Audible Book Review: Galactic Forge by Alex Guerra

This is an entertaining sci fi with action and a 'kidnapped' human caught up with an AI entity.

Galactic Forge
Galactic Forge Series, Book 1
By: Alex Guerra
Narrated by: Paul Heitsch

Series: Galactic Forge Series, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins
Release date: 02-19-19
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: First Contact, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Former Marine Arthur Holland’s destiny begins when an aircraft crashes on his property in the mountains of Colorado. He moves to investigate and to help any survivors, but the closer he gets the less control he has of his movements.
An unknown force urges him to open the door of the mysterious craft, discovering the secret that lies within: a dead, alien pilot and a peculiar, otherworldly crystal. If that wasn’t enough, the crystal feels like it is alive. That’s when he hears a single word inside his mind: run.
An enemy vessel approaches overhead in pursuit of the downed ship, leaving Arthur little time to make his escape.
Guided by this strange voice, Art is propelled through a hidden portal, arriving somewhere unknown. On the other side of the galaxy, without a means of returning home, he has no choice but to move forward and help the crystal accomplish its mission: upgrade the ancient derelict ship, recruit new allies, and help the Galactic Conglomerate fight the Vael Empire.
It may be destiny that’s called him, but it’s the choices he makes that will forge his future.
©2018 Alex Guerra (P)2019 Podium Publishing

Review:
Arthur Holland is a former Marine running a car repair shop in Colorado. A strange aircraft crashes on his property and he is pulled to the crash to investigate. The closer he gets, the stronger the pull until he can’t control his own actions. He finds a dead alien pilot and takes a crystal from his hand. Next thing Arthur knows he is hearing a voice in his head telling him to “run!” The voice guides Arthur to a cave and a hidden portal that transports him to a strange, unknown place.

Arthur is in a closed room when he wakes up to learn he is in a spaceship on the other side of the galaxy. The crystal is an AI (Art names her Dotty) that begins to integrate with Art. She explains that she needs his help to find core drives for her ship so she will have power to continue. And, by the way, she doesn’t have the power to get him back home.

Art doesn’t have any choice but to go along with Dotty. As she hunts for power drives, they come across a young elfin looking woman who is under attack. Art rescues Seya and they proceed to a planet to allow her to reconnect with the Galactic forces. Soon Art finds himself in the middle of an intergalactic war between the Galactic allies and the Vael Empire. Art keeps getting hopeful that power cores will allow him to go home but then some other action is required. Step by step Art becomes a warrior and a hero, resulting in his new friends declaring that this is his destiny.

There were some unexplained matters that distracted me…particularly what happened to the enemy that chased the original spaceship to Colorado? Will that make earth a target for the Vael? And Art’s whining to get home is a little annoying. Other than that, I enjoyed the easy writing and the different character personalities. I liked the friendships that are developing for Art. I am engaged with the team matesand want to follow their next adventures as they face the enemy. I recommend this to fans of military space opera with a hero character.

Audio Notes: Paul Heitsch’s voice fits the story and the main character. I enjoyed the audio version of the story.

Source: February 2021 Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Exiled Fleet Publisher's Pack (Books 1-2) by Richard Fox

I did like the action in this space opera once I figured out who was who.
Exiled Fleet Publisher's Pack (Books 1-2)
By: Richard Fox
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Series: Exiled Fleet, Book 1-2
Length: 14 hrs and 43 mins
Release date: 10-10-17
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Book 1: Albion Lost:
For centuries, the Daegon waited. They plotted. And now they are ready to strike.
The core worlds of settled space enjoy a tenuous peace, unaware and ill prepared for the threat building beyond the furthest reaches of humanity. The star kingdom of Albion stands as a shining light of justice and mercy in a harsh galaxy, and they will be the first to suffer the Daegon's fury.
Defying his low born status, and despite his self-doubt, Commodore Thomas Gage has risen through the ranks by sheer grit and determination, defending Albion from brutal pirate clans. And when the onslaught comes, Gage and his fleet may be Albion's last hope for freedom.

Book 2: The Long March:
Albion burns beneath Daegon rule.
Commodore Thomas Gage and his fleet, safeguarding the last of the Albion Royal Family, are on the run. Hunting them, a ruthless Daegon commander will stop at nothing to crush Albion's only remaining free force.
To find sanctuary beyond their enemy's reach, the battle-damaged fleet must cut through a hostile and dangerous region of space known as the Kigeli Nebula. But to secure passage, Gage must strike a deal with an old enemy who wants nothing more than to fulfill a vendetta and see the commodore dead.
Facing threats ahead, behind and from within, Gage must lead his fleet down the long march to freedom.
Exiled Fleet is a new military science-fiction series for fans of Honor Harrington, Earth Alone, and Old Man's War from the author of the best-selling Ember War Saga.
©2017 Podium Publishing; 2017 Richard Fox

Review:
The core worlds of settled space have mostly been experiencing peace so they aren’t prepared for war. Even though there are space pirates disrupting trade, the colonies are not even prepared to properly defend their planets.

No one remembers the Daegon and there is very little history, only myths, about them. They are an ancient alien race who have suddenly jumped into settled space attacking the main cities and announcing, “You will be ruled.”

Thomas Gage rose through the ranks to become a Commodore. Many military men respect him for his feats but there are those ‘family’ officers who are always ready to mock him and challenge his decisions, focusing on his troops who met their deaths. When the Daegon attack Albion and move to destroy all of the ruling royal family from King to youngest prince, Thomas ends up at the side of the dying King and the young child is placed in his care. Now Thomas, with two royal guards, has to escape the planet, keep the young prince safe, and find allies to fight the Daegon.

Tiberian, the Daegon commander who failed to eliminate all of the royal family, knows he will be demoted, if not punished, for failing his mission. He becomes obsessed with chasing Thomas to finish the job. Thomas and his handful of crew battle through the enemy lines and limp from one station to another. He needs to seek help from the pirate clans even though one of them has a vendetta death warrant out for him. If he can convince them to guide him across one of the most dangerous channels of space, can they navigate the channel safely while trying to stay ahead of the Daegon?

The royal guards are outfitted with almost sentient armor that enhances their capabilities. There are problems with the two guards with the prince. One of the guards is brand new, and the other has stepped into a dying man’s armor that doesn’t cooperate as it questions the man’s loyalty. And then there is Thomas’ main aid who reluctantly steps in to help the female guard ‘babysit’ the boy.

As the book started I struggled to figure out who was who. Once I got an hour or so in, I had the characters sorted out and was able to enjoy all of the action. I liked Thomas as a humble but skilled leader. He struggles with his decisions but is willing to make the hard calls even if it means fighting a personal enemy one on one to gain a deal. The supporting characters on his crew added interest for me. I’m not gripped by the series but may pick up the next two book pack in the series to continue the saga. Fans of military space opera may enjoy the action in this story.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does a great job on the narration. His energy and distinct voices added to the entertainment value of the work.

Source: May 2022 Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: Her Cowboy Deputy by Lacy Williams

I totally enjoyed this easy listen romance, which I went through in one day.

Her Cowboy Deputy
Written by Lacy Williams
Narrated by Lara Asmundson

Run Time 6h 27min
Release Date: February 22, 2017
Publisher: Lacy Williams Books LLC
Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, Western
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher Description
She’s a reclusive homesteader who hoped to never see him again. But when she rescues the deputy, she might just be stuck with him…
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She rescued him from drowning…will the cowboy rescue her heart?
In the aftermath of a terrible storm, sheriff’s deputy Matt White is injured and becomes stranded on a remote homestead with a lovely young woman and her grandfather. The reclusive duo intrigues him, but he’s got a duty to the town. He can’t believe it when they refuse to help him return to Bear Creek.
Catherine Poole stays away from town for a reason. She has no time to play nursemaid to the injured lawman-but she also can’t let him suffer. As she cares for the man who stirs up old memories, she discovers Matt’s kind heart and love for his family.
But there’s no hope for a relationship with a man so tied to town…is there?

Review:
Sheriff’s Deputy Matt White is out tracking some suspicious characters when he gets caught in a river during a storm. He is rescued by a young boy who turns out to be a young woman he barely remembers from a time when she came to school. Catherine lives a very reclusive life tending a small farm with her grandfather. Matt asks them to help him get back to town, but they are afraid to leave each other or leave their property unprotected from neighbors who want to take control of their crops.

Catherine has painful memories of her few days at school, where she first met Matt. And then there was the awful day in town with her mother before she died. It suits Catherine fine to stay away from others as she cares for her grandfather who suffers from rough flashbacks and confusion dating back to the Civil War.

Catherine is willing to care for Matt as he recovers from his injuries. She learns of his love for his family, but that is a world she couldn’t know. Matt realizes that Catherine is a hardworking, caring young woman and he regrets how she was treated years ago at school. Now he wants to help her and even protect her…maybe he is growing to care for her.

I enjoyed the relationship of these characters who grow in friendship. There is tension with bad neighbors and a lovely charm with Matt’s strong family. This was a breath of fresh air for me between space battles and murder thrillers. I will look for more from this author and I recommend this to readers who enjoy sweet western romance.

Audio Notes: Lara Asmundson does a good job with the narration. She delivers distinct voices with fitting emotion. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of this sweet story.

Source: March 2021 Chirp Purchase $0.99. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Occupation goals.

MBS January 2023 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2023 Reading List - JANUARY

Code for the list is:
A = Audio: Audible, Audiobooks.com, and Chirp
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2023

I'm happy with my first month with six books in Favorites!

Favorites for the month:
5 Stars =  Soul Taken
4.75 Stars =  The Return of the Gods, At Love's Command
4.5 Stars =  The Prayer Warrior, How Great Science Fiction Works, and Heaven's River

1. ATBR: Audible Book Review: First Book of the Year, Audible Book Review: The Return of the Gods by Jonathan Cahn; Genre: Christian Spiritual Growth; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 5.0.
   
2. ATBR: Audible Book Review: At Love's Command, Hanger's Horsemen, Book 1, by Karen Witemeyer; Genre: Christian, Historical, Romance, Western; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.
   
3. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Soul Taken, A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 13, by Patricia Briggs; Genre: Paranormal, Supernatural, Urban; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.
   
4. NG20222: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Coup de Grâce by Paul Centeno; Genre: Adventure, Steampunk; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0. .
   
5. NG20222: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: The Prayer Warrior by Traci Wooden-Carlisle, D. Tina Batten; Genre: Christian Fantasy, Spiritual Realm; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
   
6. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Forging Zero: The Legend of ZERO by Sara King; Genre: First Contact, Science Fiction, Space Exploration; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
   
7. ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Last Tribe by Brad Manuel; Genre: Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
   
8. ATBR: Audible Book Review: How Great Science Fiction Works by Gary K. Wolfe; Genre: Nonfiction, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
   
9. ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Darkest Winter, Savage North Chronicles, Book 1, by Lindsey Pogue; Genre: Paranormal, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
   
10. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Heaven's River, Bobiverse, Book 4, by Dennis E. Taylor; Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.75.
    

Total read = 10
TBR = 10
New Authors = 4
Audio/Audible = 10 (10 TBRs)
NetGalley = 2 (2 audio) (2 TBRs)
Author Review books (other than NG) = 0
Nonfiction = 2
eBook = 0 (0 TBR)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)

Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month):
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 10 of 125
TBR to Date: 10 of 90 total
Audio to Date: 10 of 100
NetGalley to Date: 2 of 10
Author Reviews: 0 of 12
Nonfiction: 2 of 10
TBR ebooks or Print: 0 of 8

• Series: 5 of 75 (2 continuing, 3 new)
• New to me Series: 3 (1 Yes to continue; 2 likely to continue, 0 maybe, 0 unlikely)
• Finished for me Series: 1 (maybe? Not sure if the Bobiverse series is done)

Special Goals
• Seasonal title: 1 of 4: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn

Darkest Winter

• Alphabet letters covered: 9 Jan (A, C, D, F, H, L, P, R, S) (9 of 26)

• Locations/Places: 1 of 8
      River
• Numbers: 1 of 12

Forging Zero

• Groups of Five:

• Location/Places and Numbers above
• Times of Day: 0 of 5
• Occupations: 1 of 5

Warrior

• Colors: 0 of 5

Sunday Post February 26, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 27, 2023

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.

Heather is doing better and was able to get to work everyday, except for a day for doctor visits for the kids.
I had a mediation this week and settled that case too. Sometimes it is better to offer some money toward resolution than pay that money to attorneys to keep battling with the stress of the case. 

When I came downstairs Thursday night I was barefoot. I stepped in wet and first thought the dogs had an accident but then realized it was too large an area. I investigated and found that the second water heater was leaking and it had soaked through a hall carpet in the 'basement' room into the walkway of the downstairs den. I was able to turn off the breakers and clear the water lines, getting enough hot water to take a bath before bed time. The plumber came midday Friday and the heater will have to be replaced. I am fortunate to have hot water from the other end of the house. I just had to clear the shower in the downstairs bathroom for use over the next few days.

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations and a calmer atmosphere in 2023. Special prayers this week for all the communities with bad snow storms.

I actually turned on an air conditioner today to cool the room down from 81.  The temps will continue like last week with the low expected to be 45 next Saturday to a high of 84 on Wednesday during the day.

I finished three audios this past week and posted three reviews with my memes.

I visited 16 blogs again last week.
Shout out this week to BECKY'S BOOK REVIEWS. Becky states her blog goal as "To promote the love of reading by providing teens, tweens, parents, teachers, librarians, fellow bloggers, and book lovers of all ages..."

Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

• Sunday Post February 19, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 20, 2023.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Cat o' Nine Tales by Faith Hunter; Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Science Fiction, Urban;My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
  

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Yankee Widow by Linda Lael Miller; Genre: Civil War, Historical Fiction, Saga; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.
  

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: Blind Search by Paula Munier; Genre: Crime Fiction & Mysteries, Mysteries & Thrillers, Police Procedurals; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 26, 2023 - More Than s Savior!
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Exiled Fleet Publisher's Pack (Books 1-2)
By: Richard Fox
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Series: Exiled Fleet, Book 1-2
Length: 14 hrs and 43 mins
I did like this action in this once I figured out who was who.
Source: May 2022 Audible Plus.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Galactic Forge
Galactic Forge Series, Book 1
By: Alex Guerra
Narrated by: Paul Heitsch
Series: Galactic Forge Series, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins
This is an entertaining sci fi with action, and a 'kidnapped' human caught up with an AI entity.
Source: February 2021 Audible Plus.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Introducing Agatha Raisin: The Quiche of Death and The Vicious Vet
By: M. C. Beaton
Narrated by: Penelope Keith, Diana Bishop
Series: Agatha Raisin Mysteries, Book 1-2
Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins
These amateur mystery stories were fun. It is an “I” title and has an Occupation in the title.
Source: 7/19/2021 I picked these from the Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death
Putting all her eggs in one basket, Agatha Raisin gives up her successful PR firm, sells her London flat, and samples a taste of early retirement in the quiet village of Carsely. Bored, lonely, and used to getting her way, she enters a local baking contest. Despite the fact that Agatha has never baked a thing in her life, she is sure the pie she has secretly bought from an upper-crust London quicherie will make her the toast of the town. But her recipe for social advancement sours when the judge not only snubs her entry―but falls over dead!
Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet
Agatha Raisin hasn't quite adjusted to the slow pace of village life, or to the failure of her overtures to her handsome neighbor, James Lacey. Since the new vet in town is young and good looking, Agatha's perfectly healthy tabby endures a nasty physical exam in the name of romance. Unfortunately, his sacrifice is all for naught when the vet is soon found dead. The police call the death a freak accident, but Agatha convinces James that playing amateur detective might be fun. Unfortunately, just as curiosity killed the cat, Agatha's inept snooping is soon a motivation for murder.
©2016 M. C. Beaton (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Currently Reading:

1. NetGalley Audio Smartphone (2022NGA)

The Last Saxon King
A Jump in Time Novel, Book One
By: Andrew Varga
Narrated by: Mark Sanderlin
Series: A Jump in Time Novel, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins
I was drawn to this Time Travel story so we will see how it goes.
Source: 2022 NetGalley choice.
Publisher's Summary
One jump to save all time.
Life is progressing normally for sixteen-year-old Dan Renfrew when he accidentally transports himself to England in the year 1066. He soon realizes that he’s trapped there, and that’s not his only astonishing discovery. Dan learns that he’s descended from a long line of time jumpers—secret heroes who travel to the past and resolve glitches in the time stream that threaten to alter subsequent history. The only way Dan can return home is to set history back on its proper course in the Anglo-Saxon age. This is no easy task. A Viking horde is ravaging England in the north while a Norman army threatens to invade from the south. In between and desperately struggling to hold on to his throne is Harold Godwinson, the newly crowned English king. Dan is fighting to ensure that events play out correctly when he finds himself plunged into an even more lethal conflict. To save history, Dan must battle a band of malevolent time jumpers whose lust for wealth and power threatens the entire future of the world.
©2023 Andrew Varga (P)2023 Imbrifex Books

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Kingdoms of Sorrow
Catalyst, Book 2
By: JK Franks
Narrated by: Steven Varnum
Series: Catalyst, Book 2
Length: 15 hrs and 15 mins
I look forward to this in a series I started a while back, and it is a "K" title.
3-3-2022 Audible Sale Purchase $3.74.
Publisher's Summary
The fight for survival continues in book 2 of the Catalyst series.
A murderous army, an unspeakable plague and an approaching hurricane. One man will risk it all to save his community. Cities, nations, and governments lie in ruins and billions have perished. In the wake of a global apocalypse, survival has become a way of life in a world that seems intent on wiping them all out.
Among the survivors are Scott Montgomery and his friends on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. They have struggled to hang on better than most. But growing threats - both man-made and natural - leave their chances on a razor's edge. Now with the help of uncertain alliances they must face a new danger none of them saw coming. This group, "The Messengers", are like a biblical plague, destroying everything - and everyone - in their path.
Time is short for the survivors and another grim new discovery means the Messengers may not be the only thing they should fear.
Don’t miss out on the second installment of the best-selling Catalyst series.
©2017 J K Franks (P)2017 J K Franks

Again, I might change my mind when I get to the next book. :-)

February 26, 2023 - I am enjoying this new plan on YouVersion. I totally enjoyed watching the devotion videos so I am doing another BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen" .  I have never done a Chronological reading before.
I added Mark to continue following along with my son who is reading with the BOBs (Band of Brothers).
I finished the plan: The Sauce: Seek First.
I am 5 days into a new 16 Day plan: Christ as Servant: A Study in Mark.

I finished three audio titles and reviewed three so I didn't get further behind. I currently have 4 reviews to prepare for February.  I might get caught up in another week...or two.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
My ebook on NetGalley was on my old phone and will expire before I finish it.
I am listening to one of the two audiobooks this week.
I still have the two old ebook titles.
I have one author review in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer.
(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 newest to the team, Emma at Words and Peace. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I have a totally empty mailbox this week - rather rare for me.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

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No new titles added to Kindle library. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, or Kindle ebooks.