Audio Book Review: Alliance by S. K. Dunstall

This is a strong, engaging installment continuing from The Linesman.

Alliance
Author: S. K. Dunstall
Narrator: Brian Hutchison

Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-25-16
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Military
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

As the Linesman series continues, linesman Ean Lambert finds himself facing an alien ship he doesn't understand-and a terrifying political threat he cannot fight The lines. The soul of every ship. It was once thought there were only ten, but that was before an alien vessel appeared at the edge of space-before Ean Lambert heard more lines singing. Ean's ways of communicating with lines is strange. But his abilities make him a valuable tool-or weapon-to command. Captain Selma Kari Wang has lost everything-her ship, her crew, her legs. But the New Alliance of Worlds is not done with her yet. After they rebuild her broken body, they send her to captain one of the new alien ships, teaming her up with Ean, the only one who can understand the alien lines. Kari Wang and Ean are poised on the threshold of discoveries that could change the world. But not everyone wants the New Alliance to control the secrets they uncover-and those who oppose won't hesitate to do whatever it takes to stop them.

Review:
Ean is busy building his relationship with the alien lines while training Rossi, Fergus and other linesmen how to communicate through singing rather than thought manipulation. Abram has been promoted and required to leave the Lancastrian Princess. The new bodyguard for Michelle sees Ean as a dangerous weapon and a major risk. She is intent on getting him off Michelle’s ship and it looks like Ean will be sent as the primary linesman on the alien ship known as the Eleven.

The New Alliance leadership has recruited a mixed crew from all the allies to learn to operate the Eleven. Although not everyone supports the assignment, Captain Selma Kari Wang, a traumatically wounded officer, has been chosen as the captain. Selma is the sole survivor of an attack that destroyed her former ship. Suffering from survivor’s guilt, she doesn’t want a new ship. But Eleven, and its powerful lines, are ready to accept Selma as Captain and have already begun to respond to her even though she doesn’t ‘sing’ to the lines. The ship and those working on it are endangered when Selma’s negativity impacts the lines. Ean and friends recognize new abilities in the Eleven and ask to make some dangerous tests.

While the linesmen and new crew are training, Selma faces some unusual mishaps. It appears that someone, in addition to Selma, does not want her to become the new captain of Eleven. Two ‘odd’ members of the new crew, an old salt linesman and a young, passionate woman, who could be his daughter (granddaughter?), come to the rescue of Captain Selma and adopt her as theirs to protect.

An assassin still lurks in the shadows and Ean is almost kidnapped again. Other leaders stage a coup to gain back some control and a powerful enemy is exposed. It’s all part of the intrigue and danger that Ean deals with on a regular basis.

I loved book two as much as book one and stayed glued listening whenever I could. I really like Ean and his close companions, including the new quirky crew members. This book did not have as much action and suspense as book one but it had enough that added to the character developments to keep it interesting and to keep me fully engaged.

I do recommend reading the series in order as this book would lose a lot if a reader hasn’t read The Linesman. I am really looking forward to book three, The Confluence, even as I fear I will be sorry when it ends.

Audio Notes: Once again, Brian Hutchinson does a very good job with the narration. Once or twice I think I noted a missed character voice but for the most part he kept them all straight. He also kept good pacing even through the slower scenes in this installment. I love this series on audio and have already picked up book three.

I received this audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualifies for my 2017 Audio Challenge.

Sunday Post March 5, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 6, 2017.

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 week I felt fairly healthy. Office time was busy as one staff still had sick children at home and the other had to leave early on Friday.
Hubby is still grumbling but coping better with the LifeVest. Six more weeks and counting down. We got a cold snap yesterday and today but then it should warm up again.
This week I add prayers for those suffering famine in Africa and nearby areas.

Reading seemed a bit slow although I did get in a good number of hours listening. I finished two books: one audio and just finished the ebook. I posted three reviews, one with tour giveaway and I posted all of my usual memes.

I am enjoying the blog visiting even though the visits are brief. I visited 25/-+ blogs again last week.
My shout out this week goes to My Bookish Life, who has some fun blog questions/quizzes.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post February 26, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 27, 2017.

• AeStories- Audio Review: The Detainee by Peter Liney ; Sci Fi, Dystopian; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 3, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/9/2017.

• ATour- Audio Book Review and Tour #Giveaway: Kill and Run: A Thorny Rose Mystery, Book 1, by Lauren Carr ; Mystery, Police Procedure; my rating 4.5. Ending 4/22/2017

• eTBR- Book Review: Glenfiddich Inn by Alan Geik; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #293 Comment Giveaway March 4, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/11/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 5, 2017.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible (iRead Book Tour)

Kill and Run: A Thorny Rose Mystery, Book 1
Written by: Lauren Carr
Narrated by: C.J. McAllister
I enjoyed this and my review, with tour giveaway, is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Girl of Fire: The Expulsion Project Book One
(A Science Fiction Dystopian Thriller)
by Norma Hinkens
This is engaging; I will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. Audio (ABJ)

The Fifth Sacred Thing
Written by: Starhawk
Narrated by: Maya Lilly
This is interestiing although I may have to interrupt to listen to A Fine Year for Murder.
I received this audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox
Publisher's Summary
One act of courage can change the world.
The year is 2048. Climate change and bio-warfare have ravaged much of the Earth, and societal meltdown has splintered the US into fragments. But out of the ruins, Northern California has built a thriving culture based on respect for the four sacred things: air, fire, water and earth.
The Fifth Sacred Thing is an epic tale of freedom and slavery, love and war, and the potential futures of humankind. It tells of a 21st century California clan caught between two clashing worlds: one based on tolerance, the other on repression. It is both a love story between two people and a war story between two opposing ideals.
©1993, 1994 Miriam Simos (P)2016 Miriam Simos

2. eBook (Great Escapes)

Elementary, She Read: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery
by Vicki Delany
I will start this tonight/tomorrow. 
Tour review to post 3/14.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio (iRead Book Tours)

A Fine Year for Murder: A Thorny Rose Mystery, Book 2
Written by: Lauren Carr
Narrated by: C.J. McAllister
I enjoyed the first book and am looking forward to this one. My review will post on 3/16.
Publisher's Summary
After 10 months of marital bliss, Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton are still discovering and adjusting to their life together. Settled in their new home, everything appears to be perfect...except in the middle of the night when, in the darkest shadows of her subconscious, a deep secret from Jessica's past creeps to the surface to make her strike out at Murphy.
When investigative journalist Dallas Walker tells the couple about her latest case, known as the Pine Bridge Massacre, they realize Jessica may have witnessed the murder of a family while visiting family at the winery near-by, and suppressed the memory.
Determined to uncover the truth and find justice for the murder victims, Jessica and Murphy return to the scene of the crime with Dallas Walker, a spunky bull-headed Texan. Can this family reunion bring closure for a community touched by tragedy or will this prickly get-together bring an end to the Thorny Rose couple?
©2017 Terri Lynn Zaleski (P)2017 Terri Lynn Zaleski

March 5, 2017 - I am up to date with the One Year Bible; reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

I completed two new books and posted three reviews. I have three reviews for the coming week.
I have 14 NetGalley Titles but I am tempted to get acouple more titles. I still have 11+ author titles in my queue.

There were some corrections needed so the two titles will be ready this week at eTreasure's NetGalley page.

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 audio books for review.
I chose one Audible on credit and purchased one Daily Deal.
I also purchased one $.99 Kindle titles.
I picked up a good number of free kindle titles again. (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

I received one eBook for review:
I received these two audio books from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox:

The Fifth Sacred Thing
By: Starhawk
Narrator: Maya Lilly
Duration: 21 hrs and 52 mins
See the full description above under Current Reading.

The Hollow Hills: The Arthurian Saga, Book 2

Written by: Mary Stewart

Narrated by: Derek Perkins
Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins

"The spellbinding, suspenseful story of how Merlin, the Enchanter, helped Arthur become the king of all Britain - a magnificent novel set in a time when no life is safe, no law stable."

This is a book I read waaaay back when (early 70s) at the beginning of my reading life.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I used one of my February credits to pick up the third book in the series I have been reading:
Confluence
By: S. K. Dunstall
Narrator: Brian Hutchison
Duration: 13 hrs and 15 mins
"The lines. Mysterious yet familiar: the key to controlling every ship in the galaxy."

I purchased one daily deal this week:

 $2.95
The Spaceship Next Door
Written by: Gene Doucette
Narrated by: Steve Carlson
Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins
"When a spaceship landed in an open field in the quiet mill town of Sorrow Falls, Massachusetts, everyone realized humankind was not alone in the universe. With that realization everyone freaked out for a little while."
This sounds like fun to me.


I picked up one $.99 box set at Kindle:
The Silent Earth: The Complete Trilogy
Mark R. Healy
"One of the most gripping and original sci-fi series of recent years, The Silent Earth is a breathtaking glimpse into a terrifying future."
Another sci fi that looks good.

Free

I added 48 free Kindle titles to my library 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 Words of Encouragement March 5, 2017

This morning our Sunday School teacher gave us an update on the ministry in Haiti. They have installed a good well – 89 feet deep to reach clean water. Some of the men from Band of Brothers will be going down at the end of the month to help put a roof on a small kitchen structure they have built. The ministry now serves three areas, one city community and two country communities. We are happy to be part of the support for the work God is doing.

We had lovely worship and prayer time before sharing in communion. Then we had a guest speaker, born in Sri Lanka, whose mission is to spread a message on the importance of prayer. He wore a Superman shirt and noted that some people view prayer as a task for the devout, dedicated Christian – the super Christian. But pray is the privilege and responsibility of all Christ followers.

He noted the prayer of Hannah who appeared drunk to the priest. She explained she was not drunk but was praying to the Lord in anguish and sorrow. (1 Samuel 1:9-19.) When was the last time you someone so immersed in pray, or so exuberant, that they appeared drunk? Hannah let her circumstances drive her to prayer. This led to the birth of Samuel who chose the first two kings of Israel. We each have the opportunity to change the world with our prayers.
Jesus said, in Matthew 22:37, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'”

The guest pastor shared one example of carrying 3 x 5 cards with prayer reminders. I can do that! He will expound on the practicalities of loving with heart, soul and mind in this evening’s service. But he noted that you have to start somewhere. God will answer your cry no matter what you call Him, where you call Him or when you call Him.

The guest also encouraged us with a reference to Joshua 1:1-3, saying that with new leadership comes to opportunity to carry forward God’s plans. He is excited for what God is planning to do in our church and community.

I found this song which fits so nicely! Power of Prayer.

Verses for Today
Matthew 22: 37-40 NLT
37Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Lord, help me be faithful to pray for others and for Your Will to be done.

Sharing Beyond Books #293 Comment Giveaway March 4, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

The answers to last weeks question were pretty even. Seven commenters do not currently keep lists of books, although a couple used to. One only keeps track by her blog and the other seven of us keep some sort of list or lists.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #292 comments is: #14 Rubynreba who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated **Old (and soon to be updated) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I hadn't realized I had not updated the book choices in quite a while. Also - I found a box of books under our clerk's desk that haven't been mailed out so I apologize that there are many late. I will get those out this week. I think there may have been one or two overlaps because I hadn't crossed off the list. I may just purchase the books to mail or I'll email the winners to see if they want a new choice. AND since I see that the list choices are dwindling I will add some new choices this coming week. Thanks for being patient with me!
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #293

(One Question.)

Marjorie asks: After I read Pretty Girls by Karen Slaughter and Those Girls by Chevy Stevens, I found it hard to get into reading another book that held my interest. Have you ever had this happen to you??

I can't think of a particular time this has happened. However I recently was reading a sci fi series that I was really enjoying. I had to make sure that I didn't resent the review books that came up next and interrupted the series. I remind myself that I am blessed to have the review books I have selected or agreed to and that I can get back to the series in a few weeks. :-)

Image found at Browsing Bookshelves

Image found at Bookishness and Tea..

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: Marjorie asks: After I read Pretty Girls by Karen Slaughter and Those Girls by Chevy Stevens, I found it hard to get into reading another book that held my interest. Have you ever had this happen to you??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. 2-4-17: I FINALLY have some new "Love" and Christmas titles! I hope to get the picture posted later this week.

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 March 11, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: Glenfiddich Inn by Alan Geik

The history in this story is fascinating.
Glenfiddich Inn
by Alan Geik

File Size: 922 KB
Print Length: 396 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0692345655
Publisher: Sonador Publishing (December 11, 2014)
ASIN: B00QXE80GI
Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

One hundred years ago August 1915, the Great War was beginning its second year. Nobody thought the initial battles would last long-and yet it soon evolved into the most devastating, horrific war known to man. It would continue in its senseless brutality for two more years—ultimately dragging the United States into it.
It’s America in 1915—
The still distant Great War in Europe creates unexpected opportunities for the Morrison and Townsend families in Boston while, at the same time, they watch with dread as the ferocious conflict reaches across the ocean.
William Morrison’s boss, the bank president Joe Finnerty, is also a relentless con man. Whether it’s elaborate stock frauds, war profiteering or just dipping into a widow’s trust account—Finnerty’s ever-cheery amorality both captivates and repels William.
William’s wife, Margaret is also captivated—but for her it is with wireless voice transmissions. It’s called “radio,” and while she is certain it will soon transmit a voice, even music, for as much as several miles, she is dismayed by its use on the battlefields of Europe.
Margaret’s sportswriter brother Byron Townsend covers the Boston Red Sox and its simpleton teenage sensation, Babe Ruth. He believes the World War will be the defining event of his generation and he intends to go to the front lines as a journalist.
Byron’s wife, Helen, shares Margaret’s passion for radio. They form a strong bond in their quest for independence—a bond that will be severely tested by love affairs and patriotism.
But after a German torpedo sinks the ocean liner, the RMS Lusitania, no one’s life will ever be the same again.

Review:
William Morrison, is a bank employee of an ‘Irish’ con man who is very like a mobster without the mob. William was raised by his aunt and uncle who owned a struggling inn – the Glenfiddich Inn. Although his childhood was a struggle, William was lucky in love, snagging the hand of the lovely (and sexually mischievous) Margaret Townsend. Margaret is the daughter of wealthy news mogul George Townsend. Margaret’s brother, Byron, is a sportswriter who gets to see the Boston Red Sox, and its crude sensation, Babe Ruth, up close. Byron is fed up with the routine and shallowness of sports reporting and longs to be a foreign correspondent on the frontlines of the World War.

Although women are not yet prevalent in the work field, Margaret and her sister-in-law, Helen, become involved with the birth of the radio. The women are convinced that the radio will change the picture of news reporting. This would be true if the government would allow it to be used by the public. Instead, when the United States gets pulled into “the great war’, the government takes control of the radio technology for its own use.

This story follows the Morrison and Townsend family members as they struggle through a depressed economy, corruption, censorship, emerging technology, burgeoning feminism, political unrest and the plague. At times I felt the story was disjointed but this was because the author moved among the threads following the escapades of the four main characters while weaving in the interaction and impact of the extended family.

The blurb notes that William was ‘both captivated and repelled’ by his boss’s amorality. Similarly, I was fascinated and repelled by this frank microcosm of life in Northeast America (New York and Boston) 1915 - 1919. I didn’t care for the foul language and the casual adultery even though it seemed to fit the characters and is probably more realistic than I would like. I have not read much about WWI and I was captivated by the historical details. The author reveals strong research through characters used to show ‘first hand’ views of the sinking of the RMS Lusitania, the emergence of the radio, German attacks along the eastern shore and the insidious censorship of the war news that extended even to the rapidly spreading, deadly flu pandemic.

Family drama is not a genre that I seek out but every once in a while I fall into one because of other elements. In this story it was the historical details that caught and kept my interest. The characters are rather shallow but developed sufficiently for the storyline. The writing style and language fit the historic period from the outset, making me feel as if I was watching a vintage movie. I would recommend this to readers who like strong historical detail.

I received this ebook from the author in 2016. It qualifies for my 2017 Mount TBR Challenge and "G" on 2017 Alphabet Soup.