Lance Erlick Guest Post, Book Spotlight and Tour Giveaway

Please see my review post HERE.

AUTHOR GUEST POST:

INTERVIEW WITH ELENA PYETROV
Where are you from? Tell us a little about your family.

My parents were very much the odd couple. My mom was Navajo. My father immigrated to the United States as a boy from Eastern Europe. They met in college and fell in love, which caused my mother’s family to disown her. In return, she turned her back on her culture, depriving me of my heritage, though to be honest, I was more interested as a child in my father’s stories about space. After winning my mom’s hand in marriage, my father was accepted to the astronaut program, which involved us moving and him being absent in training or on missions. He finally got what he really wanted, a trip out to Jupiter to explore. That’s where he disappeared, eighteen years ago. His ship vanished with no further communication.

How did that make you feel?

His mission caused him to miss my sixteenth birthday, for which I cursed him. Then my brother Leo committed suicide and my mom died shortly afterwards of a broken heart. I was full of anger over my father abandoning us. Yet somehow he’d gotten under my skin to the point I had to go into space myself, to see what he saw. I guess on some level I thought it would bring me closure and help me move past looking up to him and then losing him. We didn’t even have a body to bury. Now I’m left with regrets that I’d run off his last night on Earth. I wanted to punish him and ended up punishing myself.

Is that why you’re so obsessed, some would say, to venture out to Jupiter?

Obsessed? I’ve heard that many times from those who don’t think we should explore. My father and I used to play this game about first contact with an alien species. How would we be able to communicate? What would be our basis for working together cooperatively as opposed to how humans often react with suspicion when confronted with strangers? Actually, my goal is Europa, the water moon of Jupiter. We’ve speculated for some time that there could be life or the precursors of life beneath or even in the ice sheets. Even if what we find is a primitive life form, it would be a giant step toward exploring the questions my father used to ask. Humans are a curious species. We have a need to know. I certainly do, and not just because of my dad. He opened worlds for me to explore. What really is out there and what can we learn from what we find?

So what did you find on your journey to the outer solar system?

I wouldn’t want to give away too much of the story, but let’s just say we didn’t land where I expected, we didn’t find what we were looking for, but it was vitally important that we found what we did before it was too late for the human race.

Xenogeneic: First Contact
by Lance Erlick

Book Description:
Xenogeneic is a science fiction thriller about first contact with an alien race that lost their civil war and wants to take over Earth.

Dr. Elena Pyetrov’s father vanished in space 18 years ago while searching for extraterrestrial life. As an aerospace engineer, Elena travels into space to search for answers and continue his work. Her ship is pulled off course and crashes. She suspects extraterrestrial interference.

The alien Knoonk lost their civil war in a distant star system and fled to Earth’s neighborhood to hide and regroup. They seek a new home—Earth. Unable to live in Earth’s toxic environment, the aliens kidnap and use humans to genetically modify their species to adapt.

Surviving the crash, Elena and her shipmates are transported to a closed cave system where the Knoonk monitor and control everything. Elena tries to make a connection with her hosts and find ways to work together, but Knoonk leaders rebuff her and force the humans to submit as slaves. The aliens use illusions, distractions, and social experiments to learn from their hostages and keep them off balance. Resistance by captive humans brings swift punishment to break the human spirit.

While Elena continues to look for ways to cooperate with the Knoonk, it becomes apparent that there can be no compromise. The Knoonk want to capture Earth for their species. It is winner take all. With time running out, Elena must dig deep to uncover the alien plan and find a way to stop them before the human race faces enslavement and extinction.

Buy the Book:  Amazon  ~  Add to Goodreads

Author's Bio:

Lance Erlick writes science fiction thrillers for young adult and adult readers. He is the author of The Rebel Within, The Rebel Trap, and Rebels Divided, three books in the Rebel series. In those stories, he explores the consequences of Annabelle Scott following her conscience. He authored the Regina Shen series--Resilience, Vigilance, Defiance, and Endurance. This series takes place after abrupt climate change leads to the Great Collapse and a new society under the World Federation. His latest novel is Xenogeneic: First Contactabout encounters with an alien race aiming to take over Earth.

Connect with the Author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Pinterest 

Tour Participation Available HERE.

Giveaway:​

Win a copy of Xenogeneic: First Contact. One person will also receive a $25 Amazon gift card (print open to USA and ebook for int’l) 2 winners total
Ends April 15
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Audio Book Review: The Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk

This is a fascinating dystopian with strong characters and plot.

The Fifth Sacred Thing
Written by: Starhawk
Narrated by: Maya Lilly

Length: 21 hrs and 52 mins
Release Date:08-29-16
Publisher: Maya Lilly
Genre: Sci Fi, Dystopian, Environmentalism
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
One act of courage can change the world.
The year is 2048. Climate change and bio-warfare have ravaged much of the Earth, and societal meltdown has splintered the US into fragments. But out of the ruins, Northern California has built a thriving culture based on respect for the four sacred things: air, fire, water and earth.
The Fifth Sacred Thing is an epic tale of freedom and slavery, love and war, and the potential futures of humankind. It tells of a 21st century California clan caught between two clashing worlds: one based on tolerance, the other on repression. It is both a love story between two people and a war story between two opposing ideals.
©1993, 1994 Miriam Simos (P)2016 Miriam Simos

Review:
Madron is a young healer who lives in a future San Francisco that has become an isolated, utopian society in a broken world. Madron lives with her friends and lovers in a multifamily home. Their matriarchal head is Maya, who is nearing 100 years. Maya is of Native American ancestry and has shared her history and stories of the past. She is one of the elders who choose to pattern their community on peace and respect.

Their community thrives as they care for and share the four sacred things: air, fire, water and earth. The people all share in the work; there is no racial division, no crime and no poverty. Some have more than others – not much – but all have enough. No one goes hungry or in need as friends and neighbors help whenever a need exists.

But the communities beyond them are a threat to their way of life. Maya’s grandson, Bird, who was Madron’s first love, left the community at age 19. He and several others determined they must stop the power plant that was leaking radiation and poisoning the lands. It has been ten years since anyone has had word about that group of young rebels. Madron moved on to other lovers but Maya is convinced that Bird is still alive. Madron and others use special “witch” or magic powers in their healing arts. Madron is battling a new virus in the city that she believes was introduced by their enemy neighbors, the Stewards.

The Stewards are the corporation communities who have taken over surrounding cities. The Stewards are controlled by the few wealthy elites who use everyone else in a slave society. They subject women to breeding pens where the children are removed to be raised, trained and mind conditioned for the Steward’s army.

The author moves from Maya and Modron to Bird’s dire situation in prison. Another prisoner helps to shake Bird from his drug induced memory loss. They escape and Bird meets other resisters as he makes his way back home. People are thrilled at his return but are soon distressed by his news that the Steward Army will soon be coming to take over their city. The city council, with a voice for everyone, must decide if they will arm themselves for the fight or find another way to face the enemy.

The author created a fascinating future world with divided communities showing a spectrum from the best situation of sharing to the worst, brutally and chemically controlled polarized situation. In between there are pockets of struggling rebels and “monsters” (disfigured outcasts).

Soon after I began listening, I knew that this story presented a world that I might not be totally comfortable with. Although I believe in spiritual healing, I do not tie that into magic and mysticism. Maya and Modron’s family relationships are very near a ‘coven’ though not necessarily declared “witches”. Their free spirited, sexual openness contrasts sharply with the other communities which are portrayed as sexist, racist and repressive.

It is interesting that this was written back in the 1990s. The writing flows as the author portrays the situations and characters with rich detail. Starhawk created very engaging characters and plausible situations based on our society’s divisions. I wanted to follow the characters struggles to see how they faced the greatest challenge. I loved their special defenses and am glad that I selected this book to review.

Audio Notes: Maya Lilly does a superb job with the narration. The voices are varied with the characters and she even sings beautifully, sharing and enhancing the characters. The narration enriched this story and I highly recommend listening to this unique story.

I received this audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.

This is a good video, from the author’s website, that gives a synopsis of the story:

Sunday Post March 26, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 27, 2017.

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.

This was another rather crazy week but worked pretty good. I have some good file work going on..
We had rain today but we are expected 80 degree days this week.
I just keep praying for the many areas of distress in the states and around the world.

Reading was enjoyable as I finished four titles (only one on review deadline). I finished one ebooks and one audio for review and two audios from TBR. I posted two reviews plus I posted all of my usual memes.

I continue to enjoy my brief blog visiting to 25+ blogs again last week.
Blog shout out: This is a blog acquaintance of several years - she does a book review everyday! PussReboots.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post March 19, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 21, 2017.

• ET (Partners in Crime)- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Cat in the Flock (Dreamslippers Book 1) by Lisa Brunette; Mystery, Paranormal; my rating 4.25. Giveaway $15.00 GC, ending 4/2/17.

• Book Feature and Tour Giveaway: Ashes by Steven Manchester. Giveaway Copies of book, ending 4/23/17.

• ET (Providence Book Promotions)- Book Review: Ashes by Steven Manchester; Fiction, Family Drama; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 24, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/30/2017.

• Sharing Beyond Books #296 Comment Giveaway March 25, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 4/1/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 26, 2017.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (Providence Book Promotions)

Ashes
by Steven Manchester
This is well done, interesting family drama.
I received this from Providence Book Promotions.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio (ABJ)

The Fifth Sacred Thing
Written by: Starhawk
Narrated by: Maya Lilly
This is a fascinating story.
I received this audio book from the publisher
through Audiobook Jukebox
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio (TBR)

Excerpts from The Encyclopaedia Britannica: A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature and General Information, Eleventh Edition
Written by: Various
Narrated by: full cast
This was a fun, quick listen from my Audible TBR shelves (2016).
Publisher's Summary
Prepare yourself for the ultimate multicast performance. We've gathered many of Audible's most popular narrators to bring to life some of the most extraordinary words ever written. 19 words, in fact, carefully selected and arranged alphabetically as in their original source: the 11th edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica. We created this enlightening journey from AUDIENCE to LITERATURE because you asked for it. You said you could listen to your favorite narrators read the phone book, bookcase assembly instructions, or a restaurant menu. With this production we've proven that a truly talented narrator can, in fact, take any work and make it extraordinary. Enjoy!

4. Audio (TBR)

We Like You so Much and Want to Know You Better
Written by: Dave Eggers
Narrated by: Dion Graham
This is an engaging brief introduction to The Circle. from my Audible TBR shelves (2013).
Publisher's Summary
A million people, a billion, wanted to be where Mae was at this moment, entering this atrium, 30 feet high and shot through with California light, on her first day working for the only company that really mattered at all.
A story from The New York Times Magazine, adapted from The Circle, a new novel by Dave Eggers.
Listen to the rest of The Circle and listen to more from The New York Times.
©2013 The New York Times Company (P)2013 The New York Times Company

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

Xenogeneic: First Contact
by Lance Erlick
This jumps into action and danger.
Reviewing for iReads Book Tours with Author Guest Post on March 30, 2017.
Xenogeneic: First Contact is a science fiction thriller about first contact with an alien race that lost their civil war and wants to take over Earth.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio (ABJ)

The Hollow Hills: The Arthurian Saga, Book 2
Written by: Mary Stewart
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
This is a book I read back in the 70s! 
I am loving the audio so far.
I received this audio book from the publisher
through Audiobook Jukebox
Publisher's Summary
The spellbinding, suspenseful story of how Merlin, the Enchanter, helped Arthur become the king of all Britain - a magnificent novel set in a time when no life is safe, no law stable.
Keeping watch over the young Arthur Pendragon, the prince and prophet Merlin Ambrosius is haunted by dreams of the magical sword Caliburn, which has been hidden for centuries. When Uther Pendragon is killed in battle, the time of destiny is at hand, and Arthur must claim the fabled sword to become the true High King of Britain.
The prophetic voice of Merlin communicates not only the bristling atmosphere of the story's ancient setting, but also its profound relevance to our own time. Once again, as she did in her best-selling The Crystal Cave, Mary Stewart provides a glowing recreation of pre-Camelot England.
©2016 Mary Stewart (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Codename Lazarus: The Spy Who Came Back From The Dead
by A.P. Martin
This looks like a good spy story.
I received this through NetGalley.
Spring 1938 and Great Britain is facing potentially lethal threats: the looming war with Germany; the fear that her Secret Service has been penetrated by Nazi agents and the existence of hundreds of British citizens, who are keen to pass information to her enemies.
John King, a young academic, is approached by his Oxbridge mentor to participate in a stunning deception that would frustrate Britain’s enemies. As King struggles to come to terms with the demands of his mission, he must learn to survive in a dangerous and lonely ‘no man's land’, whilst remaining one step ahead of those in hot pursuit.
Adapted from a true story, ‘Codename Lazarus’ takes the reader on a journey from the dark heart of Hitler’s Germany, across the snowy peaks of Switzerland to the horrors of Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain and the London Blitz, before reaching a thrilling and decisive conclusion, from which none of those present emerges unscathed.

March 26, 2017 - I am up to date with the One Year Bible; reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

I completed four new books and posted two reviews; this will mean I have three reviews for this week plus the scheduled tour review.
I have 14 NetGalley Titles remaining and 10+ author titles in my queue.

We're working on a new poetry collection that should be on NetGalley this week. eTreasure's NetGalley page.

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 (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I didn't receive any review books this week.
I did purchase two Audible daily deals.
I didn't purchase any ebooks again this week!
I picked up a good number of free kindle titles again. (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

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

I bought two Daily Deals at Audible:

• The Life She Wants
• By: Robyn Carr
• Narrator: Therese Plummer
• Duration: 11 hrs and 26 mins
(Daily Deal $3.95) I figured this was worth the price for a reliable author/narrator team.



• Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book: The Mowgli Stories
• By: Rudyard Kipling
• Narrator: Bill Bailey , Richard E. Grant , Colin Salmon , Tim McInnerny , Bernard Cribbins , Celia Imrie , Martin Shaw
• Duration: 2 hrs and 32 mins
(Daily Deal $.99) I thought this would be good to share with the grandchildren.

Free

I added only 58 free Kindle titles to my library this week. 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 March 26, 2017

An elder brother, retired pastor, spoke to us again in Sunday School. Although he noted the distress in the world today, he encouraged us to be like Paul, pressing on toward the goal for the prize. Philippians 3:13-14. He inspired us by his resolute faith in God’s control of affairs.

Pastor continued the DNA Who We Are series.
Recapping:
Week 1. We must always be advancing the Gospel to win the world to Christ.
Week 2: We must have discipleship with movement that leads to greater commitment and life change.
This week- 3: We must have fellowship that builds belonging.

When we face new settings we often feel like strangers. Everyone else knows each other, but you are the stranger. The existing group has a closeness accompanied by openness. We want that family feel. A strong church will have a fellowship culture that is accepting; not a culture that judges spirituality.

Fellowship is defined: The communion or common faith, experiences and expressions shared by the family of believers, as well as the intimate relationship they have with God.

The church community needs time to meet face to face. There, fellowship can build trust; build belonging. Believers are all one in Christ. Galatians 3:26-29.

Fellowship breaks down the walls that our culture has put up. Shared faith in Christ breaks down those walls. There is only one significant barrier that remains - shared faith. Jesus came to divide- believers and unbelievers. We share the joy of fellowship. 1 John 1:3-7.

Point: Fellowship builds belonging. Belonging built on faith in Jesus and relationship within the church.

Fellowship is not an event, like a potluck supper, but a way of life. It should be revealed in the lives of believers. 2 Corinthians 3:2. It should result in “hearts tender and compassionate” as we live in Unity. Philippians 2:1-4.

Fellowship is intentional. Trust requires mutual vulnerability. Healthy churches have a commitment to fellowship. This is part of body ministry. A Church that welcomes and unifies family, not allowing division.

This is an old favorite song which I think fits what the church legacy should be

 – And fits the SS and Sermon messages.

Verses for Today:
Philippians 2:1-4 NLT
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Lord, help me to be committed to fellowship, sharing your love to further your kingdom.

Sharing Beyond Books #296 Comment Giveaway March 25, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Ten of us like or expect to see some growth in the characters of the stories we read. The others feel it depends or don't look for much growth as the characters are defined by a set time and set role.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #295 comments is: #8 Mystica who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated **Old (and soon to be updated) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: AARGH - another crazy week, helping with my son's project and forgetting to pull books for new lists. I have to put it on my calendar or it won't happen. Guess I got lucky another international winner was picked this week.
Thanks for being patient with me!
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #296

(One Question.)

Rosebud asks: Books by what author are instant buys for you??

I used to have instant buys and authors whose books I would hunt down for my collections. Not so much anymore but I can think of several that fit this category sort of -- it isn't quite instant - I wait till my Audible credits renew if I have too: New books in the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs; the Destroyermen Series by Taylor Anderson; the Monster Hunter International series by Larry Correia; S.K. Dunstall (currently reading the Confluence series) and old time favorite Mary Balogh.

Image found at Race and Technology.

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.
Questions for March were contributed by: Marjorie, Elizabeth, Becky and Rosebud. Random.org chose 1 so Marjorie gets a GC.

Your turn to share: Rosebud asks: Books by what author are instant buys for you??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. 2-4-17: I FINALLY have some new "Love" and Christmas titles! I hope to get the picture posted later this week.

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 April 1, 2017 at 5 PM central.