Audible Book Review: Iron Gray Sea: Destroyermen, Book 7 by Taylor Anderson

I really enjoy the individual characters, society dynamics and battle action of this series.

Iron Gray Sea: Destroyermen, Book 7

    by Taylor Anderson

    Narrated by William Dufris

        Series: Destroyermen, Book 7

LENGTH  16 hrs and 23 mins

RELEASE DATE  07-16-12

PUBLISHER  Tantor Audio

Genre: Alternate History
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

In Taylor Anderson's acclaimed Destroyermen series, a parallel universe adds an extraordinary layer to the drama of World War II. Now, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy, the crew of the USS Walker, and their allies battle an ever-growing host of enemies across the globe in a desperate battle for freedom.

War has engulfed the other earth. With every hard-won victory and painful defeat, Matt Reddy and the Allies encounter more friends-and even more diabolical enemies. Even, at last, in the arms of the woman he loves, there is little peace for Reddy. The vast sea, and the scope of the conflict, have trapped him too far away to help on either front, but that doesn't mean he and Walker can rest. Cutting short his "honeymoon," Reddy sails off in pursuit of Hidoiame, a rogue Japanese destroyer that is wreaking havoc in Allied seas. Now that Walker is armed with the latest "new" technology, he hopes his battle-tested four-stacker has an even chance in a straight-up fight against the bigger ship - and he means to take her on.

Elsewhere, the long-awaited invasion of Grik "Indiaa" has begun, and the Human-Lemurian Alliance is pushing back against the twisted might of the Dominion. The diplomatic waters seethe with treachery and a final, terrible plot explodes in the Empire of New Britain Isles. Worse, the savage Grik have also mastered "new" technologies and strategies. Their fleet of monstrous ironclads - and an army two years in the making-are finally massing to strike.

©2012 Taylor Anderson (P)2012 Tantor

Review:
This parallel earth series continues by following up on the displaced WWII Americas and Japanese in their various engagements.

Flint is trapped facing major Grik opposition in Indiaa while General Alden and others under his command try to find a way to get through to help with several different forces that have been trying to push for control of strategic land areas. Meanwhile the Grik, with the aid of the madman Japanese Commander, Kurokawa, are bringing their newly built fleet of ships and air dirigibles to attack their enemies, the Americans and their allies. Kurokawa is not giving full information to the brutal Grik as he meets secretly with other Japanese officers and plans to overthrow the Grik leadership.

The crew from USS Walker are at Respite Island with Emperor Radcliff. Matt (Captain Reddy) is preparing for his wedding to Sandra and a general celebration of the successes so far over the Dominion. The news comes in that another Allied ship has failed to defeat the Japanese POW murderers on their superior ship. Matt makes the difficult decision to take Walker, which already needs repairs, to eliminate that murderous threat once and for all. This creates a confrontation between Sandra and Matt as Sandra has to reconcile his position as extreme commander with her fears for his safety.

Imperial Commodore Jenks takes his ship, Achilles, from North America heading to the Enchanted Islands to secure the safety of those lands in the British battle against the Holy Dominion threat. The Imperial family come under attack and betrayal and treachery are revealed.

There are more personal stories of individual characters busy doing their part to help the battle or rescue other friends. I didn’t find this installment to be quite as exciting as the previous books, but the action picks up mid way and I still enjoyed the informative details of weapon and defense development. All of the action continues to reveal interesting aspects of the societies and continues the warmth of the characters working together through their hardships of war. I have Book 8 available to listen to in the near future.

Audio Notes: I am still impressed by how well Mr. Dufris infuses the personalities into the characters with the voice accents and inflections. This series is really fun listening for me.

This was a selection from my TBR Audible Library. 

Book Review, Song Inspiration and Giveaway Link: Shrouded by Frances Pauli

This is a marvelous Sci Fi romance full of action and intrigue!
Shrouded
by Frances Pauli

• File Size: 710 KB
• Print Length: 203 pages
• Publisher: Zharmae; First Edition edition (November 20, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• ASIN: B00GTB3IO4

Genre: Sci Fi Romance
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Book Description:
Vashia’s father is the planetary governor. Unfortunately, he’s also a complete bastard. When he promises her to his lackey, Jarn, she panics. On the run in the nastiest corner of the galaxy, Vashia seizes her one chance at escape and signs on as a bride candidate for the elusive race of aliens known as the Shrouded, unaware that she very well may be chosen as the next Queen of Shroud

Of the seven, volatile Shrouded princes, Dolfan may be the only one that doesn't covet the throne. So the last thing he expects to find in the future queen is the woman of his dreams. If he wants Vashia, he must accept the throne as well. Unfortunately, his long-time rival has the same idea. Now, only the planet’s sacred crystal can decide their fates, but what happens when the right woman is paired with the wrong man? And when Jarn comes after what was promised to him?

Review:
Vashia is the daughter of a powerful, uncaring planetary Governor. She has learned that he has agreed to ‘give’ her to his evil, ambitious henchman, Jarn. Vashia runs, rather than submit, fleeing into unsavory parts of the city to dodge Jarn and his brutes. Her accounts are frozen and her options reduced to only one supposed friend. Her friend steers her to become a bride candidate on another planet for an alien race known as the Shrouded.

Vashia makes friends with other bride candidates on the trip to Shroud. One tells the legend that the princes of Shroud choose their new king by a bride ceremony where the heart stone of the culture selects the “kingmaker.” Supposedly the pair are bonded in true love by the stone. Although some of the girls believe the story, Vashia doesn’t. She just hopes that her life on Shroud will be better than marriage to the evil Jarn.

Dolfan is one of the seven princes and he is more interested in getting a love bond through the heart than getting to be king. He is shocked to feel an electrical attraction to Vashia who seems to respond to him too. He is sure that she is intended for him until one of the other princes shows competing interest.

As soon as Vashia is exposed to the first two of the princes she feels an unmistakable buzz. Then the heart binds her... but not to the man she first was attracted to but to a stranger. The heart is never wrong and no one has ever challenged its choice but things are not right. Dolfan and unexpected allies sense that the match is wrong and they must find a way to correct the situation.

Several men have plotted through betrayal and lies to allow one particular prince to gain the throne. One seeks to escape with wealth, another seeks power and a third secretly plots to take over the planet and its special and protected markets. Now the fractured leadership council faces a nefarious attack by none other than Vashia's father and her enemy, Jarn. Someone within has betrayed the people by allowing evil forces to get past the defenses and threaten to ruin life as it has been known on Shroud.

Vashia first escapes one unwanted match only to end in another wrong match. The characters are extremely likeable... or not when it comes to the evil ones. The emotions range from fear, pain, betrayal and horror to joy. The worlds created are imaginative and intriguing and there is a surprising twist to the heart bond. I loved the action and danger which kept the story moving with a fast pace so that I read this in one 24 hour period!

I received this title from Coffee and Character for Blog tour review and feature.

GoodReads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18569448-shrouded

Author Bio:

Frances Pauli writes speculative fiction, usually with touches of humor or romance, which means, of course, that she has trouble choosing sides.
She's always been a fan of things outside the box, odd, weird or unusual, and that trend follows through her books, which feature aliens, fairies, and even, on occasion, an assortment of humans.

                                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ms. Pauli shared some music that helped inspire her as she worked on Shrouded:
"I believe at the time I was listening to a lot of Sirius radio New Age channel.
I was mad for, Some Men, by Darkel and I still think of it in relation
to Shrouded. If I had to pick one song, that would be it. There's a
great version here:

{http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLRZE6ngRzI}

I know I listened to a lot of Classical too. Berlioz, Symphony
Fantasitque for certain, and I probably brought out the Carmina Burana
for the invasion scene.  It's always good for the charge to battle."

More information on Ms. Pauli's work and upcoming releases can be found on her

website: www.francespauli.com

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrancesPauliAuthor

twitter: https://twitter.com/MothinDarkness

goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3426477.Frances_Pauli

Buy Links:

Direct: http://stores.modularmarket.com/zharmae/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Zharmae&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3AZharmae

BN:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Zharmae?store=allproducts&keyword=Zharmae

 

GIVEAWAY: eBook Copy
Ends: December 10, 2013

Rafflecoptor Code:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

	Shrouded Tour	Type
11/20/2013	No Bent Spines	playlist
11/21/2013	Bookstore Bookblogger Connection	interview
11/22/2013	Monlatable Book Reviews	spotlight
11/23/2013	Just One More Book Review	review
11/24/2013	Howling Books and Design	Spotlight
11/25/2013	alwaysjoart	playlist
11/26/2013
11/27/2013	Wicca Witch 4 Book Blog	spotlight
11/28/2013	Reviews and Interviews	Interview
11/29/2013	The Ferryman's Wife/ Basically Books	Spotlight
11/30/2013	Paradiseofpages	excerpt
12/1/2013	Shelf Full of Books	review
12/2/2013
12/3/2013	Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf	Review-Soundtrack
12/4/2013	Fabulous and Fun	review
12/5/2013	Clever Girls Read	review
12/6/2013	Paulette's Papers	spotlight

Mailbox Monday December 2, 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 DECEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Gilion @ Rose City Reader

[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 received one ebook for review. 
I also purchased two Audible titles with my book credits and several Kindle books, mostly 99cent titles.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Received from Author for review:

The Innkeeper of Bethlehem–The Story of Santa Claus 
by Scott Roloff

This sounded interesting and perfect for December.

Won

None this week.

Purchased

I purchased these two titles with my Audible Credits. (UhOh - sale time at Audible...must resist looking!)

 
Steelheart

• UNABRIDGED
• by Brandon Sanderson
• Narrated by Macleod Andrews
• • Series: Reckoners, Book 1

Sci Fi, Fantasy

and

Tricked: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 4

• UNABRIDGED
• by Kevin Hearne
• Narrated by Luke Daniels 
• Series: Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 4

Sci Fi, Fantasy

I also purchased several Kindle titles:
Four Blood Moons: Something Is About to Change [Kindle Edition]
Hagee John (Author) -- for my own edification

Silver-White (The Great North Woods Pack #1) [Kindle Edition]
Shawn Underhill (Author) -- For Book Review

A couple Sci Fi titles on sale for $.99 linked through http://www.genreunderground.com/readinthedark/

Free

I actually downloaded most of these on two days and missed the other days.
I downloaded about 40 free Kindle Titles this week, linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday What are You Reading? December 2, 2013

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.

I had a lovely Thanksgiving with our daughter's family and my sister and brother-in-law joining us.
The oncologist visit Friday puts me in a waiting stage as some additional testing is done. 

I had a good reading week and really enjoyed the three books I finished.  I posted four reviews, one with Publisher GC Giveaway, and one ARC giveaway. 
I also posted the regular weekly memes and posts (except the Saturday Snapshot): Mailbox Monday, Friday Pick Giveaway,  Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

Once again I got minimal visiting done which frustrates me. 
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? November 25, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday 11/25/13.

• Book Review, Publisher Feature and Giveaway: Christmas Past by Susanna Fraser, Time Travel, Historical Romance; my rating 4.25   Entangled Ever After line - $50.00 Gift Card Giveaway.   Ends 12/30.

• Book Review: Realm Walker by Kathleen Collins, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.5. 

• Audio Book Review: The Last Battle by Stephen Harding, Nonfiction (WWII); my rating 4.25.

• Happy Thanksgiving!

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 29, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/5/13.

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Jill Mansell, Romantic Comedy; my rating 4.5. US address; Ends 12/6.

• Sharing Beyond Books #128 Comment Giveaway 11/30/13. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/6.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 1, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:
1. Print

Don't Want to Miss a Thing
by Jill Mansell
This was delightful and the ARC Giveaway is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle
 

Shrouded
by Frances Pauli
I loved this great Sci Fi Romance!
My review and playlist inspiration will post 12/3.
Book Description:
Vashia’s father is the planetary governor. Unfortunately, he’s also a complete bastard. When he promises her to his lackey, Jarn, she panics. On the run in the nastiest corner of the galaxy, Vashia seizes her one chance at escape and signs on as a bride candidate for the elusive race of aliens known as the Shrouded, unaware that she very well may be chosen as the next Queen of Shroud

Of the seven, volatile Shrouded princes, Dolfan may be the only one that doesn't covet the throne. So the last thing he expects to find in the future queen is the woman of his dreams. If he wants Vashia, he must accept the throne as well. Unfortunately, his long-time rival has the same idea. Now, only the planet’s sacred crystal can decide their fates, but what happens when the right woman is paired with the wrong man? And when Jarn comes after what was promised to him?

3. eBook/Kindle

Christmas at Harrington's
by Melody Carlson
I enjoyed this sweet story of redemption and forgiveness.
We will discuss this at Ladies' Book Club
December 7th and then I will post the review with giveaway.

Click on book title for full description.

Line Edits/Releases:
I have several print files to upload as soon as I get cover flats and final proofs.
Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link: To be linked.

Currently reading:

1. Audio/MP3

Title: The New Space Opera 2
Editor: Gardner Dozois, Jonathan Stahan
Author: Various
Narrator: Various
I have enjoyed the first three stories so far!
This is 23 hours so may take two weeks.
I received this for review through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 09/01/13
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Traitor's Knife (Five Gems)
by E. Kaiser
This is an engaging story.
I received this from the author for review.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Print

Christmas in Lucky Harbor: 
Simply Irresistible/The Sweetest Thing/
Two Bonus Short Stories
by Jill Shalvis
I'm looking forward to reading these as Shalvis is generally fun reading.
Received and reviewing for Hachette. 
Book Description
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Love awaits you in Lucky Harbor . . .

Simply Irresistible
After losing her boyfriend and her job, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim her inheritance-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. She sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if she can give the inn the makeover it needs. Enter Jax, a tall, handsome contractor who knows exactly what Maddie needs...

The Sweetest Thing
Helping her sister set up the family inn is just the thing to make Tara forget her ex-husband and focus on her new life. Until she meets a sexy, green-eyed sailor determined to keep her hot, bothered, and in his bed. When her ex reappears, Tara must confront her past and decide what she really wants.

Kissing Santa Claus
NASCAR driver Logan Perrish returns to Lucky Harbor, Washington, with love in his heart and a ring in his pocket. But can Sandy Jansen forget the past and give him a second chance? Or will Logan be spending another Christmas alone?

Under the Mistletoe
There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts - and asking for forgiveness.

I am really lagging but still listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.] I have been remiss and not keeping up with daily reading with my DH.

Line Edits: I will still be finalizing print releases this week.

I want to keep enjoying adding stories from my own TBR. :-) I actually have only a handful of  review titles lined up for December although I am awaiting a couple.
I have six books waiting for review but since current reading/listening may take the week I'll have time this week to get up to date.

December Scheduled
12/3 Shrouded Review and Song Inspiration
12/7 Review and Giveaway Christmas at Harringtons
12/9 $100 Book Blast Silver-White by Shawn Underhill


Hachette
CHRISTMAS IN LUCKY HARBOR by Jill Shalvis (reading)

NetGalley:
  couple requests pending

Authors
   Traitor’s Knife by E. Kaiser - author request - current read
   The Wanderers by Cheryl Mahoney - blog friend author
   Christmas on Main Street Anthology  - picked up at Kindle
   The Innkeeper of Bethlehem–The Story of Santa Claus by Scott Roloff  - auhor request

AudioBook Jukebox 
    The New Space Opera 2 (listening now)
    more to come

From TBR Collection - Angel Christmas Anthology
Won Book - Carving Angels by Diane Stringam Tolley
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 1, 2013

Happy December!
Welcome to a very special season. I plan to share a bit of the advent messages during this beautiful season along with songs from our choir program.

ADVENT WEEK ONE is a time of Waiting... a time to observe as we wait for God to touch our lives.

I was looking for Advent images and came across a wonderful program: 

The four weeks of program with podcasts are shared and available online and through email at God in All Things.

Interestingly this week's message fits my current health situation to a "T" as I await additional tests to discern the proper treatment with the help of God's wisdom and peace.

Week One :: Darkness
Incarnation occurs all the time, even in our decisions. We are in a whirl of confusion and feel like we’re in darkness. Advent is a time of sitting with those raw feelings and emotions because discernment begins with observation

This song was a solo from our Christmas program.

I had never heard it before but boy did it bring tears to my eyes. 

A Verse for Today:
Luke 1:17  (NIV)
17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”


Thank you, my Lord, for leading me to words of wisdom. Help me spend time quietly preparing and listening more for your direction and Words of wisdom in my life.