Audible Book Review: Quest for the Diamond Sword by Winter Morgan

This is a quick story that definitely brings to mind an old time computer game.

Quest for the Diamond Sword
A Minecraft Gamer's Adventure
By: Winter Morgan
Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Series: An Unofficial Gamer's Adventure, Book 1
Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Adventure, Children, Computer Game
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Content 3.75; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Steve lives on a wheat farm. He has everything he needs to live in the Minecraft world: a bed, a house, and food. Steve likes to spend his mornings in the NCP village and trade his wheat for emeralds, armor, books, swords, and food. One morning, he finds that Zombies have attacked the villagers. The Zombies have also turned the village blacksmith into a Zombie, leaving Steve without a place to get swords. To protect himself and the few villagers that remain, Steve goes on a quest to mine for 40 diamonds, which are the most powerful mineral in the Overworld. He wants to craft these diamonds into a diamond sword to shield him and the villagers from the Zombies.
Far from his home, with night about to set in, Steve fears for his life. Nighttime is when users are most vulnerable in Minecraft. As he looks for shelter in a temple, he meets a trio of treasure hunters, Max, Lucy, and Henry, who are trying to unearth the treasure under the temple. Steve tells them of his master plan to mine for the most powerful mineral in the Overworld - the diamond. The treasure hunters are eager to join him. Facing treacherous mining conditions, a thunderstorm, and attacks from hostile mobs, these four friends question if it's better to be a single player than a multiplayer, as they try to watch out for each other and chase Steve's dream at the same time. Will Steve find the diamonds? Will his friends help or hinder the search? Should he trust his new treasure hunter friends? And will Steve get back in time to save the villagers?
©2014 Hollan Publishing, Inc. (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
Steve is a wheat farmer living comfortably in a Minecraft world. He is a calm, compassionate neighbor who helps the nearby villagers by crafting objects, such as an iron golem, to help protect them from the outside monsters, particularly the Zombies. One morning he hears screams and learns that his protective construct has fallen and Zombies have taken over the village. They have even turned his good friend, the blacksmith with whom he trades for iron and jewels, into a Zombie.

Steve sets off to the Nether world on a quest to find diamonds to craft a diamond sword to fight off the Zombies and restore his friend. While seeking shelter in a temple, Steve meets three people, Max, Lucy, and Henry. Steve is concerned they might be Griefers (thieves), but they convince him they are treasure hunters. The four decide to team together to help face the dangers and search for the diamonds. Will they be successful in the quest, and can Steve save his village?

I had to chuckle shortly into this audio when I realized it is truly an audio version of the Minecraft computer games. The cubist characters use their cubist resources to mine jewels and “craft” tools and portals while on a quest to save others. The action and story are pretty simplistic. I do like the simplistic moral lessons that are shared through the interactions with other characters. I don’t plan to rush on to listen to books 2-6 in the series, all similarly short and narrated by Luke Daniels which is a plus. This is apparently set out to be chapter books for young readers and I think the audio could be a good listen for families on short trips or for Minecraft fans.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels is a good narrator whose narration on this helped me push through to the end. Luke’s characters voices and energy definitely added to the story for me.

Source: 2020 Free Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Alphabet Audio goals.

Audible Book Review: After It Happened, Publisher's Pack 2, by Devon C. Ford

This is a well-paced post apocalyptic series full of interesting characters.
After It Happened
Publisher's Pack 2
By: Devon C. Ford
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Series: After It Happened, Book 3-4
Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
Release date: 10-24-17
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
This publisher's pack contains Society (book three) and Hope (book four) of the After It Happened series.
Society, book three:
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.
The survivors have prospered, but their home is an enticing prospect for others to take. Besieged, they must respond with a savagery to dissuade further attempts.
Is this the end of society?
Hope, book four:
In the aftermath of the shocking revelations about the propagation of the human race, Dan latches on to a desperate chance to change the future which many have accepted. The group splits and Dan leads his closest allies on an uncertain journey to find a solution. They find themselves battling against the elements, against new foes, and above all, against time.
They must succeed.
They must have hope.
©2017 Devon C. Ford (P)2017 Podium Publishing

Review:
Dan is the ‘military’ leader of his community of 70+ or so plague survivors who are thriving at a former prison facility. Each member finds or is assigned a task where he or she can contribute. There are those working as farmers and in animal husbandry. Some are mechanics helping to maintain and improve equipment. Others are cooks, housekeepers, and medical staff. The whole compound is protected by the “Rangers” under Dan’s guidance. He also heads the teams of scavengers who go out to gather more supplies.

The community has been successful by working together, keeping their location quiet, and seeking other wanderers while being cautious who they allow to become part of the ‘family’. When outsiders threaten their home, Dan is quick to gather his protégé, 13-year-old Leah, and other Rangers to eliminate the threats.

Dan, his dog Ash, Lexi, and Leah rescue a woman who was being followed on the highway. Emma is frightened but finally reveals that she is a scientist researching the scientific beginnings of the plague. She is trying to find a common connection for those who have survived. Steve, a former pilot, agrees to take Emma north to a specialized Scotland research lab. Along the way they are brought into a military compound and assigned an “escort”, Mitch. Through various events, Steve creates an enemy and Mitch  joins him returning 'home'.

Dan and Emma realize the common connection (which is a surprise) of survivors. Then they have a particular, special, reason to travel to Africa seeking a remedy. A significant group of the community decide to travel with Dan, seeking 'hope', but leaving the home community resentful and vulnerable.

I liked how this book picked up right where book 2 ended. There is not a lot of back story but there is deeper development of several of the characters, Dan being the most significant. I enjoyed being caught up in the dangers and trauma of the characters who end up divided into two groups. I recommend reading the series from the beginning and I look forward to the next bundle.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray does a clear, emotionally fitting narration of these two stories. His presentation helps pull me into story. I will continue to listen to the series.

Source: May 2020 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post June 20, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 21, 2021

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)

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.

Work goes on. I had one staff member out one day due to family injury. This coming week two of the girls will be going out of state to represent us all at a wedding of a former employee.
We've brought a dehumidifier into the office to help minimize moisture due to roof leaks. Hopefully it will help the girls (esp Heather) to lessen sinus aggravations.

Our grape vine is looking full of growth so I checked today and found some clusters like this:

I'll keep an eye out but usually I see green grapes like this and next thing I know they are gone. Squirrels? Birds? Some critter gets them.

Our weather been hot this week with 91 degrees when I am leaving the house at 9am. We had our first tropical storm of the season go through this weekend with wind and rain.

Listening was good this week; reading not so much.  I finished four audio books. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 17 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Tessa Talks Books. Check out her "About Me" page to find out the cute reason she is called Lady Tessa!

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post June 13, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 14, 2021.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: Day Zero by C. Robert Cargill; Genre: Dystopian, Robots, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.

• NG2021- #NetGalley Audio Book Review: The Library of the Dead by T. L. Huchu; Genre: Ghosts, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 18, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/24/2021.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Sovereign by Jeff Hirsch; Genre: Adventure, Children's Audiobooks, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Space; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Content 3.75; Narration 4.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 20, 2021.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

After It Happened
Publisher's Pack 2
By: Devon C. Ford
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
Release date: 10-24-17
I liked this a lot and picked up the next bundle, 5-6.
Source: May 2020 Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Quest for the Diamond Sword
A Minecraft Gamer's Adventure
By: Winter Morgan
Narrated by: Luke Daniels
Series: An Unofficial Gamer's Adventure, Book 1
Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins
This is a quick story that definitely brings to mind an old time computer game.
Source: 2020 Free Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
Steve lives on a wheat farm. He has everything he needs to live in the Minecraft world: a bed, a house, and food. Steve likes to spend his mornings in the NCP village and trade his wheat for emeralds, armor, books, swords, and food. One morning, he finds that Zombies have attacked the villagers. The Zombies have also turned the village blacksmith into a Zombie, leaving Steve without a place to get swords. To protect himself and the few villagers that remain, Steve goes on a quest to mine for 40 diamonds, which are the most powerful mineral in the Overworld. He wants to craft these diamonds into a diamond sword to shield him and the villagers from the Zombies.
Far from his home, with night about to set in, Steve fears for his life. Nighttime is when users are most vulnerable in Minecraft. As he looks for shelter in a temple, he meets a trio of treasure hunters, Max, Lucy, and Henry, who are trying to unearth the treasure under the temple. Steve tells them of his master plan to mine for the most powerful mineral in the Overworld - the diamond. The treasure hunters are eager to join him. Facing treacherous mining conditions, a thunderstorm, and attacks from hostile mobs, these four friends question if it's better to be a single player than a multiplayer, as they try to watch out for each other and chase Steve's dream at the same time. Will Steve find the diamonds? Will his friends help or hinder the search? Should he trust his new treasure hunter friends? And will Steve get back in time to save the villagers?
©2014 Hollan Publishing, Inc. (P)2014 Audible Inc.

3. Audio/Smartphone (AC2021)

Apocalypse
Written by Kyle West
Read by Graham Halstead
Run Time 7h 32min
I thought to try another post-apocalyptic, new-to-me author.
Source: 5/23/2021 purchase at Chirp for $2.99.
Publisher Description
Alex Keener has lived all of his sixteen years underground in U.S. Bunker 108. When he goes on his first recon into the Wasteland, he will find out exactly why.
Outside, Alex discovers a harsh landscape twisted by the impact of the meteor Ragnarok in 2030. Besides Raiders, dust storms, and cold, a new threat is evolving-the xenovirus, which twists men and animals into deadly monsters.
When the xenovirus invades Bunker 108, Alex must fight for survival. Joined by a beautiful ex-Raider and an idealistic scientist, Alex discovers that he and his friends might be the only ones standing between the world and a second apocalypse.

4. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Full Share
A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 3
By: Nathan Lowell
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 08-16-16

I enjoy this character driven series. It makes a quick listen.
Source: August 2020 Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
If there was ever a time to "Trust Lois..."
The Lois McKendrick runs headlong into trouble when a routine in-system transit goes bad. Ishmael and the rest of the crew must scramble to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it in order to keep the ship alive.
Learn more about the officers and crew of the Lois McKendrick as they struggle to keep their ship, and discover how Ishmael finds out how wrong he's been about what it means to be a spacer in this latest Trader's Tale.
©2013 Nathan Lowell (P)2016 Podium Publishing

Currently Reading:

1. Kindle App/Smartphone (NG2020)

Aftershocks
Christians Entering a New Era of Global Crisis
by Jeff Kinley
This is moving slowly on my kindle app which isn't too reliable on my phone. I will read on my Fire Kindle this week which should do better.
Source: 2020 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print (2021)

The Iron Triangle: Inside the Liberal Democrat Plan to Use Race to Divide Christians and America in their Quest for Power and How We Can Defeat Them
by Vince Everett Ellison
This is my fiction book for June.
I am still engaged by the arguments.
Source: Purchased in March 2021.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone (AC2020)

Radioactive Evolution
Written by Richard Hummel
Narrated by Armen Taylor & Anneliese Rennie
I am trying to pick TBRs and new-to-me authors in between fav series.
Source: October 2020 Chirp $2.99
Publisher's Summary
How far would you go to change humanity's fate?
Jared Cartwright grew up in a loving, caring community, completely isolated from the horrors of the outside world. When tragedy leaves him alone and untethered, Jared sets out to explore the unknown: a world where twisted, scarred creatures roam an earth ravaged by nuclear war while the rich fled to the skies on floating utopias, escaping destruction and leaving the rest of humanity to die.
To face his new reality, Jared must learn to survive in a cold, harsh world. A twist of fate changes Jared's destiny when he discovers dragons are real. The dragon unlocks a hidden technology within his body, giving him powers he never imagined existed.
With deadly adversaries above and below, he must evolve beyond mere human limitations to defeat the powerful rulers of the cities and the rabid beasts lurking in the shadows.
Amazon number-one best seller in Post-Apocalyptic & Cyberpunk!
©2018 Richard Hummel (P)2019 Richard Hummel

June 20, 2021 - I am on track again. I love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I am glad to still be current with morning reading. (I got one day behind but and caught up again.)
I am reading/listening to the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
I enjoyed the study last week: What Does God Really Expect From You?

I completed four books to review this week.
NetGalley shelf grew last week but I have listened to two and am reading one this week. That puts me back to five on the shelf.
Four author titles remain in queue. I'll be working on these next soon.
(Plus a few that I received from facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

As for MM, we’re looking for someone to volunteer to take over some MM duties. Sunday evenings are when we post MM for overseas participants and BTCOE posts go up on Friday afternoons. If you have interest please email: savvyverseandwit [at] gmail [dot] com.

No new review or NetGalley titles this week.
I selected one title at Chirp.
I selected my two May Audible credit picks this week and downloaded three free short titles.
No free Kindle titles this week.
(Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

6/18/2021 Two Audible Credits used for series I want to continue:

Defiant
Lee Harden, Book 4
By: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
Length: 12 hrs and 45 mins
Release date: 06-23-20

After It Happened
Publisher's Pack 3
By: Devon C. Ford
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 13 hrs and 28 mins
Release date: 01-10-18

6/18/2021 $5.95 Audible Purchase to start a new series.

Chaos Rising
An Edge of Collapse Prequel
By: Kyla Stone
Narrated by: Stacey Glemboski
Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins
Release date: 12-31-19

6/19/2021 Purchase at Chirp $2.99.

Elatsoe
by Darcie Little Badger
Read by Kinsale Hueston
Run Time 9h 2min
This paranormal mystery looks very interesting.

Free

6/18/2021 Three Short, Free Audible titles:

A Fairytale
By: Dina Gregory
Narrated by: Holli Dempsey
Length: 7 mins
Release date: 05-22-20

The Ant and the Butterfly
By: Dina Gregory
Narrated by: Lucy Price-Lewis
Length: 4 mins
Release date: 05-22-20

The Haberdasher Prince
By: Dina Gregory
Narrated by: Joe Jameson
Length: 4 mins
Release date: 05-23-20

No free Kindle titles again this week.
Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragment June 20, 2021 - Happy Father's Day!

This morning our Pastor and church celebrated Father’s Day, acknowledging that the role of Fathers is so important.

Pastor noted that we need to celebrate all Godly men. God made men to be Men of God. We don’t always live up to what God has designed and He is forgiving. We thank men for leading families and helping others through family, church, work or other service. There are stresses on men – concerns of failure – but often men try to hide them. The enemy (Satan) knows how to push the button to trigger us. God does not keep score the same way Satan does.

Look at the life of David on full display in the Bible.

He had success as youth defeating the giant, Goliath.
He suffered through troubles running from Saul.
He allowed temptation to lead him into sin but he repented and expressed sorrow.

David was with God but more importantly, God was with David.
David expressed the joy and excitement of bringing the Ark of the covenant back to the royal city. He stopped and offered sacrifices every six paces. 2 Samuel 6:12-15. David danced in the streets. 2 Samuel 6:15-16.

David had a heart for God, but David wasn’t perfect. He was tempted looking at Bathsheba, which led to sin continuing to look, bringing her to his bed, murdering her husband. When Nathan confronted David, David repented.

His relationship with God defined his life. His sorrow, and subsequent trust in God is seen through his writings in the Psalms. He longed for God and sought Him as refuge. Psalm 42.
David recognized that the most important thing in his life was his relationship with God.

Pastor exhorted us all to “Be Strong and unashamed as a person of God!”

God has removed your sin; He has forgiven you. Don’t’ let your sin keep you from your relationship with God.

I am mindful of those who haven’t experienced a Godly father and even more sad for those who do not know the Heavenly Father. This song spoke out to me.

Verses for Today.
Psalm 42:1-2
1 As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God.


Lord, I thank you for my earthly father, human as he was. I also praise and thank you for my Godly father, to whom I can run whenever I need help or shelter or love.

Audible Book Review: Sovereign by Jeff Hirsch

It's not gripping but it is an interesting listen, suitable for younger readers.

Sovereign
By Jeff Hirsch
Narrated by: Jesse Einstein

Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins
Release date: 01-31-19
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Adventure, Children's Audiobooks, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Space
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Content 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Jeff Hirsch, the mastermind behind such dark YA dystopias as The Eleventh Plague and The Darkest Hour, goes interstellar with Sovereign, a middle grade Audible Original voiced by Jesse Einstein, who listeners have called "first-rate."

Micah Cole has been in deep space for four years now. While his parents chase their obsession with finding intelligent life deeper and deeper into the universe, Micah can’t help but dream of the friends he’s left behind and counts the days until the family returns to Earth. When a devastating meteor shower nearly destroys the Coles’s ship, Micah is separated from his family and stranded alone on Sovereign—a vast planet of raging rivers and towering forests. If Micah ever wants to see his family or his home again, he’ll have to learn how to survive on this hostile alien world. Armed with only his wits and determination, he’ll have to battle the elements, his own deepest fears, and a strange presence that might just hold the key to his parents’ obsession—and be his ticket back home.
©2019 Jeff Hirsch (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

Review:
Micah is a young teen who has been ‘dragged’ off to space exploration with his parents. He misses his friends from middle school and often dreams of getting back to them. His parents are set on their obsession of finding intelligent life beyond earth. They have found at least one unique species but continue to push on to the next planet.

A meteor storm forces Micah’s parents to send him off in a lifeboat to a nearby planet that they probed and found suitable for life. He is stranded on Sovereign hoping his parents will be able to make quick repairs and return for him. In the first few days, Micah’s lifeboat is caught in a flash flood while he is outside. Now he has to struggle for shelter and supplies on an alien world with unknown elements. Micah knows he can send a distress call if he can reach the probe his parents sent before the storm. But he will have to travel over rivers and forests to get to the high mountain. As the days pass, he survives hostile attacks and is imagines his best friend from childhood is exhorting him to get up and keep going. Is Micah’s friend a memory or a strange presence helping him to survive?

I had to remember that Micah was just an impulsive teen when he made so many unwise choices that get him into trouble. Fortunately, luck is with him and then an unexpected friend. I appreciated the creative world building of the planet and creatures – friendly and dangerous. There is also a bit of a nice message as the story moves toward its conclusion. I found this to be entertaining for a quick read/listen. I recommend it for younger readers or those who might want to spend six or so hours that don’t require intense attention.

Audio Notes: Jesse Einstein does a good job with the narration. He captures the youth and immaturity of Micah as well as the energy of the story. For me, the narration helped the story move along.

Source: 2/10/19 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.