Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Comic Review: Void Trip #5

Void Trip #5

Words By:  Ryan O'Sullivan
Illustrations By:  Plaid Klaus

Format:  PDF

Series:  3rd in Void Trip series; Episode #1Episode #2, Episode #3, Episode #4

1st Impression:  It's the journey not the destination

Synopsis:
The villain descends, the hero ascends, and Ana finds freedom in a universe without it.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Void Trip Site


Thoughts:
*I was given this free review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This is the final episode. All comes together here with Ana and the Hunter. And with Froot.

Ana finds her Euphoria another way, but it doesn't last. She makes a huge realization about the real work and makes a huge choice.

The story felt a bit anticlimactic in actions, but the words are what stick with me. I felt a point to the story. A moral in a sorts. Ana has pointed out some great views throughout the episodes to make me think. These views feel to fit the bigger picture of life. Ana was searching for happiness and freedom. But do we really ever have freedom? 

Going back to the beginning... It's the journey not the destination. We all begin and we all end, so what's your journey? It's what happens between those two points that matters. And I also got a feel as we should think about what we do to our world and to each other on that journey. 

The story felt to have an impact on me and got me thinking.



****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon.

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Sunday Post #196

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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It's been two weeks. I was so tired last Sunday that I couldn't bring myself to post. lol. I did a swing band concert on Friday evening and walked through town for an Art Walk with works from local artists and young singers. I really enjoyed myself. And, took pictures of it all. I got the band photos done this week and posted them on my Facebook page and starting to post on Instagram. I'm still working on the art photos.

I'm trying to get a few things done at once. It's going slow but I want to read more, so I'm trying to get more read time in. Summer use to be best for it because of tv shows not playing. Now there are different shows on that I want to watch! lol. *sigh* Time is working against us. lol.

Our weather turned beautiful, like over 80F, for the Art Walk then two days later we had snow. Ugh! This is crazy. But the weather is starting to normal out. It's cooler but the sun is shining and hopefully will warm soon.

Hope everyone is doing well.

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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... Ummm... I've become bad at this.

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What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
Volatile Bonds by Jaye Wells


Current Audiobook:
Renegades by Melissa Meyers


Current Podcast Book Listen:
Alone by Scott Sigler (You can listen for free too! Go to Scott's website.)


Finished Last Week: 
Books:
Not this week.


Audiobooks :
Devil in a Black Suit by Colleen Helme
Hunting In Bruge by E.J. Stevens


Finished Podcast Book Listen:
None.


DNFed:
Stonebriar Casefiles: Bad Alchemy by Laura Nicole Spencer (You can listen for free too!) - Author's stopped posting it.
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Last Week on the Blog:


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




Guest Posts:


Posts:

Around the Internet...



Reviews:
Podcast Review:




Mama Bitchstress Reviews:



GIVEAWAYS:
Audiobook Release Party Giveaway
Enter to win a Hunting in Bruges Prize Pack, including a pen, custom earbuds, a Hunting in Bruges mini poster signed by the author, and a Passport to the World of Ivy Granger signed by the author and the audiobook narrators!


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This Week to Come on the Blog:


I will finished up two reviews for you this week.



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Received For the Last Month:
(Note: Links to Amazon are buy links where I could earn commission, in case you are interested.)


For Review Consideration:
Vamp City by C.D. Brown
COMING APRIL 25th
Goodreads Synopsis:
All Sophia Fontanelle wanted was to be left alone. On the run from New Orleans and its vampire council, she heads to Los Angeles to start a new life. But when The Caballero, the ancient peacekeeper rumored to be the great Zorro himself, is murdered, Sophia finds herself caught up in a fight to clear her name. Threatened by a 1950’s era gangster turned vamp by the Caballero himself, can she survive in VAMP CITY?

Urban fantasy meets detective noir in C.D. Brown’s memorable debut novel!
 





Audio Books Requested for Review:
Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
OND ELDR. BREATHE FIRE.

Raised to be a warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her Aska clansmen in an ancient rivalry against the Riki clan. Her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield—her brother, fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched die five years ago.

Faced with her brother's betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki, in a village where every neighbor is an enemy, every battle scar possibly one she delivered. But when the Riki village is raided by a ruthless clan thought to be a legend, Eelyn is even more desperate to get back to her beloved family.

She is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend, who sees her as a threat. They must do the impossible: unite the clans to fight together, or risk being slaughtered one by one. Driven by a love for her clan and her growing love for Fiske, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and family while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent her life hating.

An American Weredeer in Michigan by C.T. Phipps & Michael Suttkus
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Life is not easy for the world's first weredeer detective. A simple hike turns into a media circus when Jane Doe, her best friend Emma, and a pair of monster hunters find a mass grave. Determined to find the parties responsible, Jane soon discovers a sinister cult leader has decided to make Bright Falls, Michigan the home of his corrupt religion. 

As if this wasn't complicating her life enough, Jane also has to decide whether or not she wants to begin a relationship with FBI Special Agent Alex Timmons or local crime lord Lucien Lyons. Both men are determined to get to the bottom of the crime she's investigating but may be distracted by their own agendas--as well as their love for Jane. 

Dark Watcher by Lilith Saintcrow
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Theodora Morgan knows she's a little strange. Her talent for healing has set her apart, marked her as different all her life—a life spent moving from town to town when too much notice is taken of her abilites. Unfortunately, her talent for healing has brought her to the attention of the Crusade—and the Dark. The Crusade wants her dead because she's psychic, the Dark wants to feed on her talent—and then there's Dante. Tall and grim and armed with black-bladed knives, guns and a sword, he says he's here to protect her. But what if Theo needs protection from him?

Dante is a Watcher, sworn by Circle Lightfall to protect the Lightbringers. His next assignment? Watch over Theo. She doesn't know she's a Lightbringer, she doesn't know she's surrounded by enemies—and she doesn't know she's been marked for death by a bunch of fanatics. Perfect. He can't protect her if she doesn't trust him, but how can she possibly trust a man scarred by murder and warfare—a man who smells like the same Darkness Theo has been running from all her life?

Exile by David Wood & Sean Ellis
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Jade Ihara is caught in a centuries old power struggle between a slave cult who believes she might be the incarnation of the goddess of liberty, and a secret cabal with plans for world domination. Can she unravel the mystery of the Cult of Veritas and find their sacred relics before it’s too late? David Wood and Sean Ellis deliver another action-packed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Fans of Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, Rogue Angel, and Dane Maddock will love Exile!



Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:
Book:





Audio:






Free Ebooks:
(On my Kindle and Nook App) Links to books under title. They may or may not be free at this time.
A Throne for Sisters by Morgan Rice
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
In A THRONE FOR SISTERS (Book one), Sophia, 17, and her younger sister Kate, 15, are desperate to leave their horrific orphanage. Orphans, unwanted and unloved, they nonetheless dream of coming of age elsewhere, of finding a better life, even if that means living on the streets of the brutal city of Ashton. 

Sophia and Kate, also best friends, have each other’s backs—and yet they want different things from life. Sophia, a romantic, more elegant, dreams of entering court and finding a noble to fall in love with. Kate, a fighter, dreams of mastering the sword, of battling dragons, and becoming a warrior. They are both united, though, by their secret, paranormal power to read other’s minds, their only saving grace in a world that seems bent to destroy them. 

As they each embark on a quest and adventure their own ways, they struggle to survive. Faced with choices neither can imagine, their choices may propel them to the highest power—or plunge them to the lowest depths. 

A THRONE FOR SISTERS is the first book in a dazzling new fantasy series rife with love, heartbreak, tragedy, action, magic, sorcery, fate and heart-pounding suspense. A page turner, it is filled with characters that will make you fall in love, and a world you will never forget.

A Court for Thieves by Morgan Rice
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
In A COURT FOR THIEVES (A Throne for Sisters—Book Two), Sophia, 17, finds her world upside down as she is cast from the romantic world of aristocracy and back to the horrors of the orphanage. This time the nuns seem intent on killing her. Yet that doesn’t pain her as much as her broken heart. Will Sebastian realize his mistake and come back for her? 

Her younger sister Kate, 15, embarks on her training with the witch, coming of age under her auspices, mastering the sword, gaining more power than she ever imagined possible—and determined to embark on a quest to save her sister. She finds herself immersed in a world of violence and combat, of a magic she craves—and yet one that may consume her. 

A secret is revealed about Sophia and Kate’s lost parents, and all may not be what it seems for the sisters. Fate, indeed, may be turned on its head. 

A COURT FOR THIEVES (A Throne for Sisters—Book Two) is the second book in a dazzling new fantasy series rife with love, heartbreak, tragedy, action, adventure, magic, sorcery, dragons, fate and heart-pounding suspense. A page turner, it is filled with characters that will make you fall in love, and a world you will never forget. 

Sanctuary from the Dead by R.J. Spears
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
How can you retain your humanity when the undead rise?
Eight months ago, Joel found his world turned upside-down in the most horrifying way. The dead came back to life and started killing the living. Within weeks, zombies ruled the world. In a small southern Ohio town, Joel, a twenty-something slacker finds himself holed up with a group of survivors as they take refuge in a church. Fighting the undead in a desperate attempt to survive, they try to maintain some semblance of what makes us human. In this grueling post-apocalyptic world, they discovered that while the undead are terrible, the living can be just as merciless and even more deadly.
Sanctuary from the Dead tells the story of a group of survivors who desperately try to maintain their humanity as they try to survive in an undead world.
Contains adult language, violence, and gore.
Moms Against Zombies by Alathia Paris Morgan
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Emma Jackson is an army wife and new mom with all the uncertainties that come with it… until that fear is pushed in a different direction. Instead of worrying about diapers and feeding schedules, her only objective is to keep her child alive after being chased by a man who looks entirely too dead.

Trish Walsh thought her day was bad when she had to drag all four of her children on an errand, but she rethinks the meaning after what she can only hope was someone dressed up like a zombie beats on her car door. Yet, the bloody mess left behind is anything but reassuring.

Cooper Walsh’s job is top secret. When criminals break in to steal his company’s secrets, he overhears the conspiracy devised to create chaos as a cover-up. Knowing he must do everything in his power to right the wrong, he sets out on a mission.

Surviving long enough to reunite with their families is all that matters. That… and stopping the zombie apocalypse before it destroys them.
 

The Girl Who Shot First by Angel Lawson
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
The last time Alexandra Ramsey sees her scientist father, he tells her to wait two weeks for him to return. If he doesn’t, she and her mother must locate her sister, who is over three hundred miles away in one of the states under quarantine. Assuming she survived, that is.

The virus spreads through the southern states, infecting the healthy and turning them into raging, cannibalistic versions of their former selves. Dr. Ramsey has spent months studying the E-TR Virus, seeking a way to stop the annihilation of the human race. Before he disappears, he hands Alexandra what may be the most valuable information in existence. Information that more than one powerful group will go to great lengths to possess. 

Alexandra is no match for this world—one where men and women’s brains burn with infection and a compulsive need to spread the parasitic virus that could potentially wipe out mankind. The weak are a liability, but she made her father a promise. It's a vow she intends to keep no matter how many lives are lost on the way. 

Heaven Before Hell by Dia Cole
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
On the eve of the apocalypse… 

Twenty-year-old Lee Walker is struggling to make ends meet in the aftermath of a worldwide flu epidemic. Her life is complicated by a dangerous drug lord who can’t seem to take no for an answer, a sister who can’t keep herself out of jail, a close friend who wants to take things to the next level, and a coworker who’s nasty pranks are no laughing matter. But when people start turning into zombies, Lee realizes the only thing that matters is saving her family from a world rapidly devolving into hell. 

This novella is a prequel to the Heaven in Hell series.

The Treat of Madness by D.K. Holmberg
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
The arrival of the mysterious Magi, along with their near invincible guardians, signals a change. For Jakob, apprentice historian, and son of a priest longing for adventure, it begins an opportunity. 

When his home is attacked, Jakob starts a journey that will take him far from home and everything he has ever known. Studying with a new swordmaster, he gains surprising skill, but also strange new abilities that make him fear the madness which has claimed so many has come to him. He must withstand it long enough to finish the dangerous task given to him, one that with his new abilities he may be the only person able to complete. 

With a strange darkness rising in the north, and attackers moving in from the south, powers long thought lost begin to return. Some begin to suspect the key to survival is the answer to a lost prophecy, yet only a few remain with the ability to find it.

A Spirited Manor by Kate Danley
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
When Clara O’Hare lost the love of her life, she felt her own life was over. But when she moves into a new home to escape the memories, she discovers that the veil between life and death is very thin.

Desperate to find answers, she attends a seance in a remote country home surrounded by a colorful cast of strangers. But something sinister has decided to make itself known. It will be up to her and the dashing young medium, Wesley Lowenherz, to find out what the spirits of the manor are dying to tell them.

Laced with gothic romance and paranormal mystery, A Spirited Manor is book one in the O’Hare House Mystery penny dreadful series.

Fear University by Meg Collett
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
I’ve always known I was a monster, and I don’t mean some teenage vampire shit either.

My mother abandoned me when I was ten years old because I have a freakish mutant disease that makes me incapable of feeling pain. I bounced from one foster family to another because too many people like to test my medical condition in a game of “Try To Make Ollie Scream.” At sixteen, I killed a man for taking that game too far.

Two years later, I’m still on the run in Kodiak, Alaska. Here, I’m the most dangerous person around, until I come face to face with a creature that should only exist in folklore. The monster is an aswang, and I, with my medical anomaly, am uniquely qualified to hunt the beast that haunts the night. At least, that’s what the two scarred, mostly crazy ‘swang hunters tell me when they kidnap me and take me to Fear University, a school where young students learn to hunt and kill aswangs.

I arrive at the university a prisoner, but I stay because I finally find my freedom. 

For once in my life, I belong. I’m needed. I make a home for myself inside the university masquerading as an old Alaskan prison. Something close to happiness warms my icy heart when I’m with my scarred, still mostly crazy tutor, Luke Aultstriver. For a murdering runaway like me, Fear University is a haven where I can put my skills to good use hunting monsters in the night.

But when certain truths come to light and even more lies are exposed, I fear that I, Ollie Andrews, am the worst kind of monster of all. And, maybe, they should be hunting me.


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
Danger's Halo by Amanda Carlson
Starsigns by A.F. Grappin
Void Trip #5 by Ryan O'Sullivan & Plaid Klaus
Devil in a Black Suit by Colleen Helme

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Audio Book Review & Prize Giveaway: Hunting in Bruges

Hunting in Bruges

By:  E.J. Stevens

Publish Date:  November 11, 2017, Audiobook Release April 3, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 10 mins
Narrated By:  Melanie A. Mason & Anthony Bowling

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  1st in Hunters' Guild series

Impression:  Jenna's a focused hunter on a mission.

Synopsis:
The only thing worse than being a Hunter in the fae-ridden city of Harborsmouth, is hunting vamps in Bruges.

Being shipped off to Belgium sucks. The medieval city of Bruges is quaint, but the local Hunters' Guild is understaffed, the canals are choked with dead bodies, and there's no shortage of supernatural predators as likely suspects.

On second thought, maybe Bruges isn't so bad after all.

With a desire to prove herself, protect the innocent, and advance within the ranks of the Hunters' Guild, Jenna Lehane hits the cobbled streets of Bruges with blades at the ready. Someone, or something, is murdering tourists and dumping their bodies in the city's scenic canals. With the help of a mysterious stranger, Jenna begins to piece together clues that are dotted throughout the city like blood spatter.

Determined to stop the killings, Jenna delves into a bloody local history that only raises more questions—but some secrets are best left buried. Jenna must put her combat training to the test as she struggles to unearth the truth about an ancient enemy.

Hunting in Bruges is the first novel in the Hunters' Guild urban fantasy series set in the world of Ivy Granger.

First Sentence:
I've been seeing ghosts for as long as I can remember.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Noble  /  Book Depository

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Melanie & Anthony are the same duo that's voiced the Ivy Granger stories. I might have liked a new voice for Jenna and the people she meets then works with, but they do well. As always they have clean audio with two voices. They break the characters as female and male, as expected. It's nice to hear the male voices voiced separately from the original narrator. Some of the characters have accents, which is portrayed by the narrators. Nice.

We start with Jenna and why she feels she's sent on this mission so suddenly. And getting to Bruges. This gives us a transition from Harborsmouth and Ivy to Jenna and Bruges We also learn about Jenna's ability to see and hear ghosts.

This story gives us insight into the Hunters' Guild. Interesting group of people. We start to get to see more of them with Ivy, but now we are in the inner loop.

The story feels tightly written. The case of the multiple dead bodies is something Jenna is on. She's determined to find the monster doing the work. But she also has to deal with the hunters guild here in Burge. She's quick to get started when she arrives in town. Though, she starts to make the current hunters look as though they are slacking with her quick work.

E.J. has a few red herrings tossed in there to get us to wonder about who is behind these events, but I figured it out from the beginning. And I was happy to see I was right in my thinking when I got verification in the end.

I like the chapter headings. It is a line from in the chapter, but it points out Hunter ways or Jenna's "rules". It's a neat way to highlight them and give us a feel of Jenna and a few other characters. Jenna's focused. And I get a feel she's modest yet aware of her abilities. She very much tries to follow the rules and takes being a hunter seriously. I like this about her. In the beginning Jenna came across as though she reminded me of another Ivy. As the story went, Jenna became her own person and I found I liked her. I really like she doesn't talk about herself like Ivy does, like she has to explain who she is. Jenna just does and knows who she is. I think I enjoyed Jenna and her story much more than Ivy's.

Jenna's quickly meeting people and making friends... and enemies. Grrrr. There is one man who is against all women in the guild along with supernaturals. He's a real jerk. I couldn't wait for Jenna to knock him down a peg, or five. Then there's Ash, he's a joy. I love her time with him although I want to shack her as she should have picked up the signs and hints about Ash right away. However, there is something different about Ash when he's with Jenna. I'm hoping we get answers to this in the future. But I do love Ash. He's a cutie.

All in all, I enjoyed Jenna's adventures. And would like to hear more of her adventures with her new crew. Sounds like these adventures could be interesting.



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



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

Happy audiobook birthday to Hunting in Bruges! We're celebrating the audio release with a giveaway.

Hunting in Bruges Urban Fantasy Audiobook

Hunting in Bruges (Hunters' Guild #1, Ivy Granger Psychic Detective #3.5) by E.J. Stevens.  Narrated by Melanie Mason and Anthony Bowling.

The only thing worse than being a Hunter in the fae-ridden city of Harborsmouth, is hunting vampires in Bruges.


The medieval city of Bruges is quaint, but the local Hunters' Guild is understaffed, the canals are choked with dead bodies, and there's no shortage of supernatural predators as likely suspects.

On second thought, maybe Bruges isn't so bad after all.

With a desire to prove herself, protect the innocent, and advance within the ranks of the Hunters' Guild, Jenna Lehane hits the cobbled streets of Bruges with blades at the ready. Someone, or something, is murdering tourists and dumping their bodies in the city's scenic canals. With the help of a mysterious stranger, Jenna begins to piece together clues that are dotted throughout the city like blood spatter.

Determined to stop the killings, Jenna delves into a bloody local history that only raises more questions—but some secrets are best left buried. Jenna must put her combat training to the test as she struggles to unearth the truth about an ancient enemy.

Will monster hunter Jenna Lehane stop the paranormal predator behind the city's brutal murders before it's too late?

Start Listening Now

Learn more on Goodreads, Audible, and the author's website.  Keep reading for a chance to win a Hunting in Bruges prize pack.


Audiobook Release Party Giveaway

Enter to win a Hunting in Bruges Prize Pack, including a pen, custom earbuds, a Hunting in Bruges mini poster signed by the author, and a Passport to the World of Ivy Granger signed by the author and the audiobook narrators!

To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is open to the US/UK/CA.  Giveaway ends April 30, 2018 midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Want more fun?  Take a trip to Bruges with monster hunter Jenna Lehane in this Hunting in Bruges animated book cover video.  Watch a few times to find all of the effects!  Things to look for...
  • Sword
  • Jenna's hair
  • Clock
  • Jenna's arm and face
  • Clouds
  • Lights in Windows 
Did you find all of the special effects?


Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Comic Review: Void Trip #4

Void Trip #4

Words By:  Ryan O'Sullivan
Illustrations By:  Plaid Klaus

Format:  PDF

Series:  3rd in Void Trip series; Episode #1Episode #2, Episode #3

1st Impression:  Preparing for the end.

Synopsis:
Now, finally alone in the universe, Ana has to confront her past, her future, and an old friend returning. All the while, the Great White edges closer and closer, now with an ally of his own in tow.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Void Trip Site


Thoughts:
*I was given this free review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Ana shows her hippy side in fashion at the beginning of this episode. (**Note: Adult Content based on nudity.)

Ana's upset, and has every right to be. Again, I can't say why as it'll give away the surprise. But Ana knows she's being followed. How are they being followed? How do you beat society? We get an explanation from AI that it can't be done. But! There are stories of organic groups transcending before destroying themselves. Is it possible?

We learn a little about Gabe and Ana's past. Hunter is still on the search with contacting his connections.

Things feel to be getting heavy, preparing for the end.


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

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Audio Book Review: The Tethered Mage

The Tethered Mage

By:  Melissa Caruso

Publish Date:  October 24, 2017, Audiobook Release November 9, 2017

Format:  Audiobook - 14 hrs 15 mins
Narrated By:  Saskia Maarleveld

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  1st in Swords and Fire series

Impression:  Quick moving fantasy where life styles are questioned.

Synopsis:
In the Raverran Empire, magic is scarce and those born with power are strictly controlled -- taken as children and conscripted into the Falcon Army.

Zaira has lived her life on the streets to avoid this fate, hiding her mage-mark and thieving to survive. But hers is a rare and dangerous magic, one that threatens the entire empire.

Lady Amalia Cornaro was never meant to be a Falconer. Heiress and scholar, she was born into a treacherous world of political machinations. But fate has bound the heir and the mage.

War looms on the horizon. A single spark could turn their city into a pyre.

First Sentence:
"Here, my lady? Are you sure?"

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Noble  /  Book Depository

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I found Saskia to be a pleasure to listen to from the first words. She adjusts her tones for the characters, male or female, and age. What really drew me in, the infliction of personal thinking and feeling in words. She becomes the characters and world as she speaks. Saskia feels to fit this part well. The characters speak with words as their standing in the city. Saskia also adds the personality and attitude that goes with station in the world as well. Together they fit perfectly, drawing the story into a fourth dimension in audio.

The story is well done at drawing me in at the beginning, drizzled with details of the world and city we are in yet making me curious as to what is happening. When the first chapter ends, I worry and wonder what it is that has happened to Lady Amalia Cornaro. Is she drawn into something unknowingly because she's helping save the city?

This story is weaved together as the world and people are one. They influence each other and live off each other, thriving or fighting depending on what's happening around them. There is more than one thing going on in Amalia's life and she has to face it all. I like that she has this pressure from many sides and deals with all, and it's not done as one thing at a time. This makes the story so much more interesting and keeps me invested.

My thoughts align with Zaira when she talks of the Empire having the falcons at the Mews. Zaira has a strong feeling on this. The Empire make sure the mages are taken care of, in order to use them. Zaira makes many great points in this debate, yet no one listens. Many see the system as a way to work and protect the mages. Yes, it's true, but I understand what Zaira is saying as well. It makes me wonder if there's a better way to have this set up, and if anyone would do it as I'm sure the Empire loves having the power they have at their command. I liked seeing that other characters start to see the system is flawed and will think about changing it, but it takes time.

Amalia makes a small growth changes in this book, and it's in the way she sees things I felt was detailed and shown to her through actions of others. I feel the reason is Amalia is more open minded and kind to everyone. She starts to see the way of things as being complicated but the rules are the rules. Amalia is learning as she goes, readying to be on the Council of Nine when her time comes. In the end, Amalia seems confident in herself to make decisions and grows in her thinking even more. Zaira is the one that makes the greatest character growth for me. She's hard, and still hard in the end, but she starts talking to Amalia about the way things are, opening eyes of a few to how things appear to others. These two do make a great team, even though they couldn't be more different. I love them working together.

This is fantasy and for me it moved faster than some fantasies I've read. There is always something happening or to learn in each chapter. Events happen and are all related to each other. I love how they feel natural in this world! I'm intrigued by what I learn in each chapter. I wasn't 100% sure who was behind the attacks and planning of sparking a war between Ardence and the Empire's main city of Raverra. I wanted to know everything Amalia came across and who was responsible.



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

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Comic Review: Void Trip #3

Void Trip #3

Words By:  Ryan O'Sullivan
Illustrations By:  Plaid Klaus

Format:  PDF

Series:  3rd in Void Trip series; Episode #1, Episode #2

1st Impression:  Euphoria isn't as expected.

Synopsis:
Having now discovered the hippy-paradise super-planet Euphoria, our space hobos finally learn that age-old truth: the worst thing that can happen to a person is having their dreams come true.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Void Trip Site


Thoughts:
*I was given this free review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Euphoria. They have found and arrived there. It's not what they think it is though.

Robots. With guns.

The reason Euphoria is as is now, well it makes sense. Sadly. You have to get here and read the story to know. I don't want to giveaway what we find because that's the adventure. I did get a kick out of the robots and their choice of red or blue though.

I'm enjoying this comic because it has the elements in it that's related to people and what we do without knowing it. Why not get back to the basics and enjoy the journey to where ever it is we are going?

Ana, Gabe, and AI are here. Ana feels as though killed the dream. I still enjoy AI's dress choices for the "occasions". I watch for him on the screen/page to see what he's appearing as. Hunter is still after them, and closer than expected. 

You know things can't go as expected but I was surprised a little at the end.



At the end, we get the continuation of The Glimmer Society comic from previous episode. 
This group seems like one I'll enjoy, diverse in personality yet get along so well. They feel like old friends as they know what's coming from each other. 

And there's zombies! 

At the end, I fear for their professor.



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

Sunday, April 8, 2018

Sunday Post #195

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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How's everyone doing? I hope well. I'm, once again sounding like a broken record, sorry I didn't get to visiting last week. Some days I really wonder about hanging up the keyboard and retire from blogging. I love doing it and want to be on more, but it seems life has grown bigger in the last few years. I thought I'd have more time once kiddo went to college. And in a sense that's true. But I've filled that time with other things. I've started seeing old friends again, going out more, and taking photos. All these things take from the time I would be putting into my blog. I love reading and writing and won't stop that. I just wonder about the hours of a day anymore. This is NOT me saying I'm leaving, just babbling about how I wish I could put the hours together better to do everything I want to do. *sigh*

Sorry for the venting. It's so hard to do all the things.

But, how are you? I want to know what awesome things are happening for you. I'm hoping to get on this week to visit and respond. Last week started well. I did one hour a day for Camp NaNoWriMo and planned on visiting blogs on Thursday. It didn't happen as I remembered I had a friend who had an art opening, so I went to that. Then Friday was ladies night with two friends from high school. I hadn't seen them in years and we spent hours talking and catching up. Yesterday I had plans, that fell through. lol. Kiddo was in a dodge ball game that benefited Dementia and wanted me to take pictures. So I did.

I think this week will be more relaxed. I do have three hours of Camp NaNoWriMo work to get caught up on and blog visiting to do. I'm going to get there this week. I'm determined.

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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... Ummm... I've become bad at this.

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What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
Volatile Bonds by Jaye Wells


Current Audiobook:
Will start new one on Monday.


Current Podcast Book Listen:
Alone by Scott Sigler (You can listen for free too! Go to Scott's website.)


Finished Last Week: 
Books:
Starsigns by A.F. Grappin
Void Trip #3 by Ryan O'Sullivan & Plaid Klaus
Void Trip #4 by Ryan O'Sullivan & Plaid Klaus
Void Trip #5 by Ryan O'Sullivan & Plaid Klaus



Audiobooks :
The Tethered Mage by Melissa Caruso


Finished Podcast Book Listen:
None.


DNFed:
Stonebriar Casefiles: Bad Alchemy by Laura Nicole Spencer (You can listen for free too!) - Author's stopped posting it.
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Last Week on the Blog:


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




Guest Posts:


Posts:

Around the Internet...



Reviews:




Podcast Review:




Mama Bitchstress Reviews:



GIVEAWAYS:


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This Week to Come on the Blog:


I will finished up two reviews for you this week.



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Received For the Last Month:
(Note: Links to Amazon are buy links where I could earn commission, in case you are interested.)


For Review Consideration:




Audio Books Requested for Review:
Hunting in Bruges by E.J. Stevens
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
The only thing worse than being a Hunter in the fae-ridden city of Harborsmouth, is hunting vamps in Bruges.

Being shipped off to Belgium sucks. The medieval city of Bruges is quaint, but the local Hunters' Guild is understaffed, the canals are choked with dead bodies, and there's no shortage of supernatural predators as likely suspects.

On second thought, maybe Bruges isn't so bad after all.

With a desire to prove herself, protect the innocent, and advance within the ranks of the Hunters' Guild, Jenna Lehane hits the cobbled streets of Bruges with blades at the ready. Someone, or something, is murdering tourists and dumping their bodies in the city's scenic canals. With the help of a mysterious stranger, Jenna begins to piece together clues that are dotted throughout the city like blood spatter.

Determined to stop the killings, Jenna delves into a bloody local history that only raises more questions—but some secrets are best left buried. Jenna must put her combat training to the test as she struggles to unearth the truth about an ancient enemy.

Hunting in Bruges is the first novel in the Hunters' Guild urban fantasy series set in the world of Ivy Granger.




Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:
Book:





Audio:






Free Ebooks:
(On my Kindle and Nook App) Links to books under title. They may or may not be free at this time.
20 Shades of Shifters
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
20 Shades of Shifter is a limited edition collection of new and exclusive paranormal romance novels guaranteed to suck in you from page one. 

A shape-shifting dragon must win over his reluctant mate and stop Jack the Ripper. A Fae trucker becomes allies with an MC member when trying to deliver magical motorcycles to the Fae Queen. A wolf shifter is held captive in a human research lab where he is tortured until he meets one sexy scientist. An angel risked it all to steal the elixir of life and save his mortal love’s life and over two millennia later must get her to remember she once loved an angel. These stories and many more are included in this steamy, hot collection. 

Don’t wait to read this set. It is only out for a short time before it will be gone forever! 

Demelza Carlton 
Evelyn Lederman 
ML Guida 
Aidy Award 
Carmen Fox 
David Adams 
Sascha Illyvich 
Lynn Best 
Lilly Cain 
Emma Alisyn 
Vonnie Davis 
Brenda Trim and Tami Julka 
Nina Croft 
K.L. Bone 
Natalie Jones 
Kailin Gow 
Moxie North 

Awaken by Michelle Bryan
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Imagine a world devastated by The Shift. The cities left in ruins and the people all gone. Technology now nothing but the subject of folklore. Each and every day a struggle to survive. This is Tara's world.
Raised as a survivor in the harsh, lawless sand lands, Tara is no stranger to hardship. But when her village is destroyed and the young people taken by the merciless Prezedant, she quickly learns how much of a fighter she really is.
Now on a quest to rescue her only remaining kin, she is joined by the most unlikely of companions. Finn, an orphaned boy who has a devil Cat as a pet. Tater, the dwarf storytelling trader who seems to know more than he is willing to admit. And Jax, a surly young man who seems to hate everything about Tara. Together this little band of adventurers will face dangerous adversaries on a journey into the unknown. Nothing will ever be the same.

Bitterwood by James Maxey
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Bitterwood has spent the past twenty years hunting down dragons, one at a time. But he is getting old and the hate that he has carried in his heart since a group of dragon-soldiers killed his family is beginning to fade. When he kills the royal prince dragon, the king decides the only retribution is genocide of the human race. Bitterwood is forced to enter the Free City, the grand trap designed to eradicate mankind, with thousands of others. Can he lead from within, or can a select few dragons unite to stop the king's madness from becoming reality. Full of rich characters and drama, this is an amazingly astute vision of our own culture by way of a feudal kingdom where dragons rule, and humans are used as workers or pets. 

Let Me by Cecy Robinson
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Once he was broken beyond repair. Now this MMA contender is fighting to be a better man—for her. RT Book Reviews proclaims that the O’Brien Family series from award-winning author Cecy Robson “has the hottest brothers ever!” And in Let Me, it is Finn’s turn to discover how love can heal the deepest wounds.

A mixed martial arts star on the rise, Finn O’Brien dismantles his opponents with brutal precision. And yet beneath his fierce persona, Finn is raw from a trauma he’s buried for years . . . until the day his deep-rooted rage erupts and lands him in court-mandated therapy. Finn’s not one to bare his soul, but if talking it out means meeting beautiful women like Sol Marieles, he’ll give it a shot.

Sol is working toward her masters degree in psychology, and already she feels like she’s in over her head. With an important internship on the line and a scary family situation demanding her attention, the last thing Sol needs is Finn around to distract her. The man is ripped and seriously sexy yet it’s his troubled side that warns her to keep her distance. But their attraction is intense, and he clearly has the heat to see how far and fast their passion takes them.

Alone, Finn and Sol have been fighting to find happiness in their lives. Together, there’s no stopping them as they face their greatest challenges—not in the ring, but in their hearts.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
In a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary missions must be approved and supplied by the Company. Exploratory teams are accompanied by Company-supplied security androids, for their own safety.

But in a society where contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, safety isn’t a primary concern.

On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied ‘droid — a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module, and refers to itself (though never out loud) as “Murderbot.” Scornful of humans, all it really wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is.

But when a neighboring mission goes dark, it's up to the scientists and their Murderbot to get to the truth.



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
Danger's Halo by Amanda Carlson
The Tethered Mage by Melissa Caruso
Starsigns by A.F. Grappin
Void Trip #3 by Ryan O'Sullivan & Plaid Klaus
Void Trip #4 by Ryan O'Sullivan & Plaid Klaus

Void Trip #5 by Ryan O'Sullivan & Plaid Klaus