Book Review: The Heir by Lynne Stringer

This is an engaging YA, Sci fi.

The Heir
by Lynne Stringer

• File Size: 494 KB
• Print Length: 242 pages
• Publisher: Wombat Books (June 1, 2013)
• ASIN: B00BS1O2RW

Genre: YA, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: June 1, 2013
Sarah hates the prestigious high school she attends. Most of the other students ignore her. School is only made tolerable by the presence of Dan Bradfield, the boy she adores. Dan is the heir to his father’s multinational computer company, but he is dating Sarah’s best friend, Jillian. When tragedy strikes, Dan is the one who supports Sarah. But she can’t shake the feeling there is something strange about him. Is he protecting her from something? Is there something going on that she doesn’t know about? And did she really see a monster in the bushes?

Review:
Sarah is in her senior year of high school fantasizing about Dan, the boy she worships from afar. But he hangs with Sarah’s best friend, Jillian. Jillian is obsessed with all things space related, She continually tries to interest Sarah in her star gazing, including dragging her to the latest in alien movies. Sarah loves colors and painting and those give her pleasure as she muddles through her daily school life and tries to avoid one of the rich, privileged boys who continues to harass her.

Sarah lives with her distracted father who is a computer programmer. Her father and his best friend are on the verge of financial disaster as they argue over selling a new program they have developed.

Sarah gets the opportunity to go to an art exhibit with Dan. When they return home life changes completely for Sarah. She turns to Dan and his family for comfort and help. Suddenly danger arises and the next thing she knows she is put into a spaceship to be delivered to her ‘true home’, Verindon. Along the way she learns a  few of the rules regarding the nature of the two societies on her planet, her position and the duties of the guards who have protected her and are bringing her home.

The first half of the book is focused on Sarah’s teenage angst in school and at home. This sort of YA focus isn’t my cup of tea but I found the characters interesting enough as I waited to discover where the sci fi elements fit in. Finally the book becomes suspenseful with action and the challenges of social and political issues that Sarah must face on a world that is a surprise to her. Assassination attempts are immediate and characters are set up for the reader to wonder - are they alley or enemy?  I really liked the conflicts that exist in the different emotional and social rules of Verindon. This sets up the issues of intrigue that must continue in the next books. I recommend this to readers who like YA, scifi and series.

I received this ebook from the author for an honest review.

Audible Book Review: Yesterday's Gone:Season 1- Episode 1 by Sean Platt and David Wright

This is interesting but do note the warning especially regarding language.
FREE Yesterday's Gone: Season 1 - Episode 1
Written by: Sean Platt, David Wright
Narrated by: Ray Chase, R. C. Bray, Brian Holsopple, Chris Patton, Maxwell Glick, Tamara Marston

Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins
Series: Yesterday's Gone, Book 1
Original Audiobook
Release Date:04-15-14
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Sci Fi, Horror
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Start the First Season of the Groundbreaking Post-Apocalyptic Serial! Yesterday's Gone: Season One: Episode 1.
WARNING: This is a post-apocalyptic horror audiobook where bad people do evil things, and as such, this series features disturbing scenes and foul language. While it is all within the context of the story, some listeners may find this content offensive.
Can humanity survive what it never saw coming?
On October 15 at 2:15 a.m. Earth vanished. A scattered few woke alone in a world with no rules, other than survival at any cost.
A journalist wanders the wretched reality of an empty New York, searching for his wife and son. A serial killer must hunt in a land where prey is now an endangered species. A mother shields her young daughter from danger through every terror-filled breath.
A bullied teen is thrilled to find the world gone missing, until the knock on his door. A fugitive survives a fiery plane crash. Will he be redeemed, or return to the killing he's best at? An eight-year-old boy sets out on a journey to find his missing family, only to find something that will change him forever. These survivors aren't truly alone...
Someone or something is watching them. And waiting...
Strangers unite. Sides are chosen. Can humanity survive what it never saw coming?
©2011 Sean Platt, David Wright (P)2014 Podium Publishing

Review:
I failed to heed the warning and the language is explicitly rough making this less pleasant for me than it might have been otherwise.

The story follows six or so characters who wake up to discover their family, friends, neighbors and strangers in the surrounding areas gone. There are no traces and no explanations. The chapters bounce between the characters which makes it a little hard to follow. There is a journalist in the city who seeks his wife and son; an awkward teenager at home is sort of glad to be alone; a young boy follows rainbows looking for his parents; and a sociopath is glad when he finds other survivors to kill. There is also a mother trying to protect her daughter and a fugitive who views his plane crash as a means to a second chance.

There is something strange about the cats and dogs that have survived and most of the survivors sense they are not alone. This episode ends with a horrific discovery but it does not reveal the cause of the disappearances.

I found some of the characters interesting and their stories were engaging with a sense of fear and some of horror. This might be well suited to those who like horror mystery and don’t mind horrendous foul language. I don't think I'll be pulling up other episodes right away.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration from all of the readers. I really didn’t focus on the narrators so it seemed natural and unobtrusive to the story. This is a story I would like better in audio mode than reading.

I downloaded this as a free Audible library.

Audible Book Review: Dust World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 2 by B. V. Larson

This series offers engaging action in a fun listen.

Dust World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 2

Written by: B. V. Larson

Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins

Series: Undying Mercenaries, Book 2

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:05-27-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genre: Sci Fi

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The Galactics arrived with their Battle fleet in 2052. Rather than being exterminated under a barrage of hell-burners, Earth joined a vast Empire that spans the Milky Way. Our only worthwhile trade goods are our infamous mercenary legions, elite troops we sell to the highest alien bidder.
In 2122 a lost colony expedition contacts Earth, surprising our government. Colonization is against Galactic Law, and Legion Varus is dispatched to the system to handle the situation. Earth gave them sealed orders, but Earth is 35 lightyears away. The Legion commanders have a secret plan of their own. And then there's James McGill, who was never too good at listening to authority in the first place....
In Dust World, book two of the Undying Mercenaries Series, McGill is promoted to Specialist and sent to a frontier planet outside the Empire. Earth's status within the Empire will never be the same.
©2014 B. V. Larson (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Review:
James McGill and the Legion Varus troops are back in action again. Their mission is to seek out a lost earth colony. Many are concerned that they will find primitives but McGill is concerned with what will be done with the colonists. After all, the Galactic law doesn’t permit colonization and his superiors may think they can just hide the whole event.

Before they locate the colony their ship is attacked by a new alien species, dubbed the “squids”. The troops have to make an emergency evacuation to a dust world or a water world. Since the hostile aliens may be on the water world, they head for the other planet. The troops end up separating into groups on the surface of Dust World. While McGill’s superiors debated their landing location all the best spots were taken and they got a valley crevice by default.

They find strange plants and critters on the planet as they do reconnaissance for food and supplies. Then McGill makes human contact! Although the colonists dress as primitives they have weapons that are advanced nano technology. McGill's first attempt at diplomacy ends in his death but he swears he will return. They are shocked when McGill makes good on his threat after being ‘regrown’ by the replication machine.

It looks like Varus troops are going to have to battle the local colonists until another huge ship lands and giant hunters start seeking ‘prey’. Apparently the Squids capture humans for breeding or mutation into slaves. A temporary truce is reached so the troops and the colonists can fight the common foe. But what will happen once the Squids are defeated and the alien ship is captured? And what will happen when the Galactic enforcers arrive and find an Earth colony?

McGill continues, with his brash arrogance, to woe his favorite ladies, even adding a colonist to his conquests. He also continues to anger many of his team and superiors with his refusal to abide by the rules. McGill's tendency to go outside the box and follow his own, sometimes unorthodox, methods gets him into trouble but also provides solutions to problems.

Several of the characters, including McGill at times, are annoying and most of his superiors tend to be callous. McGill really has a caring heart for others even though some don’t recognize it. The story and action are very entertaining and I liked how the political issues were worked out with the Galactic enforcers. I recommend this to action fans and I am definitely looking forward to listening to the next book, Tech World.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does a great job narrating this series. He manages to give distinct accents to the characters. He also conveys the action with good pacing and energy. I have enjoyed both book 1 and 2 on audio and will listen to the next on audio too.

I selected this from my Audible library.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 15, 2014

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 enjoyed the second week of December. We are still keeping things easy going and not stressed even as we enjoy some holiday events. We will be trying to pull all work together so we can close the office for almost two weeks.

Reading was good although I didn't read as much as I thought I had. I finished three books and posted five reviews, two with giveaways. I also posted all the usual memes. 

I did get to visit a good group of sites again early and mid week. I really like seeing what others are reading too.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 8, 2014.

• Book Review: Every Valley: Advent with the Scriptures of Handel's Messiah; Inspirational, Spiritual; my rating 5.0.

• COYER Winter 2014-2015 Challenge.

• Book Review: We Are The Destroyers (We Are***Are We Book 1)by D. K. Lindler; Sci Fi; my rating 3.75.

• Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Seducing the Ruthless Rogue (The Rogue Agents Trilogy Book 2) by Tammy Jo Burns; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25. Tour Giveaway GCs; ends 12/21/14.

• Audio Book Review: Snowbeard the Pirate and the Naughty List by Chip Huddleston; Humor; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 12, 2014. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/18/14.

• Book Review and Giveaway: Jesus Daily: 365 Interactive Devotions by Aaron Tabor #JesusDailyBook; Christian, Spiritual; my rating 4.5. Tour Giveaway book + Tshirt, US Only; ends 12/20/14.

• Sharing Beyond Books #181 Comment Giveaway 12/13/14. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/20/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 14, 2014.
  

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Seducing the Ruthless Rogue
(The Rogue Agents Trilogy Book 2)
by Tammy Jo Burns
A historical romance with good suspense.
The review with tour giveaway is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible

FREE Yesterday's Gone: Season 1 - Episode 1
Written by: Sean Platt, David Wright
Narrated by: Ray Chase, R. C. Bray, Brian Holsopple, Chris Patton, Maxwell Glick, Tamara Marston
I failed to heed the warning and the language is explicitly rough. I found some of the characters interesting and there is at least one very evil survivor. The source of disappearance is not explained in this Episode. 
I don't think I'll be pulling up other episodes right away.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

The Heir
by Lynne Stringer
I liked this engaging YA/Sci fi. It starts out heavy in the YA zone but got more interesting with sci fi as it went on. I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Hope Rising (Of Love and War)
by Stacy Henrie
I have started this and like Evelyn so far.
I received this from Forever, through NetGalley,
for review to post on 12/18.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 16, 2014
FROM A GREAT WAR, SPRINGS A GREAT LOVE
In France at the height of World War I, American nurse Evelyn Gray is no stranger to suffering. She's helped save the life of many a soldier, but when she learns her betrothed has been killed, her own heart may be broken beyond repair. Summoning all her strength, Evelyn is determined to carry on-not just for herself and her country, but for her unborn child.

Corporal Joel Campbell dreams of the day the war is over and he can return home and start a family. When a brutal battle injury puts that hope in jeopardy, Joel is lost to despair . . . until he meets Evelyn. Beautiful, compassionate, and in need of help, she makes an unconventional proposal that could save their lives-or ruin them irrevocably. Now, amidst the terror and turmoil of the Western Front, these two lost souls will have to put their faith in love to find the miracle they've been looking for.

2. Audio

Seventh Grave and No Body
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King
While waiting for some other audiobooks I picked this from a my Audible library. It is a series I have been enjoying.
Publisher's Summary
Twelve. Twelve of the deadliest beasts ever forged in the fires of hell have escaped onto our plane, and they want nothing more than to rip out the jugular of Charley Davidson and serve her lifeless, mangled body to Satan for dinner. So there's that. But Charley has more on her plate than a mob of testy hellhounds. For one thing, her father has disappeared, and the more she retraces his last steps, the more she learns he was conducting an investigation of his own, one that has Charley questioning everything she's ever known about him. Add to that an ex-BFF who is haunting her night and day, a rash of suicides that has authorities baffled, and a drop-dead sexy fiancé who has attracted the attentions of a local celebrity, and Charley is not having the best week of her life.
But all of that combined barely scratches the surface of her problems. Recent developments - and a few distressing prophesies - have forced her to become a responsible adult. Exactly the kind of adult she's never aspired to be. To conquer such a monumental task, she's decided to start small. Really small. She gets a pet. But how can she save the world against the forces of evil when she can’t even keep a goldfish alive? A tad north of hell, a hop, skip, and a jump past the realm of eternity, is a little place called Earth, and Charley Davidson, grim reaper extraordinaire, is determined to do everything in her power to protect it. We're doomed.
©2014 Darynda Jones (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

3. eBook/Kindle

A Christmas Hope (Of Love and War)
by Stacy Henrie
This is a novella from the Love and War series 
(above Hope Rising).
I really like the cover and wanted to read this too.
Received from Forever through NetGalley.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 2, 2014
In this special holiday novella, Stacy Henrie returns to the World War I setting of her Of Love and War series for a heartwarming read that's perfect for the Christmas season.
TIS THE SEASON FOR SECOND CHANCES
Having experienced the heartache of unrequited love, Maria Schmitt desperately seeks a new life. Landing a position as a clerk in a Sioux City bank is just what she needs to get started on her journey toward healing. But a dashing stranger soon puts her job-and her heart-in jeopardy.
Saving lives was all Dale Emerson ever wanted to do . . . until a fateful day in France shattered his career as a surgeon. He lost everything that mattered, and the last thing he wants to do is resign himself to a life without medicine working at his uncle's bank. Then he meets Maria, a compassionate woman who can see past his scars to the man he once was-and the man he could be again. With Christmas right around the corner, these two wounded hearts may find that hope and a little holiday cheer are just the ticket to letting go of regrets-and embracing a future full of love and possibility.

4. eBook/Kindle

The Genome: A Novel
by Sergei Lukyanenko
I received this through NetGalley and had intended to get to it in November but then I accepted several tour books that bumped this back.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 2, 2014
A science fiction thriller by the author of Night Watch, the hit novel that inspired two major motion pictures
Five months after the horrific accident that left him near death and worried that he’d never fly again, master-pilot Alex Romanov lands a new job: captaining the sleek passenger vessel Mirror. Alex is a spesh—a human who has been genetically modified to perform particular tasks. As a captain and pilot, Alex has a genetic imperative to care for passengers and crew—no matter what the cost.
His first mission aboard Mirror is to ferry two representatives of the alien race Zzygou on a tour of human worlds. His task will not be an easy one, for aboard the craft are several speshes who have reason to hate the Others. Dark pasts, deadly secrets, and a stolen gel-crystal worth more than Alex’s entire ship combine to challenge him at every turn. And as the tension escalates, it becomes apparent that greater forces are at work to bring the captain’s world crashing down.

I am up to date on my daily Bible reading.
I have disciplined myself each morning to read my Bible passage before I pick up print, Kindle or mp3. I am really enjoying the reading.

I still have Sci Fi  and Christmas titles that may run into January at the rate I am reading. :-) 
I have three reviews to complete, one more for tour this week and probably another so this will be another week of five reviews.

Decenber Scheduled:
Completed.

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 no true "review" books this week although I listed my Ladies' Book Club book as "review".
I purchased four $.99 kindle titles again this week.
I also added more free kindle titles to my library.

(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I purchased this title on Kindle for myself after I passed out print copies to our Ladies' Book Club. This is our read for January 10.

Amish White Christmas Pie
by Wanda E. Brunstetter
"Step into Amish country for this bittersweet holiday romance."

Won

None

Purchased

I purchased four kindle titles for $.99 each.

The Disease

George Hamilton, Olivia Wood
A Medical Thriller with 5 star ratings.

Out on a Limb: A Smoky Mountain Mystery: 
A Scientific Cozy (Nurse Phoebe Book 1)
Carolyn Jourdan
Good ratings and the reviews pulled me in on this one.

Special Agent Francesca (Undercover FBI Book 1)
Mimi Barbour
Romantic Suspense with good ratings -caught my eye.

Texas Rose (Too Hard To Handle, Book 2)

Patricia Rice
I have collected print copies from this author as I like her "Magic" series.
I have book one in my Kindle library and the print book (Paper Rose).

Free

Over the past week I downloaded** (**Note this means I have added them to my library to read "someday") another 57 free Kindle titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 14, 2014

This morning we lit the third candle of advent, which is the candle for Praise. The people have been given Hope and a message of Joy. How else should they respond but with Praise and Worship!

We presented our Choral Christmas program today. There were six songs from Hallelujah! Light Has Come, A Christmas Choral Collection plus another five from a prior year's book, Gloria. We have a choir of about 17 people, four bass, three tenor, five altos and five sopranos, plus three more for the Christmas special when our Pastor sings special and our pianist and organist join in. We have some fantastic voices with seven different people singing solos and duets! Then we have those of us who love to 'make a joyful noise' to one degree or another.

The songs this year have been beautiful, though some were challenging with the echos. Our music director added some narration that enhanced the program.

I chose this song to share today. It is truly beautiful plus it leads to praise.

Hallelujah, Light Has Come

A Verse for Today:
Luke 2:20
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Heavenly Father, Almighty God, I thank you and praise you for sending your only son to find us in our sin and deliver us through His own sacrifice. Please help me to focus on hope, joy, praise and love this Christmas season.