Audio Book Review: Helper 12 By Jack Blaine

This has an interesting premise but the story is too simplistic and the narration is lackluster.
Helper12

• UNABRIDGED
• by Jack Blaine
• Narrated by Renee Chambliss

    LENGTH    4 hrs and 52 mins
    RELEASE DATE    04-29-13
    PUBLISHER    Jack Blaine Books
Genre: Dystopia, YA
My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Helper12 works as a Baby Helper in Pre Ward, the place where babies spend their first six months of life before they're tracked for vocations and sent to training. She does her job well, and she stays out of trouble. But one day, the Sloanes, Society members who enjoy all the privileges of their station - family unit clearance, a private dwelling, access to good food and good schools - come to "adopt" one of the Pre Ward babies. The Director makes a deal and the Sloanes walk out with a brand new child.

They also walk out owning Helper12 - the Director sells her to them, and there's nothing she can do but go. At the Sloanes, Helper12 enters a world where people should be able to enjoy life - with high position and riches come the opportunity for individual freedom, even the chance to love - but that's not what she finds. The Sloanes are keeping secrets. So is their biological son, Thomas.

Helper12 has some secrets of her own; she's drawing, which is a violation, since Baby Helpers aren't tracked for Art. And she's growing to love the child she was bought to care for - at the same time that Ms. Sloane is becoming disenchanted with her impulse baby buy.

When all your choices are made for you, how do you make some for yourself? Helper12 is about to find out.
©2011 Jack Blaine (P)2013 Jack Blaine

Review:
Helper 12 is a worker in a society that directs the roles of it’s citizens. Children are tested for their aptitude and then trained and tracked for the job they are assigned. Helper 12 is designated, and branded, to help care for babies. Oddly her branding was changed which is unusual. Once it had been a B which would have made her a Breeder. But the B was modified to become an H. Helper 12 is accustomed to working her shift and returning home to her small apartment. She tries, not very successfully, to remain detached from the babies because they will be released to chosen parents or she may be required to release them from life if there is anything unsuitable.

One day she is caring for an infant she calls “Jobee” when strangers barge into the nursery with her boss. The excited, demanding woman is frantic for a child while her husband and a teenage son stand back and watch. The director sells the child to the Sloanes and he also sells Helper 12 to them to care for the child. Helper 12 dare not raise a fuss or she will most likely lose her job and “disappear.” Besides, she would just as soon continue to watch over the growing infant who will have a better level of life with the wealthy family.

It is quickly clear that the mother, Mrs. Sloane, really doesn’t have the patience or inclination to care for the boy.  Helper 12 grows more protective and is surprised and wary when the biological son of the household, Thomas, takes a personal interest in her and the child. As Helper 12 learns more secrets she becomes more concerned for the safety of Jobee and herself. But she has limited choices until Thomas suggests a daring move. 

This is an interesting concept but I felt the characters were a little weak. Added to this the plot itself was lacking because the solution or escape came too easily. There could have been a better build of tension and action to increase the excitement for the story. The writing is okay, there were some interesting comments on society and it is a shorter work so a quick read or listen. Unfortunately, what started as a good story idea fell short in the delivery.

Audio Notes: I'm sad to say that the very lackluster narration did nothing to help the story. This was much more of a reading than a narration. There was very little emotion or nuance added. If the thought was to try to reflect Helper 12 as a limited character it may have succeeded for that but the narration failed to enhance the overall story presentation.

I received this download from Jack Blaine Books through AudioBook Jukebox.

BookBlast Feature and Giveaway: A Bargained for Bride

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A Bargained-For Bride by Marcia Lynn McClure (Novella)

Excerpt

“You’re the sweetest girl in Mourning Dove Creek, you know?” Jack mumbled as he paused in kissing Jilly a moment.

Jilly smiled. “And you’re the handsomest man in Mourning Dove Creek, you know,” she flirted in return.

Jack smiled. “I do know,” he said.

Jilly giggled. Jack Taylor was so predictable—and a little conceited. He really did think he was the handsomest man in Mourning Dove—and he was, for the most part.

Secretly, however, if Jilly ever allowed herself to be completely honest about it (which she tried to avoid), there was one other man in Mourning Dove who always crossed her mind when the subject of the handsomest man in town arose. Yet there was no lingering on thinking of that man—no sirree! Not for a moment! Not for any reason—ever. And so Jilly just kept telling Jack that he was the handsomest man in Mourning Dove Creek. Besides, it was almost true—being that the other man lived outside of town and not right in town the way Jack did

Amazon * Distractions Ink

Author Marcia Lynn McClure

Marcia Lynn McClure’s intoxicating succession of novels, novellas, and e-books, has established her as one of the most favored and engaging authors of true romance. Her unprecedented forte in weaving captivating stories of western, medieval, regency, and contemporary amour void of brusque intimacy has earned her the title “The Queen of Kissing.”

Marcia, who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has spent her life intrigued with people, history, love, and romance. A wife, mother, grandmother, family historian, poet, and author, Marcia Lynn McClure spins her tales of splendor for the sake of offering respite through the beauty, mirth, and delight of a worthwhile and wonderful story.

BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/8/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Audiobook Review: Shadows of Glass: The Ashes Trilogy Book 2 by Kassy Tayler

This is a good sequel with a cliffhanger ending setting up book 3.

Shadows of Glass: The Ashes Trilogy Book 2

    by Kassy Tayler
    Narrated by Nicola Barber
        Series: The Ashes, Book 2

LENGTH  9 hrs and 40 mins
RELEASE DATE  07-23-13
PUBLISHER  AudioGO

Genre: YA Dystopia

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Wren’s world has changed. The thing that she fought for - escaping the dome - has come to fruition, but it’s not the paradise she thought it would be. Most of the shiners have died, and according to James she is to blame for many of the deaths, a burden which sits heavy on her shoulders. Still some have survived and Wren is determined to keep them safe as they fight to establish a home outside while hiding from the rovers who have weapons that can kill from far away. But as long as she has Pace she knows everything will be fine. Still Wren wonders, as she sees the smoke that continually pours forth from the dome, how did her friends inside fare? Will they ever find out if Lucy, David, Jill, and Harry, along with Pace’s mother survive the explosions?

Meanwhile, someone else has also seen the smoke. A band of explorers from across the sea arrive in an airship, curious about the dome, and offer help to those who survive. When Wren meets the handsome Levi Addison, she suddenly questions her love for Pace as Levi offers to show her the world from his airship. Does she really love Pace? Or was it just the circumstances that made her think she did? Meanwhile, word arrives from inside via Pip, and Wren is forced to go back inside the dome, a thing that terrifies her more than anything else, to save her friends. Once she’s back inside will she be able to escape again?

©2013 Kassy Tayler (P)2013 AudioGO

Review:
In this sequel to Twilight of Ashes, Wren, Pace, James, Adam and a few more shiner friends have survived the rushing waters that drove them out of the exploding tunnels. Some of the blind ponies and goats have also survived. But there are many more deaths and losses. The small group is now forced to survive, with little in the way of supplies, in an alien environment where even the sun they have rarely seen can harm them.

Wren discovers that her friend, John, who was forced outside, has survived and established a place of shelter. He warns of the threat of barbarian rovers who raid and carry off females. Wren is filled with self doubt and guilt that is fueled by the bitter James. She questions if living in freedom, with starvation and fear, is better than living the life of drudgery, but safety, that they had before she dared to dream of the outside.

Suddenly Wren is faced with more strangers in an airship but she soon realizes that these foreign explorers are friendly. The remarkable family set out to help the small group of survivors to establish a safe community, offering even staff and weapons to protect against the rovers. The young man, Levi, is smitten by Wren’s simple beauty, her bravery, strength and determination. He doesn’t mean to come between Wren and Pace but if there is a chance for him to win her attention he intends to pursue it.

Pip, Pace’s intrepid canary, brings a message to Wren from Lucy who is still inside the Dome. The call is “Help us!” Pace has to go back inside if he wants to rescue his mother while Wren feels she must find a way to help her friends inside. Levi’s Uncle agrees to use his ship to help get them inside where they soon are trapped into more danger. As this book closes, Wren, Pace and Levi face the angry leader of the Royals, Wren’s father.

I liked the addition of the exploring US characters. It was interesting to try to imagine how the outside world, and strangers from far off, would effect Wren and her friends who have had little schooling. Presenting Levi as another romantic interest to catch Wren’s attention creates more conflict in addition to the struggle of surviving. Although it makes Wren appear shallow in her feelings I attribute some of her confusion to her youth and the stresses she has been experiencing.

I felt there was too much repetition of Wren’s fearful doubts and thoughts for a good part of the first half of the book. Again this may be consistent with the angst of being a teen but it was a bit annoying. The story was entertaining and I was engaged and anticipating what would happen with the confrontation inside when book two abruptly ended. For those who really don’t like cliffhangers, be forewarned. I will be interested to learn the conclusion in volume three.

Audio notes: Once again Ms. Barber does a good job giving emotional input to characters. She does a nice job with the accents and I enjoyed the listening.

I received this title for review from AudioGo through AudioBook Jukebox.

Audible Book Review: Free: Whodunnit? Murder on Mystery Island by Anthony E. Zuiker

This is a bizarre but entertaining, quick listen.
Free: Whodunnit? Murder on Mystery Island
    by Anthony E. Zuiker
    Narrated by Gildart Jackson
    Series: Whodunnit?, Book 2

    LENGTH    5 hrs and 56 mins
    RELEASE DATE    08-27-13
    PUBLISHER    Audible, Inc.
Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Ten excited co-workers arrive at the beautiful Avondale Resort on a remote island in the middle of the Caribbean, having been told that they are being rewarded for their hard work and productivity. But their relaxing tropical getaway soon turns into a murderous nightmare.

After an extravagant first night dinner, the guests retire to their lavish suites only to be awakened by an ear-splitting bang. They rush to the smoking parlor to find Jordan, the company’s intern, dead - a massive hole in his chest. Giles, the consummate English butler who seems to be in charge, announces that they must solve the crime or be the next victim.

The killer, who has booby-trapped the island and cut off phone and Internet connections, is hiding among them. Is it the HR representative with a penchant for Bloody Marys, the twenty-two-year-old claims processor with the purity ring, or perhaps the head chef of the company cafeteria? The killer plays with their minds, inviting them to explore the beautiful resort, from the infinity pool with the high dive to the white sand beach complete with jet skis and snorkel gear.

Anthony E. Zuiker is the creator and executive producer of the CSI franchise, which includes CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, and CSI: NY. His mystery reality show, Whodunnit?, is his first foray into unscripted television. He lives in Los Angeles with his three children and his wife, Michelle.

Whodunnit? Murder on Mystery Island is performed by the show's host/butler, accomplished narrator Gildart Jackson.
©2013 Anthony E. Zuiker (P)2013 Audible Inc.

Review:
This is a quick mystery. A little gruesome but interesting. Giles prides himself on being a proper butler. The only problem is that he has been cursed to participate in a game of murder at his last two posts. Now he has taken a new post at a mansion type estate on a remote island in hopes that the curse will not follow him. No such luck. Not long after he settles in he receives the first notice advising him that the company group of eleven that is arriving to celebrate in private is to participate in a murder game. Giles knows the rules and has little choice but to explain them to the staff and then the guests when they arrive. The first rule is – there is no escape. If anyone tries to leave the island they will die.

The other rules involve solving clues together in small groups and sometimes alone. Although the guests might work together, ultimately at the end of the game there will only be one winner, which means there will be two alive besides the staff: the winner and the killer. Giles is unhappily resigned to his role playing the host as he delivers the clues and riddles that the guest must solve and oversees their compliance.

I enjoyed the different characters with their quirks and idiosyncracies. Some were likeable and some not so much. It was fun to try to guess the clues and to see how the teams paired up, then failed or succeeded in obtaining and sharing information. I have to admit that I didn’t quite understand how the curse worked to connect the murders at the different establishments. I have to wonder if listening to the first book or watching the TV series would have helped any.

This is certainly a bizarre murder mystery that reminded me a little of Clue or And Then There Were None aka Ten Little Indians. It is a reasonably fun and entertaining listen...and, after all, the price was right!

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Gildart Jackson who portrays Giles as a wonderful polished, upright, butler persona. Mr. Jackson’s narration also helped to visualize the personalities with their different accents, upbringings and affectations. I am sure I enjoyed this more as an audio book then if I had tried to read it.

I received this title free from Audible.

Mailbox Monday October 7, 2013

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) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.
For OCTOBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Gina @ Book Dragon’s Lair.
[Starting September, Bob of Beauty in Ruins will be the new back-up host for Mailbox Monday.]

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I only received two review titles this week and picked up two Audibles.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Title

I received one eBook for review:
Received for blog tour review on 10/24 through BookBlast:

Bargained-for Bride

by Marcia Lynn McClure

and

Audible received for review at Author request

to post with Giveaway

A Reason to Live: A Marty Singer Mystery, Book 1
       by Matthew Iden
    Narrated by Lloyd Sherr

Won

NONE

Purchased

I completed purchases with my September Audible credits.

These are two series I am anxious to continue!



Third Grave Dead Ahead
by Darynda Jones

Iron Gray Sea: Destroyermen, Book 7

by Taylor Anderson

Free

I also downloaded a handful or two of free Kindle Titleslinked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.