Book Review: Steamborn (Steamborn Series) (Volume 1) by Eric R Asher

This is an easy reading and engaging steampunk adventure.

Steamborn (Steamborn Series) (Volume 1)

by Eric R Asher

File Size: 677 KB
Print Length: 239 pages
Publication Date: November 29, 2015
ASIN: B018RK2RC8

Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy, Steampunk

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Jacob, a tinker's apprentice and sometime thief, has lived his entire life in the mountain city of Ancora, protected by the city walls. These towering barriers keep the Deadlands creatures at bay, but the monsters move higher into the peaks every year. More and more, they breach the defenses of the Lowlands while the Highlands rest easy. A swarm overruns the walls and wreaks utter devastation on the Lowlands. Charles, the old tinker, suspects the attack may not be natural. With help from Jacob's closest friend, Alice, and Samuel, one of the city's elite spider knights, Jacob and Charles will uncover a terrible darkness at the heart of their city.

Review:
Jacob, at fifteen, is a talented tinker’s apprentice with a caring heart. He doesn’t like to steal but he does what is needed to help get medicine for his father. He and his family live in the Lowlands of Ancora and are looked down on by the wealthier families in the Highlands. The city walls were built to keep the Deadlands creatures out but the poisonous spiders and killing bugs keep encroaching. Now a frenzied swarm has destroyed most of the outer walls forcing the Lowlanders who survive to move into the Highlands. Some provide shelter and help while others pay fines rather than help the Lowlanders. Jacob’s mentor, the respected tinker, Charles, suspects that the attack was arranged.

Jacob and his friend, Alice, are exploring the old train lines and catacombs beneath the city when they hear the secret plans of a powerful conspiracy. These men want to force the Lowlanders back to their ruined and defenseless homes. Jacob and Alice have become targets to be captured and punished, if not eliminated, with the help, or coercion, of the Ancora guards, the elite Spider Knights. Charles has prepared for escape but Jacob and Alice will have to leave their families behind. They are joined by Samuel, a friend from the Spider Knights. The four set off to seek old allies in the Deadlands, with troops close behind and giant monsters in front.

When I started the book I thought it was perhaps written for middle schoolers or teens as the writing style is easy. However, as I continued I became engaged by the characters and the unique creatures. Although the wild spiders and bugs are dangerous, some of the spiders are trained as carriage ‘cattle’ or rides for the knights, and smaller bugs are raised as pets. I enjoyed watching Jacob as he helps others and begins to mature. He has a sweet friendship with Alice and wonderful teachers in Charles and Samuel. I was impressed as the world expanded beyond Ancora and I also liked the mechanical and steampunk elements of the story.

This first book has a satisfactory ending, leaving the team ready to begin another leg of their journey with new friends and new dangers. I recommend this to readers who enjoy active and creative steampunk fantasy. I hope to continue the adventure with book two and I may check out some of the other titles by Mr. Asher.

I received this title through NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for NetGalley Challenge, “S” in Alphabet Soup Challenge, part of TBR Triple Dog Dare and Sci Fi Experience.

Audible Book Review: To Live Forever by Jack Vance

This presents an interesting character study in a futuristic society.
To Live Forever 
Written by: Jack Vance
Narrated by: Kevin Kenerly

Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date: 08-25-15
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc
Genre: Vintage Sci Fi, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Waylock had been granted eternal life - but now he was killing on borrowed time.
Gavin Waylock had waited seven years for the scandal surrounding his former immortal self to be forgotten and had kept his identity concealed so that he could once again join the ranks of those who lived forever. He had been exceedingly careful about hiding his past. Then he met the Jacynth. She was a beautiful 19-year-old, and Gavin wanted her. But he recognized that a wisdom far beyond her years marked her as one who knew too much about him to live. As far as she was concerned, death was a mere inconvenience. But once the Jacynth came back, Gavin Waylock's life would be an everlasting hell.
©2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc. (P)2015 Blackstone Audiobooks

Review:
Waylock is a man living in a society where levels of achievement determine the number of years a person lives. Men strive to increase their “sloop” through innovation, great study, artistic talent or remarkable work achievement. When a person reaches the top elite level, they are inducted into the Amaranth where they are granted eternal life. To accomplish this eternal life, they have ‘clones’ or replicas who are matured over seven years.  The clones have the DNA coding and memories of their primary so it is as if they continue on for eternity.

The governing authorities do their best to maintain smooth operations with strict and swift enforcement, including humiliation and execution. But problems are beginning to be exposed in the calm society. It is difficult for the lower working levels to gain sloop and rise to Amaranth. Not only that but, to keep balance for the resources, for each Amaranth that is inducted, 1700 lowest levels must be removed from the city rolls. This causes depression or mental illness in some who can’t accept that they can’t get beyond the middle level.

Waylock was an immortal sentenced to death for killing another immortal. He is believed to have been eliminated as his replicates should not have had time to mature. However, he lives quietly in hiding for seven years hoping that his past deed will be forgotten and he will be able to work his way back to Amaranth. Then he meets a beautiful young woman, Jacynth. He is drawn to her until he suspects that somehow she knows his secrets. Waylock will take extreme measures to protect himself.

The second time Waylock meets the Jacynth he is again attracted but wary. He soon learns that she is now an investigator for the enforcers and she is determined to bring “the monster” to justice. They begin a cat and mouse dance trying to best each other. Waylock's ambitions drive him to use methods that may destroy the very foundations of the society in which he seeks to advance.

This story portrays an interesting, if sometimes depressing, future world. The story is built around a somewhat evil protagonist and the author develops the character with cleverness and perseverance. I didn’t like Waylock but he makes for an interesting character study. The story includes a dissertation on mental illness and political commentary woven in between the scheming mystery. I was once again struck by the irony in the ending which is a feature I have found in the vintage sci fi stories I have been reading. It seems to be a theme tied to the imaginative futuristic view of life. I recommend this to readers who like crime novels as well as those who like futuristic society sci fi.

Audio Notes: Kevin Kenerly delivers a solid narration that fits the tone of the story. Kenerly provided good character voices and an appropriately dry presence that added to the mystery. It is not flashy or exuberant but the accent added to the engagement for me.

Originally published in 1956, this is one of my books for Vintage Sci Fi month. This is from my own Audible library. It qualifies for Audio Challenge, “T” in Alphabet Soup and TBR Triple Dog Dare.

Book Review: Brilliance (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 1) by Marcus Sakey

This is a well written sci fi thriller with social parallels and lots of suspense.

Brilliance (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 1)
by Marcus Sakey

File Size: 4301 KB
Print Length: 453 pages
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer (July 16, 2013)
ASIN: B00AESRRQS
Genre: Suspense Thriller, Sci Fi
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

In Wyoming, a little girl reads people’s darkest secrets by the way they fold their arms. In New York, a man sensing patterns in the stock market racks up $300 billion. In Chicago, a woman can go invisible by being where no one is looking. They’re called “brilliants,” and since 1980, one percent of people have been born this way. Nick Cooper is among them; a federal agent, Cooper has gifts rendering him exceptional at hunting terrorists. His latest target may be the most dangerous man alive, a brilliant drenched in blood and intent on provoking civil war. But to catch him, Cooper will have to violate everything he believes in—and betray his own kind.
From Marcus Sakey, “a modern master of suspense” (Chicago Sun-Times) and “one of our best storytellers” (Michael Connelly), comes an adventure that’s at once breakneck thriller and shrewd social commentary; a gripping tale of a world fundamentally different and yet horrifyingly similar to our own, where being born gifted can be a terrible curse.
A 2013 Edgar Award Nominee
“The kind of story you’ve never read before.” —Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author of the Jack Reacher Series
“Ridiculously good. I love this story so much.” —Gillian Flynn, New York Times bestselling author of Gone Girl
Nominated for the Edgar, Lovey, Sideways, and Prometheus awards.

Review:
Nick Cooper is a federal agent in a special division (Department of Analysis and Response, Equitable Services) whose job is to hunt down “Brilliants” deemed to be terrorists. “Brilliants” are humans gifted with extraordinary skills. The skills may be reading the emotions of others, being able to move with great speed or stealth, being able to instantly see patterns in movement or numbers, and other “extra” skills that help the Brilliants excel beyond the normal humans. Although the Brilliants, aka “abnorms”, make up only a small portion of the population their high level of achievement frighten the normal people causing authorities to seek ways to control the Brilliants.

Cooper is extremely successful as a DAR agent since he himself is a one of those Brilliants. The team has a particular target terrorist, John Smith, who has evaded them for years. Smith is accused of a massacre of a Senator and 70+ other innocent civilians. He is also suspected of planning an upcoming bombing. As Cooper gets closer to the target, he begins to learn facts about the treatment of gifted children who are tested at age 8 and removed from their homes to be raised in academies. Cooper has cause for concern when the testing issue impacts his own family.

When Cooper runs into blocks trying to get Smith, he decides to go undercover to try to infiltrate Smith’s organization. Cooper collides with Shannon who is suspected to be one of Smith’s top operatives. Their joint escape from attacking DAR agents leads to a prime opportunity to get close to Smith. The people Cooper meets and the facts he uncovers will change his world.

The writing is crisp which fits the intensity of the talents of the Brilliants. I really enjoyed the creative observational details shared as part of Cooper’s skills. Cooper’s character is well developed, including building the relationship with his ex-wife and children. There are interesting pieces of news articles or songs that begin or end chapters and help to create an atmosphere of racial tension in this alternate society. The author uses this as one parallel with our real-life conflicts and conspiracies.

This is a good page-turner with twists and (suspected but still) surprises. There is just a touch of sexual grittiness but not enough to mar the overall engaging and remarkable effect of the work. The sci-fi element is an alternate society world and should not deter the interest of those who love a well crafted, fast paced thriller. I highly recommend this and I look forward to continuing in the series!

I received this through NetGalley. This is a contemporary Sci Fi for Sci Fi Experience. It qualifies for my NetGalley challenge, “B” for Alphabet Soup Challenge and TBR Triple Dog Dare.

Book Review: Extreme Honor (True Heroes) by Piper J. Drake

This has strong characters and a great blend of suspense, story and romance.
Extreme Honor (True Heroes)
by Piper J. Drake

• File Size: 848 KB
• Print Length: 336 pages
• Publisher: Forever (January 26, 2016)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00X47ZLZU

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

HONOR, LOYALTY, LOVE
David Cruz is good at two things: war and training dogs. The ex-soldier's toughest case is Atlas, a Belgian Malinois whose handler died in combat. Nobody at Hope's Crossing kennel can break through the animal's grief. That is, until dog whisperer Evelyn Jones walks into the facility . . . and into Atlas's heart. David hates to admit that the curvy blonde's mesmerizing effect isn't limited to canines. But when Lyn's work with Atlas puts her in danger, David will do anything to protect her.
Lyn realizes that David's own battle scars make him uniquely qualified for his job as a trainer. Tough as nails yet gentle when it counts, he's gotten closer to Atlas than anyone else-and he's willing to put his hard-wired suspicion aside to let her do the same. But someone desperate enough to kill doesn't want Lyn working with Atlas. Now only teamwork, trust, and courage can save two troubled hearts and the dog who loves them both . . .

Review:
Lyn is a civilian dog trainer. She loves dogs and relates to them – usually better than to their human handlers or owners. She has developed her own business even through the discouragement from her military stepfather who has never really given her approval or loving support. They are always at odds yet he helped her get her latest contract to work with Atlas, a a Belgian Malinois military dog who lost his handler and is struggling to show interest in life. Lyn is determined to help Atlas but first she has to get past his current trainer, former military soldier, David Cruz.

Although Lyn’s initial approach to Cruz doesn’t work, the fact that Atlas responds to her does. Cruz slowly begins to gain respect for the pretty trainer as he sees progress in Atlas’ attitude. Cruz isn't sure of Lynn's motives and plans to challenge her. When he shows up at her hotel to find her under attack his attitude quickly shifts to protective mode.

Another attack at the kennel grounds makes it clear that someone is interested in keeping Lyn from working with Atlas. It appears that Atlas may be carrying secrets that someone is willing to kill to keep hidden. Now Cruz is even more determined to discover the secrets that surround Atlas.

I immediately liked the tone of this story. Lyn is a great character as a independent, smart professional who is vulnerable yet pushes back when under attack or trauma. David is a very honorable man who is willing to listen, provide truths and is reluctant to take advantage of a traumatized woman. There is lovely conflict and tension that builds to danger and suspense, and gentle, but clear attraction that builds to strong romantic love making that is sexy but not overdone. Atlas is a dog with personality that has to be drawn out and I enjoyed the addition of the dog training details, including the introduction of other handlers and dogs.

The story is told in third person with the point of view shifting between Lyn and Cruz. This gives good balance and good character depth. There is some background done through a form of “telling”, talking to the dog, but it worked for me and I had no problem with the presentation. The writing flows easily and I finished this in two days. I carried it around with me and read every chance I got as it was a book I didn’t want to put down.

This is the first time I have read this author but I am sure it will not be the last. I recommend this to readers who enjoy good romantic suspense – heavy on the story and suspense with a strong romance that doesn’t overtake the storyline.

I received this through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge, E on Alphabet Soup and TBR Triple Dog Dare.

Piper J. Drake (or "PJ") spent her childhood pretending to study for the SATs by reading every interesting novel she could borrow from the local and school libraries. She was introduced to the wonderful world of romance by her best friend and dove into the genre.

PJ began her writing career as "PJ Schnyder" writing sci-fi & paranormal romance and steampunk. She has recently received the FF&P PRISM award for her work as well as the NJRW Golden Leaf award and Parsec award.

Now, PJ is exploring the complexity of romantic suspense, incorporating her interests in mixed martial arts and the military into her writing.

 Connect with Piper at: Website | Facebook | Twitter |GoodReads | Amazon

Book Review: Night Study (Study Series) by Maria V. Snyder

Great installment! Start at the beginning and enjoy lots of entertainment from this series.

Night Study (Study Series)
by Maria V. Snyder

• File Size: 978 KB
• Print Length: 448 pages
• Publisher: MIRA (February 1, 2016)
• Publication Date: January 26, 2016
• ASIN: B015CJXXSY

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
My Rating: Worth a 5.0 in my book!

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder transports readers back to the realms of Sitia and Ixia in an exciting new Study novel full of magic, danger and intrigue.

Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana's life has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia is safe for her anymore. Especially since the growing discord between the two countries and the possibility of a war threatens everything Yelena holds dear.

Valek is determined to protect Yelena, but he's quickly running out of options. The Commander suspects that his loyalties are divided, and he's been keeping secrets from Valek…secrets that put him, Yelena and all their friends in terrible danger. As they uncover the various layers of the Commander's mysterious plans, they realize it's far more sinister than they could have ever imagined.

Review:
I remembered how Shadow Study ended and was anxious to read this story. I was pleased that all my favorite characters were present and there was plenty of action. Tensions are growing between Sitia, the home of Yelena’s magical training and friends, and Ixia, Valek’s homeland where Yelena is serving as a liaison between the territories. Unfortunately, the Commander has selected a new training security chief and is challenging Valek’s loyalty.

Yelena is vulnerable due to the loss of her magical abilities and other issues. She is in danger from a criminal, Owen Moon, who has been trapped and escaped several times. Janco, Ari and Leaf are included in the team to investigate how Owen Moon escaped, what his secret project is and where he might have gone. Moon has powerful magic and powerful friends. Valek and Yelena discover that Moon is working with and as a guest of the Commander which puts Yelena and Valek in extreme danger. The Commander challenges Valek's loyalty and sends him off to investigate thefts at a far edge of Ixia.

Yelena chooses to return to Sitia to try to convince the Counsel of the danger posed by Moon and his connection to the Commander. Leaf, with the help of his father, Esau, learns information that sends him back to Sitia with important discoveries about Moon’s project which threatens the safety of Sitia.  They find a new enemy upon their return and they won't find help from the magicians this time.

I loved the intrigue and usual antics involved in the team work of Yelena, Valek, Janco, Ari, Leaf and even Kiki, Yelena’s wonderful Sandseed horse. Fisk and his crew of street smart, child spies play an important role together with a few new characters who come as a surprise, especially to Valek. This story has lots of betrayal and action with some added emotions and charming romance.

I devoured this pretty quickly pursing the excitement. I was holding my breath at points of crisis as I rooted for the heroes. This isn't totally perfect but it is worth a 5.0 in my book. I recommend the whole series but do suggest a new reader start with the original Study trilogy before this set. It will be well worth the reading enjoyment.

I am very glad I received this through NetGalley for an honest review. This qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge, N for Alphabet Soup Challenge and TBR Triple Dog Dare.

On January 26, 2016 the day of NIGHT STUDY's US release, Maria V. Snyder is doing a LIVE online Ask Me Anything segment at 6:00 p.m. PST and you're invited! Here's the link: http://www.inkitt.com/ama/mariavsnyder
MVS says "Be kind! ;)"

For details on the tour and giveaway links go here.

Audible Book Review and #Giveaway: Time Heist: Firstborn Saga Volume 1 by #Anthony Vicino

This is engaging futuristic suspense mystery and action.
Time Heist: Firstborn Saga Volume 1
Written by: Anthony Vicino
Narrated by: Adam Verner

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-17-15
Publisher: Anthony Vicino
Genre: Sci Fi, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
We tried to kill ourselves. We had the weapons. We had the desire. Somehow, we failed. Humanity survived. Go figure.
They called it the Dissolution, but it's been a couple hundred years and if you ask around, nobody in Unity remembers what all the fuss was about. What everybody had been so willing to die for. Nobody cares.
I don't, at least. I've done my part. Worked Time Vice for the better part of 20 years putting the bad guys into a Stream dream. Now I want out.
The numbers on my arm tell me I'll be dead soon. Less than a day left. I can live with that. What I can't live with is knowing a Unity leader helped Malcolm Wolfe, the man who murdered my wife and a million other innocents, escape prison.
Finding Malcolm means uncovering secrets that could tear Unity apart from the inside. But if I don't stop him, there probably won't be a Unity to save anyhow.
Looks like we might get a chance to wipe ourselves out after all. Now I just got to catch him before my numbers catch me.
©2014 Anthony Vicino (P)2015 Anthony Vicino

Review:
Tom Mandel was once a well-respected Time Vice cop. Now he is counting down the last day of his government allotted time, drowning his sorrows and regrets in the lower slums of a polluted world. Tom doesn’t particular care that he is going to die since it will allow him to exit his drug hazed life and join his wife, Diana, in death. He even trades his most valuable possession, a key that connects him to Diana, in exchange for not being given more time to work off a debt.

At least Tom didn’t care about dying until his old partner and friend, Alaina Raines, wakes him from a stupor to tell him that Malcolm Wolfe has escaped prison. Malcolm is the man who murdered Tom’s wife, along with millions of other innocent people. In spite of his degraded condition, Tom will use his last breath to try stop Malcolm from killing the rest of humanity.

Tom and Alaina set off to investigate, barging in on the prison warden to learn how the escape happened. They soon learn that a highly influential Unity leader facilitated the escape. Now Tom and Alaina are dodging the authorities, even as they brazenly confront the Unity council. Tom and Alaina face certain death until they are surprisingly helped by a super talented fighting girl and an old man. As Tom learns more about a rebellion conspiracy, he begins to learn secrets about his own past. He knew he had lost memories, stolen by Malcolm, but he had no idea the extent of his loss or the part he was designed to play in the rebellion.

This story is full of futuristic themes of life controls and high tech technology that includes nanites of all sorts: healing, weapon, protective and killing nanites. There are creative vehicles, creative clothing and of course creative weapons. The story twists and turns with secrets while Tom suffers one pummeling after another. (Really? How many beatings can one guy survive? I guess as many as are offered until your time clock punches out.) There are also the age old themes of power, political and financial greed.

The primary characters are intense and strongly flawed. The addiction aspects are interesting even as they are repellent. I enjoyed the rather resigned, bit dark, tone of the story told from Tom’s first person point of view.

This is a story that bears re-reading (or re-listening) as the reader untangles the twists to a bit of a surprise ending. I think it would make a good movie; one you would watch several times to make sure you get all the hints and keep track of the political intrigue and the players. It is a story about time but not time travel as I initially thought. I recommend this to readers who enjoy strong futuristic intrigue and action.

Audio Notes: Adam Verner does a grand job with the narration. He captures the mix of laconic, dark, intense and determined moods of Tom. Verner also provided suitable voices for the other characters, including an appropriate creepy and sinister tone for Malcolm. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the book and I would like to hear other novels narrated by Verner.

I am thankful to have received this audio title from the author for an honest review. This qualifies for Audio Challenge, "T" on Alphabet Challenge and TBR Triple Dare.

AUTHOR'S GENEROUS GIVEAWAY

Three copies of eBook (format choice of winners)
One copy of the Audiobook (through Audible gift)!

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit the AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open wherever winner can receive ebook or for Audible credit.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) January 29, 2016.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after January 29, 2016.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Book Review: Jessica's Christmas Kiss: (Christmas Kisses Book 3) by Alison May

This is a charmingly, sweet little romance touched with Christmas magic.

Jessica's Christmas Kiss: (Christmas Kisses Book 3)

by Alison May

File Size: 2344 KB

Print Length: 148 pages

Publisher: Choc Lit (December 12, 2015)

ASIN: B0193VF2GI

Genre: Romance, Holiday

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Real Christmas miracles only ever happen in the movies – don’t they?

When Jessica was fifteen, she shared the perfect kiss with a mystery boy at a Christmas party. It might have only lasted a moment, and the boy might have disappeared shortly afterwards but, to Jessica, it was just a little bit magic.

Fourteen years later, and Jessica is faced with a less than magical Christmas after uncovering her husband’s secret affair. And, whilst she wouldn’t admit it, she sometimes finds herself thinking about that perfect Christmas kiss, back when her life still seemed full of hope and possibility.

But she never would have guessed that the boy she kissed in the kitchen all those years ago might still think about her too …

Review:
Jessica, aged fifteen, shared her first lovely kiss with a mysterious boy at a Christmas party. The moment helped Jessica believe in Christmas magic and years later she was married at Christmas. Unfortunately, within the first year of marriage she discovers that her long time beau, now husband, Patrick, has been unfaithful. He has promised the affair is over and they are about to celebrate Christmas with family when Jessica overhears her husband sweet talking to someone else on the phone. Stunned she bundles up, grabs a bottle of Bailey’s and heads out walking the city. Eventually she ends up at the flat of Cora, the young woman with whom Patrick had the summer affair.

Jessica is met at the door by a man who looks vaguely familiar. He tries to comfort her as Cora proclaims her innocence as she has witnesses that she wasn’t on the phone at the time of the conversation. Lucas, known to his friends and flat mates as Alan, is shocked to recognize the girl he kissed years before --- before his life crashed around him. Lucas has never forgotten the bright, sweet young girl he kissed on Christmas. He never really expected to get to see her again. His life has been wrapped up with hiding his true identity as he stays busy with his volunteer work and taking care of his injured, alcoholic father. Is it possible that he can become reacquainted with Jessica and broaden his isolated life?

The story is told in alternating views from Jessica to Lucas which helps keep it interesting and moving well. Their emotions are engaging, sweet and charming and I was rooting for them all through the book, even with the set-backs. The writing flows well making this an easy, quick read. I note that there are other “Christmas Kiss” stories by Ms. May involving some of the other characters in this book. I am guessing that they would each be as charming. I recommend this to romance readers who will enjoy the addition of Christmas magic in the story.

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge, TBR Triple Dare and “J” on Alphabet Soup.

Book Review: The Dirt on Ninth Grave (Charley Davidson Book 9) by Darynda Jones

Another engaging installment in this fun series although the forward movement is a small step.

The Dirt on Ninth Grave (Charley Davidson Book 9)

by Darynda Jones

File Size: 1471 KB
Print Length: 337 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (January 12, 2016)
ASIN: B00V36ODVM
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

In a small village in New York lives Jane Doe, a girl with no memory of who she is or where she came from. So when she is working at a diner and slowly begins to realize she can see dead people, she's more than a little taken aback. Stranger still are the people entering her life. They seem to know things about her. Things they hide with lies and half-truths. Soon, she senses something far darker. A force that wants to cause her harm, she is sure of it. Her saving grace comes in the form of a new friend she feels she can confide in and the fry cook, a devastatingly handsome man whose smile is breathtaking and touch is scalding. He stays close, and she almost feels safe with him around.

But no one can outrun their past, and the more lies that swirl around her-even from her new and trusted friends-the more disoriented she becomes, until she is confronted by a man who claims to have been sent to kill her. Sent by the darkest force in the universe. A force that absolutely will not stop until she is dead. Thankfully, she has a Rottweiler. But that doesn't help in her quest to find her identity and recover what she's lost. That will take all her courage and a touch of the power she feels flowing like electricity through her veins. She almost feels sorry for him. The devil in blue jeans. The disarming fry cook who lies with every breath he takes. She will get to the bottom of what he knows if it kills her. Or him. Either way.

Review:
Charley has found herself in Sleepy Hollow, New York, with no memory of who, or what, she is. She has been hired as a waitress at the local diner and is glad to have found a friend in another waitress, Cookie. Cookie is there with her new husband, Robert. There are regulars at the diner including, Garrett, Osh and the devastatingly handsome and alluring, Reyes. There are others too, including a few that Charley, aka “Janey”, recognizes as ghosts although she doesn’t want to acknowledge that she can see them.

Janey is hounded a bit by Ian, the local cop who first found her. Ian seems the hardest one to convince that they are no more than friends. Janey is determined to pay her own way until she can recall who she is. Others have offered help and she will borrow the car from her elderly neighbor because she can do errands for her and bring her groceries. But she won’t take actual gifts, even from Reyes as he shows sincere concern for her and they grow closer.

As usual form, Janey/Charley has a few mysteries to solve, including an evil spirit that is killing children of another co-worker and a neighbor businessman whose family has been taken hostage as a crew of Russians digs under his building to another neighboring building. Janey doesn’t want to expose the family to danger so she tells “Bobert” (Cookie’s hubby, Robert) in hopes he can find an unobtrusive way to help. Janey may be able to solve the local problems but she doesn’t recognize the larger danger stalking her.

I really enjoyed having all the usual characters surrounding Charley even though they wouldn’t let her know her background. They are supposedly keeping an eye on her with team tag surveillance but somehow she slips through the cracks. It was a surprise, and emotional moment, how she finally regains her memory.

I think this one could have used a little more backstory earlier to refresh my memory from book eight, but the gap was filled in later so all was fine. The book is full of the usual Charley snarkiness, complete with coffee addiction, T-shirt and internet quotes, and, of course, lust for Reyes.There is even a headless horseman. For the most part I enjoyed the action, the upheaval of emotion, danger and the underlying sense of love even during the balancing of good versus evil.There is still mystery and danger to be unraveled in future books.

What I didn’t enjoy was the totally unnecessary use of the “F” word. Really? What does that add that the author and editors feel it has to be included? Yuck. I keep hoping it will stop but I guess not. I either live with it and keep reading or say “that’s enough” and find some other series to read/listen to. I am glad I received this from Net Galley for review so I wasn’t paying for that language.

This is the first time I have read a Charely Davidson novel instead of listening. Although I missed Lorelei King’s wonderful narration, I was able to hear a lot of it in my mind so I’m not sorry I snagged this for review while I could. I do recommend the book and series as good entertainment, just with the caution that it does contain language that is offensive to some of us.

I received this through NetGalley. Title Release date 1/12/16. This is part of my NetGalley Challenge and TBR Triple Dare.

Book Review: The Colossus by Ranjini Iyer

There is action, adventure and danger in this medical mystery/suspense.
The Colossus
by Ranjini Iyer

File Size: 745 KB
Print Length: 254 pages
Publisher: HighLine Editions; New edition (February 7, 2015)
ASIN: B016TX3HWE
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Maxine Rosen, a demure, clumsy, Chicago caterer gets more than she bargains for when she discovers her father’s coded research document linked to health pills unearthed from the ancient Indus Valley civilization. The pills, she learns, carry frightening secrets about the true nature of her father’s death; a truth that may be more than she can bear. Enlisting the help of handsome professor Julian McIntosh, Max travels across the continents to unlock the mystery of her father’s research, struggling to keep one step ahead of a powerful German pharmaceutical company who will stop at nothing to keep the disturbing document under wraps.

Review:
Maxine Rosen is a superb cook who struggles with her own weight. She hopes to make a success of the catering business she is building in Chicago. She was young when her mother died and hurt by her alcoholic father’s apparent suicide. Max is surprised when a scientist friend of her father arrives and implies that her father’s death may not have been suicide. Lars begins to explain a little about the research that her father had been working on and asks if Max can help decode the research papers. Lars and Max are threatened by a thug who takes papers he thinks are part of the research. Lars returns home to London leaving a trail of questions.

Max seeks help at a local University and meets handsome professor, Julian McIntosh. Julian is intrigued by the history involving an ancient civilization and begins to help Max gather information. Although Julian has been in a long time relationship, he is drawn to Max and finds her full figure attractive.

Max sets off to London trying to track down mysteries. Julian follows when she calls in a panic. The two set off following clues and trying to gather intel as they try to avoid the thug and a second enemy who is trying to capture any secrets they uncover.

The medical mystery plot-line includes engaging action, adventure and danger. Unfortunately, I didn’t care for Max’s squeamish, mostly wimpy, character. Her reactions were just this side of hysterical and nonsensical to me. Every once in a while she showed some sense and bravery, but usually I was struck by her weakness and stupidity. So – she didn’t work for me. Julian was an okay character although he delayed telling the truth of his status.

The writing moves fairly well with occasional spurts of strong description. The feel of the story is action adventure with a determined, if clumsy and wimpy, heroine. The medical issue is an interesting theory and the author adds notes at the end as supporting research. This book would be good for those who are interested by the mystery and adventure nature. There are many more positive reviews at Amazon so I suggest checking those and perhaps reading the “look inside” to get a feel for the book.

I received this for review last spring but it got lost in email. This is part of my TBR Triple Dog Dare.

TBR Triple Dog Dare 2016

The TBR Double Dog Dare

Hosted by James Reads Books

Full rules can be found HERE.

James says that The TBR Double Dog Dare is not really a reading challenge but a dare.
All you have to do to win the TBR Double Dog Dare is to read only from your TBR pile between January 1 and April 1.
I manage this one with the  "exceptions.". The rules, or non-rules, are flexible and you can exempt review books, arcs and book club books. With those exceptions I certainly have enough books to meet this dare. I even realized I have many Audible titles on my TBR that I can read during the first three months. I managed to pick up a few extra titles in 2015 so that I could count them in the first three months as I won't be purchasing any for three months. I do expect overlap with other TBR and Audio challenges. :-)

I was happy with last year's results. I completed 26 books from my TBR shelf out of 39 titles read before April 1. 10 of these were NetGalley or audio review titles picked up in 2014 but that still left 16 TBR books in the first three months so I am pleased with that. It exceeded the 13 new titles (all reviews and none purchased). :-)
I hope to improve on last year.