Book Review: Justice in an Age of Metal and Men by Anthony W. Eichenlaub

I enjoyed reading the first book in this futuristic western lawman series.

Justice in an Age of Metal and Men
(Metal and Men #1)
by Anthony W. Eichenlaub

File Size: 2139 KB
Print Length: 212 pages
Publisher: Oak Leaf Cemetery (March 4, 2014)
ASIN: B00ISKWNC2
Genre: Cyberpunk, Sci-Fi, Western
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

Does victory mean justice, or is J.D. staring down the barrel at revenge? There was a time that might have been a simple question, but not anymore.
Nothing's easy in the small town of Dead Oak, Texas where the outlaws scour the skies on flying motorcycles, tech warps the minds of witnesses, and a person can't even trust the metal parts of his own body.
But a rancher's been murdered, and J.D. is determined to find the killer. Whether that's revenge or justice, well, probably best to let the bullets decide.

Review:
Jasper Davis Crow, known as J.D., is an old-time sheriff – sort of. He does have a modified metal arm but he doesn’t have all of the high tech that many of the younger officers have. Most who have the ability, take advantage of the body enhancing nanos and tech. J.D. likes his small-town job where crime is mostly manageable even with tough country outlaws. He is faced with a dead rancher that appears to be death by stampede. But his new deputy, Contrisha (Trisha), a highly teched young woman, convinces J.D. to investigate further. After walking the scene more carefully J.D. agrees that there is a murder to solve.

Soon he and Trisha are interrogating corrupt businessmen and outlaws on flying motorcycles. They will be dodging bullets and J.D. will be branded an outlaw himself before he can solve the case. Behind the scenes is a strange child, the son of the murdered rancher. J.D. tries to shield the young boy but he goes through a good deal of trauma which causes consequences for the future.

The story is set in a west where dust storms have destroyed communities as we know them. There are plenty of brawls and chases to keep the story moving along at a fast pace. I listened to part of the book on my Kindle and found that I had to stop and re-read a bit to keep track. I like the well-developed character of J.D. who leans to the past even as the times race forward. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading book 3, Honor, which I have through NetGalley.

Source: 2019 Kindle Purchase. This qualifies for 2020TBR goal.

Sunday Post June 28, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 29, 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.

It is hard to realize it is the end of June already. How did that happen?
I have been churning out work trying to have things done before I travel up north.
Our daughter-in-law's surgery went well. Sounds scary though. They did get clear margins and were able to work around the nerves in her tongue and shoulder. However, they had to cut a piece of nerve from her leg to replace one they cut in the side of her face. The doctors say it will be a very long recovery time. We are still planning to arrive about the time she will be coming home this week.

No photo today. I wish I had taken a picture mid-day. I went to the mailbox to get the mail. Ususally the dogs love to jog out to the edge of the road with me. Today they sat by the car and watched me. I guess it was too hot for them.

We had several days in the mid 90s this week and it was 95 today. I am hoping the weather won't be too hot for our drive and that all will be safe. This is one of the first times I have felt some fear traveling across our own country. 

I finished 4 books again this week: three audiobooks and one ebook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 20 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to BookerTalk. BookerTalk is self-described as: "It’s a melting pot of reviews, discussions and interviews. A space where as avid readers we can indulge in our favourite topic."

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post June 21, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 22, 2020.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin; Genre: Teen; Sci-Fi & Fantasy; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: The Finders (Mace Reid K-9 Mystery Book 1) by Jeffrey B. Burton Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Canine, Mystery; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 26, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/2/2020.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Radiance, Wraith Kings, Volume 1, by Grace Draven; Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #398 Comment Giveaway June 27, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/11/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 28, 2020.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Seven
Written By: Paula Cizmar, Catherine Filloux, Gail Kriegel, Carol K. Mack, Ruth Margraff, Susan Yankowitz
Narrated By: Anna Deavere Smith, Alex Kingston, Shannon Holt, Sarah Shahi, Annet Mahendru, Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris, Emily Kuroda, Jossara Jinaro
Publisher: LA Theatre Works
Duration: 2 hours 11 minutes
I appreciated this for increasing my awareness of the struggles of other wormen. This book tells the struggles of women from seven countries who sometimes didn't even know that freedom and education were available to women.
Source: 7/5/2018 One of Eight titles won from Audiobooks.com through Beth Fish Reads
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Plan Z: How to Survive the 2009 Financial Crisis (and even live a little better)
by Robert Pagliarini
This has some good recommendations.
Source: Free 2009 Audible.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Vanguard
The Genesis Fleet, Book 1
By: Jack Campbell
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
I really enjoyed this colonization sci-fi.
Source: 12/6/2019 Audible Free Titles for Settlement.
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Jumpgate
by Robert Stadnik
I enjoyed this space exploration adventure too.
(I made the mistake of having two space sci-fis going at the same time as that does call confusion.)
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Orion Colony
An Intergalactic Space Opera Adventure
By: J.N. Chaney, Jonathan Yanez
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: Orion Colony, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins
I was ready for another space sci-fi story and this is being a fast listen.
Maybe I'm always ready for space stories.
Source: 11/2/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95.
Publisher's Summary
Humanity's Exodus is about to begin.
When half of mankind revolts and demands more opportunity, those at the top decide on a compromise: They will build the first colony ships and allow the rest to discover new worlds and start over.
Twelve ships are built. The first is called the Orion.
Many are eager to go, but only 100,000 are chosen for each vessel. Far from Earth, a new life awaits, and it promises the prosperity they've always wanted.
But still, resistance stirs.
There are those who are eager to sabotage this new expansion effort, threatening the promise of a new life. As Orion moves through the void of space, towards a distant world, its passengers must fight for survival in an unprecedented conflict.
Win or lose, their future will be forever changed.
Experience a sprawling galactic tale in this first entry to The Orion Colony series. If you're a fan of Firefly, Battlestar Galactica, or Indiana Jones, you'll love this epic, space opera adventure.
©2018 Variant Publications (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)

The Crushing Depths (Coastal Guardians Book #2)
by Dani Pettrey
I like this author for romantic suspense with faith elements. This has started with good suspense.
Source: 2020 NetGalley book for July Partners in Crime Tour: My posting date 7/8.
When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.
Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.
Just as the case seems like it'll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they're cut off from any rescue--and right where the killer wants them. It's a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.

I know I will pick up more audios this week but I haven't decided what yet. Maybe a couple of shorts to finish out June.
When I get with the grandkids I expect to be reading/listening to children's books.

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

June 28, 2020 - I need to do better to keep up daily. I keep going two days behind and then catching up. I need to be in the word every day. 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 now doing a six-day study: Ordinary Moments: Small Prayers That Can Change The World.

I completed four books and posted three reviews, putting me one behind.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 5, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I'm resisting adding any more NetGalley titles until I get some of my review titles done. I still have one carry over author ebook and two new author ebooks. I expect to pull one of these soon. I have one audiobook from an author and now I have 1 other new audiobook left of four. I need to get caught up on these books.
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.
No review books again this week.
I still have to check the email requests I have been receiving. {Sigh.}
I picked out my VIP free title at Audiobooks.com. 
I chose one June Credit at Audible and bought one book at Chirp. Then I picked up 5 free Audibles and 2 at SYNC.
I only added 1 free Kindle titles this week. I haven't taken time to view the free offerings due to work and trading studies at night.
(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

6/28/2020 One June Credit at Audible
From Here to Equality
Reparations for Black Americans in the Twenty-First Century
By: William A. Darity Jr., A. Kirsten Mullen
Narrated by: JD Jackson
Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins
Release date: 04-20-20
I've been looking for resources that offer background and solutions. This one seemed like it would suit those requirements.

6/28/2020 Chirp purchase $4.99
The Relic of Perilous Falls
Will Wilder
Written by Raymond Arroyo
Read by Raymond Arroyo
Run Time 7h 54min

Free

I borrowed the two Audiobook SYNC files from Week 9.
June 25 – July 1
THE SILENCE BETWEEN US by Alison Gervais, narrated by Chloe Dolandis (Blink)
MEXICAN WHITEBOY by Matt de la Pena, narrated by Henry Leyva (Brilliance Audio)

6/28/2020 June VIP Choice from Audiobooks.com
The Crown Tower
Written By: Michael J. Sullivan
Narrated By: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: August 2013
Duration: 12 hours 51 minutes
I like this author, these characters and the adventures they have.

6/28/2020 Free title at Audible.
Beginning with Gratitude
By: The Big Quiet
Narrated by: Jesse Israel
Length: 6 mins
Release date: 06-22-20

Free for June Audio month at Audible:
In Search of Black History with Bonnie Greer
By: Bonnie Greer
Length: 5 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 12-19-19

Once More upon a Time
A Novella
By: Roshani Chokshi
Narrated by: Rebecca Gibel, Shiromi Arserio, Vikas Adam
Length: 3 hrs and 26 mins
Release date: 06-04-20

Nut Jobs: Cracking California's Strangest $10 Million Dollar Heist
An Audible Original
By: Marc Fennell
Narrated by: Marc Fennell
Length: 3 hrs and 59 mins
Release date: 06-01-20

Beyond Strange Lands
An Audible Original
By: David Peterson, Simon Taylor
Narrated by: Amy Ingram, Michael Fryer, Lisa Hickey, Kevin Spink, Liam James, Sacha Horler, Peter Phelps, Anna McGahan, Richard Davies
Length: 5 hrs and 31 mins
Release date: 06-04-20

June First Reads through Amazon Prime (there were several good ones so it was a hard choice).
Find Me (Inland Empire Book 1)
by Anne Frasier




One free kindle this week:
Promotions & Poisons: A Presley Thurman Cozy Mystery Prequel
Laina Turner
I picked up only 1 free Kindle title this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 28, 2020

We shared in praise and worship through our online service again this morning. Pastor’s message this morning focused on the graduates in the Class of 2020 and the question What Next?

This year’s graduates have come through two major interruptions in their high school experience: Hurricane Michael in 2018 and this spring the Coronavirus.
Graduation is one of the important milestones of live. It is also a stage when we look to ‘What comes next?”

This may be one of the times that we cry out “Jesus take the wheel”. Really, we should be letting him always control the wheel.
Proverbs 3:1-26 gives good wisdom for graduates and all of us on how to live. We are reminded to remember what we have been taught. And more importantly, seek His will in all you do.
Seeking His will is the struggle we all have throughout our lives.

This is a good time to ask: Do I believe God designed a life for me? Does He have a perfect plan for me?
Trust God, not you. Seek God's will.
The Psalms tell the ebb and flow of David’s life. Psalms 1 opens with more wisdom for graduates and all of us.

The Church is here to partner the graduate (and the congregant).
Keep growing
Grow in love of God
Grow in word.
Grow in fruit of Spirit.
Grow in generosity.
Grow in wisdom.

I found this song for today's message:
Spirit Lead Me!

Verses for Today:
Proverbs 3:1-6 (NIV)
Wisdom Bestows Well-Being
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

I should pray this prayer every day: Lord, thank you that You are always with me. Help me to seek Your will each day, in all things. Lead me please!

Sharing Beyond Books #398 Comment Giveaway June 27, 2020

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.
Thanks to everyone who commented last week. I hope all are getting to enjoy some summer (or winter) sun.

Four of us remember reading Nancy Drew books, 3 named the Hardy Boys and 2 named Enid Blyton. One mention each went to Trixie Brendon, Harry Potter, Dark Hunters (Kenyon), la Comtesse de Segur, Mallory Towers, Dick and Jane, and the Little House series. Fredamans mentioned the Little Golden Books which reminded me that I read those too and shared them with my children.

The Winner from SBB #397 comments is #13 Rubynreba 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 #398

(One Question.)

This is an older question from Alina: What book/author did you think you'll never like, but people pressured you to try and then you loved it/him/her??

I had a hard time thinking if I had an answer for this question. (I can name some titles/authors I have tried but didn't like and I can name popular authors I haven't tried and probably never will. We'll save those for another SBB.) After review of my Reading Lists and Wrap Ups I would say that these are authors/series I wasn't sure if I would like but I ended up loving:
Taylor Anderson, The Destroyermen Series
Dennis E. Taylor, Bobiverse Series
Gary Paulson, The Quilt
Larry Correria, Monster Hunter Series

And then there is the genre I didn't know I would like but found I love it: Military Sci Fi.

Image found at David Leadbeater Blog.

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.
Comments for June were provided by MARJORIE and ALINA who each get $2.50 credit.

Your turn to share. Alina: What book/author did you think you'll never like, but people pressured you to try and then you loved it/him/her??

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 11, 2020, at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Radiance, Wraith Kings, Volume 1, by Grace Draven

This is a lovely romance.
Radiance
Wraith Kings, Volume 1
By: Grace Draven
Narrated by: Gabrielle Baker

Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-10-15
Language: English
Publisher: Grace Draven
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The prince of no value
Brishen Khaskem, prince of the Kai, has lived content as the nonessential spare heir to a throne secured many times over. A trade and political alliance between the human kingdom of Gaur and the Kai kingdom of Bast-Haradis requires that he marry a Gauri woman to seal the treaty. Always a dutiful son, Brishen agrees to the marriage and discovers his bride is as ugly as he expected and more beautiful than he could have imagined.
The noblewoman of no importance
Ildiko, niece of the Gauri king, has always known her only worth to the royal family lay in a strategic marriage. Resigned to her fate, she is horrified to learn that her intended groom isn't just a foreign aristocrat but the younger prince of a people neither familiar nor human. Bound to her new husband, Ildiko will leave behind all she's known to embrace a man shrouded in darkness but with a soul forged by light.
Two people brought together by the trappings of duty and politics will discover they are destined for each other, even as the powers of a hostile kingdom scheme to tear them apart.
©2014 Denise Shaw (P)2015 Denise Shaw

Review:
Brishen is a ‘spare’ prince, a second son of the Kai. The Kai is a race of people with dark skin, long talon fingers, fang teeth and light-sensitive eyes. They are active at night, sleeping during the day. Brishen’s elder brother is married with several sons so it isn’t likely that Brishen will take over the throne. Still, the kingdom is plagued with raiding enemies and needs to make a treaty to secure favorable trade routes. That means marrying a Gauri noblewoman, no matter how ugly she may be.

Ildiko is a niece of the Gauri king, who has no value other than her royal blood. Ildiko is pale with bright red hair and bright eyes. Her own race finds her beautiful, but the Gauri are unattractive to the Kai. That won’t stop Ildiko from doing her best to serve as a dutiful wife when she marries a Kai prince as part of a treaty.

Ildiko and Brishen meet before the wedding without knowing who the other is. They are honest with their insults and find humor in their exchange. This allows them to become friends rather than complete strangers at the wedding. Brishen and his entourage suffer through the Gauri dinner. When they set out to travel back to the Kai kingdom they are soon attacked by one of the Kai rivals. Ildiko learns that the Kai people have a legacy of magical abilities as well as fierce battle skills.

Ildiko learns more about Brishen and his family when they arrive home and she meets his rather heartless and evil parents. Ildiko refuses to be cowed, standing up to the Queen. This generates anger from the Queen but respect from others. Ildiko has to suffer through some strange food dishes too. But now Ildiko has to worry about threats from the Queen as well as enemies of the Kai.

The friendship between Brishen and Ildiko grows as they spend more time together. They visit a human neighbor and Brishen begins to see Ildiko through another’s eyes. Then they are ambushed and almost lose each other. Will this serve as an opportunity to further their commitment?

I was quickly pulled in by the characters and how they overcame their differences. The lead characters are unique and I totally enjoyed the warmth of their friendship as it grew into love. The traumas and danger within Brishen’s family and the raiding neighbor tribes add to the interest of the story. I will look to read more books by this author. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a warm, fantasy romance.

Audio Notes: Gabrielle Baker did a lovely job with the narration. She provided distinct voices with fitting emotions. I am glad that I got to enjoy the audio.

Source: 11/25/18 $4.95 on Sale at Audible. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.