Sunday Post November 15, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 16, 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.

We will be training a new, basic clerical staff member this week. Plus I'll be training one of my staff on bookkeeping entry for extra hours. Plus I will continue to work on litigation and probate files.
My family had a nice zoom meeting today since we haven't gathered for reunion in several years.

We should have a good crop of lemons coming.
The tree to the left is the grapefruit but the lemon look almost as big!

 Temps this week in my area of Florida are projected to range from 78 high to 40 low.

I had to push a bit to finish a second book again but I am moving on others as well. I finished one audiobook and one ebook. I posted two reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 16 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to Elza Reads. Elza is s little white kitten whose Mommy is a teacher/librarian in South Africa. They share “all types of meows and purrs of the bookish kind.”

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 8, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 9, 2020.

• MBS October 2020 Reading List Wrap Up.

• Thank You Veterans!

• A2020- Audible Book Review: Actualized, The Configured, Book 3 by Jenetta Penner; Genre: Dystopian, Sci Fi, Teen and Young Adult; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 13, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/19/2020.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Heavens May Fall by Allen Eskens; Genre: Legal Thriller, Mystery, Police Procedure; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #408 Comment Giveaway November 14, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/28/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 15, 2020.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (A2020)

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy
By: Janice Lynn, Hallmark Publishing
Narrated by: Alexander Cendese, Rachel L. Jacobs Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 10-27-20
I enjoyed this sweet Christmas romance.
Source: 2020 NetGalley.
Publisher's Summary
When Sophie Davis sorts through a box of donated books to her church, she’s surprised to find a soldier’s journal. As the daughter of a veteran who watched her father struggle over the years, she feels a deep connection to the man who wrote the emotional entries.
Former Marine Cole Aaron battled to find peace after returning to civilian life. He’s always needed to protect others. Now, fighting fires helps him put out the demons within him. He’s embracing his life in Pine Hill, Kentucky, and strives to call a truce with his past. When Sophie shows up at the fire hall with his journal from when he first returned stateside, Cole can’t believe it was in the box he’d donated. The book is old news, and he tells her to trash it.
Sophie and Cole are drawn together as they both volunteer for their community, but it’s hard for Cole to let down his guard, and he doesn’t need anyone’s pity. After all he’s been through in the past, can he find faith in a more hopeful future...one touched by joy?
This heartwarming romance includes an original Hallmark recipe for Dilly Duchess Potatoes.
©2020 Janice Lynn and Hallmark Publishing (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)

The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas
Jodi Thomas, Sharla Lovelace, Scarlett Dunn
I particularly liked two of this trio of historical, western Christmas tales.
Source: Received from NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Wool
Silo, #1; Wool, #1-5
By: Hugh Howey
Narrated by: Amanda Sayle
Series: The Silo Saga, Book 1
Length: 17 hrs and 43 mins
I am enjoying the creative storytelling in this sci fi. (For #SciFi Month.)
Source: 2017 Audible Daily Deal $3.95.

2. Audio/Smartphone (A2020)

Cover Your Tracks
By: Daco Auffenorde
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
This looks like an interesting suspense.
(I saw this at Book Reviews by Linda Moore.)
Source: Received from NetGalley.
Publisher's Summary
Margo Fletcher, eight months pregnant, is traveling by train from Chicago to Spokane, her childhood home. While passing through an isolated portion of the Rockies in blizzard conditions, the train unexpectedly brakes. Up ahead, deadly snow from a massive avalanche plummets down the mountain. Despite the conductor’s order for the passengers to stay seated, former Army Ranger Nick Eliot insists that survival depends on moving to the back of the train. Only Margo believes him. They take refuge in the last train car, which Nick heroically uncouples in time to avoid the avalanche. The rest of the train is hurled down the mountainside and is soon lost forever in a blanket of snow. Margo and Nick, the sole survivors, are stranded in the snowstorm without food, water, or heat. Rescuers might not arrive for days.
When the weather turns violent again, the pair must flee the shelter of the passenger car and run for their lives into the wilderness. They must fend off the deadly cold as well as predatory wild animals foraging for food. Eventually, Nick leads Margo to shelter in a watchtower atop a mountain. There, we learn that both Margo and Nick have secrets that have brought them together and that threaten to destroy them. ©2020 Daco Auffenorde (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

3. Print (Author2020)

The Prepared Investor: How to Prevent the Next Crisis from Affecting Your Financial Independence
by Christopher Manske
This will take a bit longer so it will run as my third "current reading" for several weeks. I am moving slowly but finding this interesting.
Source: I was pleased when the author offered this for my review.
Click on book title for full description.

I'm keeping track of my Alphabet here as I finish the books. These are the letters that remain:
NETGALLEY:  H  M  U  X  Y and Z
AUDIO:             X  and  Z

November 15, 2020 - I continue enjoying reading first thing each morning, even this week while away.
I am still 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 completed my second Thanksgiving plan in November: five day plan: Double Blessing.
This week I will be doing a seven day plan: The Blessing Devotional Plan by Kari Jobe.

I completed two books, posted two reviews and I am up to date.
Since I listened/am listening to the two audios I picked up at NetGalley this week, my NetGalley shelf is now at four with the three remaining titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I have added no new author review titles this week. I still have one carry over author ebook left in my queue. (Plus a few that I received from 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: 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 got three NetGalley review titles this week - all audios.
Someday I'll check the email requests I have been receiving. {Sigh.}
I picked up my second October Audible credit plus one daily deal.
I also purchased four audios at Chirp.
Sixteen 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

Three Audiobooks received from NetGalley (two reflected above as finished or currently reading):

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy
By: Janice Lynn, Hallmark Publishing
Narrated by: Alexander Cendese, Rachel L. Jacobs
Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins
(I saw this at Bookfan.)

Cover Your Tracks
By: Daco Auffenorde
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
Release date: 10-20-20
(I saw this at Book Reviews by Linda Moore)

A Long Road on a Short Day
by Gary D. Schmidt, Elizabeth Stickney, Eugene Yelchin (Illustrator)

Won

NONE

Purchased

November 13, 2020 Audible Credit (October)

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

(This is to continue the series.)

November 9, 2020 Audible Daily Deal for $3.95:

Star Runner
By: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
(A genre and author I like.)

November 8th, 2020 Chirp Purchases:

The Dauntless
Written by Alex Kings
Narrated by Mark Boyett
$1.99

Atticus
Written by Sawyer Bennett & S. Bennett
Narrated by Bahni Turpin
$0.99
(I saw this one at Caffeinated Book Review.)

Gustav Gloom and the People Taker
Written by Adam-Troy Castro
Narrated by Jesse Vilinsky
$0.99

Free

Sixteen free Kindle titles this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

MBS March 2020 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2020 Reading List - MARCH

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox; 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 2020
Favorites for the month:
5 Stars = The Queen and the Cure
4.75 Stars = I’ve Never Been This Old,
4.5 Stars = 5 books

1. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Koban: Rise of the Kobani by Stephen W. Bennett; Genre: Aliens, Colonization, Military Space Sci-Fi; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
2. A2020- Audible Book Review: Archangel One by Evan Currie; Genre: Military Space Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi, Space Marine; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
3. ATBR- Audio Book Review: Identity Theft by Alana Terry; Genre: Christian, Romance, Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
4. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: I've Never Been This Old Before by Stan Toler; Genre: Humor, Inspirational, Self Help; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.
5. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Rise of the Locusts: A Post-Apocalyptic Techno-Thriller (Cyber Armageddon, Book 1) by Mark Goodwin; Genre: Christian, Futuristic, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
6. ATBR- Audio Book Review: Light of the Last by Chuck Black; Genre: Christian Action, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 3.75.
7. ATBR- #Audio Book Review: Olivia Twist by Lorie Langdon; Genre: Clean & Wholesome, LBC, Romance, Teen & Young Adult; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
8. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Nice Dragons Finish Last by Rachel Aaron; Genre: Cyberpunk, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
9. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Archangel Rising by Evan Currie; Genre: Sci-Fi, Space Marine Sci-Fi; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Queen and the Cure by Amy Harmon; Genre: Fairy-Tale, Fantasy, Romance; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Narration. 
11. ATBR- Audible David Ignatow: Five Poems
12. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Piles of Bones by Michael J. Sullivan; Genre: Fantasy, Short Story; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
13. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Coding Capers by Angela Cleveland and Tamara Zentic; Genre: Children School Issues, Computers, Robots, STEM; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
14. NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: Who Rescued Who by Victoria Schade; Genre: Animal, Contemporary Romance; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Total read = 14; TBR = 12; New to Me Authors = 8
Audio/Audible = 10 (9 TBRs)
eBook = 0
NetGalley = 4 (3 TBRs)
Review books (other than NG) = 0
Print = 0

Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month):
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 40
TBR to Date: 34 of 100 total
TBR ebooks: 2 of 24
Audio to Date: 26 of 75
NetGalley to Date: 13 of 40
Author Reviews: 2 of 12
Nonfiction: 3 of 12

• New to me Series: 4 (2 to continue, 2 maybe)
• Continuing for me Series: 5
• Finished for me Series: 2
• Seasonal title: Winter 1,
• Alphabet letters covered: 10 Jan; 7 Feb; 5 March;

Sunday Post March 15, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 16, 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.

Heather was out all week with first one antibiotic and then a second. I am hoping she is well enough to return this week. A second staff member missed two days first to receive furniture and then to stay with a sick child. Our county schools are now closed for two weeks (they extended the spring break an additional week). I'm not sure how that will impact staff in office. We may be juggling files and computers to work from home like many other businesses.
Hubby had a bad cold last week and I ended up with a slight cold this weekend. I'll be watching my own health too. I can easily work from home if need be, other than attending court hearings. I won't be impacted by the Florida Supreme Court ruling to cancel jury trials for the rest of the month. In small claims pre-trial hearings we meet with a room full of people. There is discussion to have these mediations by video but I am not sure how they will set that up for the participants. We will see if they do that or just postpone them for the next few weeks.

These lovely daffodils are another sign that spring is coming!

We are experiencing warmer temperatures getting up in the 80s.
May everyone stay calm and healthy in these uncertain times.

I enjoyed another good week of mostly listening. I finished two audiobooks and am into three other books. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 17 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Rhapsody in Books Weblog. There is a current review of an interesting children's book on winning the vote for women. This is a review site with husband and wife which is unusual.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post March 8, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 9, 2020? Plus Mailbox Monday March 2, 2020.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Koban: Rise of the Kobani by Stephen W. Bennett; Genre: Aliens, Colonization, Military Space Sci-Fi; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• A2020- Audible Book Review: Archangel One by Evan Currie; Genre: Military Space Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi, Space Marine; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 13, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/19/2020.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Identity Theft by Alana Terry; Genre: Christian, Romance, Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 15, 2020.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Rise of the Locusts: A Post-Apocalyptic Techno-Thriller (Cyber Armageddon, Book 1)
By: Mark Goodwin
Narrated by: Stacey Glemboski
Series: Cyber Armageddon, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins
This is a fast-paced post-apocalyptic story.
Source: October 2019 2 for 1 Credit Audible Sale.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Light of the Last
by Chuck Black
Narrated By: Katie Leigh, Michael Orenstein, Leanne Bell
Unabridged Audiobook
Duration: 12 hours 5 minutes
I really enjoyed this conclusion to a Christian story with a threat of biochemical contamination.
Source: 5/4/2019 Audiobooks.com two credits.
Summary:
To Fight What Others Can’t You Must See What Others Don’t
After an accident left him temporarily blind, Drew Carter didn’t just regain his sight. He now sees what others can’t imagine–an entire spiritual realm of mighty beings at war.
Forget the gift, Drew just wants his life back. Part of that involves Sydney Carlyle, a woman he is inexplicably drawn to. When he’s offered the chance to become a CIA agent, it seems the way to redeem his past. The only problem–his visions of the supernatural realm are increasing in frequency.
It’s up to the warrior angel Validus and his hand-picked team of heavenly agents to protect the unbelieving Drew. Validus now knows that the young man is at the epicenter of a global spiritual war, and the angels must use a millennia of battle experience keep Drew alive, for the Fallen want him dead.
Surrounded by spiritual warriors and targeted by demons, Drew’s faced with an impossible decision that will forever alter the destiny of America...and his own soul.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio/MP3 (ATBR)

Olivia Twist
by Lorie Langdon
Read by Pearl Hewitt
Young Adult • 9.5 hrs. •
I am 2/3rds in and enjoying this romance with class difficulties.
I bought the print book for Ladies Book Club. We are reading for discussion this next month.
Source: June 23 SYNC Audio 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Archangel Rising
(released January 14, 2020)
by Evan Currie
I am 25% in and enjoying Book 2.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Nice Dragons Finish Last
Heartstrikers, Book 1
By: Rachel Aaron
Narrated by: Vikas Adam
Length: 13 hrs and 31 mins
Release date: 11-18-14
I am trying to get into this as I am unaccustomed to an underachiever protagonist.
Source: 10/30 Audible Daily Deal $4.95.
Publisher's Summary
Audie Award, Fantasy, 2016
As the smallest dragon in the Heartstriker clan, Julius survives by a simple code: keep quiet, don't cause trouble, and stay out of the way of bigger dragons. But this meek behavior doesn't fly in a family of ambitious magical predators, and his mother, Bethesda the Heartstriker, has finally reached the end of her patience. Now, sealed in human form and banished to the DFZ - a vertical metropolis built on the ruins of Old Detroit - Julius has one month to prove he can be a ruthless dragon or kiss his true shape goodbye forever. But in a city of modern mages and vengeful spirits where dragons are considered monsters to be exterminated, he's going to need some serious help to survive this test. He only hopes humans are more trustworthy than dragons....
©2014 Rachel Aaron (P)2014 Audible Inc.

4. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Coding Capers
by Angela Cleveland and Tamara Zentic
Illustrated by Juan Manuel Moreno
(Released 21 Nov 2019)
I like puzzles and this sounds fun.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Join Luci and her friends as they go on an adventure to find a missing robot! In the process they learn the foundational concepts of coding, the increasing capabilities of technology, and the power of persistence.
Was it just a dream?! Luci wakes up after dreaming about robots only to learn that her teacher has a robot emergency at school! The class robot has disappeared, and the students must decipher codes to locate it, reprogram it, and return it.
We huddled together. "Hurry! Read the card!"
Go to the gym where you'll find a maze,
Up and down and then sideways,
Over and over with your group,
Not a pattern, but a ______.
This STEM-friendly tale takes children on a fun game of hide and seek that teaches coding terminology and how technology and computer science work together to create and manage so many of the things we use in our daily lives.
With a little ingenuity and a lot of perseverance, Luci and her friends follow the clues and end up with a surprise that will allow each of them to help others and inspire the next generation of leaders.

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

March 15, 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 am two weeks into the 41 day Lent study: Lent: With One Voice.

I completed two books and posted three reviews with one due to get back up to date.
My NetGalley shelf will be at 15 now, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I still have one carry over author ebook, one new audio author title, and two new author ebooks. I expect to pull one of these soon.
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.
No new review titles this week.
I keep my eye on Chirp titles and am still eyeing Audiobooks.com 2 for 1 deals. 
I got one daily deal and two titles for one credit at Audible sale. I also picked one of the two free Audible Originals
I picked up two $.99 Kindle titles in a theme - post-apocalyptic.
I again added 11 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

3/14/2020 Audible Daily Deal $2.95.
Forward
Stories of Tomorrow
By: Veronica Roth, Blake Crouch, N. K. Jemisin, Amor Towles, Paul Tremblay, Andy Weir
Narrated by: Evan Rachel Wood, Rosa Salazar, Jason Isaacs, David Harbour, Steven Strait, Janina Gavankar
Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins
Release date: 10-08-19

3/14/2020 Two For One Credit Sale at Audible
Fear the Sky
The Fear Saga, Book 1
By: Stephen Moss
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 20 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 03-03-15

Zero Hour
Expeditionary Force, Book 5
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R. C. Bray
Length: 17 hrs and 20 mins
Release date: 02-06-18


Two Kindle Purchases $.99

Contamination Box Set: The Complete Post-Apocalyptic Series (Books 0-7)
T.W. Piperbrook
"The infection has begun, ravaging the American Southwest and leaving chaos in its wake. In this new world, there will be no last meal, no dying wish. The only reward left is to survive another day..."


No Sanctuary Box Set: The Complete No Sanctuary Series - Books 1-6
Mike Kraus
"No Sanctuary is a post-apocalyptic thriller/survival series that asks the "what if" question that lurks in the back of everyone's mind. What if there was another attack? What if it was larger than any other? What would you do if it came without warning?"

Free

3/15/2020 March Free Audible Original.
Tell Me Lies
By: J. P. Pomare
Narrated by: Aimee Horne
Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins
Release date: 03-05-20

I again added 11 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.

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 March 8, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 9, 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.

We had another busy work week. Two staff members are trying to get fully healthy. I just keep plugging away at my probates and dozen litigation cases.
Just a note on my eyes-- I have worn the daily wear lenses for a month and I think they have helped. There is still dryness at the end of the day but no longer itiching or excessive mucous.

I don't do well with all of my plants but thankfully

I seem to manage okay with the orchids!

We had more rain this week and although there were some cooler days, we are expecting high 50s to low 80s this coming week.

I enjoyed a good week of reading and listening. I finished three audiobooks and one ebook. I posted two reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to The Intrepid Arkansawer. Jinjer is on a long visit to Arkansas helping her mother. She says: "What you’ll find on this blog will mostly be daily-drivel with occasional book & movie reviews, along with pictures of food, and the neighbor’s cat, Marilyn!"
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post March 1, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 2, 2020.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Evil Eye by Madhuri Shekar; Genre: Drama & Poetry, Modern Drama; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Woman in the Veil by Laura Joh Rowland; Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Historical Mystery, Mystery; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 6, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/12/2020.

• MBS February 2020 Reading List Wrap Up.

• Sharing Beyond Books #390 Comment Giveaway March 7, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/21/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 8, 2020.

Finished Reading:
1. 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
I do enjoy the creativity and action of this series.
Source 2019 January Audible Credit Picks.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Archangel One
Archangel One, Book 1
By: Evan Currie
Narrated by: Stephen Dexter
Series: Archangel One, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins
This is another good military space sci-fi.
I am glad I have book two in NetGalley for this week.
Source: 2/29/2020 Audible with Unlimited selection.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

I've Never Been This Old Before
(Released February 4, 2020
by Stan Toler
This is fun and Christian which was a bonus surprise.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Identity Theft
Written by Alana Terry
Narrated by Becky Doughty
This is a quick listen with good suspense
and nice faith elements.
Source: 9/10/19 Chirp Audio Deal Purchase for $1.99.
After losing her fiancé in a devastating accident, Lacy tries her best to move on in her small Alaska town. Rugged state trooper Kurtis and his four-year-old daughter help mend her heart — but can their new life together last when Lacy’s past comes back to haunt her? A riveting work of Christian suspense.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio/MP3 (ATBR)

Olivia Twist
by Lorie Langdon
Read by Pearl Hewitt
Young Adult • 9.5 hrs. •
I am three hours in and finding this entertaining although stronger on romance than the branding may suggest.
I bought the print book for Ladies Book Club. We are reading for discussion this month.
Source: June 23 SYNC Audio 2019.
British narrator Pearl Hewitt introduces listeners to the mysterious Olivia Brownlow, a London-born debutante whose high-society friends are unaware of her untraditional upbringing. Hewitt characterizes Olivia with graceful and elegant tones as she mixes with elite crowds. When Olivia ventures into the dark London nights as Ollie, a kindhearted boy who looks after a group of homeless orphans, Hewitt arms her with a rougher British accent and a wise voice. When Jack MacCarron, another character leading a double life, is introduced, Hewitt seamlessly switches between the man's false Irish accent and his true English tone. Though switching between two main characters, who both have dual identities, poses quite the challenge, Hewitt accomplishes it with a smoothness that is found in only a select few narrators, flawlessly pulling off the performance. V.T. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2019]

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Archangel Rising
(released January 14, 2020)
by Evan Currie
I enjoyed book one and I'm looking forward
to reading book 2.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Archangel Squadron faces off against the forces of the brutal Protectorate to claim a prize, and save humanity, in a gripping novel of deep space jeopardy by the author of the Odyssey One series.
At the helm of a commandeered freighter, Captain Steph Michaels has infiltrated the Free Star systems. Leading a captive crew, and posing as a privateer, he’s on a mission to seize a precious resource from an enemy outpost. Backed by his Archangel Squadron, it’s a smash-and-grab operation he can pull off in his sleep. Until it isn’t.
Before he and his “pirates” can strike, they’re met with an unexpected obstacle. The mining compound they’re targeting also houses camps of slave laboring families. It’s an innocent population Steph refuses to sacrifice as collateral damage, and his morality will drive him to greater extremes than ever before. With a ruthless enemy commander facing them down, Steph will find himself in conflict with not just the Free Stars but potentially with the Empire itself.
The odds of victory? Impossible to foretell.

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Rise of the Locusts: A Post-Apocalyptic Techno-Thriller (Cyber Armageddon, Book 1)
By: Mark Goodwin
Narrated by: Stacey Glemboski
Series: Cyber Armageddon, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins
I have jumped right into this story.
Source: October 2019 2 for 1 Credit Audible Sale.
Publisher's Summary
Cyber Armageddon has come. America will not survive!
Cyber-security analyst Kate McCarthy knows something ominous is about to happen in the US banking system. She has a place to go if things get hectic, but it’s far from the perfect retreat.
When a new breed of computer virus takes down America’s financial network, chaos and violence erupt. Access to cash disappears and credit cards become worthless. Desperate consumers are left with no means to purchase food, fuel, and basic necessities. Society melts down instantly and the threat of starvation brings out the absolute worst humanity has to offer.
In the midst of the mayhem, Kate will face a post-apocalyptic nightmare that she never could have imagined. Her only reward for survival is to live another day in the gruesome new reality which has eradicated the world she once knew.
As with all works by Mark Goodwin, this book contains no profanity and no embarrassing sex scenes. However, if you're offended by conservative principles and references to Scripture, this book might not be for you.
©2018 Mark Goodwin (P)2018 Mark Goodwin

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

March 8, 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 am one week into the 41 day Lent study: Lent: With One Voice.

I completed four books and posted two reviews which continues to keep me up to date.
My NetGalley shelf continues at 16, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I have one carry over author ebook, one new audio author title, and two new author ebooks.
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 received two new review titles again, one author and one NetGalley.
I stumbled onto a two for one credit at Audible and used one credit. Still thinking about the second credit.
I keep my eye on Chirp titles and am eyeing Audiobooks.com their 2 for 1 deals. 
I got one free audio at ChristianAudio.
I picked up one Kindle title by an author I like.
I added 11 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

Author Review Request:

The Lane Betrayal (Time Box Book 1)
by John A. Heldt
"Filled with romance, suspense, and history, THE LANE BETRAYAL follows a modern American family as it tries to find security and contentment in the final weeks of the Civil War."


NetGalley Title:
The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water
by Zen Cho
Releasing June 23, 2020.
"a found family wuxia fantasy that combines the vibrancy of old school martial arts movies with characters drawn from the margins of history."

Won

NONE

Purchased

3/4/2020 Audible Daily Deal $4.95.
A Lone Wolf
By: J. C. Fields
Narrated by: Paul J. McSorley
Length: 9 hrs
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-30-19

3/8/2020 Two For One Credit Sale at Audible
Galaxy's Edge
By: Jason Anspach, Nick Cole
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 17 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 02-20-18
I had this in my cart when I saw "2 for 1 Sale" -- YES!

Black Ops
Expeditionary Force, Book 4
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R. C. Bray
Length: 16 hrs and 44 mins
Release date: 09-26-17
I'm about to listen to Book 3 so I am glad to have this one ready on the shelf!

Kindle Purchase for $.79.
Traces of Guilt (An Evie Blackwell Cold Case)
Dee Henderson

Free

3/6/2020 March Free Download at ChristianAudio.com
Life Together
Author Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Narrator Paul Michael
Runtime 3.5 Hrs - Unabridged
Publisher christianaudio


I added 11 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.