Book Review: Inquisitor by Mitchell Hogan

This is a fast paced, engaging sci fi.

Inquisitor
by Mitchell Hogan

File Size: 1567 KB
Print Length: 305 pages
Publication Date: June 12, 2015
ASIN: B00Z8XDKGK
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

From the Aurealis Award-winning author of A Crucible of Souls.
Inquisitor Angel Xia, former mercenary turned detective, is used to being the hunter. But on another routine murder investigation the bodies begin to pile up, and Angel finds herself a target of sinister powers determined to conceal the truth.
The hunter has just become the hunted.
Betrayed by those she trusted most, and barely escaping assassination attempts, Angel receives a cryptic message from child begging for her help. Framed for horrific crimes, the only chance to clear her name is inextricably linked to a little girl - but the enemy is on her heels.
Running for her life, Angel races to forgotten places at the edges of known space that hold the darkest secrets of humanity…and the greatest threat to its future.
And all will be determined by what she chooses to do next. That is…if she can stay alive.

Review:
Angel is a prestigious Inquisitor, a space detective licensed to hunt down criminals. She is known for her excellent investigative skills and quick reflexes which keep her out of trouble… well not out of trouble but safe through it. She likes her newest partner, Viktor, and hopes he will make it, unlike prior partners. Angel and Viktor are pursing Genevolves who are humans who have been part of gene experiments and then discarded due to flaws. Though they may be flawed, they usually have extra skills or strengths and are formidable foes.

Angel isn’t happy when her boss pulls her off a death that she suspects is murder, not suicide. Her suspicions intensify when she and her partner seem to be targeted. Soon Angel questions who she can trust in her own ranks as she ducks assassins while being contacted by a young girl through a computer contact. Charlotte-Rose claims that only Angel can save her from the monster corporation who kidnapped her and holds her prisoner because of her incredible intellect. Angel knows she shouldn’t get pulled into this crazy rescue scheme, especially as it has the potential for getting too personal. But Angel remembers the orphans she was raised with and her heart and haunted past won’t let her abandon Charlotte.

Angel agrees to follow Charlotte’s crafted plan of escape. But they aren’t going to get away without hot pursuit. Angel is labeled as a rogue agent and she and Charlotte are running from the authorities as well as the powers that are trying to retrieve Charlotte. Angel begins to worry for her own reputation as well as for Charlotte’s intentions as she manipulates plans for her own purposes.

I enjoyed the intrigue and premise of the story. It jumps into action and, for the most part, doesn’t slow down. I was disappointed by some foul language and the other issue I had was the feeling that dangerous scenarios were repeating, one after another. This got to a point where I was ready for the story to move on to reveal what would happen next.

The story raises intriguing AI questions involving maturity, morality and the possibility of choices. There is an ending that leaves an opening for more adventures. I recommend this to readers who enjoy fast paced action and strong, smart female protagonists.

I received this title from NetGalley for an honest review. It is part of my NetGalley Challenge.

Audible Book Review: This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti

This is a life-changing story of spiritual warfare.
This Present Darkness
Written by: Frank Peretti
Narrated by: Jack Sondericker

Length: 17 hrs and 25 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-30-08
Publisher: Books in Motion
Genre: Religious, Inspirational, Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
A small town newspaper editor and a local minister uncover a web of conspiracy while an unseen battle between the angels of good and evil takes place in the town of Ashton.
©1986 Frank Peretti; (P)2005 Books in Motion

Review:
Ashton is a small college community that is being overtaken by proponents of a belief in ‘Universal Consciousness’. This society group promotes meditation that allows people to open themselves to demons disguised as spirit guides. The town leaders including the mayor, the sheriff, a church pastor and college trustees, are all involved in corruption that pushes non-conforming people out of their jobs and out of town. But there are two new men in town, unknown to each other who are about to make a difference.

Marshall is a big city newsman who bought the local newspaper so he could semi-retire. He is still committed to quality news and it isn’t long before he begins to wonder what is going on when his attractive and effective reporter is arrested as a hooker. As they begin to investigate the ‘misunderstanding and mistaken identity’ they realize that they are getting different stories and there is a lot of tension in the town.

At another end of town, Henry Busche is the new Pastor of a small community church. He is insisting on following the Bible even in the face of forceful opposition by wealthy, powerful and influential members in the congregation.

Angels begin to gather in the town to give strength to Pastor Busche and his small but ardent congregation. Although the angels are gathering, they are not permitted to take action until certain events take place. Then they have to hope that their ranks, and the prayer coverage of the faithful, will be enough to defeat the demon hordes who have been planning to overtake the college and the town.

The author presents a clear picture of the battle of good and evil wrapped in a suspenseful story. Demons whisper in the ears of men until they work their way into control. On the other side are the faithful remnant who provide prayer support for the angels in the heavenly battle. I had never truly pictured spiritual warfare this clearly until I read this book in the 1980s. Reading this completely changed my prayer life. As I started listening to the story this time, I again felt the strength and powerful awe of the message. I know several of the ladies in the book club had trouble getting into the book but others felt the same excitement that I felt. I highly recommend this book, and the sequel, Piercing the Darkness, to anyone who has a desire to visualize spiritual warfare.

Audio Notes: The character voices are well done by Jack Sondericker. Sadly, the production sounded like it was inside a metal room with an echo. Although that was initially distracting, I pushed past it and still enjoyed the narration.

I have not read this since the late 1980s. We read this for our Ladies' Book Club. Our August meeting was postponed so we won’t be discussing this until September. I purchased this in 2012 so it qualifies for Mount TBR Challenge as well as my Audio Challenge.

Sunday Post August 7, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 8, 2016

I miss-scheduled this so it is posting late... but better late then not at all.

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

The surgeon gave my husband a good report and discharge. He is allowed to drive although he still can't operate the tractor, four-wheeler or lawn mower for another three weeks. He is still experiencing pain but getting stronger each day.
My work has been good with several files caught up towards closing.
I received an antibiotic early in the week for back spasms. The spasms have stopped but I am still being careful not to stress the area.

I enjoyed my reading although I only finished two books again. I am far into a third. I finished one ebook and one audio. Happily I did get five reviews posted along with my usual memes.

I got to visit some blogs early in the week. I had hoped to do more but the later part of the week found me tired at night and taking my pain medication.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post July 31, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 1, 2016.

• MBS June 2016 Reading Wrap-Up
  

• MBS July 2016 Reading Wrap-Up

• Book Review: The Bluebonnet Betrayal, A Potting Shed Mystery by Marty Wingate; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.

• Audible Book Review: Daemon by Daniel Suarez; Sci Fi, Techno Thriller; my rating 4.5.

• Audible Book Review: Burning Nation: Book 2 of Divided We Fall by Trent Reedy; Dystopian, Sci Fi, YA; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 5, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/11/2016.

• Audible Book Review: For Honor We Stand: Man of War, Book 2 by H. Paul Honsinger; Sci Fi, Military Space Opera; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review: Engaged in Danger (Jamie Quinn Cozy Mystery Book 4) by Barbara Venkataraman; Cozy Mystery, Female Lawyer; my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #264 Comment Giveaway August 6, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/13/2016.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 7, 2016.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Inquisitor
by Mitchell Hogan
This is an engaging sci fi.

Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Written by: Laura Hillenbrand
Narrated by: Edward Herrmann
This is really a remarkable, and at times horrifying, story of WWII.
This is from my Audible TBR shelf.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle 
(Promo/review reach out from Lori at Great Escapes Book Tours)

The Cat, The Collector and the Killer
A Cats In Trouble Mystery
by Leann Sweeney 
I am really enjoying this fun cozy with lots of cats. I am 85% completed.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (Narrator)

Deceitful Moon: Manny Williams Series, Book 2
Written by: Rick Murcer
Narrated by: DJ Holte
I am still pretty early in this but like the beginning excitement and suspense. 
I received this forensic mystery title from the Narrator.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG)

The Crêpes of Wrath
A Pancake House Mystery
by Sarah Fox
I have been enjoying a string of cozy mysteries lately. 
I am looking forward to this one next.
Received through NetGalley.
In the debut of a delightful cozy mystery series, Sarah Fox introduces a charming new heroine who finds herself in a sticky situation: stacking pancakes, pouring coffee, and investigating murder.
Bonus content: includes original recipes inspired by the Flip Side Pancake House menu!
When Marley McKinney’s aging cousin, Jimmy, is hospitalized with pneumonia, she agrees to help run his pancake house while he recovers. With its rustic interior and syrupy scent, the Flip Side Pancake House is just as she pictured it—and the surly chef is a wizard with crêpes. Marley expects to spend a leisurely week or two in Wildwood Cove, the quaint, coastal community where she used to spend her summers, but then Cousin Jimmy is found murdered, sprawled on the rocks beneath a nearby cliff.
After she stumbles across evidence of stolen goods in Jimmy’s workshop, Marley is determined to find out what’s really going on in the not-so-quiet town of Wildwood Cove. With help from her childhood crush and her adopted cat, Flapjack, Marley sinks her teeth into the investigation. But if she’s not careful, she’s going to get burned by a killer who’s only interested in serving up trouble.

July 30, 2016 - I am still one day behind but expect to catch up this week with Reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I will also be listening (sometimes) to the companion commentary online.

I did good this week posting five reviews. That puts me with four. So I feel a little more up to date.

I've reduced my author ebook reviews committed with no specific dates queue to three books so I might start accepting new ones for the end of the year.
My NetGalley shelves are down to two when I finish the one I plan to read this week.
I'm sort of hoping to set aside September for TBR books only so I am still trying to resist new arcs/author requests and NetGalley.

I am working on additional releases at eTreasure's NetGalley page this week.
For some reason they have not yet converted this title although I haven't received and email of any problem. 

The Handy Dandy Quick Reference Guide For Teachers

Working with Children with Academic & Behavior Problems

Dr. Jackie Paxton

Nonfiction, Reference

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I didn't pick up any review books again this week.
And I didn't purchase any kindle titles since I picked up plenty free kindle titles.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

Over the past week I added 51 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 7, 2016

We had a good morning – Sunday School covered Romans Chapters 5 through 7. We had nice worship service with a sermon shared by one of our congregants. (Our new Pastor will be in place next Sunday.)

Our brothers message was based on Joshua 1:1-9. In summary it says that ‘God is with you wherever you go; do not turn right of left’. But there is always … “What’s next?” Robert Breault stated: “God sends the dawn that we might see the might-have-beens that still might be.”

The Israelites had a dream of the land promised by God. But their own fears resulted in wandering in the wilderness for forty years. Joshua had to be the leader to step up and make the people accept the reality and proceed…move forward. These nine verses reveal four points we can learn from to face loss or obstacles and to move forward to the future, to the next step.
1. The cause still advances – it is not dependent on any one person. Sometimes in order for the next thing to happen, something must change. (Reference the book Who Moved My Cheese?) Sometimes change happens and our live will never be the same again. The sooner the change is accepted the sooner we find the new location of the 'cheese'.
2. The cause requires our strength and passionate action. The Israelites had to go and conquer the land. It requires energy to move forward. Thinking about it and hoping it will happen is not enough. You have to “go”.
3. The cause demands unwavering determination. Verse 7. Eugene Patterson said that 'possessions in your life are less important than taking the message'. A man set up a birdfeeder to enjoy watching the birds. But every time he went inside the squirrels came to steal the food. No matter what obstacles he put up the squirrels were persistent. The man focused on the problem in between work, sleeping and other activities. The squirrels focused on getting to the food all of the time. Sometimes we need to be the squirrel! As Calvin Coolidge stated: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.”
4. The cause comes with God’s assurances and blessings! Verses 5 and 9.

I found this very upbeat song to share with this message.

Get Up by Mary Mary

A Verse for Today:
Joshua 1:9 NIV (But I encourage you to read verses 1 through 9!)
9”…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Thank you, God, for being a fair and guiding God. I commit myself to be used as you wish to reach others in my community and as far as you wish.

Sharing Beyond Books #264 Comment Giveaway August 6, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I am winding down from a nice day with the hubby although that means not too much work accomplished.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Eight of us are cheerful risers and several get more cheerful after coffee. :-) Six commenters don't like getting up even if they are not quite grumpy.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #263 comments is:#2 Miki who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. [I'm hoping to update the book choices - maybe the beginning of next year, lol.] Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #264

(One Question.)

Elizabeth asks: Have you watched the recent Star Wars movie? Are you a Star Wars fan??

I got to watch Star Wars: The Force Awakens with my son and husband several months ago. I thought it had a lot of parallels to the first Star Wars. We enjoyed watching - especially that we got to watch it together. I am not so much a 'fan' of Star Wars but I am a fan of space movies.

Image Found at Star Wars Movie Online

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.

Your turn to share:
Elizabeth asks: Have you watched the recent Star Wars movie? Are you a Star Wars fan??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday August 13, 2016 at 5 PM central.