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Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Audible Book Review: The Kasari Nexus: Rho Agenda Assimilation, Book 1 by: Richard Phillips

This is full of interesting alien and human challenges. It is first in a spin off series, not the first with the characters.
The Kasari Nexus: Rho Agenda Assimilation, Book 1
by: Richard Phillips
Narrated by: Alexander Cendese

The Kasari Nexus audiobook cover art

Series: Rho Agenda Assimilation, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Alien, First Contact, Sci Fi, Technothriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.


Publisher's Summary
Jennifer Smythe escapes Earth's invasion by the insidious Kasari race, hijacks an alien starship, and survives the deadly passage through a wormhole. But escape is short-lived....
When Jennifer emerges on the new world of Scion, she is confronted by the same deadly enemy. Now the Kasari have sided with the planet's angel-like elite against the warrior underclass, but with the intent of ultimately ruling both. And when Jennifer is captured by the brutish Koranthians, her alien-enhanced abilities make her a crucial asset in battling the Kasari and their winged allies.
Back on a divided Earth, Jennifer's brother, Mark, and Jack "the Ripper" Gregory wage their own war against the Kasari. As the global government welcomes the extraterrestrials, Mark, Jack, and their rebel faction seek to use the powerful mind-altering skills gained from the Kasari's sworn enemies to repel the would-be conquerors. But faced with the might of Earth's ruling forces, has the cause already been lost?
©2016 Richard Phillips (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, Inc.


Review:
Jennifer Smythe, who is now alien enhanced, and her captain, a friend whose body has suffered through scientific treatments, are working on an alien spaceship when the captain inadvertently activates the ship and hurls them into space. The pair scramble to survive and control the ship that is apparently heading off to its home territory. Eventually they land on a planet to resupply. Initially all seems optimistic but then Jennifer is captured by enemy forces. The Koranthian warlord begins to admire his prisoner as Jennifer uses her alien-enhanced skills to survive and even give aid.

Meanwhile, back on earth, Jennifer’s brother, Mark, his wife Heather have received alien enhancements too. They are on the run with their friends Jack (“the Ripper”, his wife Janet and their gifted son. This group are being hunted by several groups seeking to stop their rebellion against the government which has chosen to welcome the alien beings, the Kasari. Can this team survive the multiple attacks from foes with all the resources of the government behind them?

Although this is the first in a series it becomes clear quickly that this continues characters from a prior series. This caused confusion as the book started off at a brisk pace without a lot of background to bring a new reader up to speed. It took me a while to begin to care about the characters but, ultimately, I liked them. There is a lot of alien tech and intrigue, as well as battle scenes that kept the book interesting. I think I would like to go back to the prior series before moving on with this one. I liked the writing and creativity and recommend the author and book with the caveat of it being a spin off.

Audio Notes: Alexander Cendese does a good job as the narrator. He provides strong voices for the characters that added to the entertainment value of the story. I am glad that I listened to this.

Source: 3/18/19 Audible purchase for $1.99 since I had the ebook. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet (Audio) goals.

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

MBS April 2021 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2021 Reading List - APRIL

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; 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 =  none
4.75 Stars = The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
4.5 Stars = A Cowboy for Keeps and Pathfinder's Way

  1. ATBR- Book Review: Low Tide (The Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series Book 1) by Dawn Lee McKenna; Genre: Mystery, Small Town, Suspense, Thriller; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
  2. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis; Genre: Children, Christian, Classic; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.5.
  3. ATBR- Audible Book Review: After the Galaxy: The Unsung by Scott Bartlett; Genre: Military Science Fiction, Science Fiction, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.5.
  4. ATBR- Audio Book Review: Unforgettable by Eric James Stone; Genre: Action Adventure, Mystery, Sci Fi, Spy Thriller; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  5. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Dust: Before and After by S.E. Smith; Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, YA; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  6. NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: Rescuing Harmony Ranch by Jennie Marts; Genre: Clean, Small Town Romance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
  7. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Witch of Hebron: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 2 by James Howard Kunstler; Genre: Metaphysical Fiction, Post Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  8. NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: Too Crowded by Lena Podesta; Genre: Children, Fish, Sharing; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
  9. ANG2021- #NetGalley Audio Book Review: A Waterfront Wedding by Leigh Duncan; Genre: Clean & Wholesome, Hallmark, Romance, Weddings; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  10. NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund; Genre: American, Christian, Historical Romance, Western; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
  11. ATBR- Audio Book Review: Pathfinder's Way - A Novel of the Broken Lands by T.A. White; Genre: Historical Fantasy, Fantasy Romance; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
  12. A2021- Audible Book Review: Penny Preston and the Raven's Talisman by Armen Pogharian; Genre: Fantasy, Teen and YA; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
  13. PTBR- Book Review: The Faith of Condoleezza Rice by Leslie Montgomery; Genre: Biographical, Black & African American Woman, Christian Faith; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

Total read = 13
TBR = 11
New Authors = 10
Audio/Audible = 8 (6 TBRs)
NetGalley = 4 (3 TBRs)
Author Review books (other than NG) = 1
Nonfiction = 1
eBook = 1 (1 TBR)
Print = 1 (1 TBR)


Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month):
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 52 of 124
TBR to Date: 45 of 90 total
Audio to Date: 33 of 64
NetGalley to Date: 14 of 24
Author Reviews: 5 of 12
Nonfiction: 6 of 12
TBR ebooks or Print: 7 of 24
• Series: 31 (9 continuing, 22 new)
• New to me Series: 22 (7 Yes to continue; 8 likely to continue, 6 maybe, unlikely 1)
• Finished for me Series: 0

Special Goals
• Seasonal title: 1 of 4: Winter
• Color in title: 4 of 8: Red, Black, Gold, Blue
• Alphabet letters covered: 26 Mixed media: 10 Jan + 6 Feb + 2 March + 1 April (19 of 26)
• Alphabet letters covered: 26 Audio only (not the same): 1 Jan + 3 Feb + 7 March + 5 April (16 of 26)

Sunday, May 9, 2021

Sunday Post May 9, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 10, 2021

Sunday Post #318 Chairs, Compliance, and Storms

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.

Happy Mother's Day 2021 Images, Quotes Pictures | mother day message, mothers  day poems, happy mothers day

Heather is managing on antibiotics while still waiting for the custom solution. It has helped a lot to have her in the office.
I have to go to a conference next Saturday in Orlando so of course the office staff have planned a Disney trip around my event. We are set to go to Animal Kingdom on Friday (my first visit to that park) and then Epcot on Sunday. We will be out of office Friday and Monday and the staff need this break.
Depending on how much I can prepare this week, I may take a weekend break from posting.

I sure wish I had bought more Etherium last year when I first opened my account. My return on that alone is up 2,401%.

These are the flowers my hubby got me for Mother's day even though I told him not to.

A flower stem broke off so I put it into the little vase in front.

We've had on and off rain but temps are starting to run in the 80s every few days.

Reading was slow other than listening. I have been pushing work late so I have crashed at 12pm every night.  I finished two audio books and am half way through another.  I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I only visited 17 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Lisa Loves Literature. Lisa is a high school librarian who says "authors are her rock stars...".

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:
  • PTBR- Book Review: The Faith of Condoleezza Rice by Leslie Montgomery; Genre: Biographical, Black & African American Woman, Christian Faith; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)
The Kasari Nexus audiobook cover art


The Kasari Nexus: Rho Agenda Assimilation, Book 1
by: Richard Phillips
Narrated by: Alexander Cendese
Series: Rho Agenda Assimilation, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins
I was ready for a sci fi...plus this is a "K" audio.
This is full of interesting alien and human challenges. It is first in a spin off series, not the first with the characters.
Source: 3/18/19 Audible purchase for $1.99 since I had the ebook.

Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/Smartphone (2021)
Malice in Miami Audiobook By Barbara Venkataraman cover art


Malice in Miami
A Jamie Quinn Mystery
By: Barbara Venkataraman
Narrated by: Fay Annette
Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 04-28-21
This is a quick, easy and fun listen of a story about
life with a touch of mystery.
Source: 5/4/2021 Audible Code from Author.

Publisher's Summary
Reluctant family law attorney Jamie Quinn is loving life - and why wouldn't she? Her boyfriend Kip is back from Australia, her long-lost dad finally has his visa, and she's about to start her dream job at an art foundation.
But it all falls apart when Jamie is accused of stealing priceless art from a rare book collection. If she can't find out who framed her, she can kiss her dream job goodbye - and her law license, too.
Meanwhile, Kip has problems of his own. Now an environmental activist, he uncovers a deadly secret - one that just might get him killed. Jamie's in trouble, Kip's in danger, and Duke Broussard has gone AWOL. How could Jamie's favorite PI abandon her at a time like this? ©2020 Barbara Venkataraman (P)2021 Barbara Venkataraman



Currently Reading:
1. eBook - Adobe Digital App on Computer (2021)
52162152. sy475


Save Me (Broken Idols #2)
by M.C. Frank
Reading on my computer has been slower because I do it at the end of the evening and I am tired then.
Source: Received from Author.

Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/Smartphone (A2021)
Zero Day Code  By  cover art


Zero Day Code
End of Days, Book 1
By: John Birmingham
Narrated by: Rupert Degas
Series: End of Days, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
I was in the mood for an EOTWAWKI story
and this is a "Z" audio.
Source: February Free Audible Catalog.

Publisher's Summary
Every modern city has one week’s worth of food to feed itself. Then it will collapse.
Cut off the resources to New York, Sydney, or even a mid-size metropolis, and millions will soon starve. In Zero Day Code we see those immense and open, hyper-complex, networked supercities of the new millennium die. And in the last moments we see their vengeance take form as all the best and worst traits of humanity bubble to the surface.
Zero Day Code is set in a realistic near future with dwindling global food supplies under increasing pressure from worsening droughts, floods and extreme weather events. Written by prolific Australian writer John Birmingham, the thriller follows a handful of survivors from the first day of society’s descent into violent, uncertain futures.
James, a consultant to the US National Security Council, is the first to suspect that the worldwide emergence of a crippling computer virus is actually a cover for something else - a devastating cyber-attack by China on the food distribution system of the United States. The attack is a bid for the Middle Kingdom to distract America as it seizes the food bowl of South East Asia and feeds its starving population. But Beijing has miscalculated.
Follow the missions of an embittered activist chasing salvation, a single mum rescuing her child from a frantic San Francisco and an army veteran who has long retreated from society, as the world they knew crumbles around them.
Please note: this audiobook contains mature content and listener discretion is advised.
©2019 Audible Australia Pty Ltd. (P)2019 Audible Australia Pty Ltd.



3. NetGalley; Adobe Digital (NG2021)
55278284


The Madman's Library
The Strangest Books, Manuscripts and Other Literary Curiosities from History
by Edward Brooke-Hitching
This looks really interesting! I didn't start yet.
Received 4/4/2021 from NetGalley Read Now.

Click on book title for full description.




May 9, 2021 - I love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I am glad to still be current with morning reading. (I got one day behind but and caught up again.)
I am reading/listening to the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
No new study this week.


I completed two books to review this week.
NetGalley shelf is still at 6.
Three author titles remain in queue - I did one this week on audio. Now to get tot he rest.
(Plus a few that I received from facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
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: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

As for MM, we’re looking for someone to volunteer to take over some MM duties.. We’re unsure what is going on with Leslie, but we have not heard from her since November 2020. We need someone who is familiar with Mr. Linky and the WordPress platform. Sunday evenings are when we post MM for overseas participants and BTCOE posts go up on Friday afternoons. If you have interest please email: savvyverseandwit [at] gmail [dot] com.

One author new review audio - which I listened to.
I selected my two April Audible Credits.
I selected two for one credit at Audiobooks.com.
I received three free audiobooks from an Author on facebook.
I added the May free Christianaudio.com title to my library.

I added No 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
5/4/2021 Audible Code from Author:
Malice in Miami Audiobook By Barbara Venkataraman cover art
Malice in Miami
A Jamie Quinn Mystery
By: Barbara Venkataraman
Narrated by: Fay Annette

Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 04-28-21


Won
NONE

Purchased
5/5/2021 Two April Audible Credits:
The Monster in the Hollows Audiobook By Andrew Peterson cover art
The Monster in the Hollows
The Wingfeather Saga, Book 3
By: Andrew Peterson

Narrated by: Andrew Peterson
Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 01-05-21

The Warden and the Wolf King Audiobook By Andrew Peterson cover art
The Warden and the Wolf King
The Wingfeather Saga, Book 4
By: Andrew Peterson

Narrated by: Andrew Peterson
Length: 13 hrs and 46 mins
Release date: 01-05-21

5/8/2021 Two for One Credit Deal at Audiobooks.com
The Yankee Widow
The Yankee Widow
By Linda Lael Miller
Narrated By: Jack Garrett

Duration: 14 h 37 min

Snow Melts in Spring


Snow Melts in Spring
By Deborah Vogts
Narrated By: Emily Durante

Duration: 8 h 19 min


Free
5/7/2021 Free Audiobooks from Author:
The Lost Heir (The Gryphon Chronicles, Book 1)
Jake & The Giant (The Gryphon Chronicles, Book 2)
The Dark Portal (The Gryphon Chronicles, Book 3)
The Lost Heir (The Gryphon Chronicles, Book 1)
Jake & The Giant (The Gryphon Chronicles, Book 2)
The Dark Portal (The Gryphon Chronicles, Book 3)



May Free Download at Christianaudio.com
Free Audiobook of the Month
All of Grace
Author C.H. Spurgeon
Narrator Simon Vance

Runtime 3.3 Hrs. - Unabridged



I added no free Kindle titles this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement May 9, 2021

I was happy to be in church today without a mask. We were given a baby bottle to use as a “change” bottle, collecting donations for the local pregnancy crisis center. Pastor also announced that our first “Kid’s night” for the community reached more than 25 children who are not members of our church. We hope to double that in June!

Pastor continued his series, It Matters, with a message to fit Mother’s Day. What is your legacy? How we live impacts children, co-workers, our community and our world. Have we made a difference? Each mother has had a huge part. But the relationship that matters most is the relationship with Jesus.

One’s legacy doesn't stop with DNA. What we leave behind, what we are known for, matters.
Hebrews Chapter 11 is known as the “Hall of Faith”. Rahab, a prostitute, (Joshua 2) was not a woman one might expect in the Hall of Faith. There is also Hannah who is remembered although you might not recall her husband’s name.

1 Samuel 1:9-18 tells of Hannah’s despair at being barren and then she prays for a son whom she promises to give back to God. God answered Hannah’s prayer and in time she returned Samuel to the priest. 1 Samuel 1:24-28. Hannah didn't know the extent of her legacy as she couldn’t know how important Samuel would be in God’s plans.

The Point: The legacy we leave matters.

You are observed by children, students, neighbors, bosses, employees, and each person you come into contact with.
A tree is identified by its fruit – good or not. See Luke 6:43-45.
Our behavior should reflect Jesus’ place in our life. Have we been obedient to God's direction and call? Do others see your relationship with Jesus? That is a legacy worth leaving.

Pastor shared this song for all mothers and everyone: Talking to Jesus.
I added this to my song file a few weeks ago! God is so amazing!
Verses for Today:
Luke 6:43-45 (NIV)
A Tree and Its Fruit
43 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.


Lord, I pray that my legacy leads others to You.

A Fresh Word — Your Sin is Showing

Pin on BIBLE QUOTES

Saturday, May 8, 2021

#NetGalley Book Review: I'm On It (Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!) by Andrea Tsurumi

This is a fun children's book.
I'm On It! (Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!)
by Andrea Tsurumi; Illustrater Mo Willems

55277629

Releases May 11.
Publisher : Hyperion Books for Children (May 11, 2021)
Hardcover : 64 pages
ISBN-10 : 1368066968
Reading age : 5 - 8 years
Grade level : Kindergarten - 3
Genre: Animals, Children, Friendship
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Goat likes to lead. Goat also likes Frog to follow.
When Goat jumps on it, Frog does, too. Soon Goat and Frog are on it, along it, above it, inside it, beside it, around it, and under it―phew! How can their friendship get through it?


Review:
Goat is a bit rambunctious and likes to challenge his friend Frog to follow what Goat does. Goat uses all sorts of prepositions with props. Frog tries to keep up while balancing on his lily pad. Initially the game is fun, but soon it becomes overwhelming for Frog. Can their friendship survive all this “one-upsmanship”?

This is a fun book with bright, cute illustrations. The book shares propositions for young people to learn and enjoy in a fun way. It also provides the opportunity to discuss friendship and peer pressure. This is apparently part of a series called Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! where Elephant and Piggie introduce the book and conclude it. I recommend this as a fun book to share with kindergarten and elementary children.

Source: NetGalley 2021. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley and 2021Alphabet goals.

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