Audible Book Review: The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

This is a wonderfully entertaining story that champions Hope!!

The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Written by: Kelly Barnhill
Narrated by: Christina Moore

Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins
Release date: 08-09-16
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Middle Grade
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
A young girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon must unlock the dangerous magic buried deep inside her in this epic coming-of-age fairy tale from the highly acclaimed author of The Witch's Boy.
Every year the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope this sacrifice will keep her from terrorizing their town. But the witch in the forest, Xan, is kind and gentle. She shares her home with a wise Swamp Monster named Glerk and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon, Fyrian. Xan rescues the abandoned children and delivers them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest, nourishing the babies with starlight on the journey.
One year Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling the ordinary child with extraordinary magic. Xan decides she must raise this girl, whom she calls Luna, as her own. When Luna approaches her 13th birthday, her magic begins to emerge on schedule - but Xan is far away. Meanwhile, a young man from the Protectorate is determined to free his people by killing the witch. Soon it is up to Luna to protect those who have protected her - even if it means the end of the loving, safe world she's always known.
The acclaimed author of The Witch's Boy has created another epic coming-of-age fairy tale destined to become a modern classic.
©2016 Kelly Barnhill (P)2016 Recorded Books

Review:
The people in the town of the Protectorate are under a dark sorrow as each year they leave a baby as an offering to the witch in the forest. They’ve been told by the elders and the sisters that this sacrifice keeps the witch from destroying the town and keep it safe from the nearby volcano. No one ever dares watch what happens to the infant so they don’t know that there really is a witch, Xan, who ‘rescues’ the children and takes them to safe, welcoming families in other cities.

One year, Antain, an boy serving as an elder-in-training, accompanies his uncle, The Grand Elder, to pick up the child from the parents. The mother is clearly unhinged at the thought of giving up her baby and the Elders have to take the child by force. The mother is then locked away in the tower of the sisterhood. The event of witnessing the distress of the mother and the abandonment of the infant traumatizes Antain who can’t forget the mother or the child.

Xan retrieves the baby, but on the way to another town she accidentally enmagics the child with moonlight instead of just starlight. Xan decides to raise the girl, Luna, at the broken-down castle, with the help of Glerk, the gentle swamp monster (bog giant), and Fyrian, the tiniest dragon who fits in pockets.

The over-magicked toddler is inadvertently dangerous to herself and others, and Xan takes drastic steps to control the flaring magic. Years pass for Antain and Luna, but they are on a path to meet. As Luna’s 13th birthday nears, her magic begins to emerge on its own. Luna doesn’t realize what is happening as an ailing Xan has gone off on her own to rescue another baby. Concerned for Xan, Luna sets off after her with Glerk and Fyrian in close pursuit. Antain is on the way from the other direction thinking to save his town by killing the witch. He is oblivious to the evil presence hunting him and an unexpected ally that follows too. All of these characters are on a collision course that will change the lives of everyone.

This is whimsically magical and entertaining (and there are paper birds in the story). The characters are unique and delightful, and the story is woven from sorrow to hope. The story format is interesting with chapter titles following the form of “Chapter 1 In Which a Story is Told”. It took just a short time for me to get pulled into the story. I did enjoy the prose although I was a little disappointed with some predictability. Overall though, I found this to be a delightful fairy tale I recommend to tweens and adults.

Audio Notes: Christina Moore does a beautiful job with the narration. The characters have distinct voices, including deep voiced poetry from Glerk and high-pitched excitement from exuberant Fyrian. The audio experience was completely entertaining.

Source: February 2017 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Sunday Post March 20, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 21 2022

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.

The week was busy. I felt my trial on Friday went well but we will need to return for another hour or so for the Defendant's last witness.

Hubby seemed better this week although he still spends a few hours up in the middle of the night. He made it to Sunday School and church services, then huffed and puffed at the grocery store rather than giving me a list. (Men can be stubborn.).  

No new photo but I had one come up in memory from March 2018.
Sometimes I wish we still had our little chickens.

I continue to pray for the people and situation in Ukraine and for world leaders.
We had tornado warnings and heavy rains again Friday and Saturday. 
.

The temp low this coming week is expected to be 43 with a high on Tuesday of 80. Should be a nice week. 

I was happy with my reading and listening last week.  I finished two audiobooks and my eBook. I posted two reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to I'M SHELF-ISH. Tracee describes her reading and blog: "I have been an avid reader my whole life and found that blogging about authors and the books I read has revealed a whole community of people just like me...crazy for books!"
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 March 13, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 14, 2022.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: Gone to Dust by Matt Goldman; Genre: Detective Stories, Mystery, Private Investigator; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25..

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 18, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/24/2022.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Home Coming, The Survivalist Series, Book 10 by A. American; Genre: Action & Adventure, Dystopian Fiction, Survival; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #442 Comment Giveaway March 19, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 4/2/2022.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 20, 2022.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Girl Who Drank the Moon
Written by: Kelly Barnhill
Narrated by: Christina Moore
Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins
How wonderfully entertaining - and championing Hope!!
Source: February 2017 Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle App on Smartphone (Author2021)

The Fair (Time Box #2)
by John A. Heldt
Finished this with lots of suspense in the last 15%.
Source: June 20, 2021 received from the author.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Zero Tolerance
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: Joe Ledger, Book 1.1
Length: 44 mins
I pulled up a short title as I am still behind in book count. And this continues a series I am interested in.
Source: December 2021 free on Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
This sequel to Patient Zero brings Joe Ledger back into action.
Zero Tolerance picks up a few weeks after the close of Maberry’s action-thriller Patient Zero. Dropping back into the world of former Baltimore cop Joe Ledger, the Department of Military Sciences, and flesh-eating zombies, fans of the series will finally see the tying up of a few loose ends.
©2010 Jonathan Maberry (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
The Wingfeather Saga, Book 1
By: Andrew Peterson
Narrated by: Andrew Peterson
Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 01-05-21
Our grandchildren are reading this series
so I decided to listen and be able to share.
Source: 2/14/2021 January Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog, Nugget.
Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their disabled sister, Leeli, are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice. The Igibys hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a tale children of all ages will cherish and families can listen to together.
This audiobook includes a PDF of maps, illustrations, and more.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2020 Andrew Peterson (P)2020 Listening Library

2. eBook/Kindle App on Smartphone (Author2021)

Chinook (Miranda Chase NTSB #6)
by M.L. Buchman
I like action so I am hoping this will move along well.
Source: March 2021 from Author (through BookFunnel).
When the fastest and most powerful helicopters in the US Army’s fleet start falling out of the sky, Miranda Chase and her team of NTSB crash investigators are called in.
One crash leads to another and they are fast entangled in a Chinese conspiracy to start a war. Only Miranda’s team can stop the trade war from becoming a real one.

There may be another audio which I will pick when I finish the Wingfeather title.

March 20, 2022 - These videos are really good - they help me retain more and help explain plot narrative as well as the underlying story of Jesus. Bible Reading Plan: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. I know it won't match my Hubby's reading but I wanted some different insights/devotions and I am enjoying the devotion video project. I am enjoying keeping up with my reading each day.
No new study although I will probably start looking at an Easter Study soon.

I completed three books for review this week.
My NetGalley shelf is back to the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I am reading the last eBook title I had in queue.
(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.

No new review books.
I added three Chirp titles this week and one Audible credit.
I have listed the last of my March 3 Audible sale purchases.
3 books added to my Kindle TBR library again.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

3/18/2022 Audible February second Book Credit.

EMP Survival Box Set: Seven Cows, Ugly and Gaunt
A Post-Apocalyptic Saga of America's Worst Nightmare
By: Mark Goodwin
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Length: 28 hrs and 58 mins
Release date: 03-19-18

3/14/2022 Purchases from Chirp.

Silver Dollar Duke
Written by Sally Britton
Narrated by Marian Hussey
Run Time 9h 37min
$1.99

Tropical Punch
Written by S.C. Jensen
Narrated by Jennifer Blom
Run Time 7h 14min
$.99

Seeking Safety
Written by T. L. Payne
Narrated by Stacey Glemboski
Run Time 7h 37min
$.99



Here are the last two titles in Continuing series I purchased at Audible Sale 3/3/22:

The Ranch (A Legacy of Violence)
The Legacy Series, Book 2
By: Sean Liscom
Narrated by: Christopher Lane
Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
$3.74 Regular Price: $24.95

Shift Omnibus Edition
Shift 1-3, Silo Saga
By: Hugh Howey
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Length: 18 hrs and 22 mins
$3.74 Regular Price: $24.95

And I used One Audible February Credit for this continuing series:

Monster Hunter Guardian
Monster Hunter International, Book 7
By: Larry Correia, Sarah A. Hoyt
Narrated by: Bailey Carr
Length: 12 hrs and 57 mins
$7.24 – USED CREDIT Regular Price: $24.95


Here are the last three of the 11 New-to-Me series purchased at Audible Sale on 3/3/22:

Tinker
Elfhome, Book 1
By: Wen Spencer
Narrated by: Tanya Eby
Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins
$3.74 Regular Price: $24.95

White Wasteland
A Black Autumn Saga (White Wasteland Series, Book 1)
By: Jeff Kirkham, Jason Ross
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Length: 12 hrs and 50 mins
$3.74 Regular Price: $24.95

You Have the Right to Remain Innocent
By: James Duane
Narrated by: James Duane
Length: 2 hrs and 34 mins
$3.15 Regular Price: $10.49

Free

I added 3 free Kindle titles to my library this week.

Satoshi - The Girl Who Invented Bitcoin: A Thriller
Linus Ortelli, William Knapton

And Then She Vanished (The Joseph Bridgeman Series Book 1)
Nick Jones

Call me Dragon (Dragon Fires Rising Book 1)
Marc Secchia



3 Free titles again this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 20, 2022

Our substitute Sunday School teacher shared a You Tube message by Pastor Tim Sheets titled Day 19: Notable Miracles which is part of his prophetic word of 54 Days of Change. Part of Pastor Sheet’s prophecy includes that ‘media giants’ will fall. His comments regarding the mainstream media is remarkable… and maybe promising. CNN’s new owners take over in May. The new management has announced that ‘major changes’ are coming. They will be looking for ‘true journalism rather than opinionated news’; ‘hard news rather than partisan panels’; fact-oriented journalism’!

As Pastor Sheets noted: ‘We don't know how prophetic changes of God will happen, but we trust the one who can make them happen!’

We had a nice time of worship and then moved into the sermon message. Pastor reminded us that his message two weeks ago was “Do You Love People?” Last week’s guest pastor talked about the cost of following Christ. Now Pastor asks: “Have you ever lost anything?”  One person’s Aunt lost an engagement ring at a an amusement park. Pastor once lost his wallet with his credit cards.

The message is titled: What Have You Lost?
It can be painful and distressing to lose things. But isn’t it worse if we lose our purpose?

Jesus was always focused on fulfilling the “Will” of his father.
In Luke 2:49 we are told the story of Mary and Joseph leaving the city and discovering they has ‘lost’ their 12-year-old son. When they returned to find Jesus in the temple courts, he told them “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

Jesus later says to his disciples: “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. John 4:34. He was saying that his sustenance is found in fulfilling God's will. He also noted in the next sentences that the harvest is ready and we shouldn’t be waiting the four months to the standard harvest time. John 4:35-36.

We as believers should not be saying that we have time to witness to our loved ones and strangers. We don't have time in the spiritual realm. The time is now and is urgent. Much of the Church at large has lost its purpose of looking on the field and bringing in a harvest of souls.

In the story of the Good Samaritan, the priest and the Levite failed to go into field to help the injured and the lost. Good Samaritan had compassion. Luke 10:25-37. Do we see the field?

Our Interim Pastor is praying that our new pastor will be a shepherd to minister but also to equip members.
The sermon last week talked about the cost of following Christ and Pastor note six principles in the text of Luke 14:25-35:
1 Commandment – start with putting God first.
2 Carry your cross.
3 Count the cost.
4 Continuous connection; support each other; we are better together.
5 Cast aside everything.
6 Check your freshness.

We have the truth and have to share it with freshness.
Luke 15 tells of a time when Jesus was speaking to people and ‘the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear him’. The Pharisees and teachers of the law did not like it! They did not welcome the sinners whom Jesus was seeking to reach. The church leaders did not understand the overlooked people. Jesus came for the sick. He spoke in parables telling the crowd how he the shepherd would leave the 99 sheep on the hill to go and find the lost sheep. Then there was rejoicing when the sheep was found. Luke 15:1-7.

Jesus was always approachable. Don't lose your touch, your mission.
The shepherd values each one. Our mission is to find the sheep that are lost. To go after the lost. Matthew 28:18-20.  Too often it seems easier to stay in church and take care of the 99... We certainly don't want to neglect the 99, so we need to do both.

Have you lost your mission? Who are you eating with? Who are you entertaining? Do you have compassion to go after the lost? Are there lost people in your own family?.
Our mission is to ‘go and compel others…’ Luke 14:23.
The Lord does not want anyone to perish. 2 Peter 3:9.
Be a part of mission wherever we go – at work, when shopping – not just at church.
What he has done for you, He will do for others – Tell them about Him!

I started out with a different song but was led to this one. How appropriate!!

Verses for Today:
John 4:34-36
34“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.


Lord – help my daily life to show that You are Everything to me!

Sharing Beyond Books #442 Comment Giveaway March 19, 2022

Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB#441 Alina asked: What are some of your all time favorite recipes??
Eleven of us shared what we consider our favorite recipes. Four of us indicate we don't cook much. :-) Thanks all for sharing!

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#441 comments is #3 BN100 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 #442

(One Question.)

Nikki asks: Now now let's be honest please. Do you secretly like reading spoilers?? Books, movies, etc ?

Occasionally I may look at spoilers although I will try to avoid reading any reviews by others if I am reviewing for a Book Tour or NetGalley. When reading and reviewing for books that I pick from my TBR list, I am more likely to read reviews, even with spoilers, as I am trying to pick out my next read/listen.

Image found at McDreeamie Musings

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.
March Questions were provided by Alina and Nikki who each get a $2.50 credit.

Your turn to share. Nikki asks: Now now let's be honest please. Do you secretly like reading spoilers?? Books, movies, etc ?

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, April 2, 2022, at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Home Coming, The Survivalist Series, Book 10 by A. American

I enjoyed this conclusion to a strong series.
Home Coming
The Survivalist Series, Book 10
By: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine

Series: The Survivalist Series, Book 10
Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins
Release date: 11-13-18
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Action & Adventure, Dystopian Fiction, Survival
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
It’s been a long hard ride for Morgan and everyone. Just when things were starting to look up, the park was attacked, and they lost Bobbie. Danny’s physical wounds were nothing like the emotional loss of Bobbie. It was hard on Mel as well, and the rest of the group also felt the loss. With the attacks on the community becoming a greater threat, they must be dealt with. These attacks must end. But what can the group do against an army with artillery?
It’s been almost a year since "The Day", and Morgan is worried about his parents. It’s something that has been on his mind, often hidden or buried under the daily burden of his new reality. That worry is getting harder to ignore, and something is going to have to be done, so he can know, one way or another.
Even with all the life-threatening issues, life must go on. The daily requirements of feeding everyone and dealing with the innumerable challenges that crop up must be addressed. And there’s Fred’s pregnancy. While a blessing, it presents serious risks to her. Morning sickness is the least of her concerns. The only easy day in this new world is yesterday.
©2018 A. American (P)2018 Podium Publishing.

Review:
It has been a long year for Morgan, his family and friends since “The Day” when the initial EMP strike took out the power system in the US. Morgan managed to make it home where he has led his small community, with the help of a handful of armed forces men, to not only survive, but to begin to rebuild. But there is a well-armed enemy army camp not far away that still poses a major threat.

Sarge, the former army commander, is planning an attack to take out the enemy. Sadly, before the attack can take place, the enemy army initiates an aggressive and deadly attack bombing against a local city. The loss and damage is devastating and painful with no hospitals and limited skilled healers to give help the injured. Morgan and Sarge are more motivated to wipe out the enemy at their gates.

Once the battle with the enemy is over, things are expected to be quiet for a time. Morgan is ready to seek out the safety of his parents who are a few hours away. He finds some new friends who can provide him the means to get to them more easily, although there are always dangers in traveling to unknown communities.

I enjoyed coming back to this series to learn how the communities are rebuilding. I like the ‘prepper’ tips that are shared in the story from water use to herbal remedies. Fred’s pregnancy, the efforts to save lives, and the community of Morgan’s parents, provide a good mix of human interest to offset the ongoing battle issues. There is, as usual, salty banter among the military characters which I adds some humor, even if off color.

This series, The Survivalist Series, consists of 10 books written (or released) from 2013 through 2018. I stared listening in 2014 after received book 2 as an ebook through NetGalley. I am not a series binge reader as can be noted by the fact that I spread this out over 8 years. However, I enjoyed coming back to the series which was easy enough to follow even with some time gaps. I recommend the entire series to fans of the post-apocalyptic/dystopian genres.

Audio Notes: Duke Fontaine did a good job as the narrator throughout this series. I enjoyed his voices for the characters and the fitting emotion and energy he brings to the stories. As with the prior books, the narration contributed to my enjoyment of the story/ experience.

12/26/2021 Audible December Credits. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

My prior reviews in the series:
Book 1, Going Home My rating 4.5
Book 2, Surviving Home My rating 4.5
Book 3, Escaping Home My rating 4.25
Book 4, Forsaking Home My rating 4.25
Book 5, Resurrecting Home My rating 4.0
Book 6, Enforcing Home My rating 4.25
Book 7, Avenging Home My rating 3.75
Book 8, Home Invasion My rating 4.0
Book 9, Conflicting Home My rating 4.25