Book Review: Shadow Reaper (Shadowlands Series) by Amos Cassidy

This story has strong world building (but strong language too).

Shadow Reaper (Shadowlands Series)
by Amos Cassidy

File Size: 3735 KB
Print Length: 306 pages
Publisher: Kindle Press (September 13, 2016)
ASIN: B01IWKRJFS
Genre: Dark Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Only the bravest go over the Horizon...
Twenty years ago the barriers between worlds came down and our reality was swallowed up by the Shadowlands. Now we scavenge to survive, until one day there’s nothing left to reap. Starvation is around the corner, but I’m not the roll over and wait-to-die kinda girl. Nope, I’m going further than anyone has ever been and returned to tell the tale. I’m going into the Beyond, and I’m not coming back without a solution.
Dark urban fantasy with a post-apocalyptic twist.

Review:
Ash and her big brother, Clay, (older by a year) watched their parents starve while they refused to allow the teens to become Reapers. Now the two live in the underground Shelter because Ash signed on as a Reaper who goes out to the Shadowlands to scavenge for food, medicines or anything else that might help the survivors who live in Shelter. Scavenging is becoming scarce and the resources are being used up – even if the leadership is hiding that secret. Ash is prepared to go beyond the Horizon into the Beyond to find a solution to save her brother and her new ‘family’.

Ash gets another strong Reaper, Bernadette, to help her on her suicide quest. They do find food but they also find major trouble. As the Shadows begin to swallow them something strange occurs. They survive to struggle to a haven in the Shadowlands. The place is a refuge for all sorts of creatures, including humans although the humans are little more than slaves in this bizarre facility. There are god-like leaders -- aka controllers-- who recognize that there is something special and unique about Ash. They are willing to protect her while they figure out who or what she is but meanwhile her friend has been sold to the Traders.

Ash isn’t about to help anyone until she gets help rescuing her friend. There is another being who can help her, but he is part beast who may, or may not, be able to control himself. Despite the extreme danger he will face, Daemon agrees to take Ash to another realm where Bernadette has been taken. Daemon is soon captured and Ash must find a way to rescue him next.

I did have trouble with the beginning which is liberally peppered with the “f” word. I almost stopped at about 15% in but I am glad that I pushed through because I did enjoy the story once I managed to ignore the language. There are also liberal sexual orientations shared in the story. They are nicely and respectfully handled so I wasn’t bothered by them but their presence should be noted for those who don’t want to read about homosexual and bisexual characters.

I enjoyed the fast-pace of this story with its diverse and interesting characters. I liked all of the diverse creatures and strong characters. The world building is very good and the danger and action kept me engaged, skimming past the bad language, as I wanted to know what would happen next.

This is another title I received for free through a multi-author promotion.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 11, 2016

Happy Friday!

Days are moving so quickly!
Don't forget that for the four weeks in November I select FOUR random winners! So be ready to make your picks to give books a new home or get a GC to spend toward book purchases!
I didn't get the Christmas list up yet but I plan to add it tomorrow (Saturday) so save your pick if you want one of those titles.

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 November 4 Pick. This week there were two automatic win again. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no blocked titles.
AUTO: Elizabeth gets So Wild a Kiss
ans SueF gets Bloodstone.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from November 4 Pick:
LINDA and MARJORIE get a GC

BECKY gets Wild Rain
and CAROLNW gets The Copper Beach

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.}

More thanks for books!
Image found at Wired.

New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
PAIR:
Lisa Gardner: The Perfect Husband and The Other Daughter
Stella Cameron: True Bliss and Sheer Pleasures
SINGLE:
Stray by A. N. Wilson (hardcover)
Soul of the Wildcat by Devyn Quinn
The Seventh Tower, Book One by Garth Nix
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
Kill Chain by Meg Gardiner
Wild Rain by Christine Feehan
The Copper Beach by Maeve Binchy
Beyond Reach: A Novel (Grant County Book 6) by Karin Slaughter
Crimson Shore by Preston & Childs
The Lincoln Myth by Steve Berry
Critical by Robin Cook
Mania by Craig Larsen

New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
PAIRS:
Into the Night (book 5) and Gone too Far (book 6) by Suzanne Brockmann
The Wedding Night of an English Rogue: A Novel (A Boscastle Affairs Novel Book 3)
The Wicked Games of a Gentleman: A Novel (A Boscastle Affairs Novel Book 4) by Jillian Hunter
SINGLES:
*Bloodstone by Lynn Benedict (1973 - yellowed)
*The Brittany Stones by Lynna Cooper (1974 - yellowed; corner of cover cut)
Her Scoundrel by Geralyn Dawson
In Search of Lucy: A Novel by Lia Fairchild
No Place for a Lady by Katherine Greyle
Wicked by Beth Henderson
To Die For: A Novel (Blair Mallory Book 1) by Linda Howard
The Inheritance by Joan Johnston
A Dark Champion by Kinley MacGregor
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Mysterious: The Right Path / This Magic Moment / The Search for Love by Nora Roberts (2008)
The Spitfire by Bertrice Small


New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016

(I will post a picture later. *Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I have had for many years. They may not be wanted by anyone and if so, I will donate elsewhere in time.)
SINGLES:
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
Freedom's Stand by J. M. Windle


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

SINGLES:
A Dangerous Fancy by Tracy Cozzens
The Champion by Heather Grothaus
So Wild A Kiss by Nancy Richards-Akers


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016
SINGLES:
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette


New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016 -- All Gone
SINGLES:
Wayward Winds by Michael Phillips - Audio Tapes

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:
Border Bride by Deborah Hale

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

SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015 -- All Gone
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
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 -- All Gone
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
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)
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
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 seven years I have posted 68 groups of 16 (1,088) books to find new homes! (as of November 4, 2016).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,011+ 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!

Book Review and Giveaway: Persecuted: I Will Not Be Silent by Robin Parrish

This is a very fast, exciting Christian and Political Thriller.
Persecuted: I Will Not Be Silent 
by Robin Parrish

File Size: 2427 KB
Print Length: 321 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (April 29, 2014)
ASIN: B00GHXRWFK
Genre: Christian Thriller, Political Thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

"The framers of our Constitution meant we were to have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion." --Reverend Billy Graham
The Question Is Not If Attempts Will Be Made
to Limit Religious Freedoms, But When.
And When That Day Comes, Will You Stay Silent?
A storm is coming.
The most popular evangelist of his day, John Luther, simply wants to share the Gospel and enjoy a quiet life with his family. He never asked to be at the center of a political controversy, but an ill wind has been blowing through the halls of Congress, and supporters of a new religious-equality bill see Luther's endorsement as critical.
But when Luther refuses to lend his support, he unknowingly sets in motion an explosive plan bent on destroying his reputation and undermining everything for which he stands. His once-normal life is turned upside down as he becomes a fugitive left with only one dangerous option--putting everything he holds most dear at risk while he fights to expose the truth. It is a mission that brings him face-to-face with the coming storm of persecution that could threaten the very fabric of our nation's freedoms.

Review:
John Luther is the head of a large church and struggles to balance his primary goals of sharing the Gospel and spending time with his family. He has friends in high places but one of them decides that John is an obstruction to a new ‘faith and fairness’ bill. This powerful ‘friend’ arranges to move John out of the way. Although the friend doesn’t set up the details, his hired operative, “Mr. Gray”, frames John to destroy his reputation and remove him from the head of his church. Because of past behavior, others are quick to believe the worst.

John has lived in the shadows before and can go into hiding. There is a pair of FBI agents who are looking beyond the obvious trail of clues. John knows he has some family and friends he can count on but he must be careful not to put their lives at risk. He has no reason to trust the authorities and there are friends he shouldn’t trust either. As John tries to prove his innocence on his own (and with the help of his faith) – a ‘David fighting Goliath’-- the betrayer moves to build his power.

The story moves quickly and the page-turning action hints that the corruption reaches the highest levels. The threats and machinations are scary and, sadly, believable. I have read numerous stories over the past several years that make me more aware and accepting of the implication that there is very likely corruption and evil in political situations. I find it sad that men seek ‘power’ instead of authority to promote the good of the people.

Persecution is real although less apparent in our own country as it may be in other countries.
This story touches on issues beyond the obvious issue of religious freedoms. It addresses parenting concerns and estrangement between father and son. The story evokes a wide range of emotions, from fear, horror and distrust to joy, relief and victory - almost.

Interestingly, it appears that this novel was written based on the screenplay and movie. The questions posed after the book are very good for contemplation and discussion. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a political thriller and especially to those who would enjoy the Christian elements.

I selected this for Ladies Book Club October read as I thought it would be rather timely. Everyone enjoyed the read.

GIVEAWAY: Two Winners:

One (gently read) PRINT COPY

US Only for Print; Worldwide for Kindle eBook

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, 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; worldwide for eBook.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) November 19, 2016.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Audible Book Review: FREE: Summer Farmer: A Story from White Man's Problems by Kevin Morris

This is an interesting (short story) portrayal of human situation.

FREE: Summer Farmer: A Story from White Man's Problems
 Kevin Morris (Author)
Matthew McConaughey (Narrator)

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 18 minutes
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Audible Studios
Audible.com Release Date: August 4, 2015
Language: English
ASIN: B0108KDKZ8
Genre: Short Story, Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

"Summer Farmer", the first short story in White Man's Problems, sets the stage for the honest and heartfelt themes explored in Morris' debut collection. The meeting of two disparate strangers serves as a cleverly crafted examination of the universality of longing, remorse, and purpose.

Review:
“Summer Farmer” is just one short story in White Man’s Problems. The story addresses the daily ‘grind’ and depression of a businessman as he travels to work in Los Angeles. The protagonist, Harrigan, has lost a daughter to leukemia. In his grief he looks around the busy city and sees the glitter which isn’t important. He thinks about his past, where he came from and where he has come to.

The story gets an extra touch when Harrigan meets an elevator repairman who mirrors his sadness as he too has lost a daughter. Here, the author ties two strangers who share more in the basics of life than they could realize.

The story has a poignancy that I liked. I think the full collection would share similar glimpses that show a common thread among men.

Audio Notes: Matthew McConaughey has a slow, subtle speech presentation. This fit the story’s tone and subtle message. I enjoyed the story and its presentation.

I downloaded this free at Audible 8/17/15. It qualifies for Mount TBR challenge and Audio Challenge.

Sunday Post November 6, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 7, 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 had a pretty good week. Prepared for my two trials this week and another next week. The first one is continued and the second is all lined up. Still talking settlement on the third.
Weather continues to fluctuate with cool nights and warmer days; we could use some rain..
We've been spending time praying for our US Elections.

I had some good travel time for reading and listening this week. I finished two ebooks and am three fourths through the audio. I only got two reviews posted, plus the usual memes.

I had a nice time visiting other bloggers early last week.
My tip of the blog hat goes out to Kathryn at The Book Date who hosts It's Monday! What Are You Reading?
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post October 30, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 31, 2016.

• Sharing 30 Days of Gratitude.

• Book Review: Written in Fire (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 3) by Marcus Sakey; Sci Fi, Thriller, Dystopian; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 4, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/10/2016.

• Audio Book Review: The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz; Christian, Historical Romance, American Revolution; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #277 Comment Giveaway November 5, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/05/2016.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 6, 2016.

Finished Reading:
1. ebook/Kindle

Persecuted: I Will Not Be Silent
by Robin Parrish
This is a very fast, exciting Christian Thriller. The Ladies Book Club liked it. I will review this with giveaway this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Shadow Reaper (Shadowlands Series)
by Amos Cassidy
I am glad that I pushed through to finish this as the story is good in spite of bad language.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1. Audible (Audiobook Jukebox)

Five Minutes Alone
By Paul Cleave
Narrated By Paul Ansdell
This crime thriller is really engaging!
I received the audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.

2. eBook/Kindle (Free - Sci Fi)

Trajectory Book 1 (New Providence)
by Robert M. Campbell
This kicks off my Sci Fi reading for November.
Four mining ships are making the slow return to Mars from operations in the asteroid belt. Back on the planet, a group of students discover a mysterious object in space in an impossible orbit. The crew of the Lighthouse space station are shocked by a devastating accident that throws their routine into chaos as they strive to get their ships safely home.

Cut off from Earth, the sub-surface Martian Colony of New Providence suddenly finds itself in peril from something hostile and unknown. Is it alien? Is it an AI from Old Earth? After five generations enduring the harsh conditions on Mars, will the 50,000 citizens of New Providence survive this new and terrifying threat?

3. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Lost Coast Rocket (Mare Tranquillitatis Series Book 1)
by Joel Horn
I was pulled in by the first chapters.
I received this from the author.
Plausible Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Love, Danger...
This story has it all!
Rockets are in Ken's DNA. At an early age, he develops a friendship with Akira, a boy who shares his passion for astronautics. While both are child prodigies, Akira does well in private school but Ken rebels against structured education. The unlikely duo draws together a small group of rocketeers, meeting in the shop behind Ken's house.
A tragic event at eight years of age haunts Ken through his growing-up years and shapes his destiny. As fate would have it, the girl at the center of the traumatic experience joins Ken's rocket club, unaware of their shared history. Will Ken tell Dawn that he is the boy she seeks?
As the group reaches their teen years, their rocket designs start pushing legal boundaries, culminating in an event that puts them in the crosshairs of an FBI investigator. To protect his friends and seek refuge from his past, Ken devises an escape plan that confounds the authorities and the world.
˃˃˃ Lost Coast Rocket is Book 1 in the Mare Tranquillitatis Series
The adventures continue in Hatching the Phoenix Egg and underlying mysteries are resolved.

October 30, 2016 - I got a few days behind last weekend.
I have been listening to the companion commentary online for the past few days to get caught up.
I am enjoying reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church.

I posted only two reviews which puts me with two past and two new for the coming week.

I am still requesting audio titles as I can always squeeze listening in!
I have been lining up Sci Fi titles for November. Here are a few of the ones I plan to read:
Trajectory Book 1 (New Providence) by Robert M. Campbell from Sci Fi Explorations in September 2016
Lost Coast Rocket (Mare Tranquillitatis Series Book 1) by Joel Horn from the author in October 2016
AOB (Return to Earth) by Bria Burton - met author at FWA in October
NetGalley titles:
The Wrong Unit: A Novel by Rob Dircks
Toru: Wayfarer Returns by Stephanie R. Sorensen
The Invisible City by Brian K. Lowe
The Circuit by Rhett C. Bruno
The Reader by MK Harkins
Free Space by Sean Danker
PLUS Some choices from my own TBR shelves:
The Terminals: Spark by Michael F. Stewart (Book win 5/2014)
Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles Book 1) by Marissa Meyer (Feb 2014)
First Colony (Citadel Book 1) by Kevin Tumlinson (Sept 2015) Sci Fi, Steampunk, Military
Galaxy of Heroes by Gus Flory (10/2014) Space Opera
Hero (Epic Book 3) by Stephen Lee (6/2015)
Audible:
Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4 by Larry Correia (Nov 2015)
The Synchronicity War Part 1 by Dietmar Wehr (2014)
Eye of the Storm: Legacy of the Aldenata (2012)
Invincible: The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier, Book 2 by Jack Campbell (1/13)
Spider's Bite: Elemental Assassin, Book 1 (9/2012)

We continue to add upcoming releases at eTreasure's NetGalley page.
This week the release is Toltec Khan, Book 2 Toltec Khan Trilogy.

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 still have new review requests to consider.
I picked up/passed out a print book to read for Ladies Book Club December meeting.
I resisted purchasing anything although I eyed a few Audibles this week.
I picked up the usual healthy number of free kindle titles -- Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I picked up this title for our Ladies Book Club Nov-December reading:

The Sound of Sleigh Bells: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country
by Cindy Woodsmall

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

I again added 51 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.