Two Audible Book Reviews for #Fraterfest: Material Witness: A Joe Ledger Bonus Story and Deep, Dark: An Exclusive Short Story by Jonathan Maberry

I enjoyed the military and supernatural elements in this short story.
#Fraterfest #1.
Material Witness: A Joe Ledger Bonus Story
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Series: Joe Ledger, Book 1.2
Length: 1 hr and 16 mins
Release date: 07-14-11
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Military, Paranormal, Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's summary
Here is another highly entertaining short story featuring Jonathan Maberry’s compelling hero, Joe Ledger.
This short thriller takes Joe Ledger into the mysterious, troubled town of Pine Deep, Pennsylvania, the setting for Maberry’s chilling Pine Deep Trilogy. In Pine Deep, nothing is what it seems.
©2011 Jonathan Maberry (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Joe and his team are trying to retrieve a material witness who is believed to have created the evil bioweapon that the US government is trying to keep under control. Joe meets the unusual, Native American Chief of Police and his deputy who offer to assist, but Joe rejects their help saying he and his team will handle it. When they get to the house where the witness is supposed to be, they realize they have walked into a trap with more than one enemy on the way in. Maybe they should have accepted help.

I enjoyed the action, the mystical elements, and the character interactions. I want to listen to more of this series. I recommend this to fans of the paranormal, military action genre.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter makes it easy to listen to this series. He does a superb job of narration as always.

Source: December 2021 Free from Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

This next Joe Ledger ‘adventure’ deals with genetic mutations and is another strong short story.
#Fraterfest #2.

Deep, Dark: An Exclusive Short Story
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Series: Joe Ledger, Book 1.3
Length: 50 mins
Release date: 07-14-11
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Military, Paranormal, Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's summary
This chilling short story is the prequel to The Dragon Factory, the second installment in Maberry’s action-packed Joe Ledger novels.
Before Baltimore cop Joe Ledger goes up against two competing groups of geneticists looking to continue the master-race program in The Dragon Factory, he must battle another foe using human test subjects for his sinister plans.
©2009 Jonathan Maberry (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
This story finds Joe and team entering a secret bunker facility which is supposed to be a secure testing lab. What they discover there is gruesome karma as the mutations the doctors have created turn on the staff. Do the mutants still have enough sentience to distinguish foe from friend? Can Joe and friends escape the carnage before an automatic shut down sets off a destruction code?

[Audio Notes: same as above.]

Source: December 2021 Free from Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Contact Front, Drop Trooper, Book 1 by Rick Partlow

I wanted a space story and I liked the action and interaction in this military space story.

Contact Front
Drop Trooper, Book 1
By: Rick Partlow
Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin

Length: 8 hrs
Release date: 04-28-20
Publisher: Aethon Audio
Genre: First Contact, Military, Space
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's summary
Go to war or go to jail.
For small-time street hustler Cam Alvarez, the choice is simple. He has no family, no friends, no place in the world...nothing to lose. When his latest con results in the death of a cartel hitman, Cam opts to join the Marines and leave Earth to fight a vicious alien enemy.
Drafted into the Marine Drop-Troopers, Cam discovers there’s one thing he’s even better at than running street-con games, and that’s killing the enemy. Wrapped in an armored battlesuit, Cam finds purpose amidst the horror and destruction of the war, and the opportunity for a new sort of friends and family...if he can break the habits of a life spent alone, trusting no one.
And, if he can survive....
Rick Partlow returns with another kickass military sci-fi epic. It's perfect for fans of Jay Allan, Jasper T. Scott, and Scott Bartlett.
©2020 Aethon Books (P)2020 Aethon Audio

Review:
Cam grew up in the foster care system and made some bad choices along the way – not that he had much choice. He gets caught in another crime and when he won’t give up his girlfriend as the accomplice, he is given a choice: go to war (as a Marine) or go to jail.

As he learns basic skills, Cam does well at controlling the armored battlesuit and he is soon assigned to the Drop-Troopers. Cam finds that he finally has something he is really good at and even though not all of his troop members are supportive, he does get encouragement from superiors as he improves. One old habit they have to break in Cam is working alone and trusting no one. They have to teach him that he and his teammates can only survive by working together.

Not all of the characters are nice and not everyone survives, but I enjoyed the action of the story and the growth that Cam achieves. There are some surprises and twists that keep the story interesting through the end. I would be interested in reading more in the series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy space military action.

Audio Notes: James Patrick Cronin does a fine job with the narration. I could distinguish each character voice and I liked the clear energy James brings to the story. The narration added to my enjoyment of the book.

Source: 12/17/2020 Audible Sale –$5.00. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Summer House by James Patterson, Brendan DuBois

I was totally drawn in by this crime/police procedural!

The Summer House
By: James Patterson, Brendan DuBois
Narrated by: Ari Fliakos

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 06-08-20
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Genre: Crime Thriller, Military, Police Procedural, Suspense
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's summary
When seven murder victims are found in a small town, the homicide investigation shakes a small-town sheriff to her core in James Patterson's tense thriller.
Once a luxurious Southern getaway on a rustic lake, then reduced to a dilapidated crash pad, the Summer House is now the grisly scene of a nighttime mass murder. Eyewitnesses point to four Army Rangers - known as the Night Ninjas - recently returned from Afghanistan.
To ensure that justice is done, the Army sends Major Jeremiah Cook, a veteran and former NYPD cop, to investigate. But the major and his elite team arrive in sweltering Georgia with no idea their grim jobs will be made exponentially more challenging by local law enforcement, who resists the Army's intrusion and stonewall them at every turn.
As Cook and his squad struggle to uncover the truth behind the condemning evidence, the pieces just won't fit - and forces are rallying to make certain damning secrets die alongside the victims in the murder house. With his own people in the cross-hairs, Cook takes a desperate gamble to find answers - even if it means returning to a hell of his own worst nightmares....
©2020 James Patterson and Brendan DuBois (P)2020 Hachette Audio

Review:
A horrendous mass murder occurred in a rundown country house known as the Summer House located in a small town in Georgia. Witnesses direct the local sheriff, Emma Williams, to four Army Rangers who are an elite team known as the Night Ninjas. As soon as Army members are identified, a unique military investigative team is called in to insure justice – to the men and to the community – wherever the facts lead.

Major Jeremiah Cook, a wounded veteran and former NYPD cop, is assigned with his five diverse teammates including a JAG lawyer, an Asian psychologist, a female CID officer, and a Hispanic investigator. Although the facts seem to be packaged and handed to them, the team is quick to see inconsistencies and misdirection. They learn that the four accused were recently returned from Afghanistan after being accused of a similar crime. As the investigation digs deeper and witnesses and evidence begin to disappear, Cook determines he needs to check into the Afghanistan event. He sets off to the place he said he would never return to.

I was immediately drawn to the story and quickly came to like the well-developed investigative team. I was horrified by the corruption that fills the story and the bigotry was obvious too. I feel bad the southerners were stereotyped with these elements, but it fit the story. The story is steady suspense with a few very tense moments.

I do like the direct tone and shorter chapters used by Patterson. I also liked the POV mix with part told from Cook’s first person and the other told third person. The full package makes this a very worthwhile read/listen and reminds me why I used to regularly read Patterson. I plan to get more. I recommend this to fans of good police procedure and crime fiction.

Audio Notes: Ari Fliakos does a wonderful job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and spot on energy. I thought the audio performance enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 12/21/2020 Audible Daily Deal $3.95. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook and my Season goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: The Instructor by T.R. Hendricks

I enjoyed the military survival training in this suspenseful story.
The Instructor
By T.R. Hendricks
Narrated by: Jay Snyder

Series: Derek Harrington, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins
Release date: 04-11-23
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Military, Suspense, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Derek Harrington, retired Marine Force Recon and SERE instructor, is barely scraping by teaching the basics of wilderness survival. His fledgling bushcraft school is on the cusp of going out of business and expenses are piling up fast. His only true mission these days? To get his ailing father into a full care facility and to support his ex-wife and their son.
When one of his students presents him with an opportunity too good to be true―$20,000 to instruct a private group for 30 days in upstate New York―Derek reluctantly takes the job, despite his reservations about the group's insistence on anonymity. But it isn't long before the training takes an unexpected turn―and a new offer is made.
Reaching out to an FBI contact to sound his concerns, Derek soon finds himself in deep cover, deep in the woods, embroiled with a fringe group led by a charismatic leader who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. When what he wants becomes Derek's head, the teacher is pitted against his students as Derek races against time to stop what could very well be the first attack by the domestic terrorist cell.

Review:
Derek is a retired expert teaching the basics of serious wilderness survival. At the end of the most recent class, one man offers him a significant fee to come train his team. Derek goes reluctantly because he has to leave behind his ailing father and his son who expects him to attend his games. Derek has some concerns about the training when he is delivered blind folded to a compound that raises lots of questions. Especially when he is offered another significant sum for extended training.

On a very brief break from the compound training, Derek reaches out to a friend in the FBI. His friend agrees convinces Derek to go back undercover to gain more information. Derek has to do the training and increase the skills of the compound team over the weeks, or it would be suspicious, even though Derek fears that he may be training terrorists. He finds another undercover agent and they try to plan an exit before they are exposed. But things aren’t quite as they seem, and Derek really hasn’t managed to shelter those he should be protecting.

The story has a good bit of Rambo action. It is filled with wilderness training that I did find interesting. The full-on action and suspense are a great element. Unfortunately, there were some obvious flaws as Derek fails to take some protective steps and falls into some obvious traps. Overall, I did enjoy the action and I would try the next book. I recommend this to fans of military action.

Audio Notes: Jay Snyder does a good job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and emotional feelings to fit the text. I appreciate getting to listen to this audiobook.

Source: 2023 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023NetGalley and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Renegades, Expeditionary Force, Book 7, by Craig Alanson

I enjoy this series with the snarky AI and the pirate crew who manage to pull off miracles.
Renegades
Expeditionary Force, Book 7
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 17 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 03-26-19
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The battle-scarred star carrier Flying Dutchman is finally on her way back to Earth, after an exceptionally successful series of missions that have once again saved the world. The ship needs a serious refit, and her exhausted crew just wants a break from constant clandestine warfare against a vicious and superior enemy. Wishes come true, right? Not for the Merry Band of Pirates.
Includes special bonus note from the author.
©2018 Craig Alanson (P)2019 Podium Publishing

Review:
The Flying Dutchman made it back to Earth to report their bizarre but successful missions that saved the world, temporarily. The crew also had to report to authorities that the enemy is headed to destroy Earth. As the ship is being worked on, the officers get heavy debriefing, and some of the crew gets much needed R and R. Skippy is creating a cult following among the humans but he is following the secretive government meetings too. It appears that Bishop will not be asked to lead the next mission and the other decisions don’t look too good to Bishop and the former crew.

In the nick of time Skippy manages to round up a bare crew of former members of the Merry Band of Pirates and a handful of new recruits who volunteer to sacrifice their Earthly lives to take control of the ship and head out to face the enemy. Bishop and the makeshift crew have to face the impossible again – find a way to stop the two vastly superior enemy ships that are heading to attack Earth. Bishop and Skippy trade awful insults (to the point of “Enough, already!”) while waiting for “the monkey” to come up with a beyond logic idea to meet the mission.

This is the seventh book in this serries and I am still enjoying it. Yes, the insults are becoming almost unpleasant and thereby losing some of the humor. Still, I enjoyed the energy, the camaraderie, and the tricks pulled out of the hat to meet their goal. I suppose it makes sense that the ship commander has to remain apart and alone but it would be nice to see something new develop for Bishop. I will continue in the series and recommend this to fans of military space opera.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray is the voice of these characters. The variety of accents is remarkable. His narration absolutely adds to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 7/31/2022 July Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Junkyard Pirate by Jamie McFarlene

This was fun even if you have to stretch belief.

Junkyard Pirate
By: Jamie McFarlane
Narrated by: Mikael Naramore

Series: Junkyard Pirate, Book 1 (4 books)
Length: 10 hrs
Release date: 12-31-19
Publisher: Fickle Dragon Publishing
Genre: Adventure, Alien, First Contact, Military, Pirate, Space
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Knocking at death’s door. Bargaining for a second chance. Seems like a heck of a way to find out about an alien invasion....
Vietnam vet Albert Jenkins is battling a bulging waistline and a passion for drink. So when a towering pile of scrap rocket parts falls and crushes the stubborn curmudgeon, he thinks it’s finally the end. But just as he’s about to take one final breath, a snarky alien parasite offers him a deal: His life in return for sharing his body.
With a little coaxing from his new pop-culture-loving inner resident, AJ’s broken carcass improves so much that even an old flame is impressed. But his bright outlook fizzles when he discovers he's at ground zero of a galactic conspiracy to strip Earth of precious resources humans don't even know exist.
Can the unlikely partners join forces and use AJ's rusty military skills to raise the alarm? Or, will the alien invaders put him down once and for all?
Junkyard Pirate is the first book in an imaginative space opera series. If you like grizzled soldiers, clever twists and turns, and intergalactic tactical pairings, then you’ll love Jamie McFarlane’s fast-paced alien adventure.
Buy Junkyard Pirate to boot the invaders back to where they came from today!
©2019 Fickle Dragon Publishing LLC (P)2019 Fickle Dragon Publishing LLC

Review:
Vietnam veteran, Albert, better known as AJ, is a stubborn curmudgeon in his 70s who is winding down his life with food and alcohol. He runs a junkyard and occasionally gets loads from NASA that includes some good parts. His latest purchase is a huge pile of scrap rocket parts. When his dog, Maxie, continually barks at the tower, Albert steps out and gets caught under a slide of the rocket parts. He expects that he will die under the crush and thinks he is hallucinating a tiny alien who offers to save his life if he will share his body. What does he have to lose? He gives permission before he passes out.

When he wakes up, he learns his best friend, Darnell, got him to the hospital. The doctor recognized her surgery work from the Vietnam days and is surprised that AJ isn’t paralyzed. Meanwhile he sees an 8” woman on the doctor’s shoulder and realizes he has to get out of the hospital before the doctor discovers the alien that is restoring his body. Doctor Amanda Jayne is reluctant to let AJ go and soon starts visiting him at home to follow-up trying to figure out what is going on with his body.

Beverly, the alien, explains to AJ that she and her crew were on a reconnaissance mission to gather information about an enemy alien people on Earth. The Korgul are parasitic aliens controlling millions of humans while they mine special materials unknown to the humans. Beverly and her friends need permission to take over a body but the Korgul don’t ask permission. Beverly needs AJ’s help to get to a spaceship they can use but it will make him a target for the enemy.

Sure enough, strangers soon arrive at AJ's home and he is scrambling to escape flying bullets. AJ gets the help of a few friends including a new pet, who share their bodies with Beverly’s friends. Now the handful of old military companions set off to steal the spaceship and maybe save the planet.

This is a fun story. AJ is not a classy character but very much a suggestive old man who is surprised and pleased to have his body returning to youthful vigor. I enjoyed Beverly’s character and the other friends add to the mix too. There were close calls and escapes in preposterous situations, but these allow the story to move forward. The story concludes this episode but leaves the heroes/heroines waiting for the next step in saving Earth. I recommend this to readers who would enjoy fun, sort of warped humor, and military to space adventure.

Audio Notes: Mikael Naramore does a good job of narrating the story. The voices are distinct, and the snark appropriately conveyed. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: July 2021 Audible $5.00 Sale. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, 2023Alphabet, and 2023Occupation goals.

Audible Book Review: Terminus, Lee Harden, Book 6 by D.J. Molles

I enjoyed this series and will need to find a good replacement. Maybe one of Molles’ other series.

Terminus
Lee Harden, Book 6
By: D.J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins
Release date: 01-11-22
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The only way out is through.
Greeley, Colorado lies before him. Griffin’s army presses at his back.
Lee Harden is out of options, and out of time.
Inside the city, Sam Ryder is trapped behind enemy lines, and Acting President Briggs still maintains his stranglehold on the country - and Lee’s destiny.
Choices. We are made by choices. And they make us. Choices are being made by every individual swept up in this conflict. Abby - Sam - Abe - Brinly - Angela - all of them making choices, with irreversible consequences.
And all of those consequences fall on Lee.
As Lee fights to adapt and maintain control amid the chaos of a city under siege, all of those choices will reach their terminus in this explosive conclusion to the Lee Harden series.
©2021 D.J. Molles (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Lee Harden has had several years of struggling to keep civilians alive. That was his original mission: Survive, Rescue, Rebuild. He wasn’t given orders of how to rebuild America but thought he was on the way by developing Fort Bragg Safe Zone with leadership known as the United Eastern States (UES). The growing community was taking in refuges while defending against the infected ‘zombie’ hordes. But the tyrannical, self-proclaimed President of the United States, Briggs, based out of Greeley, Colorado, decided to take down the UES. Then the mindless hordes became Primals with reasoning and reproductive abilities.

Lee was hoping to raise allies, but US troops under the command of Briggs were willing to slaughter communities rather than allow them to help Lee and the UES. Ultimately the better armed and trained US forces, led by Colonel Griffin, attacked Fort Bragg and routed the UES partially by allowing the Primals to gain access.

Lee and a band of survivors set out to make a last ditch attack directly on Greeley. Lee has been placed in command, a job he never wanted. He is a soldier, trained to fight. It was hard enough to be responsible for a platoon of other soldiers. As he leads the rebellion into Greeley, a battered Lee now struggles with the burden of being responsible for not only his civilian companions but the innocent civilians caught in the middle of an unwanted power war.

This final installment features the tactical plans employed by Lee, his young protégé, Sam, and the US forces led by Griffin. Meanwhile, Lee’s friend and other Project Hometown Coordinator, Abe, is driven by vengeance to take out Briggs. There is depression, trauma, frustration, and a few moments of relief woven in between the active battles.

I like the action and the emotional realities. There were some twists that I appreciated for making the ending better than it might have been. Lee Harden was introduced in the Remaining Series which went through eight books before breaking into the six books of the Lee Harden Series. I have enjoyed it all and recommend it to readers who enjoy zombie type danger set in post-apocalyptic survival stories. My thanks to D. J. Molles for hours of entertainment!

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel has been the voice of Lee Harden and comrades. He provides unique voices for the characters and delivers the angst and emotional trauma that fills the story. I am so glad that I listened to the series (other that the short novellas in the Remaining series). The narration added to my enjoyment.

Source: 6/17/2022 May Audible Credit. This qualifies for TBR2023 and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Galactic Forge by Alex Guerra

This is an entertaining sci fi with action and a 'kidnapped' human caught up with an AI entity.

Galactic Forge
Galactic Forge Series, Book 1
By: Alex Guerra
Narrated by: Paul Heitsch

Series: Galactic Forge Series, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins
Release date: 02-19-19
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: First Contact, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Former Marine Arthur Holland’s destiny begins when an aircraft crashes on his property in the mountains of Colorado. He moves to investigate and to help any survivors, but the closer he gets the less control he has of his movements.
An unknown force urges him to open the door of the mysterious craft, discovering the secret that lies within: a dead, alien pilot and a peculiar, otherworldly crystal. If that wasn’t enough, the crystal feels like it is alive. That’s when he hears a single word inside his mind: run.
An enemy vessel approaches overhead in pursuit of the downed ship, leaving Arthur little time to make his escape.
Guided by this strange voice, Art is propelled through a hidden portal, arriving somewhere unknown. On the other side of the galaxy, without a means of returning home, he has no choice but to move forward and help the crystal accomplish its mission: upgrade the ancient derelict ship, recruit new allies, and help the Galactic Conglomerate fight the Vael Empire.
It may be destiny that’s called him, but it’s the choices he makes that will forge his future.
©2018 Alex Guerra (P)2019 Podium Publishing

Review:
Arthur Holland is a former Marine running a car repair shop in Colorado. A strange aircraft crashes on his property and he is pulled to the crash to investigate. The closer he gets, the stronger the pull until he can’t control his own actions. He finds a dead alien pilot and takes a crystal from his hand. Next thing Arthur knows he is hearing a voice in his head telling him to “run!” The voice guides Arthur to a cave and a hidden portal that transports him to a strange, unknown place.

Arthur is in a closed room when he wakes up to learn he is in a spaceship on the other side of the galaxy. The crystal is an AI (Art names her Dotty) that begins to integrate with Art. She explains that she needs his help to find core drives for her ship so she will have power to continue. And, by the way, she doesn’t have the power to get him back home.

Art doesn’t have any choice but to go along with Dotty. As she hunts for power drives, they come across a young elfin looking woman who is under attack. Art rescues Seya and they proceed to a planet to allow her to reconnect with the Galactic forces. Soon Art finds himself in the middle of an intergalactic war between the Galactic allies and the Vael Empire. Art keeps getting hopeful that power cores will allow him to go home but then some other action is required. Step by step Art becomes a warrior and a hero, resulting in his new friends declaring that this is his destiny.

There were some unexplained matters that distracted me…particularly what happened to the enemy that chased the original spaceship to Colorado? Will that make earth a target for the Vael? And Art’s whining to get home is a little annoying. Other than that, I enjoyed the easy writing and the different character personalities. I liked the friendships that are developing for Art. I am engaged with the team matesand want to follow their next adventures as they face the enemy. I recommend this to fans of military space opera with a hero character.

Audio Notes: Paul Heitsch’s voice fits the story and the main character. I enjoyed the audio version of the story.

Source: February 2021 Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Exiled Fleet Publisher's Pack (Books 1-2) by Richard Fox

I did like the action in this space opera once I figured out who was who.
Exiled Fleet Publisher's Pack (Books 1-2)
By: Richard Fox
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Series: Exiled Fleet, Book 1-2
Length: 14 hrs and 43 mins
Release date: 10-10-17
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Book 1: Albion Lost:
For centuries, the Daegon waited. They plotted. And now they are ready to strike.
The core worlds of settled space enjoy a tenuous peace, unaware and ill prepared for the threat building beyond the furthest reaches of humanity. The star kingdom of Albion stands as a shining light of justice and mercy in a harsh galaxy, and they will be the first to suffer the Daegon's fury.
Defying his low born status, and despite his self-doubt, Commodore Thomas Gage has risen through the ranks by sheer grit and determination, defending Albion from brutal pirate clans. And when the onslaught comes, Gage and his fleet may be Albion's last hope for freedom.

Book 2: The Long March:
Albion burns beneath Daegon rule.
Commodore Thomas Gage and his fleet, safeguarding the last of the Albion Royal Family, are on the run. Hunting them, a ruthless Daegon commander will stop at nothing to crush Albion's only remaining free force.
To find sanctuary beyond their enemy's reach, the battle-damaged fleet must cut through a hostile and dangerous region of space known as the Kigeli Nebula. But to secure passage, Gage must strike a deal with an old enemy who wants nothing more than to fulfill a vendetta and see the commodore dead.
Facing threats ahead, behind and from within, Gage must lead his fleet down the long march to freedom.
Exiled Fleet is a new military science-fiction series for fans of Honor Harrington, Earth Alone, and Old Man's War from the author of the best-selling Ember War Saga.
©2017 Podium Publishing; 2017 Richard Fox

Review:
The core worlds of settled space have mostly been experiencing peace so they aren’t prepared for war. Even though there are space pirates disrupting trade, the colonies are not even prepared to properly defend their planets.

No one remembers the Daegon and there is very little history, only myths, about them. They are an ancient alien race who have suddenly jumped into settled space attacking the main cities and announcing, “You will be ruled.”

Thomas Gage rose through the ranks to become a Commodore. Many military men respect him for his feats but there are those ‘family’ officers who are always ready to mock him and challenge his decisions, focusing on his troops who met their deaths. When the Daegon attack Albion and move to destroy all of the ruling royal family from King to youngest prince, Thomas ends up at the side of the dying King and the young child is placed in his care. Now Thomas, with two royal guards, has to escape the planet, keep the young prince safe, and find allies to fight the Daegon.

Tiberian, the Daegon commander who failed to eliminate all of the royal family, knows he will be demoted, if not punished, for failing his mission. He becomes obsessed with chasing Thomas to finish the job. Thomas and his handful of crew battle through the enemy lines and limp from one station to another. He needs to seek help from the pirate clans even though one of them has a vendetta death warrant out for him. If he can convince them to guide him across one of the most dangerous channels of space, can they navigate the channel safely while trying to stay ahead of the Daegon?

The royal guards are outfitted with almost sentient armor that enhances their capabilities. There are problems with the two guards with the prince. One of the guards is brand new, and the other has stepped into a dying man’s armor that doesn’t cooperate as it questions the man’s loyalty. And then there is Thomas’ main aid who reluctantly steps in to help the female guard ‘babysit’ the boy.

As the book started I struggled to figure out who was who. Once I got an hour or so in, I had the characters sorted out and was able to enjoy all of the action. I liked Thomas as a humble but skilled leader. He struggles with his decisions but is willing to make the hard calls even if it means fighting a personal enemy one on one to gain a deal. The supporting characters on his crew added interest for me. I’m not gripped by the series but may pick up the next two book pack in the series to continue the saga. Fans of military space opera may enjoy the action in this story.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does a great job on the narration. His energy and distinct voices added to the entertainment value of the work.

Source: May 2022 Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: The Legion Awakes, The Sleeping Legion, Book 1, by J.R. Handley

This has some interesting military involvement but there was some confusion.
The Legion Awakes
The Sleeping Legion, Book 1
By: J. R. Handley
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Series: The Sleeping Legion, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins
Release date: 09-05-17
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
A century ago, all but two members of Lance Scipio's unit were executed for bringing dishonor to his regiment.
Now, he is woken into a strange new time, and tasked with whipping into shape the worst squad of misfits in the entire Human Marine Corps.
The price of failure: Death!
AD 2565. Tranquility-4 near the frontier of the White Knight Empire. Guided by mysterious orders, the authorities at the Human Marine Corps base of Beta City thaw Lance Scipio. In 2441, an entire Marine company was executed with the exception of Captain Grimgerde and Sergeant Lance Scipio, the usual punishment for running in the face of the enemy. But these two were preserved...as if they would be required in the future.
Scipio is not expected to escape execution for long, but he has been given a slim chance. For a Marine, a chance can be all that's needed to change the fate of worlds.
The Sleeping Legion is an action-filled sequence of military science fiction novels set in the worlds of the hit series The Human Legion by Tim C. Taylor.
©2016 J. R. Handley (P)2017 Podium Publishing.

Review:
Lance Scipio awakes from stasis over one hundred years after a disastrous battle engagement saw all but himself and his captain executed for supposedly running in the face of the enemy. Lance is advised he has once chance to avoid his own execution – he must train a squad of misfits in the methods of engagement of his prior life.

There are alien leaders to impress if the team wants to survive. And of course, there is a privileged higher officer that disdains Sergeant Lance and his misfits and wouldn’t it be nice to show him up even if he is a powerful enemy.

I admit I was confused at the beginning of the book, trying to sort out the sides and history. I learned after listening to this that it is a spin off of a different series, the Human Legion. I would say there isn’t a lot of character development, although I liked the interaction with both the human marines and the unexpected fair treatment of the Aux, servant class. I did enjoy the picture of military life and especially liked the combat situations and the description of the battlefield tactics with the different reactions and input of soldiers and leaders.

I have the prequel and next book thanks to Audible Plus so I do plan to listen to more. I recommend this to fans of military sci fi, with the precaution to perhaps read the prequel first or maybe the original series, even though it is by a different author.

Audio Notes: Jeffrey Kafer has a unique narration style. It seems monotone but his voice has grown on me. I enjoy listening to his presentation and appreciated that I had this title through Audible Plus.

Source: 12/15/22 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Welcome to Hell: The Tasmanian Special Forces Group, Book 1 by C. R. Daems

I enjoyed the strength, physical and mental, of this female protagonist in the vein of GI Jane.

Welcome to Hell: The Tasmanian Special Forces Group, Book 1
By: C. R. Daems
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

Series: Tasmanian SFG Series, Book 1
Release date: 03-03-20
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Jolie was 3 when she found she was ugly and deformed.
She was 5 when she found she was a subhuman and an outcast. She was 7 when five boys and two girls dragged her out of the orphanage and beat her unconscious, leaving her lying bleeding and broken in the street.
She was content to lie there and die, tired of being hated and abused. But a frail old man with wispy white hair and a long beard wasn't content to let her die. He not only saved her, but he adopted her and passed on his unique martial art to her.
She was 20 when she headed to Delphi, the center of the United Systems of Perileos (USP) and the planet of her birth father, to find her place in his society.
Based on her unique upbringing, she decides to join the USP military, requesting to be assigned to the Tasmanians SFG, an elite all-male unit. The military brass is reluctant to deny her request and admit their enlistment contract permits bait-and-switch assignments. Instead, they agree to let her enter the school, thinking she couldn't possibly succeed - a Chihuahua competing against Rottweilers — and plan to make an example of her when she fails.
Although Jolie is small, she is not what she appears. But can her adopted father's art enable her to survive the treachery of the military brass, the grueling of the school, the prejudices of the instructors, and the testosterone of an all-male class.
And if she succeeds, can she thrive in the high-octane and all male environment of the Tasmanians?
©2019 C. R. Daems (P)2020 Podium Publishing.

Review:
Jolie was a child on a foreign planet who was considered ugly and deformed due to her human heritage. She was beat up and dragged out of the orphanage at the age of 7. Instead of dying on the streets, she was adopted by a frail old man who spent years teaching her special martial arts. At age 20 Jolie sets out to find her place on her birth father’s planet, United Systems of Perileos (USP). She appears at a recruiter station and, after reviewing the brochures, asks to be assigned to an elite all-male unit, the Tasmanians SFG. If they refuse her request, then their brochures are full of bait and switch lies. The military leaders reluctantly admit her figuring that the rigorous training, if not the peer pressure, will force her out of the program quickly. The leaders are wrong.

Jolie doesn’t have the size, strength, or bulk of her larger male classmates. But she does have great physical training and distinct, strategical thinking and planning skills. When the training officer notes that there are no separate facilities for females and she might face sexual pressure she reminds him, and the men around them, that the third way a candidate could leave the program is “dead by misadventure”. Her own ability to take down the men dissuades the unwanted advances the first night in the dorm.

Very quickly Jolie uses her smarts and skills to show that she can keep up with and beat many of the men. She prevails by successfully preparing before taking action. Of course, that results in enemies among the men as well as military leaders who aren’t beyond sabotage to get her out of the program.

When you note that this is the intro, book 1 of a series, you realize that Jolie makes it through the program to graduation. Jolie’s perseverance gains respect and friends, but how will the leaders and men treat her when she has to go into action in the field?

I really like Jolie’s intelligence, strength of character, and ability to plan her actions. I also liked the action in the story. The story does have a resemblance to GI Jane with some brutality but less sexual harassment. The cons on this is that it is set in a futuristic space world and there is a notable lack of cool technology and a strange level of sexual discrimination/limitation. None the less, I enjoyed the action and the comraderies that is developed. I have purchased book 2 to continue with the series. I recommend this to fans of female military protagonists.

Audio Notes: Emily Woo Zeller does a good job with the narration. The voices are appropriately distinct, and the narration conveys the emotional and action levels of the story. I am glad that I listened to this Audible Plus story.

Source: 12/14/22 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Last Stand: The Complete Box Set by William Weber

This four book box set presents a solid Post-Apocalyptic survival and military story.
Last Stand: The Complete Box Set
By: William Weber
Narrated by: Kevin Stillwell

Series: Last Stand (Weber), Book 1-4
Length: 24 hrs and 50 mins
Release date: 09-20-17
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Dystopia, Military, Post-Apocalyptic, War
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Last Stand: Surviving America's Collapse: John Mack, a prepper and former soldier, struggles to save his family and community after an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) takes out the country's electrical grid. With most electronics, communications, and transportation destroyed in a matter of seconds, the nation quickly collapses into anarchy.
For John and the other residents of Willow Creek Drive, the breakdown of social order throws them back to the 1800s. As the community tries to come together, a powerful outside force appears that threatens their survival. Will John's years of military and prepping experience be enough to keep them safe?
Mixing tons of useful prepping tips into an action-packed story, Last Stand: Surviving America's Collapse is a must-listen for any fans of survival fiction.
Last Stand: Patriots: Three months after the EMP cripples the United States, John Mack and his family find their peaceful new existence shattered when a tyrant seizes control of the nearby town of Oneida. Soon John encounters a group of patriots who've sworn to stand against the growing despotism. But John will learn that nothing in this new post-EMP America is what it seems - and that the deadliest threats are often the ones you didn't see coming.
Last Stand: Warlords: Tormented by a past he can't forget, John Mack is about to face the toughest fight of his life. The tiny town of Oneida, Tennessee, stands in the crosshairs of Russian and Chinese armies threatening to push across the Mississippi river. With the United States fragmented and on the brink of military collapse, John will need to dig deeper than ever to defend his loved ones from enemies both foreign and domestic.
Last Stand: Turning the Tide: Foreign armies are poised along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains preparing for the final assault and America's inevitable defeat. For John, turning back the tide will mean going deep behind enemy lines and organizing the very insurgency he fought so hard against in Iraq. But more than that, it'll mean coming to terms with the brutality of war and the realization that sometimes the deepest scars are the ones that can't be seen.
©2017 William Weber (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Last Stand: Surviving America's Collapse: John Mack is a retired soldier. His experience has made him cautious enough to be a ‘prepper’, planning for a day of disaster. He has set up a bunker with supplies at home and has arranged a safe location to take his family when things get too rough at home. When the power goes down after an EMP strike, making computers, phones, and modern vehicles obsolete, John and his family hesitate to leave their home. Instead, John steps up to lead his neighbors at Willow Creek Drive, to gather to try to survive the immediate danger. Unfortunately, an outside mass of evil comes to take their supplies. John may be able to provide weapons and lead the community in a battle but at what cost?

Last Stand: Patriots: John and a group of survivors from Willow Creek are working to survive on the outskirts of a larger town, Oneida, Tennessee. John and his scouts are concerned that the nearby town has been taken over by enemies posing as US government who ask the people to turn in their arms on the pretext of safety. John has no choice but to take action when his wife and daughter are kidnapped by the enemy. In the process of gaining more information, a group of dedicated patriots align with John to expose the treachery and save the town… at least from the immediate enemy. They soon learn that the US is battling Russian and Chinese forces threatening along the Mississippi River.

Last Stand: Warlords: The town of Oneida is a point for supply movement and the Chinese don’t want to give it up. Most towns have allowed the enemy to infiltrate and take over from within. John and his patriots in Oneida are one of the few American strong holds, which brings them to the attention of a struggling US military. John is brought back into military service and tasked to take volunteers and conscripted men to the front line while also continuing to protect the town. The task isn’t easy especially when it is clear there is a mole in their midst. John’s job becomes more stressful when his 16 year old son and another young teen run off to fight at the front of the line.

Last Stand: Turning the Tide: John fought insurgents in Iraq. Although his memories are difficult, he has learned military strategies that he thinks will help in the extreme situation the US military finds itself in. John is bucking heads with a superior officer who is threatened by John’s successful plans. Fortunately, some of the higher leadership is willing to listen to John’s strategic suggestions. John and a small team reach out to other communities to set up pockets of resistance. Slowly John and the military begin to experience wins that give them hope.

I did enjoy this series and I think it was good that I listened to all four books during a couple of weeks rather than over months (or years). I mostly liked the main character, John, although he was a bit too much of being right. I didn’t think his flashbacks to Iraq added that much to the story as the impact of his past military service could be added in a quicker way. I do think the family, neighbors, and later, team warriors, added to the action of the story. There was good prepper information mixed in well with the military. The series is entertaining, and I would recommend it to fans of post-apocalyptic stories with military elements.

Audio Notes: Kevin Stillwell does a good job with the narration. He provided distinct character voices and did well with the foreign accents. The narration made this an easier listen.

Source: 11/3/17 Audible Purchase for $1.95. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: White Wasteland by Jeff Kirkham, Jason Ross

I liked this Post Apocalyptic story but realized it is a shoot off from an earlier series.

White Wasteland
A Black Autumn Saga (White Wasteland Series, Book 1)
By: Jeff Kirkham, Jason Ross
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Series: White Wasteland Series, Book 1
Black Autumn, Book 5
Length: 12 hrs and 50 mins
Release date: 05-04-21
Publisher: ReadyMan Publishing, LLC
Genre: Military, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
As winter descends on a broken nation, the Homestead survival compound squares off against Mother Nature and an unstoppable wave of human suffering against a violent flu, coupled with desperate mobs and a fanatical warlord.
The Special Forces warriors and their civilian fight force face a moral collapse at home as the founder of the Homestead struggles with the demons of his own, while a secretive group of Homestead women follow their hearts into uncharted waters, tossing the fragile community into further turmoil.
Strange visions, precarious faith, and troubled dreams gnaw at the Homestead, but are keys to their survival buried in their inmost truths?
The saga of Black Autumn continues in book one of the White Wasteland Series.
©2021 Jeff Kirkham, Jason Ross (P)2021 Jeff Kirkham, Jason Ross

Review:
Jason is the political, ‘mayorial’, leader of the Homestead, who is steadily drinking more and losing sight of doing the right thing. The Special Forces security leader, Jeff, is realizing he will have to take a stronger position to protect the Homestead - first from masses of starving people seeking food and then from more serious, organized threats.

Meanwhile, the hierarchy of the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church), is floundering due to the death of many of the high leaders. One of the top twelve remains but he is reluctant, due to guilt, to declare himself the next president. Instead a egomaniac church leader, with a large following on secure farmland to the southern border, declares himself the new President. He then declares war on the church in Salt Lake City.

The Homestead forces don’t have enough numbers to continue to fight off the outsider attacks. Jeff is having vivid dreams or nightmares nudging him to make hard decisions. Should he seek the help of the Salt Lake City church to fight the threat from the south?

The story jumps right in with action, and I quickly realized that the characters and apocalyptic event are carried forward from another series. This book is actually the 5th book in the Black Autumn series and the 1st in the White Wasteland series. Even though there is not a clear backstory to bring a reader up to date, I still enjoyed this story. It had plenty of action and personal conflicts to make it interesting.

I found the religious element interesting with the internal church struggles and the recognition of evil even in self-proclaimed godly men. I didn’t feel that the author was trying to preach through the inclusion of the church conflict which fit with the setting of the Homestead next door to Salt Lake City.

Some readers will feel it necessary to start at the beginning of the first series, but I think it can be enjoyed even if that doesn’t happen. I have the first book on Kindle and plan to read it at some point. I recommend this to fans of post-apocalyptic stories.

Audio Notes: Kevin Pierce does a great job narrating this genre. He provides distinct voices and appropriate energy. I am glad that I was able to listen to this story.

Source: 3/3/22 New-to-Me series purchased at Audible Sale for $3.74 This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Ruins of the Galaxy by J.N. Chaney and Christopher Hopper

This is entertaining, fast-paced military sci fi.
Ruins of the Galaxy
Ruins of the Galaxy, Book 1
By: J.N. Chaney, Christopher Hopper
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins
Release date: 04-28-20
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera
4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The mission is simple. Escort an emissary to an intergalactic peace summit. Try not to get in the way.
Lt. Magnus and his 79th Recon Team have certainly handled worse, after all.
But when an explosion rocks the tower and sends everyone into a panic, Magnus and his asset find themselves cut off from the rest of the team.
Worse still, a dying alien chieftain gives them a priceless drive of intel, marking them for death.
The mission has officially changed.
With enemies on all sides, Magnus must do everything in his power to protect the emissary and escape the tower. There is no backup. There is no chance for failure.
The fate of the entire galaxy now lies in the hands of a Republic Marine and a diplomat.
All they have to do is survive.
Experience the beginning of this sprawling galactic tale in this first entry to the Ruins of the Galaxy series. If you’re a fan of Star Wars, Galaxy’s Edge, or Battlestar Galactica, you'll love this military sci-fi epic.
Includes bonus Ruins of the Galaxy stories "The Night of Fire" and "Demons at War".
©2019 J.N. Chaney and Christopher Hopper (P)2020 Podium Publishing

Review:
Lt. Magnus, an enhanced Marine, and his specialized team are on a light mission to escort an emissary to an intergalactic peace summit trying to connect with a canine like race, the Jujari. This should be straightforward and quiet, but the meeting chamber is wrecked with explosions. The Emissary, Awen, receives a capsule from the dying Jujari leader while he whispers to her to keep it secret and trust no one. Magnus and Awen barely escape the chamber and Awen has to use mind ‘magic’ to survive the planetary forces that are looking for foreign threats. They find a shady character who agrees to get them off planet and becomes an odd ally.

Awen is a beautiful humanoid from an order of a reclusive monastery-like group known as the Luma. They are a race known for peace and diplomacy as well as training their minds to reach to a different plane. When Awen returns to her home people, she has concerns for her failure in the mission. She is greeted warmly and kindly by her mentor. However, when she appears before the master, she is disturbed by his not too subtle efforts to break into her mind and force her to open the capsule. Again, Awen barely escapes.

Awen is on the run from several forces who want the secrets of the capsule which she discovers leads to an ancient world with unknow technological advances. Magnus shows up again as she is threatened and with their joint skills, they evade their pursuers. Only then they learn that someone has accessed the dangerous technology.

I will say that this story had a lot in common with Galaxy’s Edge. Even so, I liked the two main characters, as well as their allies. I was entertained by the plot and enjoyed the fast-paced action. I would read more in the series and I recommend this to fans of military sci fi.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray is a wonderful narrator, and my experience is that his performance always enhances the work. This is no excepton. I am glad I had the audio version.

Source: 12/27/2020 Audible Two for One Credit Sale. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Fear the Sky by Stephen Moss

This is a well written, engaging, first contact sci fi filled with alien technology and spies.
Fear the Sky
The Fear Saga, Book 1
By: Stephen Moss
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 20 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 03-03-15
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Fantasy, Hard Science Fiction, Military
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
"Real science in Science Fiction. This is a must read for fans of SF." >(John S. Gertsch, Amazon Reviewer)
Perfect for fans of Peter F. Hamilton, Iain M. Banks, and Orson Scott Card, Fear the Sky is a hard-hitting sci-fi thriller that will have you looking at the stars in a different way.
In eleven years' time, a million members of an alien race will arrive at Earth. Years before they enter orbit, their approach will be announced by the flare of a thousand flames in the sky, their ships' huge engines burning hard to slow them from the vast speeds needed to cross interstellar space. These foreboding lights will shine in our night sky like new stars, getting ever brighter until they outshine even the sun, casting ominous shadows and banishing the night until they suddenly blink out. Their technology is vastly superior to ours, and they know they cannot possibly lose the coming conflict. But they, like us, have found no answer to the destructive force of the atom, and they have no intention of facing the onslaught of our primitive nuclear arsenal or the devastation it would wreak on the planet they crave. So they have flung out an advance party in front of them, hidden within one of the countless asteroids randomly roaming the void. They do not want us, they want our planet. Their Agents are arriving.
©2014 Stephen Moss (P)2015 Podium Publishing.

Review:
Neal Danielson is a civilian scientist who is monitoring space data. He identifies an object of question a distance away and requests military clearance for additional data. Although a handful of military leaders questions the data and conclusions, they initially set the report to the side. When eight meteor “rocks” spread out and fall to earth, Neal thinks this is more ominous than anyone will admit. Neal and a new friend scientist friend, Dr. Laurie West, step outside of authority to try to retrieve one of the objects. Laurie is on the investigating ship offshore while Neal waits in the hotel with the boat captain’s girlfriend, Dr. Madeline Cavanaugh.

Neal and Madeline are excited when they get an encrypted message that the scientist suspensions are correct. But then they listen as voices are cut off when the boat is vaporized. Neal and Madeline could report this to the Government authorities, but they realize they would be but into seclusion and no one would be able to share information with the public. Instead, they agree to go into hiding. This decision is affirmed when they get a secret note and then a visit from one of the eight aliens who have landed to infiltrate military levels before the invasion of their forces. Agent John Hunt does not agree with his alien leader’s decision to invade and take over Earth. He is only one against seven others, but he will do what he can to try to help the humans protect themselves.

The secret team is in a race against time to develop a vaccine to fight the biological weapon that the aliens plan to use. They have to risk pulling a General into their team to begin to develop a military weapon to target the alien satellites.

The aliens are each progressing in their assigned task. One agent, Lana, would just as soon begin to destroy the humans. She wants the aliens to target Neal and Madeline but is unable to prove they have knowledge of the alien presence. What will happen when the aliens realize they have been betrayed and have to move up their hostile attack? Do the humans stand a chance against the superior technology?

This is a story of alien technology and spies. I was fully engaged and enjoyed the ultimate team of scientists, doctors, military leaders, committed military officers, and aliens with superhuman abilities. I enjoyed the way the story developed and moved about different characters to keep the reader aware of what is going on. I expect that I will continue the series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy first alien contact and spy stories.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray is a wonderful narrator who delivers strong voices and fitting energy for the characters. His narration always enhances my enjoyment of the work.

Source: 3/14/2020 Two For One Credit Sale at Audible. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Breaking by Daniel Greene

This is a brutal zombie story.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Audible Book Review: Prador Moon: A Novel of the Polity, Book 1 By: Neal Asher

This is creative military space opera.
Prador Moon: A Novel of the Polity, Book 1
By: Neal Asher
Narrated by: David Marantz

Series: Polity, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
Release date: 10-22-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Alien, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Neal Asher takes on first contact, Polity style. This original novel recounts the first contact between the aggressive Prador aliens, and the Polity Collective as it is forced to retool its society to a war footing. The overwhelming brute force of the Prador dreadnaughts causes several worlds and space stations to be overrun.
Prador Moon follows the initial Polity defeats, to the first draws, and culminates in what might be the first Polity victory, told from the point of view of two unlikely heroes.
©2006 Neal Asher (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
The Polity is the Earths’s societal government entity that is led by AI with humans often integrated. Polity has been in space but over many years only found one other intelligent species. Now they have met another – the Prador.

The Prador are a species comfortable on land and in the sea. They resemble standing shrimp with a hard carapace and crab claws. They have technologically advance ships that appear to be undefinable as they proceed to annihilate worlds. The creatures themselves are led by Captains who breed children who are the soldiers. Only the best of the young live to become Seconds or Firsts and the Captain will kill and sometimes devour those who don’t make the grade.

Vortex is a First Child of Captain Immanence. When he leads a party of Prador to a meeting with the Polity he has no intent of friendship. Instead, he and his smaller soldiers attack the human and partially human hosts leaving a bloody room.

Jebel is a Polity, enhanced-human soldier who has been fixed with AI technology and parts. He suffers under the initial attack of Vortex, but lives to face the enemy again.

Moria is a brilliant scientist, technician, who has been promoted to a level beyond her capability to understand the gate technology she is tasked to study. The only way to manage is to accept augmentation in the form of AI nano tech inserted to connect with her own brain synapses. After surviving the aug installation, Moria begins to advance in her understanding to a point where she is able to comprehend the gate technology that will allow new leaps in space travel. Can she use her new knowledge to help stop the Prador?

Captain John Varence remembers vaguely when he was once only human, now he is mostly AI on (or part of) the ship Occam Razor. They have been in stasis for years but now awaken to the call of danger. They are ready to fight the Prador and make the first successful blow against the impenetrable Prador ships. But they can’t fight the enemy alone.

These three characters and their comrades must find a way to work together if they want to keep the Prador from taking out another Polity world.

This book jumps quickly into an alien bloody attack. There is plenty of action that moves the story along. The Polity characters are interesting although shallowly developed. On the other hand, Asher gives more depth to the Prador species. The world building is creative. There is some political commentary twisted into the story but that can be overlooked if the reader chooses.

The story is entertaining but did not pull me into committing to the Polity world of space sci fi. I will probably get another Asher title at some point, but I am not rushing. Space Opera fans should check out other reviews and consider reading/listening to this title.

Audio Notes: The narration by David Marantz is mixed. At times I thought Marantz was doing a good job delivering the energy with the underlying excitement and humor of the text. Other times I cringed at the mispronunciation of terms. Still, I am glad I had the chance to listen to this audio from the Plus Catalog.

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

Audible Book Review: Mavericks Expeditionary Force, Book 6, by Craig Alanson

I enjoyed this sci fi, military adventure.

Mavericks Expeditionary Force, Book 6
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 17 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 09-25-18
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The remnants of the Expeditionary Force stranded on the alien-controlled planet "Paradise" get a chance to prove themselves, in a simple off-world training mission with a ship full of teenage alien cadets. When the mission goes horribly wrong and the survival of everyone on Paradise is at risk, the Merry Band of Pirates may have to come to the rescue. Unless they get killed first....
©2018 Craig Alanson (P)2018 Podium Publishing

Review:
Colonel Joe Bishop is still exchanging barbs with the elder AI ‘beer can’, Skippy. The pirate crew of the Flying Dutchman are hoping to go home to earth but first they must deal with an energy virus that threatens to eat through the patched together ship. Skippy determines he can eliminate the virus but only after all the systems are turned down… which means removing the humans from the ship. Doesn’t’ that sound like a piece of cake?

Meanwhile, the Mavericks, led by Emily Perkins, are back on Paradise trying to prove to the Ruhar that the humans can contribute to their military force. Perkins and her handful of human soldiers are hoping to impress the leaders as they participate in training exercises in space. Suddenly the training ship finds itself the sole survivor of an attack and the humans get to help save the crew.

The author does a good job of showing the lonely burden and struggles the captain as Joe deals with coping with the unknown and resisting temptations. This is balanced with the continued snarky humor between Joe and Skippy. It is apparent that the Mavericks are a branch off that allows the development of additional characters. I enjoyed both threads of action and look forward to more in the series. I recommend this to fans of military space opera.

Audio Notes: It is such fun to listen to this series narrated by R.C. Bray. He has provided the characters with distinct voices, even the aliens. I totally enjoy and recommend the audio experience.

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

Prior book reviews:
Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, #1) by Craig Alanson, Rating 4.5
Audible Book Review: Spec Ops, Expeditionary Force, Book 2 by Craig Alanson, Rating 4.5
Audible Book Review: Paradise, Expeditionary Force, Book 3 by Craig Alanson, Rating 4.5
Audible Book Review: Black Ops, Expeditionary Force, Book 4, by Craig Alanson, Rating 4.5
Audible Book Review: Zero Hour, Expeditionary Force, Book 5, by Craig Alanson; Rating 4.5.

Audible Book Review: Crucible: A Max Ahlgren Story by Ryan W. Aslesen

This is a quick military story to introduce the primary character. It portrays a very sad state of military politics.
Crucible: A Max Ahlgren Story
By: Ryan W. Aslesen
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Series: Crucible, Book 0
Length: 2 hrs and 13 mins
Release date: 01-19-21
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Military, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
The War on Terror provides the backdrop for the thriller that introduces the roots of ultimate antihero, Max Ahlgren.
Captain Max Ahlgren is proud to be one of the first team commanders in the Marine Corps’ nascent MARSOC detachment. Finally, the Corps’ elite warriors are working alongside those of other branches, battling insurgents, not on the front lines but behind them.
After his first mission, however, Max learns he will be replaced as team commander. The new commander, Major Whitbeck, comes from 8th and I: Marine Barracks, Washington DC. His late father, a revered general, died in a terrorist car bombing. The commander is in Afghanistan for vengeance - and redemption. When the team infiltrates the ancient desert fortress of Kazindrak, hunting an elusive Al-Qaeda terrorist, Whitbeck reveals his ineptitude in combat.
Max’s fury grows as the body count rises. When the actual nature of the mission is revealed, Max gets a good look at the sordid underbelly of the War on Terror and sees firsthand what monsters men can become. If he is to survive, however, he may have no choice but to become one. Sometimes the greatest enemy is within.
©2018 Ryan W. Aslesen (P)2021 Podium Audio

Review:
Captain Max Ahlgren was successful in leading men in battle. He has been assigned to a specialist team. Unfortunately, his commander advises him that he is being sent on a mission but rather than leading, he will be second in command. The mission will be led by Major Whitbeck whose record shows no field experience. But he is the son of a revered general who was killed by terrorists.

Max gets warned before going out that the Major did lead a previous mission where everyone on his team died. Apparently, the mission information got buried thanks to his father. Also, before the mission, Max challenges a Sergeant over rough shod treatment of a soldier. The Sergeant clearly dislikes all officers and warns Max to watch his back.

Max and his unique team are quick to recognize the inexperience in the Major and are even more concerned when they learn that the mission is to infiltrate and kill the terrorist that killed the Major’s father. Sure enough, the Major is quick to make misjudgments and soon makes a deadly mistake. The team is soon ducking for their lives and leaving dead enemies and comrades on the ground.

The matter gets worse when the Major, Max, and the handful of remaining soldiers get to the point of completing the mission. Max and his team are horrified. They plan to report on the Major as soon as they get back to base but sadly only Max is still standing when they come to the debriefing. And matters go from bad to worse. The actions taken against Max are disgusting. But then he is made an offer he can’t refuse.

I like Max as a character but was very disturbed by the hatred of the Sergeant and the ineptitude of the Major. This novella tells how Max gets recruited to a terrorist fighting agency. As much as I didn’t like how he got there, I like Max enough to hope he succeeds in his next mission, and I will get the first full book. I recommend this to fans of military thrillers.

Audio Notes: I like Jeffrey Kafer as a narrator and he did a good job with this story. He provided distinct voices and strong energy. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 7/19/2021 Free download from Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Report: End Time: The End Time Saga, Book 1 by Daniel Greene

This zombie story follows a handful of survivors trying to stay a step ahead of the infected.

End Time: The End Time Saga, Book 1
By: Daniel Greene
Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka

Series: The End Time Saga, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 17 mins
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Horror, Military, Zombie
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
The protests in front of the embassy aren't what they seem....
In the dark, primal jungles of the Congo Basin, something is ravaging the local population. When protests turn violent in front of the US embassy in Kinshasa, only the foreign policy experts paid attention. Civil war erupts, and people rip each other apart in the streets of the African capital.
To avert disaster and preserve its self-image, an overwhelmed State Department dispatches a team of elite counterterrorism agents to bring their besieged people back alive. Mark Steele, a young agent within the division, and his team of gritty operatives are used to trudging through the worst society has to offer, all while operating from the shadows. But Steele's team is plunging headlong into a maelstrom of death so much worse than rebels in the streets.
A highly contagious microbe is spreading unchecked, killing everyone in its wake only to bring them back again as the ravenous undead. Only a lone CDC virologist understands the extent of the outbreak at hand. He cowers among the embassy staff praying for extraction from the hands of death, fearing his part to play in the epidemic.
Follow this harrowing tale of survival, duty, love and horror as the living dead bring the world to its knees. The first installment of an epic series, End Time starts as a slow burn that turns into a breakneck-paced struggle for survival. Greene does an excellent job of depicting individual stories within the larger scope of the global epidemic. Enter the End Time.
©2018 Daniel Greene (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Doctor Joseph was flown to the Congo as a CDC virologist to study a “Monkey” Virus. He is horrified when his tent of patients turns into a walking mass of the ‘dead’ feeding on the living. He doesn’t understand what has happened, but he knows he needs to get back to the States to warn the CDC to set up quarantines. Having reached the embassy Joseph is frightened when he sees the state of chaos.

The State Department sends out a specially trained counterterrorism team to rescue the people at the embassy, but particularly Doctor Joseph. The team led by hardcore warrior, Steele, has to struggle to get the Doctor out. Along the way they find themselves exposed to the madness in the confines of an airplane. Steele is a man who is accustomed doing what it takes to save lives, so he had a little difficulty realizing that some of the ‘people’ around him are enemies.

Things aren’t calm back in the States and the Steele’s girlfriend, Gwen, is struggling to get home safely. Along the way she picks up two other uninfected, one a protector and the other who needs a protector. She is convinced that Steele will return home to save her but can he survive to get there in time?

I figured I should include at least one Zombie story for October. This one has a good mix of action and character development. There isn’t much new about the nature of the infected, nor the nature of idiotic bureaucrats who won’t listen to informed warnings. There are a few detailed segments describing guns and military training which slow the pace a bit. The result is an entertaining story, if not a gripping one. I do have the second and third books so I will continue the story sometime.

Audio Notes: Keith Szarabajka does a nice job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and good energy. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

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