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Monday, September 21, 2015

Audible Review: The Remaining: Refugees by D. J. Molles

I have become very engaged in the characters and story of this series.
The Remaining: Refugees
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins
Series: The Remaining, Book 3
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:08-27-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
He has fought the fight, and run the race. But the enemies never stop coming, and the race has no finish line. It has been three months since Captain Lee Harden found the survivors at Camp Ryder. With winter looming, Lee is on the verge of establishing Camp Ryder as a hub of safety and stability in the region. But not everyone agrees with Lee’s mission... or his methods. Growing tensions between camp leadership are coming to a head, and as Lee struggles amid the dissention and controversy, new revelations about the infected threaten to destroy everything he has worked for. The Remaining: Refugees is the third book in the best-selling The Remaining series.
©2012 D.J. Molles (P)2013 Audible, Inc.


Review:
The third book in this “infected” series, finds Captain Lee Harper working with the community at Camp Ryder and bringing relief that only he can provide. Lee and several men have developed a method to trap and clear the infected in nearby cities. They established these as outposts to extend the safety boundary and scavenging efforts beyond Camp Ryder. A scraggly young man appears at the gates of the camp specifically asking for Captain Harden. Jacob is a young biogenetics scientist who was sent by the Hometown Project leader in Virginia. He brings alarming news about the Project and the hordes of infected ravishing the northern states.

Two new groups have been set up at one outpost: Professor White and a dozen or so students, and crotchety Old Man Hughes with a small group. The Hughes group is willing to serve as an outpost in exchange for being primarily left alone, away from the rifts and arguments which are escalating at Camp Ryder.

Professor White is a pacifist who initially refuses accepting guns for his people. He is not really in favor of Lee’s plans to continue the military push to find more survivors in North Carolina.  White wants to make a run for the mountains to the west after hearing Jacob’s news. Jerry doesn’t want any more refugees and he conspires with White to set up a plan to take over leadership of the Camp from Bus.

Lee and his team are ambushed while trying to access another bunker. It seems that someone is specifically targeting him.

Lee sends out two paramilitary groups with distinct missions. Harper is to lead a group to set up a new outpost further to the west. The other convoy will head east to blow up bridges across the Roanoke River. This team may have to face a group of fanatics known as The Followers who have been rumored as attacking refugee settlements. Lee assigns LaRouche to lead this group after Lee is surprised by an old comrade and determines that he has to resolve issues before he goes out again.

Once again there is a lot of action and danger throughout the different segments of the survivors. Mr. Molles continues to develop the characters and their relationships as they deal with their new world, its distressing problems and the humanitarian and power conflicts. There is still a lot of violence and bad language but I am totally engaged. I purchased the next book so I can keep following the survivor struggles.

Audio Notes: I am still enjoying the narration by Christian Rummel. His character voices and intensity for the action adds to the entertainment quality of the series.

Links to my other reviews in the Series:
The Remaining, Book 1
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2

I had this in my Audible Library from 2014. I consider it part of my Audio Challenge and a TBR read.

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Sunday Post September 20, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 21, 2015




I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's Monday! at Book Journey is active again too.


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 traveled to Orlando on Thursday for conference. My daughter and other assistant came too and they walked me all over Downtown Disney on Saturday. I did walk Monday and Tuesday and our room was at the far end of the hotel from the conference events so I got some walking in there too. 
I didn't get much computer time during the week as I was busy at work preparing to be out three days as I was out to court all day  on Wednesday.  

I enjoyed my reading and listening although it seemed to move slowly.  I finished three books: one ebook and two audios. I only posted two reviews but I did get the usual memes posted.

Sadly I didn't get to visit much last week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle


The Last Christmas Ball
by Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverley, Joanna Bourne, Patricia Rice, and Cara Elliott
This is a delightful collection!
I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/MP3


The Remaining: Fractured
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
This series is harsh (violence and language) but it is gripping and I will be following it through to the conclusion.
Publisher's Summary
This is the destiny of those who stand for others. Their honor will be bought in blood and pain. The Camp Ryder Hub is broken. Lee is nowhere to be found, and his allies are scattered across the state, each of them learning that their missions will not be as easy as they thought. Inside the walls of Camp Ryder, a silent war is brewing, between those few that still support Lee's vision of rebuilding, and the majority that support Jerry's desire for isolation. But this war will not remain silent for long. And in this savage world, everyone will have to make a choice. To keep their morals. Or keep their lives.
©2013 D.J. Molles (P)2013 Audible, Inc.



3. Audio/On Computer


The Sniper and the Wolf: A Sniper Elite Novel
Written by: Scott McEwen, Thomas Koloniar
Narrated by: Brian Hutchison
This is action packed with political machinations.
I plan to post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.





Currently reading:
1. Kindle


Harriet Wolf's Seventh Book of Wonders: A Novel
by Julianna Baggott
20% in. This has started out strangely -- drama and good writing. I am interested to see where it goes.
Click on book title for full description.




2. Audible/ MP3


The Remaining: Allegiance
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
I will be picking this up this week
with September Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
This is the fifth novel in the action-packed series following Special Forces Captain Lee Harden and a group of survivors struggling to make their way in a ruined world. After a bacterium has turned 90 percent of the population into a ravenous horde, Lee must complete his mission: SURVIVE, RESCUE, REBUILD.
©2015 D.J. Molles (P)2014 Audible Inc.



3. eBook Kindle


Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel (The Midnight BreedSeries Book 1)
by Lara Adrian
I figured I'd better get reading on my TBR Challenge list.
This is from my free Kindle Library as a free book downloaded in 2009.
He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle Maxwell's deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night--or this man--is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed--a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.
Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind--and the unwitting humans existing alongside them--from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.
Here, in the arms of the Breed's formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all. . . .



4. eBook Kindle


by Bill Myers (Author), James Riordan (Contributor)
This is another TBR title in my
free Kindle library since 2010.
In book one, On the Run, Elijah’s supernatural gifts have drawn the attention of dark forces. Separated from their parents, Zach and Piper (with a lot of help from heaven) must protect their little brother.



June 1, 2015- I am still up to date on Bible reading and greatly enjoying the readings-- It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning. 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.



I posted only two reviews last week which left one plus three new for this week so I hope to get four posted.
I finished one and am reading one book from NetGalley. I didn't add any new books so my waiting NetGalley shelf is still seven.
I am finally pulling in more books off my Kindle shelves for my TBR Challenge. 

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 didn't receive any review books but I picked up two Audible books with credits.
I purchased one Kindle title to continue the Remaining Series.
I added many free kindle titles to my library too.

(I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

I purchased two Audible titles with my August Credits:
The Remaining: Fractured
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
This is book 4 in the series.
See full information under Finished Reading above.

By Deanna Raybourn
Narrated By Angele Masters
London, 1887.
This was getting good comments at other blogs so I decided to get it.

I purchased at Kindle:

The Remaining: Trust: A Novella
by D.J. Molles



Free

Over the past week I added just 45 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 September 20, 2015

I mentioned last Sunday that our Sunday School teacher talked about the signs of the end times, but more particularly, what is our response to them? He noted that the signs are primarily for believers because the world doesn’t recognize them or will scoff at them. Signs, as we know, are for direction, warning, or information and instruction.

There is a purpose. Although there are men of God trying to figure out the secrets of God, we must be careful because Satan can use this to distract believers. We must not lose focus of our purpose. The Christian Mission is not to predict the date of Christ’s return, but to take God’s message of salvation to the world, starting with our own range of influence.

There will be signs that can be recognized as beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:4-8, Luke 21:9) which will increase as the day approaches. It is not so important to know what day that is but it is important to “keep watch” and “be ready”. Matthew 24:42-44; Matthew 25:13. We are encouraged to be faithful servants and do the work that has been assigned to us. Matthew 24:45-51 continuing in Matthew 25.

I went on a worship trail of great praise songs and found this one for today. 
Be Lifted Higher


Verses for Today:
Luke 21:25-28
"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

Lord, help to remain on course with your purpose: to share the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. Help me to love others as You have loved.

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Sharing Beyond Books #220 Comment Giveaway for September 19, 2015

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I have been away the end of this week for a conference in Orlando. My daughter and other staff assistant have been with me and they have kept me busy.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
I really enjoyed reading the temperature and weather conditions that you each noted. It reminds me of the wonderful variety we share in our world.  Several people still have hot weather and several have rainy weather. Many expect October to cool off - at least on the western hemisphere. :-)

~~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #219 comments is: #10 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 #220 (One Question.)

Miki asks: When do you start shopping for Christmas gift or when do you start making them (if handmade)??
  I like to shop year round -- if I see something that would be a good gift I buy it and put it away at home. I did some sale shopping today while visiting Downtown Disney.
  I used to be good about putting gifts in large containers (marked family or friends) so I would know where to look when December rolls in. However a week or two ago I found a cute top that I bought for one of our granddaughters last year but tucked in my closet and forgot about it.
  We have a Christmas auction in one of the civic organizations I belong to. If I would make something I would already have started it. I plan on doing a basket gift this year and I have already purchased some of the basket items.
Image found at London24 - Consumer.

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! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:
Miki asks: When do you start shopping for Christmas gift or when do you start making them (if handmade)??

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. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question 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 September 26, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Death of the Blue Flower by Roxann Hill

This has wonderful writing and a good mystery but a lot of violence.
by Roxann Hill (Author), Paul Wagle (Translator)
  • File Size: 4013 KB
  • Print Length: 332 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1503947246
  • Publisher: AmazonCrossing (September 8, 2015)
  • ASIN: B00V7BLU32
  • Genre: Mystery, Crime Thriller
  • My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Working in an exclusive, high end rehab clinic in Germany, ex con Alicia Petersen does her job well enough to get through the day. Battered by life, she=s generally not one for conversation, escaping her dreary existence through daydreams of her childhood. These dreams and the friendship of Miriam Morgenroth, an elderly patient, are all that keep her going.


One day, Miriam disappears without a trace. But patients do walk away from rehab time and again, so no one suspects foul playCno one except Alicia. Determined to conduct her own search, she asks for help from a chemo ravaged police detective, Chris Winkler, who jumps at a chance to put his dormant expertise to use in the investigation.

From the Bavarian Alps to the northern German Coast, the two follow a bloody trail into a world of betrayal, revenge, and murder, with motives that reach far back into an appalling past. As Alicia and Chris grow closer, they soon discover that Miriam had many secretsCthe sort that threaten the lives of those who attempt to bring them to light.

Will they be able to uncover the truth before the past catches up with them?


Review:
Alicia Petersen was raised on a remote Halligen off the coast of Germany where sea lavender grows in a delicate blue color. In spite of her loving grandmother, Alicia ended up going wild and getting into trouble as a teen. Now she is alone working as an aide in a high end German rehab clinic. She takes a personal interest in some of the patients, unlike other employees. Alicia makes friends with Miriam, an elderly woman, as she shows her kindness and they share a love of reading.

Alicia also challenges Chris, a cop who is trying to recoup from a bout of cancer and the resulting chemo treatments. Chris is close to checking out until Alicia comes to him with questions that he is trained to answer. Miriam has gone missing and Alicia is the only person who thinks there has been foul play instead of a confused patient walking out of the facility.

Alicia met Miriam’s ‘nephew’, Georg, who, as Miriam’s business partner, has been has been handling their banking business. He reveals business enemies who sound like promising suspects. There is also a graduate student who recently interviewed Miriam. Georg agrees to support Alicia as she looks for Miriam and Chris agrees to help with the investigation as it diverts his attention from his medical issues.

Alicia and Chris begin an unofficial investigation which leads them to two entwined trails. One trail is a Jewish family escaping Nazi Germany with rumors of diamonds. The other trail leads to recently dead persons of interest. As they diligently pursue the diamond mystery Chris and Alicia are on a collision course with the hit team who is eliminating the witnesses and information.

This has wonderfully real and flawed characters in Alicia and Chris. Alicia’s friendships with Miriam and Chris are nicely developed with dynamics that blend the current situation with Alicia’s past and memories. The mystery is well plotted with multiple suspects.

The assassins are truly sick and brutal. I have to admit that this trio made me think of Clockwork Orange which I found sick and brutal. This would not be a book for anyone of great sensitivity to violence. On the other hand, when away from the violence, the prose of this book is quite lovely. I was pulled in by the writing from the very beginning – gripping both in alternating scenes of alarming violence and remarkable beauty.

The Nazi escape added historical interest and the romantic element helps soften the intensity of the violence. I would like to read more writing by Ms. Hill. I highly recommend this for the high quality of prose writing and effective mystery plot.

I picked this up from NetGalley. This is part of my NetGalley Challenge.

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