Audible Book Review: Heaven's River, Bobiverse, Book 4, by Dennis E. Taylor

I enjoyed the entertainment of this space adventure.
Heaven's River
Bobiverse, Book 4
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Series: Bobiverse, Book 4
Length: 16 hrs and 57 mins
Release date: 09-24-20
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.75.

About This Audible Original
Civil war looms in the Bobiverse in this brand-new, epic-length adventure by Audible #1 bestseller Dennis E. Taylor.
More than a hundred years ago, Bender set out for the stars and was never heard from again. There has been no trace of him despite numerous searches by his clone-mates. Now Bob is determined to organize an expedition to learn Bender’s fate — whatever the cost.
But nothing is ever simple in the Bobiverse. Bob’s descendants are out to the 24th generation now, and replicative drift has produced individuals who can barely be considered Bobs anymore. Some of them oppose Bob’s plan; others have plans of their own. The out-of-control moots are the least of the Bobiverse’s problems.
Undaunted, Bob and his allies follow Bender’s trail. But what they discover out in deep space is so unexpected and so complex that it could either save the universe — or pose an existential threat the likes of which the Bobiverse has ever faced.
Heaven’s River is the fourth installment in the blockbuster Audible Original Bobiverse series—which has sold more than 1 million copies.
©2020 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC
.

Review:
Bob was the original human brain loaded up to become an AI entity to head into space. A hundred years later, Bob’s organization has expanded to the 24th replicative generation. That presents its own problems, but Bob’s first level replicate, Bender, hasn’t been heard from since he set out to explore the distant galaxies a hundred years ago. Bob has never let go of the idea of finding Bender even as the Bobiverse continues to move out to deep space.

Bob suddenly comes across a new world where he thinks Bender may be found. Now the goal will be to infiltrate the complex megastructure with a ‘river’ environment, in order to determine if Bender is a prisoner or something else. A handful of Bob’s generational ‘children’ are excited to help in the challenge to get into the structure and then move among the beaver like society that has been forbidden to use former technology.

While Bob and friends are pursuing the quest to find Bender, other replicant families are involved in an ideological argument. There are those who insist that the Bobs have no right to interfere with the societies that they come upon…even if it means watching societal genocide. This creates a second story line with some interesting discussions and actions.

I enjoyed the virtual settings, the creative societies, and the ideological arguments. There is plenty of humor in this series, including fun references to movies, books, and authors that sci fi fans will recognize. I recommend starting the series at book 1 to get to know the main Bob replicates. I recommend this series as an easy and entertaining listen.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter delivers the narrative with his usual excellent presentation and spot on voicing and energy. His narration enhanced the story for me.

Source: October 17, 2021 - September 2021 Audible Credits. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, 2023Alphabet, and 2023Location goals.

Audible Book Review: Double Share, A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 4 by Nathan Lowell

I like this series which provides an easy listen.

Double Share
A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 4
By: Nathan Lowell
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
Release date: 09-13-16
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
An inexperienced officer. A dysfunctional ship. Life in the Deep Dark just got a whole lot harder.
In his first assignment as an officer, Ishmael Horatio Wang finds himself fresh out of school, wet behind the ears, and way out of his depth. Aboard the William Tinker the senior officers are derelict and abusive, the crew demoralized and undisciplined, and change unwelcomed and dangerous. Can Ishmael use what he learned aboard the Lois McKendrick to help the crew find the ship's heart? Or will he discover that bucking the system may come at too high a price? Return to the Deep Dark with Ish in this fourth installment of the award-winning Solar Clipper series, as he makes the transition from crew to officer.
©2013 Nathan Lowell (P)2016 Podium Publishing

Review:
Ishmael has now finished his learning at the Academy and is ready to face his first assignment as a junior officer, a Third Mate. He was a little bit surprised but glad to get a job right away even if it is with a lesser-known salvage and transport ship.

Ishmael’s first assignment was as a landlubber on the Lois McKentric where he learned the ropes from the bottom up, did his studies in all areas of the ship, and gained the respect of his shipmates and superiors. He worked with others in the crew to care for the ship and each other. So he is totally surprised and dismayed to arrive at a ship with a crew that ranges from sloppy to antagonistic to oppressed. A senior officer and his handpicked guards are sexually harassing and abusing the women on board, with other crew members being cowed into silence. The Captain turns a blind eye…not only to the abuse but to everything else on the neglected ship.

Ishmael soon begins to use his unique charm and understated method of persuasion to change things on the William Tinker, starting with the coffee and continuing with food and cleanliness.

Ishmael is attractive and well-built but was never drawn to physical types of self-defense. He ends up having to face brute force with his lesser-known skills of Tai Chi. If Ishmael can survive the assignment, will he be able to make a long-term difference for the ship?

Previous books in the series revealed Ishmael’s easy going and smart character. He likes theatre due to his professor mother and he highly respects women. Thanks to his time on the Lois McKentric, Ishmael believes in the well being of the crew as they work to care for the ship. I love this trait and how it plays out with the other crew members.

This is not a series with high physical action, but it is satisfyingly high in mental action. I felt the handling of mental and sexual abuse in a future world was pretty sad, but I was glad there were those, led by Ishmael, who cared to take action. I recommend this series to fans of character-driven Space Opera.

Audio Notes: I really enjoy Jeffrey Kafer’s narration of this series. He portrays Ishmael perfectly and manages the other characters with different accents and energy. The narration enhances my enjoyment of this series.

Source: 9/18/2021 Audible August Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goal.

Audible book Review: Commune: Book Four by Joshua Gayou

This story kept me up when I should have been sleeping.

Commune: Book Four Commune Series, Book 4
By: Joshua Gayou
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 22 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 05-03-19
Publisher: Joshua Gayou, Blue Heron Audio
Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The philosopher asks: "Faced with the mutually exclusive choice between moral principle and the survival of your family, which is the correct path?"
Philosophers love to pose such questions, and in the day-to-day struggle, such thinkers rarely attain to a level of relevance rivaling that of the simple hunger pang. Their careful considerations dissipate under the leveled gun.
We do not feel their disapproving gaze when The Others draw near.
When the world sends doom, the survivors do not hesitate.
The survivors do what is necessary.
©2018 Joshua Gayou and Blue Heron Audio (P)2019 Joshua Gayou and Blue Heron Audio

Review:
Although Brian, a member of the Jackson Commune, continues his character interviews in this episode, there is much more action. The military group that visited and helped the Commune has moved on. The Commune has set aside enough reserves to survive the winter and do the spring planting. Life has settled into normal work routine as the Commune looks forward.

Beyond the state, there is a group of misfits that has grown to a large community. They are under the leadership of Clay who struggles to maintain loyalties and control as the group grows and factions form. Some of the factions are more brutal and devious than others. Ronny, Clay’s second in command, had a bad encounter with Jake’s team and knows that they have a “home base” near Jackson. He is intent on moving the group to Jackson and finally convinces Clay to move on as the food stores are becoming scarce.

The Commune occupants quickly learn that a large group has moved into Jackson. It is very unclear if the group is friendly or intend harm. Gibbs and a few other leaders go to the edge of town to meet and attempt to find out the intentions of Clay’s group. They step back in order to regroup.

Jake instructs the Commune members to begin to prepare for an attack. They do not have enough food and resources to share, and they must protect the new home they have established.

There is still a misguided member of the Commune who thinks it will be possible to negotiate a fair exchange of information and resources. He sneaks off to town starting a stream of violent events.

This particular book has a lot of brutality and, unfortunately, a lot of foul language. The language is a bit distracting to me, but I was able to push through because I like the characters and the action. I truly did stay up too late into the night listening. I recommend the series to those who like rough post-apocalyptic survival and don’t mind rough language.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray continues to deliver wonderful narration. Bray provides clear and distinct voices. As before in this series, I was engaged and my enjoyment of the story was enhanced by the narration.

Source: 11/18/2021 Audible October Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Marked in Flesh, The Others, Book 4 by Anne Bishop

This is another engaging story in this good series.
Marked in Flesh
A Novel of the Others, Book 4
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris

Length: 15 hrs and 21 mins
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Alternate History, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Fourth in the "flawless" (The Reading Café) New York Times best-selling series from the author of Vision in Silver.
For centuries, the Others and humans have lived side by side in uneasy peace. But when humankind oversteps its bounds, the Others will have to decide how much humanity they're willing to tolerate - both within themselves and within their community....
Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn see the new closer companionship as beneficial - both personally and practically.
But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don't realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others - and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs....
©2016 Anne Bishop (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Review:
Meg Corbyn is a cassandra sangue, a young woman who was trained to cut herself to bring forth prophesies. She managed to escape her handlers and stumbled into the Lakeside Courtyard. She was given shelter and a job by the community leader, Simon Wolfgard, a wolf shifter. The local shifters and elementals (the Others), like Meg and her ‘human’ presence has brought a favorable situation for other humans in the town.

There has been a power-hungry group of humans who want the land and control that have been kept from them by the Others. They have stirred up public sentiment dividing the humans between those who will live peacefully with the Others and those who want to boycott and harm the Others. The radical, hateful humans conspire to attack the Others not realizing the hidden forces that will be impacted and angered. The elementals and hidden forces have to decide ‘how much humanity they are willing to tolerate’. This has several meanings but the most dangerous will be the response triggered when the humans poison the sharks in the ocean and slaughter a pack of wolf shifters as a show of force.

Running in the background of the conflict between the humans and Others, Meg and other cassandra sangue are looking for a way to produce their prophesies without cutting themselves. Sometimes the prophesies are unclear and can be misinterpreted. The young women are finding ways to communicate with each other, as one is drawing images. Meg, with local human friends, realizes that she (as the recognized pathfinder) may be able to develop cards, similar to a tarot deck, for use by herself and others. This developing modification is needed to protect the young women and I like how it is changing through the books.

I enjoy the positive relationship between the Others and the humans in Lakeside Courtyard and the handful of other communities that are cooperative. The racism and hate of the radical group is horrendous. The story has good suspense that kept me interested and engaged. I highly recommend this book in the series. I do recommend reading the series in order to get a clear picture of the nature of the Others, elementals, and the variety of humans.

Audio Notes: Alexandra Harris continues to do a wonderful job on the narration. The voices and characters are clear and distinct. She conveys the emotions of the characters. The audio experience adds to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 8/14/2021 July Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Harrows of Spring: The World Made by Hand Novels, Book 4 by James Howard Kunstler

I finished this interesting series for my "Spring" title.

The Harrows of Spring: The World Made by Hand Novels, Book 4
By: James Howard Kunstler
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen

Series: World Made By Hand, Book 4
Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 07-05-16
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Dystopian, Metaphysical Fiction, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
"From the renowned social critic, energy expert, and bestselling author James Howard Kunstler, The Harrows of Spring concludes the quartet of his extraordinary World Made by Hand novels, set in an American future of economic and political collapse, where electricity, automobiles, and the familiar social structures of the "old times" are a misty memory.
In the little upstate New York town of Union Grove, springtime is a most difficult season, known as "the six weeks want," when fresh food is scarce and winter stores have dwindled. Young Daniel Earle returns from his haunting travels around what is left of the United States intent on resurrecting the town newspaper. He is also recruited by the town trustees to help revive the Hudson River trade route shut down peevishly by the local grandee, planter Stephen Bullock. Meanwhile, a menacing gang of Social Justice Warriors styling themselves as agents of the Berkshire People's Republic appear one evening to camp on the outskirts of town. Their leaders are the imposing Amazonian beauty Flame Aurora Greengrass and the charismatic grifter Sylvester "Buddy" Goodfriend, progressive to a fault in their politics and intent on extracting whatever tribute they can from people of Union Grove.
Romance, politics, bunko, violence, and family tragedy swirl through the thrilling finale to Kunstler's bestselling series. The Harrows of Spring is a powerful, heart-wrenching, and satisfying conclusion to this poignant history of the future."
©2016 James Howard Kunstler (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Life continues to move forward for the community of Union Grove. Personal issues involving lack of vaccines and medical facilities in this society which has been set back to days of horse and buggy. There are moments of absolute tragedy that bring unique responses from the family members involved.

The local land baron, Stephen Bullock, has decided to go isolationist and stop delivering trade goods to the town. Brother Jobe convinces town members to gather funds needed to send a group of men to buy a boat for the town in order to transfer needed supplies. Daniel Earle, who has returned to town as a wanted man in the south, is starting a newspaper in town. He needs supplies for the business and is recruited to travel with the team to get a boat. It is a dangerous mission but must be done.

Meanwhile a crowd of what appear to be simple, ‘hippy’ type people have been discovered on the outskirts of town. They identify themselves as agents of the Berkshire People’s Republic. It is soon realized that they are actually socialist /social justice warriors in town to exploit people to sell their resources for worthless paper money or be brutally attacked if unwilling to share voluntarily. Can the leaders of Union Grove deal with the threat before infiltrators and imposters cause irreparable damage?

I was pleased to finish this interesting series for my "Spring" title. I enjoyed the character developments and idiosyncrasies as well as the plot themes. This last story still had some strangeness (the metaphysical aspect) and had distinct brutal elements. I am glad that I was able to enjoy this down to earth post-apocalyptic series through Audible’s plus catalog. I recommend the series to fans of the genre.

Audio Notes: Once again, the narration by Jim Meskimen added to the story for me. He provides distinct, fitting and unusual voices. He also conveys the underlying personalities of the characters. I appreciated this series in audio.

Source: 12/21/2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Season goals.

World Made by Hand: The World Made by Hand Novels, Book 1
The Witch of Hebron: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 2
A History of the Future: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 3

Audible Book Review: Defiant, Lee Hardin, Book 4 by D. J. Molles

I enjoyed this episode in the series, even as I felt the loses.

Defiant
Lee Harden, Book 4
By: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 12 hrs and 45 mins
Release date: 06-23-20
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Action & Adventure, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Don't ever let it break you.
The United Eastern States is crumbling. The fragile house of cards that Lee Harden and Angela Houston have built has begun to fall. Lee is up against a ticking clock, as he is recalled from Texas and given the last thing in the world that he wants: a promotion.
Forced into a command role, Major Harden is thrust into a sharp learning curve that goes against every instinct he's developed over years of fighting. As Lee races to find his footing in a mire of shifting loyalties and opposing goals, Safe Zones are being overrun by massive hordes of primals exhibiting strange behaviors and uncanny levels of intelligence, and Greeley is moving toward an invasion of the UES. The envoys from Canada and the United Kingdom know it - but they're refusing to take sides and give Lee the intelligence he desperately needs.
As the tides of war reach the doors of the UES, horrific secrets are revealed that will change the future of their fight for survival. Friends become enemies, and enemies become allies. But no matter what happens, no matter what - or who - he loses, Lee can't let it break him. He must remain defiant to the last.
©2020 D.J. Molles (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

Review:
This is book 4 in the series and picks up from the prior book. Lee Hardin is in Texas but gets the call from United Eastern States President, Angela Houston, to return to the home base to take military command. The UES has already been forced out of the Fort Bragg that Lee and Angela helped build when the infected Primals overran the base with the unwitting help of the Lincolnist rebels. Angela is coping with internal threats in the form of the continuing hidden rebels, unrest due to overcrowding and boredom. The external threats are increasing in the form of threats from President Brigg’s forces seeking to squelch the UES as well as the infected Primals who seem to be getting more organized. Several more of the Safe Zones in the Southeast have fallen and been demolished as the Primals kidnap the women and wipe out the surviving human communities. Envoys from Canada and the United Kingdom are monitoring President Briggs in Colorado and Angela in the UES. They are trying to determine if it is safer to lend their support to the rational but weakened forces and civilians in the UES or President Briggs, a clearly power hungry leader, who has stronger and better prepared military forces but has lost control of the necessary fuel sources.

When arriving to the new base of operations, Lee immediately sees areas of loyalty concerns, but he would rather continue to be fighting in the field than being the Major in charge in the tactical operations center (TOC). He struggles trying to find the right place and right approach to help Angela and the people. Unfortunately, while he is stumbling, the advance forces of President Briggs’ army are moving into the UES territory.

The local scavenging and hunter forces are able to uncover more information about the Primal activity. They also are pulled into a dangerous rescue attempt to save some of the kidnapped women. The information comes to Lee at the last minute as he is busy planning to defend the home base against expected exterior attack and suddenly facing unexpected attacks too.

My heart felt the continual attacks, deaths, and betrayals in this book. I enjoyed the action and Lee’s external and mental internal struggles. There is more bad language than I like to deal with but I can get past it. I am looking forward to picking up the next book in the series. I recommend this to fans of post-apocalyptic military stories that include more advanced zombie elements.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel has been the voice for this series and he continues to enhance my enjoyment in the books.

Source: 6/18/2021 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Here are links to the earlier books in the Lee Hardin series:
Harden, Lee Harden, Book 1 by D.J. Molles 4.5
Southlands, Lee Harden, Book 2 by D.J. Molles 4.75
Primal, Lee Harden, Book 3 by D. J. Molles 4.5

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

Audible Book Review: Black Ops, Expeditionary Force, Book 4, by Craig Alanson

I enjoyed this episode in this fav series.
Black Ops Expeditionary Force, Book 4
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R. C. Bray

Series: Expeditionary Force, Book 4
Length: 16 hrs and 44 mins
Release date: 09-26-17
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Military Science Fiction, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
The elite crew of the pirate ship UNS Flying Dutchman had a simple mission: determining whether the Thuranin are sending another starship to Earth. Along the way, they became sidetracked by securing a future for the UNEF troops on the planet Paradise. When asked whether Earth was now safe, their ancient alien AI responded "Not so much"...now they have to deal with the consequences.
©2017 Craig Alanson (P)2017 Podium Publishing.

Review:
Colonel Joe Bishop and the crew of the stolen, therefore pirate, ship UNS Flying Dutchman are hiding out in space, where the human species is supposed to have no presence unless under the control of one of the alien species. The Dutchman has been tasked to spy out whether there are any imminent threats to their home planet, Earth. Skippy, the alien AI shaped like a beer can who was rescued by Joe, has intercepted messages indicating that one of the alien enemy forces is negotiating to send another alien force to Earth. Now the less technically minded humans (‘monkeys’ as Skippy calls them) have to find a way to prevent the negotiations from going any further.

This mission, like all of their missions, needs some improbable but remarkably doable human planning, a bit of luck, and – mostly – the awesomeness of Skippy the alien AI. Things get dicey when Skippy investigates a dead Elder cylinder like his own and goes silent. The humans don’t have the knowledge to even maintain the ship they are on, much less use the worm holes properly to navigate stealthily in space. Skippy ‘created’ another AI to help monitor events, but he failed to program Nagatha (named for Agatha Christi and a particularly annoying trait of the new AI) on maintaining the ship so her help is limited.

As with the previous books, a big part of the fun of this series is the sarcastic banter between Skippy and Joe. The new character of Nagatha adds another element of amusement. This episode develops a few crew members more deeply while also continuing with several previously highlighted characters.

I totally love the action and the fun dialog. There is always suspense with each mission and I enjoy the creative and sometimes rather zany solutions that the lowly humans come up with to complete each step of the mission. There are expected and sad losses but the tension really increases when Skippy isn’t available to work his awesome ‘magic’. I am glad I have the book 5 in my library so I can pull it forward in a month or so to continue the adventures.

There is a strong friendship, love/hate relationship between Joe and Skippy. Any reader who is offended by belittling banter may not enjoy their barbs. However, there is a particularly moving sequence where Skippy acknowledges the creative illogic of the human species. I recommend this fun series to fans of military space opera (sans any romance).

Audio Notes: This series as narrated by R. C. Bray is a delight to listen to. He conveys the snarky Skippy personality, complete with arrogance, eye rolls, and head slaps. He provides a fun female voice for Nagatha, and delivers the human and alien characters with distinct voices. I plan to continue to listen for the best enjoyment of this series.

Source: 3/8/2020 Two For One Credit Sale at Audible. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet goals.

Prior book reviews:
Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, #1) by Craig Alanson
Audible Book Review: Spec Ops, Expeditionary Force, Book 2 by Craig Alanson
Audible Book Review: Paradise, Expeditionary Force, Book 3 by Craig Alanson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4 by Larry Correia

This is fun series with lots of monsters and hunters.
Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4
Written by: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 16 hrs and 35 mins
Series: Monster Hunter, Book 4
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-04-12
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Paranormal, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Monster Hunter International might be the premier monster eradication company in the business, but they’ve got competition.
When hunters from around the world gather in Las Vegas for a conference, a creature left over from a World War Two weapons experiment wakes up and goes on a rampage across the desert. A not-so-friendly wager between the rival companies turns into a race to see who can bag the mysterious creature first. Only there is far more to this particular case than meets the eye, and as Hunters fall prey to their worst nightmares, Owen Zastava Pitt and the staff of Monster Hunter International have to stop an ancient god from turning Sin City into a literal hell on earth.
©2012 Larry Correia (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Owen “Big Z” Pitt, Earl Harbinger, Julie, Milo, Holly, Trip, Skippy the orc and more of the Monster Hunter International (MHI) crew are in Las Vegas for the first International Conference of Monster Hunting Professionals. There are teams of hunters from all over the world and at first there is a sense of competition, especially from some of the newer, upstart companies. Earl and the team suspect that there is increased monster activity and they begin to circulate to see what they can find out from other teams. As they begin to share notes Earl and Julie meet with other teams to negotiate a new era of sharing information.

The hunters are interrupted by an invitation to a special meeting where they are given an assignment with a huge puff bounty to the first team to eliminate the threat. The assignment comes from a secret government official who is no friend of Earl’s. The teams are off and running for the competition. Earl isn’t so quick to rush off as he doesn’t trust the official and is angry that the man has control over Earl’s girlfriend for another year.

Z and his team get to the monster site by means of Skippy’s patched up helicopter. Still they are second behind the German team so they only get the assist in a rather easy kill. But a few clues indicate that something isn’t quite as it seems. Everyone returns to the hotel to party and rest but Julie is awakened by misgivings in the middle of the night. They step down the hall to screams and an alternate dimension of monsters. Now the true battle begins against a secret weapon from WWII who is seeking revenge and power.

The upstart Paranormal Tactical group make for fun teasing and trouble to kick off the action. I liked the new ally Z meets as well as all the old friends. Mordacai and other characters from earlier books make appearances trying to help Z. Even Z’s brother, Mosh, gets recruited to help save the world…again. I like the growth shown in the characters – Z still gets in trouble but he is trying to be more responsible. And he is taking his role as “the Chosen” more seriously.

This series is so much fun. There are a variety of monsters and of course the usual impressive armament. There are several good twists and details in this episode which continues to build to the threatened big war. The book does have some rough language but it zips by in the action moments. I recommend this to readers who like monsters and want a fun series.

Audio Notes: Oliver Wyman does a fabulous job with the character voices from men, women, orcs, and monster creatures. I have listened to the four books so far and will definitely continue with the audible versions.

By the way - The first book in the series is available for free at Kindle!
Monster Hunter International (Monster Hunters International Book 1)

This was in my TBR and saved for Sci Fi month. It qualifies for Mount TBR, Audio Challenge and M in Alphabet Challenge.

Audio Book Review: Haraken: A Silver Ships Novel by S. H. Jucha

This is great entertainment with good characters, conflict and creativity.
Haraken: A Silver Ships Novel
By: S. H. Jucha
Read by: Grover Gardner


Series: The Silver Ships Series, book 4
Runtime: 10.9 Hours
Recording: Unabridged
Release date: 7.12.2016
Publisher: Scott H. Jucha
ISBN-13: 978-1-5047-2567-5
Genre: Fiction/Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Nine years of tranquility came to an abrupt end when a Méridien starship entered the Hellébore system, sounding a dire warning for Alex Racine, the Haraken president. Unwanted visitors had arrived again. But this time, they’re not alien; they’re human. Claiming to have followed the course of a colony ship launched a millennium ago when Earth wrestled with resource wars and climate change, the mission commander, Antonio García, requests a meeting with the planet’s leaders. The Earthers profess a kinship with all humans, and their great desire is to have Méridien join their United Earth (UE). Alex Racine journeys to Méridien to investigate and uncover the Earthers’ intentions. In the Haraken world, SADEs (self-aware digital entities) have been freed from their boxes aboard the Méridien-built starships. The mobile SADEs are powerful players in Alex’s strategies, inventing ingenious methods to investigate the Earthers and their ship. Complicating matters, the Méridien leadership is in turmoil. The Council Leader insists her people ignore the Earthers, but this path has costs. As tensions escalate, García sends a request for support to his superiors back on Earth, lest his discovery of the rich, Méridien worlds, boasting unbelievable advanced technology, slip through his grasp. A UE battleshiop heeds the call, escalating the pressure for action. Join the journey as the Harakens and Méridiens work together to protect their planets and their way of life from the newest invaders.
© 2016 by S. H. Jucha

Review:
Alex Racine is the president of Haraken, a planet of humans in a far system that includes two other planets, Méridien and the New Terrans. These peoples are distant decedents of two Earth colonies that went different ways over 700 years before. One group is much more technically advanced than the others which sets up conflicts and challenges, as well as alien attacks, which are presented in books 1 – 3.

Alex is clearly the “golden boy” to most of the population. Only the Counsel of the Méridien appears to be threatened by Alex’s control and popularity. She wants to control her government and people and keep them away from Alex and his AI friends, the SADEs, self-directed digital entities (AIs now mobile!).

An Earth explorer ship arrives in the system and is interested, then amazed by the advanced technology. The Méridien leader refuses to acknowledge or talk with the Earth ship. This puts the Earth leaders in the position of planning to overtake the planets by force is they can’t negotiate subjugation. Alex arranges to meet with the Earth leader in a social setting hiding his true authority. The Earth ship appears to have superior fighting power and Alex is aware of the threat of these forces. He must figure a way to convince them to leave his worlds alone. If not peacefully, or by trickery, then by force.

Alex’s character is a bit of a ‘super hero’ but he is likeable. I especially liked his interaction with the SADEs who are delightful characters, especially Alex’s best friend, Julien. The Earther personalities are forceful and several are unpleasant bullies with conquest mentality. I enjoyed the conflicts within the system and from the threat of the Earther ships.

The author slips in subtle (or not so subtle) portrayals of various political factors. It isn’t hard to think of our own world and leaders of differing styles, temperaments, personal goals and motives.

I was a little concerned that I had not read books 1 through 3. I think there could have been a bit more backstory as there was only a little hint of the prior stories. This adventure is fairly well self-contained with a full plot that can stand alone. I will be going back to get the prior books which have been on my Audible Wish List. I definitely want the next book, Sol when released on audio. I recommend this to sci fi fans who enjoy space opera.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner is a well known, marvelous narrator. (I enjoy his narrations of the Andy Carpenter Series by David Rosenfelt.) Grover managers to portray the various voices and emotions so I become immersed in a story that comes alive. The narration made this an extra pleasure of reading entertainment.

I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. This qualifies for Audio Challenge and H in Alphabet Soup.

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

This series is harsh (violence and language) but it is gripping emotionally and philosophically as well as being great entertainment.
The Remaining: Fractured
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 19 hrs and 28 mins
Series: The Remaining, Book 4
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
This is the destiny of those who stand for others. Their honor will be bought in blood and pain. The Camp Ryder Hub is broken. Lee is nowhere to be found, and his allies are scattered across the state, each of them learning that their missions will not be as easy as they thought. Inside the walls of Camp Ryder, a silent war is brewing, between those few that still support Lee's vision of rebuilding, and the majority that support Jerry's desire for isolation. But this war will not remain silent for long. And in this savage world, everyone will have to make a choice. To keep their morals. Or keep their lives.
©2013 D.J. Molles (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Half of Lee’s friends are off to the East to deal with bridges in Roanoke and the other half are off to the west to establish a ‘base’ in Eden. Lee himself has gone missing. Jerry decides this is a perfect time to make a move to take over Camp Ryder. Angie gets caught in the process and becomes an enemy and target of Jerry’s threats. He can’t remove her without angering the half of the Camp that were Bus supporters and creating questions among the others.

This is an intense installment in the series. Each of the separate groups have to face great hardship and the possibility that they will not be successful in their mission. The key characters are portrayed as they deal with the emotional depression and hopelessness of their situations as well as the moral decline they see in their circumstances and the personal moral choices they each struggle with.

It is not clear if Lee will survive the dangers he faces. LaRoche and Brother Jim continue to battle on philosophical issues that disrupt their mission which is already on a time crunch and facing attacks from The Followers. Harper’s team faces an infected attack that traumatizes certain team members. Really, all the primary characters are traumatized but some react more dramatically than others. Some are strengthened while others are shattered but many are hardened so they can press on in spite of the challenges. The situations had me gasping, wincing, inwardly saying “no, no no!” (and an occasional fist pump "yes!")  and hiding my eyes as if I could hide from the traumas.

I have found some symbolism in this series but I suspect that the symbolism may vary according to the reader. (This assumes that the author has intended symbolism beyond the considerable entertainment value of the story.) There is still much bad language and much violence. But the story transcends those negatives. I was ready to pick up the novellas and the next full installment when I competed this audio.

Audio Notes: When I finish this series I may well look for other books that Christian Rummel has narrated. He is fast becoming a favorite narrator for me. I continue to be impressed by his ability to shift seamlessly from narration to character voices. It is remarkable and I definitely recommend this in audio format.

Links to my reviews of the earlier books:
The Remaining, Book 1
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2
The Remainig: The Refugees, Book 3

I purchased this audio with an Audible Credit so I could continue in the series. It qualifies for my audio challenge.

Book Review and Giveaways: Fringe Benefits (The Ladies Who Lunch) by Sandy James

This is fine writing and a good romance but certain aspects don’t suit my tastes.
Fringe Benefits (The Ladies Who Lunch)
by Sandy James

• File Size: 1246 KB
• Print Length: 300 pages
• Publisher: Forever Yours (April 21, 2015)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00RTY0X7K

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 (see review for specifics on rating)

Book Description
Publication Date: April 21, 2015
When life gets tough and love is hard to find, four friends take their troubles to lunch. High school teacher Danielle Bradshaw deserves a happily ever after, and the Ladies Who Lunch are determined to deliver Mr. Right.
HOT FOR TEACHER
As the new head of the English department, Dani doesn't have much time for anything but lesson planning and literature. Romance-or even sex? Forget about it. But then the principal introduces her to last-minute hire Nate Ryan. Finding time to mentor a new teacher won't be easy, especially when his incredible body and equally disarming charisma are enough to make her heart skip a beat . . .
Nate may be fresh out of school, but he's confident in his teaching skills-and in his feelings for Dani. But while she's everything he's ever wanted, he knows his place on her staff-and his age-may be problematic for his sexy boss. How can he convince her to ignore the gossip mill currently in full swing in the teacher's lounge and surrender to what's meant to be?
"Sweet, endearing and delightful...Sometimes you just need that heartfelt, hometown romance and Fringe Benefits hit the spot." ~ Beth, Tome Tender, 5 stars

Review:
Danielle is the last of the Ladies Who Lunch to settle down with Mr. Right. She is a 32 year old school teacher who has achieved the head of the English Department through dedication and planning. Dani has a tendency towards control and she had her last day before school started all planned out until the new teacher arrived. Her principal calls her to the office, introduces her to the gorgeous hunk, Nate, and turns him over for Dani to prepare him for the next day.

Nate is excited to land his first teaching position and although he is confident in his skills he is flustered at having only one day to get his room and lessons prepared. He is very pleased that Dani is able to help him as he is smitten at first sight and glad to spend time getting to know her. Nate may be younger but he has his first love, broken-heart behind him and is ready to go for what he wants – which is Dani. He just has to figure out how to convince her to get over the age and ‘boss’ issues and gain her trust so she can loosen up her controls. Moving into her basement apartment gives him opportunities to woe her to his side.

Unfortunately Dani has other major concerns that will have to be addressed sooner or later. And
Nate’s ex-girlfriend makes an unexpected play to rekindle their relationship which adds one more obstacle to his relationship with Dani.

I liked the naturalness of the primary characters, Dani and Nate. The chemistry is hot and the issues are real to life. Dani’s friends, the Ladies Who Lunch, and their husbands make a nice support system and Nate’s mother, stepfather and grandpa add some interference as good secondary characters. I enjoy Ms. James writing style which makes for smooth, easy and quick reading.

My disappointment with this book was two fold. The book, especially the beginning, is liberally peppered with unnecessary words that I consider swear words. I know they have grown increasingly acceptable but I don’t like them and it effects my reading pleasure. The other issue is that the sex scenes are fairly graphic. They are done in a loving situation but by the fourth or fifth one I just skipped those pages as I wasn’t interested in the details of their bed sport.

I have enjoyed several of Ms. James’ books in the past and I looked at my review of Sealing the Deal which did not note these concerns although I did say the encounters were "bold". If the author and her editors have decided that her books need more spice through swear words and graphic sex then I guess I will have to take her off my reading list which is too bad. I am sure many readers won’t be bothered by these issues and will really enjoy the otherwise warm (I wouldn't term this as "sweet") and well-written romance. The story and romance deserve a 4.0 or better but the 3.75 rating reflects my reaction of the language and detailed sex.

I received this title from Hachette/Forever for an honest review as part of blog tour blitz . This qualifies for NetGalley Challenge.

Buy Links:

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About the author:

Sandy James lives in a quiet suburb of Indianapolis with her husband. She's a high school social studies teacher who especially loves psychology and United States history. Since she and her husband own a small stable of harness racehorses, they often spend time together at the two Indiana racetracks.

Social Media Links:

Website

Facebook

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Goodreads

Excerpt:

     This will be a great story to tell the kids one day.     Why that ridiculous thought kept tumbling through Nate’s head was beyond him. But it did.
     Your mom and I got locked in a supply closet together. That’s when we decided to start dating.
     There was a stack of papers they’d used to play what seemed like a million games of tic-tac-toe, which had been followed by hangman. Over an hour had passed, and there was no sign of the custodian.
     Funny, but he no longer minded losing all that time to get things ready for the first day of school. Instead, he found himself drawn to his pretty, witty boss.
     He recognized her perfume. Angel. Once, he’d gone to the trouble of picking a perfume he thought was the perfect scent and bought his fiancée what the salesman called a “recruitment set.” The bundle of Angel products had everything from the perfume in a star-shaped bottle to body lotion.
     Kat had hated it.
     Obviously Dani liked it as much as he did. Everything about her appealed to him and—Jesus have mercy. She was his boss. So why did he keep forgetting that?
     “My legs are getting stiff.” She struggled to stand, groping for one of the shelves. A hiss fell from her lips. “S---.”
     The pain on her face hit Nate hard, and he grabbed her arm to help steady her. “What’s wrong?”
     “Cramp. Leg cramp.” She leaned heavily on him as she got to her feet and immediately stuck out her right leg, pointing and flexing her foot. “Damn, that smarts.”
     “Where?” He didn’t want to start pawing her leg, but he wanted to help.
     “Calf.” Dani’s face tightened into a grimace again.
     Nate eased down on one knee and started rubbing her leg.
     “Nice knot you’ve got there.”
     “I think I’m dehydrated.” As he kept working on the knot, she flexed and extended her foot. “Left my water in my room.”
     “Yeah, well, neither of us expected to be here so long.” The muscle relaxed under his kneading fingers. “Getting better?”
     “Much.”
     So why couldn’t he stop touching her? When it dawned on him that he wanted to trail his fingers up her leg, to her slender thigh and beyond, he slowly stood. Her eyes were locked with his, and tension rose between them as he gently put his hands on her waist, easing her forward.
     Her head cocked just enough to show that she would allow him to kiss her. With a smile, he lowered his face to hers. With a loud rattle of the lock, the door suddenly swung open, and the sixty-something custodian stared at them wide-eyed.
     “What in the hell are you two doing?”

THE BOTTOM LINE by Sandy James (May 6, 2014; Forever Yours E-Book; The Ladies Who Lunch Book #1)

When life gets tough and love is hard to find, four friends take their troubles to lunch. Surviving a failed marriage and an illness that almost takes her life, high school teacher Mallory Hamilton needs the Ladies Who Lunch more than ever . . . 

Buy Links:

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SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED by Sandy James (July 1, 2014; Forever Yours E-Book; The Ladies Who Lunch Book #2)

When life gets tough and love is hard to find, four friends take their troubles to lunch. High school teacher Juliana Kelley tells the Ladies Who Lunch that her life needs an overhaul . . . and gets a whole lot more than she wished for.

Buy Links:

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BAM

SEALING THE DEAL by Sandy James (November 4, 2014; Forever Yours E-Book; The Ladies Who Lunch Book #3)

After losing her sister, Bethany Rogers needs a shoulder to lean on more than ever-though she never expects that shoulder to belong to her new boss . . . 

Buy Links:

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BAM

GIVEAWAY ONE: RAFFLECOPTER

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY TWO:

In addition to the Rafflecopter giveaway I get to give One Winner at this blog
an ecopy of Fringe Benefits 
from the publisher through NetGalley.

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on this review, OR

visit THE AUTHOR'S Website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open Worldwide - whoever can receive ebook through NetGalley.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) May 2, 2015.
Winners are asked to respond, within 72 hours, by the winners form linked in the announcement.

Audible Book Review: Forsaking Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 4 by A. American

There are more survivor basics and adventures in this fourth book.
Forsaking Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 4
By A. American
Narrated By Duke Fontaine
Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins
Series: Survivalist, Book 4
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:06-24-14
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Release Date: 06-24-14
Morgan Carter has weathered the weeks after the collapse of the nation's power grid, reuniting with his family and ensuring their safety, but his struggle isn't over yet. Carter must focus on survival in an increasingly unstable society - but the challenges he faces are beyond his wildest imagination. Meanwhile, the enclosed quarters of the nearby government-run refugee camp make for an environment where injury, assault and murder are the norm.

Review:
The survival saga continues in book four of this series. Morgan and his family are managing fairly well in the cabins by the lake. It is more crowded and rustic than their suburban community but the family is still together. Morgan shows the family how to forage in the swamp for natural foods and Thad is teaching the group how to make homemade soaps and other handy, old fashioned survival skills. They are staying safe for the most part except for a few thawrted attacks on their pigs.

Meanwhile Sarge and his unofficial army crew are making plans to take over the nearby government camp that is more prison and slave training than refugee camp. They know that Jess is in the camp but they don’t know how much danger she is in.

I enjoyed the educational survival details even though it isn’t necessarily exciting. There are issues of emotional stress from the society changes, including depression and degredation of morals. The matters in camp have gotten worse with Jess and her friends targeted for execution. Sarge’s plan for takeover of the camp is rather simplistic and goes surprisingly well with the exception of an unexpected twist.

This isn’t full of action and excitement like books 1 and 2 but it is still entertaining. A. American does a good job of pulling together loose ends. This might not be a book to rave about but it is a satisfactory installment, maybe even conclusion, to the series.

AUDIO NOTES: Duke Fontaine continues to do a really nice job with the narration. This was a very easy, quick and engaging listening experience.

I purchased this fourth book with my Audible subscription so I could continue the series.

My review links for the other books in the series:
Going Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 1
Surviving Home: A Novel (The Survivalist Series)
Escaping Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 3

Audible Book Review: Tricked: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 4 by Kevin Hearne

Oberon, the Irish wolfhound, plays a big role in making this fourth book fun.
Tricked: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 4
Written by: Kevin Hearne
Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 4
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:04-24-12
Publisher: Random House Audio
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Druid Atticus O’Sullivan hasn’t stayed alive for more than two millennia without a fair bit of Celtic cunning. So when vengeful thunder gods come Norse by Southwest looking for payback, Atticus, with a little help from the Navajo trickster god Coyote, lets them think that they’ve chopped up his body in the Arizona desert.
But the mischievous Coyote is not above a little sleight of paw, and Atticus soon finds that he’s been duped into battling bloodthirsty desert shape-shifters called skinwalkers. Just when the Druid thinks he’s got a handle on all the duplicity, betrayal comes from an unlikely source. If Atticus survives this time, he vows he won’t be fooled again. Famous last words.
©2012 Kevin Hearne (P)2012 Random House Audio

Review:
Atticus reluctantly helped the Vampire, Leif, kill Thor and other norse gods and beings in the battle (see Hammered). Now the Norse are out to get him and Atticus knows his days are numbered unless he can trick them into thinking he is dead. He enlists the aid of the god of Tricksters, Coyote. Of course any deal with Coyote comes with a tradeoff.

Coyote has announced that Atticus needs to help him re-establish a gold mine to help his Navaho tribe. Atticus soon learns the task is much more complicated than working with the local ground elemental. It appears that Atticus will have to kill some very vicious shape-shifters who steal human, as well as animal, skins.

Atticus has to fend off attacks from another goddess as well as try to disengage himself from Leif who claims he needs Atticus’ help to win back the vampire’s territory. Things are just never simple in Atticus’s world.

This is the fourth book of an engaging series. We learn a little more of Atticus’ history as we wonder about the relationship between him and his apprentis, Granuaile. I enjoyed the flashback on the death arrangements that had to be sufficient to convince local authorities, some who had targetted Atticus. There is plenty of action although the final attack in this one is a bit over the edge far-fetched. The telepathic dialogue and friendship between Atticus and his faithful Irish wolfhound, Oberon, made this installment even more fun for me. I recommend this series to those looking an unusal hero with lots of action and humor to entertain the reader.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels continues to add to this series with his wonderful narration. He successfully manages different voices to fit the characters and his portrayal of Oberon is lol fun. If you enjoy action and fun audios, I recommend you try this series.

I picked this from my own Audible TBR library.

Audible Book Review; Print Giveaway: Rapture in Death by J. D. Robb

Another fast paced listen!

Rapture in Death: In Death, Book 4

• UNABRIDGED
• by J. D. Robb
• Narrated by Susan Ericksen

Genre: Crime Thriller
My Rating:  4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary:
They died with smiles on their faces. Three apparent suicides: a brilliant engineer, an infamous lawyer, and a controversial politician. Three strangers with nothing in common - and no obvious reasons for killing themselves. Police lieutenant Eve Dallas found the deaths suspicious. And her instincts paid off when autopsies revealed small burns on the brains of the victims. Was it a genetic abnormality or a high-tech method of murder?

Eve's investigation turned to the provocative world of virtual reality games - where the same techniques used to create joy and desire could also prompt the mind to become the weapon of its own destruction.

Crack another case with Eve Dallas.

Review: This is the fourth story in this great series.
Eve and Rourke are finishing up their honeymoon when they are disrupted by an apparent suicide of one of the employees. There is no reason for the young man to kill himself and the death scene is odd with the man hanging naked with a smile on his face.

Soon Eve is called to another death scene which again appears to be a suicide with the victim, a brutal defense attorney, naked and smiling.  But neither the man’s lover nor Eve believe he would kill himself.

Next Eve is pulled in to talk down a high profile journalist who is threatening to jump off a building ledge.  The naked woman is happily raving and almost takes Eve with her. Eve learns of another death of a controversial politician and her persistence, and a bit of stretching the rules, helps to find evidence of a burn spot on the brains of three of the victims. Now Eve is even more convinced that something, or someone, is triggering these deaths.

While Eve struggles with the investigations, her good friend Mavis is cutting a song demo. The music producer is very eager to get support from Eve and Roarke. They don’t realize at first that they have some intensely wild behavior each time they listen to the demo music. But an uncontrollable incident makes Eve suspect that the bizarre deaths are being instigated by music and possibly a new virtual reality headset. Although Eve has a suspect, he doesn’t fit all the profiles and they are having trouble linking him to the deaths.

There is plenty of fast paced momentum in the mystery with clues and misdirection as to the culprit(s). The personalities and interactions of the characters is wonderfully human and engaging.  Even though Mavis might drive you crazy she is an eccentric change of pace in the characters. I enjoy Peabody’s (Eve’s new officer assistant) directness and wry wit and Feeney’s (Eve’s former partner) dependable support and talents that complement Eve’s efforts.

The narrator does a fine job with all the accents and the high energy and pace of the book. I listened to it in two days!

Three word description: Intense, intriguing, “mag” (as Mavis would say, which I think means magnificent!)

This series consists of 33 full length novels plus a few Novellas and a few in anthologies.  I will be starting book 5 very soon and I read one out of sequence last year. If anyone wants to join this challenge let me know and I will set up a linky.

I listened to the Audible version but I had a used copy of the book.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE USED PAPERBACK COPY of Rapture in Death:
If you have already read this book tell me about it and if you win this giveaway you may pick from the review or ARC books and I'll award this book to another winner.


1.Mandatory entry: Visit the author's website and tell me the title of another of the books or the full name of one of the characters.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry tell me if you have a series you like enough to do as a challenge.

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Five total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only. (So sorry this can't be international. The book is available at Book Depository though.)
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on June 24, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.