Book Review: A Town Called Dust: The Territory 1 by Justin Woolley

This story offers gripping entertainment with interesting characters.
A Town Called Dust: The Territory 1
by Justin Woolley

• File Size: 484 KB
• Print Length: 251 pages
• Publisher: Momentum (November 13, 2014)
• Publication Date: November 13, 2014
• ASIN: B00OIKC87G
• Genre: Sci Fi, YA Fantasy
• My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Stranded in the desert, the last of mankind is kept safe by a large border fence ... Until the fence falls.
Squid is a young orphan living under the oppressive rule of his uncle in the outskirts of the Territory. Lynn is a headstrong girl with an influential father who has spent her entire life within the walled city of Alice.

When the border fence is breached, the Territory is invaded by the largest horde of undead ghouls seen in two hundred years. Squid is soon conscripted into the Diggers—the armed forces of the Territory. And after Lynn finds herself at odds with the Territory's powerful church, she too escapes to join the Diggers.

Together Squid and Lynn form an unlikely friendship as they march to battle against the ghouls. Their journey will take them further than they ever imagined, leading them closer to discovering secrets about themselves, their world, and a conspiracy that may spell the end of the Territory as they know it.

Review:
Squid is a teen who lives and works on his Uncle’s farm located on the outskirts of a Town called Dust. Although Squid is a farm hand he isn’t strong and he’s never been very adept with his hands. Instead, Squid is smart and good with numbers. He has nothing of his own except a key that he treasures that was supposedly left by his mother.

There is an outer fence that has separated mankind from the ghouls for many years. A breach of the fence allows hordes of the undead to slowly stumble their way towards the civilized towns. This brings the defensive troops, Diggers, to Dust. A young Captain spots Squid and senses good qualities in him. Squid is conscripted into service to his surprise and over his Uncle’s objection.

Squid begins training and makes a friend in Max who protects him from being bullied by other recruits. Max is surprisingly good at sword fighting and picks up the military training quickly. But Max hides a major secret.

Lynn is the daughter of a famous Colonel. She has always wanted to be a Digger but women are not allowed in the troops. Instead, she is expected to become a Sister in the ruling religious order. When a tragic event pushes Lynn toward this unwanted fate she escapes and, in disguise, joins the Digger training forces.

Lynn and Squid help each other and eventually face battle together. There is something special about the two that they do not realize, but others do. The territory commander wants to use them but the Church Mother fears a prophesy surrounding them. She seeks to remove them rather than have that prophesy fulfilled.

I don’t read a lot of zombie stories but I’m glad I picked this up. The story focuses primarily on the human characters with intrigue and danger beyond the undead. The world building includes dirigibles, steamcycles and other steam elements that I liked. The characters are well developed and I was engaged by the personalities of Squid and Lynn and the obstacles they faced. There are other secondary characters, including Lynn’s foster brother, Melbourne, who apparently have a part yet to play.

I recommend this to those who like fantasy adventure – even with ghouls. I found the whole package entertaining and look forward to continuing the adventure in book two, A City Called Smoke: The Territory 2.

I purchased this to read before book 2 which I have from NetGalley.

Winners: May 30, 2015 through July 11, 2015

This brings the winner list up to date again. :-)
The Winners can always be found listed on the Giveaway page and they are shown in the sidebar for a week or so after announced.
Some of these are tour wins so winners should check the rafflecopter announcements on those giveaway posts.

***ALL WINNERS at MBS: Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing or notify the publishers. I am now asking for mailing info in the giveaway forms so I can mail the books even if I don't hear from the winner.
[I ask that all winner's fill in the form as it helps me keep track of when I have completed the mail outs or notice to the publishers rather than tracking individual emails. But of course -- feel free to email me too! :-)] Email: mesreads AT gmail.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WINNERS!

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Giveaways Ended July 11, 2015

Giveaway: A New Hope (Thunder Point series)
by Robyn Carr
WINNER: TEXAS BOOKLOVER


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Blitz Giveaway: A Promise of Forever (A Tallgrass Novel Book 1) 
by Marilyn Pappano
WINNER: HOLDENJ


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Book Blitz with Giveaway! Alive at 5 by Linda Bond.
Check Rafflecopter for Winner.

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Giveaway Ended July 4, 2015



Rafflecopter Giveaway: Dawn of Destiny by Lee Stephen
 Check Rafflecopter for Winners.

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Giveaway Ending June 6, 2015

Print Giveaway: Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott
WINNER: BN100

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Giveaway Ended May 30, 2015

Rafflecopter Giveaway: Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott
See Rafflecopter for Tour Winners

Sunday Post July 19, 2015 / It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 20, 2015

Sunday Post - It's Monday! is still not up and linking while Sheila finds her way after her family tragedy.
Kathryn at Date Book suggested linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer. I guess I'll have to rename the post starting next week.

This meme starts at Book Journey!


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.

We drove to Orlando on Wednesday to meet our son and d-i-l. They had two days in the Parks at Disney while we road the monorail and enjoyed visiting the hotels. We drove back with the kids on Saturday and stopped in Carrabelle to visit our daughter and her family as they use are RV during State baseball championship tournament this week. It was our daughter's birthday so we got to wish her a Happy Birthday in person. 

I enjoyed my reading/listening week. I finished two ebooks, one audio and a print devotional.  I posted three reviews, one with print giveaway. I did get the memes in this week, although a little delayed.. 

I got to visit a bit at the beginning of the week but not later due to family time and limited computer time.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 13, 2015.

• Audio Book Review: The Lost Starship by Vaughn Heppner; Sci Fi Adventure; my rating 4.5.

• Audible Book Review: The Martian by Andy Weir; Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.

• Friday Pick Giveaway July 17, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 7/23/2015.

• Book Review and Giveaway: Love in Disguise by Carol Cox; Historical Romance, Christian; my rating 4.25. Ends 7/25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 19, 2015.

• Sharing Beyond Books #211 Comment Giveaway for July 18, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 7/25//2015.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

A Town Called Dust: The Territory 1
by Justin Woolley
This was a surprise - entertaining. I'll post a review this week. 
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible

Seduction in Death: In Death, Book 13
Written by: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
This Eve Dallas investigation is a bit sexually gritty but  still good entertainment.
I hope to post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

A Killer Past
by Maris Soule
This is a twisted, unique plotline.
I picked this up last minute from Novel Book Tour for a tour review on July 23.
When two gang members choose Mary Harrington as their target, the quiet widow has a secret to share of her own
Most people in the town of Rivershore, Michigan view Mary Harrington as a quiet widow whose only oddity is that she spends a lot of time at the gym. Her son thinks it’s time for her to move into a retirement home. Two gang members think she’ll be an easy target. No one in Rivershore knows what Mary did in her younger years—really did—but the two gang members discover they’ve underestimated their victim . . . and Mary fears reverting to old habits may have jeopardized her future.

4. Print

If My People . . .: A 40-Day Prayer Guide for Our Nation
By: Jack Countryman
I really enjoyed this 40 day devotional.
If My People guides believers on a 40-day prayer journey in the spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1. Audible

Sector 64: Ambush
Written by: Dean M. Cole
Narrated by: Mike Ortego
This is an engaging story with alien danger.
I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
**Huffington Post - IndieReader Best of 2014**
What happens to present-day Earth if friendly aliens take humanity under their wing?
What happens when their enemy becomes ours?
X-Files meet Independence Day when incredible events thrust Air Force Captains Jake Giard and Sandra Fitzpatrick into a decades-long global conspiracy to integrate humanity into a galactic government. However, as Jake finishes indoctrination into the program, it renders present-day Earth a disposable pawn in a galactic civil war.
Unknown aliens with a dark secret raid the planet.
Within and even below Washington DC, Jake fights through a post-apocalyptic hell, struggling to comprehend the enigmatic aftermath of the first attack. On the West Coast, Sandra's squadron smashes against the invading aliens. Thrown to ground, Sandy wades through blazing infernos and demented looters in a desperate attempt to save her family.
Finally, with the fate of the world in the balance, both captains must take the battle to the enemy--humanity's very survival hanging on their success....
Scroll up and grab a copy today.
©2014 Dean M. Cole (P)2014 Dean M. Cole

2. eBook/Kindle

SEAL Team Six: Hunt the Fox
by Don Mann, Ralph Pezzullo
This got bumped for a book I am reviewing this week.
I look forward to enjoying it this week.
I selected this title through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

A Curse of Ash and Iron
by Christine Norris
This sounds like a book I will enjoy.
I received this at NetGalley.
Benjamin Grimm knows the theater is much like real life. In 1876 Philadelphia, people play their parts, hiding behind the illusion of their lives, and never revealing their secrets.
When he reunites with his childhood friend Eleanor Banneker, he is delighted. His delight turns to dismay when he discovers she has been under a spell for the past 7 years, being forced to live as a servant in her own home, and he realizes how sinister some secrets can be.
She asks for his help, and he can't refuse. Even if he doesn't believe in 'real' magic, he can't abandon her.
Ellie has spent the long years since her mother's death under the watchful and unforgiving eye of her stepmother. Bewitched and hidden in plain sight, it seems no one can help Ellie escape. Not even her own father, who is under a spell of his own. When she sees Ben one evening, it seems he is immune to the magic that binds her, and her hope is rekindled along with her friendship.
But time is running short. If they do not find a way to break the spell before midnight on New Year's Eve, then both Ellie and her father will be bound forever.

June 1, 2015- I am still up to date on Bible reading and greatly enjoying the readings-- It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning.. I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online.

July:
July 23: A Killer Past by Maris Soule Review on Tour

I posted three reviews last week and I have three so far for this week. 
I now have ten titles selected at NetGalley.
I really want to get to a TBR eBook in July as I didn't get to any in June.

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 have to get my replies to several new author offered books this wee - that didn't happen while I was away. I added one review for tour this coming week and added four new NetGalley titles.
I downloaded the free Audio pair from SYNC and I added more free kindle titles to my library.

(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

A Killer Past
by Maris Soule
I picked this up last minute from Novel Book Tour for a review on July 23. (See information above.)


I received these four titles through NetGalley:

A Curse of Ash and Iron 

by Christine Norris

(See information above.)

The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection

Christmas is the time for love—and weddings—and twelve historical women are on their way to the altar, whether they know it or not. 

Plantation Shudders

by Ellen Byron
Check in for some Southern hospitality in Plantation Shudders, the Cajun Country series debut...

Whispers in the Reading Room

by Shelley Gray

Lydia's job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye
. . . and perhaps her heart.

Won

None.

Purchased

None.

Free

Free Downloads from AudioFile SYNC 2015 for week Eleven.

Crows & Cards
by Joseph Helgerson
Read by MacLeod Andrews

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

by Mark Twain

Read by Robin Field

Over the past week I only added 40 free Kindle titles to my library this week. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sharing Beyond Books #211 Comment Giveaway for July 18, 2015

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB! This was delayed from Saturday night since I was spending time away with family. I got a chance to set part of it up ahead of time but had to wait until Saturday to pick the winner and then I was still with family until later today (Sunday). :-)

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
I guess it is not surprising that almost all of us like entering for books and GCs. MaryP takes the attitude "you have to be in it..." Many enter at favorite blogs. Marjorie just recently won a book at Goodreads but others haven't had luck there. Most do not like repeated daily entries and many do not like multitude of entries. Simple is preferred.

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The regular Winner from SBB #210 comments is: #15 Nikki 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 this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #211 (One Question.)

MaryP asks: Q1 Does your favorite flower reflect your personality??

A: I really had to think a bit what my favorite flower is. I'd say it is Daffodil. And yes, it sort of reflects my personality as it is bright, stately and on the conservative side. 

Image found at Wallpapersinhq.

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 to use.

Your turn to share:
MaryP asks: Q1 Does your favorite flower reflect your personality??

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 July 25, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 19, 2015

We were with our family this morning and didn’t get to the church services.
These are additional notes from one of our Sunday School meeting a month or so ago from Paul’s teachings in Romans 2.
God steps in at times in man's world- those times are of His design and choosing. If God always took care of problems automatically then we wouldn't need faith to seek His help. We need Christ to help us get through this world. We can ask Him to touch and step in. Our trials on earth are a momentary trouble. Ultimately we can trust in God’s plan and time table.
God doesn't want us to be complacent but, like Paul, we can accept God’s sovereignty. Paul didn't ask “why?”, instead he learned to be content in all circumstances.

This is a song I found one day and enjoy the fullness it represents.

Verses for Today:
Psalm 119: 75-77 NIV
75 I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.

Lord , I thank you for a beautiful few days with family. Keep them safe as they continue to travel.
Help me to rest as I trust in You.