Audible Book Reviews: Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

This is a wonderful fantasy. I have to get book two.

Six Crimson Cranes
Six Crimson Cranes, Book 1
By: Elizabeth Lim
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

Length: 12 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 07-06-21
Publisher: Listening Library
Genre: Fairy Tale & Folklore Adaptations, Teen & Young Adult
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
A princess in exile, a shapeshifting dragon, six enchanted cranes, and an unspeakable curse....
Drawing from fairy tales and East Asian folklore, this original fantasy from the author of Spin the Dawn is perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone.
"A dazzling fairytale full of breathtaking storytelling." (Stephanie Garber, New York Times best-selling author of Caraval)
Shiori'anma, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted. But it also catches the attention of, Raikama her stepmother.
A sorceress in her own right, Raikama banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes. She warns Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die.
Penniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and uncovers a dark conspiracy to seize the throne. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in a paper bird, a mercurial dragon, and the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she's been taught all her life to forswear - no matter what the cost.
Weaving together elements of The Wild Swans, Cinderella, the legend of Chang E, and the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, Elizabeth Lim has crafted a fantasy like no other, and one that will stay with listeners long after they've turned listened to the last minute.
"A stunning remake of a fairytale. Six Crimson Cranes is the perfect blend of whimsy and ferociousness, with twists and turns that will tug at your heartstrings." (Chloe Gong, New York Times best-selling author of These Violent Delights)
"Fast-paced excitement is balanced with a satisfyingly intricate plot that weaves in elements from Western fairy tales and East Asian folklore." (SLJ, starred review)
"A richly imagined landscape...vibrant, fast-paced." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)
©2021 Elizabeth Lim (P)2021 Listening Library

Review:
Princess Shiori hides that she has magic skills in a country where magic is forbidden. She loves her brothers, but they do not know her secret. Her only real friend is Kiki, a paper bird she has brought to life. On the morning scheduled for her to meet her betrothed, she jumps into the lake. As she is drowning, she is alarmed to fall into the hands of a dragon. She awakens to learn she was saved by the dragon. She develops a secret friendship with Seryu who offers to train her to use her magic.

Shiori suspects her stepmother, Raikama, is keeping a secret too. When Shiori discovers that Raikama is a powerful sorceress, Shiori runs to her brothers to seek their help to tell their father. Before they can get to their father, their stepmother turns the six brothers into swans. She then curses Shiori so that she will not be recognized as a princess and if she speaks, her brothers will die.

Shiori finds herself alone, miles away from home, with a bowl on her head to cover her eyes, her magic blocked, and unable to speak. She struggles to find a job, first to eat and then to escape to find her brothers. She learns of a conspiracy but cannot speak about it. After an attack, she is rescued by a young man who takes her to the kingdom of her betrothed, Takkan. She is shocked to learn the true identity of this young man.

Shiori cannot tell others the dangers that surround them. She has to rely on the help of Kiki, her dragon friend, Seryu, who has reason to be upset with her, and her betrothed who is under attack through betrayal.

Shiori isn’t particularly likeable at the beginning of the story but she begins to grow in character when she is cursed. I liked the dragon Seryu and how he interacted with her. As the story progressed, I enjoyed the sweet, protective character of Takkan and how the romance developed. There are common enemies and twists to be discovered in who is friend and who is foe.

I was pleasantly surprised by this YA story. There were myths woven into the story which added to the interest. The ending didn’t quite go where I hoped, but ended at a point that requires more danger and adventure for Shiori. Now I need to get book 2. I recommend this to fans of fairy tale adaptations.

Audio Notes: Emily Woo Zeller is a skilled narrator. The voices are distinct, and Zeller delivers a strong performance with these characters. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 6/17/2022 May Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, a2023Number, and 2023Color goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Murder at an Irish Castle (Irish Castle Mystery #1) by Ellie Brannigan

I really enjoyed this light mystery and hope to continue in the series.

Murder at an Irish Castle (Irish Castle Mystery #1)
by Ellie Brannigan
Narrated by: Traci Odom

Series: Irish Castle Mystery, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 02-07-23
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Irish, Thriller & Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Fans of Hannah Dennison and Carlene O’Connor’s mysteries are in for a treat with Ellie Brannigan’s captivating debut cozy mystery, complete with a sharp and endearing protagonist.
Rodeo Drive bridalwear designer Rayne McGrath expected her thirtieth birthday to start with a power lunch and end with champagne, lobster, and a diamond engagement ring from her fiancé. Instead, flat-broke and busted, she’s on a plane to Ireland where she discovers that she’s inherited a run-down family castle. Uncle Nevin’s will contains a few caveats—for example, if Rayne doesn’t turn McGrath Castle around within a year, the entire village will be financially destroyed.
With the fate of the town in her hands, and rumors that Rayne’s uncle’s death wasn’t actually an accident, she can’t possibly go back to her old life in L.A. As the devastating truth about her uncle dawns on Rayne, it’s not just her reputation that’s on the line, it’s her life.
Featuring a sharp and endearing protagonist, a colorful and quirky locale, and replete with twists and turns befitting an old Irish village, the first in Brannigan’s mystery series transports us to a milieu as romantic as it is deadly.

Review:
Rayne is a Rodeo Drive bridalwear designer and business owner. She is eager to celebrate her 30th birthday with her partner, along with a possible loan for business growth, and maybe even an engagement ring. Instead, she ends up without a fiancé and without inventory. Flat broke she is off to Ireland (tickets paid by her mother) to respond to a lawyer's call that her uncle has died, and she is to appear for the reading of the Will. Rayne is surprised to learn that she has inherited the declining family castle, with its handful of employees and surrounding village to care for. More alarmingly, she has to stay for a year and turn the castle into a profitable endeavor. And this has to be done with her newly met and very bitter and antagonistic cousin, Ciara, as manager.

As though Rayne doesn’t have enough to digest and deal with, Ciara, an illegitimate daughter, is convinced that her father was murdered rather than dying in a tractor accident. Rayne begins to juggle the issues of a deteriorating castle and needs to locate her Uncle’s bookkeeping records to find out the true state of affairs. It isn’t pretty. But it also leads to s mysterious list that makes her agree with Ciara that her Uncle was murdered. Now the at-odds cousins need to work together to figure out who had motive and opportunity. Lucky for Rayne, her Uncle’s young, untrained dog has some clues to share.

I enjoyed the mix of distinct characters, and the quiet persistence Rayne employs to face the problems before her. The local detective seems to be one step behind but Rayne uncovers the clues bit by bit. I picked this story for the dog on the cover, the castle and Irish setting. I was totally satisfied by the mystery with its twists and turns. I do hope there will be more in the series. I recommend this to fans of easy mystery.

Audio Notes: Traci Odom does a fine job with the narration. I liked her voices for the different characters and she carried the tone and energy of the book. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: NetGalley 2023. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, 2023NetGalley, 2023Alphabet, and 2023Location goals.

Sunday Post March 12, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 13, 2023

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.

I mentioned last week that I was boxing items for yard sale. Things are moving around in my life. I am looking at downsizing my home sometime within the next year. To do so I have to clear out not just the past 17 years of collections but boxes in the attic that haven't been opened since we moved to this house! Bit by bit I am boxing things that I know can go. I can eliminate various clothing, videos, CDs and cassettes, and some books and other items that I know my children don't need to review. Then there are other family items I need to wait to allow them to review.  And of course, it is hard to get rid of all my book collections. I suspect we will list some of those for sale at some outlet.

I was glad to see that one of our dogwood trees has survived the hurricane and the freeze.
It is still very scraggly.
None of our azaleas survived. The touch of color in the background is across the street.

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations and a calmer social atmosphere. We have opened new prayer lists to include the youth revivals going on and for the young generations that will lead in the future. I'm also praying for those in California with flooding.

Oh - checking the temps for the coming week we will have nights in the 30s again. I'm glad I didn't pack all the winter night clothes away. High during the days will be 78.

I finished three audios this past week and posted three reviews with my memes.

Only 14 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to JOY'S BOOK BLOG. "A Librarian writes about books." Joy has links to travels that are interesting in addition to her wide range of books.

Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

• Sunday Post March 5, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 6, 2023.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Introducing Agatha Raisin: The Quiche of Death and The Vicious Vet by M. C. Beaton; Genre: Amateur Detective, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuth; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  

• MBS Febrary 2023 Reading List Wrap Up.
  

• NG2022: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: The Last Saxon King by Andrew Varga; Genre: Adventure, Teen and YA, Time Travel; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Kingdoms of Sorrow, Catalyst, Book 2 by JK Franks; Genre: Adventure, Genetic Engineering, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 12, 2023 - Hunger and Thirst.
  

Finished Reading:

1. NetGalley Audio Smartphone (2023NGA)

Murder at an Irish Castle (Irish Castle Mystery #1)
by Ellie Brannigan
Narrated by: Traci Odom
Series: Irish Castle Mystery, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins
I really enjoyed this and hope to continue in the series.
Source: NetGalley 2023.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Six Crimson Cranes
Six Crimson Cranes, Book 1
By: Elizabeth Lim
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Length: 12 hrs and 54 mins
This is a wonderful fantasy. I have to get book two.
Source: 6/17/2022 May Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Terminus
Lee Harden, Book 6
By: D.J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins
I thought this would run into next week but I have an hour to go so I expect to finish it tonight.
I have enjoyed this series and will need to find a good replacement.
Source: 6/17/2022 May Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
The only way out is through.
Greeley, Colorado lies before him. Griffin’s army presses at his back.
Lee Harden is out of options, and out of time.
Inside the city, Sam Ryder is trapped behind enemy lines, and Acting President Briggs still maintains his stranglehold on the country - and Lee’s destiny.
Choices. We are made by choices. And they make us. Choices are being made by every individual swept up in this conflict. Abby - Sam - Abe - Brinly - Angela - all of them making choices, with irreversible consequences.
And all of those consequences fall on Lee.
As Lee fights to adapt and maintain control amid the chaos of a city under siege, all of those choices will reach their terminus in this explosive conclusion to the Lee Harden series.
©2021 D.J. Molles (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

Currently Reading:
1. NetGalley Audio Smartphone (2022NGA)

Good Dog, Bad Cop
by David Rosenfelt
The K Team #4
Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins
I enjoy this series so I look forward to the cold case mystery.
Source: 2023 NetGalley.
For the K Team, playing "good dog," "bad cop" is all fun and games...until there's a body on the scene, in the next K Team Novel by bestselling author David Rosenfelt.
The K Team enjoys investigating cold cases for the Paterson Police Department. Corey Douglas, his K-9 partner Simon Garfunkel, Laurie Collins, and Marcus Clark even get to choose which cases they’d like to pursue. When Corey sees the latest list of possibilities, there’s no question which one to look into next.
Corey’s former mentor, Jimmy Dietrich, had his whole identity wrapped up in being a cop. When Jimmy retired three years ago, his marriage quickly deteriorated and he tried–and failed—to get back on the force. Jimmy was left to try to adjust to life as a civilian.
Not long after, two bodies were pulled from the Passaic River. A local woman, Susan Avery, and Jimmy Dietrich. With no true evidence available, the deaths went unsolved and the case declared cold. This didn’t stop the whispers: an affair gone wrong... a murder-suicide committed by Jimmy.
Corey never believed it. With this case, the K Team has the opportunity to find the real murderer, and clear Jimmy’s name. Bestselling author David Rosenfelt returns in Good Dog, Bad Cop, where there’s little to go on, but that won’t stop Paterson, New Jersey’s favorite private investigators from sniffing out the truth.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Junkyard Pirate
By: Jamie McFarlane
Narrated by: Mikael Naramore
Series: Junkyard Pirate, Book 1 (4 books)
Length: 10 hrs
This sounds like a good sci fi... and it is a "J" title.
Source: July 2021 Audible $5.00 Sale (Regular Price: $19.95).
Publisher's Summary
Knocking at death’s door. Bargaining for a second chance. Seems like a heck of a way to find out about an alien invasion....
Vietnam vet Albert Jenkins is battling a bulging waistline and a passion for drink. So when a towering pile of scrap rocket parts falls and crushes the stubborn curmudgeon, he thinks it’s finally the end. But just as he’s about to take one final breath, a snarky alien parasite offers him a deal: His life in return for sharing his body.
With a little coaxing from his new pop-culture-loving inner resident, AJ’s broken carcass improves so much that even an old flame is impressed. But his bright outlook fizzles when he discovers he's at ground zero of a galactic conspiracy to strip Earth of precious resources humans don't even know exist.
Can the unlikely partners join forces and use AJ's rusty military skills to raise the alarm? Or, will the alien invaders put him down once and for all?
Junkyard Pirate is the first book in an imaginative space opera series. If you like grizzled soldiers, clever twists and turns, and intergalactic tactical pairings, then you’ll love Jamie McFarlane’s fast-paced alien adventure.
Buy Junkyard Pirate to boot the invaders back to where they came from today!
©2019 Fickle Dragon Publishing LLC (P)2019 Fickle Dragon Publishing LLC

I am pretty sure I will get to a third book but I haven't chosen yet.

March 12, 2023 - I am enjoying this new plan on YouVersion. I totally enjoy watching the devotion videos so I am doing another BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen".  I have never done a Chronological reading before.
I finished the16 day plan: Christ as Servant: A Study in Mark.
I am 3 days in a 15 day plan: Preparing Your Heart for Easter.

I finished three audio titles and reviewed three so am back to three reviews due, which is where I like to be so I can complete them in a week.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I am listening to another NetGalley audio so that leaves three audios on my shelf.
I still have the two old ebook titles.
I have one author review in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer.
(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, me, and newest to the team, Emma at Words and Peace. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No new review books last week
I selected my free Audiobooks.com VIP title.
I picked 3 free Audible Plus Catalog audio books.  I'll need to pick two Audible credits this week.
No free kindle titles last week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

3/7/2023 March Audiobooks.com VIP pick.

The Kiss Quotient
Written by: Helen Hoang
Narrated by: Carly Robins
Duration: 9 hours 37 minutes
I’ve eyed this as it looks cute.


3/5-3/10/2023 Three Audible Plus Titles:

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
By: Simon Armitage
Narrated by: Bill Wallis
Length: 5 hrs and 43 mins
This is an old classic.. with a color and an occupation.

19 Souls
Sin City Investigations, Book 1
By: J.D. Allen
Narrated by: A.T. Chandler
Series: Sin City Investigations, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins
This one fits my “numbers” challenge.

The Silent Corner
A Novel of Suspense
By: Dean Koontz
Narrated by: Elisabeth Rodgers
Series: Jane Hawk, Book 1
Length: 14 hrs and 26 mins
I read the prequel and like the main character. I was glad to have the chance to add this at no cost.


No new titles added to Kindle library. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 12, 2023 -- Hunger and Thirst.

This morning our Sunday School teacher shared an audio message by Dr. Lori Salierno (https://lorisalierno.com/speaking/) She founded the non-profit organization Celebrate Life International which promotes Teach One to Lead One. The message was based on the little boy who gave his lunch to Jesus who used it to feed 5,000. John 6:5-13. The point is that little is much in the hands of God. If we are living in the God space, we don’t focus on the little we have but we recognize that God it can be much if we allow God to use it. Are we willing to be available, to give God what we have available for His use?

Our service enjoyed opening worship and communion. Pastor continued his series on Living Stones with the second sermon from 1 Peter 2:1-3. Pastor reminded us that the Christ followers’ behavior and beliefs are to be based on God's word.

Verse 2(a): “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk…”
New born infants have strong hunger need. We are to be hungry for the spiritual word. We are to desire something from the Lord. When people are invited to join pyramid sales organizations, one of the key tools is repeated pep talks to feed the excitement.
We are told by Jesus himself: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6.
Why spend resources on things that don't satisfy? We need to seek what truly can satisfy.
Faith comes from hearing the message and hearing the message comes from systematically reading the Bible. Romans 10:17. His Word is what God wants you to hear.

Verse 2(b): “…so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,…”
The Greek word for “Grow” means ‘to attain power’, ‘to bear fruit’. By growing in spiritual power, we can bear fruit for God's kingdom. We are not perfect but we should be growing.
In the book of Galatians, Paul lists nine specific behaviors – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – that result from the work of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life. Galatians 5:22-23. These behaviors help show our faith and show Christ to others. They can lead to spiritual offspring.
God initially encouraged Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. Genesis 1:22. Pass on the good things that Christ has done for you. Does your behavior show others what it is like to be a Christian?

Verse 3: “now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” Those who know God by His touch in their lives know by experience that He is Good!
“Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8.
The more mature Christian (i.e those who have lived longer) can share their experiences to encourage young believers to trust and know that God is good.

I had several lovely video song choices and decided on this one for today.
To Know and Make Known

A Verse for Today:
Matthew 5:6 NIV
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.


Lord, please keep me hungry and thirsty for You and Your Word. Show your love through my behaviors.

Audible Book Review: Kingdoms of Sorrow, Catalyst, Book 2 by JK Franks

This was an engaging continuation of the survival problems in post-apocalyptic America.
Kingdoms of Sorrow
Catalyst, Book 2
By: JK Franks
Narrated by: Steven Varnum

Series: Catalyst, Book 2
Length: 15 hrs and 15 mins
Release date: 07-18-17
Publisher: J K Franks
Genre: Adventure, Genetic Engineering, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
The fight for survival continues in book 2 of the Catalyst series.
A murderous army, an unspeakable plague and an approaching hurricane. One man will risk it all to save his community. Cities, nations, and governments lie in ruins and billions have perished. In the wake of a global apocalypse, survival has become a way of life in a world that seems intent on wiping them all out.
Among the survivors are Scott Montgomery and his friends on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. They have struggled to hang on better than most. But growing threats - both man-made and natural - leave their chances on a razor's edge. Now with the help of uncertain alliances they must face a new danger none of them saw coming. This group, "The Messengers", are like a biblical plague, destroying everything - and everyone - in their path.
Time is short for the survivors and another grim new discovery means the Messengers may not be the only thing they should fear.
Don’t miss out on the second installment of the best-selling Catalyst series.
©2017 J K Franks (P)2017 J K Franks

Review:
This book picks up from book 1, Catalyst Downward Cycle. The story primarily follows three groups in the survival struggles. It has been five months or so since the solar flare took out the electrical grid and left Americans trying to survive pre-industrial conditions and marauding bands of criminals. Scott and Todd are in Harris Springs, Mississippi, on the Gulf of Mexico on the cruise ship that has been turned into a refuge home for 200 or so people seeking to rebuild community.

Jack, aka Preacher, is a former convict who is out on a working boat with four other men. Their job has been to forage supplies and trade with smaller farms or communities along the water ways. Things had been going well until they have to face pirate raids. Then they learn about the butchery by a large, supposedly religious group known as the Messengers. This cultish group is sweeping across the south giving people the choice to join and serve or die.

Skybox 5 is a new character. He is a special forces paramilitary operative in a very secretive group called the P-Guard. Before the electric went out, he and his team were on mission in Pakistan. They were tasked with retrieving an crucial scientist/virologist who was working in a remote university lab. Before they could get to the target, something went wrong and a deadly virus was released. Although there were efforts to contain the virus, the efforts failed miserably. Skybox is the only man who comes out alive as he is apparently immune. Now he is directed to get to the coast so he can be taken to scientists in America who can test his blood for a vaccine. Skybox ends up at a secret location that happens to include a personal friend of Scott's niece. Scott is recruited by an opposing military group to try to retrieve Skybox.

I like these characters and the mostly realistic struggles and battles. There is good character development and better action. The cult group is scary and adds additional tension and suspense. I will be looking to get the third book in the series and a side story too. Reading book 1 may not be necessary, but I think it provides better background to the characters and events. I recommend this to readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic survival stories.

Audio Notes: Steven Varnum does a good job with the narration. He delivers good character voices and I thought his energy input was better on this book than the first. I am glad to listen to this on audio.

Source: 3-3-2022 Audible Sale Purchase $3.74. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.