Thursday, November 24, 2016
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4 by Larry Correia
This is fun series with lots of monsters and hunters.
Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4
Written by: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
Length: 16 hrs and 35 mins
Series: Monster Hunter, Book 4
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-04-12
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Paranormal, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Publisher's Summary
Monster Hunter International might be the premier monster eradication company in the business, but they’ve got competition.
When hunters from around the world gather in Las Vegas for a conference, a creature left over from a World War Two weapons experiment wakes up and goes on a rampage across the desert. A not-so-friendly wager between the rival companies turns into a race to see who can bag the mysterious creature first. Only there is far more to this particular case than meets the eye, and as Hunters fall prey to their worst nightmares, Owen Zastava Pitt and the staff of Monster Hunter International have to stop an ancient god from turning Sin City into a literal hell on earth.
©2012 Larry Correia (P)2012 Audible, Inc.
Review:
Owen “Big Z” Pitt, Earl Harbinger, Julie, Milo, Holly, Trip, Skippy the orc and more of the Monster Hunter International (MHI) crew are in Las Vegas for the first International Conference of Monster Hunting Professionals. There are teams of hunters from all over the world and at first there is a sense of competition, especially from some of the newer, upstart companies. Earl and the team suspect that there is increased monster activity and they begin to circulate to see what they can find out from other teams. As they begin to share notes Earl and Julie meet with other teams to negotiate a new era of sharing information.
The hunters are interrupted by an invitation to a special meeting where they are given an assignment with a huge puff bounty to the first team to eliminate the threat. The assignment comes from a secret government official who is no friend of Earl’s. The teams are off and running for the competition. Earl isn’t so quick to rush off as he doesn’t trust the official and is angry that the man has control over Earl’s girlfriend for another year.
Z and his team get to the monster site by means of Skippy’s patched up helicopter. Still they are second behind the German team so they only get the assist in a rather easy kill. But a few clues indicate that something isn’t quite as it seems. Everyone returns to the hotel to party and rest but Julie is awakened by misgivings in the middle of the night. They step down the hall to screams and an alternate dimension of monsters. Now the true battle begins against a secret weapon from WWII who is seeking revenge and power.
The upstart Paranormal Tactical group make for fun teasing and trouble to kick off the action. I liked the new ally Z meets as well as all the old friends. Mordacai and other characters from earlier books make appearances trying to help Z. Even Z’s brother, Mosh, gets recruited to help save the world…again. I like the growth shown in the characters – Z still gets in trouble but he is trying to be more responsible. And he is taking his role as “the Chosen” more seriously.
This series is so much fun. There are a variety of monsters and of course the usual impressive armament. There are several good twists and details in this episode which continues to build to the threatened big war. The book does have some rough language but it zips by in the action moments. I recommend this to readers who like monsters and want a fun series.
Audio Notes: Oliver Wyman does a fabulous job with the character voices from men, women, orcs, and monster creatures. I have listened to the four books so far and will definitely continue with the audible versions.
By the way - The first book in the series is available for free at Kindle!
Monster Hunter International (Monster Hunters International Book 1)
Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4
Written by: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
Length: 16 hrs and 35 mins
Series: Monster Hunter, Book 4
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-04-12
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Paranormal, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Publisher's Summary
Monster Hunter International might be the premier monster eradication company in the business, but they’ve got competition.
When hunters from around the world gather in Las Vegas for a conference, a creature left over from a World War Two weapons experiment wakes up and goes on a rampage across the desert. A not-so-friendly wager between the rival companies turns into a race to see who can bag the mysterious creature first. Only there is far more to this particular case than meets the eye, and as Hunters fall prey to their worst nightmares, Owen Zastava Pitt and the staff of Monster Hunter International have to stop an ancient god from turning Sin City into a literal hell on earth.
©2012 Larry Correia (P)2012 Audible, Inc.
Review:
Owen “Big Z” Pitt, Earl Harbinger, Julie, Milo, Holly, Trip, Skippy the orc and more of the Monster Hunter International (MHI) crew are in Las Vegas for the first International Conference of Monster Hunting Professionals. There are teams of hunters from all over the world and at first there is a sense of competition, especially from some of the newer, upstart companies. Earl and the team suspect that there is increased monster activity and they begin to circulate to see what they can find out from other teams. As they begin to share notes Earl and Julie meet with other teams to negotiate a new era of sharing information.
The hunters are interrupted by an invitation to a special meeting where they are given an assignment with a huge puff bounty to the first team to eliminate the threat. The assignment comes from a secret government official who is no friend of Earl’s. The teams are off and running for the competition. Earl isn’t so quick to rush off as he doesn’t trust the official and is angry that the man has control over Earl’s girlfriend for another year.
Z and his team get to the monster site by means of Skippy’s patched up helicopter. Still they are second behind the German team so they only get the assist in a rather easy kill. But a few clues indicate that something isn’t quite as it seems. Everyone returns to the hotel to party and rest but Julie is awakened by misgivings in the middle of the night. They step down the hall to screams and an alternate dimension of monsters. Now the true battle begins against a secret weapon from WWII who is seeking revenge and power.
The upstart Paranormal Tactical group make for fun teasing and trouble to kick off the action. I liked the new ally Z meets as well as all the old friends. Mordacai and other characters from earlier books make appearances trying to help Z. Even Z’s brother, Mosh, gets recruited to help save the world…again. I like the growth shown in the characters – Z still gets in trouble but he is trying to be more responsible. And he is taking his role as “the Chosen” more seriously.
This series is so much fun. There are a variety of monsters and of course the usual impressive armament. There are several good twists and details in this episode which continues to build to the threatened big war. The book does have some rough language but it zips by in the action moments. I recommend this to readers who like monsters and want a fun series.
Audio Notes: Oliver Wyman does a fabulous job with the character voices from men, women, orcs, and monster creatures. I have listened to the four books so far and will definitely continue with the audible versions.
By the way - The first book in the series is available for free at Kindle!
Monster Hunter International (Monster Hunters International Book 1)
This was in my TBR and saved for Sci Fi month. It qualifies for Mount TBR, Audio Challenge and M in Alphabet Challenge.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Sunday Post November 20, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 21, 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.
My trial this past week went well although we don't have the judge's ruling yet. The testimony was good so now it rests on application of the law. The rest of the week was a push as I was preparing to go on vacation! I got much done but ended up bringing a handful of items with me too.
We have driven north in the RV and the weather is colder! Two nights below freezing so far. We are bundling in layered clothes and thankful for heating blankets. It is worth it to visit our son, daughter-in-law, SweetPea and the twins for Thanksgiving.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to those celebrating this week!
Reading has moved along okay with a little extra time on the road. I finished one audiobook and one ebook but am well into the next two. I posted two reviews the usual memes.
I had a good time visiting other bloggers early in the week week.
This week I share the link to Mailbox Monday.
It is in the lower portion of my post each week but I want to encourage bloggers to check it out and visit other bloggers linked there. In addition to hosting the Monday links the three hosts also share their book picks each Wednesday which I find interesting.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.
These were last week's posts:
- Sharing 30 Days of Gratitude. I'm keeping this linked as I add to it each morning/day!]
- Audio Book Review: Five Minutes Alone by Paul Cleave; Crime Thriller, Suspense; my rating 4.5.
- Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 18, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/24/2016.
- Book Review: Trajectory Book 1 (New Providence) by Robert M. Campbell #RRSciFiMonth; Sci Fi, Space Mystery; my rating 4.25.
- Sharing Beyond Books #279 Comment Giveaway November 19, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ends 11/26/2016.
Finished Reading:
1. Audible (TBR)
Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4
Written by: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
I do enjoy listening to this fun sci fi series. :-)
Click on book title for full description.
2. eBook/Kindle (Author)
Lost Coast Rocket (Mare Tranquillitatis Series Book 1)
by Joel Horn
I enjoyed this fun YA, sci fi story.
I received this from the author.
Click on book title for full description.
Lost Coast Rocket (Mare Tranquillitatis Series Book 1)
by Joel Horn
I enjoyed this fun YA, sci fi story.
I received this from the author.
Click on book title for full description.
Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NetGalley)
The Reader
by MK Harkins
I am 40% in on this story. It is well written to create a rather intense suspense.
I received this from the publisher through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.
2. Audio (Audiobook Jukebox)
Only Ever You
Written by: Rebecca Drake
Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky
I am three discs in and the suspense is building.
I received the audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Description
Three-year-old Sophia Lassiter disappears at the playground only to return after 40 frantic minutes-- but her mother Jill's relief is short lived. Jill is convinced the tiny dots on her daughter's arm are puncture marks. When doctors find no trace of drugs in her system, Jill accepts she won't ever know what happened during her daughter's absence and is simply grateful to have her home safely. Except Sophia isn't safe. Three months later, she disappears again. This time from her bed at home, in the night. Working with the police and the community, Jill and her husband David are desperate to bring their little girl home. They remain hopeful---until information turns up suggesting their daughter was murdered, causing the police to turn their suspicions on the parents. Facing ugly family secrets and heart-rending evidence, Jill is still convinced her daughter is alive. But when the dragnet begins to close around them, Jill realizes the worst: if the police believe she has killed her daughter, that means they aren't out there looking for the real perpetrator. They aren't hunting for Sophie or the person who still has her.
Only Ever You
Written by: Rebecca Drake
Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky
I am three discs in and the suspense is building.
I received the audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.
Description
Three-year-old Sophia Lassiter disappears at the playground only to return after 40 frantic minutes-- but her mother Jill's relief is short lived. Jill is convinced the tiny dots on her daughter's arm are puncture marks. When doctors find no trace of drugs in her system, Jill accepts she won't ever know what happened during her daughter's absence and is simply grateful to have her home safely. Except Sophia isn't safe. Three months later, she disappears again. This time from her bed at home, in the night. Working with the police and the community, Jill and her husband David are desperate to bring their little girl home. They remain hopeful---until information turns up suggesting their daughter was murdered, causing the police to turn their suspicions on the parents. Facing ugly family secrets and heart-rending evidence, Jill is still convinced her daughter is alive. But when the dragnet begins to close around them, Jill realizes the worst: if the police believe she has killed her daughter, that means they aren't out there looking for the real perpetrator. They aren't hunting for Sophie or the person who still has her.
3. eBook/Kindle (NetGalley)
The Wrong Unit: A Novel
by Rob Dircks
I'm looking forward to reading this sci fi.
I received this from the publisher through NetGalley.
I DON’T KNOW WHAT THE HUMANS ARE SO CRANKY ABOUT. Their enclosures are large, they ingest over a thousand calories per day, and they’re allowed to mate. Plus, they have me.
An Autonomous Servile Unit, housed in a mobile/bipedal chassis. I do my job well: keep the humans healthy and happy.
“Hey you.”
Heyoo. That’s my name, I suppose. It’s easier for the humans to remember than 413s98-itr8. I guess I’ve gotten used to it.
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 am still requesting audio titles as I can always squeeze listening in!
I have lined up Sci Fi titles for November. Here are a few of the ones I plan to read:
At the rate I am reading I will be lucky to get through the NetGalley titles.
AOB (Return to Earth) by Bria Burton - met author at FWA in October
NetGalley titles:
Toru: Wayfarer Returns by Stephanie R. Sorensen
The Invisible City by Brian K. Lowe
The Circuit by Rhett C. Bruno
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:
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)
Still working on adding new release title at eTreasure's NetGalley page this week,
and also working on some Kindle and print releases.
Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
I still have new review requests to consider.
I selected my two October Audible titles and picked up a daily deal.
I was tempted but resisted Kindle titles this week.
And, of course, 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 Title
NONE
Won
NONE
Purchased
I picked up two Audibles with credits and one daily deal for $3.95:
The Ghost Brigades
by John Scalzi
Loved the first book so I am lining this up for a 2017 listen.
by Nathan Lowell
This looked like another good sci fi (and it starts with a "Q" for Alphabet Challenge 2017).
This looked like another good sci fi (and it starts with a "Q" for Alphabet Challenge 2017).
In the Country We Love: My Family Divided&
by Diane Guerrero, Michelle Burford
This was a daily deal and it seemed appropriate to read to understand better this timely dilemma (illegal aliens) for my country.
Free
I added another 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.
Sunday Words of Encouragement November 20, 2016
Several weeks ago our Sunday School teacher shared from a study by Pastor Andy Stanley titled The Sinai Code. He explained that God gave His people the ten commandments not so they could earn acceptance, but as evidence that a relationship already existed and as confirmation of their acceptance. The ‘rules’ are to show man how to live every day in relationship. These were instructions to those who were already in the family: His people. How to live-- not for His sake-- but for theirs (ours).
The first four of the ten commandments are relationship to God. ‘You shall have no other God’s but me’. Recognize only the one, your God, and seek your God for all your needs. Next: make no idols; do not take His name in vain; honor the day of rest so you can remember ‘who provides for you’.
All the components center around God.
All people are valuable in His image. Everyone you come into contact is valuable. Treat them right. This was/is totally different from a caste society. Without God, there is only law set by rulers over the people. There was not to be a king because with a king there is oppression and a class system.
There was no country that was without a king leader until 1776. The United States established a government with no king. It was established as a nation of law. The problem is that when man makes laws, man feels empowered to break it. Even those in power feel they can break rules. When the law is God given, then we can choose to be law keepers.
The value of the ten commandments is not so much the rules but the acknowledgment of law giver, the Almighty. We have a conscious in our nation that makes us object to oppression in other nations too.
The fifth commandment is the first that comes with a promise. Honor your father and mother so you may live long. Once man grows and becomes successful they would tend to grasp at new values and abandon old. As the family goes, so goes the nation. The final five address how to behave toward others. Thou shall not murder, commit adultery, lie, steal or covet. In other words: Honor everyone around you. We are accountable to God for what you do, accountable for what you think. God isn’t trying to make you (us) good. He is trying to keep you (us) free!
God wanted a sin free nation. Exodus 20:20 states that ‘the fear of God is to keep you from sinning’. This was all new to the nation of Israel. We see examples in our generation of the failure to keep God in the center of our lives.
The study series is available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgFW4BwhyaQ.
This song came to mind as a fitting song to go with this message! You are God Alone!
Verses for Today:
Exodus 20: 1-3 (NIV)
And God spoke all these words:
2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
3 “You shall have no other gods before me.
Again, Lord Father God, I thank you for adopting me into Your family. Help me to always keep You first and at the center of my life.
The first four of the ten commandments are relationship to God. ‘You shall have no other God’s but me’. Recognize only the one, your God, and seek your God for all your needs. Next: make no idols; do not take His name in vain; honor the day of rest so you can remember ‘who provides for you’.
All the components center around God.
All people are valuable in His image. Everyone you come into contact is valuable. Treat them right. This was/is totally different from a caste society. Without God, there is only law set by rulers over the people. There was not to be a king because with a king there is oppression and a class system.
There was no country that was without a king leader until 1776. The United States established a government with no king. It was established as a nation of law. The problem is that when man makes laws, man feels empowered to break it. Even those in power feel they can break rules. When the law is God given, then we can choose to be law keepers.
The value of the ten commandments is not so much the rules but the acknowledgment of law giver, the Almighty. We have a conscious in our nation that makes us object to oppression in other nations too.
The fifth commandment is the first that comes with a promise. Honor your father and mother so you may live long. Once man grows and becomes successful they would tend to grasp at new values and abandon old. As the family goes, so goes the nation. The final five address how to behave toward others. Thou shall not murder, commit adultery, lie, steal or covet. In other words: Honor everyone around you. We are accountable to God for what you do, accountable for what you think. God isn’t trying to make you (us) good. He is trying to keep you (us) free!
God wanted a sin free nation. Exodus 20:20 states that ‘the fear of God is to keep you from sinning’. This was all new to the nation of Israel. We see examples in our generation of the failure to keep God in the center of our lives.
The study series is available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgFW4BwhyaQ.
This song came to mind as a fitting song to go with this message! You are God Alone!
Exodus 20: 1-3 (NIV)
And God spoke all these words:
2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
3 “You shall have no other gods before me.
Again, Lord Father God, I thank you for adopting me into Your family. Help me to always keep You first and at the center of my life.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Sharing Beyond Books #279 Comment Giveaway Novmeber 19, 2016
Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Eight commenters agree that their favorite leftover from turkey is turkey sandwiches. Four of our blog friends do not eat turkey - it is not readily available in many countries. Two people love to use leftovers in soup and others like turkey casserole and turkey hash (which sounds good - I plan to suggest that to my hubby).
The Winner from SBB #278 comments is: #5 Janhvi 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.
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: Nikki asks: Do you like reading recaps (of the previous book) in sequels? Love them/hate them? Or do you think that's just the author trying to make the book seem longer/thicker??
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 November 26, 2016 at 5 PM central.
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Eight commenters agree that their favorite leftover from turkey is turkey sandwiches. Four of our blog friends do not eat turkey - it is not readily available in many countries. Two people love to use leftovers in soup and others like turkey casserole and turkey hash (which sounds good - I plan to suggest that to my hubby).
~~~~~
The Winner from SBB #278 comments is: #5 Janhvi 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 #279
(One Question.)
Nikki asks: Do you like reading recaps (of the previous book) in sequels? Love them/hate them? Or do you think that's just the author trying to make the book seem longer/thicker??I can't think of any off the top of my head where the 'recap' felt like filler to make the book longer. Generally I like a little backstory because, even if I have read the prior books, there is likely to be a gap of time before I get to the sequel. Then the recap helps me recall the story aspects.
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: Nikki asks: Do you like reading recaps (of the previous book) in sequels? Love them/hate them? Or do you think that's just the author trying to make the book seem longer/thicker??
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 November 26, 2016 at 5 PM central.
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