Audible Book Review: Frankenstein: Prodigal Son by Dean Koontz

Surprisingly engaging with underlying questions.

Frankenstein: Prodigal Son

By: Dean Koontz

Narrated by: Christopher Lane

Series: Frankenstein, Book 1

Series: Frankenstein, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-04-17
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Horror
My Rating: Story 4.0 of 5.0; Narration 5.0

Publisher's Summary
From the celebrated imagination of Dean Koontz comes a powerful reworking of one of the classic stories of all time. If you think you know the legend, you know only half the truth. Here is the mystery, the myth, the terror, and the magic of...
Every city has its secrets. But none as terrible as this. He is Deucalion, a tattooed man of mysterious origin, a sleight-of-reality artist who has traveled the centuries with a secret worse than death. He arrives in New Orleans as a serial killer stalks the streets, a killer who carefully selects his victims for the humanity that is missing in himself. Deucalion's path will lead him to cool, tough police detective Carson O'Connor and her devoted partner, Michael Maddison, who are tracking the slayer but will soon discover signs of something far more terrifying: an entire race of killers who are much more - and less - than human and, deadliest of all, their deranged, near-immortal maker: Victor Helios - once known as Frankenstein.
©2005 Dean Koontz (P)2017 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Review:
The story caught my interest from the start. Further in I didn't want to put it down. I was fully engaged and enjoying the characters (the good guys). The primary villain is horrible and it is fascinating to see how his creations are slowly breaking out of his planned control. I was captured by the narration and intrigued at the implications of seeking happiness and meaning in life by the created monsters. I was caught up in the protagonist's transformation .. and then the ending! Arrgh! I had forgotten this was the first in a series.

I was surprised by the imagination and depth, although perhaps I shouldn’t have been since Koontz is a well known and accomplished author. I know some of his books are off the edge horror, but this one is creepy and wonderfully strange without being really scary horror.

I found this to be a little drawn out to get where it is going. Still, the characters, including villains, are well drawn and the story moves well. I recommend this for those who enjoy the idea of a Frankenstein monster with a heart fighting a truly evil megalomaniac.

Audio Notes: I found the narration by Christopher Lane to be spot on for the tone and intent of the story. It is a great entertaining experience.

Koontz is the author of one of my favorite time travel titles: Lightning.
Source: Audible Daily Deal $3.95 6/3/2018. This qualifies for Audiobook Challenge and 2018 title for Alphabet Challenge.

Sunday Post July 15, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 16, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had another busy week with some nice closings to end the week well. Still very busy...sigh.

After several sunny days we had a heavy storm this afternoon. It chased the chickens into their coop.

My reading was good but slower this week. I only finished two Audible books. I posted two reviews on the blog and one at Goodreads. Plus I posted all of my usual memes.

I visited only 23 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to L.A. To LA. She's been busy with a new little ones this past year.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post July 8, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 9, 2018.

• NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The After War by Brandon Zenner; Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.

• Goodreads Review A2018- Home Invasion (The Survivalist, #8) by A. American; Fantasy, Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating 4.0; Narration and Overall 3.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 13, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/19/2018.

• PLBCTBR- Book Review and Giveaway: The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher; Amish, Christian, Romance; my rating 4.75. Open Worldwide. 2 Winners. Ending 7/28/18.

• Sharing Beyond Books #348 Comment Giveaway July 14, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/28/18.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 15, 2018.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (2018Audible)

Home Invasion
The Survivalist Series, Book 8
By: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine
Series: Survivalist, Book 8
Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins 
This is a series I have liked.
My review is linked above
Source: Audible Feb 2018 credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (2018Audible)

Killing Trail
A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery, Book 1
By: Margaret Mizushima
Narrated by: Nancy Wu
Series: A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
I was eyeing another book in this series so decided to listen to book one. It is good mystery and I like the characters.
Source: 2/25/18 Audible Purchase $4.95.
Publisher's Summary
When a young girl is found dead in the mountains outside Timber Creek, lifelong resident Officer Mattie Cobb and her partner, K-9 police dog Robo, are assigned to the case that has rocked the small Colorado town.
With the help of Cole Walker, a local veterinarian and single father, Mattie and Robo must track down the truth before it claims another victim. But the more Mattie investigates, the more she realizes how many secrets her town holds. And the key may be Cole's daughter, who knows more than she's saying. The murder was just the beginning, and if Mattie isn't careful, she and Robo could be next.
Suspenseful and smart, Killing Trail is an explosive debut that will have listeners clamoring for more Mattie and Robo for years to come.
©2015 Margaret Mizushima (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Currently Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

The Year of the Knife
by G.D. Penman
I am 75% through this action packed, 
strange urban fantasy.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 then Smartphone (2018Audible)

Frankenstein: Prodigal Son
By: Dean Koontz
Narrated by: Christopher Lane
Series: Frankenstein, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins
I am a bit over a third in this engaging (another strange) tale.
Source: 6/3/2018 Audible Daily Deal $3.95.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP3 then Smartphone (2018Audible)

The Dispatcher
By: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Zachary Quinto
Length: 2 hrs and 19 mins
I figure I could use a short audio this week plus this is a 2018 "D" title for my Alphabet Challenge.
Source: 2/16/18 Audible Daily Deal $.99.
Publisher's Summary
Earphones Award Winner (AudioFile Magazine)
Winner, 2017 APA Audie Awards - Original Work
Zachary Quinto - best known for his role as the Nimoy-approved Spock in the recent Star Trek reboot and the menacing, power-stealing serial killer, Sylar, in Heroes - brings his well-earned sci-fi credentials and simmering intensity to this audio-exclusive novella from master storyteller John Scalzi.
One day, not long from now, it becomes almost impossible to murder anyone - 999 times out of a thousand, anyone who is intentionally killed comes back. How? We don't know. But it changes everything: war, crime, daily life.
Tony Valdez is a Dispatcher - a licensed, bonded professional whose job is to humanely dispatch those whose circumstances put them in death's crosshairs, so they can have a second chance to avoid the reaper. But when a fellow Dispatcher and former friend is apparently kidnapped, Tony learns that there are some things that are worse than death and that some people are ready to do almost anything to avenge a supposed wrong.
It's a race against time for Valdez to find his friend before it's too late...before not even a Dispatcher can save him.
©2016 John Scalzi (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

4. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Zen Pencils: Cartoon Quotes from Inspirational Folks
by Gavin Aung Than
This is different from my usual read.
This is "Z" for the NG titles on my Alphabet Challenge.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
Gavin Aung Than, an Australian graphic designer turned cartoonist, started the weekly Zen Pencils blog in February 2012. He describes his motivation for launching Zen Pencils: "I was working in the boring corporate graphic design industry for eight years before finally quitting at the end of 2011 to pursue my passion for illustration and cartooning. At my old job, when my boss wasn't looking, I would waste time reading Wikipedia pages, mainly biographies about people whose lives were a lot more interesting than mine. Their stories and quotes eventually inspired me to leave my job to focus on what I really wanted to do. The idea of taking these inspiring quotes, combining them with my love of drawing and sharing them with others led to the creation of Zen Pencils."

July 15, 2018 - I am still enjoying the prayer app which gives me five prayer groups each morning! I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.

I completed 2 books and 3 reviews. This gets me to just 1 review due.
I added some books this week but still need to find time to add more to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is at 13; I still have one more author title in queue. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I didn't pick up any review books.
I picked up one Audible Daily Deal.
I also got the SYNC Audios this week.
I resisted the kindle bargain deals.
I did pick up some 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

7/13/18 DD $2.95
Andrea Vernon and the Corporation for UltraHuman Protection
By: Alexander C. Kane
Narrated by: Bahni Turpin
Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins
Release date: 08-22-17

Free

I have not yet downloaded week 12 SYNC audio titles:
How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather Read by Adriana Mather
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne Read by Donada Peters

I added only 11 free titles to my Kindle 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 July 15, 2018

We had an excellent Sunday School lesson today and enjoyed a pretty full house for church. Church. The praise and worship team introduced a new song that fit with the message of our Sunday School. I love when God orchestrates that sort of confirmation!

Pastor continued his sermon series titled The Strong, based on 1st Peter. This a book where Peter is giving instructions to the new church on right living. The strong (the Christians) are to live different than the world. Last week Pastor spoke on exhibiting Godly Honor rather than honor of the world

This week Pastor spoke on Chapter 3. How do we deal when we have been treated unfairly? Sometimes we experience loss of a job; unkept promises; outright lies. The mistreatment may cost relationships, job, finances, reputation. Most of us have experienced a time when we felt mistreated, sometimes because we, as Christians, are different and see things from a different world view. We live in a broken world that has been damaged by sin. As parents we tell our children the important life lesson: “Life isn’t fair.”

What do we do when we are mistreated? When this letter was written, Christ followers were treated differently than others. Peter said to search for peace, and work to maintain it. 1 Peter 3:8-12. Give blessing instead of world response. Then God will give you a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9. In the days of Peter, blessings and curses meant something.

Point: The cost we pay to bless those who mistreat us is repaired with the promise of God's blessing to us.

Our response should be to pray for them. Jesus was attacked. Christianity gets attacked. We need to show them God and His love. 1 Peter 3:13-17.

Blessing others changes my heart and attitude toward them.
Paul and Silas were beaten and falsely imprisoned. Yet they were singing praises and praying in jail. A supernatural earthquake caused the doors open, and the shackles to fall off all the prisoners but they did not escape. Instead, Paul and Silas used the opportunity to witness. Acts 16:25-30.

The mistreatment of Jesus resulted in salvation and power. 1 Peter 3:18-22.
The question to ask yourself today: Who do you need to bless?

I remembered this song which fits today’s message: Forgiveness.

Verses for Today:
1 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 

Lord, I pray that, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in me, You help me to face mistreatment with a loving, blessing response.

Sharing Beyond Books #348 Comment Giveaway July 14, 2018

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!


Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Six people choose bird, two of which were eagles. Three choose horses; two elephants, a lynx, a cat, and one dog.

The Winner from SBB #347 comments is: #6 Sue who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #348

(One Question.)

Marjorie asks: Do you watch game shows?? I still like Let's Make a Deal and The Price is Right.

I don't watch much TV and rarely anything besides news and movies. Back in the day I used to like to watch Jeopardy.

Image found at Fandom Wikia.

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: Do you watch game shows??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

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 July 14, 2018 at 5 PM central.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is a delightful read.
The Letters (The Inn at Eagle Hill Book #1): A Novel
by Suzanne Woods Fisher

File Size: 6488 KB
Print Length: 322 pages
Publisher: Revell (August 1, 2013)
ASIN: B00B85MPMC
Genre: Amish, Christian, Romance
My Rating 4.75 of 5.0

Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband's debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose's big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she's even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.
With her signature plot twists combined with gentle Amish romance, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Stoney Ridge for fresh stories of simple pleasures despite the complexity of life. Fisher's tale of God's providence and provision will delight her fans and create many new ones. Welcome to the Inn at Eagle Hill.

Review:
Rose is a widow caring for her husband’s two older girls, their own eight- and ten-year-old boys and her ailing mother-in-law. Her husband was facing scandal about his financial company when he died of suspected suicide. His oldest son, who was involved in the company has disappeared. The boys are an energetic handful and thirteen-year-old Mim is an observant, studious young girl who is just beginning to notice a boy in her class. The eldest daughter, nineteen-year-old Bethany, has a special gift for helping with their cranky grandmother, Vera. Meanwhile Bethany is not so patiently waiting for her father’s business associate to come claim her hand.

Rose decides to turn the basement into a bed and breakfast inn to help pay off some of her husband’s debts. Vera isn’t thrilled with the idea, but Rose’s neighbor, Galen King, a steady and solitary man, is being supportive and helping her. Rose prays for each guest even as they arrive unexpectedly. The first guests are by accident, but they are blessings. The first real guest, Delia, has come to the Inn seeking refuge from trauma that has turned her life upside down. She finds blessing in her recuperative time as she watches the love and caring in the family and community.

The title could come from several different groups of letters which are part of the story. The story has mysteries, intrigues, and a little gentle romance. The writing is smooth, descriptive and moves along very nicely. The daily living by the characters is engaging and delightful. The dedicated faith presented through Rose’s character is beautiful. There are questions remaining at the end that cause interest in the next book in the series which I am likely to get. My book club ladies all enjoyed the title and they asked about book two

Although I have a couple other books by Ms. Fisher on my TBR I think this is the first I have read. It won’t be the last. I recommend this to readers who enjoy lovely Amish stories.

Source: 2013 print copy; 2016 Kindle. Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for 2018TBR.

GIVEAWAY:

TWO WINNERS!

Paperback Book (US and Canada Only)

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review

(b) visit the author's Website and tell me something you like there.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only for the paperback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) July 28, 2018.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.