Audible Book Review: Deathbeast by David Gerrold

This is tough reading with a little bit of philosophizing.
Deathbeast
By: David Gerrold
Narrated by: Andy Caploe

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
Release date: 05-14-14
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Time Travel, Vintage
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Timebeam to danger
Six hunters and two official guides are going on the trip of their lifetime. Their destination? Earth as it was 100 million years ago, long before human dominion, when the great hot-blooded dinosaurs ruled supreme.
Each of the time travelers has a different motive. Some are on the strange safari for pay. Others are taking a psychological and sexual holiday from civilization. There are women who wanted to show themselves the equal of men - and men out to test and prove their manhood.
But whatever their drives and desires, their strengths and weaknesses, the ultimate horror awaits them...deathbeast.
©1978, 1999, 2014 David Gerrold (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
Of course, it must be exciting to travel to prehistoric times and the ultimate challenge to hunt dinosaurs. Not just any dinosaur, but, if the group is lucky, the king of dinosaurs, the T Rex. The official guides are supposed to be in charge and try to discourage the hunters from specifically hunting the T Rex. The chartered event is of to a rough start when they land on an large predator who wasn't spotted on the scanners. After trampling a lot of the specialized equipment, the safari sets out in search of more predators. Fortunately for the macho, enhanced warrior leader of the hunters, Ethab, the group stumbles upon a T Rex the first night. When one of his friends falls prey and a female hunter goes catatonic, Ethab becomes obsessed (think Moby Dick) to take down the ‘Deathbeast’.

There is plenty of hunting action, if rather ineffective. Humans hunt, become prey and get eaten. The head guide is professional but soon loses control. The second guide has a snarky wit trying to cover his insecurities. The hunting team members have different motives and less sense than you would think experienced hunters should have. Each member of the hunting crew has their own character foibles and flaws. There is a side thread of sexual undertone that, in my opinion, diminishes the story. As the number of the group dwindle, the survivors have the opportunity to ponder who is the greatest beast as they philosophize on life.

The story is dark and moves from alarming to grim with some roll-your-eyes scenes sprinkled in. Although it was different from what I expected, I did find the prehistoric world and detailed creature descriptions quite interesting. I didn’t realize that this was originally released in 1978 so the descriptions were based on information available then. Since this is a vintage sci fi, I am glad I got to listen to it for free. Fans of classic sci fi might want to give this a try.

Audio Notes: Andy Caploe does a good job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and portrays the gruesomeness of the deaths. I am glad I was able to do a quick listen.

Source: November 2021 Audible Plus Catalog - in library only until 12/30. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

Sunday Post December 12, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 13, 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.

I am starting to stress (just a little) about trying to get much done before the end of year.
I have three new appointments for four days this coming week although the work will likely have to wait until 2022. I have a hotly contested trial coming up in mid January and have to plan on probably two to three days in preparation time.
At least I did most of my Christmas shopping this weekend - GCs with a few specific items too.

♪'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas'♫.
I missed getting my nails done for October so mid November I went straight to holiday nails. I really love this simple holiday design!

It looks like we will have nice weather this week with temperatures from low of 45 to high of 80. I am enjoying wearing my seasonal tops. I may not get cold weather to wear my holiday sweaters.

I enjoyed my listening last week but only finished one audiobook. I posted two reviews and my usual memes.

I only visited 12 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to ONE READER'S THOUGHTS. Emma says: "When I’m done with a book, I’ll share my thoughts, good, bad or indifferent. The books might be new, old, fiction or non-fiction."

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 December 5, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 6, 2021.

• MBS November 2021 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Ranch: Jack Sterlings Legacy by Sean Liscom; Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 10, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/16/2021.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Mistletoe Miracles by Jodi Thomas; Genre: Christmas, Contemporary Romance, Western; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #436 Comment Giveaway December 11, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending JANUARY 8, 2022.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 12, 2021.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (A2021)

Deathbeast
By: David Gerrold
Narrated by: Andy Caploe
Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
This is tough reading with a little bit of philosophizing.
Source: November 2021 Audible Plus Catolog - in library only until 12/30.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (A2021)

The Brass Queen
By: Elizabeth Chatsworth
Narrated by: Michelle Babb
Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins
This has been a fun listen.
I have 2.5 hours remaining.
Source: 11/28/21 Audible Code from narrator.
Click on book title for full description.

2. ebook/Kindle App on Phone (ebTBR)

A Place Called Armageddon: Constantinople 1453
by C.C. Humphreys
Not much progress this week, but I still like this. I do wish that my kindle reading time was more stable -sometimes it opens and sometimes it doesn't.
Source: 2012 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/Smartphone (A2021)

Every Day in December
By: Kitty Wilson
Narrated by: Katy Sobey, Joe Jameson
Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
I'm ready for another holiday romance.
Source: 11/30/2021 Audible Book Sale $5.00
Publisher's Summary
Two people. One month to fall in love.
Belle Wilde loves December. Yes, she’s just lost her job, and Christmas is not a good time to find yourself ‘financially challenged’. And yes, her parents are still going on about the fact that she really should have it all together by now. But Belle believes that in December, magic can happen.
Rory Walters hates December. Whilst it looks like his life is together, he’s still reeling from a winter’s night five years ago when his life changed forever. Now back at home, he’s certain that this will be yet another Christmas to endure rather than enjoy.
But as midnight on December 31st draws closer, Belle and Rory’s time together is coming to an end. With a little help from a Christmas miracle, could Belle find the one thing she really wants underneath the mistletoe?
©2021 Kitty Wilson (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

With only a few weeks left in the year, I hope to get in a few more Christmas books and not sure what else.

December 12, 2021 - I continue on track, enjoying Amos, Revelation, Psalms and Proverbs. 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.
I finished Anticipating Christmas: A 5-Day Advent Plan this week.

I completed only one book for review to post this week.
My NetGalley shelf now has two old ebooks titles and one new audio.
I still have two author titles remaining in queue. Looks like they will go into 2022.
(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.

Totally empty mailbox for me this past week! No time this past week to be searching to use my credits.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE-

Free

NONE

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

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 12, 2021

Hubby and I were feeling a little under the weather this morning (him more than me really), so we did church online. Pastor started the Christmas series: “Heaven is Here.”

He reminded us that the holiday season is not just for decorations, music, joy, and gifts. The real “reason” for the season is the gift of a child, Jesus, our savior. Many may be waiting for the season, the festivities, and the presents. God’s people had been told of a promise and they were waiting too.

God watches over the earth. He saw that times were dark with the brutal Roman empire tyrannic rule. He had a plan all along, but darkness was the time He chose to reveal His plan and deliver His promise. Matthew 4:16-17.

Sometimes light is brightest in a dark time. So, Jesus was sent to become a child in a dark time.
Even King Herod knew there was something special about the baby. Times were so dark that he sought to kill the baby. But God made sure that the light would come into the world for those who would see it.

The POINT: Don’t miss the Savior that has come for you. Receive Him.

Sadly, many people of Israel did not realize that Heaven had come to earth. There are many people today who don’t realize that Heaven has come in the form of a child who grew to a man who gave his life on a cross to save all men. His light still shines today. There is much darkness in the world today. Don’t miss the light - don’t miss the Savior for all of the flash during this season.

I chose this song for today: Light of the World (Sing Hallelujah)

Verses for Today:
Matthew 4:16-17
16 the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.”
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Lord, please help me focus on Your Light during this season AND all year long. Thank you for being alive in me.
Click HERE for an online Prayer for Walking in the Light.

Sharing Beyond Books #436 Comment Giveaway December 11, 2021

Hello again, Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.

NOTE THAT due to December and New Year holidays I am only doing one SBB on 12/11 with the answer due by January 8, 2022! Enjoy your Holidays!

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB#435 Faith Hope and Cherry Tea asks: How many readers have books on their Christmas wish list? Specific titles or general categories??
Eight commenters said "yes" they have books on their lists. Two of these had specific books, one had a genre named. Five commenters do not put books on their lists. Five people prefer Gift Cards so they can buy their own books. Night1836 has a good idea: she asks friends to buy her one of their favorite books.

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#435 comments is #3 NIGHT1836 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 #436

(One Question.)

Becky asks: State 5 random facts about yourself.

1.  My birthday is two days after Christmas.
2.  I played the flute when I was a teenager (and a little guitar in college).
3.  Hubby and I just celebrated our 36th anniversary -my only marriage.
4. I like puzzles - word, jigsaw, hidden objects, etc.
5. I had a cat, Gandalf, from age 18 to age 36. He was a beautiful Russian Blue and weighed 18 pounds. I am glad I have pictures and a portrait because he was a special cat and friend for me.

Image found at Pinterest Tiny Facts.

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. .
DECEMBER COMMENT PROVIDED BY BECKY who gets half a book or a $2.50 credit.

Your turn to share. Becky asks: State 5 random facts about yourself.

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, January 8, 2022, at 5 PM central.

Audio Book Review: Mistletoe Miracles by Jodi Thomas

This is a delightful listen sharing three romance stories.

Mistletoe Miracles
Written By: Jodi Thomas
Narrated By: Julia Gibson

Duration: 9 hours 52 minutes
Date: November 13, 2018
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Christmas, Contemporary Romance, Western
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Summary:
A small-town Texas Christmas story, where hearts are lost, love is found, and family always brings you back home. Griffin Holloway is desperate: the Maverick Ranch has been in his family for generations, but lately, it's a money pit. He'd sooner marry one of his horses than sell the ranch. Marriage, though, could be a solution. If he can woo a wealthy bride, he might save the ranch-just in time for Christmas. Jaxon O'Grady likes his solitude just fine, thank you very much. But when a car accident brings the unexpected to his door, he realizes just how much one person can need another. Crossroads is the perfect place for Jamie Johnson: avoiding nosy questions about why she's single, she's happy to keep to her lakeside home. So she's baffled when she gets the strangest Christmas present of all, in the form of a Mr. Johnson, asleep on her sofa. Who is he, and why does everyone think he's her husband? In this uplifting novel, three unlikely couples discover just what Crossroads, Texas, can offer: romance, belonging, and plenty of Christmas spirit.

Review:
Griffin Holloway decides the only way to save the family cattle ranch, Maverick Ranch, is to marry a woman with money. Griffin seeks the help of the Franklin sisters, two elderly spinsters who run a boarding house in town. They agree to match-make but then introduce him to a fancy lady who would seem to be a woman out of his class. Sunlan is the daughter of a rich rancher who finds herself pregnant and in need of a husband to avoid scandal for her father. She is willing to pay off the Holloway note in exchange for a marriage of convenience before Christmas, and the agreement that she maintain sole control of her own small horse ranch. Can they keep things cool, especially after Griffin rushes to help her save her horses from a barn fire?

Jaxon O’Grady is an injured fireman who has become a recluse, a hermit living by himself. He witnesses a woman crash her car and rescues a dog at the scene of the crash. He soon realizes the dog is hers and he decides to take her in while she is recuperating. The problem is Mallory is being hunted by a brutal ex-boyfriend. Jax and Mallory develop a friendship but they have to fend off the threat of her ex. Will their friendship and shared danger be enough to bring Jax out of his isolation?

Jamie Johnson is a single teacher who is tired of having to fend off unwanted advances and friendly set-ups for dates. She has moved to Crossroads pretending to be married to a soldier who is away. Even the hoax of marriage doesn’t keep all creeps away. When the local sheriff finds an exhausted soldier walking down a road to town it is only natural to think he is Jamie’s husband. Jamie, who was away for the weekend, is surprised to come home and find a man in her house. When she learns that the sheriff delivered Captain James Johnson to her house, she has to figure a way to keep her secret. Maybe they can work out something together until he has to return to his next assignment.

The couples are wonderful even if their situations are somewhat contrived. The Franklin sisters are fun and other side characters (the Holloway brothers and Jax’s brother) probably have stories of their own to come. This story alternates between the couples and moves along well. I was glad to have a nice Christmas HEA for all three couples. I recommend this to fans who enjoy HEA, sweet romance.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Julia Gibson. She provided distinct voices and portrayed the characters to fit the story. I would be glad to listen to more books narrated by Ms. Gibson.

Source: December 2020 - Two for one credit at Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.