Audible Book Review: Ubik by Philip K. Dick

I enjoyed this suitably ironic Vintage Sci Fi.

Ubik
By: Philip K. Dick
Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 04-28-16
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Classic, Sci Fi, Vintage
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
A mind-bending, classic Philip K. Dick novel about the perception of reality.
Named as one of Time's 100 best books.
Glen Runciter runs a lucrative business - deploying his teams of anti-psychics to corporate clients who want privacy and security from psychic spies. But when he and his top team are ambushed by a rival, he is gravely injured and placed in "half-life," a dreamlike state of suspended animation. Soon, though, the surviving members of the team begin experiencing some strange phenomena, such as Runciter's face appearing on coins and the world seeming to move backward in time. As consumables deteriorate and technology gets ever more primitive, the group needs to find out what is causing the shifts and what a mysterious product called Ubik has to do with it all.
©1969 Philip K. Dick (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Joe Chip is sort of an everyday guy who works a special job for Glen Runciter’s security business. Joe operates the test systems to determine the level of skills of anti-psychics who are hired by Runciter’s firm. Joe has brought a new employee to be hired who has a unique but dangerous skill.

In the world where Runciter and Chip live, people can be put into a suspended “half-life” right before they die. Runciter’s wife and partner, Ella, is in such a state. Runciter meets with Ella to get her advice when troubles arise, like facing the challenge of a rival company.

The rival manages an ambush against the team that puts Runciter into “half-life” and leaves the team in shock. Soon members of the team begin to die and the world around them twists with Joe seeing strange messages that seem to be coming from Runciter and in a product called Ubik. It isn’t clear what the product is as it changes from one chapter to the next, but it is always described as “safe when used as directed”.

Joe realizes that the team members are dying when they become separated. He does his best to pull them together but the world around them is deteriorating and the means of travel are retrograding from teleporting to planes to trains to automobiles. This makes it more difficult to keep the group together while they try to decipher the clues.

I enjoyed the rather crazy events, the clues and twists. It can be confusing but if you stick with it the twists become understandable and the ending pulled together. This is the type of futuristic, sci fi irony I have learned to enjoy in the vintage stories. I recommend this to sci fi fans.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels does a fine job with the voices managing the various nuances of the characters. He captures the sardonic irony of the story. I am glad I listened to this in audio.

Source: Audible Daily Deal 2017. I listened to this for Vintage Sci Fi. This qualifies for 2018 TBR, Audiobook and Alphabet challenges.

#NetGalley Book Review: Rise of the Fallen: Wars of the Realm, Book 2 by Chuck Black

This is a fascinating tale from the perspective of a warrior angel.
Rise of the Fallen: Wars of the Realm, Book 2
by Chuck Black

File Size: 4213 KB
Print Length: 319 pages
Publisher: Multnomah (February 17, 2015)
ASIN: B00N6PFBKA
Genre: Action & Adventure, Christian, Fantasy,
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

A six thousand year war rages and now the demonic Fallen are coming for him—the one man shrouded in mystery. Only Validus stands in their way.
Validus is the last and least of God’s angels, but he’s seen much across the millennia since his creation. Empires have risen and fallen as angelic and demonic forces battle in a raging war that will determine humanity's fate – and the fate of his defeated brothers.
Eventually called to be an earth-bound warrior, Validus rises to a position of power and respect, commanding legions of angels through impossible battles and overwhelming odds. But when orders arrive from the Creator's most elite Messenger, he finds himself suddenly demoted to a task of apparent insignificance considering the fierce war they are waging against the demonic Fallen – the covert protection of one unbelieving man.
Validus soon finds himself on a mission that will push him beyond his abilities as he battles to protect Drew Carter, for the Fallen are coming for him. Legions of them.
As Validus races against time to discover why Drew is so important to humanity's survival, can he stand between Drew and all who would destroy him?

Review:
The first book, The Cloak of Light, follows the growth of Drew Carter, a good young man who lost his father as a youth and later is injured during a lab accident. Initially it was thought that he was blind, but he recovered his sight and can see between realms. He thinks he is seeing aliens, not realizing that he is seeing demons and angels.

Validus is a warrior angel who has now been reassigned to guard the human, Drew Carter. Initially Validus thinks this is a demotion as he doesn’t know why Drew is important. The man isn’t even a believer in Christ, although he has a close female friend who is.As Validus and his charge become pursued by the 'fallen' he begins to recognize the urgency of this assignment.

The wonderful thing about this, book two, is it tells the perspective of history, from the beginning of creation, including the fall of Lucifer, many battles over the years and even the birth of Jesus, all through the eyes of Validus. Chuck Black does a remarkable, imaginative job developing very believable scenes consistent with Biblical and historical stories. I enjoyed the character of Validus and his friends as they interact with the humans of each event. There is exciting, detail in the scenes, including blow by blow descriptions in the human and spiritual battles.

The book also has a strong, thought provoking discussion guide. I enjoyed this book two even more than book one and look forward book three. I recommend this to readers who enjoy action and enjoy stories of the angelic realm.

Source: NetGalley 2017. This qualifies for 2018 NetGalley, TBR and Alphabet Challenges.

Sunday Post February 4, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 5, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.

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 completed my reporting project with a few late nights. I keep plugging away one file at a time at work.
We had a couple days of rain this week, including today, but the weather was warmer.

I really liked my reading and listening this past week. I finished two ebooks and one Audible. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 27 blogs during the week :-)
Shout Out this week to Kristin @ Lukten av Trykksverte a bookblogger who shares with us from Norway.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post January 28, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 29, 2018.

• A2018- Audible Book Review: Island by Aldous Huxley; Classic, Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 2.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Emerald Atlas, Books of Beginning; Fantasy, Middle Grade (ages 8-10), Siblings; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 2, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 2/8/2018.

• PTBR- Book Review: Seek and Destroy (America Rising) by William C. Dietz; Alternate History, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 4, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

A Gem of a Problem (Emma Berry Murray River Mystery Book 1)
by Irene Sauman
Light and charming historical mystery with determined female amateur detective.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Battle Hymn (America Rising)
by William C. Dietz
I really enjoyed this alternate history, military series.
Source: Publisher through NetGalley
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Brothers in Valor Man of War, Book 3
By: H. Paul Honsinger
Narrated by: Ray Chase
Series: Man of War, Book 3
Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
This Space Marine Sci Fi provided great entertainment.
Source: Audible TBR 2016 Sale.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

All Our Wrong Todays: A Novel
by Elan Mastai
I am only 10% in with a little slow beginning
but an interesting premise.
Source: NetGalley 
(This is the oldest in my NetGalley queue.)
Elan Mastai's acclaimed debut novel is a story of friendship and family, of unexpected journeys and alternate paths, and of love in its multitude of forms.
It's 2016, and in Tom Barren's world, technology has solved all of humanity's problems—there's no war, no poverty, no under-ripe avocadoes. Unfortunately, Tom isn't happy. He's lost the girl of his dreams. And what do you do when you're heartbroken and have a time machine? Something stupid.
Finding himself stranded in a terrible alternate reality—which we immediately recognize as our 2016—Tom is desperate to fix his mistake and go home. Right up until the moment he discovers wonderfully unexpected versions of his family, his career, and the woman who may just be the love of his life.
Now Tom faces an impossible choice. Go back to his perfect but loveless life. Or stay in our messy reality with a soulmate by his side. His search for the answer takes him across continents and timelines in a quest to figure out, finally, who he really is and what his future—our future—is supposed to be.
Filled with humor and heart and packed with insight, intelligence, and mind-bending invention, All Our Wrong Todays is a powerful and moving story of life, loss, and love.

2. Audible/MP3 (ABB 2018)

River Rising
Carson Chronicles, Book 1
By: John A. Heldt
Narrated by: Chaz Allen
Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins
I'm enjoying the beginning in this.
Source: From the author through AudioBook Boom.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

The Billionaire's Sweet Valentine (Holiday Contest)
by Laura L. Walker
I'm ready for a lighter, Valentine read. :-)
Source: Author.
When a Valentine's Day contest for Arizona's Cutest Couple throws two romance-challenged friends together, can they survive a fake engagement and win the prize?
All Penny Merrill wants to do is run her own sweet shop in ritzy Scottsdale, Arizona, but her money-hungry mother and conniving stepfather are making it nearly impossible to keep her dream alive. When Penny finds an advertisement for a Valentine’s Day contest for Arizona’s Cutest Couple, with the winnings being enough to enable her to hold on to her floundering business, she comes up with an idea that might just work—if she can find the right man for the job.
Commercial contractor Preston Ames is starting to develop feelings for Penny, and even though he’s been through enough heartache to know that he should avoid her at all costs, he can’t keep himself from visiting her sweet shop every day. When Penny asks him to participate in a crazy scheme so that she can overturn her stepfather’s underhanded business ploy, Preston hesitates, wanting to keep the fact that he’s a billionaire a secret. However, one look into her soulful blue eyes and he’s a goner.
Everything seems to be going well for Penny and Preston until they compete with another couple whose heartache transcends all of their misconceptions about love. When all is said and done, will they do the right thing and, in the process, discover a bond that is greater than they thought was even possible? Can just one picture turn Penny into Preston’s sweet Valentine? Find out in this clean and wholesome romance featuring a fun holiday contest!

February 4, 2018 - I am up to date and enjoying reading and listening to the One Year Bible plan on my new smartphone. However we realized that it does not match the book plan so we aren't not reading the same scriptures. You can check out the audio on the companion commentary online.

I completed 3 books and posted 3 reviews - yay, a good dent. That keeps me at 5 current reviews.
I have started linking again at Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 20. I still have one committed author title in queue and many through InstaFreebie.
I have more new author requests but haven't had time to reply.

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 selected/received two ebooks for review this week.
I picked up one Audible daily deals and one Kindle title this week.
As usual, I picked up more free kindle titles as usual. (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 accepted these ebook titles from the authors:

The Billionaire's Sweet Valentine (Holiday Contest)
by Laura L. Walker
The timing is right for a Valentine story and I like the sounds of this.

Blackstone

by Richard Falkirk

So I am going from Vintage Sci Fi to almost Vintage Mystery. I've always liked Bow Street Runners.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked up this Audible Daily Deal to share with the grandkids:
2/3/2018 DD for $.99
Frozen Storybook Collection
By: Disney Book Group
Narrated by: Andrew Eiden
Length: 2 hrs and 50 mins
Release date: 04-18-17


One Kindle Title $.99
The Duke's Bridle Path
Grace Burrowes, Theresa Romain

I also picked up a box (31 paperbacks and 1 audiobook CD) at our Woman's Yard Sale; $15.00. I took a picture but I'm not getting my home computer to read the SD card so I will have to try at work.

Free

I added 55 free titles to my Kindle 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 February 4, 2018

Sunday School this morning was in the nature of a small group as we celebrated our teacher’s birthday, shared prayer concerns and a few comments from our weekly Bible readings and devotions.

Service began with worship, a message from the Lord and then communion. Pastor began a new series titled “Inhabited” teaching on the work of the Holy Spirit.

[Recommended reading: Forgotten God by Frances Chan  (cool – I found that in my Kindle library!!) and Want More? By Tim Enloe.]

We need to recognize that expectation is a secret ingredient to receiving the Spirit. We must learn to discern whether a thought we have is a God thought or enemy thought. We must press on to get beyond the enemy thought. Pray for others on your pew – for those around you. (MSE note: literally and figuratively as in blog friends as well as local friends.)

God wants to give us a new sense of pursuit. A hunger for more of Him. A hunger that can give us power to overcome our circumstances.
Pray: Dear Lord, today be greater in our lives.
Don't let church or human expectation and tradition inhibit our responses. We tend to seek a certain comfort level. We may (at first especially) be uncomfortable with speaking in tongues as we may be afraid to become one of “them”. But we must choose to remove the limits.

Jesus promises to send a new advocate, the Holy Spirit, to live with and in those who believe. John 14:15-17.
We must recognize who the Holy Spirit is:
The Holy Spirit is not a thing we can control but is a person. John 14:26.
(The Holy Spirit has a perfect relationship within the triune Godhead.)
The Holy Spirit lives IN us. John 16:5-11.

You might ask this interesting question: Would you prefer to live with Jesus next to you or the Spirit within you?

Have we set limits on the Spirit in us? The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you. Romans 8:9-11. Why would we want to trade that?

A. W. Tozer preached (about 1952):

“We may as well face it: the whole level of spirituality among us is low. We have measured ourselves by ourselves until the incentive to seek higher plateaus in the things of the Spirit is all but gone… (We) have imitated the world, sought popular favor, manufactured delights to substitute for the joy of the Lord and produced a cheap and synthetic power to substitute for the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Are we desperate? What stops us from experiencing more of God.
You do not get to do what you want, you are not your own, but rather you belong to Him. 1 Corinthians 6: 19.

Point: We are not all we are meant to be when everything in our lives can be explained apart from the work and presence of the Spirit of God.

Are we-- can we be -- satisfied with love that can be explained without the Spirit?
Do our daily lives encourage, give comfort, share joy? These are attributes of the Spirit living in a Christ follower.

The work and presence of the Holy Spirit is available now through the Spirit of the living God.
Every day you can experience His presence.
Start the week in His presence. Get desperate for Him.

This song was shared this morning and it certainly fits the message!

Verses for Today:
John 14:15-17 (NIV)
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

My Prayer (as noted by Pastor): Dear Lord, today be greater in our lives.

Book Review: Seek and Destroy (America Rising) by William C. Dietz

The second half of this alternate history thriller is non stop action.

Seek and Destroy (America Rising)
by William C. Dietz

Series: America Rising (Book 2)
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Ace (June 20, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425278727
Genre: Alternate History, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 0f 5.0

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Legion of the Damned® novels and the Mutant Files series comes the second novel in a postapocalyptic military science fiction series about America struggling to overcome a natural disaster but starting a second civil war…
As people fight to survive the aftereffects of more than a dozen meteor strikes, a group of wealthy individuals conspires to rebuild the United States as a corporate entity called the New Confederacy, where the bottom line is law. As a second civil war rages, with families fighting against families on opposite sides, Union president Samuel T. Sloan battles to keep the country whole.
To help in the fight for unity, Union Army captain Robin “Mac” Macintyre and her crew of Stryker vehicles are sent after the ruthless “warlord of warlords,” an ex–Green Beret who rules a large swath of the West. But defeating him will be even more difficult than she thought. The warlord is receiving military assistance from Mac’s sister—and rival—Confederate major Victoria Macintyre. And when the siblings come together in the war-torn streets of New Orleans, only one of them will walk away.

Review:
This second book continues to follow the three primary characters, Mac with her Marauder Stryker crew, Union president Sloan, and Mac’s Confederate enemy, her sister Victoria. Mac and her crew are sent on one special assignment after another. First they have to take out a ruthless warlord an ex-military man holding sway in Wyoming. Next they rescue a downed pilot behind enemy lines. A twist occurs but it isn’t long before Mac is back in action helping to snatch a Confederate official out of Texas. And finally the team must lead a flotilla, fighting off Confederate forces, to clear obstructions and open a supply way down the Mississippi.

Meanwhile Sloan is busy trying to rebuild the country, making steps to gain support for reelection and managing the overall war picture. He participates in a few military manuevers himself maintaining his tag as "the fighting President). He’d like to see a little of Robin (Mac) in between stops but rumors could be harmful.

Victoria is busy giving aid to the warlord that Mac faces, planning ways to assassinate Mac, and finally sneaking in to sabotage New Orleans after the Union has captured it. Mac and Victoria have several nearby passes until they finally meet face to face.

I was already engaged by the characters and setting from book one. Mr. Dietz continues to show great skill in building a plausible post catastrophic America that is the turmoil of civil war. There is no way to go through battle after battle without experiencing losses but these characters must push through to pursue their respective agendas, or in Mac’s case, to fulfill her duty as a leader protecting her team as they follow orders of their superiors. This story gave me an appreciation for battle tactics and how a skilled leader can win against forces that are sometimes better equipped. The story, especially the second half, is full of trouble, threats, treachery, twists, terror and trauma. I also recognize how each battle or encounter can turn on any momentary event – stroke of luck some might say.

I really enjoyed this second book, even more than book one. I was very glad to have book three to jump into. I highly recommend this series to readers who like military action with a touch of political intrigue and a dash of romance.

Source: Publisher in preparation of reading Book 3 through NetGalley. This qualifies for 2018 TBR and Alphabet Challenges.

My Review of Book One: Into the Guns (America Rising) by William C. Dietz