#NetGalley Book Review: The Library of Ever by Zeno Alexander

This was a very fast, fun and charming read.
The Library of Ever
by Zeno Alexander

File Size: 3795 KB
Print Length: 197 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1250169178
Publisher: Imprint (April 30, 2019)
ASIN: B07CL27HGD
Genre: Action and Adventure, Children's, Middle Grade
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

The Library of Ever is an instant classic for middle grade readers and booklovers everywhere—an adventure across time and space, as a young girl becomes a warrior for the forces of knowledge.
With her parents off traveling the globe, Lenora is bored, bored, bored—until she discovers a secret doorway into the ultimate library. Mazelike and reality-bending, the library contains all the universe’s wisdom. Every book ever written, and every fact ever known, can be found within its walls. And Lenora becomes its newly appointed Fourth Assistant Apprentice Librarian.
She rockets to the stars, travels to a future filled with robots, and faces down a dark nothingness that wants to destroy all knowledge. To save the library, Lenora will have to test her limits and uncover secrets hidden among its shelves.

Review:
Lenora an 11-year-old left home is bored with the nanny who is dragging her around visiting the nanny’s friends and shopping for items the nanny wants. Finally, the nanny stops at the library and Lenora perks up. She slips away from nanny to visit the children’s section of the library and what an adventure she finds!

Lenora helps a boy trying to get into a strange, mysterious hall in the library. Lenora slips into a library through a door with a sign that says: Knowledge is a light. Lenora runs into a Chief Librarian who tells Lenora she must leave. But Lenora convinces the Librarian to give har a job as a Fourth Assistant Apprentice Librarian. Lenora is directed to use her imagination, be resourceful and show courage. She is placed first at the Calendar Help Desk so she can learn important dates in history. She begins learning interesting details but is soon dragged off by a robot to help a kingdom in the future! When she returns to her desk Lenora is promoted to Third Assistant and moves on to another help desk. Her adventure continues through several departments where she learns new facts and helps creatures including penguins, ants and cats. She visits the future, outer space, the globe and ancient Egypt. As the adventure moves along, Lenora is confronted by an enemy who wants to stop her and, even worse, wants to destroy knowledge. What can Lenora do to help fight the enemy that is trying to bring darkness?

The journeys are fantastical and the reader learns fun facts along the way. I found the story delightful and think it would be wonderful for the intended audience of middle graders. It might be better enjoyed if read in sections as it is rather busy and fast paced. Still, it is well worth the fun reading experience.

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: Tangled Web by Gail Z. Martin

This action packed Urban Fantasy is full of strong characters.

Tangled Web
by Gail Z. Martin

File Size: 2862 KB
Print Length: 244 pages
Publisher: SOL Publishing (May 10, 2018)
ASIN: B07D1C6Y55
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating 4.25 of 5.0.

Cassidy Kincaide runs Trifles & Folly in modern-day Charleston, an antiques and curios shop with a dangerous secret. Cassidy can read the history of objects by touching them and along with her business partners Teag, who has Weaver magic and Sorren, a 600-year-old vampire, they get rid of cursed objects and keep Charleston and the world safe from supernatural threats.
When zombies rise in Charleston cemeteries, dead men fall from the sky, and the whole city succumbs to the “grouch flu,” Cassidy, Teag, and Sorren suspect a vengeful dark witch who is gunning for Teag and planning to unleash an ancient horror. Cassidy, Teag, and Sorren—and all their supernatural allies—will need magic, cunning, and the help of a Viking demi-goddess to survive the battle with a malicious Weaver-witch and an ancient Norse warlock to keep Charleston—and the whole East Coast—from becoming the prey of the Master of the Hunt.

Review:
Cassidy can read history by touching objects. She is part of a group of friends who protect Charleston from supernatural threats. Her gentle business partner, Teag, uses Weaver magic to create fabrics that heal and protect. His personal partner is a local police officer who is aware of the magical world but tries to operate without making the magic known to the public. Sorren is the senior business partner as a 600-year-old vampire who has years of knowledge and connections in the supernatural realm.

Charleston is experiencing an unprecedented rise in supernatural activities. Cassidy and friends are already looking into a ghostly horse hunt going on with the alarming sound of galloping horses and baying dogs. Then they are asked to investigate when several hunting horses go missing by vanishing at the local horse hunting stable. Cassidy and Teag are soon dodging zombies from the cemetery and working around citizens with a “grouch flu”. Next Cassidy suffers a firsthand attack and her friends, plus a master weaver and local witch, gather to face the dark threat.

Clues lead to an angry weaver-witch who is seeking to raise a powerful Norse warlock so she can take revenge against those who have hurt her – particularly some in the horse community. It will take all the resources Cassidy and friends can pull together, including some from Sorren’s past, in order to prevail in this magical battle.

I enjoyed the fast action of the story. This is the first story I have read in the series, so it took me a little bit to sort through the many characters. Cassidy and her friends are well developed characters. None are presented as ‘superheroes’ on their own but they make a formidable team. The plot is well written with twists and turns to pursue to uncover the source of the evil and locate the hidden villains. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy fast-paced Urban Fantasy.

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Sunday Post July 21, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 22, 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.

Work went along well. My assistant was out two days with sick children.

We celebrated our daughter's birthday this week with pizza and cake at the office. She is the one in the middle. She is thirteen months younger than our son.

Hubby's testing got a good clear report: no new heart blockages. It seems the problems now are related to the fact that his lunds are not operating properly. He has to rely on the oxygen more and more which is frustrating for him.
Our weather here continues to be hot. I hope everyone stays safe during these hot days.

I had a very good week of reading with a day waiting in hospital giving me a few extra hours. I finished six titles: 3 audiobooks and 2 ebooks and 1 childrens ebook. I posted four reviews on the blog and posted my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to Pixireads. Sarah is a reviewer, maybe future author. She seems to like some fantasy that I like too.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post July 14, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 15, 2019.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Fairy in the Kettle Gets Magical by Pauline Tait; Genre: Children, Illustrated; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• A2019- Audio Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Hashtag Hunt by Kristina Seek; Genre: Clean Romance, Inspirational Romance, Romantic Comedy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 19, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/11/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett; Genre: Historical Thriller, Spy Thriller; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• LBC-TBR- Book Review: Blackout (A Riley Covington Thriller Book 3) by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn; Genre: Christian, Suspense Thriller; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 21, 2019.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Computer (NG2019)

The Fairy in the Kettle Gets Magical
by Pauline Tait
This lively tale of magical fairy dust makes a good story for children.
My review is linked above.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Click on review link or book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Tangled Web
by Gail Z. Martin
I enjoyed the paranormal and suspense aspects of this.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone (A2019)

The Hashtag Hunt
By: Kristina Seek
Narrated by: Andrea Emmes, Tim Paige
I enjoyed this quick, fun romantic comedy.
My review is linked above.
Source: Blitz Tour through Caffeinated PR Tours to post 7/18/19.
Click on review link or book title for full description.

4. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Eye of the Needle
By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: Eric Lincoln
Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
This is a solid, engaging spy thriller.
My review is linked above.
Source: 2011 Audible purchase.
Click on the review link or book title for full description.

5. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Library of Ever
by Zeno Alexander
This was a very fast and fun read.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

6. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Fata Morgana
By: Steven R. Boyett, Ken Mitchroney
Narrated by: Macleod Andrews
Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins
I was in the mood for an Alternate History story and this fit the bill!
Source: 12/2/2017 Audible Daily Deal $3.95.
Publisher's Summary
At the height of the air war in Europe, Captain Joe Farley and the baseball-loving, wisecracking crew of the B-17 Flying Fortress Fata Morgana are in the middle of a harrowing bombing mission over eastern Germany when everything goes sideways. The bombs are still falling and flak is still exploding all around the 20-ton bomber as it is knocked like a bathtub duck into another world.
Suddenly stranded with the final outcasts of a desolated world, Captain Farley navigates a maze of treachery and wonderand finds a love seemingly decreed by fate—as his bomber becomes a pawn in a centuries-old conflict between remnants of advanced but decaying civilizations. Caught among these bitter enemies, a vast power that has brought them here for its own purposes, and a terrifying living weapon bent on their destruction, the crew must use every bit of their formidable inventiveness and courage to survive.
Fata Morgana—the epic novel of love and duty at war across the reach of time.
©2017 Steven R. Boyett & Ken Mitchroney (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Kingdom of Exiles
by Maxym Martineau
I am enjoying the intrigue and 
intense attraction in this story.
Source: 2019 NetGalley; Release date June 25, 2019.
Description:
My heart wasn’t part of the deal when I bargained for my life,
But assassins so rarely keep their word.
Exiled Charmer Leena Edenfrell is running out of time. Empty pockets forced her to sell her beloved magical beasts—an offense punishable by death—and now there’s a price on her head. With the realm’s most talented murderer-for-hire nipping at her heels, Leena makes Noc an offer he can’t refuse: powerful mythical creatures in exchange for her life.
Plagued by a curse that kills everyone he loves, Noc agrees to Leena’s terms in hopes of finding a cure. Never mind that the dark magic binding the assassin’s oath will eventually force him to choose between Leena’s continued survival…and his own.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Primary Phase (Dramatized)
By: Douglas Adams
Narrated by: Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore
Series: Hitchhiker's Guide (radio plays), Book 1
Length: 3 hrs and 56 mins
I am continuing to work on my older Audible TBRs.
Source: February 2014 Audible Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
A dynamic remastering of the original BBC Radio 4 full-cast serial - Fit the First to Fit the Sixth - which spawned a phenomenal hitchhiking legend.
The original series of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, remastered by Dirk Maggs (director of the Tertiary, Quandary and Quintessential Phases) to give a full, vibrant sound, now with Philip Pope’s version of the familiar theme tune and specially re-recorded announcements by John Marsh.
Join Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, Trillian, Zaphod Beeblebrox and Marvin the Paranoid Android in their first series of adventures as they witness the destruction of Earth to make way for a hyperspace bypass, stumble upon the ancient planet of Magrathea, dine at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe, and seek an answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe And Everything.
Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore and a full supporting cast star in these BBC Radio 4 episodes.
A special 55-minute bonus programme, Douglas Adams’s Guide to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, explores the genesis of the radio series and its incredible success, with contributions from the original cast and production team.
©2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Space Dragons
by Robin Bennett
This sounds like a fun dragon adventure.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
If Stan Pollux had known he would be spending his summer holidays in the outer reaches of our solar system, he would have put on different underpants.
But when he gets kidnapped by the Planet Dragon Mercury, most things suddenly seem small and insignificant. Stan finds himself in a universe of dragons who had once ruled the skies as gods: Mars, Venus, Saturn and even Uranus way out back. This is shaping up to be the best summer holiday in the history of the cosmos until Stan discovers his stupid sister is missing and that Pluto (AKA Hades) is trying to use her to destroy the Solar System. And it will be all Stan’s fault if he doesn’t get Poppy back.
So, all Stan has to do is learn how to fight like a hero in space armour, defeat the dragon god of the Underworld, Hades, rescue his sister and save the world. All before his parents realise she is missing.

4. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Curse of the Pharaohs
The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 2
By: Elizabeth Peters
Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat
Series: Amelia Peabody, Book 2
Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
This is another title from my older Audible TBRs.
Source: July 2007 Audible Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
The sun rides high over the British Empire and the light still sparkles brightly in Amelia Peabody's eye as she returns for her second adventure in archaeology and romantic mystery as recounted in her lively journal, The Curse of the Pharaohs.
It was Sir Henry's intention to ensure that no tomb had been overlooked in the previous expedition. Scarcely had the men been at work for three days when their spades uncovered the first of a series of steps cut into the rock.
The Times gave the story a full column, on page three. The next dispatch to come to Luxor, however, rated front-page headlines. Sir Henry Baskerville was dead. He was found next morning stiff and stark in his bed. On his face was a look of ghastly horror. On his high brow, inscribed in what appeared to be dried blood, was a crudely drawn uraeus serpent, the symbol of the divine pharaoh.
Instead of digging up the treasures of a lost age, it appeared that Amelia and her friend Radcliffe were excavating a deadly curse.
Don't miss the rest of the Amelia Peabody series. You can also check out more of our Most Addictive Series.
©1981 Elizabeth Peters (P)1990 Recorded Books LLC

July 21, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I fnished a 5 day study, Quiet Time for the Soul. I plan to start a new study tonight. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed six books and posted four reviews. I have three reviews to post this week.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is at 13 unread. I still have 1 April titles which I will pick up next. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13.)]
I still have four author ebook titles in queue and I still hope to read at least one this month.
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 received one new review title this week through NetGalley.
I bought eight audiobooks - one from Chirp and one Audible credit, two Audible Daily Deals and four on sale at Audiobooks.com. (Just under $30.00 total.)
I downloaded week 13 titles from SYNC.
No free kindle titles this week. (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 received another title from NetGalley:

Bark of Night
by David Rosenfelt
I enjoy this series and although this is jumping ahead of some I haven't read, I think it will be okay.
“Bark of Night is a treat, especially for those who love thrillers and dogs.”

Won

NONE

Purchased

7/16/19 Audiobook from Chirp; $1.99
Cyclone
Written by Janie Crouch
Narrated by Tom Campbell
Run time: 06:55:00



7/16/19 Audible 2nd June Credit
Conflicted Home
By: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine
Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins
Release date: 04-10-18


7/20/19 Audible Daily Deal $3.95
Murder Flies the Coop
By: Jessica Ellicott
Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat
Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins
Release date: 09-25-18


7/20/19 Four sale books from Audiobooks.com $20.96

Timeless: A Drizzt Novel $4.99
by R. A. Salvatore
Narrated By: Victor Bevine
Publisher: HarperAudio
Date: September 2018
Duration: 12 hours 31 minutes


For the Duke's Eyes Only: School for Dukes $3.99
by Lenora Bell
Narrated By: Beverley A. Crick
Publisher: HarperAudio
Date: September 2018
Duration: 9 hours 7 minutes


The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet $4.99
by Becky Chambers
Narrated By: Rachel Dulude
Publisher: HarperAudio
Date: May 2019
Duration: 14 hours 25 minutes


Waiting for Summer's Return $6.99
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Narrated By: Barbara Caruso
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: November 2007
Duration: 11 hours 47 minutes

7/21/2019 Audible Daily Deal $3.95
You're Going to Mars!
By: Rob Dircks
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam
Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
Release date: 11-13-18

Free

HAS ANYONE READ EITHER OF THESE? I get to pick one of 30 titles as July VIP at Audiobook.com. I still have decided on either of these and may end up with a totally different book.
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch (just not sure if the language is too rough for me.
OR
Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins


SYNC Audio 2019
Week 13: July 18 – July 25
THE GO-BETWEEN by Veronica Chambers, narrated by Karla Souza (Penguin Random House Audio/Listening Library)
KIDS OF APPETITE by David Arnold, narrated by Phoebe Strole, Michael Crouch and Ryan Vincent Anderson (Penguin Random House Audio/Listening Library)

I added no free titles this week 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 July 21, 2019

Our substitute Sunday School teacher shared more videos of community revivals. Then he played a quick video showing five of the natural disasters last year, (which doesn’t include the ones this year). Then he reminded us that the God who created the universe said to Solomon:

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14.

There are revivals where people seriously pray, including revivals in Iran!

We shared beautiful praise and worship before the Sermon. Pastor continued the series of Resolution., based in Hebrews 11 today, the ‘faith chapter’.

Adults, just like children, often ask questions consistently seeking information. We try to plan but plan don't always work out. Do we stop and ask: “God show me Your plan.”
We often disrupt God's plan trying to skip steps.
Hebrews 11:8-19 talks about the faith of Abraham and Sarah.
They believed in the promise given by God.
God called Abraham to a greater plan.
God called.
Abraham obeyed.
Abraham trusted and waited.

When it comes to God's plan and purpose, we often have to wait.
Psalm 16:11 says that God makes known the path of life, fills us with joy in His presence where we find pleasures forevermore.

Point: In the waiting or the doing, our true Joy is found in God's presence.

We have choices in the waiting:
Do nothing
Complain and grumble.
Take matters into our own hands.
Quit and walk away.
OR wait and find that fullness of joy in God's presence.

David had to wait a long time to become king. David waited for His turn according to God’s plan.

What is it you are waiting for?
More than getting on, He wants us in His presence. He wants relationship.
Today is the day of salvation; there is no reason to wait; there may be no time to wait.

This song fits today’s message: Wait on the Lord

Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Lord, please help me to seek to follow Your plans and wait on Your word.

Book Review: Blackout (A Riley Covington Thriller Book 3) by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn

This is a fast-paced Christian suspense thriller.
Blackout (A Riley Covington Thriller Book 3)
by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn

Series: A Riley Covington Thriller (Book 3)
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (January 1, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-1414331720
Genre: Christian, Suspense Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Riley Covington is still reeling from his father’s brutal murder when he learns he’s been traded. Meanwhile, the counterterrorism division has detected a plot to detonate electromagnetic pulse bombs that could leave the U.S. without power, communications, and transportation—right down to dropping planes out of the sky. CTD scrambles to stop the attacks, but they run out of time. Amid the fallout, Riley, Scott, Skeeter, and CTD must regroup to make sure the second bomb doesn’t reach its destination.

Review:
Riley is a professional linebacker and a young man who served a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Then he became a hero fighting a terrorist threat on his own turf in American with his special ops team. (Book 1: Monday Night.) The team dealt with a second wave of terrorists that strike directly at Riley and his loved ones. (Book Two: Blown Coverage.) Riley is surprised and confused when he is traded from his beloved Colorado team to a team in Washington, D.C.

Before Riley can even get settled in with the new team he is injured. That doesn’t stop his new bosses from using him for promotional purposes. The situation also intrigues a female friend from back home who sees Riley as a way to journalistic stardom. She is prepared to push her career forward even if it exposes Riley’s covert operations.

Once again Riley’s football career is interrupted as he is drawn back into the special ops team to help track down terrorists who have stolen nuclear weapons. Riley and his team have previously briefed the Whitehouse on the dangers on an EMP strike. Now that threat seems imminent if Riley and the other warriors don’t stop the terrorists.

This is a fast-paced thriller with danger and consequences resulting from an EMP strike over a major city. I enjoyed meeting the team Riley works with, including his personal security guard, his superior, the geeky, genius computer tech “Gooey”, the doctor, Khadi, and others. Khadi holds Riley’s interest, but he has to keep his distance because he is a strong Christian and she is not a believer. This creates conflicts and problems they both are aware of. There are other Christian friends from Riley’s Colorado football team who end up with challenges of their own during this adventure (or misadventure) as they find themselves in the city after all power goes out.

I had a little trouble sorting through the characters at first and this might not have been a problem if I had read books 1 and 2. Still, most of my ladies book club really enjoyed this and a couple will get the other books. I picked up the boxed set so I could go back if I wanted and have book four too. I recommend this to reader’s who like action packed Christian Thrillers. You might want to start with book 1.

Source: Print 2017 for Ladies Book Club; I picked up the boxed set on Kindle 2019.  I’m going to count this towards 2019TBR goal.