Audible Book Review: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This is a fun, ironic sci fi, horror(?), short listen.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
By: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Narrated by: Scott Brick

Published March 16th 2007
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Genre: Classic, Horror, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
F. Scott Fitzgerald makes antebellum Baltimore his setting for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a fantastical tale with some Poe-like overtones about a baby born at age 70 who then lives life in reverse, his hair turning "in the dozen years of his life from white to iron-gray, the network of wrinkles on his face becoming less pronounced". What ramifications that creates for Benjamin's relationship with his father first and then later with his wife and his own son makes for some fantastical situations.
Public Domain (P) 2007 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Benjamin Button was born as a fully grown 70-year-old man. Neither the doctors nor his parents could understand this bizarre event. Initially the public found this man-child abhorrent but soon the scandal faded. Benjamin himself didn’t understand why his parents wanted him to play with a rattle or why they placed him in a school setting to play with paper and paste.

As the years go by, Benjamin gets younger. When he was age 18 (but appeared in his 50s), he entered military service and became a successful leader. He continued to grow younger and began to mix more comfortably with the younger, social community. Although still young in age, Benjamin met a beautiful young woman who viewed him as an interesting, debonair older man. Theirs was a lovely romance except that she grew older as he continued to grow younger … and younger.

This is an old classic first published in 1922 and was made into a movie in 2008. I don’t recall that I ever read this years ago nor saw the movie although I was familiar with the theme. I am surprised that it is listed as ‘romance’ as to me that was a minimal aspect. Overall this struck me as a bizarre and almost horrific tale. I viewed it as sci fi and horror mix and recommend this to readers of those genres, rather than romance.

Audio Notes: Scott Brick is a skilled narrator and did a good job with the story and the emotions. The story is engaging, and the audio made it an easy read/listen.

Source: 2009 I think this was free at Audible. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Gun: The End Time Saga Origin Short Story by Daniel Greene

This is a quick, introduction to an EOW series.
The Gun: The End Time Saga Origin Short Story
By: Daniel Greene
Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka
Series: The End Time Saga

Length: 1 hr and 33 mins
Release date: 06-18-19
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: 90 minute Short Story, Horror, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
A new gritty origin short story in the End Time Saga universe.
A dismembered body in the park....
Grand Rapids Detective Bill DeYoung is an old-timer riding it out until retirement. A ravaged body in the park and a drunken witness are about to change his plans; so is the end of the world.
The events happen concurrently with the first novel, End Time, but it can be heard at any point in the series to get exciting additional content on the origin of a main character.
Start the award-winning series filled with duty, treachery, honor, betrayal, and grim hope today!
©2019 Daniel Greene (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Bill DeYoung is an old timer Detective with the Grand Rapids force. He has seen a lot over his years of service but the body they investigate in the park that morning is different and alarming, even to him. As he locates and begins to interview the drunken woman who was a witness, reports of similar attacks are coming in from other locations in the city, including near his precinct. Soon it becomes apparent that they are dealing with something unusual – an end of the world scenario.

This story centers on two primary characters, Detective DeYoung, a dogged pro, and the drunken witness, Tess. DeYoung’s younger, somewhat arrogant partner, Westman, is also involved. I enjoyed the brief character development and interaction. It didn’t take long to figure out the nature of the attack so then the question became who would survive and how.

I didn’t know anything about The End, the ongoing post apocalyptic series. Had I realized the true nature of the story I might have saved it to listen to as part of my Fraterfest event. I enjoyed the quick story with its ironic ending. It is enough to make me interested in the series. Lucky for me books 1 through 3 are free as part of Audible Plus! I recommend this to readers who like plague, end of the world stories.

Audio Notes: Keith Szarabajka does a good job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and seems to capture the personalities of the characters.

Source: 8/29/2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Dungeon Born by Dakota Krout

This is an interesting view of LitRPG as it is from the view of the dungeon!

Dungeon Born
By: Dakota Krout
Narrator: Vikas Adam

Series: Divine Dungeon Series, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 03-28-17
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Fantasy, LitRPG, Teen & YA, Sci Fi 

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
A powerful dungeon. A sheep-herder turned Noble. Their path to ascendance through cultivation.
Conquering dungeons and using them to grow has long been the most efficient way to become a powerful adventurer. The only thing keeping the process from being easy is the Beasts that inhabit these places. Questions plague those entering this particular place of power: Where do the "rewards" of weapons, armor, and heavy gold coins come from? Why is a fluffy bunny charging at me? For abyss-sake, why are there so many monsters?
Cal has all of the answers to these age-old questions for a very simple reason. He is a Dungeon Core, a soul forced against his will into a magical stone. With the help of an energetic friend, Cal grows a dungeon around himself to bring in new sources of power.
When a threat he doesn't fully comprehend bares its many teeth, Cal is determined to survive the attempt on his life. Unfortunately for adventurers, the only way for him to achieve his goal is to eat anyone that enters his depths. ©2016 Dakota Krout (P)2017 Tantor

Review:
“Cal” was human before his soul was forced into a magical stone by a necromancer. When Cal wakes up, he doesn’t remember his former life except to know that he hates necromancers. Cal begins to stretch with his magic when he is able to ‘eat’ surrounding stones and moss, but he has no idea of the extent of his abilities. A senior magical source assigns a Wisp to help the young dungeon grow and level up. Wisp Dani names Cal for the calcium that surrounds his pretty gem.

Dani then begins to instruct Cal on how to eat and share the essence of his surroundings and how to build and expand the dungeon. Dani also helps Cal develop monsters, even if the first set are created from fluffy bunnies. The dungeon monsters are modified to have skills and even poisons to fight intruders. Cal learns how to pattern items of the intruders to create ‘loot’ of trinkets, coins or weapons to reward those who survive their visit in the dungeon. Occasionally Cal makes mistakes threatening his own existence, including earthquakes and uncontrolled monsters.

Dale is the sole survivor of the first treasure hunters to investigate the dungeon. Realizing the importance of this find, Dale manages to purchase the surrounding lands. Thus, begins Dale’s journey of growth towards a dungeon warrior and mage who will face Cal several times.

In LitRPGs you usually become, or follow, a hunter into the dungeon to face monsters, seek rewards and progress in levels. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that this was a story describing how the dungeon was developed. Cal grows in ability and in strategic planning to entice hunters with enough adventure and loot to keep them coming back. I found this clever and fun. Most of the story is told of Cal and his sidekick, Dani, but bits also follow Dale and his growth. I appreciated that the battles are active but not overly graphic. The tone is light and contributes to making this entertaining. I may not rush to get the next book right now, but I have it saved to my wish list as a future choice. I do recommend this to fans of LitRPGs and Dungeon fantasy.

Audio Notes: Vikas Adam does a fine job with the narration. He is able to express the naïve wonder and eagerness of Cal and the playfulness of Dani. Adam also captures the various human characters. I enjoyed the audio and will look forward to listening to more in the series.

Source: 1/27/18 Sale for 2017 Audible Daily Deals $3.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Interview with the Robot by Lee Bacon

I enjoyed this quick, fun story.
Interview with the Robot
By: Lee Bacon
Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins, Ellen Archer, Josh Hurley, Eileen Stevens, Erin Mallon, Jonathan Davis, Stephen Bel Davies

Length: 3 hrs and 42 mins
Release date: 01-02-20
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Children's Audiobooks, Science Fiction & Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

About This Audible Original
Ages 10+
Fugitive. Criminal. Robot.
A sci-fi adventure for young listeners, Interview with the Robot introduces a unique heroine who seeks the truth about herself.
Eve looks like an ordinary 12-year-old girl, but there’s nothing ordinary about her. She has no last name. No parents or guardian. She’s on the run from a dangerous and secretive organization that will stop at nothing to track her down.
And most astonishing of all: she’s a robot, a product of Eden Laboratories. When Eve discovers the truth, she realizes everything she thought she knew about herself is a lie. Eve manages to escape, fleeing the lab, the only home she’s ever known.
After being arrested for shoplifting, Eve is interviewed by Petra Amis from Child Welfare Services. Her incredible story unfolds during the interrogation, with flashbacks to her life inside Eden Laboratories, which has a dark secret. Listeners follow Eve from her first consciousness to her evolution as a nearly-human companion to Emory, the son of the founder of Eden Laboratories.
Exploring a range of topics that drive our society and our lives—topics such as artificial intelligence and human nature—Interview with the Robot is a story told by a startlingly original protagonist, a story that explores the vast potential of technology and the deep complexities of humanity.
Interview with the Robot comes to life with a multicast performance including Eileen Stevens as Eve, Ellen Archer as Petra Amis, Jonathan Davis as David Sharp, Kevin T. Collins as Emory Sharp, Josh Hurley as a Boswell employee, Erin Mallon as a device/robot and female barista, and Steven Bel Davies as a store clerk, hotel employee, and office clerk.
©2019 Lee Bacon (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC

Review:
Eve looks like a regular 12-year-old girl, but she is far from it. She is a unique humanoid robot who was caught shoplifting. Eve is in a police interrogation room being interviewed by Petra, an advocate from Child Welfare Services. How and why Eve ended up in the police station is revealed as the interview proceeds. At first her story seems outrageous, but soon visible facts begin to prove what she is saying.

When strangers begin to show up at the station expressing concern for their ‘cousin’, Petra realizes that she has a dilemma on her hands. Does Petra treat Eve as the property of a wealthy corporation with secrets to protect or should Petra try to help Eve in her efforts to escape? 

In the true nature of science fiction, this short story is full of irony and human dilemma. The author does a wonderful job of developing Eve from AI cube to near human girl. Her friendship with awkward, rather geeky Emory is rather endearing especially as it leads to one of the twists in the story. This is a quick, engaging story and can be enjoyed by adults as well as young people. 

Audio Notes: The narration is a god team effort by Kevin T. Collins, Ellen Archer, Josh Hurley, Eileen Stevens, Erin Mallon, Jonathan Davis and Stephen Bel Davies. I have no idea who played which characters but they all did a good job delivering an entertaining and seamless presentation. I am glad that I was able to listen to this quick story.

1/24/2020 Second January Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Catalyst Downward Cycle by J K Franks

This is a good beginning of a post-apocalyptic series, though not stellar.

Catalyst Downward Cycle
by J K Franks
Narrated by: Steven Varnum

Series: Catalyst, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-28-16
Language: English
Publisher: J K Franks
Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
In the first five minutes, more than a million people will die.... That’s just the beginning of the nightmare.
The super solar storm wasn’t supposed to hit Earth - the odds were against it. And yet it did, and everything changed. The storm causes a global blackout. Society begins to come apart as the planes begin falling from the sky and all traces of normal vanish. Scott Montgomery watches helplessly as pandemonium consumes the world around him. But the loss of electrical power is just the first of the problems facing the survivors in the chaos that follows.
Soon, they discover the loss of electricity was just the beginning of their problems. In a land without laws and few consequences for their actions, individuals must come to terms with their darkest fears and desires. What will Scott do when he learns the draconian plans one secret group has for regaining control and ensuring their own vision for the new world?
Catalyst is a shockingly realistic tale of how society copes when the world is thrust back to a time before technology. If you are a fan of Steve Konkoly, Tom Abrahams, or A. American, you will love this audiobook.
©2016 J K Franks (P)2016 J K Franks

Review:
Scott is a computer analyst who lives in a solitary life in a small, rather isolated community on the Gulf. Scott became a bike enthusiast and a loner after a failed marriage. Scott isn’t a prepper although he is familiar with the group because his brother is one. Scott quickly recognizes the devastating impact of the solar flare that disables all electric systems in America and around the world. Scott isn’t sure how he will survive especially after he uncovers secret government plans regarding the recovery efforts.

Scott is fortunate to stumble upon three other men who are ready to band together for survival. Jack is a gritty ex-con turned preacher who is ready to help those who are ready to help themselves and he won’t take guff from anyone. Bartos is a rugged lineman who is more than prepared to defend and protect his friends. Todd is a former warrior with skills that can help with planning strategies while protecting the gathering band. These new friends see in Scott an intelligent, steady man who has valuable information and one who can help lead other men and women to work together for common good.

Scott is surprised when Todd volunteers to help him travel several hundred miles away to try to find and retrieve his niece who is in college. They are surprised to find a strange militaristic group controlling the campus. Will they be able to sneak Scott’s niece out safely? And what sort of community can they develop at their small town?

I did enjoy this overall story. Scott is a reluctant leader who needs a lot of help to succeed. He finds that help in interesting rather gritty comrades. Their communications were peppered with foul language which bothered me but wasn’t why I didn’t find the work compelling. I felt the story started slowly and plodded along. The story is realistic but seems to skip sections of development as the survivors gather. I’m not quite sure if it was the narration or the POV that made this seem like a lot of tell rather than show. There could have been more time spent on developing the community before they face a violent gang directed by an arrogant man of privilege.

I acknowledge that the story is worth listening to and continuing in the series. The problem is, with so many other series in this genre, this wouldn’t be my first choice. I do recommend this for readers/listeners who enjoy this genre.

Audio Notes: Steven Varnum does a fair job providing voices, but I think he could have provided a little more energy. I think this is partially the nature of the material. I still love listening to audio as it moves stories along for me.

Source: 9/18/18 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2020 TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Redshirts: A Novel with Three Codas by John Scalzi

This fun story made me think of Star Trek, Galaxy Quest, and The Thirteenth Floor.

Redshirts
A Novel with Three Codas
By: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Wil Wheaton

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-05-12
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Exploration
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0; Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Ensign Andrew Dahl has just been assigned to the Universal Union Capital Ship Intrepid, flagship of the Universal Union since the year 2456. It’s a prestige posting, and Andrew is thrilled all the more to be assigned to the ship’s Xenobiology laboratory. Life couldn’t be better…until Andrew begins to pick up on the facts that (1) every Away Mission involves some kind of lethal confrontation with alien forces; (2) the ship’s captain, its chief science officer, and the handsome Lieutenant Kerensky always survive these confrontations; and (3) at least one low-ranked crew member is, sadly, always killed.
Not surprisingly, a great deal of energy below decks is expended on avoiding, at all costs, being assigned to an Away Mission. Then Andrew stumbles on information that completely transforms his and his colleagues’ understanding of what the starship Intrepid really is…and offers them a crazy, high-risk chance to save their own lives.
©2012 John Scalzi (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Ensign Andrew Dahl is happy to be assigned to the Intrepid, the flagship of the space fleet in 2456. Andrew is put through a strange test with the ‘Box” to save Lieutenant Kerenesky. As he leaves the bridge, having saved the day, Andrew is surprised when he is confronted by a strange hairy wraith who appears out of the shadows. “Stay off the bridge. Avoid the narrative.” he is warned. Soon Andrew begins to question what is going on as he recognizes that every away mission results in the death of one of the new, lowly crewmembers while the captain, chief science officer, and handsome Lieutenant Kerensky survive the alien confrontations and heal quickly.

Andrew realizes that he and the other four new crewmembers are at risk of being expendable. In pursuit of what is going on, Andrew seeks out the hairy man who warned him. The hiding crewmember presents a wild theory that seems to play out in the next away mission. Andrew, his friends, and the mysterious wraith decide on an equally wild plan to save their lives. This plan will take them back in the past to approach the men they think can help change the pattern of events.

The story has a Star Trek ring to it but if you are familiar with Galaxy Quest (or The Truman Story), you can guess where the search of the ‘narrative’ takes Andrew. Is he in control of his own fate or is someone else controlling the events that will ultimately lead to his death? How deeply does the control run? The story is told in the third person, past tense, from Andrew’s point of view. There is a twist near the end of the book and as a conclusion, the author throws in a little bonus with three codas: in first person, a second person, and a third person view.

I enjoy the Old Man’s War series by Scalzi a bit more than this, but this is a quick, fun sci-fi filled with appropriate sci-fi irony. I recommend this to fans of easy, ironic sci-fi spoofs.

Audio Notes: Wil Wheaton is paired successfully with Scalzi’s snide humor. He delivers the characters with distinct voices and energy. His narration works to put me into the story. I am always happy to listen to this narrator.

8/4/19 Audible Sale $5.00. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Extracted by R. R. Haywood

I liked the plot and characters but not the language in this.
Extracted
By: R. R. Haywood
Narrator: Carl Prekopp

Series: Extracted, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-01-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
In 2061 a young scientist invents a time machine to fix a tragedy in his past. But his good intentions turn catastrophic when an early test reveals something unexpected: the end of the world.
A desperate plan is formed: recruit three heroes, ordinary humans capable of extraordinary things, and change the future.
Safa Patel is an elite police officer, on duty when Downing Street comes under terrorist attack. As armed men storm through the breach, she dispatches them all.
'Mad' Harry Madden is a legend of the Second World War. Not only did he complete an impossible mission - to plant charges on a heavily defended submarine base - but he also escaped with his life.
Ben Ryder is just an insurance investigator. But as a young man, he witnessed a gang assaulting a woman and her child. He went to their rescue and killed all five.
Can these three heroes, extracted from their timelines at the point of death, save the world?
©2016 R. R. Haywood (P)2017 Audible, Ltd

Review:
Three distinct characters are pulled through time to be asked to save the future. ‘Mad’ Harry Madden is a large, tough soldier in WWII who was willing to take on a suicide mission for the cause against the enemy Germans. He succeeded in his mission and apparently survived. When he wakes up in a bunker he thinks he has been taken as a prisoner.

Ben Ryder is an insurance investigator who has twice acted with untrained precision to foil attacks. He was only a teenager when he defeated gang members in the midst of an assault on a woman and child. Years later he steps out of an investigation scene to discover a terrorist attack about to kill thousands. He quickly accesses the problem and takes action. He wakes up in a bunker and has trouble accepting the situation he finds himself he is in.

As Ryder was trying to thwart the terrorists his heroism was seen by a young enforcement officer, beautiful Safa Patel. With the inspiration of a man like Ryder Safa pushes through the training to become an elite officer. She has to suffer through horrific exploitation, but she is intent on preforming her job. When her vile boss is threatened by an attack she does all she can to protect him, facing the enemy single-handed. Safa wakes up in the bunker with two heroes she knows and reveres from history. She makes it her personal goal to prepare Ryder for the fight ahead even as he resists her efforts.

The three heroes struggle with their training, even facing a crisis. Meanwhile, there are sources in the real timeline closing in on the location of the time machine. Can the team be ready for the assignment before the secrets are uncovered?

When you have a print book you can go back and check the timeline but that is difficult in audio. Once I figured out the characters were coming from different dates, I was able to settle into the plot. Interestingly enough, this book is as much character-driven as it is plot focused. The three “heroes” who have been extracted to save the future are unique individuals who don’t necessarily see themselves as heroes. I really enjoyed the characters and the tense suspense built in the story. I suspected it would end in a cliff hanger and it did. I would plunge on to the next book except for one problem: the foul language is pretty free-flowing. Additionally, there are several rather raw scenes of sexual content and misogyny. I am just not sure that I am comfortable going on with the extent of rawness and foul language. I do recommend this to readers who can manage the language and enjoy the twists that come with time travel. And don’t forget that it is an incomplete story in book 1.

Audio Notes: I found the narration by Carl Prekopp to fit the story. His British accent works for the narration and the character voices. I would be willing to listen to more of his narration provided I could confirm there isn’t a lot of raw language. I am glad I listened to this in audio as I am not sure I would have read through the language and raw scenes.

Source: September Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: After It Happened by Devon C. Ford

I enjoyed this post-apocalyptic (plague) story.

After It Happened
Publisher's Pack, Books 1 & 2
By: Devon C. Ford
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Series: After It Happened, Book 1-2
Length: 12 hrs and 39 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-05-17
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
This omnibus edition contains Survival (book 1) and Humanity (book 2) of the After It Happened series.
Survival, book 1:
Set in the UK in the immediate aftermath of a mysterious illness which swept the country and left millions dead, the series follows the trials facing a reluctant hero, Dan, and the group he forms around him. They must battle the elements, find sufficient supplies and equipment to survive, and protect themselves against the most destructive force on the planet: other people.
Banding together those he found along the way, he has to fight to keep them safe.
To keep them alive. To survive.
Humanity, book 2:
The survivors have established a home, but they still have to face the brutality of human nature.
Not only do they have to survive, they must keep their humanity.
©2017 Devon C. Ford (P)2017 Podium Publishing

Review:
Dan is a man with a military and/or law enforcement background. He tends to be a loner but when society is decimated by a plague, Dan finds it hard not to try to help the rare people he finds wandering the streets or stores. The first person he meets is Neil who is unimpressive in size and fitness but has his own set of survivalist skills. One becomes two and they travel along until two become four and more.

As the small group builds they realize they need to find a place they can defend and rebuild. Each new member is assigned to a task group: gardening, cooking, cleaning, scavenging, military, etc. Not every person is prepared to contribute their share of work and some might become disgruntled. Can Dan and the other leaders keep the group safe and provide for all needs?

There are other groups forming who are more interested in taking then building. And somewhere underground is a bunker of politicians expecting to emerge to take control. It is a dangerous time for survival.

I liked how this opened, capturing my interest, and holding it all the way through. I like Dan as a taciturn loner who becomes the quiet fierce protector of the slowly growing community. Another primary and interesting character is a ten-year-old Leah who becomes Dan’s shadow protégé. This has a good combination of survival and society rebuilding issues, defensive actions (with weapons explained), and a touch of romance. I will definitely be getting the next bundle (books 3 and 4) in the series soon. I recommend this to readers who enjoy the post-apocalyptic genre.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray is an excellent narrator in this and other sci-fi genres. He brings the various characters to life and helps the listener become immersed in the story. I love listening to Bray and he adds to this story.

Source: 2017 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Into the End by Bonnie R. Paulson

This is an engaging end of the world story.
Into the End
By: Bonnie R. Paulson
Narrated by: David Gilmore

Series: Into the End, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-07-12
Language: English
Publisher: Bonnie R Paulson
Genre: EOTW, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 3.75.

Publisher's Summary
America's end is near.
No one knows why, but the great country is under attack.
After being weakened by countless natural disasters, America opens its airspace for aid. But instead, what is left of the devastated West Coast finds itself nearly obliterated from above. The key may belong to tests designed by a Pacific Northwest psychologist, Rachel Parker.
Rachel loses the love of her life in a house fire as they escape with their children to the nearby Rocky Mountains following the first round of air raids. In refuge, she faces her husband's best friend, Joshua, but doesn't want to face his ill-harbored feelings or her own inability to face fear.
Her sister, Brenda, escapes the fallen city, and, mistaken for Rachel, is captured. Terrified and alone, Brenda is protected by the enigmatic Daniel even while he helps keep her captive. Through torture and mind games, Brenda discovers information about her sister's work that could spin the free world into a tumultuous frenzy where the unknown is safer than reality.
©2012 Bonnie R. Paulson (P)2012 Bonnie R. Paulson

Review:
Rachel and her husband, Andy, have a ‘bug-out’ cabin in the forest that Andy worked hard to get ready. Rachel really didn’t think they would need a place to run but that day has come. The states are being devastated by an unknown enemy. The Pacific Coast, where Rachel’s family lives, is being bombed and set on fire. People are being rounded up and murdered with no explanations.

Rachel and Andy escape town with their three children, 14-year-old Cole, Kayli, and four-year-old Beau. Before they reach their cabin tragedy strikes. When Rachel and the children arrive she is upset to find Josh, Andy’s best friend in college, and the man who almost ended up with Rachel. Andy had kept it secret that Josh was their neighbor in the wilderness.

Meanwhile, a science geek teen, Tom, is threatened in his home. He snatches up his father’s CB code notes and escapes as men with foreign accents shoot at him and the innocent people he passes in his effort to hide. Tom meets a friend from school, Jenny, and pulls her along trying to keep her safe even though it also puts her in danger. Tom heads for a place he thinks he can get help, his therapist’s home. There the young pair run into Brenda, Rachel’s sister. Brenda’s boyfriend took off and she is looking for her sister and family too.

The paths of these characters weave together, and it all has something to do with Rachel and a secret psychological program she was part of a few years back. The brutal, foreign men are looking for Rachel and will hunt down anyone else who might help to get to her. Another group of men are looking for the note’s Tom took.

The story is presented from the view of several of the characters: Rachel, Andy, Brenda, and Tom. I found this kept my interest in the separate threads that look to be coming together. The story is fast-paced and a bit chaotic. There are secrets that are not explained in this book even though they are a central element to the terror that is occurring and there are scenes that require suspension of belief. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the suspense and am curious to learn what is going on. I also am rooting for the characters to stay safe.

Audio Notes: David Gilmore does a ‘nice’ job with the narration. Even though he doesn’t provide distinct character voices, he does provide fitting emotional expressions. I am glad to have this in audio as it helps the book to move along. I am looking forward to book 2, Through the Flames.

Source: I received four Audiobook Author Codes on 4/10/2020. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Pass of Fire, Destroyermen Series, Book 14 by Taylor Anderson

I enjoyed this continuation of the series even though it is full of war action.

Pass of Fire
Destroyermen Series, Book 14
By: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris

Series: Destroyermen, Book 14
Length: 19 hrs and 50 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-13-19
Language: English
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Alternate History, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Time is running out for the Grand Human and Lemurian Alliance. The longer they take to prepare for their confrontations with the reptilian Grik, the Holy Dominion, and the League of Tripoli, the stronger their enemies become. Ready or not, they have to move - or the price in blood will break them.
Matt Reddy and his battered old destroyer USS Walker lead the greatest army the humans and their Lemurian allies have ever assembled up the Zambezi toward the ancient Grik capital city. Standing against them is the largest, most dangerous force of Grik yet gathered.
On the far side of the world, General Shinya and his Army of the Sisters are finally prepared for their long-expected assault on the mysterious El Paso del Fuego. Not only is the dreaded Dominion ready and waiting for them; they've formed closer, more sinister ties with the fascist League of Tripoli.
Everything is on the line in both complex, grueling campaigns, and the Grand Alliance is stretched to its breaking point. Victory is the only option, whatever the cost, because there can be no second chances.
©2019 Taylor Anderson (P)2019 Tantor

Review:
This volume continues with the struggles of the Grand Alliance against the Grik, the Dominion, and a new enemy, the League of Tripoli. There are battles in about five different locations. All battles are described with some strategy from the Humans, the Lemurians, and even the Grik, some of who are growing beyond their long time traditions.

First General Regent Champion Esshk is consumed with power even to the point of betrayal of the Grik Celestial Mother (the Queen). It isn’t clear how General Halik will respond to events. Currently, he has agreed to work with the Allies but that could change at any time. Then there is Senior First of One Hundred, Jash. Jash has been trained and elevated by Esshk but doesn’t totally agree with his actions. Jash is intent on trying to save the Celestial Mother when the Alliance attacks the second holy city, Sofesshk, in order to take the new Celestial Mother as a hostage.

The leaders of the Dominion are convinced that they can defeat the Grand Alliance. The troops of Lemurians under Major Blas, and Humans under General Blair of the Empire of the New Britain Isles, are outnumbered. Do they have enough heart and strategy to hold out until reinforcements arrive?

This book seemed more full of battles and less full of personal developments. Matt Reddy’s wife, Nurse Sandra, is benched while she awaits the delivery of their child. We do get plenty of time and interesting development with Silva, Larry, and even the Celestial Mother. I know that not all of the characters can survive the battles so I flinch whenever we risk the old favorites. I am still totally enjoying the series and am looking forward to picking up book 15, Winds of Wraith, due out in June.

Audio Notes:William Dufris is such a voice for this series. He has established voices for the various characters, human, Lemurian, Grik, Dominion, British, Irish, Spanish, male and female. I do note that the print/ebook versions have some interesting maps and drawings of the many ships. Still, I love listening to the audio versions.

My Reviews for the Destroyermen Series
Into the Storm, Book 1 -- guess I didn't write a review.

Crusade 4.5 

Maelstrom 4.5

Distant Thunders  4.75

Rising Tides 5.0

Firestorm 4.25

Iron Gray Sea  4.25

Storm Surge 4.5

Deadly Shores  4.75
Straits of Hell: Destroyermen, Book 10 5.0
Blood in the Water: Destroyermen, Book 11 4.5
Devil's Due: Destroyermen, Book 12 4.5
River of Bones (Destroyermen, #13) 4.5

Source: July 2019 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Nice Dragons Finish Last by Rachel Aaron

I did get to really enjoy this story with a nice dragon who has to prove his worth.
Nice Dragons Finish Last
Heartstrikers, Book 1
By: Rachel Aaron
Narrated by: Vikas Adam


Length: 13 hrs and 31 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-18-14
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Cyberpunk, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Audie Award, Fantasy, 2016
As the smallest dragon in the Heartstriker clan, Julius survives by a simple code: keep quiet, don't cause trouble, and stay out of the way of bigger dragons. But this meek behavior doesn't fly in a family of ambitious magical predators, and his mother, Bethesda the Heartstriker, has finally reached the end of her patience. Now, sealed in human form and banished to the DFZ - a vertical metropolis built on the ruins of Old Detroit - Julius has one month to prove he can be a ruthless dragon or kiss his true shape goodbye forever. But in a city of modern mages and vengeful spirits where dragons are considered monsters to be exterminated, he's going to need some serious help to survive this test. He only hopes humans are more trustworthy than dragons....
©2014 Rachel Aaron (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
Julius is the youngest and smallest dragon of the Heartstriker clan. He has stayed out of the limelight for his 24 years, hiding in his room, trying to stay out of the way of his tyrannical mother and playing online games with humans. Dragons are magical predators who don’t mix well with humans. But Julius is not aggressive and has no inclination to seek domination over humans. His mother, Bethesda, has had enough. She binds his wings with magic and drops him in the middle of the DFZ, ruins of Old Detroit, where dragons aren’t welcome.

Fortunately, Julius has many brothers and sisters, some of whom are willing to give him a little direction and help. Jessica provides at least a place to sleep for the first night. The eldest, rather strange brother, Bob, who is the clan sear, sets up a bank account with almost $100.00 bucks in it, provides a cell phone and provides advice for the day. His extremely successful brother, Ian,
then offers Julius a job. He is tasked to locate and return a young runaway dragoness, Katya, from a rival clan.

As Julius waits to locate Katya he is approached by a human mage who offers her services to help Julius. Julius hesitates but soon realizes that he can help Marci and maybe she can help him. With illusions provided by Marci’s skills, the pair visits a mage party trying to locate Katya. Before they get to Katya, Julius is threatened by his sister, Chelsie, the very scary clan enforcer, and gets help from his clutch mate, Justin, who is a large warrior dragon. And all along, crazy Bob shares cryptic advice. Even with help from some of his family will Julius be able to pass his mother’s test and stay alive?

I had a little trouble getting unaccustomed to an underachiever protagonist. However, once Marci joined the team, their camaraderie and collaboration pulled me into the story. I liked how Julius revealed his worth in a different way from his clan. I was impressed with the clever, creative imagination Ms. Aaron brings to her characters, world-building and the plot. There is a good mix of humor and danger that make this a good story. I plan to pick up more in the series and recommend this to readers who enjoy a fun, urban fantasy.

Audio Notes: Vikas Adam does a good job with this narration. He provides seamless shifts from the mild voice of Julius, the imperious arrogance of Bethesda, the nervous eagerness of Marci, the craziness of Bob and all of the others. I enjoyed the audio entertainment and will get the next books on Audible too.

Source: 10/30 Audible Daily Deal $4.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goal.

Audible Book Review: The Final Day by William R. Forstchen

This is a solid conclusion of another post-apocalyptic series on my TBR list.

The Final Day
By: William R. Forstchen
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

Series: After (Forstchen), Book 3
Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-03-17
Language: English
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Political Thriller, Post-Apocalyptic, Thriller, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
The highly anticipated follow-up to William R. Forstchen's New York Times best-sellers, One Second After and One Year After, The Final Day immerses listeners once more in the story of our nation's struggle to rebuild itself after an electromagnetic pulse wipes out all electricity and plunges the country into darkness, starvation, and terror.
After defeating the designs of the alleged federal government, John Matherson and his community have returned their attention to restoring the technologies and social order that existed prior to the EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse) attack. Then the government announces that it is ceding large portions of the country to China and Mexico. The Constitution is no longer in effect, and what's left of the US Army has been deployed to suppress rebellion in the remaining states.
The man sent to confront John is General Bob Scales, John's old commanding officer and closest friend from prewar days. Will General Scales follow orders, or might he be the crucial turning point in the quest for an America that is again united? As the dubious Federal government increasingly curtails liberty and trades away sovereignty, it might just get exactly what it fears: revolution.
©2017 William R. Forstchen (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
John Matherson and his community are slowly starting to make a come-back after the break down of society as a result of an EMP strike two years ago. John struggles as the leader who has had to make some really hard choices, including executing vicious members of a gang and a young man who was stealing from the community. The community has no ability to house prisoners and he felt these actions, even if difficult, set the best example. However, the actions didn’t go over well with those who claim to be the restored government, particularly after John led a successful defense against being overtaken by a government-led attack by an overbearing military leader.

John, his seven-month pregnant wife, Makala, and the community are preparing to face a tough winter. They know that they have to be careful of threats from rogue groups as well as possible threats from the government too. When John is advised that a beaten man tried to reach him with a message from his old military friend, General Bob Scales. John was on the phone with Scales who was in the Pentagon on “the Day” when the call got cut off. John is excited that Scales may be alive, and John becomes intent on getting to him to try to find out what is really going on at the “federal” government level.

John manages to get a message to Scales at the risk of important resources. Scales shows up to meet with John and bring the orders that he is supposed to bring John back to the headquarters to face charges for assassination. Instead of taking John in, Scales lets him stay but tells him to lay low so that they can pretend he is in custody.

A couple of men in the community have made a remarkable discovery in the college basement. They are on the edge of having a chance to communicate or at least listen to conversations. But there is also a leak - maybe a mole - who is feeding information to the government. That leak sets John and Makala as targets and tensions rise between John and Scales. Then Scales gets a decoded message that triggers his suspicions and anger. This sends Scales, his troops, John and his hand-picked militia off on an unexpected tactical reconnaissance that is bound to stir up trouble.

It had been several years since I read books one and two in the series (One Second After and One Year After). Book three starts about two years after "the day" and fills in the background with a good reminder of what took place to this point. I really liked the detailed picture of this small mountain community struggling with realistic problems such as limited electricity, water, and food and other day to day items like soap and clothing. John has bittersweet memories that are accompanied by clear envy of his friend’s supply of real coffee! I was puzzled that John never tried to uncover the leak, and I was curious what the title “the final day” would reveal. I did enjoy the action and the twists as John and Scales uncover secrets that change the path of the future.

This story delivers a solid post-apocalyptic/dystopian mix of survival and military intrigue. I recommend the full series to readers who enjoy this genre.

Audio Notes: Bronson Pinchot does a solid job with the narration although the quality of the audio seemed ‘old’ to me. It just didn’t sound crisp. Also, the delivery tends to be a slow drawl which is a bit disconcerting even if it does fit the weary struggles of the characters. I did get over these audio issues and still enjoyed the overall product.

Source: 9/1/18 Audible Sale $5.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook, and 2020Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: Starfire by Jenetta Penner

This a good beginning for a YA sci-fi thriller.
Starfire
The Starfire Wars, Book 1
By: Jenetta Penner
Narrated by: Rebecca Johnson

Length: 5 hrs and 25 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-03-20
Language: English
Publisher: Jenetta Penner
Genre: Alien, Dystopian, Teen and Young Adult, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
A lush, new world. A reluctant passenger. A stranger with swirling cyan eyes.
Cassiopeia loathes the idea of leaving her withering home to settle the lush new planet, Arcadia - Earth’s salvation.
Two years ago, her mother died in a horrible accident, and leaving Earth means leaving her memory behind.
But Cassi’s father is the architect of this new, grand civilization, and she has no choice but to go.
So when a terrorist attack strikes and her father is killed, her world falls into complete chaos.
Cassi is plunged into a reality of dark secrets and lies. Everything about Arcadia proves to be a sham, and a war spanning the stars is looming.
Enter a gorgeous, mysterious, and undeniably dangerous boy...
Who either wants to help Cassi...
Or destroy her.
Dreamers and lovers will crave this star-crossed romance and adventure set in a new world.
Listen to Starfire today!
©2018 Jenetta Penner (P)2019 Jenetta Penner

Review:
Cassi isn’t one of the many people from earth who are happy to be on a space ship to colonize a new planet, Arcadia. Cassi’s parents are scientists who were instrumental in locating a compatible planet and arranging for the colonization program from crowded Earth. Sadly Cassi’s mother died in an accident so only Cassi and her father, Richard Foster, plan to move into the new settlement. Shortly before landing Cassi inadvertently hears an altercation between her father and his nemesis, the President of the Board, Elizabeth Hammond. They disagree on how to move forward with development on the new planet with Foster seeking to protect the existing culture and Hammond leading the greedy interests to exploit the mines of the planet.

As the colonists prepare to celebrate the landing, an unprecedented explosion kills Foster and others near the speakers’ platform. Hammond refuses to explain what happened, leaving the event shrouded in mystery and leaving Cassi determined to find out if her father is really dead.

Cassi was in the room when the explosion took place. She had just had an encounter with a strange young man with eyes flashing cyan. When she wakes Cassi finds a new friend, Max, trying to help her. But she has a vague memory of the stranger who pulled her away from the fire. Soon she will begin to wonder who she can trust to help her or who will lead to her destruction.

I would describe this as writing clearly geared to young adult audiences. I did enjoy the sci fi elements and the alien conflict even though I felt many characters, including Cassi, were not deeply developed. Cassi just assumed some companions were safe to share her secrets with while ignoring that some may well have been seeking to betray her. The romance is a quick crush of young love and light contact which is fitting for YA level. Although I am not pulled in by the romance, I am curious to see what develops as the war among the conflicting colonists and the hidden, conflicted aliens progresses. I would be interested in reading book 2.

Audio Notes: Rebecca Johnson does a good job with the narration. Her voice and reading match the YA characters. The narration made it an easy, quick listen.

Source: January 2020 Audible Code from the Author. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook and Author Review goals.

Audible Book Review: Commune by Joshua Gayou

I liked these characters and the story.
Commune
Commune, Book 1
By: Joshua Gayou
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Series: Commune Series, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-28-17
Language: English
Publisher: Joshua Gayou, Blue Heron Audio
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
For dinosaurs, it was a big rock. For humans: Coronal Mass Ejection (CME).
When the Earth is hit by the greatest CME in recorded history (several times larger than the Carrington Event of 1859), the combined societies of the planet's most developed nations struggle to adapt to a life thrust back into the Dark Ages.
In the United States, the military scrambles to speed the nation's recovery on multiple fronts including putting down riots, establishing relief camps, delivering medical aid, and bringing communication and travel back on line.
Just as a real foothold is established in retaking the skies (utilizing existing commercial aircraft supplemented by military resources and ground control systems), a mysterious virus takes hold of the population, spreading globally over the very flight routes that the survivors fought so hard to rebuild. The communicability and mortality rates are devastating, leaving only small pockets of survivors scattered throughout the countryside.
Commune: Book One is the story of one small group of survivors who must adapt to a primitive, hostile world or die. As they learn the rules of this new era, they must decide how far they're willing to go to continue living, continually asking themselves the same question daily: is survival worth the loss of humanity?
©2017 Joshua Gayou (P)2017 Joshua Gayou

Review:
Brian is part of a small group of survivors trying to rebuild after a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) took out all electronics. After the CME the population was decimated by a fast-moving, lethal virus. By twos and threes survivors found their way to Jackson, Wyoming and a ranch commune, now known as the Jackson Commune. Brian is interviewing the survivors in order to make a record of their experiences. He begins by interviewing Jake, the quiet leader who is one of the first who arrived at the commune with the owner of the land, Billy. No one really knows Jake’s history before the event. It is clear he suffered loss and along the way he has become hard and determined, rarely smiling. Brian and others have observed that Jake has learned to take the steps necessary for survival. He is not book smart, but he learns quickly by example and need. Jake met Billy, a Native American, along the byways of the Southwest. Jake was moving away from dangerous cities and he found Billy also moving toward Las Vegas. It wasn’t clear if it would be safe to approach the stranger, but his contact turned out to help Jake survive. Billy espoused the motto of always being ready for bad things to happen and fortunate for this group, Billy had a prepper mindset and was preparing his property for survival in crisis.

Amanda is a young Hispanic woman who arrived at the property with her daughter, Jake, and Billy. Her story is full of sorrow and horror. Her daughter, Lizzy, has been her purpose to survive and become strong. Amanda wasn’t in a good situation when Jake and Billy stepped in to rescue her and assure a chance for Amanda and her daughter.

This is the first book introducing the Commune series. The presentation in first-person point of view through journal-style is interesting. This provides a good base for character development, backstory, and descriptive danger. There is violence that is to be expected in post-apocalyptic. There are also interesting details about prepping, scavenging and surviving. Things like guns that have ammo that’s easier to find and how diesel fuel holds up better than degrading gas. I enjoyed the story and plan to continue in the series. I recommend this to fans of the genre.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray is a great narrator who delivers this story with personality and appropriate solemnity. He provides voices and ease of storytelling that keep the book moving forward. I liked listening to this and will most likely continue in audio.

Source: 9/1/18 Audible Sale $5.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Mission Pack 1: Black Ocean Mission Pack, Missions 1-4 by J.S. Morin

This is entertaining but not gripping.

Mission Pack 1: Black Ocean Mission Pack, Missions 1-4
By: J.S. Morin
Narrated by: Mikael Naramore

Series: Black Ocean, Book 1-4
Length: 20 hrs and 50 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-23-16
Language: English
Publisher: Magical Scrivener Press
Genre: Action & Adventure, Sci Fi, Space Fleet
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Science to build a starship. Wizardry to take it past light speed. A crew to give it a soul.
The Mobius is a cobbled-together ship with a matching crew. Captain Carl Ramsey is an ex-Earth Navy pilot whose crew won't let him fly his own ship. The pilot is his ex-wife, the mechanic is a drunk, and the chief of security is from a predatory species. Instead of a star-drive to travel through the astral space between worlds, the ship's wizard does it by hand.
Mission 1: Salvage Trouble
A salvage mission turns into a rescue, and no good deed goes unpunished. With two refugees onboard, the Mobius crew is hounded by bounty hunters, border patrols, and corporate enforcers.
Mission 2: A Smuggler's Conscience
"Don't open the package." It's the smuggler's credo for good reason. When the Mobius crew takes a peek at their illicit cargo, the entire job takes an about-face.
Mission 3: Poets and Piracy
The Mobius crew gets caught in a turf war between a pirate fleet and a galactic criminal syndicate. The trick is getting everyone out alive (and maybe getting paid in the process).
Mission 4: To Err is Azrin
Sometimes, you can't go home again. When a job takes the crew to their security chief's homeworld, she gets dragged into a familial power struggle. Can the rest of the crew bail her out of an old feud gone horribly wrong?
©2015 J.S. Morin (P)2016 J.S. Morin

Review:
The Mission Pack follows the not totally scrupulous adventures of the crew of the Mobius starship, whose members all have history and secrets. Captain Carl is the charismatic spokesman – and close to a con artist. Tanny, the pilot, is Carl’s ex-wife…several times. They apparently can’t live together but still have a strong connection. Mort is the ship’s wizard who runs the stardrive like no one else and comes to the rescue when circumstances become drastic. Roddy is a Laaku, close to humans but closer to “chimp-like primates”, and a wiz mechanic. And finally, there is security chief Mriy, an Azrin, “a humanoid house cat” – furry, large, clawed, fanged and always hungry.

The focus of each of the four stories is shared in the blurb. As the story proceeds an additional crew member is added giving another quirky person to add to the crew dilemmas. I was pulled in by the Firefly tease as I like varied alien characters and crafty space adventure. I was also pulled in by the picture of a dinosaur which plays a part in Mission 2. Although I enjoyed the crew members, I wasn’t gripped by them nor by the plots. The writing was fine, there is some humor and the magic is fun, it is just not overly exciting. For me it was an entertaining, light listen, but nothing compelling. Readers who like lighter space escapades might give this a try.

Audio Notes: Mikael Naramore does a good job with the narration. I felt he fittingly presented each character with appropriate voices and personalities. I’m glad that I listened to the audio.

Source: April 2017 $1.99 Audible Purchase. This qualifies for 2020 TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

Book Review: Civilly Disobedient (Calm Act Genesis Book 1) by Ginger Booth

I liked this short dystopian prequel.
Civilly Disobedient (Calm Act Genesis Book 1)
by Ginger Booth

File Size: 3840 KB
Print Length: 52 pages
Publication Date: August 18, 2016
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
ASIN: B01KOXYB2K
Genre: Dystopian, Political Fiction, Sci Fi, Short Story
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

The storms before the Calm.
Resourceful programmer Dee Baker is getting worried about climate change. Food prices are skyrocketing, the drought out west deepening, and the storms won’t quit. When her intrusive Fortune 100 media employer forbids her to attend the worsening riots, Dee defies them to visit a rally, and see for herself what they’re trying to hide.
Civilly Disobedient is a short prequel to the Calm Act series.

Review:
Dee Baker, a resourceful programmer with a good job, is annoyed when her employer announces that the staff are forbidden from attending any of the increasingly violent climate protests. Dee already suspects that her media employer is suppressing the truth regarding troubles in their world. She doesn’t always like to toe the line and tends to have a rebellious streak.

Dee decides to sneak into a protest to see what is really going on. She manages to get a seat on a bus loaded with a participating group that has a legal permit for the event. She soon learns that there are many other groups that are attending without permission. The crowd greatly exceeds the numbers that were planned but apparently the police anticipated the overly zealous mob.

Dee finds herself caught up in the moving masses and at risk of being arrested. Can she get out of the mob safely or will she lose her job for this impulsive adventure?

I found this short story to be well written with an engaging character and consistent flow. My attention was quickly engaged and held throughout the adventure. The plot direction isn’t fully clear for the rest of the series but I enjoyed this prequel enough to want to know where the story will go. Readers who enjoy the dystopian genre may wish to try this out.

Source: 2016 Free Kindle. This qualifies for 2019TBR and #SciFiMonth 2019 goals.

eBook Review: Investing Isobella by Jason Werbeloff

This is true, scary horror, complete with sci-fi cyber elements.
Investing Isobella
by Jason Werbeloff


File Size: 1417 KB
Print Length: 38 pages
Publication Date: February 20, 2017
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B01N26RM2Y
Genre: Cyberpunk, Horror, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Paul Sanders is a desperate man. He and his daughter, Isobella, are weeks away from living in the Gutter.
Enter Jono Falanges, a greasy stockbroker promises Paul all the money he needs, and more. The only catch is, Paul must invest Isobella’s health on the stock market.
Plunge down the slippery slope of morality with Investing Isobella, a horrifying sci-fi novella. You won’t look at your investments the same way, ever again.

Review:
Paul Sanders is afraid he and his beloved daughter, Isobella, will soon be living on the streets. He struggled after the death of his wife and is now, out of work, he is desperate to make the last bit of his funds protect his family. He is afraid to gamble but afraid not to. Paul seeks advice from a slick technology stockbroker. The man convinces Paul that he has an asset he can invest and that the risk is minimal. But Paul doesn’t understand the true deal he is making – it is more life and death than he realizes until much later.

I was intrigued by this presented as a sci-fi horror story. And oh – this is true horror. I winced when I realized the deal he was making and at the end my reaction was “AARGH!” The story is well-plotted and well written. I don’t know if all of the works by Werbeloff are horror and I will have to brace myself to try more from him (having just picked up three more freebies). This is a short story well worth reading especially if you enjoy horror.

Source: April 2018 Free Kindle. This qualifies for 2019TBR/ebook goals.

Audible Book Review: I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

This is an engaging horror story.

I Am Legend
By: Richard Matheson
Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-31-06
Language: English
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Horror, Paranormal, Sci Fi, Vintage
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
In I Am Legend, a plague has decimated the world, and those unfortunate enough to survive are transformed into blood-thirsty creatures of the night. Robert Neville is the last living man on earth. Every other man, woman, and child has become a vampire, and they are all hungry for Neville's blood. By day, he is the hunter, stalking the sleeping undead through the abandoned ruins of civilization. By night, he barricades himself in his home and prays for the dawn. How long can one man survive in a world of vampires?
©1954, 1982 by Richard Matheson (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Review:
Robert Neville is a lone survivor of a plague that turned most survivors to a form of vampire. The authorities took his daughter to the burn pit but he protected his wife as long as he could. When the time came that she died he took her to bury her with dignity – he thought. At least he would be able to visit her grave. But when night came, she arrived at his door to visit him.

The neighbors and strangers prowl his lawn at night seeking his blood; hoping to make him one of them. He struggles with being a true, living survivor, with no one to talk to and only the taunting shouts of the dead outside his barricaded home. During the day Neville tracks the sleeping monsters to their lairs and kills them first with wooden stakes and later by other means he discovers. One night after a drunken rage he decides to study the decease to see if he can find a cure. After all he has hours and days and years…

It has been a long time since Neville has seen a person during the day or heard a voice other than the dead. He is shocked when he finds a woman wondering in a field one day. His ravings frighten her but he ends up dragging her home. Then he begins to wonder if she is another survivor like him.

The character of Neville in the book is not the one I remember from the movie. I suppose it is understandable that Neville would have bouts of craziness – being alone so long and always under night attacks. At times he is a sad character and other times pathetic. I hoped things would improve when he began reading medical journals. Some of the monologues and medical jargon got a bit tedious but it was part of the character development. I especially found the history and myth testing regarding vampires interesting.

This is a Vintage book written in 1954 and it did not have some of the more modern items I think I remember in the movie. I had forgotten enough of the movie to make this worth listening to as part of my TBR. I knew it was horror and I am thinking that the book achieves a different level of sci fi horror than the movie.

I enjoyed the ending dilemma which reveals the meaning of the title. I recommend this to horror fans, fans of a different, dark vampire (no sparkles), and fans of post-apocalyptic. I also recommend it even if you have seen the movie.

Audio Notes: Robertson Dean does an excellent job with the narration. He captures the dark tone of the story and the mania of Neville. I’m glad I listened to this rather than reading.

Source: 11/18/17 Celebrating 20 years of Listeners Membership Perk Free #audible20. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle

This was enjoyable even if not as high octane as Jurassic Park.
The Lost World
By: Arthur Conan Doyle
Narrated by: Glen McCready

Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-25-08
Language: English
Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks
Genre: Adventure, Classic, Historical, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Here is the precursor to Jurassic Park. Victorian explorers have heard there is a remote plateau where dinosaurs still survive, and a group set outs on a dangerous mission to find out more about it.
Download the accompanying reference guide.
Public Domain (P)2008 Naxos Rights International

Review:
Edward D. Malone is a reporter who determines to do something adventurous to impress the woman he wants to marry. He attends a scientific lecture where Professor Challenger, an egotistical, quick tempered scholar, is mocked when he claims he has seen living dinosaurs. Challenger can’t prove his claims because he lost a specimen and his camera in a boat accident as they were leaving the area. His prime cynic is closed minded Professor Summerly. The only way to prove (or disprove) Challenger’s outrageous claims is to take an expedition to the same location. Four people are assigned to go: Challenger, Summerly, Adventurer Sir John Roxton and Malone as a unbiased reporter.

These four men make for an interesting team, often arguing and occasionally working together for protection and live saving schemes. They retrace Challenger’s earlier trip and then proceed further into ‘the lost world’ to discover the fantastical secrets of a world locked in Jurassic times. There are dangerous encounters with prehistoric creatures and even more startling encounters with prehistoric ape-men and cavemen.

I totally enjoyed the four distinct explorers and the imaginative world they explore. The story wasn’t quite as suspenseful as I expected but it was satisfyingly interesting and creative especially considering it was published in 1912! I was also impressed that it was written by Doyle who is primarily known for the Sherlock Holmes mysteries. I did see a hint of the Sherlockian deductive reasoning and the Watson side kick relief in the characters.

This isn’t as thrilling as Jurassic Park but as a classic novel of Jurassic exploration it is quite engaging. The audiobook comes with a pdf download and I was disappointed that there were no images which is what I hoped for. (I found some on the Wikipedia article.) I recommend this to Doyle fans and readers who enjoy classic sci fi. (There are free ebook versions available.)

Audio Notes: Glen McCready does and excellent job with the narration. He matches distinct voices to each of the characters and captures the underlying humor that fits the historic time of the writing. I am very glad I listened to the audio book.

Source: October 2017 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

I enjoyed this fast, easy listen.

I Am Number Four
By: Pittacus Lore
Narrated by: Neil Kaplan

Series: The Lorien Legacies, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-03-10
Language: English
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Action, Alien, Sci Fi, Teen Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books but we are real.
Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.
But they know.
They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.
I am Number Four.
I am next.
Also included is a sneak listen to the first chapter of the next book in the series. Enjoy!
©2010 Pittacus Lore (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
“John Smith” is one of nine young Loriens who were sent to earth to protect their race. The Loriens are aliens whose planet was destroyed by monster aliens known as Mogadorians who have followed them to earth. The enemy is killing the Lorien ‘superheroes’ in sequential order. One through Three have been killed and John is number Four. John and his guardian, Henri, have recently moved to Ohio after an accidental exposure of John’s strangeness. It is imperative that John hide his secret strengths, or they will have to move again. This would be fine except that John has arrived at the age where his power gifts-- his “legacies”-- are manifesting. It is pretty hard to hide glowing hands!

But John has met a young girl who returns his interest, and with the fervor of young love, he refuses to be pushed into moving. That is until it becomes clear that his girlfriend and other school friend, Sam, an alien enthusiast, are in danger. By then it is a little too late to run so John, Henri and some unexpected allies have to take a stand to fight.

This is a fast paced teen action. There are fun super powers and standard teen love and angst. It is a bit frustrating to read John’s current careless attitude after successfully protecting his secrets for 15 years. This reads/listens quickly with easy writing that is suitable for young teens. There are some environment comments and some issues that are unbelievable like how are the very large, albino Mogadorians not obvious on earth? Overall, the story makes for a good, clean adventure appropriate for young men and women… and for adults you enjoy a light superhero story. The reviews imply that the series gets better so I might read more someday but I’m not rushing out to get them.

Audio Notes: Neil Kaplan does a solid job with the narration. Whether it is the text or his interpretation of the characters, he captures the teen ambiance and maintained my interest. It is likely I would listen to further books in the series.

Source: 11/6/2018 Audible Daily Deal $3.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.