

Source: 12/16/2020 November Audible Credits. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, 2021Alphabet, and 2021Color goals.

Written in Red: A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop; My Rating: 5.0.
Murder of Crows: A Novel of the Others, Book 2, by Anne Bishop; My Rating: 4.75.

Audible Book Review: A History of the Future: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 3 James Howard Kunstler

This is a day to day survival and character driven dystopia.

A History of the Future: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 3
By: James Howard Kunstler
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen

Series: World Made By Hand, Book 3
Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins
Release date: 08-05-14
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Dystopian, Metaphysical Fiction, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
A History of the Future is the third thrilling novel in Kunstler's World Made by Hand series, an exploration of family and morality as played out in the small town of Union Grove.
Following the catastrophes of the 21st century - the pandemics, the environmental disaster, the end of oil, the ensuing chaos - people are doing whatever they can to get by and pursuing a simpler and sometimes happier existence. In little Union Grove in upstate New York, the townspeople are preparing for Christmas. Without the consumerist shopping frenzy that dogged the holidays of the previous age, the season has become a time to focus on family and loved ones. It is a stormy Christmas Eve when Robert Earle's son Daniel arrives back from his two years of sojourning throughout what is left of the United States. He collapses from exhaustion and illness, but as he recovers, he tells the story of the break-up of the nation into three uneasy independent regions and his journey into the dark heart of the new Foxfire Republic centered in Tennessee and led by the female evangelical despot Loving Morrow. In the background, Union Grove has been shocked by the Christmas Eve double murder by a young mother of her husband and infant son. Town magistrate Stephen Bullock is in a hanging mood.
A History of the Future is attention-grabbing and provocative but also lyrical, tender, and comic - a vision of a future of America that is becoming more and more convincing, and perhaps even desirable, with each passing day.
©2014 James Kunstler (P)2014 Blackstone Audio

Review:
This is the third book in the series. It tells the day to day struggles of various members of the community of Union Grove in upstate New York. The people are preparing for Christmas although it may be bleak. There will be choirs to remind the townspeople of the true meaning of Christmas even if there won’t be many gifts.

The story focuses on the usual primary characters which include key townspeople, like the mayor, Robert Earle, the head pastor of the New Faith Covenant Brotherhood Church of Jesus, Brother Jobe, and the community wealth baron, Stephen Bullock. There are some new characters as well -- a family involved in murder, and the most important, Robert’s wandering son, Daniel. Daniel and another young man left two years before to find out what happened to the rest of the United States.

Daniel’s story of his travels, betrayals and adventures are shared in several chapters as the other events continue in town. Daniel is able to fill in details of other regions of the states, including a purported “federal’ group in the Midwest, and two battling factions in the South. Daniel’s involvements seem a bit far-fetched but the events allows the author to offer different society scenarios and adds interest to the more mundane nature of the story.

The author has the ability to build entertainment around everyday event and observances. This series isn’t particularly exciting like many of the post-apocalyptic, dystopian stories I read, but it has its own engaging appeal. There continues to be some mild sexual scenes, pleasant and unpleasant. There are also moments of societal tensions as the community leaders tussle on how they will address social issues such as abuse, mental illness and murder.

I hope to listen to book 4 soon as it has the word “Spring” for my season challenge. I also want to see how the characters go forward and how Mr. Kunstler wraps up the community. I recommend this to fans of survival dystopia.

Audio Notes: Jim Meskimen’s narration adds to the story. He provides unique voices that helps the reader/listener feel like they are in the community. I am glad that I have this series from Audible.

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

World Made By Hand: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 1 by James Howard Kunstler
The Witch of Hebron: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 2 by James Howard Kunstler

Audible Book Review: Dorothy: A Madcap Regency Romance by Anya Wylde

This is a light, "madcap" romance.

Dorothy: A Madcap Regency Romance
The Fairweather Sisters, Book 3
By: Anya Wylde
Narrated by: Deryn Oliver

Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 12-30-20
Publisher: Anya Wylde
Genre: Comedy, Regency Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Anya Wylde is back with yet another Fairweather sister novel full of comedy, adventure, and, of course, toe-curling romance.
The Fairweather sisters adore each other and always stand by one another. But when circumstances force Dorothy May Fairweather to marry Lord William Edmund Huxley - the man her best friend is in love with and the Duke’s arch enemy - things change.
With her one foolish mistake, Dorothy manages to vex all those that mean the most to her. Now all alone and miserable, Dorothy has to win back her sisters, the duke, her in-laws and her breathtakingly handsome new husband.
©2016 Anya Wylde (P)2020 Anya Wylde

Review:
Dorothy feels that she is the least attractive of the Fairweather sisters. She has had three whole seasons without landing a suitable marriage proposal. Finally, she has found a man to love. Her sisters are thrilled, even when they learn who the man is.

Dorothy’s best friend, Kitty, agrees to help Dorothy win the man of her dreams. Dorothy met Kitty’s beau interest, Lord William Edmund Huxley, when Dorothy stumbled in front of his carriage. He is one of the most handsome and marriageable men in ton. He was very kind and helpful to Dorothy, but her brother-in-law has a feud with Huxley. At the next social outing Kitty and Dorothy agree to talk to the man the other is interested in to try to encourage the man’s interest in their friend. Although Huxley is polite to Dorothy, he objects to her efforts to put Kitty in his path.

After the event, Kitty strangely avoids Dorothy for several days. She appears one morning acting distressed and upset. The next thing they learn that Kitty has gone missing. Dorothy is sure that she has suffered at the hands of Huxley. In an effort to find out information Dorothy sneaks into Huxley’s home and ends up in a compromising situation that she never intended. To protect his own family from scandal, Huxley proclaims Dorothy to be his affianced. Now everyone is angry with her.

Dorothy doesn’t have any way out of the rushed marriage. She knows that she isn’t welcome by Huxley’s step-mother and half-sister. Dorothy discovers all sorts of strange occupants in Huxley’s home and she secretly adds an orphaned boy with the help of the staff. Although the staff was initially standoffish, Dorothy’s sweet actions begin to win them over.

Still, Dorothy is frustrated by the sense of attraction with her husband which he keeps denying as he pushes her away. She struggles with depression wondering if she will have to live her life alone, without the love of a husband and without the support of her family. What surprising events can change her stressed situation? The family warmth is lovely, and they won’t ignore Dorothy’s distress too long.

Anya Wylde consistently delivers fun, “madcap” stories with likable characters, sweet romance and an easy read. Certainly there are situations that might cause an eye roll but I liked Dorothy, even with her clumsy exuberance. Huxley is a great character who is willing to sing to soothe his distraught bride. It was a puzzle till the end to understand his reluctance to accept and share love.

Although this is book three in the series, I felt it read fine as a stand-alone. I realized that I have book one, Penelope, in my Kindle library and I hope to pull that up to read this year. I recommend this story and this author to readers who enjoy easy reading, fun Regency romance.

Audio Notes: Deryn Oliver does a lovely job with the narration including sweet singing! The overall audio presentation is charming.

Source: February 2021 Author Code. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and Author goals.

Audible Book Review: Actualized, The Configured, Book 3 by Jenetta Penner

This is a good conclusion although I wasn't really into the YA elements.
Actualized
The Configured Trilogy, Book 3
By: Jenetta Penner
Narrated by: Brittany Goodwin
Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 12-17-19
Publisher: Jenetta Penner
Genres: Dystopian, Sci Fi, Teen and Young Adult
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
It comes down to one choice: save the world or save the ones you love.
Listen to the exciting and emotional conclusion to The Configured Trilogy.
©2018 Jenetta Penner (P)2019 Jenetta Penner

Review:
Avlyn has escaped to the Affinity Camp with her brother, Ben, Meyers, Aron and some other surprising, and sometimes connected characters. Aron had asked to pair with Avlyn but she fell for Meyers. Now Avlyn, who was raised in a society that suppressed emotions is trying to cope with all sorts of emotions.

She is stressed about Ben who is in a coma recovering from a system attacking his nanites. She is also experiencing a lot of conflicting emotions even as she commits to helping Cynthia Fisher the ousted director of Elore, leader of Affinity and relation to Avlyn and Ben. The Affinity team has to find a way to overthrow the dictatorship of Manning who is using nanites to control an army in Elore while also avoiding the dangers from the powers of New Philadelphia who are trying to mimic the abilities that Ben and Avlyn share.

Her superior gives orders to Avlyn that she repeatedly ignores. Although she may help gain information and save lives, she is also putting herself and others in danger. This doesn’t stop her behavior. Avlyn is conflicted trying to safe all of the family she has learned to love and trying to save society. Will she be able to help stop the dark powers before they destroy the outside people of Affinity and other humans in the two warring communities?

I listened to book 1, Configured, which introduced Avlyn, Aron, Meyers and Avlyn’s natural mother and community assigned mother. Avlyn’s unique abilities, the intrigue and rivalries were revealed. I did not read or listen to book 2 but enough detail was provided in this book so I didn’t feel like I missed anything.

There is some interesting character relation involvement in this conclusion. However, I struggled with Avlyn’s angst and irresponsible insistence on doing things her own way. The writing felt immature (like the characters) and the plot machinations were clearly worked out to provide danger and rescue. Sadly, not particularly realistic or comfortable. The story did have a suitable conclusion and might work better for true fans of YA (which I may not be). I recommend this to those who like dystopian sci fi with YA elements.

Audio Notes: Brittany Goodwin does a fairly good job providing sufficiently distinct voices. I’m not sure she captured the full depth of emotions (which might have been a good thing) but she did convey the YA feel of the book. I am glad I listened to this rather than reading.

Source: 2/13/2020 Author Code for Review title. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook and Author goals.

Audible Book Review: Primal, Lee Harden, Book 3 by D. J. Molles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Audible Book Review: Out of the Ashes by Bonnie R. Paulson

This post-apocalyptic trilogy has an interesting psychological twist.
Out of the Ashes
Into the End, Book 3
By: Bonnie R. Paulson
Narrated by: David Gilmore

Series: Into the End, Book 3
Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-04-14
Language: English
Publisher: Bonnie R Paulson
Genre: EOTW, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
America can rise, but the cost is high.
Traumatized by previous exposure to her own tests, Dr. Rachel Parker has to complete the methodical steps she swore would never see the light of day...on herself. Her sister, Brenda Krous, may be the only one capable of pulling her through intact.
If they can accomplish the feat and find resolution together, the answers they discover can help the rest of America rise up and reclaim itself from the protection of destruction.
But a nation's fall has a time frame and pride can get in the way. Rachel and Brenda must find what they need in each other to conquer the fear in others.
©2012 - present Bonnie R Paulson (P)2014 Bonnie R Paulson

Review:
America is under attack and individual citizens are being subjected to horrible physical and mental tortures. These tortures were designed by Dr. Rachel Parker with the help of her friend Daniel as her partner to help her pull through the traumatic experiments. Now the foreign enemy is using the methods they designed and the local forces are intent on getting the final tests from Rachel. It isn’t clear if Daniel is standing by to help Rachel or betray her. But Rachel’s sister, Brenda, isn’t willing to trust Daniel at all. She may not completely trust her sister either but she is willing to help her complete the tests if it will help America.

As Rachel, Brenda, and Daniel struggle with the bizarre testing, Josh continues to run missions trying to protect Rachel and others. In a community where it isn’t clear which side the local militia are fighting on is there any hope that an ally can be found to help the beleaguered survivors?

I enjoyed that the story is presented from the view of different primary characters. I really like Josh and his hero nature… even though he makes mistakes too. I liked Brenda’s strengths… even though her past experiences have made her distrustful and cynical. The story kept my interest… even though I never fully understood how Rachel’s self-revelation would help to save America. Since that was a central theme in all three books I sure wish it had been made clear. So, if you can set aside the fact that the central theme might not be resolved, you can enjoy the action and suspense in this post-apocalyptic trilogy.

Audio Notes: David Gilmore did a good job presenting the story without creating any distracting issues. I was a little surprised that this third book narration was completed by Gilmore who narrated the first book and not the second. On the other hand, the change of narrator didn’t impact my interest or engaging with the story. I was glad to have the trilogy on audio.

Source: I received four Audiobook Author Codes on 4/10/2020. Thank you, Bonnie Paulson! This qualifies for 2020Audiobook and Author goals.

Audible Book Review: Koban: Rise of the Kobani by Stephen W. Bennett

I am still enjoying this creative sci-fi series.

Koban: Rise of the Kobani
Koban, Volume 3
By: Stephen W. Bennett
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Series: Koban, Book 3
Length: 28 hrs and 14 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-12-14
Language: English
Publisher: Stephen W. Bennett
Genre: Aliens, Colonization, Military Space Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The Kobani use captured Krall ships to return to Human Space. They seek expert training for their genetically modified fighters, modern weapons and new medical technology. There's a possible block to this help in the form of death penalty laws of the Planetary Union, prohibiting gene modifications of humans. A holdover from the Gene War, which nearly extinguished humanity. A perilous descent through a war-torn planet's space defenses is a first step. A Krall ship and its heavily armed crew have to be destroyed on the ground, while a watching hostile Special Ops force decides if the Kobani should be trusted, or killed as Krall collaborators. Fighting their way between a rock and a hard place, they prove they are a match for the Krall. Exploration at home reveals startling alien neighbors, and a habitable world next door. A remarkable genetic discovery there will forever alter the Kobani. Winning allies, Captain Mirikami forges a bold and dangerous plan, to strike deep into the heart of Krall territory. A place the enemy is confident that puny "animals" can't reach, let alone attack. Simultaneous Kobani raids damage Krall war manufacturing, buying time for humanity. However, the Krall have a deadly ancient weapon that none expected. Retaliatory escalation of the war has been triggered, and if it doesn't go as the Krall plan, entire planets and their populations could be shattered. Read Book 1 (Koban), and Book 2 (Koban: The Mark of Koban). Book 4 (Koban: Shattered Worlds) is coming soon.
©2013 Stephen W Bennett (P)2014 Stephen W Bennett.

Review:
Merikami has led the genetically enhanced Kobani to capture three enemy Krall ships. Human troops have never been able to do this. The Kobani want to offer help and genetic secrets to humans but the reigning government has banned all genetic modifications, punishable by death. Merikami takes the Krall ships to sneak into Human Space hoping to convince the Special Ops forces to accept the help they can offer as the only chance against the stronger and more ruthless Krall.

The young Kobani are sent out to scout a Krall ship which lands near the Kobani hidden landing. They discover a filed of unattended Krall equipment and tanks. As they begin to take control of the units, the Krall return putting the young, scarcely trained Kobani in an unexpected face-off with the heavily armed enemy. Meanwhile a local Spec Ops team is watching and suspecting that the humans have inexplicably joined with the enemy.

The first thing Merikami and his men need to do is to convince the Spec Ops and the local human commander that they are not consorting with the enemy. Then they have to persuade the human troops to accept the genetic help. The program has to remain secret but there are many men who want to accept the modifications so they can be more effective in the fight against the Krall.

Merikami’s plan is to develop large enough squadrons of trained, enhanced men and women to begin to take the battle to the Kralls. The plan is to target the resource planets to remove the ships and armaments in order to slow down the massive Krall army. As the Kobanis are pulling together the additional troops, other Kobanis are reaching out to newly discovered alien species to work together as allies against the common enemy.

I was quickly pulled into the current status and goals of the Kobani. There is good action and some interesting character developments. I’m not sure I totally agree with all of the genetic modifications. There is some minor swearing and sexual innuendo. I loved the creative alien species who have distinct physical appearances and diverse mindsets.

This third book picks up 20 years after the prior book ends and doesn’t really fill in much of the background. I recommend reading this series in order to get the background history of the Kobani characters. I recommend this to sci-fi readers who enjoy strong military space adventures.

Audio Notes: Eric Michael Summerer does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. He provides distinct and fitting voices to the humans and aliens. I really enjoy listening to this series and will be picking up book 4 soon.

Source 2019 January Audible Credit Picks. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020 Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

Reviews for Books 1 and 2.

Audible Book Review: The Final Day by William R. Forstchen

This is a solid conclusion of another post-apocalyptic series on my TBR list.

The Final Day
By: William R. Forstchen
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

Series: After (Forstchen), Book 3
Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-03-17
Language: English
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Political Thriller, Post-Apocalyptic, Thriller, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
The highly anticipated follow-up to William R. Forstchen's New York Times best-sellers, One Second After and One Year After, The Final Day immerses listeners once more in the story of our nation's struggle to rebuild itself after an electromagnetic pulse wipes out all electricity and plunges the country into darkness, starvation, and terror.
After defeating the designs of the alleged federal government, John Matherson and his community have returned their attention to restoring the technologies and social order that existed prior to the EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse) attack. Then the government announces that it is ceding large portions of the country to China and Mexico. The Constitution is no longer in effect, and what's left of the US Army has been deployed to suppress rebellion in the remaining states.
The man sent to confront John is General Bob Scales, John's old commanding officer and closest friend from prewar days. Will General Scales follow orders, or might he be the crucial turning point in the quest for an America that is again united? As the dubious Federal government increasingly curtails liberty and trades away sovereignty, it might just get exactly what it fears: revolution.
©2017 William R. Forstchen (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
John Matherson and his community are slowly starting to make a come-back after the break down of society as a result of an EMP strike two years ago. John struggles as the leader who has had to make some really hard choices, including executing vicious members of a gang and a young man who was stealing from the community. The community has no ability to house prisoners and he felt these actions, even if difficult, set the best example. However, the actions didn’t go over well with those who claim to be the restored government, particularly after John led a successful defense against being overtaken by a government-led attack by an overbearing military leader.

John, his seven-month pregnant wife, Makala, and the community are preparing to face a tough winter. They know that they have to be careful of threats from rogue groups as well as possible threats from the government too. When John is advised that a beaten man tried to reach him with a message from his old military friend, General Bob Scales. John was on the phone with Scales who was in the Pentagon on “the Day” when the call got cut off. John is excited that Scales may be alive, and John becomes intent on getting to him to try to find out what is really going on at the “federal” government level.

John manages to get a message to Scales at the risk of important resources. Scales shows up to meet with John and bring the orders that he is supposed to bring John back to the headquarters to face charges for assassination. Instead of taking John in, Scales lets him stay but tells him to lay low so that they can pretend he is in custody.

A couple of men in the community have made a remarkable discovery in the college basement. They are on the edge of having a chance to communicate or at least listen to conversations. But there is also a leak - maybe a mole - who is feeding information to the government. That leak sets John and Makala as targets and tensions rise between John and Scales. Then Scales gets a decoded message that triggers his suspicions and anger. This sends Scales, his troops, John and his hand-picked militia off on an unexpected tactical reconnaissance that is bound to stir up trouble.

It had been several years since I read books one and two in the series (One Second After and One Year After). Book three starts about two years after "the day" and fills in the background with a good reminder of what took place to this point. I really liked the detailed picture of this small mountain community struggling with realistic problems such as limited electricity, water, and food and other day to day items like soap and clothing. John has bittersweet memories that are accompanied by clear envy of his friend’s supply of real coffee! I was puzzled that John never tried to uncover the leak, and I was curious what the title “the final day” would reveal. I did enjoy the action and the twists as John and Scales uncover secrets that change the path of the future.

This story delivers a solid post-apocalyptic/dystopian mix of survival and military intrigue. I recommend the full series to readers who enjoy this genre.

Audio Notes: Bronson Pinchot does a solid job with the narration although the quality of the audio seemed ‘old’ to me. It just didn’t sound crisp. Also, the delivery tends to be a slow drawl which is a bit disconcerting even if it does fit the weary struggles of the characters. I did get over these audio issues and still enjoyed the overall product.

Source: 9/1/18 Audible Sale $5.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook, and 2020Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review with Print Giveaway: The Last Colony, Old Man's War, Book 3 by John Scalzi

I really enjoy the snark and action in this series.
The Last Colony, Old Man's War, Book 3
by John Scalzi
Narrated by: William Dufris

Series: Old Man's War, Book 3
Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-13-08
Language: English
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Colonization, Genetic Engineering, Sci Fi
My rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Retired from his fighting days, John Perry is now village ombudsman for a human colony on distant Huckleberry. With his wife, former Special Forces warrior Jane Sagan, he farms several acres, adjudicates local disputes, and enjoys watching his adopted daughter grow up.
That is, until his and Jane's past reaches out to bring them back into the game - as leaders of a new human colony, to be peopled by settlers from all the major human worlds, for a deep political purpose that will put Perry and Sagan back in the thick of interstellar politics, betrayal, and war.
Listen to Old Man's War .
©2007 John Scalzi (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

Review:
John Perry, his wife, Jane, and their adopted teenage daughter, Zoe, with her unique alien guards, Hickory and Dickory, are living quietly as farmers on a distant human colony planet. John is the local authority and has to deal with community issues including disputes over goat propagation between feuding brother.

Then a General from their CU (Colonial Union) past calls them to lead a group of colonists on a planet named Roanoke. The colony is to bring together races from many human peoples who are seeking new colonies. The races all wanted to be the only colonists, but the CU authorities decided there had to be a gathering. These means there are already hostilities and jealousies and not all the colonists are happy to have John and Jane take leadership.

When the ship takes its final time slip to reach its destination, they discover they are not at the planet they expected. The colonists learn that they are a target for attack by another galactic group, the Conclave, who issued a decree banning any new colonies that did not get permission from them. One of the groups of colonists are Mennonites who do not use modern technologies. There was a larger amount of old fashion tools in the supplies for a reason. The colony has to learn to build and farm using minimal technology so they won’t be detected by the Conclave.

The colony is actually being used as bait as the CU has set them up to draw out the Conclave. John and the new colonists are shocked at the betrayal but now they have to figure out how to avoid destruction by the Conclave. They also have to determine who is they can trust.

I enjoyed the snarky rapport that John has with other characters. It makes the story fun listening. Zoe is beginning to appear as a more important character and I enjoyed the nature of her guards. John is able to use their devotion to help protect not just Zoe but the other colonists too. There are tensions and battle scenes with good action that are well balance with the intrigue and personal stories.

This is the third book in the series and I am still enjoying the creative world and characters. I recommend this to readers who enjoy solid space opera with a good touch of humor.

Audio Notes: I enjoy the narration of William Dufris. He brings in the personalities of the characters with distinct voices. His narration makes the story more enjoyable for me.

Source: December 2017 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

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Audible Book Review: All These Worlds, Bobiverse Book 3, by Dennis E. Taylor

This is a fun and engaging space sci fi.
All These Worlds
Bobiverse, Book 3
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Series: Bobiverse, Book 3
Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-08-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military Space, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The epic and highly anticipated conclusion to the listener-favorite series that had countless Audible listeners (and employees) hooked from the very first Bob—featuring, as always, a flawless performance from the inimitable Ray Porter.
Being a sentient spaceship really should be more fun. But after spreading out through space for almost a century, Bob and his clones just can't stay out of trouble.
They've created enough colonies so humanity shouldn't go extinct. But political squabbles have a bad habit of dying hard, and the Brazilian probes are still trying to take out the competition. And the Bobs have picked a fight with an older, more powerful species with a large appetite and a short temper.
Still stinging from getting their collective butts kicked in their first encounter with the Others, the Bobs now face the prospect of a decisive final battle to defend Earth and its colonies. But the Bobs are less disciplined than a herd of cats, and some of the younger copies are more concerned with their own local problems than defeating the Others.
Yet salvation may come from an unlikely source. A couple of eighth-generation Bobs have found something out in deep space. All it will take to save the Earth and perhaps all of humanity is for them to get it to Sol - unless the Others arrive first.
©2017 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
This is a satisfying conclusion of a fun series. Bob was a human who woke up to find his brain had been used to create a sentient AI spaceship. Bob and his many clones have spread throughout the universe. They have helped develop new worlds for human colonies and even helped with alien species on their own planets and as refuges to a new planet to survive.

The author follows several threads on different planets. Many of the Bobs have created Android bodies to interact with the colonists or other aliens. The original Bob is living, undercover, with his aging Deltan friend Archimedes. Howard returns to comfort Bridgette when her husband dies and they renew a close friendship over the objection of her children. Marcus joins the rebels in Poseidon.

While the younger Bobs worry about their new colonies, the older ones worry how they can save humans from decimation by the Others. The Others have already committed genocide of several worlds. The Bobs fought them but failed to save the planet where the Pavs lived. Now there is concern that the Others will attack the earth where millions of survivors are still waiting to be paid.

This book is a little calmer than the first too but still engaging. There is a good balance of humor, danger and even family drama. I enjoyed the interesting dynamics of the AIs trying to balance the extent of their involvement with humans and experiencing loss as long-time companions age and die. The fantasy doesn’t require a lot of hard thought but provides light, fun entertainment.
I recommend this to readers who enjoy a lighter sci fi fantasy.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter is a stellar narrator. He provides many varied voices and conveys equally well the somber and snarky characters. His narration definitely enhances the enjoyment for me.

Source: Audible 2018 April Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2018 Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Brothers in Valor, Man of War, Book 3 by H. Paul Honsinger

This Space Marine Sci Fi provides great entertainment.

Brothers in Valor, Man of War, Book 3
By: H. Paul Honsinger
Narrated by: Ray Chase

Series: Man of War, Book 3
Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 06-30-15
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Sci Fi, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: Entertainment/Story 4.5 of 5.0;
Performance 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Sometimes Captain Max Robichaux fights by the book - and sometimes he throws the book away. This makes him one of the Union Space Navy's rising stars. It's also what has kept him and his green crew alive...thus far.
When Max and his ship - the twenty-fourth-century space destroyer USS Cumberland - are boxed in by eight enemy battleships, the odds are against them at a million to one. It takes all their skill and guts just to escape...and surviving won't get easier. Sent on a covert mission behind enemy lines, Max and his crew are poised to strike a blow so hard that, if successful, it could turn the tide of the war. But if they fail, it will cost them their lives...and the lives of every human in the galaxy.
©2015 H. Paul Honsinger (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved

Review:
Max Robichaux is a young space Captain on the space destroyer USS Cumberland, a ship that was previously mocked for its losses. The crew knew more about polishing the rivets than fighting the enemy of the Union until Max became their Captain. Since then they have faced danger and come out alive through Max’s quick, sometimes out of the box thinking.

The action starts as Max has to help the ship and crew escape from overwhelming odds. He will have to pull a rabbit out his hat – or try a trick that has never been done- to succeed.

Next the Cumberland is sent on a covert mission that takes them into the heart of the enemy. There is initial conflict as the other Captain he is paired with is a seasoned man who doesn’t want to take orders from Max. Once that conflict is resolved, they proceed with a daring plan. Although it means they may end up stranded with the enemy they have to take the risk to capture a key leader to have a chance of stopping the war.

I loved the non-stop action and danger in this story. Max is a great character who comes up with ingenious tactical solutions and is willing to trust his crew to know their jobs and make effective suggestions. Dr. Sahin, chief medical officer and special ambassador, adds good humor with his side comments and views from a nonmilitary aspect. I like the other crew ‘family’ and shared in their emotions.

I am only sorry that Mr. Honsinger has no other books for me to get. I do recommend this series to readers who enjoy action packed military space battles.

Audio Notes: As with Book 2, Ray Chase does a great job with the narration. He captures the intensity, the dry wit and the quirks of the characters. The listening experience enhanced the entertainment of the story.

Source: Audible TBR, 2016 Sale. This qualifies for my 2018TBR, Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.

NetGalley Review of Book 1: To Honor You Call Us (Man of War Book 1) by H. Paul Honsinger 5.0
Audible Review of Book 2: For Honor We Stand: Man of War, Book 2 by H. Paul Honsinger 4.5

Audible Book Review: Tech World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 3 by B.V. Laron

I picked this fun series from my Audible TBR. I may have stayed up too late listening. :-)
Tech World
Undying Mercenaries, Book 3
By: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Series: Undying Mercenaries, Book 3
Length: 13 hrs and 12 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 10-21-14
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military Space Sci Fi, Sci Fi
My Rating 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The Galactics arrived with their Battle fleet in 2052. Rather than being exterminated under a barrage of hell-burners, Earth joined a vast Empire that spanned the Milky Way. Our only worthwhile trade goods are our infamous mercenary legions, elite troops we sell to the highest alien bidder. In the third book in the series, James McGill is deployed on another alien world. His third interstellar tour is different in every way. Rather than meeting up with a primitive society, this time he’s headed to an advanced world. Tau Ceti, better known as Tech World, is the central trading capital of Frontier 921. McGill figures he’s lucked out. The assignment looks dull but luxurious. Tau Ceti boasts a planet-wide city with a trillion inhabitants, all of whom are only interested in making a few credits. But all is not well on Tech World. The Empire is crumbling, an invasion is coming, and McGill’s easy ride through life and death has come to an end.
©2014 B. V. Larson (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
James McGill is not a handsome, kind, charming hero. He is more a Georgia, ‘good ol’ boy’, skirt chasing, in your face, military character. He is a Tech Specialist with big guns and although he’s known to cause trouble, he usually saves the day. Even if he has to die a time or two to do so.

These military troops are termed ‘undying’ because they can be replicated if they die in battle. This is somewhat painful and particularly alarming the first time around. But some, like McGill, have gotten used to it. The problem is that McGill’s brash, cavalier attitude may get him ‘permed’ (permanently dead) one of these days if he keeps annoying the wrong superiors.

There are those in control on earth who want to unify the independent legion forces under one government control as it looks like events may make the forces more military and less mercenary. McGill and his friends are part of Legion Varus, the toughest group who get the roughest mercenary jobs and who have scored some nice bonuses due to their success at the ‘dirty’ work. McGill creates (or renews) a few enemies when he sends out a mass email telling the legionnaires to vote against the unity push.

The Varus troops are sent on assignment to Tech World which is considered a quiet, easy post. This is not their usual style and they recognize they are been ostracized. Things are supposed to be quiet until they uncover a smuggling ring and set off a rebellion. McGill continues to flaunt authority and pushes a bit more than might be right.

I enjoy the irreverent humor in this book that pokes fun at ineptitude and corrupt leadership and recognizes the ability of seemingly mediocre ‘grunts’ to step up and outsmart the opposition. I also like the interesting world building, the strong danger and action-packed scenes. This is a fun series to pick up for sheer entertainment.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does his usual spot on narration in this series. He pulls in the voices and the nuances of character. I definitely enjoy listening to this series on audio.

I wanted a fun read and picked this from my Audible TBR (2015). This qualifies for Audiobook Challenge and Mount TBR.

Audible Review: The Remaining: Refugees by D. J. Molles

I have become very engaged in the characters and story of this series.
The Remaining: Refugees
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins
Series: The Remaining, Book 3
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:08-27-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
He has fought the fight, and run the race. But the enemies never stop coming, and the race has no finish line. It has been three months since Captain Lee Harden found the survivors at Camp Ryder. With winter looming, Lee is on the verge of establishing Camp Ryder as a hub of safety and stability in the region. But not everyone agrees with Lee’s mission... or his methods. Growing tensions between camp leadership are coming to a head, and as Lee struggles amid the dissention and controversy, new revelations about the infected threaten to destroy everything he has worked for. The Remaining: Refugees is the third book in the best-selling The Remaining series.
©2012 D.J. Molles (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
The third book in this “infected” series, finds Captain Lee Harper working with the community at Camp Ryder and bringing relief that only he can provide. Lee and several men have developed a method to trap and clear the infected in nearby cities. They established these as outposts to extend the safety boundary and scavenging efforts beyond Camp Ryder. A scraggly young man appears at the gates of the camp specifically asking for Captain Harden. Jacob is a young biogenetics scientist who was sent by the Hometown Project leader in Virginia. He brings alarming news about the Project and the hordes of infected ravishing the northern states.

Two new groups have been set up at one outpost: Professor White and a dozen or so students, and crotchety Old Man Hughes with a small group. The Hughes group is willing to serve as an outpost in exchange for being primarily left alone, away from the rifts and arguments which are escalating at Camp Ryder.

Professor White is a pacifist who initially refuses accepting guns for his people. He is not really in favor of Lee’s plans to continue the military push to find more survivors in North Carolina.  White wants to make a run for the mountains to the west after hearing Jacob’s news. Jerry doesn’t want any more refugees and he conspires with White to set up a plan to take over leadership of the Camp from Bus.

Lee and his team are ambushed while trying to access another bunker. It seems that someone is specifically targeting him.

Lee sends out two paramilitary groups with distinct missions. Harper is to lead a group to set up a new outpost further to the west. The other convoy will head east to blow up bridges across the Roanoke River. This team may have to face a group of fanatics known as The Followers who have been rumored as attacking refugee settlements. Lee assigns LaRouche to lead this group after Lee is surprised by an old comrade and determines that he has to resolve issues before he goes out again.

Once again there is a lot of action and danger throughout the different segments of the survivors. Mr. Molles continues to develop the characters and their relationships as they deal with their new world, its distressing problems and the humanitarian and power conflicts. There is still a lot of violence and bad language but I am totally engaged. I purchased the next book so I can keep following the survivor struggles.

Audio Notes: I am still enjoying the narration by Christian Rummel. His character voices and intensity for the action adds to the entertainment quality of the series.

Links to my other reviews in the Series:
The Remaining, Book 1
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2

I had this in my Audible Library from 2014. I consider it part of my Audio Challenge and a TBR read.

Audible Review: Double Strike by Gretchen Archer

This is my favorite story so far in the fun, exciting investigations of Davis Way.

Double Strike
Written by: Gretchen Archer
Narrated by: Amber Benson

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins
Series: Davis Way Crime Caper, Book 3
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-21-14
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Modern Detective
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Bellissimo Resort and Casino Super Spy Davis Way knows three things: Cooking isn’t a prerequisite for a happy marriage, don’t trust men who look like David Hasselhoff, and money doesn’t grow on Christmas trees. None of which help when a storm hits the Gulf a week before the most anticipated event in Bellissimo history: the Strike It Rich Sweepstakes. Securing the guests, staff, and property might take a stray bullet. Or two. Bellissimo Resort and Casino Super Spy Davis Way has three problems: She’s desperate to change her marital status, she has a new boss who speaks in hashtags, and Bianca Sanders has confiscated her clothes. All of which bring on a headache hot enough to spark a fire. Solving her problems means stealing a car. From a dingbat lawyer. Bellissimo Resort and Casino Super Spy Davis Way has three goals: Keep the Sanders family out of prison, regain her footing in her relationship, and find the genius who wrote the software for future gaming. One of which, the manhunt one, is iffy. Because when Alabama hides someone, they hide them good. Double Strike. A VIP invitation to an extraordinary high-stakes gaming event, as thieves, feds, dance instructors, shady bankers, kidnappers, and gold waiters go all in.
©2014 Gretchen Archer (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Davis Way has survived her job for close to three years as a (mostly) undercover security officer for the posh Belissimo Resort and Casino in Biloxi but things are looking dicey. Davis is anxious to marry her sweetheart, handsome lawyer, Bradley Cole, and take a four day vacation. Unfortunately she runs into a few obstacles, including a lightning strike at the hotel. Her boss's son, Thomas Sanders, shows up unexpectedly from boarding school. Davis is the lucky one who has to try to keep the high school senior from getting into more trouble.

Bradley gets to break the bad news that the marriage license has been denied due to complications from, of course, her rat ex-ex-husband. Her efforts to sort that problem result in her stealing her annoying lawyer’s car which creates other difficulties.

Meanwhile Davis is told she can’t take days off because she has to help out with a high stakes slot gaming event. The whole event has been brought in from a Vegas crew so neither the staff nor the players have been properly vetted by “No Hair” and the local security team. Davis gets fired her first day as an event waitress and a new security man, Baylor, has to take her place. Fantasy and Baylor get to be painted gold and prance around in bikinis while Davis changes her undercover persona to a social media member under a bouncy ‘hashtag’ queen.

The high tech slot games include specially designed chairs and games that are intuitive to the players. The first players have to buy a seat and then earn points to remain in the game as the nights progress. A certain woman and her husband keep cashing in large checks at the same teller window. That behavior throws up red flags and the suspicion heats up when that woman keeps earning high points in the game. Now Davis is off following the money trail which leads to something hidden in Alabama.

This is book three of this fun series. Davis has grown on me as a character and I enjoy the fact that I am familiar with some of the locations mentioned in the stories - some real towns and others like the quirky towns described by Ms. Archer.  Each story has a unique, casino related crime event which is embellished by the undercover high jinks of the security crew and the personal troubles that Davis has to overcome. The storylines are creative in fun ways and I recommend this series to readers who like cozy mysteries and are looking for a lighter, fun read. Now I have to decide if I can wait for Book 4, Double Mint, to go to Audible or if I should go ahead and get the Kindle version.

Audio Notes: Amber Benson again does a good job with the voices and the story. The story is enhanced by the easy narration.

I received this from Claire McKinneyPR for an honest review. This adds to my Audiobook Challenge.

My Review links for Books 1 and 2:
Double Whammy: A Davis Way Crime Caper
Double Dip:A Davis Way Crime Caper

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gretchen Archer is the USA TODAY-bestselling author of Double Whammy, Double Dip, and Double Strike, the first three novels in the Davis Way Crime Caper series from mystery publisher Henery Press. Double Whammy was a finalist for the 2014 Daphne du Mauier Awards.

 

A Tennessee housewife who began writing when her daughters (seeking higher educations) left her, Archer lives on Lookout Mountain with her husband, son, and a Yorkie named Bently. Double Mint is her newest book.

 

Her Twitter is @Gretchen_Archer.