Audible Book Review: The Maze Runner: Maze Runner, Book 1 by James Dashner

This is a sufficiently entertaining listen even with a few drawbacks.
The Maze Runner: Maze Runner, Book 1
Written by: James Dashner
Narrated by: Mark Deakins

Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
Series: Maze Runner, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-12-09
Publisher: Listening Library
Genre: Teens, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 

Publisher's Summary
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he's not alone. When the lift's doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade - a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.
Just like Thomas, the Gladers don't know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they've closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.
Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up - the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.
Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.
©2009 James Dashner; (P)2009 Listening Library

Review:
Thomas wakes up in a boxed room with little memory. He is extracted by a group of boys, ages 12 to 17 or 18. They live in a community they call the Glade that is quartered with a garden area, stable/butcher area, living quarters and the delivery box. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the box and all the supplies the group needs for survival. Surrounding the Glade is a maze with stone doors that open each morning and close each night. Each boy has a skill and assigned tasks to help the group. Certain of the boys are runners - eight boys who run in pairs every day to map the maze looking for a way out.

The boys are reluctant to answer Thomas’s many questions but slowly he gains friends, including a rather clumsy young boy of 12. There is another teen boy that is very hostile and insists that he remembers Thomas and that he is an enemy.

Even having been shown the monstrous creature that lives in the maze, and having seen a boy tormented while recovering from injury by one of the monsters, Thomas is set on becoming a maze runner. It is explained that he has to prove himself first. He has to go through each job training to determine the best assignment.

Although Thomas arrived as expected the next day things go totally off schedule when a girl arrives with a message that she is the last one. Not only that but she states that everything is going to change right before she falls unconscious.

Thomas makes a forbidden choice that turns into a miraculous rescue. Some of the leaders want him punished for disobeying the rules while others want him promoted. His actions bring more worry and turmoil as the group learns that they are now in a race against time and the monsters if they want to survive.

It is clear that outside forces have been watching the boys. Their goals and motives are not so clear. As the book draws to a climax some horrors occur and secrets are revealed while other surprises are apparent to the reader but not to the characters. I suspect the ending will lead some to grab the next book and some maybe not.

When I first started listening it brought to mind The Lord of the Flies. However, as the work progresses it shows more similarities to the cruel control issues in The Hunger Games. I felt there was some slowness in the beginning with a bit of telling rather than showing. It gets better when the action picks up with discord and danger to the end. As an adult you have to be mindful that these characters are young teens so they don't think like adults. I recommend this to those who enjoy a fantasy/sci fi thriller built around society issues.

Audio Notes: Mark Deakins did a good job with the narration. I was able to keep track of the characters and I felt any pacing issues related to the story itself, not the narration. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the story as it helped it move along beyond the slow parts.

This is from my own Audible Library. It qualifies for Audio Book Challenge and TBR Double Dare since I picked it up in 2014.

Book Review: A Hope Remembered (Of Love and War series Book 3) by Stacy Henrie

This is a lovely, sweet story of renewed hope found through gentle love.

A Hope Remembered (Of Love and War series Book 3)

by Stacy Henrie

• File Size: 725 KB
• Print Length: 384 pages
• Publisher: Forever (March 31, 2015)
• ASIN: B00LLIIZBG
• Genre: Historical Romance, WW1
• My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: March 31, 2015
AS THE WAR ENDS, LOVE BEGINS
Nora Lewis just wants an escape after losing her fiance in the Great War. When she inherits property in England, she boldly packs up and leaves America for a fresh start. But, if not for her dashing new neighbor, Colin Ashby, she'd be lost. Even as their friendship deepens, Nora knows a British aristocrat would never be free to love an American orphan, no matter how much the war has changed the world ...
 After his brother's death in the war and his own experiences as a pilot at the front, Colin returns home broken, only to discover his family's estate is also in ruin. The pressure is now on him to save his home and the Ashbys' place in society with a well-bred match to a wealthy heiress. Too bad he finds more of a kindred spirit in Nora, the beautiful American next door. She, too, has faced the rigors of war and survived. Now the ex-soldier will have one more battle to fight--this time for love.

Review:
Nora Lewis lost her parents and now has lost her fiancé in WW1. She is resigned to her future alone on her Idaho farm until she receives news that she has inherited a sheep farm in England.
She decides that God has provided this so she sells the farm and moves to England to find a new start. Nora is soon struck by the handsome looks and kind charm of her neighbor, Colin, who helps her locate and settle safely into her new property.

Colin is more than gracious considering he is the aristocratic heir of the largest estate in the community. Colin is a second son and had not expected to become the heir. He and his brother were pilots in the War but Christian died and Colin survived. Before his death, Christian had Colin promise to take care of the family estate if anything happened to him. Now their father has explained that the family has money problems and Colin must help by marry a wealthy heiress and obtaining Nora’s land for a hotel investment. Colin is torn between the new friendship and feelings he has for Nora and the promise and duty he has to his family.

Nora never expected to find new dreams for love and family but she senses she could fall for Colin. She has forged ahead in the community to take her place among the sheep herders and she is pleased that she has been readily accepted. Except that several people seem to confuse her with someone named Eleanor, whom she never knew. Also, someone wants her gone and is causing destruction to her home and garden to try to scare her away.

There is an obvious conflict of hearts and trust for both the lead characters. The two light mysteries, the mistaken identity and the threats, add interest to the story. The setting is rich and beautifully portrayed with details of the green countryside, sheep herding and even an ancient castle. The romance is sweet and develops in spite of the reluctance and fear of the participants. I especially enjoyed Nora’s strong determination and faith that was picked up by Colin when he most needed it.

I enjoyed the book although I didn’t feel completely pulled in as I did by Hope Rising, Book 2 in the series. Still it is a lovely read and I do recommend this series for those who like clean, sweet romance in a strong historical setting.

I received this book from Hachette/Forever through NetGalley for blog tour and an honest review. It qualifies for NetGalley Challenge.

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 6, 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.

I had a nice week; working but not stressful. The weekend has been quiet. 

I enjoyed my reading last week finishing two audios and one eBook. I posted three reviews (one with a giveaway) so I stayed up to date. I also posted the usual memes. :-)

I visited blogs early in the week and I did get to visit a bit more late in the 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 March 30, 2015.

• MBS 2015 Reading List (to be updated during the year).

• Book Review and Giveaways: Scandalously Yours by Cara Elliott; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5. Rafflecopter ends 4/5; print US/Canada ends 4/10/15.

• Feature with Giveaway: A Hope Remembered by Stacy Henrie; Historical Romance. Rafflecopter ended. 

• Book Review and Giveaways: A Kiss to Build a Dream On (A White Pine Novel) by Kim Amos; Contemporary Romance, Small town; my rating 3.5. Rafflecopter ends 4/5; print US/Canada ends 4/11/15.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 3, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 4/9/2015.

• Audio Book Review: Quitter by Jon Acuff; Nonfiction; my rating 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #197 Comment Giveaway 4/4/15; Open Worldwide. Ends 4/11/2015.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 5, 2015 - Happy Resurrection Day.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible

The Maze Runner: Maze Runner, Book 1
Written by: James Dashner
Narrated by: Mark Deakins
This is an interesting post apocalyptic story.
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

A Hope Remembered (Of Love and War series Book 3)
by Stacy Henrie
This is a lovely sweet story. 
I will post a review next week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio

All Our Yesterdays
by Cristin Terril
Narrated by Meredith Mitchell
(Tantor Audio)
I enjoyed this time loop story which I received through Audio Sync 2014. 
I will post the review this week.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 3, 2013 | Age Level: 12 - 18 | Grade Level: 7 - 12
"You have to kill him." 
Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain. Only Em can complete the final instruction. She's tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present—imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called the doctor while war rages outside. Marina has loved her best friend James since the day he moved next door when they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America's most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James's life crumbles apart, and with it, Marina's hopes for their future. Now someone is trying to kill him. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it. At least not as the girl she once was. All Our Yesterdays is a wrenching, brilliantly plotted story of fierce love, unthinkable sacrifice, and the infinite implications of our every choice.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

Shadow Study (Soulfinders)
by Maria V. Snyder
I am enjoying revisiting Yelena and Valek
with all the intrigue and dangers they face.
I selected this at NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP4

Dog Tags
Written by: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
I decided to listen to an author I like while I wait for a couple of new audio requests.
This is a book I picked up in January.
Publisher's Summary
A German Shepherd police dog witnesses a murder and if his owner - an Iraq war vet and former cop-turned-thief - is convicted of the crime, the dog could be put down.
Few rival Andy Carpenter's affection for dogs, and he decides to represent the poor canine. As Andy struggles to convince a judge that this dog should be set free, he discovers that the dog and his owner have become involved unwittingly in a case of much greater proportions than the one they've been charged with.
Andy will have to call upon the unique abilities of this ex-police dog to help solve the crime and prevent a catastrophic event from taking place.
David Rosenfelt, a native of Peterson, New Jersey, is a graduate of NYU. He was the former marketing president for Tri-Star Pictures before becoming a writer of novels and screenplays.
©2010 David Rosenfelt (P)2010 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

3. eBook/Kindle

Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac - Book 1
by Rita Gerlach
I need to get this read for Ladies' Book Club.
Book Description
Publication Date: February 1, 2012
(INSPIRATIONAL HISTORICAL FICTION / HISTORICAL DRAMA)
In 1775, Hayward Morgan, a young gentleman destined to inherit his father's estate in Derbyshire, England, captures the heart of the local vicar's daughter, Eliza Bloome. Her dark beauty and spirited ways are not enough to win him, due to her station in life.

Circumstances throw Eliza in Hayward's path, and they flee to America to escape the family conflicts. But as war looms, it's a temporary reprieve. Hayward joins the revolutionary forces and what follows is a struggle for survival, a test of faith, and the quest to find lasting love in an unforgiving wilderness.

"Filled with true-to-life characters whose struggles will linger with readers long after the last page is turned, Before the Scarlet Dawn is a memorable story of Revolutionary War-era England and America." - Amanda Cabot, author of Summer of Promise"Rita Gerlach has written a colorful historical with a feisty heroine on a search for survival, romance, and a place to belong." Cynthia Hickey, author of the Summer Meadows mysteries
"Ms. Gerlach's unique literary prose has once again captured my heart with a stirring tale of love and loss, desperation and hope during one of the most uncertain times in American History--the Revolutionary War. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!" - MaryLu Tyndall, author of Surrender the Dawn"A stirring story of love and its consequences, Before the Scarlet Dawn will draw you in from the start and not let you go again." ~ Roseanna M. White, author of Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland and Jewel of Persia
"While reading Before the Scarlet Dawn, you'll travel back in time--and from England to Maryland--without ever leaving your easy chair! This is a big, beautiful, well-told story of love, faith, and the struggles of war that changed lives...and  hearts. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!" Loree Lough, best-selling author of more than 80 award-winning books, including reader favorite From Ashes to Honor

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.

April Scheduled -
4/7/15 A Hope Remembered by Stacy Henrie
4/11/15?  Ladies Book Club - Before the Scarlet Dawn, Daughters of the Potomac Series #1
4/23/15 Fringe Benefits by Sandy James Blog Tour Review
4/28/15 Sinfully Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott Blog Tour Blitz
4/30/15 The Brass Giant: A Chroniker City Story by Brooke Johnson Blog Tour

I am still focusing on reading NetGalley titles and TBR titles for the next couple of months.

I posted three reviews last week, staying up to date. :-)
I am slowly reading the waiting NetGalley titles in between the new ones.

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 ebook and one print titles for review and I received one print win book.
I downloaded 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

I received an ebook from a young author I met at EPICon and forgot to include before:
FORTUNE'S DETOUR: Prequel of THE DEKA SERIES
by Abigail Schwaig
I am looking forward to this YA fantasy Adventure.
Thank you Abigail!
"Meet Natalie Pryce- an artist at heart, constantly misunderstood by most of the people she knows. She has changed her career aspirations more times than she can count and feels like a grand failure at life. She is directionless until accidentally falling into an exciting relationship with David, a charming and expressive young man who is more than willing to live moment to moment with her. Life starts looking up, until, just her luck, disaster strikes, secrets are revealed, and Natalie is forced to flee for her life."

Received through Cadence for Review:

The Cancer Solution: Taking Charge of Your Life with Cancer
by Jack C. Westman M.D. M.S.
I felt this was one I should take a look at.
"A usable handbook for cancer for both patients and health professionals, The Cancer Solution empowers patients to take control of their life with cancer and advocate for improving cancer research and treatment."

Won

Won From Mary's Bookfan:

Going Gypsy: One Couple's Adventure from Empty Nest to No Nest at All
David James and Veronica James
This seemed like one I would like since my DH and I enjoy our RV although we still have a nest. 
"Pulling the rip cord on the daily grind, David and Veronica throw caution to the wind, quit their jobs, sell their house, put on their vagabond shoes, and go gypsy in a beat-up old RV found on eBay."

Purchased

I am continuing to resist making any purchases. :-)
I do expect to select two audible titles soon with my new credits.

Free

Over the past week I added 59 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 5, 2015 - Happy Resurrection Day!

We attended a different church this morning to be with our daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. We greatly missed the worship and praise music from our church but we did enjoy the sermon.

The message focused around 1 Corinthians 15 and most specifically verses 16-17: 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.

The Pastor reaffirmed several times that the event was supernatural. He rebuked ridiculous arguments and theories such as Jesus was poisoned to appear dead but didn’t really die, there were mass hallucinations, there were visions, they had the wrong tomb. He noted that the witnesses of the women who arrived at the open grave was consistent with their knowledge. They were present when Jesus was buried and the stone rolled to close the grave. They were alarmed by the stone being rolled away and meeting an angel. If Christians wanted to make up a story of resurrection couldn’t they have a made a more realistic story instead of one that relies on women who weren’t accepted as witnesses in that culture? (From Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson speaking on the authenticity of the Resurrection Story.)

The angel told the women ‘He is not here. He is Risen; go tell His disciples’. We are each responsible to do the same. We must believe that He is Risen in order to be Christian. If we believe, then we should go and tell others.

I came upon this song several months ago and set it aside for today!

Mercy Tree

Verses for Today:
Romans 6: 8-10 (NIV)
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

I believe and thank God. Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Sharing Beyond Books #197 Comment Giveaway April 4, 2015

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

Here we are in a new month, a new season and a new quarter of the year.  Time keeps marching along doesn't it?

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Comments were fairly well split last week. Seven, including myself, recalled a specific book (or author) that impacted a change in their life. Six others had no specific book although two indicated that their lives were impacted by books in general. :-)

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #196 comments is: #9 Elizabeth who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) 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 #197 (One Question.)

Q1. Elizabeth asks: What are you favorite sports??

A: This seemed like a question we already had but I didn't see it in the list. Swimming is my favorite sport to participate in and I guess football is my favorite to watch; second would be the Olympics when you get to watch a variety. 

Image found at Mr. Smith's Wiki

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.

Your turn to share:

Q1. Elizabeth asks: What are you favorite sports??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 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 still 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 April 11, 2015 at 5 PM  central.