Audio Book Review: Retribution

Retribution

By:  K.A. Salidas

Publish Date:  October 27, 2015, Audiobook May 10, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 5 hrs 44 mins
Narrated By:  Kerri McCann

Genre:  Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Series:  5th in Chronicles of the Uprising series; Book 1 ~ Dissension, Book 2 ~ Complication, Book 3 ~ Revolution, Book 4 ~ Transition

Impression:  Their are still those with strong prejudice that need to be fought.

Synopsis:
Immortality is never guaranteed...

As much as she dreams of a simpler existence, blood and violence are Mira’s way of life. Former gladiator turned freedom fighter; she’s carved a trail from New Haven to Caldera Grove and back, freeing her people, the vampires, from enslavement by the humans.
But with victory almost within reach, a new and powerful enemy emerges. One who’ll be satisfied with nothing less than complete subjugation—or destruction—of all supernatural beings.
With a secret army of his own, he’s more than prepared for any resistance Mira and her patchy rebel forces can offer, and demands their immediate surrender.
Never one to back away from a fight, Mira believes she’s ready for anything. But with the battle lines drawn she will be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Kill or be killed.

First Sentence:
In a small room no bigger than an office, the council impatiently waited for signal.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  

Audible


My Thoughts and Summary:
*I requested a copy of this audiobook from the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

Many Iron Gate cities have signed peace treaties for all races. Except, in the south there was thick prejudice among the humans and vampires causing peace to be unwilling there. Mira and her council, the Supernaturally-Aligned Federation Efforts, work to bring a willing balance among all in the world now. When Mira and her council talk finally get to talk to the strong minded Magistrate of Lone Star city, they find someone opposed to peace among races. And that he has the ability to artificially create vampires to defend the city against the 'abominations' and for cheap entertainment.

Kerri has become the voice of Mira and the stories. I do enjoy her narration, and she fits Mira and even Justine, but I didn't feel George's relaxed personality when we hear from in his head. I felt she still had the same personality when reading other characters where the author is writing them differently. During character dialog, she talks with different personality but when narrating their thoughts all sound as Mira does in her thoughts, not like when they talk. Then as the book goes, she embodies the characters more and more in their chapters.

This book is not just from Mira's POV. Which is nice to see the other characters from the inside in this stressful time of tedious peace between all. By doing this we really get to see the divide in how people think. It's going to take time and generations for that divide to disintegrate. But now, with how they've lived, they have a specific reaction way. Vampires are more to react/act with quick results. With being the warriors and fighters they are force to be, they are quick to fight when things turn on them. The humans are more diplomatic, as we see with Lucian and a few others. And the Otherkin like to sit and think out a plan before the quick actions. These extreme differences make it hard for the council to come to a decision.

Mira is struggling with her new position. She's a leader of the unified Otherkin and humans. Those on her council don't see eye to eye, but that's what is needed at the same time. Different views to try to come to a middle ground. But there are cities they have to bring to peace, or fight, not each other.

In the end of this book Mira is who she has always been. I love how she fights yet turns things around for life. Her speech at the end is wonderful! Mira isn't a diplomat but she gives the best speeches from the heart in the heat of the moment.

Now I'm curious as to where we will be and what will come in the next book! I'm just hoping all will be safe...


*If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Audio Book Review: The Hierophant

The Hierophant

By:  Madeline Claire Franklin

Publish Date:  June 18, 2013, Audiobook May 20, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 9 hrs 42 mins
Narrated By:  Maria Marquis

Genre:  YA Paranormal

Series:  1st in The Arcana series

Impression:  Young girls eyes are opened to a whole other world.

Synopsis:
Demons are watching. They move invisible through our world, hunting for rare prey–most humans don’t see the monsters that lurk in the dark, and as long as you can’t see them, they can’t hurt you.

But Ana sees the demons. Monsters once found only in her late mother's bedtime stories have crept from the shadows, whispering her name and stirring ancient magic in her blood.

On the day her tarot deck foretells a disturbing change, Ana encounters an uncanny young man who literally stops (and starts) her heart. Trebor has strange powers, and an even stranger quest, and for some reason wants to help her. But the closer Trebor gets to the truth behind Ana’s power, the more important–and dangerous–his own quest becomes. Even more important that keeping Ana alive.

Because in a world haunted by demons determined to find the key to their empire, there is much more at stake than one girl’s soul.

First Sentence:
My mother always said that there are worlds beyond the one we know -- a world for demons, a world for angels, a world for the dead.

Purchase At:
Amazon   

Audible


My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com, at my request.

Ana has started to see beings, like her mother did in her last days with the brain tumor. The Sura, or demons, is what she believes they are. But she doesn't remember all the stories about demons, angels, and the dead that her mother told, and her mother's clan won't allow her into their fold because her father is not like them. She's an outsider. However, the world she doesn't know much about has found her. Ana will have to learn to control the powers she possesses by opening herself up to another, feeling all the emotions she has hidden away after her mother died. And to fight in order to survive.

The first chapter is a catcher. I'm curious as to where the world will go with demons, angels, and dead. Curious about Ana and the man who magically winds himself around her heart that day at the cemetery.

Maria does a magnificent job of the quick moments then slowing with the feelings. She speeds the sentences and they are still clear and crisp, but move the scene in a cadence that makes us feel the rush and eases of moments, fear then calm. There is a background sound, a light static? of sorts. I don't notice it as much when Maria is speaking, but I do notice it when she's done speaking and there are a few seconds at the end of a chapter, it's absolutely quiet. Easily missed in listening because the story is your focus. Maria voices the characters, bring there dispositions to voice. Her vocals of Trebor and Ana create them as individuals in a three dimensional way.

I was drawn into this story from the beginning. I was curious with just enough hints and details of the world of demons and angels. It's subtle yet impacting with what Ana comes across, what she sees in the shadows. Then her tarot readings are chilling. They feel to have a greater meaning. We can see the relation of them to the past we learn and the present events we see, so the future telling feels as it'll be a huge impact for her. But what's told to come, will it solidify the idea of what's foretold or will they change what fate has written for them?

Fascinating, crafted writing to draw a world, characters, and events all together and rely on each other to create the story here. I didn't want to stop listening as I was so engrossed with the creations here. Madeline has written the scenes in a way to show us through experience, with the characters, who they are and how they feel.

Wow. The growth of Ana's relationships amaze me. Her time with Trebor is always magical. I love them together and what lingers there with them. There is something more, but Ana doesn't know it and Trebor doesn't tell but there are hints. Such a sweet relationship starting! Ana and Andy, I have my suspicions about him. lol. It's nice to see a new friend that has interest in things Ana does, like her mother and her clan. But there are traces it could be a deeper reason there, we just don't know it yet.

Madeline could have taken the easy way out and ended the story at a few points of the book. I'm sooooo glad she didn't! There is so much that Ana and friends go through. And it's an amazing story to journey through with her.

There was a moment, much later in the book, that caught my heart. I figured I knew what was going to happen, and it did, but it was a powerful moment with the characters. An internal realization and acceptance. Maria's narration helped make my heart thump at that moment.

I've already looked, there is a book 2. I can't wait for it to come out in audio and hope Maria is the narrator again!



*If you found my thoughts helpful, click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Cover Reveal & Excerpt ~ Solomon's Seal

Eeeeee! I'm beyond excited to bring you a new book that starts a new and thrilling series by Skyla Dawn Cameron!

I've read the book, and I'm NOT sorry to say I'm in love! I love everything this book has for us.

Okay. On we go to the cover reveal...

Solomon's Seal

A Livi Talbot Novel #1

By:  Skyla Dawn Cameron

Due Out:  September 20, 2016

EX-DEBUTANTE. SINGLE MOTHER. TREASURE HUNTER.

Disowned and left penniless for getting pregnant at seventeen, former celebutante Olivia Talbot was willing to do whatever it took to provide for her daughter…including become a treasure hunter. Since the Pulse hit, activating relics of legend, there are plenty of artifacts to be had—not to mention wealthy clients willing to pay top dollar for them.

Just as her daughter’s private school tuition cheque bounces, Livi gets an offer that could be the break she needs to return to some semblance of her former life. A potential new client wants her to travel to Ethiopia and retrieve the Seal of Solomon—a mythical ring said to control demons and djinn—and this bounty comes with one hell of a financial pay off.

The deadline: a week. The team: unreliable. The competition: her world-renowned archaeologist older brother. Nothing Livi can’t handle… Except the danger goes beyond a few subterranean serpent-dragons she might encounter or tangling with her employer’s deadly second-in-command. This client isn’t all he seems, and handing him the ring might be worse than what he’ll do to her—and her daughter—if she doesn’t.

Excited? I am. I love how this is something different for us to dive into. I love this cover as it looks like Livi and in the cave that she's in... and the dangers! Oh my!

You can Pre-order and have Olivia Talbot delivered to your eReader on release day!

Kindle

Kobo

Nook

iTunes

Excerpt:

I inched along, my steps slow and cautious. I’d feel better with my guns, but they were still sealed away in Ziploc bags in my pack. Instead I reached for the easily accessible large combat knife sheathed in the pocket of my pack. My headlamp, from the helmet gripped in my other hand, shone white back and forth over the rock walls and jutting stalagmites.

I listened, picking through the sounds around me. Laurel’s breathing was loud still, noisy through her nose as if it was plugged. Maybe allergies. Her steps shifted nervously, pebbles and dirt scraping under the soles of her boots. Beyond, more boot treads skimmed rocks, someone else from our party descending. The descender squeaked. Voices echoed in the distance, perhaps someone else moving through the short tunnel to squeeze through the hole—

There. Sand whispering. Click click click, ticking over stone.

Prickles rolled down my spine and my throat went dry. I backed up, swinging my head—and headlamp in hand—from side to side, fingers tensing around the handle of the knife.

It darted suddenly, swiftly, streaking in an instant and disappearing in the darkness far to my right. I’d had little more than a flash to take in but one thing was for sure...

It was big.

My lips parted to shout when it dashed forward, great, gaping mouth open and hissing. The creature was long and sleek, maybe fifteen or more feet from nose to tail. Body of a large, thick snake but with four legs jutting from its sides, some evolutionary link in between creatures far bigger than something like that should be. It scampered forward, kicking up dirt, charging at me with a long forked tongue flicking.

I dodged, dropped, rolled. Its tail whipped past me, cutting through the dirt—I did not want to be hit with that thing.

Laurel screamed, babbling something, but I didn’t hear—I was already on my feet, bracing. I’d tossed aside the helmet and now it threw white over the dirt, fading off into blackness. I had but a small area of light to maneuver in—too far in any direction and I risked ending up in the dark.

“Quiet!” I called and Laurel squeaked to silence, just her occasional whimper and the creaking of someone descending on the rope breaking the quiet. I glanced back and forth, hand tense on the knife’s hilt, hair cutting over my face, the top of my coveralls folded over my belt rustling at my sides.

A second before I saw it, I heard it rushing at me again, scampering over the rocks and dirt. This time when I dove to the side, it anticipated, braking suddenly to turn. I couldn’t move fast enough and its tail snapped out, hitting me in the gut and knocking me off my feet. I flew back, slammed hard into the ground, gasping for breath. I blinked dirt from my eyes and winced as I struggled to rise—my arm hurt from the landing, ribs stung from being struck. Now dread sank in my stomach as I found myself with darkness at my back, Laurel, my helmet and the glowstick far ahead.

And no sign of the creature.

I stepped forward cautiously, glancing around in a rush, wincing as I breathed in and pain zigzagged through my chest. I squeezed the knife handle.

Should’ve pulled out a gun, I knew it.

Light was bouncing high up—Tucker had stopped his descent, holding the rope with one hand and pulling out a gun with the other. “What the hell was that?” he shouted, voice echoing off the walls.

Well, at least I could assume he hadn’t been prepared for any potential monsters in the cave. Small comfort that he didn’t know and simply hadn’t warmed me.

I parted my lips to answer before movement flashed again in my peripheral vision. The snake-thing rushed forward. It barreled toward me, that pronged tongue firing out, black eyes on mine—

Shots fired, Tucker shooting from his spot suspended in the air.

The creature halted, hissed. Its eyes widened but a sheen of white covered them—I suspected the thing was blind. A bullet pinged its rough hide, perhaps what would’ve been a headshot if it wasn’t already running toward our resident merc.

Shit.

I dove, reached for the tail—missed it by inches, landed on my stomach in the dirt. The thing leapt for the wall, slithering madly, Tucker firing again and again. It clung to the wall, climbing, the clicking of nails punctuated by the firing of bullets. Voices shouted, echoing, probably from the rest of our party trying to figure out what was going on.

Then something cracked.

The creature dove from a stalactite into the wall just above the hole and rock snapped, buckled. My helmet was gone—I was dimly aware of where I’d left it due to the light from its headlamp ahead—but I shouted warning of the collapse just as I dropped to a crouch and covered my head. Someone screamed, a male voice bellowed, rocks tumbled. I glanced up through my arms—it was too dark to see the hole, which worried me, as a glimpse of light from our collected companions gathered there should’ve been visible. I stood warily, dust and pebbles rolling off my back and arms. Laurel was on her hands and knees, choking several yards away; Tucker groaned, tangled in rope and pinned in a mess of rocks, his headlamp bobbing light around the dark cavern as he shook with a cough.

The room was so, so black, the patch of light I stood in seeming smaller than before. I tensed, gaze darting around. It was here, still. Breathing. Waiting.

It moved.

Slithering from the darkness, mouth parted in a hiss, it spilled blood from holes in its torso as it went. I took a breath, held still. It raced closer, closer—twenty feet, fifteen, twelve...

I ran.

Toward it.

Dirt gave and kicked up under my feet, pebbles flying. Its mouth opened wide, fangs sharp and glistening.

Two feet away from it, I pushed forward on my right foot and leapt, high, flying, feet kicking, its mouth snapping and missing me by inches. My foot stepped down on its snout, pressing its mouth closed, then I jumped again.

I twisted as I landed on its back, both hands on the hilt of the knife. Weapon raised, I plunged it down, down, even as the creature kept moving and threatened to topple me over. The blade sank into its skull, just behind the eyes, biting down deep and through bone. For a moment, the creature thrashed, knocking from side to side violently, but I gripped the damn knife and pinched my knees against its sides like riding a bucking horse, holding on with everything I had in me.

The monster stilled.

The Marked... Semi-sentient tattoos... YES Please!

Ooooooh! I HAAAAD to share this one with you all. Really. It sounds amazing.

Are you a tattoo person? Like to read about tattoos? Well this sounds like an exciting twist to tattoos in a book.

"You want a book about grief and 
semi-sentient tattoos, right?"

Yep, that's the tag line at the site. I was sold at this line.

Lilith Saintcrow is crowdfunding a new book! It's the first book in a new series. Lilith is crowdfunding the book to self-publish it with all the proper elements it needs to be ready for our eyes. You can help support this book and bring it out for all of us.

So, about the book...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Marked

Description:

Awful things happen. Sometimes you’re left alive, but it leaves a Mark. They aren’t tattoos, and they express your hidden powers—and your hidden desires. They grow as you use them. And someone wants them very, very badly…

A winding road, a freak storm, and a lightning strike. Jude Altfall’s life, just beginning to coalesce after her divorce, is shattered afresh. Dazed with grief, she’s not sure if the weird things happening around her are hallucinations…or something more. And there’s the mark on her hip—a tattoo she can’t for the life of her remember getting.

Preston Marlock left a shadowy government agency two years ago, to hunt a killer. Each time the bastard strikes the trail goes cold, and not even Marlock’s more-than-natural abilities are helping. Now the killer’s taken one of his very few friends, and there’s a surviving witness. The Altfall woman is now that most precious and fragile of targets, newly Marked. All Marlock has to do is dangle her like bait, and the killer will eventually show up.

The Skinner knows some people are different. Special. He has a collection of stretched skin and pretty pictures, each harvested with care. The trick is to take them while the victim is still struggling, still alive, otherwise their power is lost. He is careful, methodical, and precise, but chance robs him of a prize. Once he realizes Jude Altfall has what he covets, and has possibly seen his face, her fate is sealed. And just to be cautious, the Skinner might swat at the annoying fly who has buzzed along his trail for two years.

Sometimes you survive, and you bear a Mark.

And some things are worse than death.

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What do you think?
I'm really interested. Sounds like a murder mystery type read with magic and so much more mixed in! I want it!

And you can help make it available for you and me. :) Just jump over to Indiegogo and click to support the book. As of today we have 10 days left. Only 10 days!

Thank you for your eyes and support!

Audio Book Review: Otherlife Dreams

Otherlife Dreams

By:  William D. Arand

Publish Date:  January 21, 2016, Audiobook May 13, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 9 hrs 30 mins
Narrated By:  Jeff Hayes

Genre:  Science Fiction, Fantasy

Series:  1st in The Selfless Hero Trilogy series

Impression:  Reality is now living in the fantasy game world. Can Runner get them all out?

Synopsis:
Runner has a problem. He and 499,000 men and women of the military are trapped in a game. Runner is the only person in the IT department in game, the only one with administrative access rights. And he doesn't remember his password. When their brains were synched with the game, it scrambled most of their memories.

The problem is that whoever loaded their minds into the game, loaded them completely. If they die, their brain dies.

Now it's time for Runner to flex his skills as a power gaming min maxer and see what he can do. Because every time he levels, he might just gain the memory of the password. Time to go Hardcore.

First Sentence:
Runner stared at the login screen for Otherlife Dreams as the text rotated slowly.

Purchase At:
Amazon  

Audible


My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com, at my request.

Runner finds himself in Otherlife Dreams game, staring at the log in screen with no clue how he got here or any memories of who he is and how to get out. There was a message waiting for him when he arrived, but it's broken up with static. He and all the others on his military ship are here on purpose. Something happened. But in order to get their memories, they must stay alive and level up. From what he can see of his console, the military ship they're on is plotted for a three year course. Time indicator shows they are about a year into the journey, they would be between two planets. So, sit and wait for help that may not come or play out the game? Trying to access information on his console, Runner realizes he could probably end all of this if he remembered his password. If the message left for him is correct, to remember he'll have to level up.

I jumped to review this audio book because I saw Jeff was the narrator. I am completely entertained with his many voices. But also, this book sounded different and fun.

I read through the first pages as Jeff narrated them. I think this is one of those books best in audio, especially with Jeff's talents! The message that's broken with static, YES! Jeff does just that! And it sounds amazing. I much rather hear it than read it. Jeff does have many voices for us with the characters that Runner crosses, and all are vocally different in tone and personality. Jeff does not let us down with his voice.

Runner is now in a game and things we may let slide, like slightly hungry, becomes items that will decrease stats in the game. Runner has to pay attention to all items as he tries to level up, without dying. Starting as a new player, Runner has low status in all areas (as usual), except for charisma. He does have a personable feel to him. Something easy to listen to him. I do enjoy Hannah when he comes across her. She's a thief, but she becomes more to Runner, a guide of sorts. Runner then crosses paths with others in this fantasy world as he tries to level up. He offers them to join him and help him improve in all areas.

I've started to wonder how Runner has been so graced to cross women, and them join his traveling company. They are all of different abilities, but all are women. No men? The few men he crossed are jerks. I guess in fantasy games, they are all stereotyped.

This is a blend of gaming and fantasy story as the game Runner is playing in is a fantasy setting with Orcs and many creatures and sword fights. However, I was never really in fear of Runner dying through the quest. He fought many and said he would so he could level up, but I didn't feel the fear for his life as the story went. With the lack of fear for Runner, I found that some parts of the book were slow moving for me as he worked his way through the fantasy world. He is one with quick clips with those he brings into his company which makes the story light.

My only downfall, the few times the computer language typed was referenced as Runner searches the console for information. I'm not much for those parts and phased out some until I get the explanations.

I did become curious about the military space ship that Runner's body is on. Something happened there and I'm curious as to what the story is. And the tidbit of information we learn at the end, somehow Runner had not seen this until the end of the story but it's important and bring a worry about reality to my mind. I'm hoping a few more details can be learned through the console as Runner levels up in the stories to come in this series.

This is an adult story, as the language is strong. Do you like quest games? Runner is living in his very own. You may enjoy Runner's journey.

This story seems to be Runner's growth of relationships with characters in the game.



**If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible.

Sunday Post #133 - Time moves faster...

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share new about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

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I swear! Time moves faster the older I get. (I sound like my grandmother.) When I started the week this past week, I never thought it would go by so fast. Now, I'm starting a new week! Whaaaat!???!!

The next 2 weeks I know I'll be MIA. We are preparing for house guests as we are going on a family vacation, something we have not done in far to many years. We have family coming to stay at the house with our rowdy dogs while we are at Disney. Then when we get back it will be catch up time for all that needs to be done in life. lol.

Other than that, not to much else to tell. I do have a doctors appointment when we get back as well so I should have more details then.

So lets get to the book stuff! I will have reviews for you these next two weeks but I won't be doing a Sunday Post next weekend. There is a cover reveal to come too!

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The Fit Booker:

Goal:  Workout in any form of exercise (or on Wii Fit) 2x's a week. (to feel better and hope to drop a few pants sizes)

How did I do last week... I only went to the gym 2 days a week and push mowed the grass here too. I do weights and walk on the elliptical for 30 minutes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:

The Side of Good / The Side of Evil edited by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
The Ghost Rebellion by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris
I'm also working on Content Editing Work as well.

Current Audiobook:
Retribution by K.A. Salidas

Current Podcast Book Listen:
Stonebriar Casefiles: Bad Alchemy by Laura Nicole Spencer (You can listen for free too!)

Alight by Scott Sigler (You can listen for free too! One episode, a few chapters, a week!)

Finished Last Week: 

Nothing written.

Audiobooks from Audible:

The Heirophant by Madeline Claire Franklin

Finished Podcast Book Listen:

Nothing

~~~~~~~~~~

Last Week on the Blog:

Cover Reveals: (click titles to go to post & learn more)

Posts:

Around the Internet...


Reviews:

Carrots by Colleen Helme

"Hearing peoples thoughts. Could you handle it? And hearing what they really think of you? Shelby has that awakening in her."


Birthright by E.J. Stevens

"Ivy gets a trip into Faerie. She starts to see her wisp side closer, learning more of what she's looking for. She gets time with a family member. But what she learns in the end is a shocker!"

Podcast Review:

Mama Bitchstress Reviews:

GIVEAWAYS:

Like Mermaids? I have an Audiobook through Audible I'm giving away! (Ends in Hours!)

Ivy Granger Swag Pack!

3 complete sets of Girl From the Stars series!

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This Week to Come on the Blog:

I've decided to do three reviews a week for a few weeks, just to try to get caught up with what I have to share with you all. Hope you stop by to check them all out! :)
 
I have reviews to come and a cover reveal. There are giveaways going on right now too! Go enter!

~~~~~~~~~~

Received Last Weeks:

Review & Review Consideration:

The Dragon Lords: Fools Gold by Jon Hollins
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
A brand new adventure fantasy: imagine Guardians of the Galaxyplanning a heist on Smaug's gold, for fans looking for something with a modern twist and some humor.

Guardians of the Galaxy meets The Hobbit in this rollicking fantasy adventure.

It's not easy to live in a world ruled by dragons. The taxes are high and their control is complete. But for one group of bold misfits, it's time to band together and steal back some of that wealth.

No one said they were smart. 



Audio Books Requested for Review:

Exoterrorism by C.T. Phipps
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:

There are no good guys in the world of shadows...but maybe some bad men are better than others. 

Derek Hawthorne was born to be an agent of the Red Room. Literally. Raised in a conspiracy which has protected the world from the supernatural for centuries, he's never been anything other than a servant of their agenda. Times are changing, though, and it may not be long before their existence is exposed.

When a routine mission uncovers the latest plan of the magical terrorist, the Wazir, Derek finds himself saddled with a new partner. Who is the mysterious but deadly Shannon O'Reilly? What is her agenda? Couple this with the discovery the Red Room has a mole seeking to frame Derek for treason and you have a plot which might bring down a millennium-old organization. Can he stop the Wazir's mission to expose the supernatural? And should he?

Hunger by Jeremiah Knight
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Desperate to solve a global food shortage, ExoGen scientist Dr. Ella Masse oversees the creation and release of RC-714, a gene that unlocks millions of years of adaptation and evolution, allowing crops to use long dormant junk DNA to rapidly adapt to any environment. The world’s food supply grows aggressively, occupying every inch of earth, no matter how inhospitable. World hunger is averted. Humanity flourishes. RC-714 is digested, absorbed and passed on.
The Change affects small, fast breeding mammals first. They multiply with the same aggressive speed as the ExoGen plants, but a new, insatiable hunger drives them to violence. War between species breaks out. And then RC-714 reaches humanity, along with every other large creature on the planet. Civilization implodes, as every living thing that consumed the ExoGen crops begins to adapt to a world full of predators, accessing genes dating back to the beginning of life itself.
Peter Crane and his son Jakob survive the Change, living in their family farmhouse and eating non-ExoGen food from a biodome, one of many provided by Ella Masse, who discovered the ramifications of her breakthrough too late. The pair ekes out a living in a world full of monsters, surviving until Ella shows up on their doorstep with her daughter, pursued by desperate predators and men alike.
As the farmhouse falls under attack, Crane learns that the end of humanity, of life on Earth, can still be averted: if Ella Masse and her daughter survive, and if they make it to the other side of the country without being captured...or consumed.
Jeremiah Knight merges the science of Michael Crichton with the horror of Stephen King in this fresh take on the post-apocalypse, creating a true worst-case scenario for GMO crops that will have people reading labels before eating their next pepper, tomato or kernel of corn.





Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:

Book:

Audio:

Free Ebooks:

(On my Kindle App) Links to books under title. They may or may not be free at this time.

Spirit Legacy by E.E. Holmes
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
“The Gateway is open...”
These cryptic words wake college student Jess Ballard from a terrifying dream into an even more terrifying reality.
Jess' life has never been what anyone would call easy; doing damage control in the wake of your nomadic, alcoholic mother doesn't exactly make for a storybook childhood. But now her world has fallen apart just when it should be coming together: her mother gone—dead under mysterious circumstances; her life uprooted to stay with estranged relatives she’s never met; and there’s something odd about some of the people she’s been meeting at school:
They’re dead.
Aided by Tia, her neurotic roommate, and Dr. David Pierce, a ghost-hunting professor, Jess must unravel the mystery behind her hauntings. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more danger shadows her every move. An ancient secret, long-buried, is about to claw its way to the surface, and nothing can prepare Jess for one terrifying truth …
… her encounters with the world of the dead are only just beginning.
Spirit Legacy is the first of three thrilling novels in The Gateway Trilogy by E.E. Holmes.


(On my Nook)

Free Audio Books/Stories:

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Reviews to Come:

Soulless by Skyla Dawn Cameron

The Sentinel by Chris Lester

The Muse by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Making the Cut by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Whispers in the Wood by Chris Lester

Age of Myth by Michael J. Sullivan

Lex Talionis by Starla Huchton

Spark by Starla Huchton
Heir to Kale by K.L. Bone

Tales from the Archives Vol 4 #5 - Old Sinner's Bones

The Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan
Otherlife Dreams by William D. Arand
The Heirophant by Madeline Claire Franklin

Author Post and Giveaway!

I've been finding Space Opera exciting lately. I've found I can get lost in the world and characters written. And I've been looking for new ones to try. So when Cheree Alsop emailed me to do a post and giveaway, I jumped at the chance. Perfect timing!

Cheree talks about what sparked the idea for Liora in her Girl from the Stars series.

Please welcome Cheree.


I often write from a male character's point of view. I don't know why that's my usual style, but I enjoy it and my readers seem to as well. I never really thought about it until I was doing a panel at Comic Con and a woman in the audience asked if I had written a series with a strong female character that her daughter could read. She wanted an example for her daughter who was strong but still maintained her femininity.

That thought spurred me to write the Girl from the Stars series.

Liora, my main character, survived a difficult past, was raised in a society that valued the ability to live through pain, and she was once sold as a slave. But Liora doesn't break under pressure; instead, she uses the difficulties of her youth to drive her forward and spur her on toward succeeding when many others give up.

Liora has to learn to open up her heart and to understand where reasoning comes before fighting. Her safe zone is in the battle. She grew up in a combat-oriented race, and she excels with a weapon in her hand. Yet not every battle should be fought with a weapon, and despite her reluctance to trust anyone after what she has gone through, she finds herself surrounded by the camaraderie of life on a starship and being included in the crew. It also helps that the two men who rescued her, the dashing young captain and the ship's chief medical officer, know what it's like to suffer and survive, and they don't judge her for what she has gone through.

Liora Day is a strong, damaged, but very brave main character who evolves through the series, experiences love, loss, family, and friendships she would have never thought possible, and maintains her femininity and the gentleness deep inside despite everything she has gone through. I really enjoyed writing this series and I hope that you enjoy it!

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The series is complete! Curious about the books? Me too. Here's the covers and descriptions:

Daybreak
Liora Day, half-human, half-mess with her and you'll die Damaclan, had been thrown onto a rough path at a very early age. But when she is broken out of a cage by Devren, the young captain of the SS Kratos, she is shown that perhaps humanity does have a heart. The Kratos is set on a mission to rescue fallen surveyors from the Revolutionaries, and Liora is given the choice to follow her Damaclan instincts, or trust Devren's dark eyes and captivating smile that promise an adventure unlike any she has ever experienced.

Daylight
Cheree Alsop has published over 30 books, including two series through Stonehouse Ink. She is the mother of a beautiful, talented daughter and amazing twin sons who fill every day with joy and laughter. She is married to her best friend, Michael, the light of her life and her soulmate who shares her dreams and inspires her by reading the first drafts and giving much appreciated critiques. Cheree is a fulltime author and mother, which is more play than work! She enjoys reading, traveling to tropical beaches, spending time with her wonderful children, and going on family adventures while planning her next book. 
Cheree and Michael live in Utah where they rock out, enjoy the outdoors, plan great quests, and never stop dreaming.

Day's End
When Liora Day and the Kratos crew destroyed half of the Omne Occasus, it turned not only her Damaclan father, but the entire Coalition, against them. The crew of the SS Kratos band together to destroy the rest of the galaxy imploder, but in doing so, they confront a new danger nobody foresaw. Liora is prepared to risk it all to save her race, but when the man she loves puts his own life on the line for hers, everything changes. Can Liora confront death to rescue the human who has given her something worth living for?

Day's Journey
When Liora’s brother is kidnapped as thinly-veiled trap, she follows with the intent of springing it on her own terms. But her plans fall away when she finds that the danger has a greater reach than she could have imagined. Waylaid and nearly dead, Liora finds herself fighting for not only her life, but for mortalkind. If she succeeds, she could thwart the paramount threat to the Macrocosm and those she loves; if she fails, mortalkind will fall at her side. Yet the price of survival may be far greater than Liora is willing to pay. 

“How far will you go to protect your human? How many lives will you take to save the one you love?” 

Liora spoke the truth she saw in the Cherum’s gaze. “All of them.”

Day's Hunt
Confronted with the truth about her origin, Liora has to make a difficult choice that can change the entire fate of the Macrocosm. Battling loss, Ketulans, and the desires of her own heart, Liora confronts an evil she thought long banished from her life and the cosmos. The fight she faces turns out to be the most difficult of her life in more ways than one. Can she survive the consequences of her own actions long enough to defeat the greatest peril of her existence?

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GIVEAWAY!

Cheree has offered 3 ebook sets of the series!

These books will be for codes through Smashwords

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Audio Book Review: Carrots

Carrots

By:  Colleen Helme

Publish Date:  February 23, 2011, Audiobook Release May 23, 2013

Format:  Audiobook - 8 hrs 39 mins
Narrated By:  Wendy Tremont King

Genre:  Thriller, Cozy Mystery

Series:  1st in Shelby Nichols Adventures series; Book 8 ~ Devious Minds

First Impression:  Shelby can now hear thoughts, and it gets her involved in more adventures than she ever imagined!

Synopsis:
Shelby Nichols is an average woman who is married to the only guy she ever fell for. Her life is organized and predictable, revolving around her husband and two children. All that changes the day she stops at the grocery store for some carrots. As the cashier rings up her purchases, a gunman is busy robbing the bank inside the store. When a customer grabs the robber's mask, he is shot and everyone runs for cover. Everyone except Shelby, who finds herself face to face with the killer. The next thing she knows, she's lying on the floor with a bullet wound to her head. Luckily, the bullet only grazes her scalp, and she doesn't suspect any lasting affects until later, when she suddenly 'hears' what people are thinking. With this uncanny ability, her life takes on a whole new dimension. Her kids think she's bossy and too old to understand them, but that's nothing compared to her husband. He says he loves her, but what is it about the redhead at work that he doesn't want her to know? As if that isn't enough, the gunman knows she can identify him, and he's out to silence her forever. In her fight to stay alive, she is saved from certain death by a handsome hit-man with ties to organized crime. This pulls Shelby even deeper into danger, where knowing someone's thoughts can not only hurt her feelings, but get her killed.

First Sentence:
My life changed that day because I didn't have any carrots.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I requested this book from the author or narrator for an honest review.

Stopping at the grocery store to pick up carrots for dinner, Shelby's world changes. A bank robbery is in process at the bank inside and when the guy turns, Shelby is standing there. She sees him fully, and he shots her. The graze of the bullet to her head leaves an affect that Shelby never expected. She can hear other people's thoughts. Everyone knows her name as the news put it and her picture in the paper. And the gunmen is still at large. When Shelby meets her husbands new co-worker, Shelby's determination to keep the woman away from Chris she makes a comment about Kate's Uncle Joey. This comment drags Shelby into a life of crime she doesn't want to be involved in.

Wendy has embodied Shelby to the fullest in her narration! I believe she is Shelby Nichols as she talks, sounding like she's living the moments. Wendy may not do completely different voices in pitch and sound, but she brings each characters personality to live in her voice and they do sound different. They do have different cadences to fit the moment and each individual. Listening to Wendy, I don't think there is anyone else that could bring Shelby to life as she does.

Hearing peoples thoughts. Could you handle it? And hearing what they really think of you? Shelby has that awakening in her. Now she worries about hearing what her husband thinks, especially since they hadn't been spending much time together with his work at the law firm. Is she boring? Then there's her kids, teenagers...

Oh the thoughts that Shelby hears from a few others. The ones on the young girl that's drooling over her husband... Yeah. I'd knock her out. Shelby is so well reserved to handle her. But I do worry about Shelby and Chris's relationship in this book. Not because of a possible other woman but because of the thought reading aspect. There is love between them but the thought reading is a lot to take in and know your wife could be reading your thoughts. Also, they sound a little strained as a couple with the long hours he works and her doing for the kids. At times I think this thought reading could help bring them closer again, but not sure. I even started hoping they could work through the changes in their lives because they have a true love to them.

How Shelby comes to meet Uncle Joey is a great tie-in here. Just the chances of it all. Someone in "Uncle Joey's" position would definitely be connected on all ends, including with a lawyer. And Shelby reading thoughts, well she's going to learn things she probably shouldn't know. lol.

Her life really does change. She offers to help her husband with his clients and cases. But also helps police with tips on another at station, that turn out well and Detective Harris (Dimples) asks her to help from time to time. But the biggest thing is working with Uncle Joey. All the new work as a consultant with her thought reading ability. We get the solution to the robbery/shooting but it brings Shelby into other issues to work through as well.

Is it terrible that I love the "hired" gun that is Uncle Joey's man? I really do. The more time Shelby spent with him, the more I liked him. And didn't think he'd kill her, well he would but really not want to.

Shelby is a fun person in her adventures. I will be continuing with the next books in the series!



**If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Birthright Audio Tour & Giveaway

I've been rocking the Audiobook Month celebrations and I'm excited to have the author of Ivy Granger series sharing about her newest Audiobook now available for listening!



Happy Audiobook Month!  To celebrate Audiobook Month and the audio release of BIRTHRIGHT, the fourth full-length novel in the award-winning Ivy Granger urban fantasy series, we're giving away an Ivy Granger swag pack.

Birthright (Ivy Granger, Psychic Detective #4) by E.J. Stevens, narrated by Melanie Mason and Anthony Bowling.

Being a faerie princess isn't what it's cracked up to be...

Ivy must go to Faerie, but the gateway to the Wisp Court is through Tech Duinn, the house of Donn—Celtic god of the dead. Just her luck.

Unable to share her secret with Jinx, and with Jenna called away on Hunters' Guild business, Ivy must rely on Ceff and Torn to lead her to Death's door, literally, and back again. As if that wasn't dangerous enough, there's no saying what horrors lay in store within the Faerie realm. Too bad the Wisp Court is the one lead Ivy has in the search for her father—and possible salvation.

Maybe hiding away and dodging sidhe assassins isn't so bad after all.



BTS Red Carpet Award winner for Best Novel, finalist for Best Cover, PRG Reviewer's Choice Award finalist for Best Urban Fantasy Series, and winner of the PRG Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Urban Fantasy Novel.

Buy Now at Amazon, iTunes, Audible UK, and Audible.

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Whispersync for Voice Ready

Add to Goodreads.

About the Author:

E.J. Stevens is the author of the HUNTERS' GUILD urban fantasy series, the SPIRIT GUIDE young adult series, the award-winning IVY GRANGER urban fantasy series, and the upcoming the DARK ARCANA urban fantasy series. She is known for filling pages with quirky characters, bloodsucking vampires, psychotic faeries, and snarky, kick-butt heroines.

BTS Red Carpet Award winner for Best Novel, and winner of the PRG Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Paranormal Fantasy Novel, Best Young Adult Paranormal Series, Best Urban Fantasy Novel, and finalist for Best Young Adult Paranormal Novel and Best Urban Fantasy Series.

When E.J. isn't at her writing desk she enjoys dancing along seaside cliffs, singing in graveyards, and sleeping in faerie circles. E.J. currently resides in a magical forest on the coast of Maine where she finds daily inspiration for her writing.

About the Narrators:

Melanie A. Mason is a voice actress known for Ghost Hunt, Fairy Tale, Blassreiter, and Case Closed.  Anthony Bowling is a voice actor known for Samurai 7, Baka and Test, Sekirei, Ultimate Otaku Teacher, Is This A Zombie?, and The Devil is a Part-Timer.

Birthright Audiobook Release Swag Giveaway:

We are giving away a button, pen, custom earbuds, and a signed Birthright mini poster to one lucky winner!

To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is international.  Giveaway ends June 29, 2016.

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Good luck!