Audible Book Review: Koban: Rise of the Kobani by Stephen W. Bennett

I am still enjoying this creative sci-fi series.

Koban: Rise of the Kobani
Koban, Volume 3
By: Stephen W. Bennett
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Series: Koban, Book 3
Length: 28 hrs and 14 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-12-14
Language: English
Publisher: Stephen W. Bennett
Genre: Aliens, Colonization, Military Space Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The Kobani use captured Krall ships to return to Human Space. They seek expert training for their genetically modified fighters, modern weapons and new medical technology. There's a possible block to this help in the form of death penalty laws of the Planetary Union, prohibiting gene modifications of humans. A holdover from the Gene War, which nearly extinguished humanity. A perilous descent through a war-torn planet's space defenses is a first step. A Krall ship and its heavily armed crew have to be destroyed on the ground, while a watching hostile Special Ops force decides if the Kobani should be trusted, or killed as Krall collaborators. Fighting their way between a rock and a hard place, they prove they are a match for the Krall. Exploration at home reveals startling alien neighbors, and a habitable world next door. A remarkable genetic discovery there will forever alter the Kobani. Winning allies, Captain Mirikami forges a bold and dangerous plan, to strike deep into the heart of Krall territory. A place the enemy is confident that puny "animals" can't reach, let alone attack. Simultaneous Kobani raids damage Krall war manufacturing, buying time for humanity. However, the Krall have a deadly ancient weapon that none expected. Retaliatory escalation of the war has been triggered, and if it doesn't go as the Krall plan, entire planets and their populations could be shattered. Read Book 1 (Koban), and Book 2 (Koban: The Mark of Koban). Book 4 (Koban: Shattered Worlds) is coming soon.
©2013 Stephen W Bennett (P)2014 Stephen W Bennett.

Review:
Merikami has led the genetically enhanced Kobani to capture three enemy Krall ships. Human troops have never been able to do this. The Kobani want to offer help and genetic secrets to humans but the reigning government has banned all genetic modifications, punishable by death. Merikami takes the Krall ships to sneak into Human Space hoping to convince the Special Ops forces to accept the help they can offer as the only chance against the stronger and more ruthless Krall.

The young Kobani are sent out to scout a Krall ship which lands near the Kobani hidden landing. They discover a filed of unattended Krall equipment and tanks. As they begin to take control of the units, the Krall return putting the young, scarcely trained Kobani in an unexpected face-off with the heavily armed enemy. Meanwhile a local Spec Ops team is watching and suspecting that the humans have inexplicably joined with the enemy.

The first thing Merikami and his men need to do is to convince the Spec Ops and the local human commander that they are not consorting with the enemy. Then they have to persuade the human troops to accept the genetic help. The program has to remain secret but there are many men who want to accept the modifications so they can be more effective in the fight against the Krall.

Merikami’s plan is to develop large enough squadrons of trained, enhanced men and women to begin to take the battle to the Kralls. The plan is to target the resource planets to remove the ships and armaments in order to slow down the massive Krall army. As the Kobanis are pulling together the additional troops, other Kobanis are reaching out to newly discovered alien species to work together as allies against the common enemy.

I was quickly pulled into the current status and goals of the Kobani. There is good action and some interesting character developments. I’m not sure I totally agree with all of the genetic modifications. There is some minor swearing and sexual innuendo. I loved the creative alien species who have distinct physical appearances and diverse mindsets.

This third book picks up 20 years after the prior book ends and doesn’t really fill in much of the background. I recommend reading this series in order to get the background history of the Kobani characters. I recommend this to sci-fi readers who enjoy strong military space adventures.

Audio Notes: Eric Michael Summerer does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. He provides distinct and fitting voices to the humans and aliens. I really enjoy listening to this series and will be picking up book 4 soon.

Source 2019 January Audible Credit Picks. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020 Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

Reviews for Books 1 and 2.

Sunday Post March 8, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 9, 2020

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.

We had another busy work week. Two staff members are trying to get fully healthy. I just keep plugging away at my probates and dozen litigation cases.
Just a note on my eyes-- I have worn the daily wear lenses for a month and I think they have helped. There is still dryness at the end of the day but no longer itiching or excessive mucous.

I don't do well with all of my plants but thankfully

I seem to manage okay with the orchids!

We had more rain this week and although there were some cooler days, we are expecting high 50s to low 80s this coming week.

I enjoyed a good week of reading and listening. I finished three audiobooks and one ebook. I posted two reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to The Intrepid Arkansawer. Jinjer is on a long visit to Arkansas helping her mother. She says: "What you’ll find on this blog will mostly be daily-drivel with occasional book & movie reviews, along with pictures of food, and the neighbor’s cat, Marilyn!"
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post March 1, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 2, 2020.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Evil Eye by Madhuri Shekar; Genre: Drama & Poetry, Modern Drama; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Woman in the Veil by Laura Joh Rowland; Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Historical Mystery, Mystery; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 6, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/12/2020.

• MBS February 2020 Reading List Wrap Up.

• Sharing Beyond Books #390 Comment Giveaway March 7, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/21/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 8, 2020.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Koban: Rise of the Kobani
Koban, Volume 3
By: Stephen W. Bennett
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer
Length: 28 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 10-12-14
I do enjoy the creativity and action of this series.
Source 2019 January Audible Credit Picks.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Archangel One
Archangel One, Book 1
By: Evan Currie
Narrated by: Stephen Dexter
Series: Archangel One, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins
This is another good military space sci-fi.
I am glad I have book two in NetGalley for this week.
Source: 2/29/2020 Audible with Unlimited selection.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

I've Never Been This Old Before
(Released February 4, 2020
by Stan Toler
This is fun and Christian which was a bonus surprise.
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Identity Theft
Written by Alana Terry
Narrated by Becky Doughty
This is a quick listen with good suspense
and nice faith elements.
Source: 9/10/19 Chirp Audio Deal Purchase for $1.99.
After losing her fiancé in a devastating accident, Lacy tries her best to move on in her small Alaska town. Rugged state trooper Kurtis and his four-year-old daughter help mend her heart — but can their new life together last when Lacy’s past comes back to haunt her? A riveting work of Christian suspense.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio/MP3 (ATBR)

Olivia Twist
by Lorie Langdon
Read by Pearl Hewitt
Young Adult • 9.5 hrs. •
I am three hours in and finding this entertaining although stronger on romance than the branding may suggest.
I bought the print book for Ladies Book Club. We are reading for discussion this month.
Source: June 23 SYNC Audio 2019.
British narrator Pearl Hewitt introduces listeners to the mysterious Olivia Brownlow, a London-born debutante whose high-society friends are unaware of her untraditional upbringing. Hewitt characterizes Olivia with graceful and elegant tones as she mixes with elite crowds. When Olivia ventures into the dark London nights as Ollie, a kindhearted boy who looks after a group of homeless orphans, Hewitt arms her with a rougher British accent and a wise voice. When Jack MacCarron, another character leading a double life, is introduced, Hewitt seamlessly switches between the man's false Irish accent and his true English tone. Though switching between two main characters, who both have dual identities, poses quite the challenge, Hewitt accomplishes it with a smoothness that is found in only a select few narrators, flawlessly pulling off the performance. V.T. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2019]

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Archangel Rising
(released January 14, 2020)
by Evan Currie
I enjoyed book one and I'm looking forward
to reading book 2.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Archangel Squadron faces off against the forces of the brutal Protectorate to claim a prize, and save humanity, in a gripping novel of deep space jeopardy by the author of the Odyssey One series.
At the helm of a commandeered freighter, Captain Steph Michaels has infiltrated the Free Star systems. Leading a captive crew, and posing as a privateer, he’s on a mission to seize a precious resource from an enemy outpost. Backed by his Archangel Squadron, it’s a smash-and-grab operation he can pull off in his sleep. Until it isn’t.
Before he and his “pirates” can strike, they’re met with an unexpected obstacle. The mining compound they’re targeting also houses camps of slave laboring families. It’s an innocent population Steph refuses to sacrifice as collateral damage, and his morality will drive him to greater extremes than ever before. With a ruthless enemy commander facing them down, Steph will find himself in conflict with not just the Free Stars but potentially with the Empire itself.
The odds of victory? Impossible to foretell.

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Rise of the Locusts: A Post-Apocalyptic Techno-Thriller (Cyber Armageddon, Book 1)
By: Mark Goodwin
Narrated by: Stacey Glemboski
Series: Cyber Armageddon, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins
I have jumped right into this story.
Source: October 2019 2 for 1 Credit Audible Sale.
Publisher's Summary
Cyber Armageddon has come. America will not survive!
Cyber-security analyst Kate McCarthy knows something ominous is about to happen in the US banking system. She has a place to go if things get hectic, but it’s far from the perfect retreat.
When a new breed of computer virus takes down America’s financial network, chaos and violence erupt. Access to cash disappears and credit cards become worthless. Desperate consumers are left with no means to purchase food, fuel, and basic necessities. Society melts down instantly and the threat of starvation brings out the absolute worst humanity has to offer.
In the midst of the mayhem, Kate will face a post-apocalyptic nightmare that she never could have imagined. Her only reward for survival is to live another day in the gruesome new reality which has eradicated the world she once knew.
As with all works by Mark Goodwin, this book contains no profanity and no embarrassing sex scenes. However, if you're offended by conservative principles and references to Scripture, this book might not be for you.
©2018 Mark Goodwin (P)2018 Mark Goodwin

I'm keeping track of my Alphabet here as I finish the books. The cross-outs aren't easy to see, so I made the completed letters blue.
NETGALLEY: A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z
AUDIO:            A  B  C  D  E  F G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z

March 8, 2020 - I am again enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I considered changing but this is the reading group that is closest to my husband's reading so we can sometimes discuss the same passages.
I am one week into the 41 day Lent study: Lent: With One Voice.

I completed four books and posted two reviews which continues to keep me up to date.
My NetGalley shelf continues at 16, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I have one carry over author ebook, one new audio author title, and two new author ebooks.
Still many titles 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 two new review titles again, one author and one NetGalley.
I stumbled onto a two for one credit at Audible and used one credit. Still thinking about the second credit.
I keep my eye on Chirp titles and am eyeing Audiobooks.com their 2 for 1 deals. 
I got one free audio at ChristianAudio.
I picked up one Kindle title by an author I like.
I added 11 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

Author Review Request:

The Lane Betrayal (Time Box Book 1)
by John A. Heldt
"Filled with romance, suspense, and history, THE LANE BETRAYAL follows a modern American family as it tries to find security and contentment in the final weeks of the Civil War."


NetGalley Title:
The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water
by Zen Cho
Releasing June 23, 2020.
"a found family wuxia fantasy that combines the vibrancy of old school martial arts movies with characters drawn from the margins of history."

Won

NONE

Purchased

3/4/2020 Audible Daily Deal $4.95.
A Lone Wolf
By: J. C. Fields
Narrated by: Paul J. McSorley
Length: 9 hrs
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-30-19

3/8/2020 Two For One Credit Sale at Audible
Galaxy's Edge
By: Jason Anspach, Nick Cole
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 17 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 02-20-18
I had this in my cart when I saw "2 for 1 Sale" -- YES!

Black Ops
Expeditionary Force, Book 4
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R. C. Bray
Length: 16 hrs and 44 mins
Release date: 09-26-17
I'm about to listen to Book 3 so I am glad to have this one ready on the shelf!

Kindle Purchase for $.79.
Traces of Guilt (An Evie Blackwell Cold Case)
Dee Henderson

Free

3/6/2020 March Free Download at ChristianAudio.com
Life Together
Author Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Narrator Paul Michael
Runtime 3.5 Hrs - Unabridged
Publisher christianaudio


I added 11 free Kindle titles 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 March 8, 2020

Our Sunday School teacher continued his message series regarding God’s restoration as described in Revelation 11:15. We enjoyed praise and worship before our pastor started a new sermon series titled “Resolute Road”.

Do you have any roads that you think of with nostalgia? Sometimes there are good or bad memories with certain roads. The Roman’s system of roads allowed them to move troops among other things. Saul/Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus – it was a life-changing encounter.

We are dreadfully sinful, but God resolutely loves us. Rome was a place of sin, and the citizens were not seeking God, but still, God moves to save the people.
God says to people who will listen: ‘Do you trust me?’
Paul sends this letter to introduce himself but more importantly to introduce Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel. Paul is writing to those who are called to be God’s own holy people – both Jewish and Gentiles. Romans 1:1-7.

The Gospel is Paul's top priority. He is eager to come to teach the good news. Romans 1:13-15.

The Point: We have a critical responsibility to the Gospel, and that is to produce fruit.

Fruit of evangelism means multiplication of the church; the advancement of the Gospel.
The Good News is here to reach all people. We are still impacted by the Gospel today!
We need to be changed by the Gospel. Some of us need a new, fresh revelation of who Jesus is, what He has done for us, and what He offers each person.
Paul shares the message that we are loved by God who gives us salvation through Christ Jesus and ultimately restoration to eternity.

I think this song fits today’s message. So Loved!

Verses for Today:
Romans 1:1-7 (NIV)
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.


I thank You, heavenly Father, that you loved us enough to send your Son to call us into Your family and to give us hope for restoration and eternity!

Sharing Beyond Books #390 Comment Giveaway March 7, 2020

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

At least 10 of us like historical romances although the time periods range from Medieval, Scottish Highlander, Regency, Victorian, Western, 1900 and WWII. Four of us like sci-fi and fantasy including space, post-apocalyptic and parallel universe.

The Winner from SBB #389 comments is #2 LINDA 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. -- [11/16/19 I plan to add some review books this week and maybe some new Christmas and Love titles as soon as I locate the box I put them in.  10/5/19 I have pulled some new books and will be adding them to the list in the next week or so.

**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 #390

(One Question.)

Fredamans asks: What is your favorite book to movie adaption??

We had a similar question in 2011 but I don't even recall my own answer then. :-)
The movie that comes to mind first is Lord of the Rings. Another one that comes to mind is Ender's Game which I had read years back. The movie helped me recall the book and make better sense of it.
Another favorite book to movie adaptation is To Kill a Mockingbird.
More recently I like the Harry Potter series and the Hunger Games adaptations.
I can think of more but I'll let you name some!

Image found at Classic FM.

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 them.


Your turn to share. Fredamans asks: What is your favorite book to movie adaption??

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, March 21, 2020, at 5 PM central.

MBS February 2020 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2020 Reading List - FEBRUARY

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2020
Favorites for the month:
5 Stars = The Gift of Gerbert's Feathers
4.75 Stars = The Paradigm,
4.5 Stars = Winter Takes All, Hometown Cowboy, and Accidental Acivist

1. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Final Day by William R. Forstchen; Genre: Political Thriller, Post-Apocalyptic, Thriller, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0.
2. NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: A Tangle of Brungles by Shobha Viswanath; Genre: Educational, Illustrated, Middle Grade, Picture Book; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
3. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Black Crow, White Snow by Michael Livingston; Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 4.25.
4. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Winter Takes All by ML Erdahl; Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Humorous, Mystery; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
5. A2020, LBC- Audible Book Review: The Paradigm by Jonathan Cahn; Genre: Christian Prophesy; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 4.75.
6. ATBR- Audio Book Review: Hometown Cowboy, Rocky Mountain Riders, Book 1 by Sara Richardson; Genre: Romance, Small Town Romance; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
7. NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: The Gift of Gerbert's Feathers by Meaghann Weaver, Lori Wiener; Genre: Children, Death and Dying, Illness; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0.
8. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Reimagining Mr. Right by Wynter Daniels; Genre: Paranormal Romance, Romantic Comedy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
9. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Unleashed, Andy Carpenter, Book 11, by David Rosenfelt; Genre: Legal Procedures, Mystery, Traditional Detective; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
10. AuthorTBR- Book Review: Accidental Activist: Justice for the Groveland Four by Josh Venkataraman and Barbara Venkataraman; Genre: Civics, Non-Fiction, Social Activist Biographies; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
11. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse; Genre: Dystopian, Fantasy, Native American; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
12. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Jukebox Joyride by Jacob Stein, Jason Rabinowitz, The Pop Ups; Genre: Children, Kids, Ages 8-10; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
13. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Evil Eye by Madhuri Shekar; Genre: Drama & Poetry, Modern Drama; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
14. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Woman in the Veil by Laura Joh Rowland; Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Historical Mystery, Mystery; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

Total read = 14; TBR = 11; New to Me Authors = 11
Audio/Audible = 8 (7 TBRs)
eBook = 1 (1 TBRs)
NetGalley = 5 (3 TBRs)
Review books (other than NG) = 1
Print = 0

Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month):
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 27
TBR to Date: 23 of 100 total
TBR ebooks: 2 of 24
Audio to Date: 16 of 75
NetGalley to Date: 9 of 40
Author Reviews: 2 of 12
Nonfiction: 2 of 12

• New to me Series: 10 (5 to continue, 5 maybe)
• Continuing for me Series: 2
• Finished for me Series: 1
• Seasonal title: Winter 1
• Alphabet letters covered: 10 Jan; 7 Feb;