Audio Book Review: Time for the Lost

Time for the Lost

By:  Chess Desalls

Publish Date:  February 9, 2016, Audiobook Release September 27, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 6 hrs 24 mins
Narrated By:  Jamie Dufault

Genre:  Fantasy, Young Adult, Time Travel

Series:  3rd in The Call to Search Everywhen series; Book 1 ~ Travel Glasses, Book 2 ~ Insight Kindling

Impression:  We dig a little deeper into the world and what Calla's power can do.

Synopsis:
Calla's disappearance leads her family and friends to suspect that she’s lost. In a desperate attempt to find her, Valcas seeks help from a man he betrayed. A new search begins, one that sounds promising, even if it forces Valcas to confront his past.

The travel team reunites for a mission they never saw coming: a journey to a world caught between life and death, and hidden within the deepest recesses of time. Ivory rediscovers a friend and Ray learns the meaning behind his tattoo. But the connections they make between travelers and the lost may twist the core of the Time and Space Travel Agency inside out.

Time for the Lost is the third installment in The Call to Search Everywhen serial series.

First Sentence:
I grew up in a world of my parents' making.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Audible

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

Valcas doesn't know if he should go find Calla, but finds himself on the journey to find her. When he and Calla's family conclude she's lost, they try their hardest to find and save her. In doing so they learn secrets that the Time and Space Travel Agency wanted kept quiet. Things that could change everything as it's run now.

Jamie is new to me and new to the series. This book is from Valcas's POV so it brings in a male voice to tell the perspective. Then the story switches to Calla's POV in the last half, or Part 2 of the story. He does small changes for tones and feel of voices for different people; softer for female, scratch for older man, and proper for formal male speak.

It's been a while since I listened to the previous books. I think because of this the beginning feels larger than I'm ready for. It feels as though I'm getting a brood range of items all at once and not sure what is now and what has happened already. Valcas feels as though his mind is all over the place and makes it harder for me to narrow in on something.

Time is a tricky topic, and could be discussed in many angles for hours. The concept of time travel, daily reminders, slices of time, and much more are interesting concepts. They feel like topics I could debate and discuss with friends, based on the world created here. They would be deep and detailed discussions that would lead to more terms and ideas for the world. I really like them. There are moments I'm not 100% clear on details as we learn new aspects to the time traveling, like Chars. I first thought these were the Uproar, but figure out they are different. But, what are they or where from? What draws them to the travelers?

This book feels to spend time describing more rules and worries of the traveling. It also feels to be used to raise suspension of the TSTA (Time and Space Travel Agency). It feels slower in action as we learn about the lost and start to question why or how. We see Plaka and Calla do what they do best, heal. But the characters don't feel as personable to me in this story as they did in previous ones. Was it the narrator or the writing? I'm not sure. I didn't feel as drawn to them as I had before.

As I went through the book, it felt more and more as a transition to a new plot arc in the series, however it ends like it's the conclusion too. I liked the story and things we learned here, but at times I didn't see the connections of why things were connected or people were searching for things. Maybe if I had read the book, this way I could have re-read sections, it would sink in better. I don't know.



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

Audio Book Review: Stolen Magic

Stolen Magic

By:  Linsey Hall

Publish Date:  June 20, 2016, Audiobook Release September 8, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 6 hrs 55 mins
Narrated By:  Laurel Schroeder

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  3rd in Dragon's Gift: The Huntress series; Book 1 ~ Ancient Magic, Book 2 ~ Mirror Mage

First Impression:  Cass faces fears, external and internal.

Synopsis:
Being a FireSoul has its perks. Cass Clereaux can find any type of magical treasure—or steal any type of magical power. She’ll pick hunting treasure any day because she doesn’t have to kill for it, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t stolen powers. She needs them to stay alive. Because a fight to the death is the least of what she can expect if other supernaturals find out what she is, she’s become an expert at laying low.

When her friend is sucked into a magical portal, she’s the only one with the power to help him. But what she uncovers is a danger greater than she’d ever imagined—and linked to her past in a way she’d never expect. Worse, the portal puts her whole town at risk. As the threat grows, she must confront her fear of losing control of her new powers, or lose any hope of saving hundreds of lives.

First Sentence:
"Trouble at two o'clock." I tipped my chin toward the big glass window.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Audible

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

Demons have entered Magic's Bend, tracking Firesouls that were prophesied by a seer to be present. When Cass tries to question a dying demon she feels the compulsion to take his strength, his power. She hasn't told her sisters, but her Firesoul is attracted and she enjoys taking the power.

Cass's friend, Dr. Garriso, is pulled through a portal in the museum during an attempted robbery before he can tell her what the Chalice of Youth really grants to who drinks from it. The Chalice that the Monster from Cass's past wants.


Laurel is back for the next book! Her voice has become Cass for me. And she does different tones and scratchiness for different characters, making it easy to hear who's who. The audio is clear and nothing distracting me from the voice and story. Thank you for returning to continue on with these characters!

Cass faces many terrible fears she has at the same time. First is The Monster, the terrible man that her and her sisters ran from at the age of fifteen. It ends up he has his own plans, and crosses paths with Cass. That meeting is a closer one than anything previously. She worries about being found out, that the firesoul in her will be discovered and her and her sisters will be taken to prison. Then, one of her biggest fears, the desire in her from her firesoul to take powers. In her own way and when needed she finds the strength to carry on, growing as a character as she goes.

Cass is worried because she feels the draw, pull, need to take another's magic when they die. It's like her firesoul takes over and compels her to do it. She doesn't like that feeling and doesn't want to steal another's magic, even if they are dying. It's not right. And worst, she likes the feel of the power. It scares her. She needs to gain control of it.

Cass also has to help her friend, Dr. Garriso. When she gets Dr. Garriso back, Cass and all learn what the Chalice of Youth really can do. And they don't want the Monster from her past to get it. Really don't want him to get it. But, now the chalice is at the museum, that the Monster is trying to steal and by doing so has put Magic's Bend in danger of destruction.

Cass spends time with Aidan. *sigh* He's a wonderful man. He wants to help Cass and date her too. I can't believe they've only known each other for a few weeks, maybe a month. They've spent so much time together with all the events surrounding Cass that they have learned a lot about each other. Aidan is determined to get his date in any way he can get with the limited time the find between moments of rush and worry. He's such a sweet man. *sigh* (yes, I'm repeating!)

This book feels to up the anty with danger and what Cass has to face, personally, mentally, and danger wise of the whole town with the Monster.

I've really found I've enjoyed this series thus far. I like seeing Cass as she learns and grows as a character with her friends. And I'm more and more curious about The Monster. What is the story with Cass and how will she carry on from here? I look forward to all the stories to come in this magical world!



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

Audio Book Review: The Cryptic Lines

The Cryptic Lines

By:  Richard Storry

Publish Date:  March 3, 2015, Audiobook Release March 16, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 4 hrs 13 mins
Narrated By:  Jake Urry

Genre:  Fiction, Mystery

Series:  Stand alone

First Impression:  Competition/mystery for who gets the inheritance.

Synopsis:
Set in a sprawling gothic mansion in a remote coastal location, somewhere in the British Isles, the elderly recluse Lord Alfred Willoughby is deciding what is to become of his vast fortune after his death. Whilst his head is telling him to leave nothing at all to his wastrel son, Matthew, his heart is speaking differently. After much deliberation, in a last-ditch attempt to try and show to his son the importance of applying himself to a task and staying with it to the end, he devises a series of enigmatic puzzles cunningly concealed within the lines of a poem - the cryptic lines. If he completes the task successfully and solves the puzzles he will inherit the entire estate; but if he fails he will receive nothing. However, from Lord Alfred's Will it emerges that Matthew is not the only interested party. The mysterious old house holds many secrets, and nothing is as it first appears...

First Sentence:
The night it all began there was nothing foreboding to see - at first.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

Audible

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

Two weeks to do as Alfred wishes in order to decide who inherits his fortune. Or they lose it all, being donated to community programs. His attorney or his son. They both must solve the clues to find one gem to win his large fortune. Who will it be?

This is a first for me with listening to Jake Urry. He has a relaxed yet formal sound to his voice that fits for Charles and the story being told. There is, however, a small sound of his voice as if there is something passing in front of him as he spoke, giving a small sound difference as though he's behind something. Jake performs some great personalities present with Charles, Alfred, James, and even Matthew, who lives up to what his father and butler voiced of him. This gives the characters a feel of having their own personalities in their voices. None of the words feel rushed, on the contrary they feel methodical and well thought out as Jake speaks them.

The prologue is a short poem by Rudyard Kipling. I'm guessing this is to set the feel of the book and possibly what the story is derived from, based on the synopsis.

The story starts with the description of the home to give it a creepy feel. The description feels to fit the cover rather well. Great selection for the cover.

Charles has arrived at Heston Grange on this stormy night to meet with Lord Alfred Willoughby per the Lords request in order to amend his Last Will and Testament, yet once again. The man adjusts his will to fit who is in standing with him at any given time. Alfred is elderly in age but mentally sharp as a whip and still physically traversing with ease.

By the time we get to the reading, or viewing, of the will I was curious as to what was said. And how Lord Alfred Willoughby's son would take the details of the will. Then, when I get to hear it.... oh the game begins!

Is Matthew as bad of a person as Alfred, his father, and James, the butler, think he is? A scoundrel. Or is the person that Charles sees the true Matthew? I'm curious as to which way this will go. We are meeting Matthew for the first time with Charles and he seems like a good person... But there's James telling Charles to beware. I'm baited. lol. Then there are small glimpses we get of Matthew. Oh to see how he turns out.

If Richard were to be the creator of a mystery night or party to search for clues, I would TOTALLY be there! I was taken by the crafty design of the hidden clues for Charles and Matthew to follow. I really had no idea where the clues would take us and what Charles and Matthew would have to do to get to the next clue. It was neat how this place was built and how Alfred planned it all. Crafty in design and kept me curious.

In the end, I had a feeling how things would work out. Though, there were additional details I had not expected here shared in a heartfelt letter. This letter touched my heart with how well written and vocalized it was done.

This was not scary in any means, but suspenseful in not knowing what would lead to the next, and all fitting together to get to the next clue. Even the characters felt to hold true to their character and reveal in the end.

I felt this was excellently written and performed.



****If you found this review helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you.

Author Bio
Richard is the author of four published novels, with his fifth “A Looming of Vultures” due for publication in 2017. Prior to writing his first novel, “The Cryptic Lines” he was very busy in the theatrical world: He composed the incidental music to Chekhov’s Three Sisters, seen in London’s West End, starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Eric Sykes, and subsequently broadcast on BBC4 television. His musical adaptation of “The Brothers Lionheart” premiered at London’s Pleasance Theatre, followed by a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival where it was voted Best Childrens’ Play. “The Cryptic Lines” has now been adapted for both the stage and screen.
Website⎮Twitter⎮Goodreads

Narrator Bio
Jake Urry is a British actor and audiobook narrator, and also co-founder of Just Some Theatre. Since graduating from an Acting degree course in 2012 he’s toured with Just Some Theatre as an actor and producer, worked on a number of commercial voice over projects and most recently started producing Audiobooks. Jake has produced over 10 titles since March 2016 and has rapidly found himself at home narrating Thriller, Horror, Mystery and Suspense titles. His audiobook work includes dark psychological thrillers White is the Coldest Colour and Portraits of the Dead by John Nicholl, occult mystery series The Ulrich Files by Ambrose Ibsen, and gritty Sci-Fi novel Shadows of Tomorrow by Jessica Meats.
Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads⎮Voices⎮Soundcloud

Sunday Post #149

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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And the weekends go faster than the week... I know, weekends are only two days so they do go faster than the week, of five. We should totally fix that! lol. It seems we have lots to do on the weekends anymore because we can't get to it during the week in the evening. *sigh*

Evenings are getting shorter and nights longer this past week. The sun is setting earlier and earlier each day. It's also harder and harder to get out of bed in the morning. That hibernation habit is kicking in. It's cooler and darker in the morning so all we want to do is sleep. And with the dreary rain we've had. Yuck.

Kiddo had senior night Friday night and it was miserable weather for the kids. But we got some pictures of him with his friends. He, somehow, found some old pictures I had him posse for in the back yard when he started playing football in little league, and wants to re-enact them now that he's a senior. I'm hoping the sun stays out today so we can get those done.

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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 did get some exercising in this week. I only been getting 2 days a week in with all that's going on. They are days working on the weight equipment at the gym.

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What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:

Emergence: Humanity 2.0 edited by J.M. Martin
The Side of Good / The Side of Evil edited by Danielle Ackley-McPhail

Content editing work.


Current Audiobook:
Destroyer of Worlds by J.F. Penn

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

Finished Last Week: 

Freed by Amanda Carlson
Of Flame and Light by Cecy Robson

Audiobooks from Audible:

Stolen Magic by Linsey Hall
Time for the Lost by Chess Desalls


Finished Podcast Book Listen:

Nothing yet.

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Last Week on the Blog:

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

Guest Posts:

Posts:

Spellbound in a Flash:
This week I didn't post with working on writing. Sorry!


Challenged Writers:
I'll share again at the beginning of October.

Around the Internet...


Reviews:

Of Flame and Light by Cecy Robson

"I just want to forget the rest of the world and keep reading, not even watch my favorite shows!"


Anubis Nights by Gary Jonas

"I like that we start with the characters where they are and how they feel now. Terrible things have happened to a few characters in the end of the last book, and they are dealing with the results. In seeing them now we also get a reminder of what happened, and how horrible it was for them."

Ark by David Wood

"I find the connections of different histories and written history and mythology to be the gripping part of the story. The way Bones' family treasure leads to Noah and the ark then even another step even further is mesmerizing."

Podcast Review:

Mama Bitchstress Reviews:

GIVEAWAYS:

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop! I have 2 Audiobooks up for 1 winner!

~~~~~~~~~~

This Week to Come on the Blog:

I have 3 reviews scheduled. Hope you visit!

~~~~~~~~~~

Received Last Weeks:

For Review Consideration:

Audio Books Requested for Review:

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.

Hidden Magic by Linsey Hall
GET WHEN SIGN UP FOR AUTHORS NEWS LETTER
Goodreads Synopsis:
Cass, Nix, and Del are good at two things: finding treasure and killing demons. Lying low is a close third—but not because they want to be good at hiding. They’re FireSouls, some of the unlucky few to inherit a piece of the dragon’s soul. On the surface, the perks are sweet—they have the power to find and steal any type of magical treasure, including the powers of other supernaturals. But it doesn’t come without a price—stealing powers requires that they kill, and others would destroy them if they discover what they are. 

In a world full of magic, hiding their powers is the only way to survive. That's not too hard, except for the fact that they’re being blackmailed by a criminal overlord who holds their lives in his hands. He wants a pair or rare daggers hidden inside a deadly temple. If Cass, Nix, and Del don’t get him the daggers, they’re dead. But when they get’s into the temple, they realize that things are even worse than they’d imagined. What was supposed to be a normal job is decidedly…not. And surviving it might be impossible.

Tangi a te Ruru/ The Cry of the Morepork by Pip Ballantine
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Agent Aroha Murphy investigates a series of strange deaths in the wilds of New Zealand in 1873 which have all taken place on one night. Are they suicides or murders? Aroha with her Maori and Italian ancestry, sits awkwardly between two cultures, but the answer is tangled with her own complicated past. heritage of Aotearoa itself. 

Tales from the Archives are short stories set in the world of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences (Phoenix Rising / Das Zeichen des Phönix, and the Janus Affair / Die Janus-Affäre) by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris. They explore events mentioned in the novels, characters seen and unseen and may include novel teasers of things to come.



Free Audio Books/Stories:

The Dispatcher by John Scalzi
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Zachary Quinto - best known for his role as the Nimoy-approved Spock in the recent Star Trek reboot and the menacing, power-stealing serial killer, Sylar, in Heroes - brings his well-earned sci-fi credentials and simmering intensity to this audio-exclusive novella from master storyteller John Scalzi.

One day, not long from now, it becomes almost impossible to murder anyone - 999 times out of a thousand, anyone who is intentionally killed comes back. How? We don't know. But it changes everything: war, crime, daily life.
Tony Valdez is a Dispatcher - a licensed, bonded professional whose job is to humanely dispatch those whose circumstances put them in death's crosshairs, so they can have a second chance to avoid the reaper. But when a fellow Dispatcher and former friend is apparently kidnapped, Tony learns that there are some things that are worse than death and that some people are ready to do almost anything to avenge a supposed wrong.
It's a race against time for Valdez to find his friend before it's too late...before not even a Dispatcher can save him.

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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

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

The Cryptic Lines by Richard Storry

Stolen Magic by Linsey Hall

Time for the Lost by Chess Desalls

Audio Book Review: Ark

Ark

By:  David Wood

Publish Date:  August 11, 2015, Audiobook Release August 26, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 6 hrs 48 mins
Narrated By:  Jeffrey Kafer

Genre:  Suspense, Thriller, Adventure

Series:  7th in A Dane Maddock Adventure series

First Impression:  Adventure, mystical, and dangerous. Loved the story created of Noah's Ark.

Synopsis:
A Native American artifact points the way to one of the greatest legends in history!

Archaeologist Dima Zafrani receives a mysterious package containing fragments of an unknown text that proves the existence of the lost Book of Noah. Pursued by a shadow organization known only as The Trident, Dima crosses paths with former Navy SEALs turned treasure hunters Dane Maddock and Bones Bonebrake. Can the three find the legendary Noah Stones before the Trident can harness their power?

Join Dane and Bones on another action-packed adventure as they set off on a quest for the Ark!

First Sentence:
The sea was angry.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

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 AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

Bones and Maddock return home to find Grandfather Samuel Bonebreak being questioned by two men in the middle of the living room, and it doesn't look to be kind. Samuel's never seen these men, but knows what they were looking for. The family treasure. The family treasure leads to the stone used to talk to animals, and a tie to Noah's ark where the animals were lead on the ship.

Jeffrey Kafer excels again at his narration of these characters. Jeffrey never lets me down when I listen to his works. The characters are not as much voiced differently in tone and timber but in personality in their voices. There are a few distinctive differences voiced, yes, but most comes through in who the characters are and how they would speak with emotion. This has become so easy to differentiate which character is which in listening. I do enjoy Jeffrey's voice as narrator though. I could listen to him all day.

David Wood uses descriptions that make it easy for me to visualize the scenes. The descriptions of the swelling, crashing waves of sea in the prologue makes it easy to see them. And there are many details like this throughout the book.

I'm thrilled this story centers around Bones and his family. We get to meet his family and see a legend from his family. Cherokee. Bones is an individual man, and I love him this way. So, I really enjoy Bones as a character. And I think I might be jealous of Dima. lol.

I so enjoy Bones and Maddock's interactions. They work well together, almost like they know what the other one will do. They trust each other in the most dangerous moments. And they have a humor between them that makes me smile, and even breaks up the dire moments a bit to keep the reader light hearted and going.

I find the connections of different histories and written history and mythology to be the gripping part of the story. The way Bones' family treasure leads to Noah and the ark then even another step even further is mesmerizing. I even pause when we get to these realizations to think on what we've crossed and that it all leads to this point. It does! I can totally see the line to this point with what we've learned. David has written the direction of events and the book to back the conclusions with great work. I'm amazed at this and enjoy it.

This book can very well be read/listened on it's own. I have listened to a few with these characters and of who them mention, but that doesn't impact the story in the least. I do, however, want to listen to ALL the stories in this world after getting the impression of past missions as I really enjoy the characters interactions and friendships. There are many different divisions of groups that are allies or enemies (in a sense) and would love to see all interact.

I will be looking for all sorts of books in this world!



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

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop!

I had such a great time doing giveaway hops a few months ago I had to get back at doing them. This week we have Spooktacular Giveaway Hop!

I have two audiobooks up for one winner. I have loved both of these books! And hope you enjoy them as much as I. They are both first books to their series, so you can start here and purchase the next books on audible when you are done. :)

The Harvesting by Melanie Karsak

AND

Heir to Kale by K.L. Bone

USA Audible codes will be given to the winner.

Giveaway Ends October 31st.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Harvesting by Melanie Karsak
It's all fun and games until someone ends up undead.

Layla Petrovich has spent her whole life running away from her hometown of Hamletville. Raised by the town's medium, and dubbed the "weird" girl for her fascination with swords, the last thing Layla wants is to go home.

But when she receives a desperate call to return just as a mysterious outbreak sweeps the country, Layla's instincts urge her to go. Good thing, because the dead are rising.

Layla, however, isn't entirely on her own. With her psychic powers growing, surely everything will turn out okay, right?

Not so fast. Just when Layla believes she might survive the apocalypse, a sinister and ancient force rises from the shadows to finish mankind for good.

Because the truth is, we were never alone in this world.

Heir to Kale by K.L Bone
“Fear to the fearless. Hope to the hopeless. Mercy to those who hate you. Death to those who love you.” – Prophesy of the Kalian Twins. 

In the land of Kale there lies a delicate balance between the powerful Temples and the rulers from an ancient, royal bloodline. The Temples are ruled through combat, determined by a series of tournaments. Of these tournament champions, sixty are chosen to become Defendants, an elite team charged with protecting the realm from all enemies. Selection to this team is considered the highest of honours and leadership of the team is decided only once every thirteen years. 

Princesses Mariana and Ameria, twin daughters of two such champions, are taken as children to separate, yet equally powerful Temples. Through years of rigorous training both are educated in the arts of combat, swordplay, and the ancient traditions of the Temple Gods. Both eventually obtain the rank of Kalian Champions with the expectation of one day serving upon the coveted Defendant Team.

Then, not long after their seventeenth birthday, the childless King declares that one of the sisters must succeed him as the future Queen. As the race for the throne begins, the sister’s long standing rivalry intensifies, leading both upon a dangerous path that threatens not only their lives, but the fate of the very kingdom.

Unbeknownst to the twins, this treacherous path to the throne is the elaborate collaboration of an ancient prophecy and two creatures charged by the Gods themselves ensure it comes to pass. As primeval powers awaken, the two sisters must struggle to learn the truth behind the prophesy and search for a way to change their inevitable fate.



Hop on through to the other blogs that have joined this hop!

Audio Book Review: Anubis Nights

Anubis Nights

By:  Gary Jonas

Publish Date:  October 21, 2014, Audiobook Release September 5, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 28 mins
Narrated By:  Joe Hempel

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  4th in Jonathan Shade series: 1st Book ~ Modern Sorcery, 2nd Book ~ Acheron Highway, 3rd Book ~ Dragon Gate

First Impression:  Magic in the past as Jonathan works.

Synopsis:
A STOLEN SPELL

A dead sorcerer in the Underworld named Henry Winslow, a contemporary of Aleister Crowley and former member of The Golden Dawn, steals a spell from The Forbidden Texts in order to fulfill the prophecy of the Thrice Born. He divides himself into three aspects and goes back in time to steal the Emerald Tablets of Thoth from the Great Pyramid of Giza. He wants true immortality and to change the course of history.

A MODERN CHAMPION

Jonathan Shade’s old friend, Sharon, shows up with the master of time, Chronos, to send Jonathan and his team into the past to find and kill Winslow.

First stop: ancient Egypt

Jonathan and Kelly arrive in Egypt during the reign of King Tutankhamun. As they appear from nothing, they are mistaken for gods, but when Tut is murdered during a chariot race, things get out of control.

At stake is, well, everything. Because if Winslow succeeds, the world as we know it will no longer exist, wiped from the sands of time…

First Sentence:
The ghost of Christian Harris stared at me, his hands held out in a pleading gesture.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

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 AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

The one person Jonathan swore he'd kill if he saw again has arrived to call on Jonathan's payment due to the Ferryman. Sharon needs Jonathan to travel through time with the help of Chronos, the keeper of time, to stop three versions of sorcerer Winslow before he changes all that they know.

Joe Hempel is the voice of Jonathan Shade as he returns in this fourth novel. He feels to really be Jonathan to me with his emotion, sarcasm, and more that hits the mark with Jonathan's words. Joe's audio is clear and flawless to my ears. Not much more I can say but I enjoy his narration of Jonathan.

I like that we start with the characters where they are and how they feel now. Terrible things have happened to a few characters in the end of the last book, and they are dealing with the results. In seeing them now we also get a reminder of what happened, and how horrible it was for them.

Jonathan is definitely back to himself and moved through much of his concerns in the last book. I have to smile when the crew act up together. They all have an individual sense of humor that they all thrive off of, bringing more out of each person. When Sharon tries to explain about Henry Winslow they frustrate her with their wandering focus and jokes. But it's funny 'watching' them act as kids at this moment but know very well they are understanding and will get the job done when time comes.

This novel is in a different format from the previous books. We get POV from different characters - Jonathan, Kelly, Brand, and Rayna. They are in different areas and times in the world looking for our man who's in three aspects, this format lets us see what's happening in those places until they reunite. There is a lot of story of the different characters in their time, waiting for the others to arrive. All find troubles they need to struggle through, and stay alive, along with personal struggles too. I enjoyed the journey through time with Jonathan and friends. Jonathan and Kelly are in Egypt, Brand with Esther in 1870's, and Rayna in 1929. We start in Egypt and meet King Tutt. Cool!

I really started to worry that things would not work out or come to the end I was expecting. Gary is known for this in his previous books. So when I started to get nervous, I was also getting excited to see his twist to the ending ~ something Gary does not let me down at. The ending comes at us fast, and we are left on a bit of a cliffhanger here. The overall missions are not completed in this book and it leaves you looking for the next book (which is out in ebook and print). We do get through Jonathan's time frame completely though.

Oh, I'm waiting for the next book in audio, even though the ebook is out... hmm... maybe I'll get the ebook? lol. I will be looking for the rest of the books!



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

Book Review: Of Flame and Light

Of Flame and Light

By:  Cecy Robson

Publish Date:  October 18, 2016

Format:  eARC

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  7th in Weird Girls series; Novella 0.4 ~ A Curse Awakened, Novella 0.5 ~ The Weird Girls, Book 1 ~ Sealed with a Curse, Book 2 ~ A Cursed Embrace, Novella 2.5 ~ A Cursed Moon, Book 3 ~ Cursed By Destiney, Book 4 ~ A Cursed Bloodline, Book 5 ~ A Curse Unbroken, Book 6 ~ Of Flame and Promise

Impression:  Taran is a hot spark and you don't want to mess with her!

Synopsis:
Taran Wird holds the unique ability to conjure fire and lightning. She is mated to Gemini, Second in Command to the Squaw Valley Pack of the Lake Tahoe Region, and the sole werewolf to possess the ability to split into two wolves. And although they are mates, Taran's insecurities have driven them apart.

Devastated by an injury that left her with a zombie-like limb, Taran struggles to regain command over her magic. But when her arm and her power turn against her, lashing out on those she most loves, she knows she can no longer carry this burden alone. Not that she likes the alternative.

The only way to regain control of her magic is to align and learn from the local coven of witches―the very ones who sought to banish her when she and her three unique sisters first moved to the mystical region. But although Taran is trying, the teachings don't come easy, and the tasks leave her weak and emotionally shattered.

Yet Taran must learn and learn fast. Time is running out. The fire she once mastered so easily has become her greatest adversary and is now slowly burning her alive . . .

First Sentence:
You know it's going to be a bad day when you wake up in the morning and the first word out of your mouth is "fuck."

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

My Thoughts and Summary:
*This book was provided by the author or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review, at my request.

Taran's new arm is misbehaving, severely. It's protective yet deadly dangerous, and not under Taran's control. Aric takes Taran to the one person that could help her, and the one person Taran hates the most. Genevieve, the powerful woman in charge of the local coven. Taran refuses to stay to train, accept and learn control over her new limb. Seeing Gemini close to the coven leader sends Taran over the edge, not wanting to be near either of them. Taran takes the test offered. Retrieve a witch who's gone rogue, meaning she's given to the dark magic or gone crazy, proving she's one with her new arm and gained control of it. Taran makes a new friend yet ends up back at the coven. Taran's sparky personality and uncontrollable arm makes things interesting for her.

There is something about Cecy's writing that grips me and holds me to the page. Each sister has her own set of troubles to work through and each girl and troubles are different which makes the books so enthralling for me. I just want to forget the rest of the world and keep reading, not even watch my favorite shows!

Oh do I love Taran! She's my kind of girl. She's quick with comebacks and on uses swear words to the best they can be use. She has quick clips that are off the wall yet fit perfectly for the situation or moment. I am always curious what next she'll say. With her great personality, there's more. Poor Taran. She's struggling with much of the same thing Cecy did with Aric, her and Gemini are not doing well. But there seems to be more to this stalled relationship with Gemini and Taran, and it seems to have to do with her new arm.

All this with the new arm that's uncontrollable and protective. It reacts in a flash and things turn into a mess. Also, the power in her and the arm is building and could kill her. Taran is struggling with her magic and emotions, which sparks her magic. Oh the things that happen! LOL! And to see the coven that's so close to nature, and feed nature with their emotions. Oh Taran makes a hot mess of it all. And I loved it!

We get to see the witch coven of Genevieve. Wow! It's crazy here. lol. But the events that happen with the plants and water make me laugh too. Taran is one feisty lady. Taran's emotions run hot but many may not see that, they may only see a woman who's angry. Taran is hurting in a few ways and it shows, even it that's not what people see on the outside.

We do get to see Taran and Gemini together, though it's not as you would expect. Nice twist to the moment. And we do learn what is going on with Gemini and Taran. I'm even curious about Emme... there is something more there with her and another. And... Oh I need to see more with Emme! lol.

This is the next book in the series. We see Celia married and pregnant. I so love seeing the sisters together. They have a great relationship and try to take care of each other. We start out the gat seeing all the girls again but also with Taran's biggest trouble, her arm and her fire is eating her alive.

I enjoyed getting to spend time with Bren again too! We see him for a time in the book. I love his humor and connection with the sisters.

I'm so in love with these sisters and characters. I can't wait for more books!!

Author Info:
Cecy Robson is an award-winning author of magical realms, to-die-for Alpha heroes, and young adult adventure. A double RITA® 2016 finalist for Once Pure and Once Kissed, and published author of more than fifteen titles, you can typically find her on her laptop or stumbling blindly in search of caffeine.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


Rafflecopter Giveaway:
(Ultimate Weird Girls Prize Pack, including a Coach® purse stuffed with an autographed copy of Sealed with a Curse, an audiobook of A CURSED EMBRACE, t-shirts, a water bottle, magnets, signed postcards, pins, and bookmarks.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Excerpt:
My focus drifts to my sisters. “Do what you have to and stay safe. Don’t worry about me.”

It’s a stupid thing to say. Of course they’ll worry. For once in our lives I’m the one who needs coddling. Not that I don’t absolutely hate it.

My hiking boots press into the ground as we move away from the road. They’re not what I count as cute shoes. But since my cute clothes tend to end up covered with blood and smelly supernatural fluids, here I am in jeans, a long-sleeved shirt and vest, and yeah, the hiking boots.

Bren leaps over a thick section of brush, landing smoothly as I try to figure out the closest way in. “It’s clear,” he says. “Come on.”

He means the first few feet are clear. I can’t see jack over these thick brambles. I look hopelessly to Emme, wishing I didn’t have to. She regards me almost apologetically, realizing what I’m asking her to do.

Emme is good at a lot of things: baking, scrapbooking, and keeping up on all our collective bills. But her aim sucks. So when she throws me over the brush with her force, it takes all I have not to scream. Thankfully Bren is good at catching, no matter how bad the throw.

“Christ,” I mutter as he eases me down.

Shayna inherited a bit of were from Koda’s essence. And while she’ll never heal or run as fast as a were, he gave her enough agility to clear the thick brambles without Emme’s help.

Poor Emme. Her aim isn’t any better on herself. Bren has to “go long” to keep her from slamming into a tree when she launches herself forward.

Shayna and I jog ahead to where Bren is lowering Emme to the ground. He kisses her cheek, a show of affection he often demonstrates to us, but this time she doesn’t welcome it like she once did. She meets his eyes, backing away slowly, as if she’s afraid to step too close. Bren frowns, speaking low. Emme answers with a nod, but again steps further away from him.

Shayna doesn’t seem to notice, skipping across the rugged terrain as if we’re out for a stroll and not walking into some evil crap we may have to kill before it rips us apart. But I notice. Something is definitely up with Emme. I stiffen when he strokes her cheek. And son of a bitch, it may have to do with Bren!

Sunday Post #148

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'm exhausted yet so much to do!

We left early and returned late yesterday for another college visit. This one went excellent! The people here made us feel welcome and wanted. They were so kind and came up to us offering help. Even the students that gave us the tour were kind and asked if we needed anything before and after the tour. Just felt like home. The college isn't too small that there's nothing to do or too big that you become a number. It's just right. (fell like I'm talking about Goldilocks and the three bears. lol) They even had the degree he was looking for ~ Fitness and Nutrition. He's been looking for this combo and no one seems to have it. He was thinking of double majoring in Fitness and Dietary if need be, but they are one of the few to have it. Sweet! And the director of that department is such a kind, soft spoken man yet he's got to be 6 ft 5 inches! We all had to look up to him! And we are just about 6 foot. lol. Kiddo plays football and we got to hang out to watch a game. The best thing, we walked around the small town feeling community and talked to people in the stores. They all were sweet and talked very well of the school and community, and even some of the people were from down by our home. Totally cool! The football game was fun. They had alumni night so there were extra activities going on too. And watching the players do their thing, this looks like a college I liked they game style. Kiddo could totally play here by seeing their playing ethics on the field.

Just a great day all around. The school is about an hour and a half from home which is a good distance. Far enough yet close too. He could come home or we could go there to watch games.

We have a few more colleges to tour, but I think this could be in top spot for the picking at this point.

It's been a busy week trying to get things done around the house to be gone for the day Saturday, so not much more to tell. Here's to another week.

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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 did get some exercising in this week. I only been getting 2 days a week in with all that's going on. They are days working on the weight equipment at the gym.

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What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:

Will start another Monday.
The Side of Good / The Side of Evil edited by Danielle Ackley-McPhail

Content editing work.


Current Audiobook:
Stolen Magic by Linsey Hall

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

Finished Last Week: 

Freed by Amanda Carlson
Of Flame and Light by Cecy Robson

Audiobooks from Audible:

Anubis Nights by Gary Jonas
Ark by David Wood


Finished Podcast Book Listen:

Nothing yet.

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Last Week on the Blog:

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

Guest Posts:

Posts:

Spellbound in a Flash:
This week I didn't post with working on writing. Sorry!


Challenged Writers:
I'll share again at the beginning of October.

Around the Internet...


Reviews:

Tranquility by Dave Creek

"This story felt a bit rough for me going through the first time with the connections and quick glimpses in Dacia's life over a large span of years. All the moments are important in the end though, that's what saved this book from a lower rating."


Empire of Bones by Terry Mixon

"This is the sort of science fiction I really enjoy. It has the feel of a high fantasy setting with adventure and danger, yet set in space. No magic or dwarves in that manner, but in the story telling it resembled high fantasy to me. I really enjoyed the adventure into the dark unknown of space with this crew. "

Freed by Amanda Carlson

"It's always a blast to read Amanda's writing as it's well done with the magic and world along with the action and character combinations I enjoy."

Podcast Review:

Mama Bitchstress Reviews:

GIVEAWAYS:

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This Week to Come on the Blog:

I have 3 reviews scheduled. Hope you visit!

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Received Last Weeks:

For Review Consideration:

Cursed Hearts by Starla Huchton
PICK UP AT AMAZON on November 1st!
Synopsis:

At nine years old, Polliandra Quicke became the unwitting victim of a powerful spell, binding her to her best friend. Separated by years after Donnel’s sudden disappearance, Polly seeks answers when her kiss destroys two would-be suitors. Forced by circumstance to become a curse breaker for hire, she travels Valentia in search of a way to free herself; to take back her choices and a chance for a normal life.

Led to the Spires of Elonui, Polly appeals to the council of mages, beseeching their help. Their solution: a quest into the heart of territory overrun by Torn Ones, accompanied by a young mage whose eyes hold her captive. Lyre Aven might be the most frustrating person she’s ever met, but he’s her only shot at freedom.

First love can be a curse, but the closer she gets to an unbound life, the more she wonders if the magic that sealed her fate wasn’t a blessing in disguise.

The Night Bridge by Starla Huchton
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Shari 

For twelve years, she tried to convince herself he wasn’t real. The beautiful man by the lake was simply the product of a child’s overactive imagination. 

Eran 

For his entire life, all he has wanted is to be one of the elite protectors of humanity, but the only charge he’s ever known is a little girl who didn’t need him. Now, she is his last hope. 

Together, the foundations of their realities will be stripped away. 

Together, they must find a way to save two worlds. 

To survive, they must fight. 

But to live, they need each other.

Dust in the Desert by Starla Huchton
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Once upon a time, I was dust. I haunted the shadows, my survival tied to what little I could steal. 

Once upon a time, I refused the darkness. I traded my life to save another, sparing him the cruel fate that was rightly mine. 

Once upon a time, I was sent to my death. There, my destiny found me, and the world I knew changed forever with a secret long-buried by the sands.



Audio Books Requested for Review:

Cthulhu Armageddon by C.T. Phipps
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
“Under an alien sky where gods of eldritch matter rule, the only truth is revenge.” 

CTHULHU ARMAGEDDON is the story of a world 100 years past the rise of the Old Ones which has been reduced to a giant monster-filled desert and pockets of human survivors (along with Deep Ones, ghouls, and other “talking” monsters). 

John Henry Booth is a ranger of one of the largest remaining city-states when he’s exiled for his group’s massacre and suspicion he’s “tainted.” Escaping with a doctor who killed her husband, John travels across the Earth’s blasted alien ruins to seek the life of the man who killed his friends. 

It’s the one thing he has left.



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.

Hidden Magic by Linsey Hall
(Free when sign up for Author Newsletter)
Goodreads Synopsis:
Cass, Nix, and Del are good at two things: finding treasure and killing demons. Lying low is a close third—but not because they want to be good at hiding. They’re FireSouls, some of the unlucky few to inherit a piece of the dragon’s soul. On the surface, the perks are sweet—they have the power to find and steal any type of magical treasure, including the powers of other supernaturals. But it doesn’t come without a price—stealing powers requires that they kill, and others would destroy them if they discover what they are. 

In a world full of magic, hiding their powers is the only way to survive. That's not too hard, except for the fact that they’re being blackmailed by a criminal overlord who holds their lives in his hands. He wants a pair or rare daggers hidden inside a deadly temple. If Cass, Nix, and Del don’t get him the daggers, they’re dead. But when they get’s into the temple, they realize that things are even worse than they’d imagined. What was supposed to be a normal job is decidedly…not. And surviving it might be impossible.

The Unexpected Enlightenment of Rachel Griffin by L. Jagi Lamplighter
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Rachel Griffin wants to know everything. As a freshman at Roanoke Academy for the Sorcerous Arts, she has been granted to opportunity to study both mundane and magical subjects.

But even her perfect recollection of every book she has ever read does not help her when she finds a strange statue in the forest—a statue of a woman with wings. Nowhere—neither in the arcane tomes of the Wise, nor in the dictionary and encyclopedia of the non-magic-using Unwary—can she find mention of such a creature.

What could it be? And why are the statue’s wings missing when she returns?

When someone tries to kill a fellow student, Rachel soon realizes that, in the same way her World of the Wise hides from mundane folk, there is another, more secret world hiding from everyone—which her perfect recall allows her to remember. Her need to know everything drives her to investigate.

Rushing forward where others fear to tread, Rachel finds herself beset by wraiths, magical pranks, homework, a Raven said to bring the doom of worlds, love’s first blush, and at least one fire-breathing teacher.

Curiosity might kill a cat, but nothing stops Rachel Griffin!

Protector by Joanne Wadsworth
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
To love and protect…across worlds. 

Eighteen-year-old Faith Stryker is prepared to leap out into the unknown world beyond her home shores of New Zealand to experience life. Only she never expected to encounter Magio, a planet with two warring countries, where its people reach adulthood at eighteen by coming into their strength and prophetic abilities. Only after Faith discovers she’s a Halfling—thanks to her warrior father she’s never met—does her own skill of forethought develop. 

Peacio’s Prince Davio Loveria is sent to the young Faith Stryker by his grandfather, but not all goes as planned. Davio discovers Faith isn’t just a Halfling, she’s also his soul-bound mate—an intense relationship he cannot, nor will not, give up. 

With two wars now waging…one of land and the other of the heart…can the young couple find their place in the world? 

Hunter by Joanne Wadsworth
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Novella in the Princesses of Myth series.

To love and protect...across worlds.

Nineteen-year-old Lieska Alura, a Dralion warrior from the planet Magio, calls an Australian Outback station her home away from home. Hounded by her skilled hunter senses, she is on a mission to track down one man, her soul-bound mate.

Peacian protector and hunter, Cole Cyrano, is driven by his soul’s demand to find his mated one, a woman he knows is his enemy. Dralion and Peacio are at war, and he ignores his soul’s call. Except Lieska shows up during a fierce training session inside his protectors’ arena, and his soul demands he protect her.

Completely, yet impossibly matched, they decide to renounce their bond, only not all goes as planned when Lieska receives word bushfires rage across her Outback station. She leaves, and now nothing can keep Cole from the hunt. He joins Lieska in driving the station’s cattle toward the mighty river, and the chase is on…against both nature and each other. Can the mated pair find their place together in a world at war?

A Young Adult, New Adult Fantasy Romance

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

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

The Cryptic Lines by Richard Storry

Of Flame and Light by Cecy Robson

Anubis Nights by Gary Jonas

Ark by David Wood