Audible Book Review: Dust: Before and After by S.E. Smith

This is an engaging Teen/YA fantasy with paranormal characters - good and evil.

Dust: Before and After: The Dust Series, Book 1
By: S.E. Smith
Narrated by: Paul Heitsch

Series: The Dust Series, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins
Release date: 08-19-16
Publisher: S.E. Smith
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, YA
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author returns with an emotionally charged fantasy adventure story filled with heart-pounding action and suspense for listeners of all ages.
After fragments of a comet hit Earth, Dust wakes to discover the world as he knew it is gone. It isn't the only thing that has changed though; so has Dust. He now possesses powers that continue to grow, but they also come with a price.
A deadly encounter after Dust leaves his home leads to a new discovery - other survivors. Dust soon learns that another creature has risen from the ashes, one that is determined to possess the powers he now has. On a journey filled with danger, it will take the skills of not just Dust, but those of his friends, if they are to survive.
This time the race is not to the swift but to the deadliest in a world where a changed human boy and an odd assortment of friends must face their worst nightmares and accept that life on Earth will never be the same again.
Join Dust and his friends as they fight to overcome an evil force determined to create a new species unlike any the world has ever known.
©2016 Susan E. Smith (P)2016 Blackstone Audio.

Review:
A comet hit Earth and the world changed – drastically. Most people died but Dust found himself alive and changed. He has powers that aren’t human although they can come in handy. His powers use a lot of energy and he requires extra food. Dust isn’t the only creature with powers and seeking food sources. There are other dark creatures he has to compete with which isn’t easy for a boy with a caring, tender heart.

Dust left his home area in search of food and was surprised to find other human survivors. Not all of them have powers but they have shown survival skills. They learn they have to be wary of human survivors as well as strange creature survivors.

One of the dark creatures is growing in powers too and she is intent on pursuing Dust to acquire his powers. Meanwhile Dust is trying to keep his small group of survivors alive.

I really liked Dust’s character and his interesting skills from the beginning. Early in the story I could accept that some of the powers may have resulted from some atmosphere exposure. Later it took a stretch of belief when Dust and his ‘devil dog’ adversary grew into their different, powerful forms.

I wasn’t bothered by the YA elements and enjoyed Dust’s friends, especially how they came to be his new “family”. I am glad that I have book 2, Dust: A New World Order, available to listen to soon. I recommend this book to fans of young adult paranormal.

Audio Notes: Paul Heitsch does a good job with the narration. He doesn’t always make distinct voices but the reading is clear and he provides energetic atmosphere. The narration added to the entertainment for me.

Source: September 2020 Audible Plus Catalogue. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Unforgettable by Eric James Stone

I enjoyed this entertaining futuristic spy adventure.
Unforgettable
by Eric James Stone
Read by Bryson Carr

Run Time 8h 23min
Release Date: April 20, 2020
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Action Adventure, Mystery, Sci Fi, Spy Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher Description
In the near future, a fluke of quantum mechanics renders Nat Morgan utterly forgettable. No one can remember he exists for more than a minute after he’s gone. It’s a useful ability for his career as a CIA agent, even if he has to keep reminding his boss that he exists. Nat’s attempt to steal a quantum-chip prototype is thwarted when a former FSB agent, Yelena Semyonova, attempts to steal the same technology for the Russian mob. Along with a brilliant Iranian physicist who wants to defect, Nat and Yelena must work together to stop a ruthless billionaire from finishing a quantum supercomputer that will literally control the fate of the world.

Review:
Imagine if your own mother didn’t remember you after walking out of your room for one minute! This is the problem Nat Morgan has faced since he was born! His mother had to be his world as he grew up as the teachers and children in school wouldn’t remember him minutes after he walked out of the room. His mother did a good job until tragedy hit and changed their circumstances.

Nat had to find a way to make it on his own. He managed to convince the CIA to hire him and he was assigned a particular handler with special steps to remember Nat when he calls in from missions.

Nat obtains the quantum-chip prototype but his plan of escape is interrupted by a former FSB agent, Yelena. A fluke event puts the pair working together, although for different purposes. Nat wants to stop a master plot for control while Yelena is set on saving her sisters who have been kidnapped. It looks like cooperation might work best especially when they realize they need to obtain the help of a brilliant physicist who may be their only hope to stopping a tyrannical billionaire from completing a supercomputer that will control the world.

Nat is a little naïve but that is understandable due to his solitary upbringing. Being unforgettable has its advantages (storage closets come in handy) but there are more problems than you might think. His mother helped him to learn creative means to help others remember him when he needs them to.

The writing felt more like “light” entertainment than intense suspense. Still, the story moved along quickly, and I enjoyed the action and light romance. The suspense builds with a few twists and an ending that leaves open the possibility of more adventures. I recommend this to fans of futuristic, spy adventure.

Audio Notes: Bryson Carr does a good job with the narration. He provides the younger tone of the primary character but also provides appropriate accents and voices for the other characters. The energy and delivery enhance the reading experience for me.

Source: 8/30/2020 Chirp $2.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Alphabet Audio goals.

Sunday Post April 11, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 12, 2021

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.

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We got Heather a new laptop to help her work from home as she continues to be out with dizziness and doctor visits for her ear and her beau's severely dislocated shoulder. (He has surgery on Monday.)

I continue to juggle title real estate closings and legal work.

I had a comfortable week on stocks last week. I hope that will continue.

This flowering weed - I believe it is a Bull Thistle - popped up at the end of our walkway. It is about a foot and a half wide (based on my 81/2" boots). We are expecting to start lawn service again this week after the slow winter months.

Our weekend weather was full of April rain - downpours not just showers.

I had another good reading/listening week. I finished two audio books and one NetGalley ebook. I posted four reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 22 blogs last week!
Shout Out this week to AMY IMOGENE READS. Amy says she loves reading and sharing through reviews. Hop over and check out her blog.

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post April 4, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 5, 2021.

• MBS March 2021 Reading List Wrap Up.

• NG2021- #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Ever Winter by Peter Hackshaw; Genre: Adventure, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis; Genre: Children, Christian, Classic; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 9, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 4/15/2021.

• ATBR- Book Review: Low Tide (The Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series Book 1) by Dawn Lee McKenna; Genre: Mystery, Small Town, Suspense, Thriller; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: After the Galaxy: The Unsung by Scott Bartlett; Genre: Military Science Fiction, Science Fiction, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 4, 2021.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Unforgettable
by Eric James Stone
I enjoyed this entertaining futuristic spy adventure.
Source: 8/30/2020 Chirp $2.99.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Dust: Before and After: The Dust Series, Book 1
By: S.E. Smith
Narrated by: Paul Heitsch
Series: The Dust Series, Book 1
This is an engaging Teen/YA fantasy with paranormal characters - good and evil.
Source: September 2020 Audible Plus Catalogue.
Publisher's Summary
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author returns with an emotionally charged fantasy adventure story filled with heart-pounding action and suspense for listeners of all ages.
After fragments of a comet hit Earth, Dust wakes to discover the world as he knew it is gone. It isn't the only thing that has changed though; so has Dust. He now possesses powers that continue to grow, but they also come with a price.
A deadly encounter after Dust leaves his home leads to a new discovery - other survivors. Dust soon learns that another creature has risen from the ashes, one that is determined to possess the powers he now has. On a journey filled with danger, it will take the skills of not just Dust, but those of his friends, if they are to survive.
This time the race is not to the swift but to the deadliest in a world where a changed human boy and an odd assortment of friends must face their worst nightmares and accept that life on Earth will never be the same again.
Join Dust and his friends as they fight to overcome an evil force determined to create a new species unlike any the world has ever known.
©2016 Susan E. Smith (P)2016 Blackstone Audio.

3. Kindle App on Fire Tablet (NG2020)

Rescuing Harmony Ranch
Jennie Marts
This second chance romance brought tears to my eyes near the end.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Print (TBR)

The Faith of Condoleezza Rice
by Leslie Montgomery
This is moving along a bit slowly but I do like it.
Source: February 2018 Discounted price at Christianbooks.com
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Witch of Hebron: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 2
By: James Howard Kunstler
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen
Series: World Made By Hand, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 09-07-10
I am continuing this post-apocalyptic series.
Source: 12/21/2020 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
In the sequel to his best-selling World Made by Hand, James Howard Kunstler expands on his vision of a post-oil society with a new novel about an America in which the electricity has flickered off, the Internet is a distant memory, and the government is little more than a rumor.
In the tiny hamlet of Union Grove, New York, travel is horse-drawn and farming is back at the center of life. But it’s no pastoral haven. Wars are fought over dwindling resources and illness is a constant presence. Bandits roam the countryside, preying on the weak, and a sinister cult threatens to shatter Union Grove’s fragile stability. Here is a novel that seamlessly weaves hot-button issues like the decline of oil and the perils of climate change into a compelling narrative of violence, religious hysteria, innocence lost, and love found—a cautionary tale with an optimistic heart.
Already a renowned social commentator and a best-selling novelist and nonfiction writer, Kunstler has recently attained even greater prominence in the global conversation about energy and the environment. In the last two years he has been the focus of a long profile in the New Yorker, the subject of a full-page essay in the New York Times Book Review, and his wildly popular blog and podcast have made him a sought-after speaker who gives dozens of lectures and scores of media interviews each year.
©2010 James Howard Kunstler (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

3. Kindle App on Fire Tablet (NG2020)

A Cowboy for Keeps
by Jody Hedlund
I am looking forward to this Christian, Historical Romance.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
Greta Nilsson's trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He'll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt's ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family. And the mayor, who has promised to try to help Greta, has just the candidate in mind for Wyatt to marry.

April 11, 2021 - I love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I am glad to still be current with morning reading. (I got one day behind but and caught up again.)
I am reading/listening to the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
No extra study this week.

I completed three books and plan to get those reviewed this week.
NetGalley shelf is now at 6 as I added one to reading this week.
Four author titles now in queue - I need to start these now that NG titles are lower.
(Plus a few that I received from facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles 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.
One new author review book this week.
I picked my two March Audible credits (hubby needed another book) and purchased two Daily Deals.
I'm trying to decide on my April VIP pick at Audiobooks.com. I have reduced the choices to 4.
I added 87 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

Received from Author:

Save Me (Broken Idols #2)
by M.C. Frank
A New Adult romance.

Won

NONE

Purchased

4/4/2021 Audible Daily Deal $3.95.

Starfish Pier
By: Irene Hannon
Narrated by: Therese Plummer
Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins
Release date: 03-31-20

4/5/2021 Audible Daily Deal $2.95.

Perestroika in Paris
By: Jane Smiley
Narrated by: Suzanne Toren
Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
Release date: 12-01-20

4/8/2021 March Audible Credits - for the hubby (and me).

North! Or Be Eaten
The Wingfeather Saga, Book 2
By: Andrew Peterson
Narrated by: Andrew Peterson
Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 01-05-21

Verses for the Dead
A Pendergast Novel
By: Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child
Narrated by: Rene Auberjonois
Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 12-31-18

Free

I added 87 titles this week - I got on Kindle orders that had multiple links to free titles that went on for pages. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 11, 2021

Once again we attended church online. I miss being there in person and miss sharing in person for communion. I hope to return soon even if I have to go alone and let hubby continue to shelter at home.

Our church collected a special offering for Convoy of Hope – One Day to Feed the World where we give one day’s pay to help others.

Pastor started a new sermon series titled “It Matters.”
Do you ever mix up what does and doesn’t matter? Most of us have. Our feelings don’t matter … what does matter is “How does God feel about it?”

Reading instructions most often matters! But other details often don't matter. Pastor shared a story of a time in church up north they set up a ‘snow fence’ – the orange netting on posts -- using tons of zip ties. When they went to dismantle the fence after the event, the senior pastor wanted to save the zip ties although it was labor intensive to try to get them off. After a few minutes, another member just started cutting them off and the pastor had to agree that saving the zip ties did not matter.

In light of eternity some things truly matter and others do not.
It is important that our children grow up to love Jesus and love the church. That matters.
We must choose to not sacrifice our marriages or our kids for things that don’t matter; things that are temporary, like fame and fortune.

We need to stop and ask ourselves, “What really matters in light of eternity?"
Yes, managing our time and resources matters. Yes, it matters how we treat others.
It doesn’t matter if we have a new car or new outfit.

We need to be accountable to God.
Matthew 25:14-30 shares the parable of talents speaking to accountability. The servant with the one bag of silver made no effort to use that ‘talent’ and was therefore critizied as unfaithful.

Are we giving God our first fruits?

The Point: Be sure to do what matters in light of eternity, because that is what you will be accountable for.

Do we trust in God or the world? Jeremiah 17:5-10.
Big and little things both may – or may not—matter. The importance is what matters in the light of eternity! God doesn’t really need your money. But He is aware of your attitude toward money. He doesn’t want your money to “have you.”

Are you treating others as God would want? Are you using your resources as God would want? In light of eternity, it matters!

I found this song a few weeks ago and I think it fits for today.
Help and serve the poor and needy.

Verses for Today:
Jeremiah 17:10
10 But I, the Lord, search all hearts
and examine secret motives.
I give all people their due rewards,
according to what their actions deserve.”

Matthew 25:23
23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

Prayer: God, help me to do the things that matter to You.

Audible Book Review: After the Galaxy: The Unsung by Scott Bartlett

This is a mix up of sci fi ideas - with some strange twists.

After the Galaxy: The Unsung
By: Scott Bartlett
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins
Release date: 03-27-19
Publisher: Mirth Publishing
Genre: Military Science Fiction, Science Fiction, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The galaxy’s not big enough....
Commander Joe Pikeman has his share of demons. But after a long deployment, he just wants to enjoy some home leave with his daughter.
The galaxy has other plans.
His last assignment takes him to Earth, humanity’s deserted homeworld. There, he finds Earth’s last settlement littered with the bodies of the people who lived there.
As he hunts down those responsible, he runs head-first into some galaxy-shaking questions.
Why did humanity really abandon the galaxy for a computer simulation?
Who would want to start killing off the last real humans left?
There’s one thing Joe knows for sure. If they’re going after his neighbors...his family...his daughter....
They’ll need to go through him first.
If you like action-packed, run-and-gun military science fiction, you’ll love After the Galaxy. Fans of Firefly will also love After the Galaxy. Download this military space opera now and jump into the action.
©2018 Scott Bartlett (P)2019 Mirth Publishing

Review:
Commander Joe Pikeman lives and works in a world where many people have moved themselves from the real world to a digital, simulation life known as the Subverse. Joe is a Guardsman known by others, especially the pirates, as “The Butcher”. He has learned on an assignment to Earth that there are few real human settlements left and someone is trying to keep Joe from investigating the troubles of the Subverse.

Joe gets to take a break to visit his home and grab a quick visit with his 15 year old daughter, Harmony. Harmony’s mother checked out of life to live permanently in the Subverse. She feels abandoned by her father who is always deployed and won’t listen to her pleas for some opportunity beyond her meager settlement community. The visit with Harmony doesn’t go well for Joe and when he returns to his ship, he realizes how wrong the visit went.

Joe manages pretty much alone on his ship with only his Cybernetic D1C, an AI companion he calls “Dice”. Dice does give good support and saves Joe’s life several times but the two verbally abuse each other in a very unpleasant fashion. Joe has also adopted a feral dog he named Maneater due to the circumstances in which he found the dog. When Joe does need crew on the ship, he activates four members who are stashed in the Subverse waiting to be activated.

Joe is a mixed character who I liked most of the time except I didn’t like his rude, bigoted attitude toward the AI… not that the AI was much better. Harmony adds an additional thread and good element and even the dog adds to the story. The world building is fascinating, and I enjoyed the extensive action, the intrigue and the suspense. Unfortunately, about three quarters into the story, things go very weird. But the action still runs high and all in all is entertaining. Although Joe succeeds in defeating (or destroying) the immediate plan for human destruction, the main villain escapes…letting the story continue in the next book. I’m not planning to rush off to get it, but I would recommend this first book to hard core fans of science fiction and space opera.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett is a skilled narrator and he does a great job with this. He gives the characters appropriate voices, conveying their quirks and energy. I am glad that I had this in audio.

Source: 9/21/2019 Audible Daily Deal $3.95. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook goal and 2021Alphabet Audio Goals.