Audible Review: Immortality by Kevin Bohacz

This is an intense and intriguing doomsday thriller.

Immortality
Written by: Kevin Bohacz
Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins

Length: 26 hrs and 33 mins
Series: Immortality, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-28-14
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Without warning, something has gone terribly awry. In the remote and unnoticed places of the world, small pockets of death begin occurring. As the initially isolated extinctions spread, the world's eyes focus on this unimaginable horror and chaos. Out of the ecological imbalance, something new and extraordinary is evolving and surviving to fill the voids left by these extinctions. Evolution is operating in ways no one could have expected, and environmental damage may be the catalyst. Once discovered, this knowledge changes everything...
©2003, 2007, 2011 Kevin Bohacz (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
A strange, silent and swift killer is dropping humans in a small area in an Amazon forest. The phenomena isn’t noticed until another small circle of people drop dead in minutes in Anchorage, Alaska. A specialized military bioweapons group, BARDCOM, is researching the event and trying to keep it quiet. General McKafferty, an ugly, determined man, suspects terrorism but because of the urgency and deadly “kill zones”, he reluctantly brings in the CDC for additional research.

Dr. Kathy Morrison, a CDC specialist from Atlanta, is provided some of the details and has to push for more information. They discover that a large number of the victims are carrying a generally benign water bacteria. Kathy calls in Dr. Mark Freedman, a bimolecular biologist, specializing in research of the water bacteria. Mark leaves his young girl friend, ex-wife and daughter in LA to join the research team in Atlanta. They frantically try to stop the killer even as it hits their own loved ones.

Mark discovers a tiny "seed" embedded inside the bacteria but they are having trouble determining if it is natural or man-made and how it relates to the kill zones. It is similar to nano technology and the more they learn about it the more it seems to be sentient and set on destroying mankind.

Strangely there are a few people who seem to survive even when they were in the limited areas of the kill zones. Sarah, a police officer in New Jersey, survived and sneaks out of the quarantined area with her Rottweiler, Ralph. Sarah seems to have a prophetic vision of the kill zones and, while working her way to Atlanta to try to help the CDC, she realizes that she may have some childhood connection to the menace.

Artie and his pregnant wife, Suzy, survive at the edge of a kill zone in New York. Artie is a former gang member who struggled out of his dangerous youth to become an assistant DA. Artie is intent on getting Suzy to a safe area but runs into trouble along the way. The trouble brings out his gang persona and events thrust him to lead a rebellion against the authorities he views as enemies.

There is a lot of good tension, suspense and danger in the story along with a deep level of scientific detail. It isn’t necessary to get bogged by the detail to enjoy the drama and danger. Bohacz does a good job weaving in views and discussions of society issues including political arrogance, abuse of police powers, class antagonism gang behavior, effects of poverty and religious zeal. The most stressed issues though seems to be the environmental degradation of earth’s resources by man and man's capability and or willingness to change, or evolve. The question arise though - how do we evolve and still remain 'human.'

The story is told with comfortable point of view changes through the primary, and well developed, characters. The pacing flows with good movement from one character to the next to keep things interesting even with the long story. I was intrigued and engrossed by the story and its plausibility until about three-fourths of the way in. At that point Sarah and Mark extend their research into the ‘entity’ through a very unorthodox method that I found a bit far-fetched. Still Bohacz manages to pull in all the pieces to a suspenseful conclusion... or should I say ending as there is a sequel that continues the adventure. I recommend this sci fi, doomsday thriller to readers who enjoy the suspense of a mystery and the imaginative dangers of apocalyptic drama.

Audio Notes: I have to admit I was a little daunted facing a 26 and one half hour listen. I was pleasantly surprised that it moved along well thanks to the strong, narrative performance by Kevin T. Collins. Collins picked up the different voices so there was never confusion about which character’s view was being presented at any time. He also imbued the appropriate temperaments with the characters to help make them real to the reader. I enjoyed the audio and recommend the book in audio format.

I received this audio through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review. It qualifies for Audio Challenge and I for Alphabet Challenge.

Romance is in the Air $250 Cash Giveaway

I am glad to be sharing in February lovin' with:

Romance is in the Air $250 Cash Giveaway

Happy Valentines!
An Amazing Group of Authors & Bloggers have joined together to bring you 1 fabulous prize!!
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1 lucky winner will receive $250 in Paypal Cash!

Sponsor List

I Am A Reader
Danielle Thorne
Laurie Here - Cont Fiction and MORE
Krysten Lindsay Hager author
Ann Swann - Romance and Romantic Suspense
Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Kindle & Me
YA Author Fabio Bueno
Laurisa White Reyes
Martha @ Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf
Glistering B's Blog
Diana's Book Reviews
Lise McClendon - Author
unshefish
The Discerning Reader
A Tattered Copy
J.L. Weil
B. Kristin McMichael
Simple Wyrdings
Kelsey Ketch
Stacy Claflin, Author
LeahSay's Views
Amiabooklover
A Leisure Moment
Aubrey Wynne: Romantasy Through The Ages
Kelly's Lucky You
Dianne Venetta
Every Free Chance Books
inspiredbooksguide
Felicia Starr
Room With Books
Lori's Reading Corner

Giveaway Details

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Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. 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 and sponsored by the author, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 2, 2015

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.

Happy February everyone! Do you feel love in the air?
I am still short handed at work and staying busy. I expect a very busy weekend as I have four events scheduled for next Saturday which will keep me hopping. I will be spending some time Thursday and Friday getting ready for a Women's Club yard sale.
At church I will have first Saturday of the month prayer, then book club and lunch for Secret Sister reveal. All should be good and fun.

Reading was good this week. I finished three books and am almost done my audio too.  I posted three reviews and my usual memes. 

I only visited a little bit last week as I was a bit tired when I came home each night and have been getting to be early to get up early. I hope to some more visiting this week.
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 January 26, 2015.

• Book Review: Starship Blackbeard by Michael Wallace; Sci Fi, Action Adventure; my rating 4.75.

• Book Review: Just in Time for a Highlander (Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands) by Gwyn Cready; Time Travel, Highlander; my rating 4.0. 

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway January 30, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/5/15.

• Book Review: The Founders' Plot by Frank Victoria; Political Thriller; my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #188 Comment Giveaway 1/31/15. Open Worldwide. Ends 2/7/15.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 1, 2015.
  

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

The Founders' Plot
by Frank Victoria
I loved the constitutional and immigration issues 
featured in this story. My review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP4

Immortality
Written by: Kevin Bohacz
Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins
This is an interesting take on 'end of the world' as you know it. I will post the review this week.
I received this audio through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Hawk (The Quiet Professionals, Book 2)
by Ronie Kendig
Another good fast paced action story in this series.
I will post the review this week
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1. Audio/ MP4

Enchanted
by Alethea Kontis
Read by Katherine Kellgren
I received this through the SYNC Audio Program 
in August, 2013.
I am enjoying this twisted fairytale and will soon finish.
Audie Award Nominee, Best Teens Category, 2013
It isn't easy being Sunday's child, not when you're the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday's only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true. When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical.
One night, Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland - and a man Sunday's family despises. The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction to this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past - and hers?
©2012 Alethea Kontis; (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

2. eBook/Kindle

Saving Hope: The Men of the Texas Rangers - Book 1
(The Men of the Texas Rangers series)
by Margaret Daley
I picked this book up for my Ladies Book Club
which meets 2/7/15.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 1, 2012
When a teenager goes missing from the Beacon of Hope School, Texas Ranger Wyatt Sheridan and school director Kate Winslow are forced into a dangerous struggle against a human trafficking organization. But the battle brings dire consequences as Wyatt's daughter is terrorized and Kate is kidnapped.

Now it's personal, and Wyatt finds both his faith and investigative skills challenged as he fights to discover the mastermind behind the ring before evil destroys everyone he loves.

3. eBook/Kindle

The Oath of Nimrod: Giants, MK-Ultra and the Smithsonian Coverup
(Book #4 in Templars in America Series)
by David S. Brody
This sounds like a good adventure I am looking forward to reading it.
I received this from New Shelves Distribution.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 24, 2014
A mysterious race of North American giants.
An ancient Hebrew inscription in a Cherokee burial mound.
A blood oath made by blindfolded Freemasons.
Are these three historical oddities the reason the CIA is trying to brainwash historian Cameron Thorne and his fiancée Amanda Spencer-Gunn? The answer lies buried in the legends of the Knights Templar, within the rituals of the secretive Freemasons and, most significantly of all, inside the bowels of the Smithsonian Institution. The problem for Cam and Amanda? If they go rummaging around the Smithsonian, they may find themselves buried alongside the ancient giants.

4.eBook/Kindle

Snow Angel Cove
by RaeAnne Thayne
This is my last NetGalley selection from 2014
and the last (maybe?) Christmas read for a few months. :-)
Book Description
Publication Date: November 1, 2014
New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne welcomes you to Haven Point, a small town full of big surprises that are both merry and bright.
Nothing short of a miracle can restore Eliza Hayward's Christmas cheer. The job she pinned her dreams on has gone up in smoke—literally—and now she's stuck in an unfamiliar, if breathtaking, small town. Precariously close to being destitute, Eliza needs a hero, but she's not expecting one who almost runs her down with his car!
Rescuing Eliza is pure instinct for tech genius Aidan Caine. At first, putting the renovation of his lakeside guest lodge in Eliza's hands assuages his guilt—until he sees how quickly he could fall for her. Having focused solely on his business for years, he never knew what his life was missing before Eliza, but now he's willing to risk his heart on a yuletide romance that could lead to forever.

I will probably pick out another Audio before the week ends but I haven't chosen yet.

A Touch of Nerves
by Dennis Hampton
This is on hold until I can get a proper conversion.
Click on book title for full description.

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. -- Really enjoying my Bible reading. It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning.
To go a step beyond the Bible reading I am also reading Jesus Daily 365 Interactive Devotions.

February Schedule:
2/2/15 Romance In the Air Giveaway 
2/7/15   Ladies Book Club: Saving Hope: The Men of the Texas Rangers - Book 1 (The Men of the Texas Rangers series) by Margaret Daley (reading)
2/17/15 Rock Star PR Tour/Review: Accept This Dandelion by Brooke Williams
I am still focusing on reading NetGalley titles and TBR titles for the next couple of months.

I have two reviews to complete from this week so I am still up to date.
I am reading one NetGalley title this week and have three or four more for this month. 
I also have one more ebook from publicist to get to and some author titles I expect to get to this month.

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 received one review title and three through NetGalley.
I downloaded many 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

Received from Rock Star PR for February 17, 2015 review.

Accept This Dandelion 

Brooke Williams

A bumbling young journalist seeking a to be a show host 

participates in a local TV version of The Bachelor.

I visited NetGalley last weekend so I have some new titles there. :-)


Monday's Lie
Jamie Mason
"...[A] new thriller about a woman who digs into her unconventional past to confirm what she suspects: her husband isn't what she thought he was."

The Last Heiress 

Mary Ellis 

"...{Ii]tertwines the lives of a British manufacturing heiress and an American merchant 

caught in the turbulent time of the War Between the States."

(For March reading)

The Fire Sermon

Francesca Haig

"The Hunger Games meets Cormac McCarthy’s The Road in this richly imagined first novel in a new post-apocalyptic trilogy by award-winning poet Francesca Haig."

Won

None

Purchased

I am continuing to resist making any purchases. :-)

Free

***I was invited to a new book recommendation site that might interest many other avid readers:
Ignite Your Book.Ignite Your Book was designed to be a great place for readers and authors to come together over amazing deals on fantastic eBooks!***

Over the past week I added 200! free Kindle titles to my library. (I found a new site through a FB link but failed to note it!) Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement February 1, 2015

This morning we began a study of Romans in Sunday School. It is impressive that Paul introduces himself first as “a servant.” As we all should be.
We had a beautiful worship and prayer service. Pastor stopped the service to call people forward who were struggling to forgive from both the heart and head. There were several messages in tongues with interpretation. This is a message on Forgiveness:

I AM God Almighty! Are you not all sinners, falling short of the righteousness I created you to? No one is better than another. I gave my own beloved Son to shed His blood to cover your sin and redeem you. When you accept Him you accept the forgiveness that I promise. Your debt is paid; your sins are washed clean and forgotten.
How can you hold a grudge against your brother or sister? How do you dare such arrogance? If I can forgive you, should you not forgive them? Your failure to forgive only builds anger, bitterness and poison within yourself. It keeps you from peace. Let go the grudge; lay it down before me. I love you my children - unconditionally. I desire that you learn to share my love - unconditionally - to each other. Let me set you free and give you peace. Share in the Power of my Love.

Wow - I found this song that fits so beautifully!

(The inspiration for this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9J6xOT3Ldw)

A Verse for Today:
Colossians 3:13 NIV
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Lord, I thank you for your awesome presence in our service this morning. I pray for healing (physically and spiritually) and stregnth for those on our prayer list and your children everywhere.

Sharing Beyond Books #188 Comment Giveaway January 31, 2015

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

This has been another busy week for me at work with staff out. Fortunately, it hasn't been stressful, just sort of tiring. I got some good reading in that made it nice. I hope everyone else had a good week personally and reading!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

There were similar responses and some unique replies too for what makes us try a new author. Those mentioned in order of most to least were: a) the blurb or summary, b) reviews on blogs, Goodreads and Amazon, recommendations and word of mouth, c) enticing cover, and d) genre. Also mentioned by individuals were: price, author interviews, accessibility (library), won in giveaway, no errors on packaging/blurb, recognition of author through social media, excerpts and teasers.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #187 comments is: #3 Miss Meagan Marie who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles or 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 #188 (One Question.)

Q1. My question this week:  Do you belong to Yahoo Groups? How often do you visit??

A: I do belong to many Yahoo Groups, all book or author groups, which I signed up for about six years ago and visited much more often before I began blogging. (I was even a moderator of a couple back then.) Now I only visit a handful rarely, not even once a month. I get the digests but usually delete them without looking at them. Time is just too limited.

 Image found at PartyPlan Divas.

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! We still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.
The contributors for four weeks of January were: Alyn, nrlymrtl, miki and MaryP. Random pick was #4 so MaryP gets a GC. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. My question: Do you belong to Yahoo Groups? How often do you visit??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the June 2013 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. I have to go back and update that list with what is left and a few new titles to add.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions 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 February 7, 2015 at 5 PM  central.