Audible Book Review: Koban: The Mark of Koban, Volume 2 by Stephen W. Bennett

This is good adventure with interesting futuristic weapon detail.

Koban: The Mark of Koban, Volume 2

By: Stephen W. Bennett

Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Series: Koban, Book 2

Length: 22 hrs and 11 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 05-16-14

Language: English

Publisher: Stephen W Bennett

Genre: Alien Invasion, Colonization, Sci Fi, Space Opera

My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Book 2 of the Koban Series

Already faster and more powerful than the last 17 species that they have destroyed or subjugated, the Krall have set their sights on humankind. After testing humans on their future home world of Koban and finding them worthy opponents, the Krall start a war of slow extermination with the rest of humanity. The war is intended to last generations as they apply their own version of "natural selection" to cull their weaker warriors in combat, purifying the Krall gene pool with their finest warriors for breeding. Why? The Krall desire to rule the galaxy someday, from their future home world of Koban, where the impossibly fast and powerful animals have proven to be too fast and strong for them to match. Only through the attrition of war will the Krall perfect their bloodline to become the masters of Koban. When the Krall departed Koban to start their war with humanity, they destroyed the protections that kept their prisoners safe. They left the human test subjects to fall victim to high gravity, and the deadly predators. Big mistake. The bio scientist left behind enhanced the human genome with Koban genes, forming the next generations of humans. They are becoming what the Krall sought to be. The fastest, most powerful species in the galaxy. The men and women trapped on Koban, locked in a struggle for their own survival for twenty years, return to the stars to help defend Human Space. The Krall have had their way with human worlds, killing when and where they wish. Outnumbered, the new Kobani will now take the war to the Krall.

©2013 Stephen W Bennett (P)2014 Stephen W Bennett

Review:
This picks up from Book One when the Krall, a vicious killing species, abandon captured humans on Koban expecting that the hostile environment to kill the humans. Instead the humans have learned to survive. A progressive group has thrived by accepting gene therapy to improve their abilities. Several married couples have produced the first generation with enhanced genes. This group plan to be ready for battle if the Krall ever return. And if they can find a way off planet they will face the Krall where they threaten other humans.

I was pulled in following the characters from book one as they developed friendships with other native species. In addition to becoming allies, they are adding more special skills to the human gene pool. Meanwhile the Krall begin a slow war and eradication of the human colonies.

I like the multiple perspectives, from the Kobani humans, the humans being attached on colonies and the enemy Krall. There are a few slow areas with detail of weapons and technology, but even that was fascinating due to the author's imaginative creation. I recommend this to readers who enjoy space sci fi, alien battles. I enjoyed the audio experience and will be getting the next in the series.

Audio Notes: Eric Michael Summerer does an excellent job of narration. He provides distinct voices, emotions and energy. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the excellent, engaging story.

Source: 2017 Audible Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR, Audio Book and Alphabet ("K" title) Challenges.

Audible Book Review: Shattered Worlds, Koban Volume 4 by Stephen W Bennett

This is long but full of action, likeable characters and interesting tech details.

Shattered Worlds
Koban, Volume 4
By: Stephen W Bennett
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Length: 31 hrs and 26 mins
Release date: 04-16-15
Publisher: Stephen W Bennett
Genre: Aliens, Colonization, Military Space Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5

Publisher's Summary
The Kobani continue their offensives against the Krall, attacking production worlds and destroying or stealing ships from the Krall fleet, which the enemy needs to resupply their invasions. The Kobani create a multispecies settlement on Haven, a gentler habitable world near deadly Koban. They gain the trust and technological assistance of freed former Krall slave species, the Torki, Prada, and resurrected Raspani. Their ranks and Mind Tap learned skills are increased by spec ops recruits from Human Space.
Mirikami engineers an assault on the Krall base world, K1, in cooperation with a skeptical human navy by sharing new technology, revealing Kobani physical capabilities, and providing intelligence on new Krall invasion plans. Despite knowing the Kobani use illegal gene mods, the navy high command decides to hit the Krall first, with the help of their secretive, tough Kobani ally. After the attack a mauled Krall fleet still heavily outnumbers the navy, and the damaged human fleet withdraws.
A vengeful Krall warlord, the Kobani old nemesis Telour, summons an ancient Olt'kitapi ship that can shatter an entire planet. He has a devious plan for remote strikes that will initiate delayed deaths on multiple human worlds, all before a ship imbued with morality can learn it has been been duped. Telour wants the home world of humanity to see death approaching one world at a time.
Mirikami expected a strong Krall reaction but not this extreme. He scrambles to head off the inexorable destruction of multiple planets. Failing to save some worlds, he is the final hope for billions of people on others. The Kobani will need the strength and speed their genes provide plus luck to save humanity.
Book one: Koban; book two: Koban: The Mark of Koban; book three: Koban: Rise of the Kobani.
©2014 Stephen W Bennett (P)2015 Stephen W Bennett

Review:
This continues the story of the genetically enhanced humans who call themselves Kobani. The Kobani have made friends and allies with other species who have previously been terrorized or enslaved by the brutal alien race known as Kralls. The Torki, Prada, and Raspani are willing to share their superior technology and skills to help the Kobani fight the Krall.

Rather than wait for the Kralls to slowly annihilate the human race, the Kobani have taken the offensive trying to destroy Krall ships, weapons and supplies in an effort to slow them down. They have already teamed up with some Special Ops troops of the human race, but now the Kobani find that they must convince the human authorities and PU (Planetary Union) military to fight with them. That means revealing their new mind tap skills and other genetic enhancements to the humans, who had previously banned genetic modifications.

After attacking several of the Krall production planets, Mirakami, the leader of the Kobani, plans a raid on the Krall base world, K-1. He knows that a new Krall leader is being installed but Mirakami doesn’t realize it is his old nemesis, Telour. In response to the attack on K-1, Telour convinces the counsel to allow him to use one of the few remaining ancient Olt'kitapi ships to destroy several human planets, including Earth. The plan is tricky because the Olt'kitapi ships were designed to build new worlds, not destroy them.

Mirakami and his fleet must race to try to stop the ancient ship from shattering four human worlds. When he is unable to save the first world will the human president be prepared to focus blame on the genetically ‘criminal’ Kobanis?

I was concerned about the length of this book but it turned out it kept me engaged. There is plenty of action and strategic war maneuvering that made it interesting. There is also some snarky humor thrown in to break up the tense trauma and losses. There are some sections of physic discussions and weapon or ship discussions which could have moved faster but overall, I feel invested in the fate of the Kobani and want to continue the series. I recommend this to fans of alien encounter, space military but do suggest starting with book one in the series.

Audio Notes: Eric Michael Summerer does a great job with the narration. He provides distinct voices for the males, females and a variety of alien species. He also provides good energy and even makes the scientifically technical sections move along well. I enjoy listening to this series.

Source: October 2020 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Koban, Volume 1 - My Rating 4.5
Koban: The Mark of Koban, Koban Volume 2 - My Rating 5.0
Koban: Rise of the Kobani, Koban Volume 3 - My Rating 4.5

Audible Review: Koban, Volume 1 by Stephen W. Bennett

This is an engaging story of alien enemy confrontation and human survival.

Koban, Volume 1
Written by: Stephen W. Bennett
Narrated by: Patrick Freeman

Length: 25 hrs and 24 mins
Series: Koban, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-31-13
Publisher: STEPHEN W BENNETT
Genre: Alien Invasion, Genetic Engineering,
Sci Fi
My Rating 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
All new narration adds sound effects and eliminates issues noted in reviews. To obtain new version, remove old one from device, download new copy at no charge.
We colonized seven hundred planets. Humankind enjoyed the benefits of expansion and the end of wars. We disbanded our military.
Then the Krall found us.
The Krall have used thousands of years of combat to select the genes of the strongest and fastest warriors. They are a species determined to dominate the galaxy, through annihilation or enslavement of every opponent.
Koban is an uninhabited high gravity planet with impossibly fast savage animals, which employ organic superconducting nerves. This deadly world is where the Krall are testing humans for fighting capability. We are useful only if we can fight well. If not, they will destroy us swiftly, as they have other species. They have slaves, and we’re poor tasting meat animals, so we fight or die. The Krall will use us, if worthy, seeking physical perfection through attrition of war, one planet at a time.
Growing weary of our failures in testing, the ruthless Krall are on the verge of a decision to eliminate our species. A ship carrying bio-scientists is captured for combat testing. The choice for Captain Mirikami and the scientists is simple: Prove we can produce better, smarter fighters quickly, or humanity is doomed to rapid extermination.
But the Krall are only half the problem. We must survive Koban's gravity and superfast animals. The tiger-like rippers with skin contact telepathy are predators too fast and powerful for the Krall to face. Our solution is genetic: If you can't beat them as you are, become human rippers.
The Krall will learn another species can bypass natural selection.
©2012 Stephen W Bennett (P)2013 Stephen W Bennett

Review:
Humankind has had hundreds of years without wars and without the need for military forces. It is now a race dominated by women who took over to remove the aggressive warring natures of men. Captain Mirikami is somewhat rare as a male captain but he and his crew were deemed appropriate to deliver a scientific expedition to a human station out on the rim. Rather than finding human response, Mirikami and his ship are threatened and boarded by an alien species that introduces itself as the Krall.

The Krall are a warrior race who has strengthened itself through biological and genetic breeding of its strongest. Their goal is to control the universe through superior power and conquest. The planet Koban is a high gravity planet where the Krall are at home and humans at a distinct disadvantage. Koban is full of super strong and super-fast predators, as well as large prey. The Krall consider Koban their ‘home’ planet even though so far it has been used primarily as a testing ground.

The Krall are always seeking prey to fight that can help further develop their fighting skills. They bring humans, or other ‘prey’ races, to Koban where they are pulled out at regular intervals to be tested against Krall training warriors. Some races have become slaves and one is even raised as a food source. The humans don’t taste that good so they are used as fighters. Their weaker strength makes them little opposition and the Krall are thinking of just eliminating the race that provides little challenge or value.

The Krall capture Mirikami’s ship and suddenly discover an enemy that is challenging due to its strategies and cunning if not its strength. The humans on Koban are provided some hope of surviving, but an initial success may be short lived. The Krall return from further space conquest with a large group of human ships, passenger and cargo. Because of the success of Mirikami’s fighters the Krall are excited about seeking more humans to fight. The Krall set off to search out humans to conquer but decide to leave the humans on Koban to face the elements of the planet without the walls of the compound and without power. The Krall don’t realize that humans don’t give in so easily.

I really liked Captain Mirikami and the primary officers, doctors and other characters who eventually become part of his core team. The combination of intelligence and innovative thinking shows the resilience of humankind. They also have additional help that they kept secret from the Kralls that will add to their survival efforts.

The world-building is well done with natural enemies in the environment as well as the Krall characteristics and internal politics that come into play. The action and scheming run throughout the story. One element that was a bit distracting was character chuckling although it is not clear if that was a written element or narrator interpretation. I was engaged sufficiently that I am eager to continue the saga with the next book. I do recommend this to readers who enjoy action stories with strong alien conflict and human survival elements.

Audio Notes: The beginning audio is a little dry and maybe I was expecting inferior narration based upon earlier reviews. However, after an hour or two I found the narration by Patrick Freeman to be effective with the character voices and personalities. He captures the growls and snorts of the Krall as well as the snark, humor and strengths of the human characters. I didn’t think the addition of the chapter break sounds and few background sounds was really necessary although the sound effects didn’t detract from the listening experience. I was fully engaged by the story and narration so that this 25 hours+ went very quickly.

I picked this from my Audible TBR shelves. It qualifies for Mount TBR, Audiobook and "K" for Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Koban: Rise of the Kobani by Stephen W. Bennett

I am still enjoying this creative sci-fi series.

Koban: Rise of the Kobani
Koban, Volume 3
By: Stephen W. Bennett
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Series: Koban, Book 3
Length: 28 hrs and 14 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-12-14
Language: English
Publisher: Stephen W. Bennett
Genre: Aliens, Colonization, Military Space Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The Kobani use captured Krall ships to return to Human Space. They seek expert training for their genetically modified fighters, modern weapons and new medical technology. There's a possible block to this help in the form of death penalty laws of the Planetary Union, prohibiting gene modifications of humans. A holdover from the Gene War, which nearly extinguished humanity. A perilous descent through a war-torn planet's space defenses is a first step. A Krall ship and its heavily armed crew have to be destroyed on the ground, while a watching hostile Special Ops force decides if the Kobani should be trusted, or killed as Krall collaborators. Fighting their way between a rock and a hard place, they prove they are a match for the Krall. Exploration at home reveals startling alien neighbors, and a habitable world next door. A remarkable genetic discovery there will forever alter the Kobani. Winning allies, Captain Mirikami forges a bold and dangerous plan, to strike deep into the heart of Krall territory. A place the enemy is confident that puny "animals" can't reach, let alone attack. Simultaneous Kobani raids damage Krall war manufacturing, buying time for humanity. However, the Krall have a deadly ancient weapon that none expected. Retaliatory escalation of the war has been triggered, and if it doesn't go as the Krall plan, entire planets and their populations could be shattered. Read Book 1 (Koban), and Book 2 (Koban: The Mark of Koban). Book 4 (Koban: Shattered Worlds) is coming soon.
©2013 Stephen W Bennett (P)2014 Stephen W Bennett.

Review:
Merikami has led the genetically enhanced Kobani to capture three enemy Krall ships. Human troops have never been able to do this. The Kobani want to offer help and genetic secrets to humans but the reigning government has banned all genetic modifications, punishable by death. Merikami takes the Krall ships to sneak into Human Space hoping to convince the Special Ops forces to accept the help they can offer as the only chance against the stronger and more ruthless Krall.

The young Kobani are sent out to scout a Krall ship which lands near the Kobani hidden landing. They discover a filed of unattended Krall equipment and tanks. As they begin to take control of the units, the Krall return putting the young, scarcely trained Kobani in an unexpected face-off with the heavily armed enemy. Meanwhile a local Spec Ops team is watching and suspecting that the humans have inexplicably joined with the enemy.

The first thing Merikami and his men need to do is to convince the Spec Ops and the local human commander that they are not consorting with the enemy. Then they have to persuade the human troops to accept the genetic help. The program has to remain secret but there are many men who want to accept the modifications so they can be more effective in the fight against the Krall.

Merikami’s plan is to develop large enough squadrons of trained, enhanced men and women to begin to take the battle to the Kralls. The plan is to target the resource planets to remove the ships and armaments in order to slow down the massive Krall army. As the Kobanis are pulling together the additional troops, other Kobanis are reaching out to newly discovered alien species to work together as allies against the common enemy.

I was quickly pulled into the current status and goals of the Kobani. There is good action and some interesting character developments. I’m not sure I totally agree with all of the genetic modifications. There is some minor swearing and sexual innuendo. I loved the creative alien species who have distinct physical appearances and diverse mindsets.

This third book picks up 20 years after the prior book ends and doesn’t really fill in much of the background. I recommend reading this series in order to get the background history of the Kobani characters. I recommend this to sci-fi readers who enjoy strong military space adventures.

Audio Notes: Eric Michael Summerer does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. He provides distinct and fitting voices to the humans and aliens. I really enjoy listening to this series and will be picking up book 4 soon.

Source 2019 January Audible Credit Picks. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020 Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

Reviews for Books 1 and 2.

Sunday Post May 13, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 14, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.

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.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!
This was another busy week - nothing new I guess. I continue to work late each evening and have started going in an hour earlier too. I wonder if I will ever get caught up.

We had beautiful weather again. Getting warmer but lovely, sunny days. A little rain today to feed the earth and cool things off.

My reading seemed slow although I did finish three books: 2 Audible titles and one digital. I posted four reviews and my usual memes.

I only visited 24 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week for Paperback Princess who has a very cute blog where she shares about reading and life.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post May 6, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 7, 2018.

• MBS April 2018 Reading List Wrap Up.

• A2018- Audible Book Review: Start with Why by Simon Sinek; Business, Inspirational; my rating 4.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Cold, Cold Ground by Adrian McKinty; CIrish, Mystery, Police Procedure; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 11, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/17/2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: NPCs by Drew Hayes; Fantasy, Humor; my rating 4.5.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Zombie Fallout, Book 1, by Mark Tufo; Horror, Humor, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 13, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (2018)

Aspire
By: Kevin Hall
Narrator: Patrick Lawlor
Duration: 5 hrs and 32 mins
I enjoyed this book about positive words!
Source: 2018 Audible sale purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (iRead Tour)

The Deadliest Sport: A Miriam bat Isaac Mystery in Ancient Alexandria
by June Trop
I received this title through iRead Book Tours
for review on 5/23/18.
The mystery and historical fiction are interesting.
Miriam bat Isaac, a budding alchemist in first-century CE Alexandria, welcomes her twin brother Binyamin home to fight his last gladiatorial bout in Alexandria. But when he demands his share of the family money so he can build a school for gladiators in Alexandria, Miriam explains that he forsook his share when he took the gladiatorial oath. When she refuses to loan him the money for what she feels is a shady, and dangerous, enterprise, Binyamin becomes furious. Soon after, the will of Amram, Miriam’s elderly charge, turns up missing, Amram becomes seriously ill, and the clerk of the public records house is murdered. Could Binyamin really be behind this monstrous scheme? If not he, who could be responsible? And is Miriam slated to be the next victim?

3. Audio/MP3 (TBR)

Joshua
By: John S. Wilson
Narrated by: Jonathan Yen
Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins
I enjoyed this post apocalyptic listen.
Source: 2013 Audible Credit Purchase("J" title).
Publisher's Summary
He had to keep moving, that the man instinctively knew. He had to get away, from the rioting, the lawlessness, the killing. Away from the brutal gangs that ruled the highways. Then there was the boy that he found along the way, an orphan with no place to go. He couldn't leave the child behind; that would be murder. Together they had to make their way across the razed landscape of post-collapse America, west to where there was safety, a chance to begin again. If only they survived the journey.
©2012 John S. Wilson (P)2013 Podium Publishing

Currently Reading:

1. LBCPrint (TBR)
 

A Simple Change, Home to Amana Series #2

By: Judith Miller

I haven't finished this yet for Ladies Book Club.

Source: Christianbook.com on sale.

Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (TBR)

Koban: The Mark of Koban, Volume 2
By: Stephen W. Bennett
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer
Series: Koban, Book 2
Length: 22 hrs and 11 mins
I am enjoying this adventure.
Source: 2017 Audible Credit Purchase("K" title).
Publisher's Summary
Book 2 of the Koban Series
Already faster and more powerful than the last 17 species that they have destroyed or subjugated, the Krall have set their sights on humankind. Aftertesting humans on their future home world of Koban and finding them worthy opponents, the Krall start a war of slow extermination with the rest of humanity. The war is intended to last generations as they apply their own version of "natural selection" to cull their weaker warriors in combat, purifying the Krall gene pool with their finest warriors for breeding. Why? The Krall desire to rule the galaxy someday, from their future home world of Koban, where the impossibly fast and powerful animals have proven to be too fast and strong for them to match. Only through the attrition of war will the Krall perfect their bloodline to become the masters of Koban. When the Krall departed Koban to start their war with humanity, they destroyed the protections that kept their prisoners safe. They left the human test subjects to fall victim to high gravity, and the deadly predators. Big mistake. The bio scientist left behind enhanced the human genome with Koban genes, forming the next generations of humans. They are becoming what the Krall sought to be. The fastest, most powerful species in the galaxy. The men and women trapped on Koban, locked in a struggle for their own survival for twenty years, return to the stars to help defend Human Space. The Krall have had their way with human worlds, killing when and where they wish. Outnumbered, the new Kobani will now take the war to the Krall.
©2013 Stephen W Bennett (P)2014 Stephen W Bennett

3. eBook/Kindle (Author 2017)

Hearts Under Fire
by Antonio Scotto di Carlo
I couldn't find this on my kindle so I read another book. I've downloaded it again.
Source: 2017 Author through Goodreads.
Jenny is a beautiful young businesswoman. She lives in an Italian tourist town where she owns a shop. Her need for independence is her strength, but her innate distrust sometimes creates problems with others.
One day she encounters love. More than an encounter, it’s a collision, a head-on collision. Her heart isn’t Eros’s only target, and everything changes …
Police begin investigating suspicious events around her, slowing down the construction of a new great hotel in town and rocking her life even more.

4. Audio/MP3 (TBR)

Geekerella
By: Ashley Poston
Narrated by: Eileen Stevens, Tristan Morris
Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins
I thought I'd listen to this light story until I get time to pick my "R" and "V" titles.
Source: 2017 Audible Daily Deal Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic science-fiction series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck and her dad's old costume, Elle's determined to win - unless her stepsisters get there first.
Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons - before he was famous. Now they're nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he has ever wanted, but Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake - until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise. But when she disappears at midnight, will he ever be able to find her again?
Part-romance, part-love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom.
©2017 Ashley Poston (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

May 13, 2018 - I am really enjoying the prayer app which gives me five prayer groups each morning!
I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. It is a great way to start my day as I share the joy of the word with other friends on the YouVersion Bible App. Hubby and I still share in discussion although we are reading slightly different places. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.

I completed 3 books and posted 4 reviews. That puts me at 4 reviews due.
I need to find time to add more reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 15 since I added another. I still have one committed author title in queue and some new sent by authors. Also many through InstaFreebie. I have more new author requests but I still haven't replied.

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: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I received one NetGalley title.
I resisted all Audible daily deal titles although several were good.
However I did pick up two Audible titles with my April creidts.
I didn't purchase any Kindle deals this week.
I also picked up some free kindle titles as usual. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

A new title from NetGalley:

Blind Betrayal (Defenders of Justice Book #3)
by Nancy Mehl
This sounds like good Christian suspense.

Won

NONE

Purchased

5/13/18 Audible March Credit Purchases
Morning Star
By: Pierce Brown
Narrator: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Duration: 21 hrs and 50 mins



Half Share
By: Nathan Lowell
Narrator: Jeffrey Kafer
Duration: 7 hrs and 40 mins

Free

I added only 10 free titles to my Kindle library this week. (Again I was too tired to download titles this week.) Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Post November 21, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 22, 2021

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 stayed home Monday and then ended up working late every night the rest of the week as I tried to finish things to go on vacation. We are up in Illinois again visiting our son and his family. We are looking forward to enjoying a lovely Thanksgiving together.

When I take off my glasses I can't see things beyond six inches.
Image my concern when I saw this dark blob
above my shower one morning this week.
I thought it was a spider at first.
Fortunately it was a cluster of ladybugs who come inside for the warmth.

Weather for our trip was very nice - not too crowded and only a little rain. It did get a little colder as we drove north and Temps will be a bit cooler here: 21 to 59. We'll be bundled. :-) 

I enjoyed my listening last week and finished two audiobooks and am 12 hours into a long third. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I only visited 14 blogs again last week.
No Shout Out this week. Be Blessed!

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

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 14, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 15, 2021.

• Author2021- Book Review: The Duke and the Spoiled Wallflower by Tessa Brookman; Genre: Historical Romance; My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: It Happened One Autumn: Wallflower Series #2 by Lisa Kleypas; Genre: Historical Romance, Victorian; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.75.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 19, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/25/2021.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Dachshund Through the Snow by David Rosenfelt; Genre: Crime, Detective, Mystery, Fav Series; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 21, 2021.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Harper's Ten: Fractured Space, Book 0.5
By: J.G. Cressey
Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
Series: Fractured Space, Book 0.5
Length: 6h 29m
This isn't the happiest of adventures, but interesting.
Source: 10/9/2021 Audible Plus Catalog titles.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Mysterious Abduction
Written by Rita Herron
Narrated by Steve Campbell
This was a quick, easy listening Romantic Suspense.
Source: 12/31/2020 Chirp $3.99.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Shattered Worlds
Koban, Volume 4
By: Stephen W Bennett
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer
Length: 31 hrs and 26 mins
I have been waiting to listen to this long audiobook in a sci fi series I like.
I am at 18 hours left as the battle continues between the Krall and humans with the help of the Kobani.
Source: October 2020 Audible Credit
Publisher's Summary
The Kobani continue their offensives against the Krall, attacking production worlds and destroying or stealing ships from the Krall fleet, which the enemy needs to resupply their invasions. The Kobani create a multispecies settlement on Haven, a gentler habitable world near deadly Koban. They gain the trust and technological assistance of freed former Krall slave species, the Torki, Prada, and resurrected Raspani. Their ranks and Mind Tap learned skills are increased by spec ops recruits from Human Space.
Mirikami engineers an assault on the Krall base world, K1, in cooperation with a skeptical human navy by sharing new technology, revealing Kobani physical capabilities, and providing intelligence on new Krall invasion plans. Despite knowing the Kobani use illegal gene mods, the navy high command decides to hit the Krall first, with the help of their secretive, tough Kobani ally. After the attack a mauled Krall fleet still heavily outnumbers the navy, and the damaged human fleet withdraws.
A vengeful Krall warlord, the Kobani old nemesis Telour, summons an ancient Olt'kitapi ship that can shatter an entire planet. He has a devious plan for remote strikes that will initiate delayed deaths on multiple human worlds, all before a ship imbued with morality can learn it has been been duped. Telour wants the home world of humanity to see death approaching one world at a time.
Mirikami expected a strong Krall reaction but not this extreme. He scrambles to head off the inexorable destruction of multiple planets. Failing to save some worlds, he is the final hope for billions of people on others. The Kobani will need the strength and speed their genes provide plus luck to save humanity.
Book one: Koban; book two: Koban: The Mark of Koban; book three: Koban: Rise of the Kobani.
©2014 Stephen W Bennett (P)2015 Stephen W Bennett

2. ebook/Kindle App on Phone (ebTBR)

A Place Called Armageddon: Constantinople 1453
by C.C. Humphreys
I still like the writing style. I am only 12% in so far.
Source: 2012 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

I expect I may read a few books with the children this week so we'll have to see what comes next.

November 21, 2021 - I got behind one morning and plan to listen to two days selections to get back on track. I love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I am glad to still be current with morning reading. I am reading/listening to the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
No Study yet this week.

I completed two books for reviews to post this week.
My NetGalley shelf now has 2 old ebooks titles and one new audio.
I still have two author titles remaining in queue. I'm still working on reading these.
(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.

I requested/received one new NetGalley Audio review title this week.
I picked up my two October Audible credit books.
I do have Audiobooks.com VIP to pick up still this month.
No other purchases or freebies this week.
I picked up No free Kindle titles.
(Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Received Audiobook through NetGalley

The Chase
by Candice Fox
Macmillan Audio

Won

NONE

Purchased

11/18/2021 Audible Two October Credits used for continuing series:

Mavericks Expeditionary Force, Book 6
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 17 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 09-25-18

Commune: Book Four Commune Series, Book 4
By: Joshua Gayou
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 22 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 05-03-19

Free

Nothing new this week!
No free books - not much time on facebook this week due to work and getting ready to travel.

Other Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Post February 23, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 24, 2020

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.

The week was busy and went by quickly.
Friday night we had a good night at church for the marriage program. Hubby and I realized that we never had to seek sought marriage counseling over our 34 years. :-)

Is he adorable looking or what? Looks like a puppy but he is 9 years old.

We had ups and downs again in temperatures with a drop one day from 75 to 40.

I had another good week of reading and listening. I finished three audiobooks, and two ebooks. I posted four reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 19 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Just Me Mrs D. Mrs D's blog is about: "Books, loom knitting and snippets of my life."
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post February 16, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 17, 2020.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Paradigm by Jonathan Cahn; Genre: Christian Prophesy; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 4.75.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Hometown Cowboy, Rocky Mountain Riders, Book 1 by Sara Richardson; Genre: Romance, Small Town Romance; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 21, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 2/27/2020.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: The Gift of Gerbert's Feathers by Meaghann Weaver, Lori Wiener; Genre: Children, Death and Dying, Illness; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Unleashed, Andy Carpenter, Book 11, by David Rosenfelt; Genre: Legal Procedures, Mystery, Traditional Detective; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #389 Comment Giveaway February 22, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/7/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 23, 2020.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Unleashed
Andy Carpenter, Book 11
By: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins
Release date: 07-23-13
This is a fun series I like to revisit regularly. 
Source: November 2019 Audible Purchase $10.99
Review Linked above.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Reimagining Mr. Right
by Wynter Daniels
This is a fun romance with a touch of magic.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (AuthorTBR)

Accidental Activist: Justice for the Groveland Four
by Josh Venkataraman and Barbara Venkataraman
This reveals a frustrating process for a very worthy cause.
Source: December 2019 received from the Authors.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Trail of Lightning
By: Rebecca Roanhorse
Narrated by: Tanis Parenteau
Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins
Release date: 08-07-18
This is an entertaining fantasy with a female protagonist.
Source: 2/2/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95
Publisher's Summary
The sudden rising waters of a climate apocalypse have destroyed most of the planet…yet out of these waters, Dinétah, a former Navajo reservation, has been miraculously reborn. Listen along as Tanis Parenteau's impeccable narration, capturing the rhythms of Navajo speech, fully envelopes you into the Sixth World.
When Dinétah needs help finding a missing girl, Maggie - a monster hunter and supernatural killer - is its last, best hope. Trail of Lightning follows our heroine as she walks the land alongside gods, heroes of legend, and monsters alike. Reluctantly, she enlists the aid of an unconventional medicine man, and together they travel Dinétah, unraveling clues from ancient legends and trading favors with tricksters. As Maggie discovers the truth behind the killings, she will have to confront her past if she wants to survive - for what she uncovers about the monster she is sent to find is much more terrifying than anything she could imagine.
©2018 Rebecca Roanhorse (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

5. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Jukebox Joyride
By: Jacob Stein, Jason Rabinowitz, The Pop Ups
Narrated by: Jason Rabinowitz, Jacob Stein, Cara Samantha, Susan Bennett, Noel MacNeal, Carly Ciarrocchi
Length: 3 hrs and 31 mins
Release date: 06-06-19
This is a very fun story with music as a plus.
Source: June 2019 free Audible Original.
About This Audible Original
If you could go back in time to witness any concert from all of history, what would it be? Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock? Mozart in the Salzburg court? The Beatles’ rooftop farewell?
Jukebox Joyride follows 12-year-old twins, Jules and George, on a wild adventure through time. Their Uncle Bob, a renowned ethnomusicologist (he studies music!), has discovered the secret to time travel, and is having a ball joyriding through history checking out the best concerts ever...but something’s gone wrong! A sinister force has been unleased, someone is chasing after Uncle Bob, and the fate of all music hangs in the balance!
Now, it’s up to Jules and George to find their uncle before their new rival does! It’s a musical escapade that brings the twins from the birth of jazz in New Orleans, to a performance by an 11-year-old Mozart in Vienna, all while trying to make it back to the present day to pass their history test!
Featuring original songs and historical settings, this Audible Original is sure to captivate the entire household. Jukebox Joyride is a swashbuckling adventure that will get kids excited about history and making their own music.
©2018 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Woman in the Veil
by Laura Joh Rowland
At 15% I am nicely engaged in this Victorian mystery.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Award-winning author Laura Joh Rowland is back with the fourth in her critically acclaimed Victorian mysteries where the case of a mutilated "Sleeping Beauty" washes ashore in London.
London, June 1890.
Sarah Bain and her friends Lord Hugh Staunton and Mick O'Reilly are crime scene photographers for the Daily World newspaper. After solving a sensational murder, they're under pressure to deliver another big story. On a foggy summer night, they're called to the bank of the river Thames. The murder victim is an unidentified woman whose face has been slashed. But as Sarah takes photographs, she discovers that the woman is still alive.
The case of "Sleeping Beauty" becomes a public sensation, and three parties quickly come forward to identify her: a rich, sinister artist who claims she's his wife; a mother and her two daughters who co-own a nursing home and claim she's their stepdaughter/sister; and a precocious little girl who claims Sleeping Beauty is her mother. Which party is Sleeping Beauty's rightful kin? Is someone among them her would-be killer?
Then Sleeping Beauty awakens--with a severe case of amnesia. She's forgotten her name and everything else about herself. But she recognizes one of the people who've claimed her. Sarah is delighted to reunite a family and send Sleeping Beauty home--until one of the claimants is murdered. Suddenly, Sarah, her motley crew of friends, and her fiancé Detective Sergeant Barrett are on the wrong side of the law. Now they must identify the killer before they find themselves headed for the gallows.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Evil Eye
By: Madhuri Shekar
Narrated by: Nick Choksi, Harsh Nayaar, Annapurna Sriram, Bernard White, Rita Wolf
Length: 1 hr and 38 mins
Release date: 05-02-19
I am fitting one more short audio into February before I go to a long one.
Source May 2019 Free Audible Original.
About This Audible Original
Usha is convinced that the Evil Eye, a curse that brings continuous misfortune, was cast upon her daughter, Pallavi, in the womb. What else could have possibly left her driven, career-oriented daughter edging closer and closer to 30 without a prospective husband? Determined to set Pallavi on the right path, Usha arranges date after date with potential suitors—but after yet another setup fails, it seems her efforts are proving fruitless. But in an unexpected turn of events, Pallavi becomes her own matchmaker when she meets—and quickly falls for—Sandeep, a young Indian-American entrepreneur. And though she expects her mother will be elated with her finally finding a man, Pallavi is distraught and confused to find her mother growing increasingly suspicious of Sandeep’s motives…and his true identity.
Told through a series of phone calls and voicemails, this Audible Original penned by award-winning rising star playwright Madhuri Shekar transitions seamlessly from a light-hearted family dramedy to an unexpectedly supernatural thriller. With an endearing cast of well-rounded characters, sharp, natural dialogue, and a shocking edge-of-your-seat climax, Evil Eye is a can’t-miss tale about cultural miscommunications, family secrets, and the lingering echoes of trauma.
Playwright Madhuri Shekar was awarded a commission through the Audible Emerging Playwrights Fund, an initiative dedicated to developing innovative original plays driven by language and voice. As an Audible commissioned playwright, he received funding and creative support to develop Evil Eye.
Please note: This audio contains strong language, distressing situations, and descriptions of abuse and violence that some listeners may find upsetting. Discretion is advised.
©2019 AO Media (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Koban: Rise of the Kobani
Koban, Volume 3
By: Stephen W. Bennett
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer
Length: 28 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 10-12-14
This is a long story in a series I like. This should carry me into March.
Source 2019 January Audible Credit Picks.
Publisher's Summary
The Kobani use captured Krall ships to return to Human Space. They seek expert training for their genetically modified fighters, modern weapons and new medical technology. There's a possible block to this help in the form of death penalty laws of the Planetary Union, prohibiting gene modifications of humans. A holdover from the Gene War, which nearly extinguished humanity. A perilous descent through a war-torn planet's space defenses is a first step. A Krall ship and its heavily armed crew have to be destroyed on the ground, while a watching hostile Special Ops force decides if the Kobani should be trusted, or killed as Krall collaborators. Fighting their way between a rock and a hard place, they prove they are a match for the Krall. Exploration at home reveals startling alien neighbors, and a habitable world next door. A remarkable genetic discovery there will forever alter the Kobani. Winning allies, Captain Mirikami forges a bold and dangerous plan, to strike deep into the heart of Krall territory. A place the enemy is confident that puny "animals" can't reach, let alone attack. Simultaneous Kobani raids damage Krall war manufacturing, buying time for humanity. However, the Krall have a deadly ancient weapon that none expected. Retaliatory escalation of the war has been triggered, and if it doesn't go as the Krall plan, entire planets and their populations could be shattered. Read Book 1 (Koban), and Book 2 (Koban: The Mark of Koban). Book 4 (Koban: Shattered Worlds) is coming soon.
©2013 Stephen W Bennett (P)2014 Stephen W Bennett.

I'm keeping track of my Alphabet here as I finish the books. The cross-outs aren't easy to see, so I made the completed letters blue.
NETGALLEY: A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z
AUDIO:            A  B  C  D  E  F G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z

February 23, 2020 - I am again enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I considered changing but this is the reading group that is closest to my husband's reading so we can sometimes discuss the same passages.
I finished the very good 21-day plan: Rooted. Now I am doing a short 3-day plan titled Choose How to Live.

I completed five books and posted four reviews which keeps me up to date.
My NetGalley shelf is at 16, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I have one author title left from 2019. And one new audio.
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: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I didn't pick up any new review titles.
I picked out my free Audiobooks.com VIP selection for February.
I also picked up three Chirp titles at $.99 each. 
Then, after resisting daily deals all week, I finally picked one today. 
I purchased one Kindle at $.99.
I added 13 free kindle titles this week. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.) Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked up several Chirp deals at $.99 each:
2/17/2020
Rise of the Dragons (Kings and Sorcerers–Book 1)
Written by Morgan Rice
Narrated by Wayne Farrell
Release Date: March 25, 2015
Publisher: Lukeman Literary Management
Run time: 8 hours and 20 minutes

Philosophical Thoughts
by C. S. Lewis
Narrated by: Ralph Cosham
Release Date: November 15, 2013
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Run time: 2 hours and 49 minutes

2/22/2020
Bones in the Begonias
Written by Dale Mayer
Narrated by Vanessa Moyen
Release Date: May 23, 2019
Publisher: Valley Publishing Ltd.
Run time: 6 hours and 52 minutes

2/19/2020 Kindle Purchase for $.99.
The Resistance (The Uncloaked Trilogy--An American Dystopia Book 1)
by J. Rodes
This is a dystopian I have been eyeing on Audible. I thought I'd try book 1 for $.99.




2/23/2020 Audible Daily Deal $4.95
Earthcore
By: Scott Sigler
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 20 hrs and 16 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-30-17

Free

2/22/2020 VIP Free pick at Audiobooks.com
7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Written By: Stuart Turton
Narrated By: James Cameron Stewart
Publisher: Tantor Media
Date: September 2018
Duration: 17 hours 6 minutes
This mystery with time loop sounds interesting to me.

I added 13 free Kindle titles to my Kindle library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.