Audio Book Review: In the Mist of Killarney: An Irish Faery Tale by Robert McCallum

This was darker than I expected but engaging with a macabre irony.
In the Mist of Killarney: An Irish Faery Tale
Written by: Robert McCallum
Narrated by: David Ocean

Length: 5 hrs and 12 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-23-16
Publisher: Books by R. L. McCallum
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Ireland, 1911. After encountering a faery in the woodlands near his home in Tralee when he is a child, Professor Emmet Brehon spends his life pursuing the belief that faeries are more than just elements of mythology. While teaching Irish mythology and folklore at a university in Dublin, he receives a note from a stranger who claims to know where faeries can be found. Following the map that the stranger gives him, Emmet travels to a faerie circle and mound near Lough Leane in Kerry, where he encounters two ghostly little girls and a faery light. Snapping a photograph of the girls and faery light with his Brownie camera, Emmet's life becomes twisted when he discovers that he can't rid himself of the photograph, and disasters occur whenever he is present. He soon loses all in life that it is precious to him, including his sanity.
©2015 R. L. McCallum (P)2016 R. L. McCallum

Review:
Professor Emmet Brehon believes he saw a sweet faery as a child and has spent his life studying folklore and mythology. He is excited when he receives a note and map telling him where to find faeries in Killarney. He travels there one night in 1911 to sneak up on a faery mound with his new Brownie Camera. Emmet is ecstatic to get a photograph when he spots two ghostly little girls and a faery light with wings. He hurries away treasuring the camera in hopes that he will finally have proof of his discovery.

As soon as Emmet returns to the ancient inn where he is staying dark things begin to plague his life. Others die around him as he escapes a fire at the inn and then a train crash while returning to the city. He is able to get the photograph developed but the image of the almost transparent girls and the dot of winged light acts strangely. He hears girlish giggles and a banshee scream right before another death or accident occurs. He becomes more distressed as he leaves a trail of dead acquaintances and friends behind him. Emmet seeks to rid himself of the photo and the curse without success.

Emmet is taking his wealthy fiance’, Catherine, out for dinner planning to explain the problems he is having. Another accident occurs with the driver of their vehicle killing a woman in the street. He convinces Catherine that they must leave Ireland and travel far away to America to try to out run the faery curse. Needless to say, one can’t outrun a curse that you carry with you.

Emmet survives ship disasters and suspicious doctors when he finally arrives in New York. Before he is able to return to Ireland he will face other physical and ghostly encounters that bring him to the brink of madness. The doctors think they can help but will Emmet face medical danger too?

Note the darkness of the cover of this story and be forewarned. The story moves well, but is not light; it is dark. It is engaging in a macabre way and not good for bedtime reading. I liked the dark ironies and the tie-in to well-known events of the years the story covers. I think this is best suited for adult readers/listeners who enjoy dark folklore or even horror.

Audio Notes: I have to admit I was intrigued by David Ocean’s lovely brogue and most of the narration as it fits Emmet. Sadly, the female voices did not work so well as they were more strident or shrill than feminine. I did enjoy the added sound effect of the ghostly giggles and banshee wail although there were a few in the middle that were out of sync with the tale. For me, the audio made this a better read. However, readers interested in this should enjoy it equally in either format that suits them.

I received this audio book from the Narrator for an honest review. This qualifies for my Audio Challenge and "I" for Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Professional Integrity (A Riyria Chronicles Tale) by Michael J. Sullivan

This is a quick listen with the usual Riyria 'charm' and mystery solving.

Professional Integrity (A Riyria Chronicles Tale)
Written by: Michael J. Sullivan
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Length: 1 hr and 18 mins
Series: The Riyria Chronicles
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-03-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
One of the genre's favorite pairs returns in a classic fantasy short for both Riyria veterans and first-time readers.
Several years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start their thieves-for-hire organization better known as Riyria. Things have gone well enough for the team as they do "jobs" for various nobles throughout Elan. Usually that means stealing something, but when a young heiress asks them to steal her…well, that's a first for the pair. All is not as it seems, but Royce is determined to get the bottom of what's actually going on. After all, he has his professional integrity at stake.
Originally released in the Blackguards anthology published by Ragnarok Publications, this is a standalone short story of 10,800 words. No prior knowledge of The Riyria Revelations or The Riyria Chronicles is required to enjoy it to its fullest, making this a perfect introduction for new readers or a chance for existing fans to spend a little more time with old friends.
©2015 Michael J. Sullivan (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Royce and Hadrian are a crafty ex-assassin and a gutsy former mercenary who have teamed together as a thieves-for-hire known as Riyria. Hadrian is apt to rush into a job with more brawn than plan while Royce plots out a methodical strategy.

As soon as I started listening I was pulled in by the characters, Royce and Hadrian. There is a great banter between them. It was quickly clear that the offered job of kidnapping, proposed by the victim herself, would present a risk they didn’t quite expect. Or perhaps Royce suspected but he couldn’t resist finding out. Once committed, Royce insists that professional integrity requires that they see the mystery through to the end.

If you have read the Riyria books you will enjoy a visit with this dynamic duo. If you haven’t read their adventures (and misadventures), then this is a great short story to introduce the characters. I am ready to get to listen to book 3 in the Revelations series and move on to the Chronicles.

Audio Notes: I really love Tim Gerard Reynolds’ narration of these stories. He delivers the calculating attitude of Royce and the puckish spirit of Hadrian with wonderful perfection. He also manages the other voices, including females to fit the personalities. I greatly enjoy listening to his narration.

This is a free read and TBR from my own Audible Library. It qualifies for TBR Mountain, Audio Challenge and “P” in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 6, 2016

Happy Friday!
Whew- - Another week bites the dust! What is with time moving by so quickly? I am scrambling to keep up.
Speaking of "Book Nerds" last week...I got intrigued by Natalija's reply so I checked the Huffington Post article "You're A Book Nerd if...", and found that only 7 out of 16 apply to me. I searched and found an articlee at BuzzFeed Books, "23 Struggles Only Book Nerds Will Understand", to which I  relate better. And I say yes to 23 out of 26 on this list at Odyssey: 26 Signs You're a Book Nerd. What do you think?
I finally got the book group #65 picture up today.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the April 29 Pick. There was one automatic win this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one blocked titles which was won.
Becky gets the Kay Hooper Pair

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from April 29 Pick:
Emily gets Servant, The Awakening

Marjorie gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

See discussion above about book nerds. Can you relate to this pie chart?

Image found at BuzzFeed Books.

New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

PAIRS:
Jayne Ann Krentz: Gift of Gold and Man with a Past (spine creased) 
Linda Howard: Cover of Night and Strangers Night
SINGLES:
A Dangerous Fancy by Tracy Cozzens
The Bodyguard and the Snitch by Christy Tillery French (autographed)
When Dashing Met Danger by Shana Galen
The Champion by Heather Grothaus
Never Marry a Cowboy by Lorraine Heath
Just The Way You Are by Donna Jordan
The Second Chair by John Lescroart (hardcover)
What a Rogue Desires by Caroline Linden (spine creased)
Violets are Blue by James Patterson
The Bequest by Candice Proctor
A Perilous Attraction by Patricia Francis Rowell (spine creased)
So Wild A Kiss by Nancy Richards-Akers


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016

PAIRS:
Elizabeth Boyle: His Mistress by Morning and This Rake of Mine (The Bachelor Chronicles Book 2)
Kay Hooper: If There Be Dragons and The Matchmaker
Lisa Jackson: Left to Die and Twice Kissed
SINGLES:
The Theft by Andra Kane
Bed of Roses by Katherine Stone
Hope by Len Deighton (1995 paperback)
Short Straw (Ed Eagle Novel) by Stuart Woods Hardcover
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
N is for noose by Sue Grafton -Cassettes
The Fallen by Thomas Sniegoski
Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell
Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF by April Winchell


New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016

SINGLES:
Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl
Wayward Winds by Michael Phillips - Audio Tapes
Forgotten Promises by Denise Skelton

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015
All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
After I noticed the trend I went on a hunt for “bride” titles. I even pulled a couple from some of my long time collections(*). (But they are not getting read on my shelves.)

SINGLES:
Bride of Lochbarr by Margaret Moore (*)
The Ideal Bride by Stephanie Laurens (*)
A Necessary Bride by Debra Mullins
Border Bride by Deborah Hale

New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

Shannon Drake –  Realm of Shadows (Alliance Vampires#4) 
SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)


New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015
A few more summer titles, historicals and mysteries!

SINGLES:
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015
-- A few summer titles, a few mysteries, a few historicals...

SINGLES:
Servant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015

SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Commander by Kate Bridges
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose

Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle



BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)

An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser


If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost six years I have posted 62 groups of 16 (992) books to find new homes! (as of November 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 957+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Interview with Sean Danker, Author of Admiral, Plus Giveaway!

MBS is pleased to welcome Sean Danker, author of Admiral, for interview today.
I enjoyed this sci fi mystery adventure. Please see my REVIEW for more information about the book. 

Q1. Why sci fi mystery? What do you enjoy most about writing, and reading, in the genre?

SEAN: I've always been into mysteries, and SF appeals to me because it's home to straightforward, exciting things like creature features, but it can also be used to explore larger and more complex issues.

Q2. What inspired you to write this particular story?

SEAN: I really wanted to do something in space - there's been a lot of SF in my life, so it was kind of a given that at some point I'd write a space opera. With Admiral, I got to combine the things that characterize my writing in other genres with the things I really like in science fiction.

Q3. What is the biggest obstacle you have to overcome when you want to write?
SEAN: Deciding which projects to pursue has been a struggle for me. Sometimes the book I want to write isn't necessarily the most commercially viable book to write. I have to find a balance.

Q4. Can you please share one thing you found surprising or unusual when researching or writing Admiral?
SEAN: I originally wrote Admiral as a standalone novel telling a very contained story; I was worried when I was asked to turn it into a series, but the story actually lent itself very well to sequels and an overarching story - that surprised me, but I'm really pleased with the way it's turned out.

Q5. Do your work career/hobbies/interests influence your writing?
SEAN: My hobbies and interests certainly do, but I try to keep fiction and my professional life separate.

Q6. What are some of the best tips you’ve received on writing and what one tip would you pass on to new authors?
SEAN: The best tip I've ever gotten is to persevere - whether in the writing itself or the publication process. Not giving up is important in any career. A thick skin and a willingness to cooperate are good to have too.

Q7. What do you normally read and what are you reading now?
SEAN: My reading's pretty eclectic, but at the moment I'm reading the Autobiography of Malcolm X.

Q8. Are the interesting portraits on your blog your own art work? Renderings of your views of your characters?
SEAN: There might be some of my work on the site somewhere, but the vast majority of what goes into the blog posts is done by other artists.

Thank you for sharing with your readers.

ABOUT SEAN DANKER:

Sean Danker has been writing since he was fifteen. He read entirely too much Asimov in college, and now we’re all paying the price for it. His hobbies include biting off more than he can chew, feeling sorry for himself on Twitter, and telling people to lighten up. He is currently serving in the military on a base in North Dakota. Find the author online at http://evagard.com/

 

GIVEAWAY

One print book from the Publisher; US only

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review, the interview OR

(b) Visit the Author's website and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) May 14, 2016.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after May 14, 2016.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Book Review: Admiral (An Evagardian Novel) by Sean Danker

Good blend of mystery, intrigue, space sci fi and engaging characters.

Admiral (An Evagardian Novel)
by Sean Danker

File Size: 901 KB
Print Length: 310 pages
Publisher: Roc (May 3, 2016)
Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
ASIN: B00S75RYXG
Genre: Sci Fi,
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

FIRST IN A NEW MILITARY SCIENCE FICTION SERIES

“I was on a dead ship on an unknown planet with three trainees freshly graduated into the Imperial Service. I tried to look on the bright side.”
He is the last to wake. The label on his sleeper pad identifies him as an admiral of the Evagardian Empire—a surprise as much to him as to the three recent recruits now under his command. He wears no uniform, and he is ignorant of military protocol, but the ship’s records confirm he is their superior officer.
Whether he is an Evagardian admiral or a spy will be of little consequence if the crew members all end up dead. They are marooned on a strange world, their ship’s systems are failing one by one—and they are not alone.

Review:
“Admiral” is awakened from stasis to find three Evagardian recruits… and an empty ship. The three new graduates were expecting to be on a royal ship, not this freighter. The three consist of a tech, Ensign Nils, Lieutenant Deilani, specializing in bio, and a negotiator, Private Salmagard. Admiral raises suspicion because he is young and didn’t even know his promoted rank. Deilani distrusts him immediately while Salmagard shows recognition and deference. Nils isn’t sure who to follow but he wants someone to give direction in their strange situation.

Admiral clearly has experience in unusual, and dangerous situations and he doesn’t hesitate to take charge. They discover that the ship has crashed and they are stranded although they don’t know where. Too soon they realize that the ship is in a precarious situation, the planet is hostile and it will take the concerted efforts of everyone if they want to survive to be rescued.

The story moves at a quick pace as the four jury rig supplies and employ tricks to ensure survival. They are on the edge of death first in the ship, then traveling across the planet to a suspected colony. They are desperate and battling a new species enemy when they make their last ditch effort to get rescued.

I enjoyed the mystery of the Admiral’s identity, catching a few hints along the way. I liked how the author kept it secret and I enjoyed the scene when it was finally revealed. I enjoyed all four characters and how they work together, even when at odds. There is creativity in the survival efforts and imagination in the new species that is discovered as the story progresses. There are other elements that make you think of the ‘trapped in a box with no way out’ type mysteries.

I think I enjoyed this as much as The Martian (which had the advantage for me of listening on audio). I highly recommend this to sci fi and mystery lovers. I would love to read more adventures with the Admiral, especially if he could somehow team up with the others again.

I received this title through NetGalley for an honest review. This qualifies for NetGalley Challenge and “A” in Alphabet Soup Challenge. Please see author interview and GIVEAWAY .