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: The Ember War, Books 1-2, by Richard Fox

I enjoyed this first contact/space military adventure. I’ll be continuing the series.

The Ember War
Publisher's Pack, Books 1-2
By: Richard Fox
Narrated by: Luke Daniels
Series: The Ember War, Book 1-2
Length: 15 hrs and 37 mins
Release date: 02-23-16
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Fleet, Space Military
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The Ember War, book 1: The Earth is doomed. Humanity has a chance.
In the near future, an alien probe arrives on Earth with a pivotal mission: to determine if humanity has what it takes to survive the impending invasion by a merciless armada. The probe discovers Marc Ibarra, a young inventor who holds the key to a daring gambit that could save a fraction of Earth's population. Humanity's only chance lies with Ibarra's ability to keep a terrible secret and engineer the planet down the narrow path to survival. Earth will need a fleet. One with a hidden purpose. One strong enough to fight a battle against annihilation.
The Ember War is the first installment in an epic military sci-fi series. If you enjoyed A Hymn Before Battle by John Ringo and The Last Starship by Vaughn Heppner, then you'll love this explosive adventure with constant thrills and high stakes from beginning to end.
The Ruins of Anthalas, book 2: An ancient holocaust holds the key to humanity's survival.
Only a sliver of mankind survived the Xaros invasion. With Earth's defenses in ashes, nothing can stop the aliens' inevitable return. Hope arrives through a cryptic message from a long-lost alien race, promising the means to rebuild the shattered space fleet. Captain Valdar takes one of the last strike carriers, the Breitenfeld, and his shell-shocked crew on a desperate mission to the dead world. Unfortunately humans aren't the only power that received the ancient message....
The Ruins of Anthalas is the second book in The Ember War Saga, a military sci-fi space opera. If you like David Weber and John Ringo with a touch of Isaac Asimov, then you'll love this fast-paced and captivating adventure where humanity survives at the edge of a knife.
©2015 Richard Fox (P)2016 Podium Publishing

Review:
Book 1: The Ember War.
An alien probe made contact with one nerdy college student on earth. The alien had decided a scientific theory of Marc Ibarra might give the planet a marginally better chance to survive the coming attack by the Xaros, an alien army that wipes out all sentient life it finds. Marc and his alien probe only have sixty years to prepare.

Sixty years later the wealthy Ibarra Corporation has spear-headed space exploration and space mining. Ibarra has kept secrets and made plans to hopefully save a small fraction of humans. He didn’t want to be the one to choose those who survive but …someone has to make the hard choices.

Lieutenant Ken Hale of the Atlantic Union Marine Corps is an experience team leader who runs missions from the spaceship Breitenfeld under the command of Captain Isaac Valdar. Valdar hadn’t really wanted to leave his family but answered the call from his good friend, Admiral Garrett. Valdar had no idea that he’d be leaving for more than a short mission. The Bretenfeld is carrying a precious cargo: Ibarra’s heir and secret weapon, Stacy.

Valdar and his crew will experience events no one else has faced and discover secrets that will tear apart their lives. The space fleet has survived the first devastating attack of the Xaros and even manage to capture an important space travel station from the Xaros. But how will the fleet stay hidden and keep mankind from extinction?

I enjoyed Hale and his Marine team who use their skills well together. They get extra rescue help from some massive, armored humans (I think referred to as Iron Hearts).

Book 2: The Ruins of Anthalas.
If the human race wants to survive, the fleet needs to obtain certain elements and secrets that might be found on the destroyed planet of Anthalas. The Breitenfeld is directed to use the Xaros jump station to reach Anthalas and find out if they can mine the needed elements. It is supposed to be an exploratory mission only but the away teams run into opposition and end up stealing crucial artifacts in addition to obtaining important information. Unfortunately, the fight with the natives draws the attention of the Xaros and exposes the humans.

Hale and his brave team are joined by some alien allies in these battle adventures. Steuben is a bit arrogant and sometimes treats the humans with contempt. Still, the longer he fights along side them the more he begins to appreciate their quick reactions and shear drive.

I won’t say that the writing is brilliant, but the world building and aliens are imaginative, and the action is fast paced. The hand full of important characters are likeable and developed so that I was rooting for them all to stay whole and return to the ship alive (at least alive enough to be healed with regeneration).

I am glad that I got the first two books in one and I have added book three to my list for future purchase. I recommend this to reader’s who enjoy space battles from authors such as Isaac Hooke, David Weber, and John Ringo.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels is a reliable good narrator. As usual, he does well with the pacing in this sort of book and he gives the characters their own voices and personalities. His narration adds to the book and my enjoyment.

Source: November 2016 Audible Sale. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Star Nomad by Lindsay Buroker

This is a fun, fast military sci fi.
Star Nomad
Fallen Empire, Book 1
By: Lindsay Buroker
Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-18-16
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Military Sci Fi, Science Fiction, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
The Alliance has toppled the tyrannical empire. It should be a time for celebration, but not for fighter pilot Captain Alisa Marchenko. After barely surviving a crash in the final battle for freedom, she's stranded on a dustball of a planet, billions of miles from her young daughter. She has no money or resources, and there are no transports heading to Perun, her former home and the last imperial stronghold.
But she has a plan.
Steal a dilapidated and malfunctioning freighter from a junkyard full of lawless savages. Slightly suicidal, but she believes she can do it. Her plan, however, does not account for the elite cyborg soldier squatting in the freighter, intending to use it for his own purposes. As an imperial soldier, he has no love for Alliance pilots. In fact he's quite fond of killing them.
Alisa has more problems than she can count, but she can't let cyborgs, savages, or ancient malfunctioning ships stand in her way. If she does she'll never see her daughter again.
Fans of Firefly and Star Wars should enjoy this fun, fast-paced new series from USA Today best-selling author Lindsay Buroker.
©2016 Lindsay Buroker (P)2016 Podium Publishing

Review:
Captain Alisa Marchenko is a former Alliance pilot who was stranded on a foreign planet while in the hospital recovery from wounds in the final battles. The determined Alliance troops have surprisingly beaten the Imperial with their superior cyborg warriors. Now Alisa wants to repair her mother’s downed freighter and get back to her home planet, Perun, and her daughter. Unfortunately, Perun is the only planet still in the hands of the Imperials.

Alisa and a friend she has brought along for her mech skills make it to the dilapidated freighter only to find it is already occupied by a cyborg soldier. She expects resistance but the cyborg agrees to go with them provided they detour to a planet as the first stop of their journey. Alisa takes on a security guard and manages to attract two passengers: a religious man (carrying a secret) and an ethereal woman who trades in herbs, mushrooms and other unknown products.

This motley crew must survive the journey across the universe to get to their goals. They will face ruthless pirates, hideous monsters and who knows how they will be treated if they can get to Perun.

I enjoyed the strange crew and how they end up helping each other. Apparently even cyborgs have honor and he is a fascinating character. It is vaguely reminiscent of Firefly which I really enjoyed. There is humor and lots of danger and action. The story moves along well to a point but does not resolve. It will continue in the next book. I recommend this to fans of sci fi adventure.

Audio Notes: Kate Reading does a good job with the narration. She provides distinct voices, emotions and energy. The narration helped to make this an easy and fast listen.

Source: November 2016 Audible Sale. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: SpecOps, Expeditionary Force, Book 2, by Craig Alanson

I enjoyed this adventure and the AI snark.
SpecOps
Expeditionary Force, Book 2
By: Craig Alanson

Series: Expeditionary Force, Book 2
Length: 15 hrs and 50 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-07-17
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Colonel Joe Bishop made a promise, and he's going to keep it: taking the captured alien starship Flying Dutchman back out. He doesn't agree when the UN decides to send almost 70 elite Special Operations troops, hotshot pilots, and scientists with him; the mission is a fool's errand he doesn't expect to ever return from. At least this time, the Earth is safe, right?
Not so much.
©2016 Craig Alanson (P)2017 Podium Publishing

Review:
Colonel Joe Bishop never expected to be in a position of leadership, responsible as the captain of an alien starship and a team of Special Operations (Spec Ops) troops. But he is committed to fulfilling a promise to the AI that he ‘rescued’ from a storage room on an alien planet. He dubbed his AI friend “Skippy” and Skippy was able to help remove the alien threat that was invading Earth. In return for Skippy’s assistance, Joe agreed to take Skippy out to the ends of space to try to communicate with others of his kind or find clues to their whereabouts. The UN ordered that Joe take a Spec Ops crew and a team of scientists along on the mission. Joe disclosed to all the crew members that he didn’t really expect to ever return to Earth. Still, they accepted the chance to explore space even with the dangers they are likely to face.

Several possible AI stations are identified, and the ship sets off to investigate. They discover a site that has already been ransacked, one that has nothing and another that not only has AI artifacts but enemy aliens in the process of gathering them. The ship stumbles into an attack and has to hide to allow Skippy to make repairs. Meanwhile, a plan must be developed to avoid the enemy and steal the artifacts from their camp.

Skippy continually belittles the “monkey brain” humans and taunts his own mental superiority as he trades insults with Joe. Then he has to struggle when Joe comes up with workable solutions to problems. This makes for great bantering fun!

There are a handful of characters highlighted among the crew who are supporting Joe and the mission. There are moments of danger and bravery. There are losses and struggles for the mission and in the end they learn frightening news that sends them scampering back to Earth.

I enjoyed the mix of action and strategy brainstorming, but the best part is the nonstop snark from Skippy. I recommend this to readers who enjoy fun space adventure. I do recommend starting with book one, Columbus Day.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray does another great job with the narration. He delivers distinct voices, AI snarkiness and consistent energy. I plan to continue listening to this series.

Source: June 2018 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook Goals.

Audible Book Review: So Long, Lollipops by Sarah Lyons Fleming

I enjoyed this novella telling Peter’s story after sacrifice.

So Long, Lollipops
The Free Until The End of the World Novella
By: Sarah Lyons Fleming
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
Series: Until the End of the World, Book 1.5

Length: 3 hrs and 12 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-12-14
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi, Zombies
My Rating: 4.0 Overall; Story 4.0 and Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
**WARNING**
This novella contains major spoilers from the novel Until The End of the World. It's suggested you read the novel before you hear So Long, Lollipops. Unless you're someone who likes to read the last page of a book first - in that case, enjoy!
Peter watched his new family drive away, certain it was the last time he'd ever see them. But sometimes plans go awry in the best way. Now, the plan is to get back to them. But sometimes plans go awry in the worst way.
Sometimes the only plan is to believe it will be all right, even when it's almost impossible to believe.
©2014 Sarah Lyons Fleming (P)2014 Podium Publishing

Review:
At the end of Book 1, Until the End of the World, Peter agreed to distract the ‘zombies’ so the rest of his friends (now ‘family’) could escape to continue their trip to a safe zone community further north. Peter knows he is giving up his life, but he isn’t going down without a fight. Then he gets rescued by a young teen. Now he faces her gun but at least he is away from the “Z” mob.

Nat and her family are hesitant to trust Peter but Nat saw how he reacted as he let “Bits” and the others drive away. After Peter suffers an accident, he has no choice but to stay with the family and help them settle into their safe house. Peter also has time to contemplate his shallow past and what it takes now to survive.

Finally Peter sets off on his trip to the safe zone. He starts in a truck, but he has a long journey even if it isn’t that many miles. There are more enemies than just Zombies along the way but he is determined to catch up with Cassie and the others.

I enjoyed this short story from Peter’s perspective. I liked the phrase and title “So Long Lollipops”. This tale had danger and some ‘end of the world’ thought processes. Now I am ready to get the next book in the series.

Audio Notes: Julia Whelan continues the good job of narration for the characters in this series. She adds comfortable pacing, even with Peter’s introspective moments. I like listening to this series.

Source: Audible Free Title 9/2014. This is part of 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook Goals.

Audible Book Review: Genesis: Arisen, Book 0.5 by Michael Stephen Fuchs

This zombie genre story has strong characters and good action.
Genesis: Arisen, Book 0.5
By: Michael Stephen Fuchs
Narrated by: R. C. Bray

Series: Arisen, Book 0.5
Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-11-14
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Sci Fi, Zombie
My Rating: Story: 3.75 of 5.0
Narration: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Tucked away in a high-tech Tactical Operations Center, inside an isolated safehouse in the Horn of Africa, sits Agency analyst Zack Altringham. He is Kenyan-born, Princeton-educated, badly burnt-out - and condemned by his language and cultural skills to a lifetime of fighting America's shadow counter-terror wars. But when another mystery epidemic breaks out, terrifyingly quickly it reaches a tipping point and chaos descends - and Zack and his team (including two former Team Six SEALs) are trapped between the millstones of the sick and the dying on one side, and heavily armed militias on the other. Soon their "safe" house is in flames, and their only remaining option is to get in their up-armored SUV and try to escape the imploding gravity well of the city, to the safety of the American military base in Djibouti. But by then, will there be anywhere safe left on Earth to escape to?
©2012 Michael Stephen Fuchs (P)2014 Podium Publishing

Review:
This is military v zombie tale which explains how the virus outbreak starts. A special CIA team is deep in Africa providing tactical intel on the continual unrest in the area. The team consists of two analysts, Zach and Baxter, supported by two former Seal protectors, Mad Bob and Duggin. People in the area are beginning to show signs of illness – then it becomes more serious. This is no simple civilian unrest but something much worse. As they begin to witness the infected people turning into attacking zombies, the team monitors events from their well-equipped safe house. Zach is able to make contact with his superiors in Langley but the plague isn’t limited to Africa and there will be no support coming from the states. Within two weeks their safe house is overrun and they are out on the streets in a desperate run for safety to an American military base.

The story is well told in first person by Zach. The beginning is a bit slower as the characters are developed with background history. I really liked the characters and hoped they would all survive. Zach provides an interesting philosophical perspective as the apocalypse becomes apparent. There is plenty of action once the plague takes over the population and as the team tries to escape to safety. The military detail is strong and there is good discussion of viral science.

I was glad to listen to this entry in a longer series. It sounds as though the stories are related but do not necessarily include connecting characters. I recommend this to readers who enjoy zombie stories. I won’t be rushing to get the next in this series, but I might pick up more if I am in the mood for more zombie stories.

Audio notes: R. C. Bray is a superb narrator whose skills add to the works he reads. He provides unique voices with fitting accents, making the characters more alive.

Source: Audible 2017 December Sale Purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenges.

Audible Book Review: Joshua by John S. Wilson

I enjoyed this post apocalyptic listen.

Joshua
By: John S. Wilson
Narrated by: Jonathan Yen

Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-05-13
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
He had to keep moving, that the man instinctively knew. He had to get away, from the rioting, the lawlessness, the killing. Away from the brutal gangs that ruled the highways. Then there was the boy that he found along the way, an orphan with no place to go. He couldn't leave the child behind; that would be murder. Together they had to make their way across the razed landscape of post-collapse America, west to where there was safety, a chance to begin again. If only they survived the journey.
©2012 John S. Wilson (P)2013 Podium Publishing

Review:
The man and boy, Joshua, have traveled a long way. Now the man is sick and they have been captured by an unknown group. They are treating him pretty roughly as they suspect him of mistreating the boy. After a few days the man tells his full story.

The man had a mixed work background, including EMT experience. He was living in Tennessee, but when the economy collapsed he chose to travel home to Lexington, Kentucky in hopes of finding his parents. The man had a good heart and sought to help those in need along the way. That didn’t work out so well. He had a vehicle when he started but it didn’t take long before looters attacked.

The man had hoped the cities would be in better shape than the highways. Instead he found fires, devastating destruction and death. He finds a twisted surprise at his parent’s neighborhood. As he continues along the edges of the roads, the man has to avoid evil gangs, militia groups and even worse, all while foraging for food and water.

At one point the man finds a dying woman with a toddler. He can’t leave the child alone so he becomes his protector and provider. They see horrors and little kindness along the way. Can the man keep Joshua safe to get across country to Wyoming where he hopes to find his brother? Can the man stay true to his Christian background in a world where he faces kill or be killed?

This story reminded me of The Road which also dealt with an unnamed man and his son. I did not find this as eloquent as The Road but I did find it engaging. I like the man and the boy, Joshua, whose growth comes with the influence of the man’s ideals and background. I thought the story was building to a different ending, but we don’t always get what we want. There is grittiness and bleakness consistent with post-apocalyptic society. If you don’t like bleak post-apocalyptic then this might not be for you. I recommend it to readers who like character studies in post-apocalyptic stories.

Audio Notes: Jonathan Yen does a very nice job with the narration. His rendition fits the contemplative bleakness of the difficult journey of The Man. He provides different voices for characters when applicable. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2013 Audible Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR, Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges ("J" title)

Audible Review: Warship by Joshua Dalzelle

This started slowly but really picked up!

Warship
Black Fleet Trilogy, Book 1
By: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 06-30-15
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0
Audio Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
From Joshua Dalzelle, author of the best-selling Omega Force series, comes an all new vision of humanity's future.
In the 25th century, humans have conquered space. The advent of faster-than-light travel has opened up hundreds of habitable planets for colonization, and humans have exploited the virtually limitless space and resources for hundreds of years with impunity. So complacent have they become with the overabundance that armed conflict is a thing of the past, and their machines of war are obsolete and decrepit. What would happen if they were suddenly threatened by a terrifying new enemy? Would humanity fold and surrender, or would they return to their evolutionary roots and meet force with force?
One ship - and one captain - will soon be faced with this very choice.
©2015 Joshua Dalzelle (P)2015 Podium Publishing

Review:
Humans have conquered space but still have seen no aliens in the 25th century. Resources are abundant and space travel has provided sufficient living spaces so there has been peace and no wars for centuries. The last fleet of warships are years old, without the speed and technology of the more recent ships. Of course, the recent ships don’t have the weapons that the older ones do. But no one thinks they need sophisticated weapons… or even to maintain the old ones.

Captain Jackson Wolfe is an Earther so he is looked down upon by many; especially by his superior Admiral. She is looking for any reason to get rid of him. She assigns a new Executive Officer to the ship which is already full of sailors who are considered less than top notch. Based on the Admiral’s recommendation, the consortium which governs has chosen to retire the black fleet of unused warships. The Admiral sends Wolfe and his ship on a fairly routine mission. The only quirk is a detour to deliver an arrogant Senator’s aide to a secretive meeting. The man turns out to be more than expected as does the mission.

Wolfe flies into a settled colony system and is confused by what he discovers. Although some think he should turn and run, he chooses to investigate. The findings are even more alarming and set Wolfe and ship on a new, unapproved course. Wolfe sends his reports back to the Admiral but gets a rejected reply. Meanwhile Wolfe is pursuing a dangerous enemy. He has to call upon his ragtag crew, not of all whom are supportive, to make the ancient weapons work and to help strategize to face a killing foe.

The story started slowly but once the mystery of the passenger and then the mystery of the enemy begins, it gets really engaging. I really enjoyed the crew interaction, including the mysterious passenger who has a connection throughout the journey. I liked how the crew was able to find means of fixing and using the old weapons to attack a much stronger enemy. They may be the underdogs but they aren’t going out without a fight.

There is some bad language but not excessive. I will definitely continue listening to this exciting series. I recommend this to space marine, sci fi fans.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does a fantastic job with the narration. He nails different voices and conveys the emotions of disdain, confusion, determination and more. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of this story.

Source: Audible 2016 Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR, Take Control, Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.

Audible Book Review: Quarter Share by Nathan Lowell

I really liked this surprisingly engaging tale which is business trading rather than space action.
Quarter Share
A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 1
By: Nathan Lowell
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Series: A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 05-10-16
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Mercantile, Sci Fi, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
What if we sent freighters instead of frigates?
In a universe run by corporations, where profit matters more than life, how can an orphan with no skills, no money, and no prospects survive?
When Ishmael Wang's mother dies in a senseless accident, he's given a choice: leave the planet on his own, or the company will remove him. To avoid deportation Ishmael finds work as a mess deck attendant on an interstellar freighter.
Find out what Ishmael must do to earn his Quarter Share.
©2013 Nathan Lowell (P)2016 Podium Publishing

Review:
Ishmael’s mother dies when he is 17, leaving him on his own with no place to go. Ishmael takes the initiative to get a job as a mess deck attendant on an interstellar freighter, the SC Lois McKendrick. One of his first acts in his new position makes an impression and secures his job. Ishmael knows nothing about space freighters or protocol, but he gets a little help, learns quickly and works hard.

Ishmael’s mess companion and ‘trainer’ is a young man named Pip, a small fellow who left another freighter where he was mocked and bullied. Pip is from a trading family and uses his family skills to enhance his meager wages by trading goods. This task is a balancing act as each spacer only has so much weight allotment on ship and must fit trade goods within that limit as well as within their monetary budget.

Pip and Ishmael begin to combine their efforts to make a few trades. This process expands until it has a surprising impact on the other crewmates and even the ship officers of the SC Lois McKendrick.

There is fascinating detail of day to day life and interaction on a mercantile space ship. Ishmael is a wonderful character with clever ideas and a good work ethic and an attitude that encourages cooperation. I am not a huge fan of coming of age tales, but I found this fully entertaining. It doesn’t have the usual action of military battle that I am accustomed to so I was even more surprised at how engrossed I became. I enjoyed the tensions, surprises and successes of the crew. I plan to pick up the next book fairly soon to follow the bartering talents of Ishmael, Pip and his crew mates.

Audio Notes: Jeffrey Kafer does a fine job with the narration. His voice fit the young, direct personality of Ishmael. He also presents appropriate accents for Pip, Cookie, the Captain and the other crew members. The narration added to my enjoyment of this story.

Source: Audible 2016 Credit Purchase. This qualifies for my 2018TBR, Take Challenge, Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.

Audible Book Review: Until the End of the World by Sarah Lyons Fleming

Strong character connections help make this an entertaining zombie tale.
Until the End of the World
Written by: Sarah Lyons Fleming
Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 13 hrs and 15 mins
Series: Until the End of the World, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-24-14
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi, Zombie
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Cassie Forrest isn't surprised to learn that the day she’s decided to get her life together is also the day the world ends. After all, she’s been on a self-imposed losing streak since her survivalist parents died: she’s stopped painting, broken off her engagement to Adrian and dated a real jerk. Rectifying her mistakes has to wait, however, because Cassie and her friends have just enough time to escape Brooklyn for her parents’ cabin before Bornavirus LX turns them into zombies, too. This is difficult enough, but Cassie’s tag along ex-boyfriend and her friend’s bratty sister have a knack for making everything, even the apocalypse, more unpleasant. When the two attract a threat as deadly as the undead to their safe haven, Cassie’s forced to see how far she’ll go to protect those she loves. And it’s a lot farther than she’d anticipated. This, coupled with Adrian’s distant voice on Safe Zone Radio and, of course, the living dead, threaten to put Cassie right back into the funk she just dragged herself out of. Survival’s great and all, especially when you have leather armor, good friends and home-brewed beer, but there’s something Cassie must do besides survive: tell Adrian she still loves him. And to do that, Cassie has to find faith that she’s stronger than she thinks, she’s still a crack shot and true love never dies.
2014 Voice Arts Award Winner
2015 Audie Finalist - Solo Narration, Female
©2013 Saray Lyons Fleming (P)2014 Podium Publishing

Review:
Cassie insolated herself after the sudden, accidental deaths of her parents, including pushing away her fiancé, Adrian. Her parents were survivalists and got along great with Adrian who was set to open a farm focused on experimental growing techniques. Two years after shutting down, and with the strong, continued encouragement of her best friends, Penny and Nelly, Cassie has finally decided to ditch the new, but wrong for her, boyfriend, and get her live back on track. Unfortunately, there is an obstacle to her plan… a virus is spreading in the cities that turns the infected into aggressors who then become the violent undead.

Cassie and her friends first gather at her apartment where she has some supplies, thanks to her parents insisting on being prepared. The group includes Penny and her younger, sister, Ana, Nelly, James, a computer geek co-worker, and just declared ex-boyfriend, Peter. A hostile Peter and crush bitten, bratty Ana, are sure that the virus is under control and will pass quickly. The others insist that things will get worse before they get better. When they hear that the city might be closed off, they decide to head out to Cassie’s family place in the hills of Pennsylvania.

The teens face ‘zombie’ attacks before they can get out of the city and reach Cassie’s home-place. Once they reach the hometown they must pass through a blockade to get to the secluded cabin. They are helped by an older neighbor who continues to work with them. Although they hoped the town and cabin would be safe, they soon discover that not only are there undead to kill but there are evil men taking advantage of the lawlessness. James manages to get a radio going and they can hear the reports of distant safe communities, including one in Vermont that is run by Adrian.

I really enjoyed the warm friendships and natural personalities of the characters. Cassie is much stronger than she realizes and her strong friends have to keep reminding her of this. Nelly is a college friend of both Adrian and Cassie and he is a wonderfully strong character adding to the story. Although this has clear YA elements, like the spoiled brat, jealousies and immaturity, it also has a strong enough storyline and character growth to make it good entertainment. There are losses and some of the ending is predictable but there are some surprises too. I recommend this to readers who like YA stories and like zombie danger and action.

Audio Notes: Julia Whelan delivers a strong performance with the narration. She helps the character personalities to come alive, adding to the entertainment value of the story.

I picked this from my Audible TBR shelves. It qualifies for Audio Challenge, Mount TBR and "U" in Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Review: Gabriel: Zero Point: The FREE Prequel Novella: Evan Gabriel Trilogy by Steve Umstead

This is fast paced military action with a creative story.
Gabriel: Zero Point: The FREE Prequel Novella: Evan Gabriel Trilogy
Written by: Steve Umstead
Narrated by: Ray Chase

Length: 2 hrs and 43 mins
Series: Evan Gabriel, Book 0.5
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-27-13
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Sci Fi Contemporary, Military
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Evan Gabriel wasn't always a feared and respected North American Federation Navy Commander. Before dangerous missions to the ice-bound planet of Poliahu, the deadly jungle world of Eden, and politically corrupt Mars, he was a simple recruit, fighting to make his mark in the elite Naval Special Forces…and was part of a top-secret military experiment that would change his life forever.
Zero Point tells the tale of a young man faced with difficult choices and dangerous trials. Fans of the series will see part of the mysterious past Evan Gabriel carries with him, while listeners new to the series get a preview of what is to come in a military man's haunted life. Zero Point is the true beginning of Evan Gabriel, and his story is just getting started.
©2012 Steve Umstead (P)2013 Podium Publishing

Review:
Gabriel was a young soldier in training whose high level skills caught the eyes of superiors, including a special recruiter. Gabriel has the right profile - no family and no real friends because his loyalty takes precedence over personal relationships. A tough Naval commander offers Gabriel the chance to become part of an elite division of the Naval Special Forces. Gabriel accepts even though he doesn’t have the full details.

Gabriel is delivered to a secret laboratory for special work to prepare for his new career. There he learns that he is about to become a ‘super soldier’ with physical and mental augmentation. He doesn’t get much time to consider the program before a sad technician/scientist thrusts him into a tank for the changes. When Gabriel awakens he finds himself at a zero point - reborn with powers he will have to get used to on the run. The technician is missing and there is a blood trail across the floor.

Gabriel sets out to find the girl and quickly faces multiple attackers, booby trapped hallways and wicked, multi-weaponed assassins. Gabriel suffers wounds that his new body works on healing internally. He successfully faces down all obstacles only to come face to face with a master enemy when he finally reaches the room and finds the technician.

I enjoyed the fast pace action and detailed military maneuvers that were described in this novella. I appreciated Gabriel’s background as the author develops his character. The reader also gets to meet certain military officials whom suspect I will be appearing in further books in the series. The story is direct and believable. I was pleased to have this as a free audio which did result in my purchase of the first full novel in the trilogy: Gabriel’s Redemption.

Audio Notes: It took just a little time to get used to the deep soft voice of the narrator. Ray Chase does a good job presenting the story with intensity that portrays the personalities of the characters. It was nice that this was a quick listen, under three hours, to garner interest in the series. It also included the beginning of book 1 which I enjoyed until I downloaded that book. I recommend this on audio as a quick, exciting listen.

I downloaded this free prequel at Audible. This is part of my Audio Challenge. It is also G on Alphabet Soup Challenge.