Audible Book Review: Defining Diana by Hayden Trenholm

This is an intriguing sci fi, gene-based, mystery.

Defining Diana
By: Hayden Trenholm
Narrated by: Art Carlson
Series: Steele Chronicles, Book 1

Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 10-14-11
Language: English
Publisher: Iambik Audio Inc
Genre: Cyberpunk, Mystery, Police Procedure, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
"Found naked and alone in a locked room. The beautiful woman was in perfect health - except she was dead... It's 2043 and much has changed: nuclear war, biotechnology and all-powerful corporations have ruled the world....
Now science is taking DNA manipulation to new, unrestricted levels. Superintendent Frank Steele is an old-fashioned cop. He commands a small, elite police unit that is handed all of the bizarre and baffling cases no one else can solve. He knows the money, the murders, missing persons and gruesome body shops are all connected. He knows it starts with the girl....
©2008 Hayden Trenholm (P)2011 Iambik Audio Inc

Review:
Frank Steele is an old-fashioned, alcoholic cop who struggles somewhat in a technically enhanced world in 2043 where biotech cyborgs and humans are as likely to face off as to work together. Frank commands an elite Calgary police team, the Special Detection Unit (SDU). The SDU is assigned to solve cases that baffle everyone else. The team consists of his second, a strong female detective who is distracted by the recent betrayal and abandonment of her husband, a young detective who has chosen to become part biotech and a brash detective who is brutal and psychotic outside of the team. There is also a forensic specialist who has been assigned to them for this latest bizarre case.

The case involves the body of a beautiful young woman who is found dead, naked in a room locked from within. There is no apparent wound or cause of death, nor any means to identify the woman. The team must figure out who she is and how and why she died. Additional murders and missing people provide clues to political involvement and connections with gruesome body shops where the bio techs are either implanting or extracting parts…or both.

The team presses into the investigation but it seems the killer is always one step ahead as though he or she is getting tipped off from a mole within the SDU. This sets the team members eyeing each other with suspicion. If Frank can figure out how all of the pieces connect to the dead woman he is sure he can figure out the rest of the mystery. But just as the team is getting closer to the truth, Frank’s superior disbands the SDU and pulls everyone off the case. Obviously they were stepping on toes and Frank isn’t exactly one to walk away.

This is a wonderfully intriguing mystery told in first person from the primary detective's perspective. There is some language and some gruesome violence that fits a gritty police procedure noir story. The team characters are extremely flawed and purposefully stereotyped. The mystery is well plotted and I like the combination of the crime procedure and cyberpunk elements. I recommend this to those who enjoy noir mystery fiction.

Audio Notes: Art Carlson provided an interesting narration. He doesn’t really provide multiple voice accents but his ‘reading’ seemed to fit the noir style of the story. I suggest anyone interested in the story listen to the sample to determine how they feel about the narration. I found it appropriate and not detracting from the story.

This Sci Fi Mystery is from my TBR shelf; added in 9/2012. This qualifies for my Mount TBR and Audio Challenges.

I realized as I was listening to this that something was familiar. I listened to book 2 in the Steele Chronicles series in 2012.
Steel Whispers by Hayden Trenholm

Audio Book Review: Outer Diverse by Nina Munteanu

If you enjoy strong science fiction with action and intrigue this is a story you should listen to (or at least read)!
Outer Diverse -- The Splintered Universe Book 1
by Nina Munteanu

Narrator:
    Dawn Harvey
Publisher:
    Starfire World Syndicate
Proof-listener:
    Mary McCullough
Length:
    11:27:35  
File Size:
    ~ 583 MB  
Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 0f 5.0

Description
Outer Diverse is the first book of the Splintered Universe Trilogy, set in and around the Milky Way Galaxy. The first book begins as Galactic Guardian Rhea Hawke intestigates the massacre of an entire religious sect, catapulting her into a treacherous storm of politics, conspiracy and self-discovery. Her quest for justice leads her into the heart of a universal struggle and toward an unbearable truth she’s hidden from herself since she murdered an innocent man.

Review:
Rhea Hawke is some tough cookie... well - I guess you wouldn’t call a Galactic Guardian Enforcer, a “cookie”. Rhea has a strong sense of justice and is prepared to kill in the line of duty. The problem is that she killed an innocent man by accident when she was just a child and that still haunts her.  That event has shaped her life, leading her to become the only human law enforcement officer on the Eosian force. Now it is the reason she is on leave from her job and has enemies hunting her out of fear and for revenge.

Rhea has kickin' weapons, including a Guardian Great Coat that is a shield, weapon cache and healing cover. But her most significant weapon is the ‘MEC” (Magnetic-Eelectro Concussion) pistol that she designed herself. The gun is technically outlawed but it is being sought by many because it is so powerful. She has created it so it can’t be dismantled and copied and the only design schismatics are in her head.

Rhea is frustrated that her Eosian boss doesn’t believe her arguments that the Vos, a brutal alien race that attacked Earth, pose a  real terrorist threat to the galaxy. She continues the investigation on her own and with the help of another Guardian, Basileus, she steals Bennie, her beloved little ship, (saving him from the junk heap) and heads off to face more danger.

Whew- this one takes some concentration. I had a little confusion getting the characters, races, friends - well mostly foes - sorted out.  There is wonderful world building with fascinating aliens and planets, along with detailed  weapons, missions, errors, and blunders. I was a bit frustrated about a third into the book when Rhea falls in lust with a stranger and begins a heavy romantic relationship. Although Serge seems loving and caring it puzzled me that Rhea totally failed to use her police smarts in getting involved with this handsome guy.  Is he safe or not; lover or the worst sort of enemy?

Rhea faces one perilous situation after another. Some she is led into and others she plunges head long into. There are ideological twists and parallel world theories at the root of the terrorist threat that Rhea seeks to thwart. As her investigation proceeds the issues become even more complex. This isn’t a light read but it sure kept my attention as I listened to see who was really a foe or a friend and what Rhea’s ultimate fate might be.  This is the first book of the Splintered Universe Trilogy. I hope the next book will be available soon so I can continue to follow Rhea and Bennie on their dangerous adventures.

Audio Notes:
Ms. Harvey did a superb job with the narration. She manages to enthuse the personality of the characters into each voice. The wise, gentle Caw has a soft, strong sound that reminds you of a wise old bird. Shlsh Shle She, a slippery, slimy creature has a slurry, garbled voice like a mouthful of mushy, wet food.  Dawn's reading conveys the loneliness in Rhea, the sexiness of Serge, the frustrated, friendliness of Bas, and the faithful, coziness of Bennie. She is able to bring emphasis to the action or romance, weariness or fear elements of the story. The narration never takes over the story but rather enhances it.

Thought words jotted while listening:
         Harsh, lonely, intense, complex, naive, betrayal, secrets.  Some sexual content.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A good description of Rhea by wise Caw:

You are presumptuous, Rhea. You speak half truths.  You are a paradox, so out of tune; a jumble of discord yet surprisingly open for one so closed. You are very cynical for one so naive, so young; but also incredibly naive for one so cynical.  Track 21.

 

This audio download was provided for review by Iambik Audiobooks through AudioBook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: Steel Whispers by Hayden Trenholm

I found this to be suspenseful with social issues and an underlying force that is grievous.

Steel Whispers
by Hayden Trenholm
Narrator:     Mark F. Smith
Publisher:     Bundoran Press
Proof-listener:     Elizabeth Medeiros
Length:     11:26:55
File Size:     ~ 656 MB
Genre: Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Description:
Steel Whispers is Book 2 of the Steele Chronicles.

Four dead Borg and counting. Serial killer, gang violence or civil war? While the Special Detection Unit hunts for answers, a terrified family searchs for their Disappeared daughter, and war between society's elites takes an even nastier turn. Borg and genetic technology is evolving exponentially and Frank Steele finds himself up against unfathomable enemies.

Franks needs to find the key that ties it all together. He's sworn to protect every citizen. It's his duty as a cop. But now it's gotten personal and Frank has to face the ultimate test - investigating the death of his own son.

Review:
This suspense mystery is set in Calgary in 2044 as society struggles from nuclear war and bio-technical changes. Advanced technology has resulted in a new ‘race’ known as “Borg.” Borg are those who have taken on artificial enchantments to the body - eyes, arms and other parts.  Some see this as appropriate and legitimate, like other life extending measures.  But others see these modifications as an abomination of natural creation.

Now there appears to be a serial killer targeting Borgs. Some might cheer this but police  Superintendent Frank Steele views it as a crime to be solved, no matter who the victims are or who the killer is. Even when the crime hits close to home as his own son is the latest victim.

The special task force discusses the possible perpetrators. It could be Borg on Borg violence, which is unexpected since the Borg tend to work harmoniously as connected units. Perhaps it is the ‘Clean Boys’, a purist supremacist group associated with The New United Party who are known for attacking Borgs.

Frank Steele is a hardened cop. He accidentally killed his own partner then lost himself in the bottle. By the time he pulled out of the dive he had lost his family and now the only life he knows is as a cop.  Frank looks to one of his good friends for help in the Borg murders.  Buzz Wannamaker was the city’s first Borg Detective and although he has retired from the force he is still active in a private detective agency.

Frank, Buzz and other associates meet with unusual leaders who could be involved or have information that will help the investigations. While they investigate the Borg killings part of the team investigates sabotage of water sources by possible Russian enemies. There are unclear alliances in the office as different officers report to Frank’s boss or share information with each other but not with Frank.

The story was a little difficult to follow as there were so many characters and it wasn’t always clear whose side they were on. But this became acceptable as it created twisted lines in the investigations that underscored the hidden problem.  There are larger forces at play in a political game that may result in a stalemated battle with criminals going free for political reasons.

Frank Steele’s stoic personality grew on me and I really liked Buzz’s Borg character. I enjoyed the racial complexities involved with the Borg society and of course the Borg characters with enhanced abilities made for intense, if brutal, action.

The story is told by Frank in first person. When I first started listening I felt that the narration was dry and unemotional. It took several chapters to get into the flow of the story at which point I determined that the dryness may have been fully intentional to convey the unemotional nature of Steele’s personality. The story, and characters, are complex and resulted in a very suspenseful story.  If you like complex mysteries with intense action you should try this audio. I will definitely be getting the first book to read or listen to.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Opening lines:

I deal with death everyday. That’s my job. I’ve learned not to let it touch me. You can’t function as a cop if you do.

Wry humor - an associate addresses Frank Steele:

“Let’s be Frank.”

A statement I really liked:

But words are like bullets.  Once fired, they can’t be put back in the gun.

Thank you to Iambik for providing the audioBook download through Audiobook Jukebox

I will add this to my New Author, ARC and Audio Challenge lists.

Giveaway Three Audiobooks of Timesplash & Prequel!!

A month or so ago I posted a review of a good audiobook, Timesplash!  The author, Graham Storrs, has written a prequel, in the form of a short story, and recorded it in audio himself.  The publisher contacted me to host a giveaway - cool right?!  So here is a chance to pick up an extra audiobook to enjoy during holiday travels.

This giveaway you enter through the Rafflecopter below. Note there are several extra entries like commenting on the post

Mini Review: Party Time is a prequel to Timespash. It describes a group meeting when the "brick" thrown back in time was tested. While one young man is excited about the science of the brick disappearing in time, another is hyped on the party that will occur with the residual effect - the backwash that creates the splash. This is interesting and I like the author's reading. But be warned that the language is very raw with quite a bit of the "f" word. The ending is great... "we're going to need a bigger cage."
Check more information about Timesplash at this link!  Thank you Iambik for a good audio listen and an awesome giveaway opportunity!
Closes December 19, 2011.

Audiobook Review: TimeSplash by Graham Storrs

This is an interesting story of time distortion!

TimeSplash
by Graham Storrs

Narrator: E.J. Newman

Publisher: eMergent Publishing

Proof-listener: Susan Claybrook

Length: 9:11:32 

Genre:  Time travel, Science Fiction

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
Jumping back in time used to be fun... until people started dying. In the year 2050, London is on the verge of destruction. A thrill-seeker calling himself Sniper is about to jump back in time to create a time paradox. It's called timesplashing. It is exciting, dangerous, and the people who do it love every moment. Best of all, it doesn't change a thing - except in the present. When the acausal backwash from the splash hits the present, all hell breaks loose. Make a big enough timesplash, far enough back, and it can devastate a whole city. Once, timesplashing was an extreme sport and an excuse for a big party. Then Sniper took it too far. People started dying. Sandra and Jay are two people whose lives were shattered in a timesplash that went badly wrong in 2047. Now, each in their own way, they are hunting the timesplashers. And if they don't find them, millions could die. 

Review: Imagine a brick thrown into a lake and the ripples that roll out to reach the shore. The center of the lake, where the brick went in and made a splash, will smooth itself back out but the edge of the ripple, when it meets the shore, may cause erosion or damage.  This is how the TimeSplash works. The idea is to launch or “lob” the traveler, known as the “brick” back into the time stream. Once in the past the brick acts on some person in the past, maybe even killing his own grandmother. The more distant the lob into the past, and the more important the person acted upon, the greater the ripple effect.

In 2047 an arrogant and famous Brick named Sniper, with a few friends, takes a 65 year trip into the past. They kill the grandmother of one of the travelers and the actions in the past cause earthquake type damage killing people and causing extensive damage.  This trip changed the lives of those involved and turned the TimeSplash phenomenon into an illegal activity.

Two survivors take different paths. Patti (as in “Hearst”/ real name Sandra) was Sniper’s 15 year old “bitch” (girlfriend). She tried to get out of the launch but Sniper wouldn’t let her. By the time she returned she hated Sniper and was afraid he would kill her if she ever disclosed the truth of the jump.  After spending several years in an institution Sandra escapes in order to hunt down Sniper before he can kill her individually or through another big TimeSpash.

Luke (as in “Skywalker”/real name Jay) was a 17 year old in the audience with a buddy who was whacked out. The power went out during the backsplash and his buddy died. Jay quickly grew out of the teen “fun” mode into a serious young man.  Now Jay is a “time cop” set on hunting down TimeSplash gangs before they can destroy other cities.

Sandra and Jay cross paths and ultimately team up as they chase down clues trying to catch Sniper before the next launch. Sniper’s new target is Vladamir Lenin in 1902 while he is visiting in London. Will they be able to stop Sniper before his actions boomerang  and destroy current day London?

The action is very fast paced and you quickly are caught up in the suspense. The protagonists are young and the narrator’s voice picks up that youthful factor. The narration was more in the nature of a reading as she did not really try to change voices to different characters.  Initially I had to pay attention to distinguish the characters but once I had everyone in place, I enjoyed the audio as an easy way to listen to this story.

If you like time travel distortions, which I definitely do, you should try this book. I really enjoyed the story and was only disappointed by an ending that could have been a little bit stronger in wrapping up details.

I would be interested in more books by this author and more audiobooks from Iambik.

Thank you to Audiobook Jukebox and Iambik Audiobooks for this book to listen to and review.