Audible Book Review: Mirror Gate, The Harbinger Series, Book 2 by Jeff Wheeler

I enjoyed the second in this series... good things for one character; not so good for another.
Mirror Gate
The Harbinger Series, Book 2
By: Jeff Wheeler
Narrated by: Kate Rudd

Series: The Harbinger Series, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-28-18
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Fantasy, Gaslamp Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler continues his wondrous Harbinger series in which two young women unite as two worlds approach the brink of war…
Though relations between Princess Seraphin Fitzempress and her father have been strained, Sera’s royal position has remained unchallenged. Filled with self-doubt, she struggles to grasp the Mysteries - her greatest trial yet.
An education in the enigmatic magic is a necessary one, should Sera plan to rise in her station and invoke her powers during war. But the emperor’s death now leaves both Sera and her ambitious father eligible for the throne - a contest the prince regent intends to win. Even if it means an alliance with a rival empire.
Sera’s hope lies in Cettie, a waif raised in the world below, whose life has intertwined with Sera’s in the most unexpected ways. The Mysteries come easily to Cettie, and her studies have begun to yield new insight into her growing powers. But those same powers put Cettie in the path of those who would destroy her.
Now as the threat of war ignites and an insidious sickness spreads throughout the kingdom, Sera and Cettie will need to gather their courage and fight for each other’s lives…and for the future of their endangered world.
©2018 Jeff Wheeler (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved

Review:
Sera, the Princess, and Cettie, the orphan from the lower world, continue their close friendship. They are nearing the conclusion of their studies of the Mysteries at Muirwood Abby, the most prominent institute in the empire. Cettie has been a strong student helping Sera who has continued to struggle.
Just as the final testing is approaching word comes that the Emperor, Sera’s grandfather, has died. Sera and her corrupt father, who questions her paternity, are the two choses to serve as the new ruler by the privy council. Many know that the prince regent has ruthlessly pursued his ambitions for power and is unlikely to seek any help for the people below their level. Sera is known for her kind heart and her best friend is from the Fells. But she is only 16 and inexperienced in the machinations of court.

Sera is pulled away from school to attend the funeral and meet with the privy council. One of the foreign houses is looking to make a marriage alliance. Sera has a chance to meet the young man but she is set on being the new ruler of her people rather than becoming a bride. Sera has a wise, scheming counselor, but she sometimes fights against his advice. Events tumble around Sera but she has no idea of the betrayals that surround her and she is unable to prevent war when the accusations and threats escalate.

Meanwhile, Cettie comes under attack at the Abbey. Although some think that Sera was the original target it quickly becomes clear that it is Cettie the kidnappers are after. The head of the Abbey, who has been a friend and mentor to Cettie, is seriously injured during the first kidnapping attempt. In order to escape the enemy and pass the final test of the Mysteries, Cettie must face her worst nightmares – the ghosts from her past.

Jeff Wheeler has created an absorbing world of mystery and magic. There are moments of joy and more of bitter fear and sadness. I found the lives and unrequited loves of teenaged girls a little difficult to muddle through although the situations and emotions are realistic enough. The story moves at a good pace, introducing some new and interesting characters, especially those who come along side to help Cettie. I expect to continue the series later in the year. I recommend this to those who like an engaging fantasy.

Audio Notes: Kate Rudd does a wonderful job with the narration. She captures the immaturity of the girls, as well as the emotions. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 1/3/19 Free with Kindle Unlimited. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: The Event By Nathan Hystad

This is a quick sci fi listen.

The Event
By: Nathan Hystad
Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Series: The Survivors, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-24-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: First Contact, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
The ships came at dawn. Dean’s wife is dead. Her last words: When the ships come...wear the necklace. Then the ships arrived.
Cities all around the world reported strange alien vessels descending. Some saw them as the heralds of a new age; others fired everything they had at them. All were taken as the beams lashed down and drew them into the sky.
Dean was left behind, seemingly the last man on Earth. A trail of clues left by his dead wife guides Dean on a perilous journey across America and beyond to learn the truth behind the mysterious ships and save humanity from its doom.
But not everything is as it seems.
The Event is the epic first novel by Nathan Hystad, creator of the best-selling Explorations anthology series.
©2018 Nathan Hystad (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Dean’s wife suffered an unexplained illness and died a few years ago. She left Dean with a whispered “sorry” and instructions to wear the necklace when the ships arrive. Now the ships have arrived and Dean retrieves the necklace just in time to see everyone around him beamed into the alien ships. Why wasn’t he taken and what secrets did his wife hide from him? With a letter from his dead wife in hand, Dean sets off with his neighbor’s dog as his only companion. It is only as he follows the mysterious instructions of the letter that he begins to find others with similar mysteries. Dean, an accountant, is an unlikely hero to help save humanity but he is a man on a mission and finds more and more reasons to persist as he gets closer to the goal.

This wasn’t really compelling for me but it is a quick story/listen. It kept me interested to see how the small band of survivors would face the aliens. There isn’t a great depth of character development and there are scenes that just don’t jive. I liked that there was light humor and no swearing. There are six more books in the series and the ratings seem to have gotten better so I might continue the series sometime in the future.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels is a reliable narrator who is able to add life to a story. The narration enhanced the story for me.

Source: 1/24/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Noble Beginnings by L.T. Ryan

This is a fast listen but a little beyond believable.
Noble Beginnings
By: L. T. Ryan
Narrated by: Dennis Holland

Series: Jack Noble, Book 1
Length: 5 hrs and 30 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-13-15
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military Thriller
My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.0; Narration 3.0.

Publisher's Summary
In March of 2002, while the eyes of the world focused on Afghanistan, Jack Noble finds himself on the outskirts of Baghdad, Iraq. A Marine in name only, Jack is on loan to the CIA. Normally an integral part of the team, he finds that he is nothing more than a security detail in Iraq.
Jack and his partner Bear have a run-in with four CIA special agents over the treatment of an Iraqi family. Within hours Jack and Bear are detained.
All Jack wanted was to finish his enlistment and move on with his life. All he did was intervene and save a family from unwarranted violence at the hands of four CIA agents. But he soon discovers that he did far more than intervene. He has placed himself dead square in the middle of a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of the US government.
This fast-paced political crime thriller by USA Today best-selling author L.T. Ryan will leave you burning through the minutes as Jack races to stop the conspiracy before it claims his life. Fans of Jack Reacher, Mitch Rapp, and Jason Bourne should enjoy Jack Noble.
©2012 L.T. Ryan (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Jack, a ‘Marine’ (apparently special forces, specially trained) and his partner, Bear, are on loan to a team of CIA agents in Baghdad. When the CIA leader threatens innocents, Jack balks and gets in the way. He and the leader take it to the street to settle the disagreement by fists. Although Jack gets some good licks in, there are four to one as they have separated him from Bear. When the CIA team is chased off, Jack knows he has really ticked them off. Soon he and Bear are way-laid on their way back to base and find themselves being interrogated and accused of murder. Jack has difficulty reaching his handler and suspects something more serious is afoot.

Jack and Bear narrowly escape one detention cell after another, always suffering beatings and then dodging bullets on the way out. As Jack tries to find answers and get to safety, he begins to realize that someone really wants them, especially him, out of the picture. If only he can figure out how deep or high up the chain the problem goes before it is too late.

I have seen the Jack Reacher movie and read one of the books (by Lee Child). I had hoped this would be similar, but I found it disappointing. I wanted to like Jack as a character, but he was just a bit too quick to fight first and think second for my tastes. I did appreciate his intelligence and the dangerous suspense. I liked how he was able to piece together the threat and address it although the ending wasn’t ideal. It was sad to think that forces would abuse each other – that I suspect is too true. I can only recommend this to readers who like repeated beatings and unrealistic scenarios of escape.

Audio Notes: Dennis Holland does a fair job of narrating. He attempts different voices without creating any particularly interesting characters. The audio made it easier for me to try the series but it didn’t enhance the week story enough to make me want to try more.

Source: 9/21/18 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post June 9, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 10, 2019

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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

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.

Hello from Illinois. We are visiting with family so I didn't get some reviews posted as I hoped.
I know I have to be on computer Monday morning to handle some work items.
Hubby gave the chickens away on Thursday. I am glad I got to video them these last two weeks.
Hubby caught the twins in the tub tonight. We will be swimming sometime this week if the weather stays nice.

I continue to pray for so many people suffering from floods, tornadoes and severe weather.
Our weather last week was in the 90s and we are hoping to enjoy the 70s weather here in Illinois.

I enjoyed my reading/listening even though I only finished two books: 1 audiobook and 1 ebook. I posted two reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 20 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Carpe Librum. Tracey is "a Melbourne-based book blogger in Australia" who has been reviewing books and interviewing authors since 2005.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post June 2, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 4, 2019.

• MBS May 2019 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Anatomy of Peace by The Arbinger Institute; Genre: Relationship, Self Development; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: In Darkest Days May Blossom by Leila Snow; Historical Romance, Regency; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 7, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/13/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 9, 2019.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (A2019)

Mirror Gate
The Harbinger Series, Book 2
By: Jeff Wheeler
Narrated by: Kate Rudd
Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
I enjoyed the second in this series... good things for one character; not so good for another.
Source: 1/3/19 Free with Kindle Unlimited.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Finder
by Suzanne Palmer
I enjoyed this sci fi, action story.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Rath's Deception
The Janus Group, Book 1
By: Piers Platt
Narrated by: James Fouhey
Series: The Janus Group, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 1 min
I'm liking the story (but not the swearing).
Source: Audible Sale Purchase December 2016.
Publisher's Summary
On the cut-throat streets of Tarkis, orphaned teens like Rath end up jailed...or dead. So when the shadowy Janus Group offers Rath a chance to earn riches beyond his wildest dreams, he seizes it. But the Janus Group is as ruthless as the elite assassins it controls. Rath will have to survive their grueling, off-world training, and fulfill all 50 kills in his contract before a single cent comes his way. And ending so many lives comes with a price Rath can't anticipate. It'll certainly cost him what's left of his innocence. It may well cost him his life.
©2015 Piers Platt (P)2015 Piers Platt

2. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Forever in a Moment
by Charlotte O'Shay
I think I'll enjoy this one too.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

I'm expecting to read some children's books this week.
Bedtime reading is How to Train Your Dragon: How to be a Pirate.

These are Audible Books I plan to share with the children:
3. Audible/Smartphone or Computer(ATBR)

Laurie Berkner's Song and Story Kitchen
By: Laurie Berkner, The Laurie Berkner Band
Narrated by: Laurie Berkner, Josiah Gaffney
Length: 4 hrs and 52 mins
Release date: 11-01-18
My son says the 2 1/2 year old twins like this.
Source: November 2018 Free Audible Originals.
Laurie Berkner and the Laurie Berkner Band have filled countless venues nationwide with adoring fans, selling millions of albums, songs, and videos. Now young listeners ages 3 to 8 can join Laurie and her buddy, Thelonious Pig (Josiah Gaffney), as she whips up yummy food, songs, and stories in Laurie Berkner’s Song and Story Kitchen. Each chapter of this whimsical Audible Original features a different food and tells a new story set in the magical world of Juniper Fields with Laurie's friends: Oscar Beebee the bumblebee, Layla Meeska the mouse, Tallulah Jones the dinosaur, and ferret cousins Victor Vito and Freddie Vasco.
Along with original new music, fans will hear recordings of some of the Laurie Berkner Band’s greatest hits, with Susie Lampert on keyboard, Bob Golden on drums and percussion, Brady Rymer on bass, and several special guest musicians. In addition to learning gentle lessons through Laurie’s storytelling and upbeat songs, families will receive a free PDF of Laurie’s favorite recipes. There’s even a musical bonus chapter at the end!
Cover art designed by Eliza Sturgeon.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying recipes and reference material will be available in your My Library section on desktop only, along with the audio.
©2018 Two Tomatoes Records, LLC (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC

4. Audible/Smartphone or Computer (ATBR9)

I'm From the Sun
The Gustafer Yellowgold Story
By: Morgan Taylor
Length: 4 hrs and 10 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-04-18
I have saved this to listen with Victoria.
Source: August 2018 Free Audible Original
Whether you’re a sunling or an earthling, growing up isn’t easy. Shy nine-year- old Gustafer Yellowgold has to grapple with neighborhood bullies, an over- achieving brother, and parental expectations just like kids on Earth do. He would rather lose himself in comic books and dream the day away than make deliveries for his father’s raisin-butchering business after school. Fateful events put Gustafer at his ultimate crossroad when he sees a darker opportunity to control his own destiny on the Sun.
Two-time Grammy nominee Morgan Taylor has long been a hit equally with ever-hip parents and kids on the family circuit with his smart and catchy multimedia concerts. At last, he gets to tell the full backstory of his creation, Gustafer. Featuring 13 brand new songs and fresh recordings of three fan favorites, all produced by Pat Sansone of WILCO, this captivating Audible Original is great for family listening as well as for kids ages six and up to discover and enjoy on their own. Besides hours of delightful storytelling and music, listeners will take away some mildly revolutionary life lessons: Be yourself, no matter what your age, and don’t be afraid to take your own path.
Enjoy a special bonus in Chapter 15, with an exclusive full album of the songs featured in I’m From the Sun. You will also get a free PDF download including key character art and scenes from the hand of Morgan Taylor, and a complete lyric compendium too! Only from Audible.
©2018 Morgan Taylor (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC

5. eBook/Kindle or Computer (NG2019)

Don't Let the Beasties Escape This Book!
by Julie Berry
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
It’s no ordinary day at the castle! This beautifully illustrated, silly picture book is a fun introduction to the medieval world and the illuminated bestiary
Godfrey, a peasant boy who works for the lord and lady of the castle, finds a bestiary, or illustrated book of beasts, on the way to do his chores one morning. He begins inventing his own story, placing “Sir Godfrey” at the center of numerous heroic deeds. Sir Godfrey battles a lion, tames a unicorn, defeats a griffin, conquers a bonnacon, and triumphs over a dragon. Godfrey does not realize that each time he says the name of an animal, it magically emerges from the book, causing mayhem and inadvertently accomplishing his chores. The laughs pile up and the tension mounts: When will Godfrey realize that all this outrageous stuff is going on?
This book also contains engaging backmatter with information on life in the Middle Ages and a mini-bestiary drawn from original 13th-century manuscripts. Don’t Let the Beasties Escape This Book! is a humorous introduction to the medieval world.

June 9, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I missed Thursday morning as I had to leave early to lead a class in Panama City. Since I was busy packing Thursday night I didn't realize I hadn't opened the Bible verse or plan for the day. That broke my 517 streak. I finished: A Positive Outcome. I'll pick another study this week. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed two books and posted two reviews. That means I have four total still to post.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is still at 14 unread (added one but reading 2). I am working on now 7 April titles. [I have 4 old titles (2012-13!)]
I still have four author ebook titles in queue.
Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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 get any review books this week, although I have some new requests to consider.
I purchased two audios with one credit and downloaded three free titles.
I downloaded week 7 titles from SYNC.
I picked up one free kindle title. (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

6/3/19 Audiobooks.com 2 for one credit with May credit:
A Worthy Pursuit
By Karen Witemeyer
Narrated By: Barbara McCulloh
Duration: 11 h 7 min



Nightingale Way
By Emily March
Narrated By: Käthe Mazur
Duration: 10 h 4 min

Free

6/3/19 June VIP free selection from Audiobooks.com
The Farseer: Assassin's Apprentice
Written By: Robin Hobb
Narrated By: Paul Boehmer
Publisher: Tantor Media
Date: March 2010
Duration: 17 hours 21 minutes

6/3/19 Christianaudio.com June free download.
Liturgy of the Ordinary
Tish Harrison Warren



6/3/19 May Audible Original - Free
Evil Eye
By: Madhuri Shekar
Narrated by: Nick Choksi, Harsh Nayaar, Annapurna Sriram, Bernard White, Rita Wolf
Length: 1 hr and 38 mins
Release date: 05-02-19


SYNC Audio 2019
Week 7: June 6 – June 13
A GIRL LIKE THAT by Tanaz Bhathena, narrated by Firdous Bamji, Neil Shah, Soneela Nankani, Lameece Issaq (Recorded Books)
AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE by Henrik Ibsen, Adapted by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, performed by Richard Kind, Rosalind Ayres, Gregory Harrison, Josh Stamberg, and a full cast (L.A. Theatre Works)

I added only 1 title to my Kindle 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 June 9, 2019

We are in Illinois to visit with our son’s family. We and hey managed to get everyone to church this morning. The worship music was good and the Pastor here has a very down to earth preaching style.

The message today started a new series for them: The Lesser Knowns. He is preaching about characters from the Bible who are “lesser known”. His first lesson is from Mark 12:41-44 about the Widow. Her name isn’t known but she is still important.
Jesus was watching (v41.). He is always watching.
She was vulnerable as a widow. Others gave out of wealth, but she gave all out of her poverty (v44).
It wasn’t about her.
She was committed to kingdom principles.
She caught the need to help others.
2 Corinthians 9:6.
She revealed her heart by giving generously.
2 Corinthians 9:7.
She was committed to the community.
She was committed to contributing
She refused to make excuses. She participated.

I didn’t have a specific song jump into mind this morning, but I found this one.

Verses for Today:
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV)
Generosity Encouraged
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.


Lord, I thank You for Your provision and thank you for moving me to be a cheerful giver.