Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Book Review: Starsigns

Starsigns

By:  A.F. Grappin

Publish Date:  December 12, 2016

Format:  eBook

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  Stand-alone

First Impression:  Two beliefs collide in one world, with one person.

Synopsis:
Cair has waited his whole life for the Night Festival and the ceremony where his fate will be read. His family has a history of amazing fates, and Cair can barely contain his anticipation to have his future revealed at last.

But fate is cruel. The stars reveal that Cair is among the Fateless, those doomed souls who bring disaster and ruin to all the lives they touch until a horrific death finally claims them. Unwilling to accept this destiny, Cair forms a plan.

He's going to find a way to change his fate.

Or die trying.

First Sentence:
I heard the unmistakable sound of glass breaking on the other side of the door and jumped.

Purchase At:
Amazon  


My Thoughts and Summary:
*I offered to read this book for an honest review.

We get to know the world in the beginning with Cair going to the Night Festival to have the Face of his star sign read his fate. After the fairy believers "crash" the festival, Cair learns he is among the small number over the years to be Fateless. But his sister and brother got fates that scared them, to say their good-byes. Maybe, like a Fateless in the past, Cair can change the fates of his siblings and save their lives.

Part one is from Cair's POV. Part two is from Almira's POV. Both children with fates they don't want or like. Or, in Cair's case, no fate. Part three is from Tivory's POV. Tivory is an interesting character that I don't want to give too much away on. He's special.

There was a point, toward the end of the book, when Cair makes a complete 180 turn in his belief and thinking. I didn't understand the drastic change. I think it's to be related to him wanting a fate and finally being told he has one that's to make that flip in him, but it didn't feel to work for me. He'd spent much time with his friend that's a fairy, to see things from their side and learn. I can see how both sides are related and should work together, but they are working at drastic extremes and Cair is going with it, he's a young and impressionable kid.

Cair learns about the world in his adventures. There is more to what is around him than he knew. And with Almira's help, he starts to see that. Even with Tivory, he learns things about what he believed that aren't as he was taught.

Cair makes mistakes as the story goes, but he learns from them. Or tries too. Cair has the right intentions but things go a little askew and don't result in the planned way. This is something that happens to many people, and we have to deal with the results, just like Cair is trying to do.

I liked the world created with star sign readings as a way of life in contrast to the way of faery life beliefs. The world building comes through in the story strongly with these two beliefs. They are two different subjects now, and people believe one or the other. Depending on which you believe is where you live, and how the other group treats you. The thing I saw though, that the two different groups didn't see, is they really needed each other. They felt to be two halves of a whole that probably was separated many, many years ago - so long ago that people probably don't remember. In the end of the story this feels to come to this feeling. I really liked it.

The story feels like a gentle, one step at a time read. We get through one problem and come to the next focus with Cair. It's a book that feels to be a very good read for young adults. The story is one of growing for Cair and Almira. Even of accepting yet fighting on, maybe you can make a change.



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

Monday, May 21, 2018

Audio Book Review: An American Weredeer in Michigan

An American Weredeer in Michigan

By:  C.T. Phipps & Michael Suttkus

Publish Date:  October 24, 2017, Audiobook Release April 3, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 9 hrs 15 mins
Narrated By:  Arielle DeLisle

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  2nd in The Bright Falls Mysteries series; 1st Book ~ I Was a Teenage Weredeer

Impression:  Fun urban fantasy mystery.

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.

First Sentence:
I swatted a mosquito from my face and wished I hadn't bothered to come out on this hiking trip with Emma.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Noble  

Audible

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

Arielle returns to voice Jane in this second book. She does have a younger sound to fit Jane. Arielle voices Jane's dry humor and jokes with what sounds like a straight face and with intensity behind it as Jane would. There is a touch of sarcasm and humor in it, and Arielle vocalizes this well. She also brings personalities out in the voices of other characters. She does voice them with slight differences in tone, but the feel of the character is in the annunciations and attitude.

We got introduced to characters in a timely manner and reminded of what happened in the first book to place the characters in their lives now. And we come across the new mystery that makes us curious. This beginning flowed smoothly for me, introducing us back to the world.

I love the small references to movies, shows, and all fun items. There's references to Harry Potter, Back to the Future, and more. I had to laugh when Wynonna Earp was mentioned in the book. LOL! It's exactly what I related the Merlin Gun to when we first came across it in the first book! The characters are fantasy fans and talk about Star Wars and more throughout the book, it really makes for fun moments. It's something I enjoy keeping an ear (or eye) out for in the story.

We get a few mysteries to solve. The pit of baby skeletons, Dr. Jones who brings a world of trouble with his desires, and Robyn's search. But we also have personal interests and conflicts. Jane's got two potential relationships brewing, which does get resolved. We also meet new characters - Robyn, Larry, and Yolanda. Robyn is an interesting addition and we spend more time with her than the others.

What surprises me, how the authors manage to connect all these problems into one conversation. It's awesome. I wouldn't have pictured the conversation going as it did, but it fits the characters and the story. It all works together!

All the personal connections makes things a little edgy when the characters interact. It's a small town, and you feel it. It all starts to wash out in the end of the book, truths are shared and emotions are a little better. It feels things are moving in the direction they should for the characters personally.

Of course we see the story through Jane's eyes and thoughts. But we get to spend time, through Jane, with Emma, Lucien, and Alex along with all we meet in the first book. I am glad Jane got a big thing cleared up with Alex and Lucien. They are both amazing men, in different ways. Though, Lucien does have a bad streak in him. Jane feels to be more mature in this book. She's faced many things in the first book and learned a lot. She's still learning and becoming more with her shaman ability.

We also see the town of Bright Falls is growing and changing. But I'm thinking the outside world is changing some too, pushing Bright Falls to expand and grow. It's something Jane struggles with in a small way. Even the need to sell her family diner... That's something Jane is not ready for, but maybe needs to do...

I enjoy the fun and humor written through Jane and the story. The story is a fun, relaxing read for me and I look forward to more in the future.



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

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Sunday Post #199

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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Oops. I posted four reviews last week. I did not intend that. I wanted three, but I didn't count the days when scheduling. And...that's what I get for scheduling in two different days and in a rush. *head desk*

I likely won't post next weekend. I'll be busy at Balticon, having fun. I can't wait! But, for today, I'm heading to the Nebula's author signing since they are close to me. :) I know a few authors going to be there and want to say hi since they are in town. Also, I enjoy walking around looking at author tables and seeing all there is.

I know, I didn't make it to commenting this week. I really have to figure that all out. Ugh. I've been working on editing work, writing, photos, and reading. It's a lot to do! And I need to get exercising back in my schedule, which I don't know where to add it in. Evenings are when I use to exercise but I'm packing so much in it's hard to add more.

How do you pack all into a day?

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

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 push mowed grass once this week! For an hour and forty-five minutes. lol. Had to get done before the rain.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
Embracing the Dragon by K.L. Bone
Editing work.


Current Audiobook:
The Defiant Heir by Melissa Caruso


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 :
Not yet.


Finished Podcast Book Listen:
None.


DNFed:
Vamp City by C.D. Brown - My content editing brain wanted to fix a few things.

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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:
Exile

" I love how the minds of David Wood and Sean Ellis use history to create their stories. It makes the story feel so much more invested for me."


Dark Watcher

"Lilith is great at lacing actions and characters with details that tell us of the world and why things are as they are. We gradually learn about the world through Dante's actions, the reason he's watching over Theo. The world and characters are formed as one as they are action and reaction to what's around."


Good Samaritan: Into Dust

"The comic tells a complete story with one trouble here along with having personal struggles. Those struggles always continue, but that's part of what makes the hero human."

Death and Axes

"The story is a gentle one as we go. It's Esil meeting people and getting to know them along with learning how things go in learning to play quests in Pangea to get to his end goal."


Podcast Review:




Mama Bitchstress Reviews:



GIVEAWAYS:



~~~~~~~~~~

This Week to Come on the Blog:


I will finished up two reviews for you this week.



~~~~~~~~~~

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:




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 Bond of Venom and Magic by Karen Tomlinson
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
A breathtaking fantasy romance, the first in a sensational new series by British author Karen Tomlinson.

Magic awakens. Darkness stirs. The Wraith Lord is hunting.

The war raging in the South seems a remote danger for seventeen-year-old Diamond Gillon until her home is brutally attacked by the Wraith Lord’s monstrous hunters. Catapulted into a terrifying new world where legendary beasts arise, magic is condemned, and half-blood fae like her have no rights, Diamond is inexplicably drawn to her saviour. But Commander Hugo Casimir is a ruthless elite guard owned by a cruel, immortal fae queen who will murder her own people for magic. 

As she sinks deeper into Hugo’s world, Diamond’s circumstances become ever more perilous, for the Queen desires her magic and covets the very same prize as the Wraith Lord. To discover who she truly is, Diamond must escape the Queen’s clutches—before her fate, and that of The Eight Kingdoms, is sealed in shadow and chaos.

Will Hugo prove to be her friend, her protector, or an enemy not worthy of her trust?

A Bond of Venom and Magic is an epic fantasy tale, ideal for mature Young Adult readers. Fans of Sarah J Maas and Leigh Bardugo will love to discover this spectacular new world steeped in dragons, monsters, and armoured winged warriors.



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
An American Weredeer in Michigan by C.T. Phipps & Micheal Suttkus

Friday, May 18, 2018

Audio Book Review: Exile

Exile

By:  David Wood & Sean Ellis

Publish Date:  September 28, 2017, Audiobook Release April 11, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 8 hrs 26 mins
Narrated By:  Jeffrey Kafer

Genre:  Adventure, Suspense, Thriller

Series:  3rd in Jade Ihara Adventures series; 1st Book ~ Oracle, 2nd Book ~ Changeling

Impression:  Another hair raising adventure for Jade and Professor into the view of slavery.

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!

First Sentence:
....
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.

As always, Jeffrey Kafer narrates the story with perfection. I know, it seems strange for a man to narrate a woman, but that does not defer from Jade's story in the least. I don't even hear that it's a male voice. Jeffrey has a way of carrying the suspense, adventure, and curiosity in his voice for the characters. He retains the calm the characters feel in stressful, scary moments. Although, there is some worry and nerves that creep through in this story for Jade and Professor, and Jeffrey enunciates them. We get the feel of the characters emotions, feelings, and personality through Jeffrey's tones and attitude voiced.

Wow. Jade spends most of the book on the run! She's running for her life in Rome, Italy along with on a slave boat. Jade is a handy woman on her own. Almost a female McGyver!

We start with Jade having been kidnapped, possibly being sold as a slave. We see a darker side to Haiti with Professor doing all he can to find Jade. This is where Jade gets nervous. What can she really do? Jade is determined to fight, and fight she does. She will do anything if there's a sliver of hope to survive.

This story is focused on Jade. She's grown as a character and in her skills, and it shows here. Even Professor notes it several times to himself. She may not need him around to protect her any longer. And that bothers him a bit. Jade has grown stronger. Some of the things she has to do... Ugh. *stomach drops* She's a bit more of a daredevil than I would have thought. Wow. Professor even has his extraordinary events here. But he refuses to leave Jade fend for herself.

I love Jade with Professor. They get under each other's skin, but they're a great pair with all they know and can do. They could even, someday in the future, be a great couple. They challenge each other but are great friends and work companions.

This story touches close to home for many people and brings up a heated topic. Slavery. This is not just about the past slaves but also the human trafficking that still happens in the world. There is even a brief touch on what people consider liberty and freedom. Even how some feel about America and immigrants is touched on here. All amazing topics to discuss and think on. This book opens a door to these subjects for people to think on. It's not meant to begin an argument or upset anyone, but hopefully to open eyes and ears to bring the subjects in the open so people can understand and work to stop slavery. This was the impression I got from the characters.

We get sections that are detailed in explaining. There are true history pieces used to create the fiction from. I love how the minds of David Wood and Sean Ellis use history to create their stories. It makes the story feel so much more invested for me.

Another hair raising adventure for Jade and Professor. As always, I look forward to more with them.



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

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Audio Book Review: Dark Watcher

Dark Watcher

By:  Lilith Saintcrow

Publish Date:  October 16, 2004, Audiobook Release April 16, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 6 hrs 55 mins
Narrated By:  Jack Wayne & Rayna Cole

Genre:  Paranormal Fantasy

Series:  1st in The Watcher series

Impression:  New view of the magic world with a blooming love.

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?

First Sentence:
Rain poured down, glittering and flashing, smashing it's silver needles against the pavement and the blank buildings.

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.

Two narrators for one book. I always love when we have a blend of male and female voices for a book. Rayna voices the chapters from Theodora's (Theo) POV. Jack voices the chapters from Dante's POV. I've enjoyed Rayna's voice previously, and do again. She has a calm about her tones that make me feel relaxed, which fits the character of Theo. Jack is new for me, but while listening it didn't feel that way. He voiced Dante's view with the feelings as the character would. I had to stop and think about the two voices after three chapters to realize they were voicing two different views of people. This is cool because we also get a feel for the POV's view of those they are talking to. The tones and innuendos from those around them and how they treat each other come out through the two different people. When Theo hears a voice or remembers hearing it, we get that voice from when Jack spoke it in Dante's chapter. This is a nice extra to get in audio.

Theo has a feeling something is off and when she sees a man who's following her, she acts with caution. She's anxious and worried. This is how she should be. But she's smart too. She thinks on what she's seen and felt. Her mind is always pondering and she asks questions, learning along with us about the creatures after her and The Circle Lightfall. This is a smart character. There's more to learn, I'm sure, but we get a strong feel of things here. Theo does have an insecurity though with relationships, like many people. But Theo is determined in life and will go where she's called to help others.

Lilith is great at lacing actions and characters with details that tell us of the world and why things are as they are. We gradually learn about the world through Dante's actions, the reason he's watching over Theo. The world and characters are formed as one as they are action and reaction to what's around.

This is the blooming of a love between Theo and Dante. It's intertwined with the action of the story and why Dante is here. We have the sweet moments where we can see there could be more between them. But they have to live through much more to get there, getting to know each other. We also have our action and fights as Dante protects Theo and the other witches.

I'm liking Dante. He's a big strong man who kills bad things for a living. Yet he's such a gentleman as well. He's like the bad guy girls love rolled together with the good guy you should be with. He's not perfect, but he's a great combo. But, Dante's had his share of trouble in the past, something he has to live with.

Such a great story. It's known what the characters want or don't want, and what they fight for. Then ultimately what the sacrifice is. But, what they get in the end feels as though it's more than what they wanted to begin with. It's going to be a difficult life, and I'm ready to follow them through the rest of the series.



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

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Graphic Novel Review: Good Samaritan: Into Dust

Good Samaritan: Into Dust

Words By:  Mike Luoma
Illustrations By:  Federico Guillen
Color and Good Samaritan Logo By:  Ken Lateer

Format:  PDF

Series:  1st in Good Samaritan series

1st Impression:  Who's killing the young boys?

Synopsis:
Boston, Massachusetts - 1965: Father Bill Sullivan is a Roman Catholic priest with a secret – he wields awesome energies that he believes are given him by God. The "Power of the Holy Spirit" manifests around him as nebulous tentacles of purple and gold energy and smoke. It allows "Good Samaritan" – as he calls himself – to hover, grab criminals and restrain them, subject thugs to the experience of their own crimes in his "Confessional", and occasionally render ultimate judgment by turning perps into dust as he proclaims, "Remember Man that thou art DUST and unto dust thou shall return!"A new menace is tangling with Good Samaritan, a creature preying on children, a molester with delusions of being a vampire. And "normal" life is presenting its own problems, as Ernesto Cabral, the new Cardinal of the Archdiocese, apparently has it in for Father Sullivan! He hassles Sullivan after Father Bill helps a young, unwed mother-to-be. The Cardinal might ruin his career... but the creature could take his life!

Purchase At:
DriveThruRPG  /  comiXology  /  IndyPlanet


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

The Good Samaritan's power reminds me of Ghost Rider in a way. However, The Good Samaritan is a priest, Father William Sullivan. He works in the night to help people who are in trouble. Father William (Bill) Sullivan is a kindhearted man. He works to help the people in his city. Not only as the Good Samaritan but as a Father in the church. He tries to always be there for the people.

First time we meet Ernesto Cardinal Cabral, I knew there was something wrong with him. He's drawn to look bad. And his reason for being in the dark. Ha. I got a strong feeling from him. Well drawn with his words and artwork of him.

When I started reading the story, I found a few frames of the drawings hard to make out. I wonder if this is because it's on my ereader and maybe smaller than would be in print. The frame made it hard for me to see what was happening. A few frames were rather dark on my ereader as well, making it hard to make out what's happening. I did zoom in though. But I got the gist of the story. There is one frame that feels to give a HUGE hint close to half way through the story. Oooooh. You have to look for it!

As in comics, the story moves fast and we complete the story on who is killing young boys like a vampire. The Good Samaritan is on the case and is looking for anything to get to the strange cat and being that are attacking people.

Bill, aka The Good Samaritan, has a touch of self doubt. His one power he uses on all criminals he finds - The Confessional, forcing people to face all their sins and ultimately turns the person to dust. It's related to his profession and God, but does he go too far in the name of good? How far is too far to help others? It seems this is something the good father has to juggle in his own mind. 

The comic tells a complete story with one trouble here along with having personal struggles. Those struggles always continue, but that's part of what makes the hero human. 

Monday, May 14, 2018

Audio Book Review: Death and Axes

Death and Axes

By:  S.L. Rowland

Publish Date:  September 30, 2017, Audiobook Release March 7, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 33 mins
Narrated By:  Justin Thomas James & Laurie Catherine Winkel

Genre:  Fantasy, LitRPG

Series:  1st in Pangea Online series

Impression:  Playing the game to help a friend.

Synopsis:
Everything has a price. Pangea Online is no different.

Esil has spent the past year toiling in the mines of Pangea while the more wealthy traverse its myriad of gameworlds. His luck changes forever when he stumbles upon a legendary Developer's Chest, containing an invaluable Worldpass, which grants him unlimited travel to all gameworlds.

Now, Esil isn’t just stuck watching as others explore Pangea. He can finally level up.

But his in-game actions have real world consequences and failure online threatens everything he holds dear.

First Sentence:
My life sucks.

Purchase At:
Amazon 

Audible

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


Two narrators, for the story and male characters then a female for female voices. I started listening to the audiobook and never thought twice about the voices. There was no distraction from the story or characters as Justin narrates. I felt Justin was an excellent pick as Esil's voice along with the story. The female voices are voiced by Laurie and it fits. I liked hearing a woman voice the female characters as the story went. Both added accents or different enunciation to the characters to differentiate them. The best part, there was NO delay in the audio. The pacing felt to fit together as Justin and Laurie voice the characters. Maybe they acted out those scenes together? I don't know but it was done!

I love how Esil is new to the adventure field, even though watches streaming of adventures. He's a miner in the Pangea world, and when he gets to go on adventures, he's gun ho but he's a bit green around the edges. Not only does he have to level up and learn, but he's not done this before. This is perfect for me! This gives a feel to the book that newbie players or those that don't game as much can listen and feel for Esil.

This is a cool arrangement with the gaming world. The real world is described for us to know why people work in the game. Sometimes the game gives something special back. Esil is one of those fortunate enough to find it, a chest of valuable items.

The first chapter mentions what Esil will work for through the book. I wasn't sure if it was a strong motivator in the book, but the more I got to know Esil the more I realized what a great person he is. And the drive to help works extremely well for him. Esil is a nice person. I like what he brings out in those around him. By helping others, he creates great friendships. He doesn't ask for anything in return, he's just an honest and kind person. This is the kind of person you like to see improve in life.

Esil surrounds himself with great people who feel the same in return. Buzz, Grayson, and Aleesia and her band of dwarves. All are great and kind to him, even if they have similar or different stations in life. I feared one would turn on him and take all he had or would give, but things aren't that way with the people Esil finds and confides in. Buzz is a great friend for Esil, not wanting anything but a friend and to help Esil because of the help Esil is offering him. Grayson is an old miner that has experience in some things around the game world. Grayson gives great advice. Aleesia, she's a great character and new friend for Esil. She could even be a romantic interest for Esil, in time. (I'm so thankful we didn't jump into romance but let them get to know each other.)

The story is a gentle one as we go. It's Esil meeting people and getting to know them along with learning how things go in learning to play quests in Pangea to get to his end goal.



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

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Sunday Post #198

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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Happy Mother's day! Sending wishes to all women, with and without children.

It seems my pets think I should be up at the crack of dawn, or shortly after. My Sheba has been waking me up at 6:30 AM this weekend. Ugh! I've been keeping busy. Probably more than I should be. I have things to write, read, and more.

I have a few more reviews to write, need to get to those. Summer brings lots of things to do. I'm looking forward to all of it. :) There are free concerts all summer long in town. And a few other free shows happening. We aren't going anywhere for vacation, so these are my small moments of escape. I will be heading to Balticon in a few short weeks. I look forward to being there!

Do you have plans for the summer?

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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 push mowed grass once this week!

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What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
Vamp City by C.D. Brown


Current Audiobook:
Will start a new book Monday.


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 :
Exile by David Wood & Sean Ellis
An American Weredeer in Michigan by C.T. Phipps & Micheal Suttkus


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:
Devil in a Black Suit
"I love Ramos through Shelby's eyes in her books. I loooove Ramos when in his head too. Sure, he and Manetto aren't the "good" guys, but they aren't terrible people either. Ramos is awesome though. What he does, thinks of, and works out on a fly. Yep. He's great."


Renegades
"This story brings out many possibilities in the world and lives of the Renegades and Anarchists. I enjoyed the story thoroughly, yet in the end I know this book is an opening for what's to come. So many possibilities and beliefs in the characters. Now, I'm expecting action to take place with the ground work put in place. I look forward to the next novel(s) to come for all this to come to fruit."




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:




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.
The Dark Prince by Sarah K.L. Wilson
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Who says all handsome princes are charming? 
Hunted by the Magikas, Amel seeks refuge on a secluded island. But when she meets the prince of Baojang there, she realizes she can't stay in hiding. Someone needs to warn the Dominion of the plotted treachery - and quickly before her friend Savette is married off to one of them.




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
Good Samaritan: Into Dust by Mike Luoma, Federico Guillen, Ken Lateer
Death and Ax by S.L. Rowland
Dark Watcher by Lilith Saintcrow
Exile by David Wood & Sean Ellis
An American Weredeer in Michigan by C.T. Phipps & Micheal Suttkus