Sunday Post December 11, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 12, 2016.

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

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.

This was a nice week back at home and in the office. I've been playing catch-up at work and enjoying the first couple Christmas parties. I hope to get good work done this coming week with minimal appointments.
We had our one night of cold - nothing compared to everyone up north. I did get stuck at work though as a tree fell across our street and took out power for three hours. Hubby called to tell me I couldn't get home.

Reading was fair, if a bit slow. I finished one audiobook and one print (which I loved). I am 70% into the next ebook. I posted two reviews and the usual memes.

I enjoyed visiting early in the week.
My shout out this week is Inside of a Dog blog by Kathy Martin. She is always busy and shares lots of good books and reviews.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post December 4, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 5, 2016.

• Sharing Beyond Books #281 Comment Giveaway December 3, 2016 (Posted 12/5). Open Worldwide; ended 12/10.

• Audio Book Review: Only Ever You by Rebecca Drake; Mystery, Suspense, Thriller; my rating 4.5.

• Audible Book Review: Swarm: Star Force, Book 1, by B. V. Larson; Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 9, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/15/2016.

• Sharing Beyond Books #282 Comment Giveaway December 10, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/17.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 11, 2016.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio (TBR)

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25
Written by: Richard Paul Evans
Narrated by: Fred Berman
This seems a bit of teen super heroes, 
but it is entertaining.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print (TBR)

The Sound of Sleigh Bells: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country
by Cindy Woodsmall
I found this delightful!
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NetGalley)

The Circuit: Executor Rising
by Rhett C. Bruno
I am 70% complete on this engaging sci fi.
I received this from the publisher through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (Author)

The Thursday Night Club: A Tale of Christmas Spirit
by Steven Manchester
This begins my Christmas reading. 
I received this from the author whose new release is listed below in Mailbox Monday for February Review.
Five college friends, three men and two women, have been getting together every Thursday night to share humble meals and an abundance of laughter. But when tragedy takes one of them, leaving the others to question the fairness of life, the Thursday Night Club decides to embark on a contest in the memory of the generous spirit of their fallen brother. The objective of the contest is simple: whoever performs the kindest deed by Christmas night wins the pot – four quarters. And there are only two conditions: the benevolent deed must be anonymous, and it cannot cost a single penny to pull off.
As the four friends undertake the contest, the healing begins and they become inspired beyond their expectations. There might be a winner in this competition, but it is very clear there will be no losers.
A story of Christmas spirit that will strike a chord in your heart any time of year, THE THURSDAY NIGHT CLUB will make you look at the holiday season in new ways.

3. Audible (Narrator)

The Great Martian War: Invasion
Written by: Scott Washburn
Narrated by: Ray Greenley
I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom.
Publisher's Summary
Following the initial Martian invasion of England, President Theodore Roosevelt tries to prepare the United States for the potential of another Martian incursion. As the possibility of a stronger invasion is increasingly clear, the US government tries to mobilize nations to share information and technology to defend humanity. Newly minted ordinance officer Andrew Comstock has been placed in charge of developing new technology that has to be tested on the fly in a race against time if humanity is to survive.
©2016 Vincent Rospond (P)2016 Vincent Rospond

4. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Caitlyn's Christmas Wish
by Laura L. Walker
I was offered this title with it's lovely cover for review.
Right Family, Wrong Brother - Just when former model and single mother Caitlyn Drevier Reel has finally put her life on track after a divorce and a six-month stint in rehab, her ex-in-laws extend an invitation to spend Christmas with the family. After all, she reasons, her ex-husband Grant is constantly on the road with his band and it's only fair to allow them to get to know her young son. What Caitlyn isn't prepared for, however, is the spark of attraction she feels for Ridge, Grant's older brother, or the wonderful sense of belonging to their family once again. Ridge, who is recovering from his own personal heartache, seems to feel the same way. As they work together to ensure the success of the Winter Festival his parents have organized for their small Wyoming town, Caitlyn begins to envision a bright future. But will Grant's unexpected arrival at this family get-together keep her Christmas wish from coming true? Caitlyn's Christmas Wish is an inspirational romance novella that will have you reaching for a mug of hot cocoa as you get into the holiday mood.

December 4, 2016 - I used audio time this past week to get caught up to date on my Bible reading.
I have been enjoying listening to the companion commentary online when I am home.
I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church.

I posted two reviews which still keeps me a bit behind; five to be posted.

I still plan to request audio titles as I can always squeeze listening in!
I currently have 7 NetGalley Titles and 10+ author titles in my queue. Clearly some/most of them are going into 2017!

We have several releases and new books to go up on eTreasure's NetGalley page; hopefully this week.

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 received one print review title and one NetGalley ebook for tours in 2017.
I also received on audio book for review.

After picking up a cart full of Audible titles last week, Audible had a 50% sale this week. So I picked up five more audios; plus they had a gifted title.
I picked up two Kindle titles for $.99.
I received invite to pick up a huge number of free ebooks,  plus I picked up the usual good number of 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

For Review and Tour March 2017:

Ashes
by Steven Manchester
"At turns humorous, biting, poignant, and surprisingly tender, ASHES puts a new spin on family and dysfunction with a story that is at once fresh and timelessly universal."

For January Tour with iRead Book Tours:

The Skeleton Code: A Satirical Guide to Secret Keeping
by Alla Campanella and Ken Massey

"As a parody of the self-help “success” genre, the book presents facetious strategies about how to cover up our silly and scandalous secrets before turning to The Skeleton Cure."

Won

NONE

Purchased

I treated myself to an early (Birthday) present by purchasing six Audible titles for under $30.00.
One was a Daily Deal but the other five were part of the 50% sale; they were $4-6.00. I find it hard to use a credit for a book under $12.00 but they were in my wish list.

1. The Quilt by Gary Paulsen
2. Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

3. The Brave Ones: A Memoir of Hope, Pride, and Military Service by Michael J. MacLeod
4. Alien: Out of the Shadows: An Audible Original Drama by Tim Lebbon, Dirk Maggs (Daily Deal)

5. You Will Not Have My Hate by Antoine Leiris
6. Brothers in Valor: Man of War, Book 3 by H. Paul Honsinger


I also purchased two Kindle Christmas titles for $.99 each:
Love and Kisses Christmas Collection
Debra Elizabeth
and
Christmas Cozy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 11)
Kathi Daley

Free

I received these sci fi titles from the authors:
Halcyon (The Complex Book 0)
by Demelza Carlton
"Catch a siren. Stop the storm. Whatever the cost."
and
The Treemakers (The Treemakers Trilogy Book 1)
by Christina L. Rozelle
"Stay on guard. Be aware of your surroundings. Notice the nuances. Cover your tracks. Always be prepared. Question everything. This is how you stay alive, Joy. This is how you keep the ones you love alive."


I received a free holiday gift from Audible:
The Most Wonderful Tales of the Year: Holiday Memories
Written and Performed by Our Favorite Narrators
Written by: Audible Narrators
Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Kate Reading, Michael Kramer, full cast


I downloaded 24 titles from instafreebie PLUS
I added a whopping 114 free Kindle titles to my library! Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 11, 2016

It was good to be back in our home church this morning. Our Sunday School teacher completed a lesson he started last week that was meaningful and encouraging. I will share more on that another time.

Our Pastor is doing a series of messages in December to Celebrate our Savior – from birth to the gift of redemption. This morning’s Sermon was titled “The Gift”. He noted that some people are good shoppers while others struggle. Often we have to wonder what to give the person who has all they need or doesn’t want a gift.

The Gospels of Matthew and Luke share different perspectives of the birth of Jesus Christ. Matthew writes to a Jewish audience so he focuses on showing the lineage and importance of Jesus. Luke gives more detail with a broader picture. Both were written sixty or so years after the events.

We might not fully understand the nature of the gifts brought to baby Jesus by the wise men. Although everyone recognizes the value of gold, Frankincense and Myrrh are somewhat like a candle and perfume. But they were gifts of value in the time and place. Bethlehem was a small town estimated to have no more than 1000 occupants, probably less (as low as 300). The shepherds were low on society’s class list. They only came in to town for supplies and they would have little to give as a gift. What did they bring? They brought themselves and gave of their humbleness by acknowledging the birth, go out to tell others and returning to the fields giving glory and praise to God. Luke 2:20.

Question: What gift would you bring to your Savior? What is a worthy gift to give to God?
And a more important question would be: What is on God’s wish list to receive from you?
Some of the items on God’s wish list are surrender, release of pride, release of any idol or competing distractions. God is worthy of all the glory and honor and praise. What each person can give is like the shepherds: ourselves, our adoration and our praise!

I found this Christmas Adoration Medley which I think fits today’s message.

A Verse for Today:
Luke 2:20 NIV
20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Lord, let me never stop giving You all the praise, honor and glory - for You alone are worthy!

Sharing Beyond Books #282 Comment Giveaway December 10, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Six commenters have picked a book just by its title. Nine commenters might be drawn to the book but have to read the blurb to decide. Two will not buy just based on the book title.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #281 comments is: #1 Natalija who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. [I'm hoping to update the book choices - maybe the beginning of next year, lol.] Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #282

(One Question.)

PoetryinLeaves asks: If you were a super hero what powers would you have??

I have passed this question a few times as I couldn't think of a super power I would want. Tonight I did a little Google searching to view choices. I decided that if I had to choose one power, I think I would choose healing. Then I re-read the question and realized I could have more than one power! Power Mimicry could be cool since you could mimic other people's powers but I don't think I would be comfortable with that. But I would really like to add Omnilinguilism (knowing languages) with healing powers.

[This is closer to my true superpower. :-)]

Image Found at Pinterest.

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! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.

Your turn to share: PoetryinLeaves asks: If you were a super hero what powers would you have??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday December 17, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 9, 2016

Happy Friday!

I'm back on timely track (mostly). However I discovered that we have been keeping our office clerk busy and the box of books I pulled before vacation was not yet mailed. I will be pulling the last three weeks wins over the weekend and hope to get packages mailed out on Monday.
I will also total the GC wins and be gifting those this coming week.
(No picture of the last grouping so far as my camera is broken... maybe Santa will bring a new one.)

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the December 2 Pick. No automatic wins again this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked.
AUTO: none

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from December 2 Pick:
RUBYNREBA gets Holiday Homecoming
and
JANHVI gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

Hopefully Santa gets to relax with a good book - after Christmas of course!
Image found at Love To Know..

New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
Some books for Christmas
Mistletoe Marriage by Jessica Hart
Twelfth Night Proposal by Karen Rose Smith
Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn
Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry
Christmas With the Prince by Michelle Celmer
The Christmas Cowboy by Michele Dunaway
Christmas Bonus: Strings Attached by Susan Crosby
Wanted: Christmas Mommy by Judy Christenberry
One Cowboy One Christmas by Kathleen Eagle
All I Want for Christmas by Gina Wilkins
Mistletoe and Miracles by Marie Ferrarella
Her Montana Christmas by Arlene James
All She Wants for Christmas by Stacy Connelly
Miracle on Christmas Eve by Shirley Jump
Snowbound Reunion by Barbara McMahon
Holiday Homecoming by Mae Ann Wilson


New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
(I'll post a picture and links later)
PAIR:
Lisa Gardner: The Perfect Husband and The Other Daughter
Stella Cameron: True Bliss and Sheer Pleasures
SINGLE:
Stray by A. N. Wilson (hardcover)
Soul of the Wildcat by Devyn Quinn
The Seventh Tower, Book One by Garth Nix
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
Kill Chain by Meg Gardiner
Wild Rain by Christine Feehan
The Copper Beach by Maeve Binchy
Beyond Reach: A Novel (Grant County Book 6) by Karin Slaughter
Crimson Shore by Preston & Childs
The Lincoln Myth by Steve Berry
Critical by Robin Cook
Mania by Craig Larsen

New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
PAIRS:
Into the Night (book 5) and Gone too Far (book 6) by Suzanne Brockmann
The Wedding Night of an English Rogue: A Novel (A Boscastle Affairs Novel Book 3)
The Wicked Games of a Gentleman: A Novel (A Boscastle Affairs Novel Book 4) by Jillian Hunter
SINGLES:
*Bloodstone by Lynn Benedict (1973 - yellowed)
*The Brittany Stones by Lynna Cooper (1974 - yellowed; corner of cover cut)
Her Scoundrel by Geralyn Dawson
In Search of Lucy: A Novel by Lia Fairchild
No Place for a Lady by Katherine Greyle
Wicked by Beth Henderson
To Die For: A Novel (Blair Mallory Book 1) by Linda Howard
The Inheritance by Joan Johnston
A Dark Champion by Kinley MacGregor
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Mysterious: The Right Path / This Magic Moment / The Search for Love by Nora Roberts (2008)
The Spitfire by Bertrice Small


New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016

(I will post a picture later. *Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I have had for many years. They may not be wanted by anyone and if so, I will donate elsewhere in time.)
SINGLES:
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
Freedom's Stand by J. M. Windle


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

SINGLES:
A Dangerous Fancy by Tracy Cozzens
The Champion by Heather Grothaus
So Wild A Kiss by Nancy Richards-Akers


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016
SINGLES:
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette


New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016 -- All Gone
SINGLES:
Wayward Winds by Michael Phillips - Audio Tapes

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
After I noticed the trend I went on a hunt for “bride” titles. I even pulled a couple from some of my long time collections(*). (But they are not getting read on my shelves.)
SINGLES:
Border Bride by Deborah Hale

New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015 -- All Gone
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014 -- All Gone
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser


If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost seven years I have posted 68 groups of 16 (1,088) books to find new homes! (as of November 4, 2016).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,020+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Audible Book Review: Swarm: Star Force, Book 1, by B. V. Larson

This is an easy listening, action-packed military sci fi.
Swarm: Star Force, Book 1
Written by: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins
Series: Star Force, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-06-11
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military Sci Fi, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Earth arms marines with alien technology and builds its first battle fleet! Kyle Riggs is snatched by an alien spacecraft sometime after midnight. The ship is testing everyone it catches and murdering the weak. The good news is that Kyle keeps passing tests and staying alive. The bad news is the aliens who sent this ship are the nicest ones out there.
A novel of military science fiction by best-selling author B. V. Larson, Swarm is the story of Earth's annexation by an alien empire. Long considered a primitive people on a backwater planet, humanity finds itself in the middle of a war - and faced with extinction.
Battle stations! Listen to another Star Force novel.
©2010 B.V. Larson (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Kyle Riggs is a college professor and farmer – until aliens reach into his yard and capture his son. As Kyle scrambles to grab a shotgun and get his daughter into the car for safety, his son’s body is dropped from the sky. Then the alien snake-like arm breaks through the car window to snatch his daughter. A few minutes later his daughter is dropped on his roof. Then they grab him, and Kyle is more than happy to be dragged to the ship so he can shoot the enemy who took his children. Soon Kyle is facing obstacles and passing levels before he realizes he is being tested. Before his anger subsides, and he gets to cope with his grief and guilt, Kyle is caught up in a battle for his life… then a war for his planet. Kyle and other successful fighter/survivors have been recruited by smaller alien ships to be commanders and to help fight against larger ships who plan to strip resources from earth.

Kyle manages to rescue one of the other capture ‘candidates’ so he ends up with a young, curvaceous sidekick which is different than most of the other ships. He hesitates to join the ‘team’ of fighters which makes him one of the rogues. Kyle’s computer science background helps him come up with solutions and tactics which make it clear the other ships need his help as much as he needs them. The Star Force, and especially Kyle and his ship, end up teaming with special earth forces to face the enemy.

Kyle’s character is a little awkward as he goes from a rather normal professor/farmer to a fighter, a strategist and finally a super warrior. He continues being a rogue as he leads by his own initiative despite orders. I liked that he uses his computer thought processes to relate to the ship but his taking over leadership of military forces is a stretch. The female character is a feisty, buxom caricature and it was sort of icky (awkward again) that Kyle was lusting after her shortly after losing his kids. Still, this wasn’t a huge issue and I didn’t let it bother me. The story is fun listening with lots of action. It moves quickly and made me think of a comic super hero scenario (perhaps like Iron Man). I’d be willing to listen to more in the series when I want a fast, fun, military sci fi fix. I recommend this to listeners/readers who are okay with fast-paced, easy action entertainment and are not looking for serious military politics.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does a nice job with the voices and energy in the presentation. The story is primary told in first person by Kyle but there are other characters with accents that are done well by Boyett. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

This has been on my Audible shelf since May 2015. It qualifies for Audio Challenge and TBR Challenge.