Audible Book Report: Purgatory's Shore, Artillerymen, Book 1 by Taylor Anderson

I'm glad I got into this as I found it engaging.
Purgatory's Shore
Artillerymen, Book 1
By: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: PJ Ochlan

Length: 22 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 09-21-21
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Alternate History, Military History
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
On their way to fight in the Mexican-American War, a group of American soldiers are swept away to a strange and deadly alternate Earth in this thrilling new adventure set in the world of the New York Times best-selling Destroyermen series.
The United States, 1847. A disparate group of young American soldiers are bound to join General Winfield Scott's campaign against Santa Anna at Veracruz during the Mexican-American War. They never arrive.
Or rather...they arrive somewhere else.
The untried, idealistic soldiers are mostly replacements, really; a handful of infantry, artillery, dragoons, and a few mounted riflemen with no unified command. And they've been shipwrecked on a terrible different Earth full of monsters and unimaginable enemies.
Major Lewis Cayce, late of the Third US "Flying" Artillery, must unite these men to face their fears and myriad threats, armed with little more than flintlock muskets, a few pieces of artillery, and a worldview that spiritually and culturally rebels against virtually everything they encounter. It will take extraordinary leadership and a cadre of equally extraordinary men and women to mold frightened troops into an effective force, make friends with other peoples the evil Holy Dominion would eradicate, and reshape their "manifest destiny" into a cause they can all believe in and fight for.
For only together will they have any hope of survival.
©2021 Taylor Anderson (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Review:
I enjoyed the 15 books of the original Destroyermen series. This story picks up in the same alternate world but a century earlier, telling the story of American, and other, artillerymen who find themselves in an unfamiliar world with lots of unexpected people and beasts.

Major Cayce and his troops are expecting to be delivered to Vera Cruz on a battered whaler. Instead the ship and men are swept up in a storm and deposited far from the water in a strange land. The land is similar to the Yucatan Peninsula but not the same. This ‘new world’ is full of dinosaurs (not recognized as such since the word did not come into use until 1942) including avian beasts, raptors and even T-Rex. It is clear that these beasts are able to ravage the societies that live on the land but the military men who land here are able to fight the dinosaurs with their guns which are better than anything anyone else has.

As surprising as the beastly creatures, Major Cayce and his men are alarmed to meet ‘indian’ natives and a leader who looks like an upright cat that speaks English. Some would consider the cat-creatures as demons, until they learn about the horrible blood Dominions who are enslaving the people to either follow their horrible religion and/or die a painful death, which to them is glory.

The story started slowly. I had started it a month or so ago but didn’t get engaged. This week I got passed that slow start and was glad to become engaged in the creative world. Not only does the author provide action encounters with beasts and strange, intelligent races, Anderson also provides interesting details regarding weapons and military tactics. Another element of interest is the dilemma of a female posing as a soldier and learning to work together with the enemy, Mexicans. The characters grew on me and I did care how they survived in the battles. I recommend this to fans of alternate history and military history.

Audio Notes: PJ Ochlan does a good job with the voices and the energy of the story. Ochlan narrated the last book of the Destroyermen series so I had gotten used to his voice. That may have made it easier for me to accept the narration in this series. I enjoyed this audio experience.

Source: 2/5/22 Audible January Credit. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Location goals.

IRead Book Tour Audio Book Review: The Registration by Madison Lawson

Please See Tour Feature HERE.

This has a different premise and lots of action.

The Registration
By: Madison Lawson
Narrated by: Kathleen McInerney

Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins
Release date: 09-27-22
Publisher: CamCat Books
Genre: Dystopian, Psychological
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
You can’t outrun the Registration.
Imagine it’s legal to commit one murder in your lifetime—if you Register the victim and accomplish the kill within fourteen days. So when Lynell Mize stands in line to Register the man who abused her as a child, she’s shocked to hear a stranger Register her to be killed. Why would anyone who doesn't know her squander his one legal murder on her? Desperate to survive the next two weeks, she must find out who wants to kill her—and why.
Easier said than done, as Lynell soon discovers that multiple strangers have used their Registration on her. Along the way, she reunites with her estranged husband who is determined to dig up a past Lynell prefers to keep buried. With only days left to live, Lynell is determined to uncover the truth and survive a destiny not of her choosing. Everyone she knows could be her killer. Any day could be her last.
©2022 Madison Lawson (P)2022 CamCat Books

Review:
Lynell Mize lives in a world society where each person can Register one person to kill without facing penalty, provided the killing is completed within fourteen days. Lynell has struggled through a childhood under the constant threat of an abusive step-father. Trying to start a new page in her life, Lynell goes to Register the abuser. While standing in line, she hears someone in front of her Register her.

Lynell is stunned and realizes she must get away; even her home will not be safe. She suddenly finds her estranged husband, Daniel, insisting that she go away with him. He thinks he has whisked her away safely but they are soon accosted on the train by Zachery Price, a man who has been a best friend to Daniel since Lynell left him and also the man who Registered Lynell.

Lynell learns that more than one man has Registered her. She has something she didn’t realize was important and there is a very powerful man who wants her to be brought to him. Once in his clutches there are surprising revelations and it is nearly impossible to escape. But with the help of unexpected sources she does escape. Once again she goes on the run but they are very poorly prepared. Day to day Lynell struggles to stay out of the hands of her enemy while trying to puzzle out the code he is desperate to obtain. She also wonders whether the Registration system is really a positive thing.

The premise of the story is very interesting and I did enjoy the conflict and action. Lyndell is a young character struggling with her own self-esteem. I appreciated the growth she went through. I was frustrated however by how unprepared Lynell and her rescuers were to run and hide. At one point Lynell and Daniel lead a path to the person they want most to protect, putting many innocent lives in danger. I just shook my head at the stupidity. Fortunately, the ending made me a little happier. I recommend this story to fans of dystopian and other readers who may be interested in an action chase story with a puzzle to solve.

Audio Notes: Kathleen McInerney does a good job with the narration. She manages to convey the youth and inexperience of primary character. She also delivered distinct voices. I appreciated getting the audiobook to share during the book tour.

Source: Author via Bookfunnel for IRead Book Tours. This qualifies for my 2023Audiobook and 2023Author goals.

IRead BookTours - The Registration

Please see my REVIEW HERE.

Book Details:

Book Title: The Registration (a Novel) by Madison Lawson
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  320 pages
Genre: Thriller
Publisher:  CamCat Books
Release date:  September 2022
Content Rating: PG-13 + M. There is violence, including a torture scene, and some language, as well as mention of domestic violence, abuse, murder, and abortions. 

Book Description:

You can’t outrun the Registration.

Imagine it’s legal to commit one murder in your lifetime⎯if you Register the victim and accomplish the kill within fourteen days. So when Lynell Mize stands in line to Register the man who abused her as a child, she’s shocked to hear a stranger Register her to be killed. Why would anyone who doesn't know her squander his one legal murder on her? Desperate to survive the next two weeks, she must find out who wants to kill her⎯and why.

Easier said than done as Lynell soon discovers that multiple strangers have used their Registration on her. Along the way, she reunites with her estranged husband who is determined to dig up a past Lynell prefers to keep buried. With only days left to live, Lynell fights to uncover the truth and survive a destiny not of her choosing.

BUY THE BOOK:
CamCat Books
AUDIBLE ~ AMAZON 
B&N ~ IndieBound ~ Bookshop
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Author Madison Lawson writes speculative fiction novels full of suspense, social commentary, and complex relationships. She has published a dozen short stories, many of which won awards such as the Koresh Award and the Gordone Award. She received her B.A. in English from Texas A&M University and is currently earning her M.A. in English at North Carolina State University. Born and raised in a small Texas town, Madison began escaping through reading and writing as soon as she could.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Sunday Post April 9, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 10, 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.

It was another busy work week. I hired a new title clerk and she is training well.
Heather was out Thursday to doctor and hospital for x-rays. She was diagnosed with pneumonia so they prescribed antibiotics and an inhaler. She'll see the ob/gyn this week for the other issues.

I received an alarming email midweek:

Your blog titled "http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/" has been removed.

The basis for removal was "Your content has violated our MALWARE policy." They had several links to go to for reference, including a "Help Forum", but two of the links (including the Help) didn't work!
It did cause me to wonder if I would expend the effort to replace the blog. Fortunately I was able to request they review the status and it was reinstated a couple of hours later.

x

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival.
I have personal prayers for health for Heather and Hui and business decisions for my office as we begin making staff changes.

We did have some hot afternoon's last week and heavy afternoon showers - a common Florida weather event. Easter morning was cool in the low 50s. (They still had a good crowd for the beach sunrise service.) The temps this week will be a little cooler - under 80.

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

I visited only 15 blogs again last week.
Shout out this week to S.J. PAJONAS. S.J. is an author with some Sci Fi I need to check out.

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

• Sunday Post April 2. 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 3, 2023.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: Extreme Medical Services Box Set Vol 1 - 3 by Jamie Davis; Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
  

• DNF - ATBR: Audible Book Review: Space: 1969 by Bill Oakley, Full Cast; Genre: Alternate History, Humor, Parody; My Rating: 2.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 2.0; Narration 4.0.
  

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: Moonshine & Magic by Bella Falls; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Magic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5. 

• MBS March 2023 Reading List Wrap Up.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 9, 2023 - He is Risen!

Finished Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Purgatory's Shore
Artillerymen, Book 1
By: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: PJ Ochlan
Length: 22 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 09-21-21
I'm glad I got into this.
I have book 2 already in my TBR.
Source: 2/5/22 Audible January Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. BookFunnel Audio Smartphone (IRead Tour Audio)

The Registration
By: Madison Lawson
Narrated by: Kathleen McInerney
Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins
This has a different premise and lots of action.
Source: Author via Bookfunnel for IRead Tour.
My post will be 4/13.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Author Review (PDF)

The Rapture: 23 Biblical Answers To The Question: When Is It?
by Joshua J. Watson
I found the arguments interesting...

and partially persuasive.
Source: March 2023 Author supplied PDF.

Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

To Whisper Her Name
By: Tamera Alexander
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
Series: A Belle Meade Plantation Novel, Book 1
Length: 17 hrs and 8 mins
I am enjoying this lovely, character driven Civil War romance.
I inadvertently was thinking this was a "W" title but it begins with "T". Source: February 2018 Audible Sale $5.95.
Publisher's Summary
From best-selling author Tamera Alexander comes an exquisite historical novel set against the real history of Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, Tennessee, that explores the struggles of real people of the post-war South and the journeys of a man and a woman scarred by betrayal.
Olivia Aberdeen, destitute widow of a man shot as a traitor to the South, is shunned by proper society and gratefully accepts an invitation from Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation. Expecting to be the Hardings’ head housekeeper, Olivia is disillusioned when she learns the real reason Elizabeth’s husband, Confederate General William Giles Harding, agreed to her coming. Not finding the safe haven she expects, Olivia is caught off guard by her feelings for Ridley Adam Cooper, a man who seems anything but a Southern gentleman.
Branded a traitor by some, Ridley Cooper, a Southern son who chose to fight for the Union, is a man desperate to end the war still raging inside him. Determined to learn “the gift” that Belle Meade's head horse trainer and former slave, Bob Green, possesses, Ridley harbors secrets that threaten both their lives.
As Ridley seeks to make peace within himself for fighting against the South he loved, Olivia is determined to never be betrayed again.
…
This inspirational historical romance can be listened to as a stand-alone novel or enjoyed as the first audiobook in Tamera Alexander’s Belle Meade series.
Audiobook length: approximately 125K words. Includes discussion questions for book clubs and a note from the author.
©2012 Tamera Alexander (P)2012 Zondervan

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Werewolf Cop
By: Andrew Klavan Narrated
by: Andrew Klavan
Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 03-24-15
It took a while to pick my next listen.
I chose this for a true "W" title and for action.
Source: 10/31/2020 Audible Two for One Credit Sale.
Publisher's Summary
Zach Adams is one of the best detectives in the country. Nicknamed Cowboy, he serves on a federal task force that has a single mission: to hunt down Dominic Abend, a European gangster.
After a brutal murder gives them a lead, Zach feels like he's finally on Abend's trail. But things get complicated and very, very weird. Zach is beginning to suspect that Abend's evil goes beyond crime - perhaps to the edge of the supernatural.
In a centuries-old forest under a full moon, a beast assaults him, cursing him forever. In the aftermath Zach is transformed into something horrible - something deadly. Now the good cop has innocent blood on his hands. He has killed - and he will kill again - in the form of a beast that can't be controlled or stopped.
©2015 Amalgamated Metaphor (P)2015 Dreamscape Media, LLC

I had a hard time picking the second book so I will wait until I get there to pick the next one.


April 9, 2023 - I am enjoying this new plan on YouVersion. I totally enjoy 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 finished 5 day study: The Grave.
This week I did an 8 day study: Following Jesus Through Death & BACK AGAIN.

I finished three audio titles and reviewed three so I remain up to date.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I still have two audio and one newer ebook on my NetGalley shelf.
I still have the two old NetGalley ebook titles.

I have one author review in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer. (I need to look back and see which one this is.)
(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 won two ebooks last week.
I purchased three books at Chirp.
I selected my VIP free audio at audiobooks. com.
I picked five more free Audible Plus Catalog audio books. (Eight shown were from last week.)
I got one free Kindle title last week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

4/8/2023 I won two ebooks from author Nancy Lynn Jarvis at Bookworm.
The giveaway was for the book that was one of my MM picks:

Dearly Beloved Departed: a PIP Inc. Mystery (PIP Inc. Mysteries Book 4)
by Nancy Lynn Jarvis

Since I mentioned her experience as a realtor she generously gave me a second book:

The Widow's Walk League (Regan Mchenry Real Estate Mysteries Book 4)
by Nancy Lynn Jarvis

Purchased

4/7/2023 Chrip – three titles at $.99 each.
I have been interested in this time travel series. These are books 3, 4 and 5. I have book 1 on Kindle and may get the first two in a boxed audio set.

Crossroads in Time
Written by Sarah Woodbury
Narrated by Laurel Schroeder
Run Time 7h 56min
$9.99; $0.99

Children of Time
Written by Sarah Woodbury
Narrated by Laurel Schroeder
Run Time 8h 54min
$9.99; $0.99

Exiles in Time
Written by Sarah Woodbury
Narrated by Laurel Schroeder
Run Time 8h 36min
$9.99; $0.99

Free

4/7/2023 Audiobooks.com April VIP

Home for Christmas
Series: #1 of Swedish Seasons
Written by: Annika Devert, Jessika Devert
Narrated by: Natalie Pela
Duration 8 hours 1 minute


I added eight new Audible Plus titles last week that I didn't list.
4/1/2023 Audible Plus free titles:

A Purely Private Matter
A Rosalind Thorne Mystery
By: Darcie Wilde
Narrated by: Sarah Nichols
Series: Rosalind Thorne Mysteries, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins
I'm glad to continue this series.

Pride, Prejudice, and Poison
A Jane Austen Society Mystery, Book 1
By: Elizabeth Blake
Narrated by: Justine Eyre
Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins
This English Cozy Mystery looks like fun.

Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Boxed Set, Books 1-3
By: Tonya Kappes
Narrated by: Johanna Parker
Length: 14 hrs and 54 mins
Since I’ve had years of enjoying RV vacations, I’m looking forward to trying this series.

Lethal in Old Lace
The Consignment Shop Mysteries, Book 5
By: Duffy Brown
Narrated by: Amy Tallmadge
Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins
- Dog on the cover. 😊

The Ruin
By: Dervla McTiernan
Narrated by: Aoife McMahon
Series: The Cormac Reilly Series, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
I’ve eyed this Irish suspense for a while so I’m glad to get it for free.

Not by Sight
By: Kate Breslin
Narrated by: Justine Eyre
Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins
Historical Mystery Romance sounds good to me.

Duke of Knight
Gentlemen of Knights Series, Book 1
By: Elizabeth Johns
Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins
A Regency / Victorian with a Duke and a feisty governess.

A Cowboy for Keeps
Colorado Cowboys, Book 1
By: Jody Hedlund
Narrated by: Susan Hanfield
Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins
I like historical, western romance.

4/3-4/8/23 Five more Audible Plus titles this week:

I.C.O.N.
Wardens of Issalia, Book 0
By: Jeffrey L. Kohanek
Narrated by: Tim Campbell
Length: 1 hr and 8 mins
A sci fi mini story.

Shackled
An Aldoran Chronicles Prequel
By: Michael Wisehart
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Series: The Aldoran Chronicles, Book 0.5
Length: 2 hrs and 29 mins
“Dragons and Mythical Creatures” pulls me in.

The Extinction New Zealand Series Box Set:
The Rule of Three, The Fourth Phase, The Five Pillars
The Extinction New Zealand Series, Books 1-3
By: Adrian J. Smith
Narrated by: Raphael Corkhill
Length: 23 hrs and 6 mins
Adding to my Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic TBR pile.

The World Over
By: Cassiopeia Fletcher
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot
Series: Stone World Saga, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins
Another addition to my Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic TBR pile.

Galaxy on Fire: Publisher's Pack
By: Craig Robertson
Narrated by: Scott Aiello
Series: Galaxy on Fire, Book 1-2
Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins
And a Space Opera.


One Kindle title:

(Thanks to seeing another book by this author at Book Reviews by Linda Moore, I found this title for free.)
The Making of a Matchmaker: A Prequel (The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe Book 1)
by Tess Thompson


One new title added to Kindle library.
Free titles might be found at Bookbub, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 9, 2023 - He Is Risen!

I drove to Panama City Beach to go to church with my daughter and granddaughters. I was very glad they wanted to go to church. The church was different for me and had worship music that sounded like country music. But they also sang a couple of well-known Easter hymns.
The Pastor delivered two sections with the same message.

The summarized sermon was the message of sin and salvation. Man is at odds with God. But before tine began, God had a plan to reconcile sinners back to Him - the work of Christ. Jesus died as a substitute for sinners.

Humans have the responsibility to repent and believe that Jesus is the son of God, He died for our sins and rose from the dead. We have to accept Jesus as our Lord. Jesus will return as King of kings, Lord of lords. Once you accept Christ as Lord, the Holy Spirit lives in you and you will live in eternity.

Then the Pastor read the Easter story from Scripture where God tells the story: John 19:1- 20:18, 30-31.
For the son has come to seek and save the lost. Luke 19:10.

The Christian can have abundant life in God's Kingdom, current and future. John 10:10. Abundant is a life of value. We miss out because we lose focus on God’s Word. Abundant life cannot be manufactured. It comes only from God.

Jesus is alive, calling your name. He is The Risen King.

I found this song today which is perfect for Resurrection Day! Thank You Jesus for the Blood.

Verse for Today:
Matthew 28:5-7 NIV
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”


Praise God for the Gift of salvation through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ!!