Audible Book Review: Tracking Magic: Rylee Adamson, Book 0.25 by Shannon Mayer

This is a quick prequel to help me decide on the series. The use of foul language overshadowed the story line for me.
Tracking Magic: Rylee Adamson, Book 0.25
By: Shannon Mayer
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

Length: 1 hr and 4 mins
Release date: 01-19-21
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
My name is Rylee, and I am a Tracker.
When children go missing, and the Humans have no leads, I'm the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot. A missing girl and a deadly item belonging to a power-mad demon need to be found before the killing begins.
The problem? This is my first salvage. And I have no idea what I'm doing. These were the moments that began to define me, my skills, and my drive to face down the darkest side of the supernatural in order to bring children home. This is where my journey began....
Tracking Magic is a prequel to the Rylee Adamson series.
©2015 Shannon Mayer (P)2021 Podium Audio

Review:
Rylee is a 17 year-old was put out by her parents who blame her for losing her little sister, Burget. Rylee is living with her mentor, Giselle, a witch who is trying to train Rylee until they can determine what her skill is. A man breaks into their house seeking a special stone that Riley doesn’t have. An FBI agent arrives determined to prove that Riley killed Burget. Rylee believes she can find her sister and senses she is out in the community. When Riley and Giselle go looking, they come across a young witch, Millie, who is wearing the magical stone. Millie is enslaved by a demon who first threatens to kill Rylee and Giselle but then changes his punishment.

I understand this prequel was written after several of the main books were released. I have not read any of the other stories, so all characters are new to me. So, we meet some primary characters, but it seemed disjointed to me and did not help me to understand what is anticipated. Perhaps it is not a good place to start the series after all. I like the premise of the tracking skills but my interest in learning more about the characters was diminished by the foul language, particularly the “F” word, that was used too much, IMO, especially since the series appears to target a younger audience. At some point I may try book 1, but if this is a taste of the series, I am not going to be rushing to read more.

Audio Notes: Lauren Fortgang does a fine job with the narration. She provides appropriate voices and energy. Unfortunately, the good narration did not help my feelings towards the book.

Source: 7/19/2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Shattered Worlds, Koban Volume 4 by Stephen W Bennett

This is long but full of action, likeable characters and interesting tech details.

Shattered Worlds
Koban, Volume 4
By: Stephen W Bennett
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Length: 31 hrs and 26 mins
Release date: 04-16-15
Publisher: Stephen W Bennett
Genre: Aliens, Colonization, Military Space Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5

Publisher's Summary
The Kobani continue their offensives against the Krall, attacking production worlds and destroying or stealing ships from the Krall fleet, which the enemy needs to resupply their invasions. The Kobani create a multispecies settlement on Haven, a gentler habitable world near deadly Koban. They gain the trust and technological assistance of freed former Krall slave species, the Torki, Prada, and resurrected Raspani. Their ranks and Mind Tap learned skills are increased by spec ops recruits from Human Space.
Mirikami engineers an assault on the Krall base world, K1, in cooperation with a skeptical human navy by sharing new technology, revealing Kobani physical capabilities, and providing intelligence on new Krall invasion plans. Despite knowing the Kobani use illegal gene mods, the navy high command decides to hit the Krall first, with the help of their secretive, tough Kobani ally. After the attack a mauled Krall fleet still heavily outnumbers the navy, and the damaged human fleet withdraws.
A vengeful Krall warlord, the Kobani old nemesis Telour, summons an ancient Olt'kitapi ship that can shatter an entire planet. He has a devious plan for remote strikes that will initiate delayed deaths on multiple human worlds, all before a ship imbued with morality can learn it has been been duped. Telour wants the home world of humanity to see death approaching one world at a time.
Mirikami expected a strong Krall reaction but not this extreme. He scrambles to head off the inexorable destruction of multiple planets. Failing to save some worlds, he is the final hope for billions of people on others. The Kobani will need the strength and speed their genes provide plus luck to save humanity.
Book one: Koban; book two: Koban: The Mark of Koban; book three: Koban: Rise of the Kobani.
©2014 Stephen W Bennett (P)2015 Stephen W Bennett

Review:
This continues the story of the genetically enhanced humans who call themselves Kobani. The Kobani have made friends and allies with other species who have previously been terrorized or enslaved by the brutal alien race known as Kralls. The Torki, Prada, and Raspani are willing to share their superior technology and skills to help the Kobani fight the Krall.

Rather than wait for the Kralls to slowly annihilate the human race, the Kobani have taken the offensive trying to destroy Krall ships, weapons and supplies in an effort to slow them down. They have already teamed up with some Special Ops troops of the human race, but now the Kobani find that they must convince the human authorities and PU (Planetary Union) military to fight with them. That means revealing their new mind tap skills and other genetic enhancements to the humans, who had previously banned genetic modifications.

After attacking several of the Krall production planets, Mirakami, the leader of the Kobani, plans a raid on the Krall base world, K-1. He knows that a new Krall leader is being installed but Mirakami doesn’t realize it is his old nemesis, Telour. In response to the attack on K-1, Telour convinces the counsel to allow him to use one of the few remaining ancient Olt'kitapi ships to destroy several human planets, including Earth. The plan is tricky because the Olt'kitapi ships were designed to build new worlds, not destroy them.

Mirakami and his fleet must race to try to stop the ancient ship from shattering four human worlds. When he is unable to save the first world will the human president be prepared to focus blame on the genetically ‘criminal’ Kobanis?

I was concerned about the length of this book but it turned out it kept me engaged. There is plenty of action and strategic war maneuvering that made it interesting. There is also some snarky humor thrown in to break up the tense trauma and losses. There are some sections of physic discussions and weapon or ship discussions which could have moved faster but overall, I feel invested in the fate of the Kobani and want to continue the series. I recommend this to fans of alien encounter, space military but do suggest starting with book one in the series.

Audio Notes: Eric Michael Summerer does a great job with the narration. He provides distinct voices for the males, females and a variety of alien species. He also provides good energy and even makes the scientifically technical sections move along well. I enjoy listening to this series.

Source: October 2020 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Koban, Volume 1 - My Rating 4.5
Koban: The Mark of Koban, Koban Volume 2 - My Rating 5.0
Koban: Rise of the Kobani, Koban Volume 3 - My Rating 4.5

Sunday Post November 28, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 29, 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.

We are enjoying our visit and had a lovely Thanksgiving with our son and his family. Our daughter-in-law made a beautiful turkey and the spread included green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce (yum), gravy, and rolls (not in picture).

The weather is cooler than we are used to (20s to 45) so hubby and I have only been out of the house for church since arriving last Sunday.

I enjoyed my listening last week and finished two (almost three) audiobooks. I posted two reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Budget Tales Book Blog. Emily Jane is a full time mum who loves to read and review on Goodreads and Instagram She shares “mainly library books and cheap/free kindle books so that no matter what your budget you can enjoy reading!”

Audible offerings for free children's titles ended June 30.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 21, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 22, 2021.

• A2021- Audible Book Review: Harper's Ten: Fractured Space, Book 0.5 by J.G. Cressey; Genre: Alien Encounter, Military Space; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Happy Thanksgiving November 25, 2021.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 26, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/2/2021.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Mysterious Abduction by Rita Herron; Genre: Crime, Mystery, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #435 Comment Giveaway November 27, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/11/2021.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 28, 2021.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Shattered Worlds
Koban, Volume 4
By: Stephen W Bennett
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer
Length: 31 hrs and 26 mins
This is long but full of action and interesting tech details.
Source: October 2020 Audible Credit
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (A2021)

Tracking Magic: Rylee Adamson, Book 0.25
By: Shannon Mayer
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
Length: 1 hr and 4 mins
This is a quick prequel to help me decide on the series. I liked everything except the "F" words.
7/19/2021 I picked this from the Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
My name is Rylee, and I am a Tracker.
When children go missing, and the Humans have no leads, I'm the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot. A missing girl and a deadly item belonging to a power-mad demon need to be found before the killing begins.
The problem? This is my first salvage. And I have no idea what I'm doing. These were the moments that began to define me, my skills, and my drive to face down the darkest side of the supernatural in order to bring children home. This is where my journey began....
Tracking Magic is a prequel to the Rylee Adamson series.
©2015 Shannon Mayer (P)2021 Podium Audio

Currently Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

A Nancy Drew Christmas
Written by Carolyn Keene
Narrated by Jorjeana Marie
Run time: 6 hours and 24 minutes
I am more than halfway
and enjoying this light mystery.
Source: 1/20/2020 Chirp Purchase $.99.
Publisher Description
Nancy finds herself a Christmas mystery in this super special eighteenth book of the Nancy Drew Diaries series, a fresh approach to the classic mystery series.
Nancy Drew’s dad surprises her with a trip to a beautiful New England ski resort for Christmas break. Nancy is so excited. What could be better than a whole week of skiing and five-star dining?
But no vacation can go smoothly when Nancy is involved. On her very first run down the slopes, Nancy hits a bad patch of ice and takes a serious tumble. A doctor sends her back to the hotel in a cast and mandates twelve days of bed rest. That means no long car trips back to River Heights and twelve days of sitting around. Luckily, there’s still the five-star dining and beautiful views.
Just hours into her convalescence, Nancy witnesses something very suspicious through another hotel room window. And when she presses the concierge she learns there have been mysterious break-ins throughout the hotel. It’s clear someone has been going into guest’s rooms but, as far as anyone can tell, nothing has been taken. Nancy can’t resist-she has to investigate. Only trouble is, she’s still bed bound.
Taking some cues from Home Alone’s Kevin McCallister, Nancy devises some clever schemes to get her investigating done from her bed. But for all her plans, Nancy still can’t find the source of the break-ins. Or the purpose. What’s worse the mood of the hotel has turned decidedly un-merry. People are leaving in droves and the jolly hotel owner is worried about the hotel’s success.
With all the odds stacked against her, can Nancy solve this crime in time to save Christmas? Or is this one Yuletide she’ll wish to forget?

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Ranch: Jack Sterlings Legacy
The Legacy Series, Book 1
By: Sean Liscom
Narrated by: Christopher Lane
Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
Release date: 01-09-20
I decided to try the first in this series to see if I want to pick up more.
12/17/2020 Audible $5.00 Sale.
Publisher's Summary
Post-apocalyptic fiction by Sean Liscom.
Jason Sterling had a simple life by all accounts. He had worked the same job his entire adult life, he had never married, and he had no children. He was used to doing things on his own. His comfortable life was shaken to the core the day he learned of his fathers death. It was a mysterious meeting that set life-altering events in motion, and the allure of a new life was too great to walk away from. When an electromagnetic pulse brings the modern world to its knees, Jason's choice proves to be the right one.
©2019 Sean Liscomb (P)2019 Creative Texts Publishers, LLC

3. ebook/Kindle App on Phone (ebTBR)

A Place Called Armageddon: Constantinople 1453
by C.C. Humphreys
I still like the writing style. I am 20% in so far.
Source: 2012 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

I have another book, LikeWar, from my son but I am not sure I can transfer it to my MP3 as it looks like I forgot that media connector.

November 28, 2021 - I am back on track. I love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I am glad to still be current with morning reading. 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 Study yet this week.

I completed two books for reviews to post this week.
My NetGalley shelf now has 2 old ebooks titles and one new audio.
I still have two author titles remaining in queue. I'm still working on reading these.
(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: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, me and new to the team, Velvet at vvb32reads. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I requested/received no review titles this week.
I picked up my Audiobooks.com VIP for November.
I found two audio titles for small price at Chirp this week.
I picked up six free Kindle titles.
(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

11/27/21 Two titles at Chirp:

Daughter of Time
Written by Sarah Woodbury
Narrated by Laurel Schroeder
Run Time 9h 10min
$9.99 $0.99

Fear Has a Name
Written by Creston Mapes
Narrated by Paul Michael
Run Time 9h 35min
$20.99 $1.99

Free

11/28/2021 Audiobooks.com November VIP selection:

The Traveller and Other Stories
Author Stuart Neville
Narrator: Gerard Doyle
Duration: 7 h 20 min


I have six new kindle titles this week - one from an author and others found at another blog.
The Naturalist, Episode 1: The Shopkeeper's Boy
Brooke Hatchett

No More Tears (A Town Without Pity Book 1)
Sandy Appleyard

A Whyte Christmas (The Happy Holidays Series Book 1)
Michele Brouder, Jessica Peirce

I'm glad I found you this Christmas: A warmhearted and feel-good Christmas holiday romance set in Scotland (Delightful Christmas Book 1)
CP Ward

An Heirloom Christmas
Misty M. Beller, Linda Ford, Robin Lee Hatcher, Kari Trumbo, Susan May Warren, Lacy Williams

A Curse for Christmas: A witchy Christmas cozy mystery (Trouble Down Under)
P.A. Mason

Other Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement November 28, 2021

We attended church in Illinois this morning with our son’s family. The Pastor’s message was continuing a series called Legacy. He explained that Legacy is: What we leave behind. What we do. What we sound like. What will be said about me when I’m gone?

Sometimes people feel they will be known by their errors or messes. But he explained that “Mess ups are the time to get up and get it right.”

What Motivates Me?
“Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.” Psalm 112:6.
Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. Ephesians 4:1.
When you pass from this life to next, what do you want to be said about you?
How will you live to live up to your obituary?
Pastor suggests three important things.

1. Love God passionately. Acts 17:26-28 encourages us to reach out for Him and find Him for “’In Him we live and move and have our being.’”
You and I are one prayer away from God's purpose in our lives. “All things were created by Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:16.

2. Serve Others Selflessly. Be rich in good deeds.

3. Live Life Internationally. Our lives should be lived so we are “exceeding and living beyond the limits of ordinary experience.”

Sometimes we need to listen better rather than expressing our own ‘important’ opinion. We need to WAIT: think “Why am I talking?”
We need to extend ourselves to finish the purpose God has set for us.

I think this song fits today! In the Blink of an Eye by MercyMe.

Verse for Today:
Colossians 1:16 NIV
16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

Sharing Beyond Books #435 Comment Giveaway November 27, 2021

Hello again, Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB#434 Natalija asks: Do you read while you are on vacation? If yes, do you choose specific books??
Ten commenters said "yes" they read on vacation but two don't get to read much and MaryP knits if she is with family (because she can talk while she knits). Three said they do not read on vacation, but no but Marjorie said she does go to bookstores. Fredamans said if she went on vacay she would probably read something based on the vacay spot.

For US participants: I need to update and refill the books available to US winners. I have used "Love" and "Christmas" titles as well as ARC titles. Since the supply is lower, I have author collections I could choose from, mostly romance - historical, suspense and some contemporary. What genres/books/authors would you like me to include?

The Winner from SBB#434 comments is #6 SCATTERED LEAVES who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [9-18-2021 I have added a new box and crossed off books no longer available through August 2021.]

Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #435

(One Question.)

Faith Hope and Cherry Tea asks: How many readers have books on their Christmas wish list? Specific titles or general categories??

Yes, I always have books on my gift wish lists. Since no one really knows what I will read I am very happy (and never offended) to receive gift cards. I like to give gift cards too, although some people seem to prefer specific gifts. But I rarely know what that is and even when I have picked from a wish list I have later been told that it was an old list. :-/

Image found at Village Books and Dreams.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month, I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify them. .
NOVEMBER COMMENTS PROVIDED BY NATALIJA AND FHCT who each get a $2.50 credit.

Your turn to share. Faith Hope and Cherry Tea asks: How many readers have books on their Christmas wish list? Specific titles or general categories??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, December 11, 2021, at 5 PM central.
NOTE THAT  due to December and New Year holidays I will probably do one SBB on 12/11 with the answer due by January 8, 2022!