Audible Book Review: Invasion: Alien Invasion, Book 1, by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant

Although the title indicates this is sci fi it is really post-apocalyptic with a twist of anticipating first alien contact.

Invasion: Alien Invasion, Book 1
By: Sean Platt, Johnny B. Truant
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Series: Alien Invasion (Platt/Truant), Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
Release date: 07-21-15
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: First Contact, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
They are coming. The countdown has begun.
First visible only as blips on a telescope image, the discovery of objects approaching from Jupiter's orbit immediately sets humanity on edge. NASA doesn't even bother to deny the alien ships' existence. The popular Astral space app (broadcasting from the far side of the moon and accessible by anyone with Internet) has already shown the populace what is coming. So the news has turned from evasion to triage, urging calm and offering the few facts they have:
The objects are enormous, perfectly round spheres numbering in the dozens, maybe hundreds. They are on an approach vector for Earth. And they will arrive in six days.
©2015 Sean Platt, Johnny B. Truant (P)2015 Podium Publishing

Review:
Meyer Dempsy is a high energy, successful film producer. He controls those around him by his sheer presence. He has participated in meditation and training with a shaman which he obsesses over, while being unable to get his current and former wives to take it seriously. Fortunately for Meyer and his family, which includes his teenaged son and daughter, he has acted on visions of future danger and secured a protected bunker home for everyone in his personal circle, which includes not only his current wife, Piper, but his ex-wife, a popular star, Heather.

Although the government and NASA stayed quiet, a popular space app has revealed that a multitude of unexplained ships are approaching from outer space. Society begins to panic when they are told the ships will arrive in six days.

Meyer gathers Piper and his children, Trevor and Lila, along with Lila’s boyfriend, Raj, and heads out of New York trying to get to his bunker in Vail. He has told Heather to meet them there. Of course, they will all face dangers on the way as others are leaving cities to seek more sheltered areas. And will they be protected if they can get to Vail?

This story warns of the invasion but has little to do with the sci fi invasion aspect. Instead the author focuses on the family journey across country and develops the six primary characters – almost too much. There is a strange twist near the end which of course leaves open the next book to wonder what happens to the family.

I liked the premise but there is quite a bit I don’t like. I am not in favor of marital infidelity, and it is really unpleasant when the ex-wife is a (not totally secret) lover. I liked the danger and logical way that Meyer deals with problems, but he is such a controlling person that he borders on abusive – at least emotionally if not out right verbally. The female characters are portrayed with less than strong features. They appear as weak, whiny, and unable-to-follow-directions, ditzy women.

This introduction was free on Audible Plus. I am not rushing out to buy the series. There are more positive reviews, so check around and decide for yourself if you want to try this.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter is a very good narrator. He delivers distinct voices and emotion that fits the story. I am glad that I had the audio version.

Source: 3/22/21 'Sci Fi' title from Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook and 2022Alphabet goals.

Sunday Post April 3, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 4, 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.

I feel like I make progress each day at work. However I don't really get ahead as I settle one lawsuit and open a new one. I finish one probate and open another. I prepare a deed and take on a new request for deed preparation. It is a rolling work load!

We celebrated my assistant's 21st birthday Monday.
It has been a joy to have her friendship in the office for five years!

Hubby still has low oxygen levels causing fuzzy black outs. He attended some church events on Tuesday but this morning he was asleep when it was time to go to Sunday School. He did watch church online.  I am designated driver and will spend two mornings with him this week to visit doctors.

Our grandchildren from Panama City Beach (three teens) came to visit today which was lovely. They helped pick three full bags of grapefruit and half a bag of lemons from our trees. One lemon was as big as the grapefruit. The trees smell wonderful as they are full of blossoms... and a few bees.
I was able to get this picture of buds and bee
(he is on the right side blossoms)!

I continue to pray for the people and situation in Ukraine and for world leaders.
.

Saturday dropped to low 50s and clouds threatened rain that never happened. Temps this week will be ranging 30 degrees some days (79 today to drop to 49 tonight).  The week should be mostly nice in the mid 70s to low 80s during the days.

I enjoyed my reading and listening last week.  I finished three audiobooks and made progress in the eBook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 17 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to ROSIE AMBER. Rosie's Subtitle says a lot: "Book Reviewer, Avid Reader and Bookworm. Campaigning to link more readers to writers. People do not forget books that touch them or excite them—they recommend them."

Audible offerings for free children's titles ended June 30, 2021.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post March 27, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 28, 2022.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson; Genre: Adventure, Children, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review:  On the Duty of Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau; Genre: History, Nonfiction, United States; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 3.75

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 1, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 4/7/2022.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Crucible: A Max Ahlgren Story by Ryan W. Aslesen; Genre: Military, Thriller; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #443 Comment Giveaway April 2, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 4/16/2022.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 3, 2022.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Invasion: Alien Invasion, Book 1
By: Sean Platt , Johnny B. Truant
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: Alien Invasion (Platt/Truant), Book 1
This is post-apocalyptic with a twist of anticipating first alien contact.
I have some issues which I'll note in my review.
Source: 3/22/21 Sci Fi title from Audible Plus.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

Hide and Seek
By Mary Burton
Narrated By: Christina Traister
Duration: 9 h 57 min
This reminded me why I like this author.
It is good thriller with romance. 
Source: 9/22/19 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Messenger
America Falls, Book 0
By: Scott Medbury
Narrated by: Adam Barr
Length: 1 hr and 14 mins
Release date: 04-07-21
I picked this up as a quick listen in the car while my other app wasn't working.
I liked the story focused on one character from the series.
Source: 3-3-2022 Audible Sale Purchases $3.74.
Publisher's Summary
His name was Death, and Hell was following close behind...
Messenger is a novella from the America Falls world and is an action-packed story set around 10 years after the events of Civil War. It tells the story of a mysterious traveler with a hook hand, who travels the post-apocalyptic eastern states of America spreading a message of hope about "the Cities" and the budding rebirth of the United States.
It isn't always smooth traveling at the end of the world, though, and when he stumbles across a gang of cannibals out for the blood of the innocent, he must decide whether to interrupt his mission and risk death at the hands of psychopaths to help someone in need.
©2018 Anscot Publishing Pty Ltd (P)2021 Anscot Publishing Pty Ltd

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle App on Smartphone (Author2021)

Chinook (Miranda Chase NTSB #6)
by M.L. Buchman
I am still enjoying this and making progress, even if slower than I'd like. I am at 40%.
Source: March 2021 from Author (through BookFunnel).
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

Kitty Takes a Holiday
Kitty Norville, Book 3
By: Carrie Vaughn
Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin
Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins
I love this narrator and like the series.
I chose this for my "K" series title.
Source: March 2022 Audible Sale Purchase at $3.67.
Publisher's Summary
After getting caught turning wolf on national television, Kitty retreats to a mountain cabin to recover and write her memoirs. But this is Kitty, so trouble is never far behind, and instead of Walden Pond, she gets Evil Dead.
When werewolf hunter Cormac shows up with an injured Ben O'Farrell, Kitty's lawyer, slung over his shoulder, and a wolf-like creature with glowing red eyes starts sniffing around the cabin, Kitty wonders if any of them will get out of these woods alive.
©2007 Carrie Vaughn, LLC (P)2009 Tantor

April 3, 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.
I have started a 4 day study: Jesus The Creator, Carpenter, Gardener and King!

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 six free audio titles through Audible Plus.
No ebooks added to my Kindle TBR library this week.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

I did purchase 16 paperback books at our Woman's Club yard sale on Saturday for $4.00.  I'll post a picture of that later.

Free

3/28-4/2/22 I found these titles in my wish list that were available through Audible Plus:

Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat, and an Army of Golems: An Unconventional Heroes Publisher's Pack
By: L. G. Estrella
Narrated by: Fred Berman
Series: Unconventional Heroes, Book 1-2
Length: 13 hrs and 5 mins

Storm Clouds: The Guild Wars, Book 1
By: Chris Kennedy , Mark Wandrey
Narrated by: Todd McLaren
Series: The Guild Wars, Book 1
Length: 14 hrs and 9 mins

The Forever: The Forever, Books 1-2
By: Craig Robertson
Narrated by: Scott Aiello
Series: The Forever Series, Book 1-2
Series: The Forever Series, Book 1-2 Length: 17 hrs and 22 mins

The Expansion: Publisher's Pack: The Expansion Series, Books 1-2
By: Devon C. Ford
Narrated by: Luke Daniels
Series: The Expansion Series, Book 1-2
Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins

Timekeeper: The Timekeeper Trilogy, Book 1
By: Tara Sim
Narrated by: Gary Furlong
Series: Timekeeper, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 48 mins

A Fallen Empire Omnibus: Books 1-3
By: Lindsay Buroker
Narrated by: Kate Reading
Series: Fallen Empire, Book 1-3
Length: 27 hrs and 26 mins


No Free titles 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 April 3, 2022

Hubby was up and down all night. When it was time to get ready for church he was sound asleep so I let him sleep. We had a good Sunday School lesson/discussion on Revelation 13.

In church we enjoyed worship then shared communion before the sermon.
Pastor finished the series on What Have You Lost? based on Luke 14:25-35.
Week one a guest preacher covered the six components of the cost of discipleship. The next week Pastor covered “Have You Lost Your Mission?” Last week covered “Have You Lost Your Means?”

Luke 15: tells three stories about a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. We have a part in God's mission. It is important that everyone comes to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Today we covered the third story. Luke 15:11-32 about the prodigal son – and the father who rejoiced when his son returned, when the lost son was found.

When the younger son came to his father to ask for his inheritance, we know that the eldest son got a double portion. But the father gave the younger son his portion which the boy took and left home. The younger son couldn't do the things he wanted to do under his father's watchful eye. The son lost sight of the value of his father’s lessons. When the son left, there was no contact (no phone calls, emails… not even a verbal message). Under the culture of the time, the son was lost. He was considered dead.

The son experienced separation. Nothing satisfied. Then came famine; no one gave him anything. He began to be “in want”. Luke 15:16.

God is the solution to all problems. Psalm 23:1 tells us “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

The story tells us about the father's motivation. Although the son was ‘lost’ the Father didn't give up hope just like God doesn't give up on us. The father had compassion. Luke 15:16. Have we lost our motivation?

As Christ followers we have to go, we have to give, we have to gaze. We have to expect that God is waiting for lost souls to return to a right relationship.

Love never gives up. 1 Corinthians 13:4.

Have we lost our motivation? Don't believe the lies of the world. Don’t believe that the lost will never change. 1 Corinthians 13:7 “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.” Love never fails.

The father called for his son to be given a robe, ring and shoes. These items are a mark of a free man. When the lost soul repents, God sets the soul free.

We must not grow weary. Galatians 6:9. We must go (mission), give (means) and gaze (with the motivation of love). We can celebrate each found soul. Luke 15:24.

I chose this video for today: Everyone Needs Compassion:

Verses for Today:
Luke 15:14-32 NIV
24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

I pray Lord that you increase my compassion for lost souls!

Sharing Beyond Books #443 Comment Giveaway April 2, 2022

Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB#442 Nikki asked: Now now let's be honest please. Do you secretly like reading spoilers?? Books, movies, etc ?
Three commenters don't like to read spoilers; three do read spoilers. One commenter checks ratings before buying a book and another checks reviews - but doesn't read the endings!
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#442 comments is #6 LINDA 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 #443

(One Question.)

Miki asks: What kind of book signing do you prefer?In convention? in little bookstore? Where you can bring your own books or where you must buy one during the signing??

I have done both -- getting books signed at a convention and getting books signed at a bookstore. Both times I bought the books. I think I prefer the bookstore atmosphere. It was less crowded, more intimate.

Image found at Book Riot.

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.

Your turn to share. Miki asks: What kind of book signing do you prefer?In convention? in little bookstore? Where you can bring your own books or where you must buy one during the signing??

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 16, 2022, at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Crucible: A Max Ahlgren Story by Ryan W. Aslesen

This is a quick military story to introduce the primary character. It portrays a very sad state of military politics.
Crucible: A Max Ahlgren Story
By: Ryan W. Aslesen
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Series: Crucible, Book 0
Length: 2 hrs and 13 mins
Release date: 01-19-21
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Military, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
The War on Terror provides the backdrop for the thriller that introduces the roots of ultimate antihero, Max Ahlgren.
Captain Max Ahlgren is proud to be one of the first team commanders in the Marine Corps’ nascent MARSOC detachment. Finally, the Corps’ elite warriors are working alongside those of other branches, battling insurgents, not on the front lines but behind them.
After his first mission, however, Max learns he will be replaced as team commander. The new commander, Major Whitbeck, comes from 8th and I: Marine Barracks, Washington DC. His late father, a revered general, died in a terrorist car bombing. The commander is in Afghanistan for vengeance - and redemption. When the team infiltrates the ancient desert fortress of Kazindrak, hunting an elusive Al-Qaeda terrorist, Whitbeck reveals his ineptitude in combat.
Max’s fury grows as the body count rises. When the actual nature of the mission is revealed, Max gets a good look at the sordid underbelly of the War on Terror and sees firsthand what monsters men can become. If he is to survive, however, he may have no choice but to become one. Sometimes the greatest enemy is within.
©2018 Ryan W. Aslesen (P)2021 Podium Audio

Review:
Captain Max Ahlgren was successful in leading men in battle. He has been assigned to a specialist team. Unfortunately, his commander advises him that he is being sent on a mission but rather than leading, he will be second in command. The mission will be led by Major Whitbeck whose record shows no field experience. But he is the son of a revered general who was killed by terrorists.

Max gets warned before going out that the Major did lead a previous mission where everyone on his team died. Apparently, the mission information got buried thanks to his father. Also, before the mission, Max challenges a Sergeant over rough shod treatment of a soldier. The Sergeant clearly dislikes all officers and warns Max to watch his back.

Max and his unique team are quick to recognize the inexperience in the Major and are even more concerned when they learn that the mission is to infiltrate and kill the terrorist that killed the Major’s father. Sure enough, the Major is quick to make misjudgments and soon makes a deadly mistake. The team is soon ducking for their lives and leaving dead enemies and comrades on the ground.

The matter gets worse when the Major, Max, and the handful of remaining soldiers get to the point of completing the mission. Max and his team are horrified. They plan to report on the Major as soon as they get back to base but sadly only Max is still standing when they come to the debriefing. And matters go from bad to worse. The actions taken against Max are disgusting. But then he is made an offer he can’t refuse.

I like Max as a character but was very disturbed by the hatred of the Sergeant and the ineptitude of the Major. This novella tells how Max gets recruited to a terrorist fighting agency. As much as I didn’t like how he got there, I like Max enough to hope he succeeds in his next mission, and I will get the first full book. I recommend this to fans of military thrillers.

Audio Notes: I like Jeffrey Kafer as a narrator and he did a good job with this story. He provided distinct voices and strong energy. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 7/19/2021 Free download from Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.