#NetGalley Book Review: Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym Martineau

This is wonderfully creative and intense!

Kingdom of Exiles
by Maxym Martineau

File Size: 3057 KB
Print Length: 448 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (June 25, 2019)
ASIN: B07MZHRNCC
Genre: Action and Adventure, Romantic Fantasy
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Description:
My heart wasn’t part of the deal when I bargained for my life,
But assassins so rarely keep their word.
Exiled Charmer Leena Edenfrell is running out of time. Empty pockets forced her to sell her beloved magical beasts—an offense punishable by death—and now there’s a price on her head. With the realm’s most talented murderer-for-hire nipping at her heels, Leena makes Noc an offer he can’t refuse: powerful mythical creatures in exchange for her life.
Plagued by a curse that kills everyone he loves, Noc agrees to Leena’s terms in hopes of finding a cure. Never mind that the dark magic binding the assassin’s oath will eventually force him to choose between Leena’s continued survival…and his own.

Review:
Leena is a beast Charmer exiled from her beloved community by a vicious lover. The council believed him because he was older and on the council. Leena has since had to sell beasts which isn’t permitted. Leena is determined to tame a council level beast and return to prove her innocence. But someone has other plans – they have engaged one of the most powerful assassin groups, the Cruor, to kill Leena.

Leena manages to capture the first assassin sent after her. She returns to the Cruor lair to try to negotiate for her life. She meets Noc, the leader of the dark shadowy group. She is able to make a deal to provide his people with four magical creatures in exchange for her life. She doesn’t realize there is a loophole to his contract and she has no idea that he is burdened by a curse.

Noc’s curse brings death to those he loves. He has seen the devastation and now must hold himself aloof or risk even his brother assassins.

As Noc and a handful of his leaders travel with Leena to allow her to capture their beasts, they all grow in respect for the caring nature of their ‘target’. Especially Noc is conflicted by his growing attraction which he cannot allow without a cure for his curse. Noc believes that Leena may be able to provide him with a creature that can fulfill the wish to end his curse. Leena tries to warn him that such wishes come with unexpected and usually damaging consequences, but Noc is desperate.

I was captured by this story from beginning to end. The characters are intense as is the tension.
Early on I was struck by the risks and extreme choices being set up for the hero and heroine to face. The creatures tamed by Leena are wonderfully creative and imaginative. There is a strong sexual scene at bout 70% in and another near the end, but these are fitting to the intense romance that is developed. It is secondary to a well-developed, action packed, intriguing plot.

I definitely want to read the next book in the series. I cannot think of any reason not to give this 5 stars. I highly recommend this to readers who like intrigue, fantasy and tension filled romance; magical beasts are great too.

Source: 2019 NetGalley; Release date June 25, 2019. This qualifies for 2019Alphabet and 2019NetGalley goals.

Audible Book Review: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Primary Phase (Dramatized) by Douglas Adams

This is a fun radio play presentation of a crazy sic fi journey.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Primary Phase (Dramatized)
By: Douglas Adams
Narrated by: Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore
Series: Hitchhiker's Guide (radio plays), Book 1

Series: Hitchhiker's Guide (radio plays), Book 1
Length: 3 hrs and 56 mins
Radio/TV Program
Release date: 11-14-08
Language: English
Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited
Genre: Humor, Plays, Sci FI
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
A dynamic remastering of the original BBC Radio 4 full-cast serial - Fit the First to Fit the Sixth - which spawned a phenomenal hitchhiking legend.
The original series of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, remastered by Dirk Maggs (director of the Tertiary, Quandary and Quintessential Phases) to give a full, vibrant sound, now with Philip Pope’s version of the familiar theme tune and specially re-recorded announcements by John Marsh.
Join Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, Trillian, Zaphod Beeblebrox and Marvin the Paranoid Android in their first series of adventures as they witness the destruction of Earth to make way for a hyperspace bypass, stumble upon the ancient planet of Magrathea, dine at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe, and seek an answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe And Everything.
Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore and a full supporting cast star in these BBC Radio 4 episodes.
A special 55-minute bonus programme, Douglas Adams’s Guide to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, explores the genesis of the radio series and its incredible success, with contributions from the original cast and production team.
©2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd

Review:
I had only marginally recalled how wacky this book is. Arthur Dent is lying in front of his home in order to prevent the demolition team making way for a new road. His friend, Ford Prefect, convinces Arthur to meet him at the pub because his home doesn’t matter because, according to Ford, the Earth is going to be destroyed in minutes. Ford reveals that he is actually an alien not a human. Just before the Earth is destroyed, Arthur and Ford are whisked off planet and a crazy space ride begins.

I don’t recall when I first read or watched this program. I suspect it was a good 12 or so years ago when our son was graduating high school or in college. He has always loved this work.

I totally enjoyed this version as it is a presentation of the original BBC radio broadcast which includes fun character voices and fun sound effects. This audiobook concludes with a very interesting interview which reveals the struggles involved in getting the author to complete the episodes timely.

This is a fun listen of a zany science fiction journey.

Audio Notes: Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore all do a great job with the broadcast.

Source: February 2014 Audible Purchase. This qualifies for my 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.

Sunday Post July 28, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 29, 2019

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.

Work continued even though one of the title staff was out sick all week. She came in Thursday but when she expressed she had chills I sent her home We don't need anyone else sick. This week my daughter is on vacation to visit with family.

The room may look crooked but it is actually hubby's desk chair.
The all day marathon on Wednesday (watching on computer) did it in.
We had the chair for 10 years and it was my father's before that.

Hubby seems a bit better this week. He has planned a cruise for all of us, including our children and all of the grandchildren. We hope it will be fun for everyone.
We had a short cold snap this week: Wednesday was only 86 instead of in the 90s. Heat expected again this week.

I had a nice week of reading finishing three titles: 1 audiobook, 1 ebook and 1 childrens ebook. I posted three reviews on the blog and posted my usual memes.

I visited 19 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to A Bookish Star. Maura describes herself as: "Book Blogger| Fan Girl | Traveller | I love Reading YA (Especially Paranormal, Dystopian, Fantasy and Historical)." Stop by and say "hello".
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post July 21, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 22, 2019.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Tangled Web by Gail Z. Martin; Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; My Rating 4.25 of 5.0.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Library of Ever by Zeno Alexander; Genre: Action and Adventure, Children's, Middle Grade; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 26, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/1/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Fata Morgana by Steven R. Boyett and Ken Mitchroney; Genre: Alternate History, Sci Fi, Time Travel; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #374 Comment Giveaway July 27, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/10/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 21, 2019.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Primary Phase (Dramatized)
By: Douglas Adams
Narrated by: Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore
Series: Hitchhiker's Guide (radio plays), Book 1
Length: 3 hrs and 56 mins
Yep - it's as crazy as I recalled.
Source: February 2014 Audible Purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Kingdom of Exiles
by Maxym Martineau
Loved this intense fantasy romance!
Source: 2019 NetGalley; Release date June 25, 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)
 

Birds of a Feather
by Vanita Oelschlager
I found this to be great fun.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Children are innately curious about words, especially phrases that make them laugh ("Ants in your pants!"), sound silly ("Barking up the wrong tree" or "Goosebumps") or trigger images that tickle a child's sense of the absurd ("Like a bull in a china shop"). Birds of a Feather introduces children to the magic of idioms words that separately have one meaning, but together take on something entirely different. Birds of a Feather introduces idioms with outlandish illustrations of what the words describe literally. The reader then has to guess the "real" meaning of the phrases (which is upside down in the corner of each spread). At the end of the book, the reader is invited to learn more about these figures of speech.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Curse of the Pharaohs
The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 2
By: Elizabeth Peters
Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat
Series: Amelia Peabody, Book 2
Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
This is a nice easy listen.
Source: July 2007 Audible Purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Space Dragons
by Robin Bennett
Stan can't face bullies at school but now he has to fignt space dragons to save his little sister. Fun so far.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Computer (NG2019)

The Mueller Report
The Findings of the Special Counsel Investigation
By: Robert S. Mueller III, Special Counsel's Office U.S. Department of Justice
Narrated by: Marc Vietor, Mark Boyett, Victor Bevine
Length: 19 hrs and 3 mins
I decided to read and listen to this as my nonfiction for July.
I have completed Volume One. 
Source: Free Audible June 2019. I had downloaded the pdf from justice.gov but the same pdf comes with the audiobook.

Publisher's Summary
The wait is over. After a two-year investigation, the results of The Mueller Report have been released to the public. Now listen to an audio version of one of the most talked about government documents in history. These are the redacted findings of Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team, which was tasked with investigating Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections, including exploring any links or coordination between President Donald J. Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and the Russian government.
Audible has a history of recording and distributing public documents. This includes The 9/11 Commission Report, The Starr Report, and Pope Francis' encyclical letter on climate change and inequality, Encyclical Letter Laudato Si' of the Holy Father Francis: On Care for Our Common Home.
Editorial notes: (see full description at link site).
Please note: Audible's version of The Mueller Report is free. If subsequent versions of this report are released, Audible will make every effort to provide updates.
©2019 Audible, Inc. (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

4. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Spring Skies Over Bluebell Castle:(Bluebell Castle, Book 1)
by Sarah Bennett 
I thought an easy romance would be good for summer.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
She wasn’t looking for love…
When Lucie Kennington flees the bright lights of London for the quiet Derbyshire countryside, she’s shocked to discover that the heir to the Bluebell Castle estate is far from the wizened employer she expected.
In fact, Arthur Ludworth might just be the most handsome man Lucie’s ever laid eyes on – and a terrible distraction! So when she stumbles across a legendary painting feared lost for centuries, she can’t believe her luck – perhaps this is the hidden treasure to save Arthur and his family from ruin?
But it’s only a matter of time before Lucie’s past catches up with her and by then it’s too late, she’s falling for him…

July 28, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I finished a 4 day study, Beauty Marks. I plan to pick out a new study tonight. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed three books and posted three reviews. I am up to date with the three reviews to post this week.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is at 12 unread. I am reading the last title released in April. I have one older then will start June titles. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13.)]
I still have four author ebook titles in queue. I didn't read one in July so I have to pull one or two in August.
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 received another new review title this week through NetGalley.
I picked up seven audiobooks - one from Chirp, two for One Credit at Audiobooks.com; two Audible Daily Deals, one free at Audible Originals and one free at VIP Audiobooks.com.
I downloaded week 14 titles from SYNC - the last for this summer.
I selected 21 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

I received another title from NetGalley:
Strands of Truth
by Colleen Coble
This looks like a good Christian Romantic Suspense.
“Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel.”

Won

NONE

Purchased

7/22/2019 Audiobooks.com 2 for 1 Credit

Howl's Moving Castle
By Diana Wynne Jones
Duration: 8 h 37 min
(One of my son's favorites.)



Wish
By Barbara O'Connor
Duration: 4 h 41 min




7/22/19 Audible Daily Deal $3.95
METAtropolis
By: Jay Lake, Tobias Buckell, Elizabeth Bear, John Scalzi, Karl Schroeder
Narrated by: Michael Hogan, Scott Brick, Kandyse McClure, Alessandro Juliani, Stefan Rudnicki, John Scalzi
Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 10-20-08

7/24/2019 Audible Daily Deal $4.95
The Singularity Trap
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 11 hrs and 23 mins
This has been on my wish list for a while.)


7/28/2019 Chirp Deal $.99.
Dead Rising
The Templar, Volume 1
By: Debra Dunbar
Narrated by: Elizabeth Phillips
Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins
(Hard to resist an audiobook for $.99.

Free

7/28/19 Free Audible Original #2 for July.
A Grown-Up Guide to Dinosaurs
An Audible Original
By: Ben Garrod
Narrated by: Ben Garrod
Length: 2 hrs and 42 mins
Release date: 07-04-19

7/28/19 Audiobooks.com Free VIP pick for July.
The Cold Dish
By Craig Johnson
Duration: 13 h 20 min
This is the first in the Longmire series.



SYNC Audio 2019 The last week.
Week 14: July 25 – August 1
AKATA WITCH by Nnedi Okorafor, narrated by Yetide Badaki (Tantor Audio)
ALL THE CROOKED SAINTS by Maggie Stiefvater, narrated by Thom Rivera (Scholastic Audiobooks)


I added 21 free titles this week 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.

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 28, 2019

This morning in Sunday School we watched a Discover Ministries Video of Pastor Steve Cioccolanti issuing warnings to California believers. I have enjoyed listening to many of Pastor Steve’s video teachings and prophesies.

Our Youth Pastor continued the teachings from Hebrews 11:32-40. He reminded us that Hebrews 11 is often known as the Hall of Faith. Pastor J told us that “what you are facing in your life is not to destroy you but to make you stronger”. Difficult situations are usually to provide lessons and growth.
All of the old testament characters mentioned in this section have two things in common:
1. They had to make a decision to trust God.
2. They had to make a decision to grow.

God has something new for you every morning. God wants to do more than we can imagine.
He wants us to have a fresh anointing.
We need to be aware that ‘what you started with will not be enough to finish.’
God wants you to step it up. You need to be seeking God. What is He doing this season?

We have to realize we often have unrealistic expectations. We are expecting the fullness of God but only giving half of ourselves. You need to give all of yourself, then see what God can do!

We are comfortable with the knowledge of faith but we're uncomfortable with the action of faith.

Move beyond the repeat of coming to church on Sunday and going home with no change during the week; then returning next Sunday. .
Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to give up meeting together,… but encouraging one another.
We need to be serving others.

The ultimate goal of faith is to make heaven our home. But we are here for a reason. We need wins in this life; Spiritual victories.

The reward of our faith is not just entering into the kingdom of Heaven, it's building it.

Our faith is a journey, not a stationary place.
We are blessed with freedom.
Those of faith who struggled through hardships became strong in battle. Hebrews 11:34.
The battle provides an opportunity to grow.
Pray: God help me to see what you see; see the opportunity.
Remember that God works all things for good to those who love Him. Romans 8:28. And "If God is for us, who can stand against us?" Romans 8:31.
Will you choose to grow?

I like this song for this message:

Hebrews 11:32-34 (NIV)
32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.

My prayer today: God help me to see what you see; see the opportunity!

Sharing Beyond Books #374 Comment Giveaway July 27, 2019

Hello again and Welcome back to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Three commenters love HGTV, Five or us enjoy their shows and three more watch sometimes. Three have never seen HGTV (no TV or little watching) although one watches a property location show. Two others don't watch HGTV.

The Winner from SBB #373 comments is: #2 MARYP 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. -- [12/15/18 I am pulling out some new Christmas and Love titles to add to the Win box choices. I had to move the books due to the water threat in office. I will dig them out again soon.]

**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 #374

(One Question.)

Life's Simple Pleasures asks: If you had to exchange a book as part of a first date, what book would you pick and why??

What a good question! I had to think about it and it will be interesting to see other answers. I looked at my reading lists for ideas. I narrowed it down to The Anatomy of Peace by The Arbinger Institute which is nonfiction and important for relational issues. Maybe for a second date I'd go with fiction: Lightning by Dean Koontz.

Image found at Smore.com.

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 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards 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.
Comments for July were provided by: Marjorie and Life's Simple Pleasures who each get $2.50 credit.

Your turn to share. Life's Simple Pleasures asks: If you had to exchange a book as part of a first date, what book would you pick and why??

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 August 10, 2019 at 5 PM central.