Contact email: mesreads AT gmail.com
###Winner Announcement Posts are linked here.###

GIVEAWAYS ARE NOW LOCATED ON THEIR OWN PAGE - CLICK ON TAB ABOVE; Giveaways also linked on right sidebar.

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Audible Book Review: Extinction Inferno, Extinction Cycle: Dark Age, Book 2 by Nicholas Sansbury Smith

I enjoyed this and will be purchasing the next in series sooner rather than later.
Extinction Inferno:
Extinction Cycle: Dark Age, Book 2

By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith, Anthony J. Melchiorri
Narrated by: R.C. Bray


Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins
Release date: 10-01-19
Publisher: Blue Heron Audio
Categories: Horror, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.


Publisher's Summary
The government said the Variants were dying off....
That the beasts would be extinct in a matter of years....
That the Allied States had returned to prosperity and freedom....
The government was dead wrong. Deep under the cities, the Variants weren't just hiding, they were breeding. While the human survivors of the Extinction Cycle built outposts and brought back industries, the monsters were building something of their own. Working with human collaborators, they constructed a vast underground organic network to control this new army and launch a blitzkrieg assault across the Allied States. After tunneling under the walls, the beasts managed to overwhelm even the most fortified outposts. Many of them fell within days, forcing the military to abandon bases and retreat.
But not everyone is on the run. Team Ghost hunts a monster behind enemy lines that could change the tide of war. On the USS George Johnson, Doctor Kate Lovato and her team of scientists seek to understand and tap in to the Variant network while oil tycoon S. M. Fischer and his engineers come up with a plan to help buy time for the remaining outposts. And, at Outpost Portland, Captain Reed Beckham and Master Sergeant Parker Horn investigate a frightening conspiracy involving the human collaborators.
As the Variant armies surge across the Allied States, those working to stop them realize even desperate measures may not be enough to prevent the total annihilation of their country.
©2019 Nicholas Sansbury Smith (P)2019 Nicholas Sansbury Smith


Review:
This book picks up from Extinction Shadow. Our protagonists have learned that, rather than dying off, the Variants have been hiding and are now coming out in force with the aid of an evil and intelligent master. There are even human collaborators who are working with the Variants having decided that ultimately the humans will die and a new order will take over.

Kate and another doctor have found a communications link among the variants. They arrange to send int the Ghost Team, first to kill massive creatures controlling the Variant masses and then to capture one for study!

Beckham Reed and Fischer are in a new Outpost base trying to convince the leader there that he may not be as prepared as he thinks. They are just barely staying a step ahead of the Variant attacks. The Ghost Team go from one dangerous mission to another treacherous mission into territory that was abandoned to the hordes. They have no good intel but there are resources in the location that must be recovered to help the human race have a chance of survival.

Reed is distressed that he lost a young man, Timothy, who was captured by collaborators. Unknown to Reed and Horn (his faithful guard), Timothy escapes with crucial news for the survivors. As the base around him collapses, how can Timothy get the info back to Reed and those who need to know?

Once again, the story moves at high pace with action in multiple threads. I experience stress for all of the heroes not knowing when one or more of them will fall. I will be getting the next book in the series so I can follow the suspense, hoping that the humans can survive the evil that is hidden.

Audio Notes: I can’t say much more in favor of narrator R.C. Bray. He helps deliver an engaging suspense.

Source: October 2022 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Audible Book Review: Extinction Shadow, Extinction Cycle: Dark Age, Book 1 by Nicholas Sansbury Smith, Anthony J. Melchiorri

I totally enjoyed the action and characters in this story and finished it in two days.
Extinction Shadow
Extinction Cycle: Dark Age, Book 1
By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith, Anthony J. Melchiorri
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Extinction Shadow Audiobook By Nicholas Sansbury Smith, Anthony J. Melchiorri cover art

Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins
Release date: 08-13-19
Publisher: Blue Heron Audio
Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.


About This Audible Audiobook
They thought they survived the extinction cycle, but a powerful evil lurks in the shadows...Now old and new heroes join forces to save what’s left of the world in this thrilling sci-fi audio adventure.
Eight years ago, an engineered virus ravaged the globe, infecting and transforming humans into apex predators called Variants. Billions died, civilization collapsed, and the human race teetered on the brink of extinction. Nations banded together and heroes rose up to fight these abominations. On the front lines, Captain Reed Beckham and Master Sergeant Joe "Fitz" Fitzpatrick of Delta Force Team Ghost fought against the Variant hordes. With the aid of CDC Doctor Kate Lovato, they helped lead humanity to victory.
Now, almost a decade after the end of the war, civilization has slowly clawed toward recovery. In the Allied States of America, survivors live in outposts where they have rebuilt industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. The remaining Variants are believed to be dying off under destroyed cities and the abandoned frontier. But evil and intelligent forces dwell in the shadows with the starving beasts, scheming to restart the extinction cycle and end humanity forever. And once again, Beckham, Fitz, and Kate will rise to fight them, along with new heroes to try and save what remains of the world.
R. C. Bray brings to life the beloved characters of this series and expertly depicts their turmoil and struggle for survival.
Note: This new season is a self-contained storyline. Listeners do not have to hear the first seven books of the Extinction Cycle to jump into book one of Extinction Cycle: Dark Age. For returning listeners, this audiobook takes place after book seven, Extinction War.
©2019 Nicholas Sansbury Smith (P)2019 Blue Heron Audio


Review:
This book begins a new but continuation series, Extinction Cycle: Dark Age, picking up eight years after the events of the original series, Extinction Cycle, where a man-made virus resulted in a zombie outbreak. The uninfected human survivors in the Allied States (mostly Midwest to eastern former United States) are still trying to survive the attacks of the Variant infected. Suddenly the Variants, with mutated smarter Alphas leading them, are beginning to escalate in aggressive attacks. They have learned a new way to encroach on the human communities and are causing massive and worrying losses.

I was able to enjoy this book even though it has been several years (2018) since I read books 1-3 of the Extinction Cycle series. (I have boxed set books 4-6 to listen to and there is also book 7.) I was glad to see characters I remembered and see how the survivors were getting along at rebuilding. The story focuses on three groups of fighters, as well as the beleaguered President and Vice President.

Captain Reed, his wife, virologist doctor, Kate, and Reed’s right hand ‘guard’, Master Sergeant Horn, are trying to live calmly with their growing families. A second group, Team Ghost, consisting of a handful of injured Army Delta Force Vets, is being deployed for the most dangerous missions. Their motto is “All it takes is all you got.” There is a third set of Variant fighters emerging as a Texas tycoon, S.M. Fischer, and his elite security team try to save the oil operations that are helping to rebuild society.

I love the camaraderie and action in these stories. I felt emotional tension as different members faced the evils and I suspected that not all the good guys would survive. Most of our favorites continue to have miraculous escapes, but the country and already low level of survivors is being decimated. The struggle is hard and real. I was well engaged and was glad to have book 2 in this series to continue the fight. I recommend this to fans of survival action.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray is a wonderful narrator who excels in presenting this type of action -packed suspense. Bray delivers great voices and spot on energy. He always contributes to my enjoyment of the story as he did in this performance.

Source: June 2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Sunday, June 18, 2023

Sunday Post June 18, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 19, 2023

Sunday Post #318 Chairs, Compliance, and Storms
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.


Fathers Day Wishes For All Dads
I continue to work away at the office. I had a full staff meeting and we all agreed I do have to hire another person in the next few weeks to start training so we can shift jobs in mid July when my assistant leaves. 



I wanted eggs Saturday but by the time I got around to cooking it was closer to lunch time.
I made a sloppy joe, egg and cheesy quesadilla. I had half for lunch and half for dinner. :-)

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival. We are also continuing prays for family and church.

We've had very stormy weather. I had tree branches across the driveway on Friday morning. We expect to have rain again most of this week, with temperatures ranging from 69 to 89.

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

I visited 18 blogs last week.
Shout out this week: LISA NOTES. Lisa's about has lots of tidbits but starts with "I write here about how I see God in the everyday." The blog is encouraging and has some challenges I hope ot join in.
I have joined a Challenge at Lisa's blog:

Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.
  • A2023: Audio Book Review: Discovery of the Five Senses by K.N. Smith; Genre: Fantasy, Teen & Young Adult; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 3.75.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)


Extinction Inferno:
Extinction Cycle: Dark Age, Book 2

By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith , Anthony J. Melchiorri
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Series: Extinction Cycle: Dark Age, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins
I enjoyed this and will be purchasing the next in series at some point.
Source: October 2022 Audible Plus Catalog.

Click on book title for full description.



2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)
Discovery of the Five Senses

Discovery of the Five Senses
The Urban Boys Written by: K.N. Smith
Narrated by: Glenn Steinbaum
Duration: 8 hours 10 minutes
This has an interesting story but I had issues with the writing style.
Source: Audio Credit for Caffeinated PR Tour.

Click on book title for full description or link above for review.



3. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)
Fourth Monkey, J.D. Barker


The Fourth Monkey

Written By: J.D. Barker
Narrated By: Edoardo Ballerini
Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes
This is an engaging but dark and gritty thriller.
Source: 2/8/2020 Two for One Credit at Audiobooks.com.

Click on book title for full description.



Currently Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)


Phule's Company
Phule's Company, Book 1
By: Robert Asprin
Narrated by: Noah Michael Levine
Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins
I felt like a sci fi after the dark thriller. This is a Space Military story recommended by my son.
Source: 9/20/22 Audible under $3.50.

Publisher's Summary
After being court-martialed by the Space Legion for ordering the strafing of a treaty-signing ceremony, multimillionaire Willard Phule receives his punishment: He must command the misfit Omega Company on Haskin's Planet, a mining settlement on the edge of settled space. At his duty station, he leverages his personal money and a knack for managing people to get the company to come together as a unit. Phule convinces the governor to leave the contract for an honorary duty up for competition between the Space Legionnaires and the Regular Army. The Army sends some of their most elite troops to take part in the competition, but Phule's company operates with their own unique tactics....
©1990 Robert Asprin (P)2017 Tantor



2. NetGalley App Smartphone (A2023)


Bewitching a Highlander
By: Roma Cordon
Narrated by: Moira Quirk
Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins
I wanted a lighter read this week so I am listening to a Scottish romance.
Source: June 2023 "Listen Now" audiobook at NetGalley.

Publisher's Summary
Defying all for the love of a bewitching lass.
Breena MacRae, a healer from Skye with a touch of witchery in her blood, embarks on a dangerous search for her missing father. She arrives on the Isle of Coll, seat of the vile Campbells. There, she encounters the debonair future chief to the Dunbar Clan, Egan, who rescues her from a Campbell sentry.
Egan Dunbar is on Coll to keep the peace between the feuding Campbells and Dunbars. But when he catches Breena in a lie, he agrees to help her find her father to pay back an old debt and get to the bottom of the secrets she's hiding.
As their attraction for each ignites like a firestorm, Breena and Egan realize a future together could trigger deadly consequences—a clan war between the Campbells and the Dunbars. Is Egan willing to betray his clan for love, even though he knows Breena is keeping secrets from him? Can Breena trust him with her family secret and put those she loves at risk?
©2022 Roma Cordon (P)2022 CamCat Books


I might get to a third book. We'll see.

June 18, 2023
- I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". We are now reading in Song of Solomon.
I started a five day study titled Greatly Loved by Hosanna Wong, a wonderful Spoken Word Artist.


I finished three audio titles and posted two reviews. I have four reviews due but I have written the review for Never Ending End of the World but thought I would save it for a few weeks closer to the release date.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I now have two audios left on my NetGalley shelf.  The remaining two are shorter (under 6 hours).
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.

One new review title.
I picked my Two May credits at Audible.
I bought three audio titles at Chirp.
I selected my June VIP credit at Audiobooks.com.
Three free Kindle titles last week.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles
NONE

Won
NONE

Purchased
I picked my Two May Credits at Audible:
The Valley
A Lee Harden Novel
By: D.J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 14 hrs and 48 mins
I loved the series and the character, so I want to continue in this new stage of his life.
A Natural History of Dragons
A Memoir by Lady Trent
By: Marie Brennan
Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
I’ve been thinking dragons for a while and this one caught my eye.


I found three Chirp titles I decided to get this week – two lighter romances and a romance series that I already had one title in but not the first book yet.
Book cover for The Country Escape by Jane Lovering
The Country Escape
by Jane Lovering
Read by Rose Robinson

$20.99 $1.99
Run Time: 7h 39min

Book cover for My First My Last My Only by Denise Carbo

My First My Last My Only
by Denise Carbo
Read by Laura English

$9.99 $1.99
Run Time: 8h

Book cover for The Finding Home Series, Books 1-3 by B. E. Baker
The Finding Home Series, Books 1-3
by B. E. Baker
Read by Connor Crais & Jennifer Jill Araya

$16.99 $3.99
Run Time: 25h 19min


Free
This is my June Audiobooks.com VIP pick, dystopian:
The Wolf Mile
The Wolf Mile
Series: #1 of The Pantheon
Written by: C.F. Barrington
Narrated by: David Monteath

Duration: 11 hours 24 minutes


I have been adding some Audible Plus titles too - I will list them next week since it is not likely I will purchase more this coming week.

Three Free Kindle titles this week:
Tomorrow's Gone: Season One: A Thrilling Post-Apocalyptic Survival Story
Sean Platt, David W. Wright

The World Remains (The Unity Series Book 1)
E.J. King

Apocalypse Dawn 2022: Twilight's Breaking
Kristie Lynn Higgins


Three new titles 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 June 18, 2023 - A Father's Faith!

Our Sunday School teacher shared a good message from James 1:9-11. James was speaking to Christians who had given up everything to follow Christ. James noted that God honors the poor and that the rich have an opportunity to humble themselves and allow God to honor them too. The point being that those with fewer material goods are likely to have a closer reliance on God. This is a heart and attitude issue.

Pastor’s message, which was based on Mark 9:14-29, continued the message of man humbling himself to seek God’s help. Pastor’s message focused on the father of a demon possessed boy. Pastor noted that not all illness is from demon possession but most illness is from man’s sin nature. In this passage, the boy was seized by a demon and his father sought help by seeking out Jesus. He came upon the Apostles first and they were unable to cast out the evil spirit. The father kept going forward to the master, Jesus.

He was a good father seeking healing for his son. A father should know when his children need a touch from God. A father should raise his children to know they can look to God. Parents can and should provide Godly mentors for their children, especially in these days, to counterbalance against worldly influencers.

Elder men and women can teach the younger. Those who are close to Jesus can be an example. 1 Peter 5. Parents should look for someone who can be a Godly influencer. The parents, especially the father should be hanging out with other Godly men. Manly men can be Godly.

The boy’s father sought compassion – “Have mercy on us and help us, if you can” (Mark 9:22). Jesus responded: “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” (v23.) The father then appealed to Jesus saying, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (v24.) Jesus then cast out the demon, healing the boy.

Men need to be worshipers and followers of Christ in order to lead their family to Jesus. Pastor asserted it is an indictment on Christians when we spend more on our children developing in sports than developing their spiritual growth.

Men (and women) need to humble themselves and not be too proud to seek help. Micah 6:8. Psalm 18: 27; Psalm 149:4. Peter encourages Christians to seek God’s power in 1 Peter 5:6-7:
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
All Christians need God to show up. Our reliance should be on Him. Paul boasts in his weakness to show God's strength. Paul acknowledges that he is not enough, but God is! Don't judge others, but rather intercede by prayer for them.

The boy’s father’s faith was not perfect, but he trusted that Jesus could work with imperfect faith.
God wants us to grow in our belief and reliance on Him. Don't be held back by mistakes in your past. Move forward. Press on to get to God. Desire more of God.

Men will not lead be able to lead their family to God if their wife and children are more spiritual than he is. Remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We do not have it all together, but we can give it to Him.

Pastor feels there has been a spirit of pride in our community that has kept men from relying on God. This is spiritual warfare. Do not be acclimated or remain accustomed to that spirit. Do it God's way, humble yourself. Lead your children to Christ!

We sang this song in worship and I found this video to share. Good, Good Father.
Verses for Today:
Mark 9:21-24 NLT
21 “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father.
He replied, “Since he was a little boy. 22 The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”
23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”


Heavenly Father, I give you thanks that you gave me a Godly husband who shared his love of you with our children!

Mark 9:24 | The Consecrated Woman

10 Ways to Know If Your Soul Is Tired 6

Saturday, June 17, 2023

Sharing Beyond Books #459 Comment Giveaway June 17, 2023

Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB #458: Scattered Leaves asked: Have you ever used a book light??
Here were the responses: Fredamans stated she would use them and had ordered a couple but they never arrived.
Marjorie has never used one.
Elaine G doesn't use a book light.
Ashfa has never used one - first heard of it.


My reply is in the original post.

The Winner from SBB #458 comments is #3 ELAINE who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the (outdated) ARC/Review titles or Love and Christmas titles OR pick a book from the prior Friday Pick List - all linked near the end of the post.

Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.
WEEK #459
(One Question.)
Marjorie asks: Do you have a favourite television show that you enjoy watching??
I still watch very little on TV beyond some news programs and occasional movies that I tape. I also tape and occasionally watch NCIS and Blacklist. A lot of times the TV is just background noise while I am doing blogs or work at home.
best television channels for preschoolers
Images found at Thoughtco.com

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.
June question is provided by Marjorie who gets $2.50 or a half book credit and can pick from the last Friday Pick List .


Your turn to share.
Marjorie asks: Do you have a favourite television show that you enjoy watching??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles and from the prior Friday Pick List .


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.
The deadline is a month, until July 15, 2023.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 5 PM central.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails