Audio Book Review: Through Many Fires: Strengthen What Remains by Kyle Pratt

This is a strong 'survivor' story with an engaging protagonist and solid storyline.

Through Many Fires: Strengthen What Remains
Written by: Kyle Pratt
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:11-04-13
Publisher: Camden Cascade Publishing
Genre: Post Apocalyptic, Suspense, Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Terrorists smuggle a nuclear bomb into Washington D.C. and detonate it during the State of the Union Address. Army veteran and congressional staffer Caden Westmore is in nearby Bethesda and watches as a mushroom cloud grows over the capital. The next day, as he drives away from the still burning city, he learns that another city has been destroyed and then another. America is under siege. Panic ensues and society starts to unravel. Through Many Fires is Kyle Pratt's third novel.
©2013 Kyle Douglas Pratt (P)2013 Kyle Douglas Pratt

Review:
Caden Westmore has a fast paced, politically savvy career path planned out in Washington, DC, along with the high profile, intense, newscaster fiancé, Becky, to make the future even brighter. Then a nuclear bomb hits the Capitol killing most of the top government officials, including Caden’s boss. Caden was lucky to be on the outskirts of the effected area so he is able to head south toward Atlanta to get to Becky.

Caden runs into a road block which delays his journey. He is watching Becky presenting the news when the telecast suddenly goes to static as another bomb hits Atlanta. Caden is stunned and finds himself traveling with a military convoy that is setting up a camp in north Georgia. Along the road Caden rescues an infant who he names Adam. When they are threatened by thieves at the camp, they are saved by Maria, a determined young woman who has lost her family.

Caden has military training and agrees to take a position in security with the Washington State Governor who is the remaining presidential candidate for the upcoming elections. This helps Caden, with Maria and Adam tagging along, get back to his own family who have a small farm in Washington.

Caden discovers himself pulled into service in the National Guards where he faces difficult decisions for safety and survival. Ultimately he has to decide if he will protect the Constitution and American freedom against the orders of the new, successor president who declares marshal law, cancels future elections and makes a surprising and perhaps treacherous deal for aid.

The writing is solid with good action, some surprising twists and strong character development, particularly for Caden. The events are presented from Caden's view with insight to his thoughts and reactions. I was really pulled into Caden’s life and dilemmas. The story moved very quickly and as I became aware that the end was nearing I was saddened as I wanted more. It appears there will be more to the series and I will be watching for the next book.

Audio Notes: Initially I thought the narrating was a little flat. However, I soon was pulled into the story and enjoyed the subtle quirks that Kevin Pierce manages to convey. I can recommend this as a good read and good listening experience.

I received this title from Audible for review through Audiobook Jukebox.

Mailbox Monday April 14, 2014

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 Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I didn't receive any review titles this week although I am expecting a couple.
I purchased two audible titles with my March credits. 
I have also listed a 2012 free title that I have downloaded to read.
(I still have many author requests to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

None this week

Won

None.

Purchased

While I'm waiting to receive some audio review titles I selected these two Audios for my March Audible credits:

Judgment in Death: In Death, Book 11
J. D. Robb 
12 hrs and 21 mins

I want to continue this great series.

Monster Hunter Vendetta

Larry Correia
20 hrs and 46 mins

I enjoyed the first book in this series
and wanted the fun and action again.

I thought I had purchased a boxed bundle on Kindle for $.99 but I didn't find it in my list.

 Free

I downloaded one of my free picks from 2012 (TBR) to read as I may want to pick up the sequel for audio review.


Carrots: A Shelby Nichols Adventure
by Colleen Helme

Purchased:	August 14, 2012
Price:	$0.00

Plus I downloaded another 60 or so free Kindle titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday What are You Reading? April 14, 2014.

This meme starts at Book Journey!

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 am so glad that the weather is warming up. I had a busy week and of course had to prepare taxes for filing. Reading has been enjoyable.   I got four reviews posted, one with Print giveaway and the usual memes. :-)

I did spend time early in the week visiting and intended to do more but didn't get to.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? April 7, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday April 7, 2014.

• Audio Book Review: The Protector by Marliss Melton; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.

• Audio Book Review: Witness in Death, In Death Book 10 by J.D. Robb; Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Criminal Thriller; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review, Excerpt and Giveaway: You're Not Safe (Texas Rangers) by Mary Burton; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5.  Ends 4/18/14.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 11, 2014.  Open Worldwide. Ends 4/17/14.

• Audible Book Review: Storm Surge, Destroyermen, Book 8, by Taylor Anderson; Alternate World, Action, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #146 Comment Giveaway 4/12/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 4/19/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 13, 2014.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio

Through Many Fires: Strengthen What Remains
Written by: Kyle Pratt
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
A good post apocalyptic story.
Reviewing through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

You're Not Safe (Texas Rangers)
by Mary Burton
I enjoyed this romantic suspense.
Reviewing with Giveaway linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio

Escaping Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 3
Written by: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine
This is a good addition to this series. I hope there will be more.
Publisher's Summary
When society ceases to exist, who can you trust?
After the collapse of the nation's power grid, America is under martial law - and safety is an illusion. As violence erupts around him, Morgan Carter faces one of his most difficult decisions yet: whether to stay and defend his home, or move to a more isolated area, away from the prying eyes of the government. He and his family are hesitant to leave their beloved Lake County, but with increasingly suspicious activities happening in a nearby refugee camp, all signs point towards defecting. Morgan and his friends aren't going to leave without a fight, though - and they'll do anything to protect their freedoms.
From the author of the hit survivalist novels Going Home and Surviving Home, Escaping Home describes the struggle to live in a world with no rules, and how, sometimes, the strength of family is the only thing that can pull you through.
©2013 A. American (P)2013 Penguin Audio

eTreasures' New Release:
Working on two re-releases.

Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
Current giveaway link:  A Ghost Hunt by Jack Horne
Check for the new giveaway every two weeks.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Anointed: The Cantati Chronicles
by Maggie Mae Gallagher
I am enjoying this intense action fantasy which I selected through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio

The Undead Pool: The Hollows, Book 12
Written by: Kim Harrison
Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin
Rachel Morgan is a great character and I really enjoy listening to this series.
Publisher's Summary
Number-one New York Times best-selling author Kim Harrison returns to the supernatural adventures of Rachel Morgan in the penultimate book of the Hollows series.
Witch and day-walking demon Rachel Morgan knows magic - earth, ley line, even the forbidden demon magic - and that knowledge has saved her life more than once. But now something - or someone - is attacking Cincinnati and the Hollows, causing spells to backfire or go horribly wrong while living vampires attack humans and Inderlanders alike.
The pressures build when the city is quarantined to contain the unreliable magic, and Rachel must stop the attacks before the undead vampire masters who keep the rest of the undead under control are lost and it becomes all-out supernatural war.
The only way to do so is through the ancient elven magic, but that carries its own perils - for magic always has a price, and gods do not come lightly when called.
©2014 Kim Harrison (P)2014 HarperCollinsPublishers

3. eBook/Kindle

Hard to Handle (Love in the Balance)
by Jessica Lemmon
A Second chance at romance.
Review and giveaway to post 4/16.
Click on book title for full description.

I am up to date on my daily Bible reading. :-)

Line Edits: We are now finalizing formatting for two ebook re-releases, as well as working on a new children's release.

This month I have more review books than from my own TBR. :-) I completed four reviews this week so I am down to two. :-)

April Scheduled -
April 16 - Review & Giveaway: Hard to Handle (Love in the Balance) by Jessica 
   Lemmon through Hachette
April 17 - 4th Annual Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop
April 22 - Review & Feature - The Temptations of Anna Jacobs by Robyn DeHart
  through AuthorPal/Penquin Group

NetGalley: I did pick up some more titles for April. 
Anointed: The Cantati Chronicles by Maggie Gallagher (reading)
Fair Play: A Novel by Deeanne Gist
Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig
The Escape (Survivor's Club) by Mary Balogh

Authors
 Many requests to field and reply to.

AudioBook Jukebox (have more to request.)

From TBR Collection - The Seducer by Madeline Hunter (reading)
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 13, 2014

Pastor’s sermon today covered two Bible passages. First is Psalm 42:1 that says: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” (NIV) If you enjoy hunting and had all the latest gear would you go to downtown Atlanta to hunt for deer? Of course not. You go to a habitat where the deer can be found. Do we create a habitat for God? When we pursue Him, we need to be in a mind set to seek His will.

That leads to the second passage: Ephesians 3:20-21: “20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (NIV)

The conditional portion of Verse 20 is that He will do more than we imagine, ‘according to His power...’ Commentator Matthew Henry says, “There is an inexhaustible fulness of grace and mercy in God, which the prayers of all the saints can never draw dry. Whatever we may ask, or think to ask, still God is still able to do more, abundantly more, exceedingly abundantly more."

It is our own expectations that can limit our God. The more we expect the more we can receive.
Pastor encouraged us to seek with eager anticipation and expand our expectations in three areas.
1. Expect more when preparing for church. What were you coming and expecting to receive when you were driving to church? Pray expecting a breakthrough. Think outside the box. Pray for the unsaved to find salvation, for sick to find healing...and more like the courage to share your testimony..
2. What is your expectation for your personal life? Allow God to work through you for His purposes. Allow Him to use you even in what might normally be unexpected circumstances.
3. What is your expectation of grace? Don’t stop praying for salvation of loved ones, and needs of others, personally known and unknown to you.

Listen to the wonderful blend of voices in "Now To Him" performed by Acappella. 

Verses for Today:
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. 

Lord, I pray that you will strengthen my desire to create a habitat for you. Then I pray that you will give me more boldness to expect more -- according to Your will and power.

Sharing Beyond Books #146 Comment Giveaway April 12, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Many of us had a hard time to think of a 'weird' place that we visited although there were many unusual places mentioned. The two weirdest I thought that were mentioned were the Winchester Mystery house in San Jose mentioned by Booklady and the huge human nose at a science fair mentioned by Nikki.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #145 comments is: #7 scottsgal who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #146 (One Question.)

Q1. Becky asks: Do you make a picture in your mind while reading??

A:  I wish I could say I see the stories I read and listen to, but I don't. I feel like I have limited mental imagery talent. I don't know if it is related to my generally poor eyesight (legally blind without correction). I usually only get blurry images of a story. Rarely do I get a clear picture except when it is something I might relate to like an orange glowing sunset or pink sunrise over water.

Image found at FStoppers.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Your turn to share:

Q1. Becky asks: Do you make a picture in your mind while reading??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday April 19, 2014 at 5 PM  central.