This is a fun story but I didn't like the foul language. For the Loot
Goblin Mode, Book 1
By: Han Yang, Pearce Adams
Narrated by: Evan Sibley
Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
Release date: 07-25-23
Publisher: Dreamscape Lore
Genre: Fantasy, GameLit, LitRPG My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75 (due to language); Narration 4.25.
Review:
Bogart’s clan of Goblins is attacked by a small group of adventurers, and he is one of the few survivors. He plans to follow them to steal their loot. Instead, he ends up joining the adventurers to pursue further loot.
They run into struggles along the way and have to find and rely on the skills for each. Bogart adds his stealth and thieving skills to the existing group. Freya is a paladin with healing powers and the ability to fight with special weapons. The others are a half-orc barbarian and a human spellsword, all led by the spellcasting gnome, Lang.
There are plenty of battles with creepy and unique villains. This isn’t strictly LitRPG but there are opportunities to increase powers and upgrade weapons. I enjoyed the success of the little goblin, especially since goblins are considered on the level of rats. The adventures were fun but the ugly, foul language turned me off. This might have been cute for middle graders but not with that language. Because of the language, I will probably not continue with the series. I recommend the fun adventure to GameLit fans who do not mind the bad language.
Audio Notes: Evan Sibley does a great job with the narration. I enjoined the energy and voices given to each character. I appreciated the opportunity to listen to this through NetGalley.
Source: July 2023 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023NetGalley and 2023Audiobook goals.
Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2023
Favorites for the month:
5 Stars = 4.75 Stars = 4.5 Stars = The Farseer: Assasin's Apprentice, If Angels Fall, Flop Dead Gorgeous: An Andy Carpenter Mystery, The Age of Embers
ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Farseer: Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb; Genre: Action & Adventure, Coming of Age, Epic Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
ATBR: Audible Book Review: Evolution Impossible by Dr. John F. Ashton; Genre: Apologetics, Nonfiction, Spirituality; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0
A2023: Audible Book Review: If Angels Fall by Rick Mofina; Genre: Crime Fiction, Suspense; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
ANG2023: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Flop Dead Gorgeous: An Andy Carpenter Mystery by Davide Rosenfelt; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Legal Thriller; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
A2023: Audio Book Review: The Poisoned Princess: Warders Book 1 by Armen Pogharian; Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Sword & Sorcery; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
ATBR: Audible Book Review: Mountain Man by Keith C. Blackmore; Genre: Horror, Post Apocalyptic, Zombie; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
ATBR: Audible Book Review: Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley; Genre: Animals, Family, Friendship; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0. #parisinjuly2023 event.
ATBR: Audio Book Review: Christmas at Cozy Holly Inn by Meredith Summers; Genre: Christmas, Contemporary, Romance; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
ATBR: Audio Book Review: Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
A2023: Audible Book Review: The Snow Killer: The DI Barton Series, Book 1 by Ross Greenwood; Genre: Crime Fiction, Police Procedural, Thriller; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
This Month
Total read = 12
TBR = 9
New Authors = 7
Audio/Audible = 12 (9 TBRs)
NetGalley = 1 (1 audio) (0 TBRs)
Author Review books (other than NG) = 1
Nonfiction = 1
eBook = 0 (0 TBR)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)
DNF - 0
Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month)
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 76 of 125
TBR to Date: 59 of 90
Audio to Date: 73 of 100
NetGalley to Date: 13 of 10
Author Reviews: 4 of 12
Nonfiction: 6 of 10
TBR ebooks or Print: 2 of 8
New Authors to date: 45
• Series: 57 of 75 (14 continuing, 43 new)
• New to me Series: 43 (23 Yes to continue; 9 likely to continue, 7 maybe, 4 unlikely)
• Finished for me Series: 2 (maybe? Not sure if the Bobiverse is done)
Special Goals
• Seasonal title: 2 of 4: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
• Alphabet letters covered: (22 of 26) -- 9 January (A, C, D, F, H, L, P, R, S); 6 February (B, E, G, I, T, Y); 5 March (K, M, J, O, U) 1 April (W) 1 May (N) 0 June
NEED: Q, V, X, Z
Locations: 8 of 8 River, Mountains, Kingdoms, Castle, Junkyard, Deadlands, Shore, Paris
Numbers: 6 of 12 Forging Zero, Cat o’ Nine Tales, Six Crimson Cranes, One Heart to Win, The Fifth Victim, The Fourth Monkey
Groups of Five: (Places and Numbers above)
Times of Day: 3 of 5 Moonshine, Morning, Midnight
Occupations: 7 of 5 Warrior, Cowboy, Vet, King, Cop, Pirate, Instructor
Colors: 4 of 5 The Far Blue Mountains, Six Crimson Cranes, Silver Dollar Duke; Altered Carbon
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 enjoyed my vacation with family in Kansas City. I did have to work on computer a bit more than I wanted but I also got to relax. Our flights were mostly good except for the final leg home. We had to run back and forth in the Charlotte airport to four different gates for the American Air flight which ran 30 minutes late. (It made me think of the movie Airplane except we went from the end of Gate C to the end of Gate B and back again!)
I have plenty of pictures to share of our time together. I got plenty of walking steps in (not just in the airports).
This is a small waterfall behind the Stoney Creek Hotel where we stayed three nights.
We checked it out in the distance up the hill.
The next day we walked up to the waterfall.
I had glow nails and my granddaughter had a glow shirt and shoes in the black light room at Science City in Union Square - A great place!
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.
My staff said that I missed several triple digit heat days. We had wonderful air travel with nice weather. We did have a heat advisory today for 111 temp but I think this was cooled by the storm advisory. The highs this coming week are supposed to be about 95s.
I finished two audios and posted three reviews and my memes.
ATBR: Audio Book Review: Christmas at Cozy Holly Inn by Meredith Summers; Genre: Christmas, Contemporary, Romance; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
ATBR: Audio Book Review: Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
A2023: Audible Book Review: The Snow Killer: The DI Barton Series, Book 1 by Ross Greenwood; Genre: Crime Fiction, Police Procedural, Thriller; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
Finished Reading: 1. NetGalley App on Smartphone (ANG2033)
For the Loot
Goblin Mode, Book 1
By: Han Yang, Pearce Adams
Narrated by: Evan Sibley
Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins This is a fun story but I didn't like the foul language.
Source: July 2023 NetGalley.
2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)
1984: New Classic Edition
By: George Orwell
Narrated by: Simon Prebble
Length 11h 22m Oh yes- doublespeak abounds today and opposing views are censored as thought crimes.
Source: September 2020 Audible Plus Titles.
Click on book title for full description.
August 6, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan:The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". I had forgotten the weird dreams that Zechariah had. I do like the prophesies and promises of return. I started a new 5 day plan: 5 Daily Habits to Integrate Faith and Work.
I finished two audio titles and posted three reviews. I am up to date again.
NETGALLEY STATUS-- I still have three new audios and an older one on my 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 received no review titles this week. I selected two audios from 2 for 1 credit sale at Audiobooks.com.
I got one free Kindle title last week. Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?
Review Titles
NONE
Won
NONE
Purchased
July 30, 2023 Audiobooks.com 2 for 1 Credit sale:
Stars Uncharted
Series: #1 of Stars Uncharted
Written by: S. K. Dunstall
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Duration 13 hours 1 minute
Kill the Farm Boy: The Tales of Pell
Series: #1 of The Tales of Pell
Written by: Delilah S. Dawson, Kevin Hearne
Narrated by: Luke Daniels
Duration 12 hours 38 minutes
Free
July 31, 2023 Kindle from Author's Newsletter
Murder Mystery Weekend: a compelling British crime mystery (Detective Inspector Skelgill Investigates Book 11)
by Bruce Beckham
Our church service this morning had audio difficulty online so I listened to the guest speaker from Sunday July 30.
The pastor noted that live is about relationships – with God and with family. There are life saving and changing truths in the word of God. God spoke the world (and man in His image) by the Word of His mouth. Words frame worlds. Agree with the Word by responding “Amen” or “so be it”.
2 Peter 2:5 – speaking of Noah as a “preacher of righteousness”. Joshua 24:15 “… chose you this day who you will serve… as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
God’s heart is for the family. Noah made “an ark to save his family.” And Abraham and his descendants made their home in the promised land by faith. Hebrews 11:6-9.
The church has failed to rise to the level where it should be. The church should be influencing the world by sharing light and salt. And the church is made up of families. The enemy is attacking the family, which hurts the church and hurts our witness. The current state of society shows the attack on the family. We need a strong family foundation, a three strand cord: Jesus, husband and wife, and children.
Keep things in proper context because anything taken out of context is subject to being a “con”.
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:22-27. [Emphasis added.]
We have to be careful not to allow any foothold (space or home) for the enemy. We can’t stay angry in our homes, and we have to go a step further. If we rebuke anger and other adversarial spirits, we have to fill that space with God’s spirit. Any space we do not occupy or fill with the Kingdom of God, we open to the adversary. Matthew 12:43-45. Where there is a void, the government, school, or medical authorities will, and have, stepped in!
Depression comes upon us this way. Also, sickness. We cannot say “oh, it’s flu season, so it is expected.” No! Do not confess or allow that. Say instead “I am God’s property and I rebuke illness.” It doesn’t mean we won’t get sick, but it is more of a resistance level. Do not be conformed to this world, be transformed.
The same promise given to Abraham was given to Issac and Jacob. Hebrews 11: 9. Faith is designed to be generationally passed down. (Amen.) Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” Three generations. God is the God of Abraham, Issac. and Jacob.
The blessing is also passed down to Abraham and his seed. We have a covenantal right to the same blessing and promise! To all the families of the earth. (Spiritual Blessing, not material blessings.) We are already blessed when we are in Christ.
The purpose of God is designed to be generationally passed down. The destiny and purpose on our lives belongs to God, not to us. Romans 8:28. Look what the Lord has done – not what we have done.
Noah got his whole family on board the ark. If you are at least having influence on your family, you are within the purpose of God. Not that you are responsible for their mess ups (think of Adam and Eve). Ministry needs to be inside our homes. The order of the family is to have the man be the head of the household. Women have had to step up when men have failed to do so.
The Ark was made of three stories. First level is foundation – God the Father. Second level has the door – Jesus is the door. The third level has a window – representing the Holy Spirit. This represents the redemption of Jesus. They went through the flood but were saved. The redemptive purpose of God needs to be alive in our families.
This is an interesting song to go with today’s message: Family Tree
Verses for Today:
Hebrews 11:6-9 NIV 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.
Lord, I pray that you help me to continue to pray over and influence my family- children, grandchildren, and siblings too.
Review:
One child survived the gunning down of the rest of the family, including a beloved younger sibling, when they were brutally stalked and killed in the snow. Three years later the surviving child is able to take revenge killing the guilty thugs one at a time in the snow. This gains the name “The Snow Killer” but the murders stop.
Fifty years later there is a new murder of a low level drug addict during a snowstorm. Then another drug involved person is murdered in the next snowstorm. DI Barton and his team are trying to figure out who would have the motive to take out these individuals. Then in the next snowstorm another murder takes place practically under their noses. The murders are occurring in DI Barton’s own neighborhood and the victims are connected to a known local drug family. The police are desperately seeking clues while inclined to protect the surviving member of the drug family as she is the likely next target.
The old Snow Killer has been insulted by one of the local crime members. This has triggered the old anger and revenge which intensifies when the killer recalls one of the thugs had referred to orders from higher command. And now one of the new victims also mentions corruption that goes higher than the henchmen. Can the Snow Killer get to the higher parties in command before the police figure out who they are chasing?
This is only available until 8/10/23 so I pulled it up in my queue and I am glad that I did. The characters, killer and cop, are well drawn including emotional involvement. The author follows both characters so that the reader/ listener is tracking the two different POVs as their inevitable confrontation grows closer. Although the reader is following the killer, the author manages to throw in some surprises. I would be willing to seek more books by this author and I’m sorry I don’t have time to listen to more while they are available free in the Audible Plus Catalog. I recommend this to fans of strong police procedural thrillers.
Audio Notes: David Thorpe does a very good job with the narration. I was engaged throughout the narration with the clear voices and energy.
Source: February 2023 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023Audiobook goal.
![Murder Mystery Weekend: a compelling British crime mystery (Detective Inspector Skelgill Investigates Book 11) by [Bruce Beckham]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nZxGko-uL.jpg)
