Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Regina Shen: Vigilance by Lance Erlick

This dystopian series follows the struggles of one young woman who might make a difference in a restrictive, dying society.
Regina Shen: Vigilance
by Lance Erlick

File Size: 3295 KB
Print Length: 249 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Finlee Augare Books (April 18, 2015)
ASIN: B00WDAQDJW
Genre: Dystopian, YA
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

After two years of training, outcast Regina Shen prepares to jump the barrier wall into the World Federation to hunt for her sister, but nothing goes according to plan.
Perfect for fans of the Hunger Games, Divergent, and Maze Runner series, Regina Shen: Vigilance is the second book in an action-packed, science fiction thriller with an ordinary yet strong female heroine facing extraordinary hurdles with tenacity. With the young protagonist having to grow up fast, it appeals to both young adult and adult audiences.
The Federation condemns Regina and her family to live on the seaward side of barrier walls built to hold back rising seas caused by abrupt climate change. For two years she avoided capture. Now the Federation is desperate to exploit her unique DNA in order to stop human extinction. She would rather die than help the people who kidnapped her sister.
The Federation’s notorious Department of Antiquities, under the command of Chief Inspector Joanne Demarco, polices barrier walls, destroys knowledge from the past to suppress dissent, and pursues Regina for her genome. Now Demarco has a ruthless rival who aims to use Regina to overthrow Demarco.
Regina survives by her wits on swampy islands and salvage from sunken cities, including illegal print books from before the Federation. With her photographic memory, she defies Antiquities by consuming books not available in the Federation. That makes her an outcast among peers but may help her reach the university town where they’re holding her sister.
Pursued by Antiquities, Regina jumps the wall into the Federation. While making new friends and enemies, she learns that Federation life isn’t any better than the swamps. Regina must use her wits to avoid letting either of two rival inspectors capture her. Can she rescue her sister from an obvious trap?

Review:
Regina is an outsider in a world that is run by Grand Old Dames (Gods) who have extended their lives for over 300 years. They eliminated men years before and control the population by restricting education and punishing free thinking. Regina and her family are ‘Marginals” who life in the swamps outside of the wall that keep the 'harmonious' citizens within the Federation.

Regina and her younger sister Colleen revealed blood work that could help with the growing infertility problems of the society. Colleen was captured two years before but Regina has managed to evade the Federation agents who have sought her. Now Regina starts her new life as a university student but she doesn’t blend in or make friends like she is supposed to.

Regina still refuses to see the bigger picture or acknowledge her ‘destiny’, as her swamp teacher, Mo-Mere, puts it. I can’t help but seeing Regina’s actions as selfish, with narrow focus and little concern for her friends and those who are trying to help her. I have to be honest that I found this annoying. I was glad to note that as this book nears the end it appears that Regina is finally growing up and acknowledging the consequences effecting others. I liked the new characters who help Regina in this episode and I think the difficult positions of Regina’s ‘enemy’, Federal Agent DeMarco, adds an interesting dynamic.

This is book two in this YA, dystopian series. The pacing of the story is good. The society is all female and some of the relationships are leaning into the lesbian genre although there is nothing overt at this point. I really appreciated the author’s expressions regarding government control through limiting truth, education and discouragement of free thinking. I am not enthralled but I do find the series engaging. I am curious where the author will be taking Regina, DeMarco and the story.

Please check out my review for Book 1, Regina Shen: Resilience.

I received this through iReads Book Tours. I will be reading and reviewing the third and fourth books in July.

GIVEAWAY:

Prizes: ​

Win 1 signed copy of Resilience + $15 Amazon gift card + 2 sets of postcards / 2 winners will receive a signed copy of Resilience / a free ebook copy of The Rebel Within (open to USA)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Audible Book Review: Dangerous and Unseemly: A Concordia Wells Mystery, Book 1 by K.B. Owen

I enjoyed this engaging cozy, historical mystery.

Dangerous and Unseemly: A Concordia Wells Mystery, Book 1
Written by: K.B. Owen
Narrated by: Becket Royce

Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
Series: Concordia Wells, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:11-10-14
Publisher: K.B. Owen Mysteries
Genre: Historical Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
An unseemly lesson…in murder.
The year is 1896, and college professor Concordia Wells has her hands full: teaching classes, acting as live-in chaperone to a cottage of lively female students, and directing the student play, Macbeth. But mystery and murder are not confined to the stage, especially when the death of Concordia's sister, Mary, appears to be foul play. To make matters worse, the women's college is plagued by malicious pranks, arson, money troubles, and the apparent suicide of a college official.
With her beloved school facing certain ruin, Concordia knows that she must act. As she struggles to seek justice for her sister and discover who is behind the college incidents, there are some closest to Concordia who do not appreciate the unseemly inquiries and bold actions of the young lady professor. Can she discover who is responsible…before she becomes the next target?
©2013 K.B. Owen (P)2014 K.B. Owen

Review:
Concordia is a professor at a woman’s college when higher education for woman was still looked down upon. The president of the school, and other male community leaders, seems to view it as a place for women to prepare for domestic duties, not really for learning towards a career. Concordia is inclined to observe all of the staff members, especially the fairly new Lady Principal, Miss Hamilton, who is a formidable, yet fair, leader. Concordia is juggling her teaching responsibilities, serving as live-in chaperone for one of the student cottages and directing the student end of year performance of Macbeth. Additionally, Concordia tries to make time to visit her sister who has been suffering an undiagnosed illness since marrying many months before.

The College is struggling with financial troubles. The annual spring Sophomore prank includes dark elements that create a stir and is of even more concern when the treasurer of the college is found dead. It might be suicide or it could be more nefarious. When Concordia’s sister dies under less than forthright circumstances, Concordia begins to investigate both deaths. Her sleuthing results in surprises as well as behavior that some might consider ‘dangerous and unseemly'.

I enjoyed Concordia’s personality. She has true concern for her sister and her students. Sadly, she has a very estranged relationship with her mother. She grows closer to Miss Hamilton and a brash, retired teacher who challenges Concordia to see beyond the surface. I was pleased by the strength of Miss Hamilton but I can’t be more specific without giving spoiler info. There is a light touch of romance as Concordia gets the attention of first one male teacher and then she manages to run into another.


Ms. Owen does a wonderful job of presenting the details of the 1980s. She has created a believable character in Concordia who is thoughtful and brave but not flaunting her freedoms and views. She does have a friend who is active in the women’s suffragette movement so that perspective is shared as well.

The mystery and romances are developed at a steady pace. This is nicely consistent with Concordia’s sometimes impulsive response to danger which is tempered by her careful deliberation as she weighs the facts and clues. Although the story is not flashy or intense, it is satisfactorily engaging. I think this is a good start to an interesting series and I recommend this to readers who enjoy a clean read with history and mystery.

Audio Notes: Becket Royce does a very nice job of delivering the conservative characters to suit the time period. The voices are distinct and the emotions are appropriately portrayed. The narration made this a better ‘reading’ experience for me.

I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom. It qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

Sunday Post June 19, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 20, 2016

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

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 accomplished work at the office but I was disjointed and a bit distracted. The short version is:
We were helping a man from church and he ending up stealing cash and small items. He also had my husband's car for three days. The car was abandoned Wednesday and the man arrested on Thursday but the week was filled with trauma at a time when my husband was already dealing with shortness of breath and stress. On Friday we learned that dear hubby will need open heart surgery.
I posted a full description of the week's events at A Week of Trauma and God at Work.

My reading was slow and I just barely finished two books, one ebook and one audio. I only got two reviews posted although I did post my usual memes.

I enjoyed visiting a bit on Sunday and Monday nights but didn't get back after that.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post June 12, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 13, 2016.

• Audible Book Review: Burning Bright: Ivy Granger Book 3 by E.J. Stevens; Detective, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.0.

• Giveaway Celebrating Audiobook Month and Audio Release of Birthright, Ivy Granger Book 4.

• Audible Book Review: Birthright: Ivy Granger, Psychic Detective, Book 4 by E.J. Stevens Detective, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 17, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/23/2016.

• Sharing Beyond Books #257 Comment Giveaway June 18, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/25/2016.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 19, 2016 - Happy Father's Day.

• A Week of Trauma and God at Work.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (Author/Publicist)

Guardian of Paradise
by W.E. Lawrence
This is another strong adventure romance by this author.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (ABJ)

Beware the Little White Rabbit
Written by: Shannon Delany, Judith Graves
Narrated by: Rhiannon Angell
There were several wonderful stories and 
really good narrating in this collection.
I received this audio through
Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (iRead Book Tours)

Regina Shen: Vigilance
by Lance Erlick
This is book two I am reading in this dystopian series.
I received this through iReads Book Tours. Review to post 6/23.
After two years of training, outcast Regina Shen prepares to jump the barrier wall into the World Federation to hunt for her sister, but nothing goes according to plan.
Perfect for fans of the Hunger Games, Divergent, and Maze Runner series, Regina Shen: Vigilance is the second book in an action-packed, science fiction thriller with an ordinary yet strong female heroine facing extraordinary hurdles with tenacity. With the young protagonist having to grow up fast, it appeals to both young adult and adult audiences.
The Federation condemns Regina and her family to live on the seaward side of barrier walls built to hold back rising seas caused by abrupt climate change. For two years she avoided capture. Now the Federation is desperate to exploit her unique DNA in order to stop human extinction. She would rather die than help the people who kidnapped her sister.
The Federation’s notorious Department of Antiquities, under the command of Chief Inspector Joanne Demarco, polices barrier walls, destroys knowledge from the past to suppress dissent, and pursues Regina for her genome. Now Demarco has a ruthless rival who aims to use Regina to overthrow Demarco.
Regina survives by her wits on swampy islands and salvage from sunken cities, including illegal print books from before the Federation. With her photographic memory, she defies Antiquities by consuming books not available in the Federation. That makes her an outcast among peers but may help her reach the university town where they’re holding her sister.
Pursued by Antiquities, Regina jumps the wall into the Federation. While making new friends and enemies, she learns that Federation life isn’t any better than the swamps. Regina must use her wits to avoid letting either of two rival inspectors capture her. Can she rescue her sister from an obvious trap?

2. Audible/MP3 (Narrator)

The Pit Stop: This Stop Could Be Life or Death
Written by: Carmen DeSousa
Narrated by: Michelle Babb
I will be starting this Sunday night 
and expect it to go quickly.
I received this from the narrator.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Laos File (The Shake Davis Series)
by Dale Dye
I will start this next.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/MP3 (ABJ)

Desolation
Written by: ML Banner
Narrated by: Mikael Naramore
This sounds like an interesting apocalyptic scenario.
I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
A world devastated: a sky filled with magical auroras at night and deadly radiation during the day; technology all but gone; hundreds of millions dead by fire, starvation, disease, and violence. The survivors will have to face their own desolation.
Three groups struggle to endure and hold onto what little they have, while others will do anything to take it all. On a beach in Mexico, a small town in Wyoming, and a rural ranch in Illinois, epic battles between good and evil will be fought. Winners will have to face forces of nature never seen before.
But, there is a dim light on the horizon. A 150-year-old secret may lead the lucky few to a place that holds the promise of a new future, unless the sun doesn't set on humanity first.
This is the stunning follow-up to the #1 Amazon best seller Stone Age.
©2014 Toes in the Water Publishing, LLC (P)2015 Toes in the Water Publishing, LLC

June 5, 2016 - Current with Reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I will also be listening (sometimes) to the companion commentary online.

I posted three reviews last week so I still have four pending reviews due.

I am finally getting to the five nine, now seven nine (again) back to four five author ebook reviews committed with no specific dates.
My NetGalley shelves are back up to seven with one of those pulled in last week, to read this week.

We added two upcoming releases at eTreasure's NetGalley page this week.

Merm-8 by Eric J. Juneau
A post apocalyptic fantasy with a mermaid.

and



Toltec Dawn by R.J. Hore
A speculative fiction "what if" history tale.

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.

This week I received one audio book for review.
I picked up two Audible titles with credits and broke in to get several $.99 kindle titles.
I also picked up more free kindle titles. 

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.

Desolation
Written by: ML Banner
Narrated by: Mikael Naramore
Another sci fi selection. See full description above under current reading.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I selected two titles with my May Audible credits:
One Dog Night
by David Rosenfelt
Andy Carpenter, Book 9
I really enjoy this lighter, lawyer + dog series.

Patriots of Treason

by David Thomas Roberts
This 'historical' fiction sounds like something written from current events projecting the near future.

I succumbed to purchasing these kindle titles for $.99 each:
Target Engaged (Delta Force)
M. L. Buchman
This is a new series by an author I really like.

Sleeper Protocol
Kevin Ikenberry
This looks like a good sci fi about genetic engineering.

Old Ironsides
Dean Crawford
This is a military, space sci fi.

Free

Over the past week I only added 39 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.

A Week of Trauma and God at Work

God Works in Mysterious Ways – even, or especially, through a week of trauma.

Last weekend my husband (DH for dear hubby) and I were helping a man who started coming to our church about four weeks ago. DH felt God directed him/us to help this man by employing him to do work around the house as DH has been feeling poorly. The man was helpful last Friday at the men's lunch program to a local elderly apartment. DH let him drive him home after checking his license. He wanted to be assured the man was a safe driver as DH was planning to let him borrow his car. The man worked hard with DH on Saturday.

After church on Sunday DH drove the man to another of our properties to review some work needed there. Also DH was thinking he might offer to let the man and his family stay there for a week or so as the man said his wife and kids were coming to see him in the next couple of weeks. DH let him borrow the car so he wouldn’t have to pick him up at 6:30am on Monday morning to begin more work before the heat of the day.

Sunday night the fellow returned to our home, explaining that he had been kicked out of the place where he was staying which was a commercial warehouse and not a dwelling place. DH decided it would be okay for him to stay the night in our spare room and then he would get the utilities turned on at the other property.

Monday morning the man did good, manual work with DH. It seemed like God had supplied a man who could help with all the chores DH can no longer handle. DH had to spend the afternoon at the doctor’s office getting testing done. After dinner the man borrowed DH's car to pick up pay from another church member with whom he had worked. I waited up until midnight but the man didn't return that night. DH goes to men’s prayer at church early Tuesday morning. He was out and I heard the man in the guest room, and briefly saw him pass through the hall, but he came and left before DH returned from church.

When DH got home he discovered two of our grandchildren's savings jars were missing. Apparently DH learned from one of the other church men that the stories of this man’s family coming were false and the man was a thief. DH had to go to Alabama to his heart doctor that afternoon. He locked the house up and came to the office to give me the keys and tell me what was going on. He had contacted the police to report the situation and learned there was a warrant out from another county in Florida.

The man still had DH's car and our neighbors were watching our house. They called late Tuesday to advise the car was at our house. We arrived shortly after the police but the car was gone. We discovered he had broken in through the doggy door in the back. The man left his clothes in the bedroom and in the washing machine but stole two more jars of money and two of my tablets. (One had recently broken and I had brought the other home form the office and it was on the charger.) Another deputy came to take the report and at that point we reported the car as stolen also.

Wednesday evening the car was located at the McDonald’s near our church. When we went to pick it up the battery was dead. The Deputy was able to jump the engine so we got it home. We were relieved to find the car keys, the garage opener (DH had unplugged the garage door) and another bundle of keys (to the other house and more) in the car. Thursday DH discovered the problem was not a bad battery but a bad connection. He attributes this to God’s hand so the man would abandon the vehicle.

Thursday morning DH was about to call one of the Deputies to say thank you for their help when he received a text from the man. DH had texted him to say that he owed him for the work he had done. The man texted saying he 'had messed up; was sorry and could DH send the money by Western Union'. DH told the Deputy on the phone that the man was probably near a Western Union office in town. Within the hour they arrested the man at a store/station that had a Western Union desk.

The total missing cash was probably $120.00 and the tablets can be replaced. There is damage to our door but all in all the betrayal was certainly more painful.

You don’t realize the trauma of such an event unless you go through it. We lived under lock and key for two days. DH spent all of Wednesday in our motor coach watching over the house in case the man came back. I have started taking my purse to the bedroom and hiding it when I used to just set it on the dining room side board. I also have been removing my car keys which I didn’t used to. The sense of safety in our home is still rocky as I worry who this man might have spoken to and told about us and our home. I tense even when someone comes to the door as I can’t see well through the peep hole.

DH and two other men noted how God has a plan we don't always see. The other church men have met with the thief to express their concern for his welfare (mostly his soul). The man is apparently a son of a pastor and he knows the Bible very well. He had been arrested for burglary in 2002 and was given four years on probation. He served one year and then split. That was the outstanding warrant. He told our church men that he has been living with a similar pattern of deception and addictions (cocaine and alcohol) for thirteen years! DH is convinced that God wanted us to be obedient and through the circumstances this man was brought into custody. Whether he will be broken and submitted to God will be his own decision to make. We do forgive him… although that doesn’t mean I will be fully comfortable of my house safety for some time. Please pray for this man to get help and resolve his life so he can be reconciled – to his family and, most importantly, to his Heavenly Father.

Topping the week off DH hat a heart catheterization done Friday and learned that he has a severe blockage. He will see the surgeon on Tuesday to schedule open heart surgery for a bypass. Please keep us in prayer for these times.

Things could have been much worse and I am mindful of the many tragedies throughout the states this past week. Our country, and world, need much prayer!

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 19, 2016 - Happy Father's Day

This morning both our Sunday School teacher (SST) and our Pastor spoke on Father’s Day issues. SST, focused on God’s nature as “love”. He came home earlier in the week to find his young dog, Bodie, hiding under the table. He realized that the dog might have had an accident with his ‘business’ and, sure enough, the owner got to do the ‘paper work’. After completing the clean-up, Bodie looked at him with sad, remorseful eyes. SST called Bodie over to give him pet hugs and assurance of forgiveness. Just then SST heard God say to him: “That’s the way I am.” He has contemplated the message all week. We, in our fleshly world, mess up all the time, but our Heavenly Father loves us so much -- each one of us -- that He sent His own son to clean up our messes and, even more than that, to take our punishment. Each time we mess up He is ready to forgive us and show His never ending love to us. God’s great love is beyond our understanding. 1 John 3:1.

Our Pastor preached on the importance of a Father’s love and presence. He noted statistics about the fatherless which show that they are:

• the majority of murders
•  ½ of the state prison population
•  abuse drugs 
•  tend to be school drop outs
•  commit rapes
•  tend toward violent behavior and 
•  have a high incidence of suicide

The proper role of fathers is to model the love and acceptance of our Heavenly Father. Sons grow up looking for identity. If they do not have a father figure at home, they often seek a “tribe” or gang.

Gary Smalley and John Trent share parenting insights in their book The Blessing. They presented four ingredients needed to make children secure and able to grow into normal, functioning adults.
1. Meaningful touch;
2. Spoken message of affection and love;
3. Assurance of their value; and
4. Vision of a wonderful future.

Parents who train up their children with these elements, encouraging the strengths and skills of the individual child, raise up responsible adults and leaders. Our Heavenly Father gives us undeserved love through His amazing grace. This is what men (and women) should be and pass on to their children: a Godly example.

This is an older hymn that I have long loved. 

The Love of God by F. M. Lehman,
incorporating the poem written by a Jewish poet in 1050 as the third verse.

A Verse for Today:
1 John 3:1 NIV
1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

I thank God for faithful fathers everywhere, and especially for those who strive to show God’s awesome example of unconditional love to His children.