Book Review: A Better World by Marcus Sakey

This portrays an exciting and scary world - dreams of a better world but one that is ready to go up in flames.

A Better World (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 2)
by Marcus Sakey

File Size: 6407 KB
Print Length: 391 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1477823948
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer (June 17, 2014)
ASIN: B00IA7N7C8
Genre: Sci Fi, Suspense Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

The brilliants changed everything. Since 1980, one percent of the world has been born with gifts we’d only dreamed of. The ability to sense a person’s most intimate secrets, or predict the stock market, or move virtually unseen. For thirty years the world has struggled with a growing divide between the exceptional…and the rest of us.
Now a terrorist network led by brilliants has crippled three cities. Supermarket shelves stand empty. 911 calls go unanswered. Fanatics are burning people alive.
Nick Cooper has always fought to make the world better for his children. As both a brilliant and an advisor to the president of the United States, he’s against everything the terrorists represent. But as America slides toward a devastating civil war, Cooper is forced to play a game he dares not lose—because his opponents have their own vision of a better world.
And to reach it, they’re willing to burn this one down.

Review:
This story picks up where book 1, Brilliance, left off. Nick Cooper has exposed the villainy of the American President and Nick’s own boss, the head of the Department of Analysis and Response. Those men had staged a massacre, blaming it on John Smith, a brilliant who they labeled as a terrorist. Now John has been exonerated and is free to move around the country to fulfill other plans.

Nick is pulled into the position of advisor to the new President where Nick is a single voice struggling to find a way to defuse the fear, animosity and tension between the brilliants and all ‘normal’ humans. Nick learns that scientists have been searching for the secret to the Brilliant gnome. Nick believes this work can solve the problem and he seeks to protect the scientist before others destroy him and his research. But other men in power have a different vision for a better world than Nick’s harmonious vision.

Soon Nick begins to think John has some serious conspiracy plans of his own and, to Nick’s dismay, he has been played as a puppet. Even though Sharon and Nick have grown close, they keep their own secrets so they are not certain if they can trust each other as the lines of right and wrong seem to waver. Nick continues to race against time and opposing forces but each plot he exposes, instead of diffusing the tension, seems to fuel the fires of unrest and civil war. The Federal Government threatens the brilliant community that has been developed to provide a safe haven for brilliants.

This story presents a scary (for its possible realism) picture of how a handful of powerful men can manipulate facts, people, news and resources to meet their own agenda. The characters are complex and the plot twists, constant action and suspense kept me turning pages. This is a good second installment but it ends rather mid theme so I am glad that I have book three to finish out the excitement.

I received this series through NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Audio Book Review: The Christmas Kitten: A Polly Parrett Pet-Sitter Cozy Murder Mystery, Book 2 by Liz Dodwell

This is a delightful, quick cozy with warm characters, including four legged varieties.
The Christmas Kitten: A Polly Parrett Pet-Sitter Cozy Murder Mystery, Book 2
Written by: Liz Dodwell
Narrated by: Jennifer Fournier

Length: 2 hrs and 33 mins
Series: Polly Parrett, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-06-16
Publisher: Mix Books, LLC
Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Polly Parrett finds herself in the midst of another murder mystery. This time it involves two little girls, a wicked stepmother, and a missing father. Oh, and Christmas is almost here.
It all begins with a mysterious gift box that’s left on Polly's doorstep. Along the way she encounters problems with her pet-sitting customers and her arch nemesis, Britney Harris, who has her eye on Polly's boyfriend Tyler. An Open House is planned at Welcome Home, the residential home Polly and her mom have created to provide a safe haven for homeless military veterans and their pets. It's all go in Polly's world, but with a killer on the loose and two children in need of her help, she'll do anything she can to keep everyone safe.
Book 2 of the Polly Parrett Pet-Sitter series.
©2015 Liz Dodwell (P)2016 Liz Dodwell

Review:
Polly Parrett has a lovely business as a pet-sitter in Mallowapple, Maine. As Christmas draws near she is busy taking care of pets and helping her mother plan an Open House for their new venture, Welcome Home, a residential home created as a safe haven for homeless military veterans and their pets.

Polly is only a little surprised to find a rescue kitten left on her doorstep. The greater surprise is the expensive bracelet around the kitten’s neck. The new kitten is quickly adopted by one of Polly’s dogs (which is adorable).

Polly brings the kitten to her mother at Welcome Home where two young girls have just been discovered sheltering in the barn. The girl’s father is away in the service while they have been left with their mean stepmother. When a murder is reported, Polly and her lawyer boyfriend, Tyler, begin to investigate the mystery of the necklace, the runaway children and the murder.

This is light and fun listening with wonderful pets to share in the warmth of the holiday season. I loved the animals and the concept of the shelter for the vets with pets. The mystery is fully developed for a short work. Polly is a lively, likeable character and I am sure I would enjoy more of her adventures.

This is a nice cozy mystery for all ages. I especially recommend it to cozy fans who like animals. It may be set at Christmas time but it is a warm story for any time of year.

Audio Notes: Jennifer Fournier does a charming job with the narration. It is light and easy and brings appropriate emotions to the listener. The audio added to my enjoyment of the story.

I received this audio title from the author through AudioBook Boom. This qualifies for my Audio Book Challenge.

Sunday Post July 17, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 18, 2016

I miss-scheduled this so it is posting late... but better late then not at all.

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 was able to start getting caught up on work in the office. Hubby is getting stronger each day and beginning to look forward to the day he can come home. I plan to spend this week getting help to really clean the house before he comes back to minimize dust and animal hair.
I continue to give thanks for all the prayers, well wishes and support!

My reading was steady. I finished three books, two ebooks and one audio and I am well into another audiobook. Unfortunately I only got two reviews up as well as usual memes.
I got to visit a little early in the week but I have found myself pretty tired at night.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post July 10, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 11, 2016.

• Book Review: Laos File (The Shake Davis Series) by Dale Dye; Military Thriller; my rating 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 15, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/21/2016.

• Audio Book Review: Desolation by M.L. Banner; Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #261 Comment Giveaway July 16, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/16/2016.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 17, 2016.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/MP3 (My shelf)

Burning Nation: Book 2 of Divided We Fall
Written by: Trent Reedy
Narrated by: Andrew Eiden
Chilling, scary and sad. This is an intense sequel from my own Audible credits (2016).
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Machinations
by Hayley Stone
This is action packed and hard to put down.
(Releasing 7/26.)
I received this through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Indiana Belle (American Journey Book 3)
by John A. Heldt
This is a sweet, interesting "time-travel" romance.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (iRead Book Tours)

Regina Shen: Endurance
by Lance Erlick
I am interested in how things go in this engaging YA, female society dystopian series.
I received this through iReads Book Tours.
Review and Author Guest post will be on 7/21.
Outcast Regina Shen continues her adventure as a hunted fugitive and as a pawn in a worldwide grab for power.
Competing World Federation power brokers seek to control Regina for her unique DNA that could reverse a global fertility collapse. They make use of her unique memory for ancient forbidden texts that help her locate illegal artifacts from before the Federation, which agents then destroy.
For months Regina has been treading a fine line, trying not to let the Federation destroy any more of their past while doing all she can to rescue her kidnapped sister from agents who dangle the sister as bait. Betrayed again by her mom, Regina flees to the Southwest Desert with a close companion to hunt down a vault to exchange for her sister’s freedom. Nothing goes according to plan.
Before her journey concludes, tragedy will shake Regina to her core. It will also open up new possibilities that could lead down an even more dangerous path closer to her destiny but farther from her sister.

2. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

For Honor We Stand: Man of War, Book 2
Written by: H. Paul Honsinger
Narrated by: Ray Chase
I am enjoying the action and characters in this space military story.
This is from my Audible TBR Library.
Publisher's Summary
In 2315, the Earth Union is losing a 30-year-long war with the Krag Hegemony.
Having encountered the Krag before, Space Commander Max Robicheaux now faces daunting challenges aboard the USS Cumberland: The dangers from the enemy without…and clashes with crew and superiors within.
Meanwhile, Doctor Sahin receives a coded message summoning him to a secret meeting which aims to forge an alliance that could change the balance of power in Known Space. But first, he must circumvent the fighter ships and heavily armed troops of the traitorous emir bent on killing him before he reaches the negotiating table.
Both men must call upon their developing skills and growing friendship to bear the burden of carrying between the Krag Hegemony and the Earth Union a fateful ultimatum and the shocking answer: An answer that could spell eternal slavery, or even extinction, for all humankind.
The second novel in the Man of War series, For Honor We Stand continues the galactic naval adventures of Robicheaux and Sahin.
©2013 H. Paul Honsinger (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG)

The Bluebonnet Betrayal, A Potting Shed Mystery
by Marty Wingate
I am looking forward to this cozy mystery
received through NetGalley. (Release date 8/2.)
Bestselling author Marty Wingate “plants clever clues with a dash of romantic spice,” raves Mary Daheim. Now Wingate’s inimitable gardening heroine, Pru Parke, is importing a precious bloom from Texas—and she won’t let a vicious murder stop her.
Pru’s life in England is coming full circle. A Texas transplant, she’s married to the love of her life, thriving in the plum gardening position she shares with her long-lost brother, and prepping a Chelsea Flower Show exhibit featuring the beloved bluebonnets of the Texas hill country. Technically, Twyla Woodford, the president of a gardening club in the Lone Star State, is in charge of the London event, but Pru seems to be the one getting her hands dirty. When they finally do meet, Pru senses a kindred spirit—until Twyla turns up dead.
Although Twyla’s body was half buried under a wall in their display, Pru remains determined to mount a spectacular show. Twyla would have insisted. So Pru recruits her husband, former Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Pearse, to go undercover and do a bit of unofficial digging into Twyla’s final hours. If Pru has anything

4. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

This Present Darkness
Written by: Frank Peretti
Narrated by: Jack Sondericker
I have not read this since the late 1980s. We are reading this for our Ladies' Book Club; meeting 8/6.
Publisher's Summary
A small town newspaper editor and a local minister uncover a web of conspiracy while an unseen battle between the angels of good and evil takes place in the town of Ashton.
©1986 Frank Peretti; (P)2005 Books in Motion

July 3, 2016 - I was caught up through June 30th but now have to catch up to date in July 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 only posted two reviews this past week so I have eight total pending; two will not post until the week of the 25th. I still have to work on getting caught up.

I've reduced my author ebook reviews committed with no specific dates queueto four books.
My NetGalley shelves are down to three when I finish the one I plan to read this week.
I'm sort of hoping to set aside September for TBR books only so I am trying to resist new arcs/author requests and NetGalley.

I didn't get any backlist titles up at eTreasure's NetGalley page and we will be working to add upcoming releases over the next week or so.

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 a print book from The Cadence for review.
I selected two Audible credit titles and purchased one $.99 Kindle.
I also picked up more free kindle titles.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Received from The Cadence Group:

Friends of the Wigwam: A Civil War Story
by John William Huelskamp
Friends of the Wigwam is a historical novel and love story about six young friends whose innocence is stripped from them seemingly overnight in the brutal setting of the American Civil War.

Won

NONE

Purchased

It can be hard for me to pick but I selected these two books with my June Audible credits:
The Curse of Tenth Grave: A Novel
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Book 10 in this fun series.

Under a Tell-Tale Sky: Disruption, Book 1

Written by: R.E. McDermott

Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

This is another post apocalyptic novel.

I purchased one Kindle title at $.99:

Ichabod: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP-Survival Thriller  
(Seven Cows, Ugly and Gaunt Book 2)
by Mark Goodwin

I plan to pick up book 1 at Audible.

Free

Over the past week I added 55 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 July 17, 2016

Our Sunday School lesson this morning was from Romans 15:1-7 – a good message on Unity in the Body. For service we had a guest evangelist (Thomas) with wife (Sheila) and daughter (Mariah) minister to us with song and messages, the parents each shared an unprepared word and the daughter shared a word with special song.

Once again it was remarkable how God’s orchestrating hand was apparent. Our Choir song was “Through the Fire” which states that God will see you through and help will always come in time; “My God will show up, and take you through the fire again.”

Sheila shared that the last time they visited three years ago their son was with them. Shortly after that visit he began to have day seizures and grand mal seizures at night. Sheila said that God had told her beforehand that a storm was coming but that God would see them through. After a little over a year Sheila was praying, asking God how much longer they would be facing this. God said it would be over “soon”. Within two weeks the seizures stopped! Now their son is in ministry as an associate pastor. The family believes that Satan sent the illness trying to keep their son from his destiny to serve God. But God was victorious. Further, God was faithful as the family had no insurance but every bill was paid.

Mariah shared a song “My Rest” which proclaims that we can put our hopes and plans in God’s hands and trust in His strength.

Thomas then shared that God has said He will be with us “until the end”. The end isn’t here yet. He is not done with us yet. The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness (Luke 4) and sometimes God allows us to go through a wilderness to prepare us and bring our understanding to a place He needs us to be. But God will always see us through and bring us out of the fire and the wilderness. Jesus returned filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and when he returns to earth he is coming for a spotless, strong, bride filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. The church needs to step up an stand up as a beacon of light in dark times.

Thomas noted that his family was not brought to our church by happenstance or accident but rather by a divine plan; an appointment by God. Just so, God has a plan for each of us. He has divine appointments for our lives if we are willing to trust Him to use us for His purposes (Romans 8:28).

The service ended with more wonderful songs: Holy Spirit You Are Welcome Here, God Will Make a Way, and Good, Good Father.

It was hard for me to decide which song to share. I picked Good, Good Father.

Verses for Today:
John 17:20-21 (NIV)
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

As deaths occur throughout our country and throughout the world I pray for comfort, peace and for love to grow to overcome hate. I am thankful that I have found answers in Christ and that I have peace. Above all, I give thanks that my God is in control.

Sharing Beyond Books #261 Comment Giveaway July 16, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Ten of the commenters like to read outside although most add conditions: as long as not too hot or too cold. Elizabeth is the only one with a resounding "yes" that she enjoys reading at beach and pool. The other nine commenters do not like to read outside due to: heat, noise and/or insects.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #260 comments is:#15 Rubynreba 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 - maybe the beginning of next year, lol.] Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #261

(One Question.)

CarolL asks: As far as career, marriage and children has your life gone the way you dreamed or is it proceeding along the path you planned??

I don't recall "planning" or dreaming of how I would want my life. But, I give thanks to God, it pretty much turned out as I would want: loving husband, two children and a satisfying career. I have been blessed. If I had pushed a bit harder in my law career I might have liked to become a judge but then I would not have had my own business(es). So it worked out fine for me.

Found at Jordan Maylea.

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.

Your turn to share:
CarolL asks: As far as career, marriage and children has your life gone the way you dreamed or is it proceeding along the path you planned??

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 July 23, 2016 at 5 PM central.