Audible Book Review: The Name of the Wind (Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1) by Patrick Rothfuss

I can get lost in Kvothe's world and adventures.

The Name of the Wind
(Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1)
By: Patrick Rothfuss
Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Series: Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1
Length: 27 hrs and 55 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-15-09
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Action Adventure, Epic Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; 4.5 Story and 5.0 Narration

DAY ONE: THE NAME OF THE WIND
My name is Kvothe.
I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.
You may have heard of me.
So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature - the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man’s search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.
©2009 DAW Trade (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
This book introduces the bright red-haired Kote as the innkeeper at the Waystone Inn, where he has made a quiet life, trying to stay out of the limelight. Chronicler, a scribe historian, stops at the Inn and bargains to write Kote’s – or more accurately, the legendary Kvothe’s - story. So the tale begins.

Kvothe is part of a family troupe of entertainers. He is tutored by an arcanist who joined the troupe for a time and the eager young scholar longs to go to the University for arcanists. Then tragedy strikes when everyone in the caravan is killed by an assassin group, the Chandrain, who most believe to be a myth, or at very least, the stuff of legends. Kvothe escapes and runs into the woods in a shocked state of grief. After a time, he travels to a city where he is attacked and loses his most treasured possession, his lute. He soon learns to fend for himself and avoid the gangs just to survive.

After three years Kvothe, at 15, takes off to the University hoping to gain entrance. He does want to study but he also hopes to find out the secrets of the Chandrain. Kvothe impresses the chancellors and is accepted. He has struggles, makes some wonderful friends and fearsome enemies. He breaks rules and bears through punishment. He scrapes by with little and every time he manages to get some funds ahead, he plunges off on a misadventure.

This is a coming of age, action adventure story that is written with skill in language and world building. The words flow with a music that fits the tale: sometimes silence, sometimes gentle, must often troubled. The characters are well developed and the world is woven with strong detail. I had to pay attention at the beginning to sort the characters and get the gist of the story. As the book progressed, I was caught up in Kvothe’s troubles feeling his pains and few moments of joy. It is a long book – almost 28 hours on audio - but I was engaged all the way to the end. At some time I plan to continue with book 2 which is an even more intimidating 43 hours! I recommend this to readers who enjoy epic fantasy.

Audio Notes: Nick Podehl does a superb job with the narration. He captures the mystery, aloofness, sneers and other emotions, making the characters come alive. He maintains strong energy sharing as a good storyteller. I am very glad that I listened to this on audio.

Source: 2012 Audible. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook and 2019Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Storm Glass (Harbinger Book 1) by Jeff Wheeler

This has strong world building and engaging characters.
Storm Glass
(Harbinger, Book 1)
By: Jeff Wheeler
Narrated by: Kate Rudd

Series: The Harbinger Series, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 43 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-19-18
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Epic, Fantasy, Historical
My Rating: 4.25 0f 5.0

Publisher's Summary
From the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Kingfountain Series comes the first novel in a bold and richly imagined world.
Theirs is a world of opposites. The privileged live in sky manors held aloft by a secretive magic known only as the Mysteries. Below, the earthbound poor are forced into factory work to maintain the engine of commerce. Only the wealthy can afford to learn the Mysteries, and they use their knowledge to further lock their hold on society.
Cettie Pratt is a waif doomed to the world below, until an admiral attempts to adopt her. But in her new home in the clouds, not everyone treats her as one of the family.
Sera Fitzempress is a princess born into power. She yearns to meet the orphan girl she has heard so much about, but her father deems the girl unworthy of his daughter’s curiosity.
Neither girl feels that she belongs. Each seeks to break free of imposed rules. Now, as Cettie dreams of living above and as Sera is drawn to the world below, they will follow the paths of their own choosing.
But both girls will be needed for the coming storm that threatens to overturn both their worlds.
©2018 Jeff Wheeler (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Review:
Cettie is one of the abandoned orphans in the below, earthbound world. This is the world forced to struggle and slave to help maintain a world where only the wealthy are allowed to learn the Mysteries of the world in the clouds. Cettie is plagued by nightmare dreams of an evil ghost whom she keeps at bay only by surrounding herself with the other orphaned children. One night Fitzroy, an admiral from the upper world, finds Cettie and the starving children. Fitzroy banishes the ghost and Cettie finds the courage to beg him to help her. He takes her to his home in the clouds while he takes steps to adopt her.

Sera is an only child born to a wealthy and powerful family. Her parents are more concerned with their power then embracing their child. And to protect her they have sheltered her and kept her away from children her own age. She is distracted during lessons, always dreaming of the world beyond her sight. Her father is frustrated by her lack of diligence and isolates her even more. Sara has heard rumors of the orphaned girl from the world below and envies her experiences in the world. She longs to meet Cettie but her father prohibits any contact.

Although Cettie suffers from those in the household with prejudiced views, she never gives up. Cettie helps Fitzroy make an extremely important scientific discovery. As this book draws to a close it is clear that this discovery is going to change things significantly for Cettie. Somehow Sera will be involved with the change as things progress in book two.

The world building is not so unusual in its extreme class systems, but it is extremely well developed with a great steampunk feel. The steampunk elements include airborne ships and experiments with elements from Fitzroy’s mines. The Mysteries are not fully disclosed but are hinted at as part of the history and power structure of the society. There is good action, tension, mystery and suspense. The characters are well developed and share common traits of curiosity about their world although they come from opposite perspectives. I loved Cettie’s courage and caring for others. I even have some sympathy for Sera too.

I read The Banished of Muirwood, book 1 in the Covenant of Muirwood, by Wheeler which also had good world building but seemed like I had missed elements from a prior series. Storm Glass seems to start a new world and it was easy to become engaged in the plotline. I am looking forward to listening to book 2, Mirror Gate, soon. I recommend this to those who enjoy rich fantasy with supernatural and magical mysteries.

Audio Notes: Kate Rudd is an excellent narrator. She gives the characters their appropriate voices and got me immersed in the world. I fully enjoyed the audio and will listen to the next book in the series.

Source: Audible title December 2018. This is part of my 2018 Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die by April Henry

This mystery has great suspense and tension.
The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die
By: April Henry
Narrated by: Cristina Panfilio

Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-11-13
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Audio.

Publisher's Summary
"Take her out back and finish her off."
She doesn’t know who she is. She doesn’t know where she is, or why. All she knows when she comes to in a ransacked cabin is that there are two men arguing over whether or not to kill her.
And that she must run.
In her riveting style, April Henry crafts a nail-biting thriller involving murder, identity theft, and biological warfare. Follow Cady and Ty (her accidental savior turned companion), as they race against the clock to stay alive.
©2013 April Henry (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Cady was kidnapped and tortured for information. When the kidnappers were done with her she was supposed to be killed. Instead she struggled and surprisingly escaped. She is on the run knowing that she is being hunted. She manages to get a young man to help her, pulling Ty into her run from death. They don’t know who to trust or where to hide since the evil men always seem one step behind them and have framed her for a crime in order to pull her in.

The author does a clear presentation in first person with good confusion, mystery and tension expressed through the fear of the character. The story is full of twists, turns and great tension. Although the characters are young and don't always think things through, I was pulled into the story from the beginning and it moved quickly with the suspense. I am glad I picked this up as a daily deal. I will look for more by Ms. Henry. This is suitable for young people as well as adults.

Audio Notes: Cristina Panfilio did a good job with the narration. She portrayed the young voices and gave the characters energy. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: Audible March, 2017 Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for Audiobook Challenge and 2018TBR.

Audible Book Review: The Lilac Bouquet by Carolyn Brown

This is a lovely, engaging story!

The Lilac Bouquet
By: Carolyn Brown
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley


Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-28-17
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Audio.

Publisher's Summary
Come hell or high water, Emmy Jo Massey will have a wedding. After three generations of Massey women with children out of wedlock, she wants the whole town of Hickory, Texas, to witness the legitimacy of her union with Logan Grady. But dream weddings aren't cheap. So she accepts a highly lucrative stint as a home health assistant to retired realtor, and town recluse, Seth Thomas - a decision her great-grandmother Tandy is dead-set against.
Seth isn't happy about it, either. The eighty-two-year-old doesn't want a "babysitter" - much less a Massey - something he makes clear when Emmy arrives at his house, an empty mansion built for the woman who broke his heart. But as Emmy stays and the two eventually open up to each other, she learns the reason behind a feud between Seth, Tandy, and Logan's grandfather Jesse Grady that goes back six decades. She also uncovers a secret that forever changes how she sees her past and her future...
©2017 Carolyn Brown (P)2017 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Emmy Jo Massey is a young woman who comes from a family of unwed mothers. Emmy is determined on getting married to her fiance, Logan Grady, so the whole town will know about it. The problem is that their great-grandparents are part of a long time feud, which includes the town recluse, Seth Thomas. These three won't be in the same room together, much less speak to each other. Emmy takes a job as a home health provider to Seth over the objection of Her great-grandmother, Tandy. Seth isn't thrilled with having a Massey in his home either. Emmy is intent on earning the money to help cover her wedding costs and now she is intent on unraveling the secret of the animosity of the people she wants to share her joy with.

Emmy is a lovely character and her determination and sunshine break down the walls of the frozen, bitter hearts around her. The secrets of the past are slowly revealed and evoke emotions of anger and sadness at the wasted years. There were choices that were made and some terrible treatment, even, or especially, by some so-claimed Christians. There are Biblical themes gently shared through the story. The story was an easy read/listen with engaging twists that kept it interesting. It addresses more family, people issues than just a romance. I hope to read more by Carolyn Brown.

Audio Notes: I was very comfortable with the narration by Brittany Pressley. I can't speak to the accuracy of the accents but I enjoyed the voices for the characters. THe narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: Audible January 2018 Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge and a 2018 title for Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Frankenstein: Prodigal Son by Dean Koontz

Surprisingly engaging with underlying questions.

Frankenstein: Prodigal Son

By: Dean Koontz

Narrated by: Christopher Lane

Series: Frankenstein, Book 1

Series: Frankenstein, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-04-17
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Horror
My Rating: Story 4.0 of 5.0; Narration 5.0

Publisher's Summary
From the celebrated imagination of Dean Koontz comes a powerful reworking of one of the classic stories of all time. If you think you know the legend, you know only half the truth. Here is the mystery, the myth, the terror, and the magic of...
Every city has its secrets. But none as terrible as this. He is Deucalion, a tattooed man of mysterious origin, a sleight-of-reality artist who has traveled the centuries with a secret worse than death. He arrives in New Orleans as a serial killer stalks the streets, a killer who carefully selects his victims for the humanity that is missing in himself. Deucalion's path will lead him to cool, tough police detective Carson O'Connor and her devoted partner, Michael Maddison, who are tracking the slayer but will soon discover signs of something far more terrifying: an entire race of killers who are much more - and less - than human and, deadliest of all, their deranged, near-immortal maker: Victor Helios - once known as Frankenstein.
©2005 Dean Koontz (P)2017 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Review:
The story caught my interest from the start. Further in I didn't want to put it down. I was fully engaged and enjoying the characters (the good guys). The primary villain is horrible and it is fascinating to see how his creations are slowly breaking out of his planned control. I was captured by the narration and intrigued at the implications of seeking happiness and meaning in life by the created monsters. I was caught up in the protagonist's transformation .. and then the ending! Arrgh! I had forgotten this was the first in a series.

I was surprised by the imagination and depth, although perhaps I shouldn’t have been since Koontz is a well known and accomplished author. I know some of his books are off the edge horror, but this one is creepy and wonderfully strange without being really scary horror.

I found this to be a little drawn out to get where it is going. Still, the characters, including villains, are well drawn and the story moves well. I recommend this for those who enjoy the idea of a Frankenstein monster with a heart fighting a truly evil megalomaniac.

Audio Notes: I found the narration by Christopher Lane to be spot on for the tone and intent of the story. It is a great entertaining experience.

Koontz is the author of one of my favorite time travel titles: Lightning.
Source: Audible Daily Deal $3.95 6/3/2018. This qualifies for Audiobook Challenge and 2018 title for Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: The Search by Nora Roberts

This is solid romantic suspense with the bonus of dog training tips.

The Search
By: Nora Roberts
Narrated by: Tanya Eby

Length: 14 hrs and 53 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-06-10
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
To most people, Fiona Bristow seems to have an idyllic life: a quaint house on an island off Seattle’s coast, a thriving dog-training school, and a challenging volunteer job performing canine search and rescue. Not to mention her three intensely loyal Labs. But Fiona got to this point by surviving a nightmare.
Several years ago, she was the only survivor of a serial killer - a madman who stalked and abducted young women, strangled them, and left them buried with a red scarf on their bodies. As authorities were closing in on the Red Scarf Killer, he shot and killed Fiona’s cop fiancé and his K-9 partner.
On Orcas Island, Fiona has found the peace and solitude she needed to rebuild her life. Yet all that changes on the day Simon Doyle barrels up her drive, desperate for her help. He’s the reluctant owner of an out-of-control puppy, foisted upon him by his mother. Jaws has eaten through Simon’s house, and he’s at his wit’s end.
To Fiona, Jaws is nothing she can’t handle. Simon is another matter. A newcomer to Orcas, he’s a rugged and intensely private artist, known for creating exquisite furniture. Simon never wanted a puppy, and he most definitely doesn’t want a woman. Besides, the lanky redhead is not his type. But tell that to the laws of attraction.
As Fiona embarks on training Jaws and as Simon begins to appreciate both dog and trainer, the past tears back into Fiona’s life. A copycat killer has emerged out of the shadows, a man whose bloodlust has been channeled by a master with one motive: to reclaim the woman who slipped out of his hands.
©2010 Nora Roberts (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Fiona escaped from a serial killer several years ago. Fiona's experience from the past has shaped who she is today - fiercely independent and determined not to be a victim again. She has a successful business training dogs…and their owners. She is also an important leader in the local search and rescue team.

Simon is an interesting male protagonist. His mother gave him a puppy and he, or really they, need serious help. He is very singular, insular... until love sneaks up on him. There is good involvement with the dog training which fills a lot of the story.

This is solid romantic suspense The suspense with the serial killer is almost almost secondary to the romantic development. Of course the danger sets Simon into a protective mode even as he begins reluctantly.

There are a couple of rescue searches that add to the depth of the story. The story moves at a good pace with good blending of the dog training techniques, romantic tension and underlying danger. There is more of the "f" word than I like but I was able to skip over it for the most part.

Nora Roberts is pretty reliable as an author delivering strong characters and romance with good tension. I recommend this to readers who like dog training and romantic suspense.

Audio Notes: Tanya Eby's narration isn't the best that I have heard. It is a little soft and has a sort of choppy delivery. After awhile I got used to it and fortunately the story carried the presentation.

Source: 2012 Audible Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Portrait in Death by J.D. Robb

This has warm romance to offset a creepy killer.
Portrait in Death
In Death, book 16
By: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Series: In Death, Book 16
Length: 14 hrs and 2 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-06-13
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Female Detective, Mystery
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
After a tip from a reporter, Eve Dallas finds the body of a young woman in a Delancey Street dumpster. Just hours before, the news station had mysteriously received a portfolio of professional portraits of the woman. The photos seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary for any pretty young woman starting a modeling career. Except that she wasn't a model. And that these photos were taken after she had been murdered. Now Dallas is on the trail of a killer who's a perfectionist and an artist. He carefully observes and records his victim's every move. And he has a mission: to own every beautiful young woman's innocence, to capture her youth and vitality - in one fateful shot....
©2003 Nora Roberts (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
This episode kicks off with Eve looking forward to peace at home as Roark’s majordomo, Summerset, is set to leave on vacation. A misstep causes a delay in that happy plan.

Eve gets a dead body tip from her reporter friend, Nadine. They stand at odds when Eve first refuses Nadine access at the crime scene and then demands that Nadine turn over any files and photos she has regarding the killing.

The photos show a young woman staged as a model – in death. Eve has no witnesses, but several suspects emerge as they pick apart the photos. She must discover an artist obsessed with capturing the innocence and vitality of his victims.

While Eve is busy investigating, Roarke learns a disturbing bit of his own history that causes him to withdraw into himself. The resulting tension and make up scenes are a strong part of this book. JD Robb (Nora Roberts) does an exquisite job of conveying Roarke’s pain, anger and withdrawal. Eve has to fight to get him to share what he has learned. Then, as he has often supported her, she must make an effort to be there when he needs her. This was a wonderfully warm romance element during the investigation of a twisted killer.

The usual great dialogue rapport is present between Eve and Roarke and with Eve’s team members, Peabody, McNab, Baxter and Feeney. There are also moments with Nadine, Summerset and Mavis. All fun and feisty. There is some bad language and of course grittiness related to murders. Still, this provides engaging characters with new mysteries in each book. I recommend the series to those who enjoy strong female detectives hunting down twisted killers.

Audible Notes: Susan Ericksen is the voice of these characters. She portrays each with a unique voice and energy suitable to their character. It is a pleasure to listen to this series which sometimes keeps me up too late. As always, this is great entertainment and narrated with skill and personality.

Source: Audible 2016 sale purchase. This qualifies for Audiobook, TBR and "P" for my Alphabet 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: Ubik by Philip K. Dick

I enjoyed this suitably ironic Vintage Sci Fi.

Ubik
By: Philip K. Dick
Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 04-28-16
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Classic, Sci Fi, Vintage
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
A mind-bending, classic Philip K. Dick novel about the perception of reality.
Named as one of Time's 100 best books.
Glen Runciter runs a lucrative business - deploying his teams of anti-psychics to corporate clients who want privacy and security from psychic spies. But when he and his top team are ambushed by a rival, he is gravely injured and placed in "half-life," a dreamlike state of suspended animation. Soon, though, the surviving members of the team begin experiencing some strange phenomena, such as Runciter's face appearing on coins and the world seeming to move backward in time. As consumables deteriorate and technology gets ever more primitive, the group needs to find out what is causing the shifts and what a mysterious product called Ubik has to do with it all.
©1969 Philip K. Dick (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Joe Chip is sort of an everyday guy who works a special job for Glen Runciter’s security business. Joe operates the test systems to determine the level of skills of anti-psychics who are hired by Runciter’s firm. Joe has brought a new employee to be hired who has a unique but dangerous skill.

In the world where Runciter and Chip live, people can be put into a suspended “half-life” right before they die. Runciter’s wife and partner, Ella, is in such a state. Runciter meets with Ella to get her advice when troubles arise, like facing the challenge of a rival company.

The rival manages an ambush against the team that puts Runciter into “half-life” and leaves the team in shock. Soon members of the team begin to die and the world around them twists with Joe seeing strange messages that seem to be coming from Runciter and in a product called Ubik. It isn’t clear what the product is as it changes from one chapter to the next, but it is always described as “safe when used as directed”.

Joe realizes that the team members are dying when they become separated. He does his best to pull them together but the world around them is deteriorating and the means of travel are retrograding from teleporting to planes to trains to automobiles. This makes it more difficult to keep the group together while they try to decipher the clues.

I enjoyed the rather crazy events, the clues and twists. It can be confusing but if you stick with it the twists become understandable and the ending pulled together. This is the type of futuristic, sci fi irony I have learned to enjoy in the vintage stories. I recommend this to sci fi fans.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels does a fine job with the voices managing the various nuances of the characters. He captures the sardonic irony of the story. I am glad I listened to this in audio.

Source: Audible Daily Deal 2017. I listened to this for Vintage Sci Fi. This qualifies for 2018 TBR, Audiobook and Alphabet challenges.

Audible Book Review: Purity in Death: In Death, Book 15 by J.D. Robb

I enjoyed the plot and character interaction in this addition to this highly entertaining series.

Purity in Death: In Death, Book 15
Written by: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Series: In Death, Book 15
Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 05-15-13
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Female Detective, Mystery, Police Procedures
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Louie Cogburn had spent three days holed up in his apartment, staring at his computer screen. His pounding headache was unbearable - like spikes drilling into his brain. And it was getting worse. Finally, when someone knocked at his door, Louie picked up a baseball bat, opened the door, and started swinging...
The first cop on the scene fired his stunner twice and Louie died instantly. Detective Eve Dallas has taken over the investigation, but there's nothing to explain the man's sudden rage or death. The only clue is a bizarre message left on his computer screen: Absolute Purity Achieved.
And when a second man dies under nearly identical circumstances, Dallas starts racking her brain for answers and for courage to face the impossible... that this might be a computer virus able to spread from machine to man....
©2013 J. D. Robb (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Eve begins a new investigation when called to the scene of a brutal killing. The killer was violently bludgeoning his neighbors with a baseball bat. Officer Trueheart took a few hits before he shot the man to stop him. The investigation quickly reveals that the killer, Louie Cogburn, was a sleaze bag criminal who spent hours on the computer which held the last message on the screen: “Purity has been achieved.” The case expands as more computer deaths are called in with the same screen message.

Eve pulls together her core team - Peabody, McNab, Feeney, and her husband, Roarke, as a civilian consultant - and begins the hunt for the Purity terrorists. News reporter Nadine adds to the tension and psychiatrist/profiler Dr. Mira steps in to help calm things when needed and even zany Mavis has a surprise to offer.

As usual, I enjoyed the well laid out plot and the teams work to get the conspirators. There is a nice blend of human life in this story as Eve deals with injured officers and shows a bit of the warmth and caring that lies hidden but fuels her drive to be a cop for the people.

The only thing I didn’t care for in this book was it seemed to be filled with anger. It opens with frustration and annoyance enhanced by the heat of summer. There is a lot of shouting and I was thankful for Roarke stepping in at times with his cool confidence that helps to center Eve.
I recommend this highly entertaining series to mystery lovers who like a tough female cop with great sidekick characters.

Audio Notes: Susan Ericksen does her usual superb job of narrating these characters. I think the angry/heat tone was part of the story and Susan captured it in the narration… for good or bad. Her voices are filled with personality and it makes listening to the series that much more enjoyable.

This is from my Audible TBR and qualifies for Mount TBR and Audio Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Into the Black: Odyssey One by Evan Currie

This is an engaging first contact, space military adventure.
Into the Black: Odyssey One
Written by: Evan Currie
Narrated by: Benjamin L. Darcie

Length: 14 hrs and 55 mins
Series: Odyssey One, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-27-12
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Space Opera, Military Action
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Beyond the confines of our small world, far from the glow of our star, lie a galaxy and universe much larger and more varied than anyone on Earth can possibly imagine. For the new NAC spacecraft Odyssey and her crew, the unimaginable facets of this untouched world are about to become reality. The Odyssey's maiden voyage is an epic adventure destined to make history.
Captain Eric Weston and his crew encounter horrors, wonders, monsters, and people; all of which will test their resolve, challenge their abilities, and put in sharp relief what is necessary to be a hero.
A first-rate military-science-fiction epic that combines old-school space opera and modern storytelling, Into the Black: Odyssey One is a riveting, exhilarating adventure with vivid details, rich mythology, and relentless pacing.
©2012 Evan Currie (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
The Odyssey is the first spacecraft sent out from earth with a crew culled from the best of the best. They were really on a test mission, intended to see what the Odyssey can manage and do a little exploring beyond the Solar System. They didn’t plan upon warping into the debris of a devastating battle…and rescuing a survivor. Now they know there are other human races in the universe… and other unknown, and apparently brutal, alien beings.

Captain Weston is new to the position of North American Confederation (NAC) spaceship captain but he is a battle experienced pilot having led the legendary Archangel Flight Group, the specialized fighter units. Weston tries to return their rescued passenger to her nearest planet world only to find an unimaginable situation. Now he must decide if he jumps out of this galaxy to return home or flies into a battle that isn’t their business… or is it?

The characters are likeable and I wasn’t bothered by some familiarity among the ranks that wouldn’t be expected in a real military protocols. The other galaxy human characters have different backgrounds, views and technology that make the interaction interesting. The space travel tachyon (dissolving and restoring particles) is creepy and pretty disturbing, even to the characters. It wasn’t quite clear to me if the alien species is tech or ‘insect’ but their behaviors were engaging, if devastating.

The story moves at a good pace with action and mystery pulling my interest. I admit I spent a couple of nights listening later than I should. I recommend this as a fun, action packed ride to readers who like space opera and first contact genre.

Audio Notes: Benjamin L. Darcie does a nice job with the narration. He presents varied voices and captures the feel of the different characters. The narration moves at a good pace and enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

I picked this from my Audible TBR shelf for Mount TBR, Audiobook Challenge, and "I" in my Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: The Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

This is a dark, yet charmingly creative, tale of loss suitable to help young people who have a loved one facing serious illness.
A Monster Calls: Inspired by an Idea from Siobhan Dowd
Written by: Patrick Ness
Narrated by: Jason Isaacs

Length: 3 hrs and 59 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-23-11
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Teens, Fantasy, Family
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The monster showed up after midnight. As they do. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting. He’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming.... This monster, though, is something different. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor. It wants the truth. Patrick Ness spins a tale from the final story idea of Siobhan Dowd, whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself.

Darkly mischievous and painfully funny, A Monster Calls is an extraordinarily moving novel about coming to terms with loss from two of our finest writers for young adults.

©2011 Patrick Ness (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Conor is a troubled youth. He has suffered nightmares since his mother started her treatments. Nightmares with darkness, wind, cliffs and screaming. Conor struggles to be left alone in school although he is caught between the taunting bullies and the pitying teachers who cut him too much slack because of what he is dealing with at home.

One night, at 12:07am exactly, the Monster arrives at his window. Not the monster from his nightmares, but one rather closer to home. Conor sort of recognizes the Monster as the ancient yew tree that grows behind their house, up the hill, beside the old church. The Monster insists that he has been called to help Conor get through the nightmares… to the truth. The Monster tells three stories with the instructions that Conor is to tell the final, fourth story. Conor might think it is just a dream except for the leaves in his room one night and the poison yew berries all over his floor another night.

Even when Conor’s grandmother takes charge of him and moves him temporarily to her home, the Monster still shows up. The stories the Monster tells don’t really make sense to Conor, although the Monster will try to explain before their time is over. It all has to do with the unreliability of appearances, the vagaries of men, self deception, responsibility and the frailties of life.

This made me realize the impact that illness can have on others around a patient -- the children and the parents.  Especially children old enough to struggle with the idea of losing their beloved parent. The story is wonderfully imaginative even if a little on the dark side. I could see it being a helpful story to be shared when an older tween or younger teen who is facing illness, and mortality, in a family member.

Audio Notes: Jason Isaacs does a lovely job with the narration. He provides just the right accents to match the characters and convey the darkness of the Monster that is tempered with his caring nature. The narration evokes the appropriate emotions of fear, pain, despair, frustration and love. The audio is a great experience.

This was a story from my Audible TBR shelf. It qualifies for 2017 Audio Book Challenge, Mount TBR and "M" in Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: For Honor We Stand: Man of War, Book 2 by H. Paul Honsinger

I enjoy the action and smart characters in this space military series.
For Honor We Stand: Man of War, Book 2
Written by: H. Paul Honsinger
Narrated by: Ray Chase

Length: 14 hrs and 37 mins
Series: Man of War, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-11-14
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Sci Fi, Military Space Opera
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In 2315, the Earth Union is losing a 30-year-long war with the Krag Hegemony.
Having encountered the Krag before, Space Commander Max Robicheaux now faces daunting challenges aboard the USS Cumberland: The dangers from the enemy without…and clashes with crew and superiors within.
Meanwhile, Doctor Sahin receives a coded message summoning him to a secret meeting which aims to forge an alliance that could change the balance of power in Known Space. But first, he must circumvent the fighter ships and heavily armed troops of the traitorous emir bent on killing him before he reaches the negotiating table.
Both men must call upon their developing skills and growing friendship to bear the burden of carrying between the Krag Hegemony and the Earth Union a fateful ultimatum and the shocking answer: An answer that could spell eternal slavery, or even extinction, for all humankind.
The second novel in the Man of War series, For Honor We Stand continues the galactic naval adventures of Robicheaux and Sahin.
©2013 H. Paul Honsinger (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Space Commander Max is continuing to face danger in this action packed series. Max has to think - on his feet in tight circumstances and with his sly cunning - in order to prevail in the face of being outnumbered and outgunned by the Krag, a vicious reptilian enemy. The Krag, with their superior technology and weapons, continue to seek annihilation of inferior species.

The ship doctor, Doctor Sabin, receives a cryptic message calling him to a clandestine meeting. Max and Sabin are then ordered to proceed as an ambassador to negotiate a new alliance. Although the kingdom has long said they would remain neutral they are beginning to recognize that the Krag are a threat to all human species, including their own. The new leader seeks an alliance but there is a traitorous rival power who has set out to block any alliance. This is just one more obstacle for Max to overcome…or maybe ram his way through to pursue mission goals.

Max’s ship, the Cumberland, fresh from repairs, receives orders for a new mission. Not into battle this time but as an escort. And more problematic, Max isn’t the commander of the mission. Instead he and another battle escort ship have to take orders from a pompous leader who has never served in battle. Max is sure that the plans of this unskilled leader spell disaster for the mission and he and his new friend, the other escort captain, may have to risk their careers if they want to safely complete the mission.

Max’s antics gain respect even from the fearsome Krag. There are fascinating interactions with the Krag which give depths to their motivations and lead to an intense ending moment for this book.

While all of the battle action continues, the author shares crew dynamics as they continue to improve in their training. The author does a wonderful job showing the importance of respect and caring that make the crew successful under Max. I love the dialogue between Max and Sabin (see screen shot below) and I love how Max cares for and interacts with the young members of the crew. The author does a great job sharing insight to Max's past through some of this interaction.

This series offers a full range of elements: wonderful action, engaging war and battle tactics, creative nations and heartwarming crew relationships. In addition to all of that I like the prose and phrasing that you might not expect in a military space story. I will definitely be getting book three for more wonderful entertainment.

Audio Notes: Ray Chase does a great job of narrating the touch of snark as well as the ingenious smarts of Max and the rest of his crew. He also successfully portrays the other species and makes the listening flow with excitement.

This is from my Audible TBR Library (credit pick in 2015). It qualifies for my Audio Challenge and “F” in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

A sample of dialogue between Max and Doctor Sabin:

Audible Book Review: Seduction in Death: In Death, Book 13 by J. D. Robb

This is another entertaining crime investigation with two of my fav characters, Eve and Roarke.
Seduction in Death: In Death, Book 13
Written by: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins
Series: In Death, Book 13
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-15-13
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Crime Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Dante had been courting his victim in cyberspace for weeks before meeting her in person. A few sips of wine and a few hours later, she was dead. The murder weapon: a rare, usually undetectable date-rape drug with a street value of a quarter million dollars. Detective Eve Dallas is playing and replaying the clues in her mind. The candlelight, the music, the rose petals strewn across the bed - a seduction meant for his benefit, not hers. He hadn't intended to kill her. But now that he has, he is left with only two choices: to either hole up in fear and guilt or start hunting again....
©2001 Nora Roberts (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Eve Dallas knows that evil comes in all shapes and sizes. She is a detective who fights for the innocent dead. The latest victim is a young woman who had fallen onto the sidewalk from her high up apartment. Eve quickly recognizes that the death is not a suicide. The evidence shows that someone romanced her with flowers and wine. Eve correctly suspects she died from an accidental, but lethal, overdose or mix of rare date-rape drugs.

The security cameras caught images of the perpetrator, and he left a trail of fingerprints and DNA. But none of that is in the system and it appears that not even his face is real. Eve and her team are going to have to go the long route to track down the expensive shoes, clothing, flowers, wine, wig, make-up traces and, most importantly, the hard to get drugs, in an effort to tie them to the killer.

A few nights later another young woman is found murdered. This time the death is clearly not accidental - it is intentional and brutal. There is no trace evidence left at the scene of this fragile young woman. Either the killer is upping his game or there is more than one person involved.

Eve is determined, as always, to get the killer(s) before more young ladies die. She isn’t beyond using a little computer help from Roarke who is brought on board as a civilian consultant to help Eve think more like a man in this process of seduction.

The plot is detailed, a bit gritty because of the sexual/rape nature of the crimes, and has effective twists. JD Robb (Nora Roberts) does a wonderful job weaving personal character issues (this episode has the estranged romance between Peabody and McNab) in the background of the crime investigation. This story also reveals the crimes from the view of the killer(s) which adds interest. These books are always reliable entertainment and I will continue to download and listen to them as there is a long list ahead.

Audio Notes: Susan Erickson does her usual wonderful job of narrating this series. She has these characters pinned with personality and voice. I really enjoy listening to the books as I can follow them while doing mindless chores - vacuuming, folding laundry, etc. It makes for enjoyable and productive use of my time.

I purchased this with an Audible credit to continue in the series. This qualifies for my 2015 Audio Challenge.

Audible Book Review: The Beast Master by Andre Norton

I enjoyed this engaging, ‘vintage’ sci fi story.
The Beast Master
Written by: Andre Norton
Narrated by: Richard J. Brewer

Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins
Series: Beast Master, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-15-09
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Left homeless by the war that reduced Terra to a radioactive cinder, Hosteen Storm - Navaho commando and master of beasts - is drawn to the planet Arzor, to kill a man he has never met.
On that dangerous frontier world, aliens and human colonists share the land in an uneasy truce. But something is upsetting the balance, and Storm is caught in the middle. He had thought the war was over - but was it?
©2005 Andre Norton; (P)2009 Brilliance Audio

Review:
Hosteen Storm was raised on Terra where he learned Navaho discipline and gentle but firm handling of animals. When war decimated his home world of Terra he became a commando for the Planetary Confederacy forces with a designation as beast master. His superior was reluctant to let him go due to the volubility of the Terran survivors. But Storm has survived a year without incident and there is no apparent reason for his superiors to withhold permission for him to travel to Arzor, a frontier world. Storm travels with his special team with whom he has special telepathic abilities: two meercats, a dune cat and an eagle.

Storm has not let anyone know his history and the reason he seeks access to Arzor. Storm makes his way on the frontier planet by proving his value to a man hired to drive cattle and horses. Storm shows his skills by managing a horse who is added to his team.

One of the other drivers is immediately hostile to Storm who has learned to observe carefully and watch over his shoulders. Storm makes a friend with a young Norbie who is a native people whose anatomy precludes them from vocal talk so they have developed sign language that Storm picks up fairly quickly. It seems their culture is very similar to that of Storm's early life. But there are other native tribes and natural land hazards, including floods and huge beasts, that threaten the men on their trek.

The crew reaches a way-station after surviving the wild hazards. There Storm runs into the man he is seeking but he is surprised and unprepared for the character of the man. Storm takes on another job with an archaeological research group. They run into problems too and Storm uncovers evidence of a danger that no one has expected on this planet. He must survive the wilds and enemy attacks to get word of the danger to those who can take action. He is met with surprising revelations before it is over.

Hosteen Storm is a wonderful hero. I really enjoyed the whole package of characters, animals and plot with secrets and dangers. I was impressed by the engaging writing and the extent of the plot especially considering this was written in 1959. I was surprised that I had never read this series (which apparently is not really followed in the movie of same name). I look forward to reading more books by Andre Norton.

Audio Notes: Richard Brewer does a good job with the narration. He gives enough distinction to the characters to make it interesting. I became engrossed in the story and the narration made this an easy read for me which I finished in one day.

This is another title in my Audible Library from 9/2011. It qualifies for Audiobook challenge and TBR Double Dare.