Short Story Review: The Job & Uprising

The Job

By:  Greg L. Turnquist

Publish Date:  June 1, 2017

Format:  eBook

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  Prequel to Darklight series

First Impression:  Snitch tries a theft job.

Synopsis:
What if a pickpocket had a change of heart?

Snitch and her partner in crime decide to knock over a pawn shop. But something goes wrong. What should she do next?

First Sentence:
"Are you ready?" Snitch tilted her head toward her partner, raising a brow in his direction.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 


My Thoughts and Summary:
*I picked up the book for my own reading pleasure.

From reading the short story and the synopsis, I guess thieves work alone in this world. Or, if caught, they run and leave the other to get out on their own. This is a quick glimpse into one job on a dark night that Snitch decides to work with another... and maybe help him.

The story is very, very short. I finished it in less than an hour lunch break. Snitch and James go in to rob a store.

Maybe if I read the series I'll get more a feel of the world that this story is set in. I would have liked more in the short story. It didn't have to grow in major length, just give me more about the world in select wording. The world's changed, but I don't know from what or to what. There are no real details on Snitch's feeling of difference in the world. There is mention of the new overlord and more guards, but I don't know much more about the world. And there is a mention of "link" between the two. I'm not sure if this is something in the way of magic or that James didn't physically come back to where she was. I think the author had a great chance to do more with this quick job, but missed out on it.

Though, as the description tells, Snitch does realize she needs, or should, work with others. So she decides to go look into a group that hidden in the woods, to try working with them.

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Uprising

By:  Greg L. Turnquist

Publish Date:  June 1, 2017

Format:  eBook ~ Free for joining email of author

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  Prequel to Darklight series

First Impression:  One night when all changes.

First Sentence:
It was half-an-hour before sunrise.

Purchase At:
Sign up for Author newsletter to get 


My Thoughts and Summary:
*I picked up the book for my own reading pleasure.

Gavin, Captain of the king's royal guard, wonders if today will bring the uprisings happening in the outer regions into the city. Two days ago he sent a couple units to investigate the "uprisings", and they haven't returned yet. He readies additional units to go.

This short story felt to start more direct and better written that The Job for me. I felt there was better character details given as they respond to news, or lack of news.

One thing I noticed in the short is Gavin asks himself a lot of questions regarding the men he's trained. He should have better faith in his men, even if trained by those under him. Also, he should be able to read them better too. If he's a captain, he should be able to read people. Instead of questioning, the author should have used descriptions to show us in better detail what Gavin is seeing and experiencing.

One thing we learn, who's in the forest to the east. That was mentioned by Snitch in The Job. Now we know who and why they are there. This gives a background for Gavin and a few others for when we meet them in the first novel.

Sunday Post #105

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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Some days the brain is just confused. lol. I made an oops this past week. I was working up reviews and scheduled them. I lost track of dates, or something, and scheduled two for the same day. That day was Thursday. *head desk* I don't know what I was thinking, doing, or... not doing? lol. Oh well.

It's back to school for the kiddos. Mine is back to college. And it's football season. I know, many of you aren't football fans but kiddo always played and now he coaches for another high school. He enjoys it, so we watch and enjoy it.

The weather feels as it's turned for the fall, although they are calling for warmer weather again. We'll see what comes with the days. How's the weather where you are?

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

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... Not...really... Time is mad at me right now.

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

What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:

She Dreams of Fire by M.K. Gibson
Editing work.


Current Audiobook:
Lucifer's Nebula by C.T. Phipps & Michael Suttkus

Current Podcast Book Listen:
Nothing new.

Finished Last Week: 

Books:
No reading finished yet.

Audiobooks :

Innocence Lost by Patty Jansen

Darklight by Greg L. Turnquist

Finished Podcast Book Listen:

Nothing new yet.

DNFed:

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Last Two Weeks on the Blog:

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

Guest Posts:

Posts:

Spellbound in a Flash:
Spellbound in a Flash now has a Facebook Page!

The photos from Confluence are up here! And band concert photos for Gary Pratt along with East Coast Turnaround.

Challenged Writers:

Around the Internet...

Reviews:

Make Bright the Arrows

"Starla channeled a little of Joss Whedon for this book. I immediately felt a strong Firefly influence in the story, which carried through the whole book. But the crew is all female. The ship is a crew of woman that do search and salvage jobs to get by, things they are hired to find. At times, this can be more dangerous than other times. What they find on their latest delivery is more than they could have expected."

Darklight: A Coming of Age

"We come across some very interesting things here. There is a magic present, though it's limited to one or two people we are aware of. There is an extremely good reason for this, as it could draw a new danger and enemy to the world. And there is already enough problems in the world with Melicose."

Innocence Lost

"As we go, the story of going to the ball felt like it was going to turn into a Cinderella type story. But it doesn't. When we get to the ball, things take a turn that draws me into the story. To meet Prince Roald and see how things come together."

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 Few Weeks:

(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.

Temporal by Killian Carter
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
People worry about not having enough time. What if you had too much?

Asteroidea by Lynn Sheridan
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
It was supposed to be the discovery of a lifetime, but some things are best kept on ice…

Renowned marine biologist, Dr. Jane Crawford arrives on the frozen world of Caldwell IV to investigate an unprecedented biological discovery at a water extraction plant. Jane has devoted her life to the search for extraterrestrial life. Could she have finally found it?

She needs time to conduct her research, but the plant foreman has other ideas. He has orders to fulfil and he’s not prepared to shut down operations for a microscopic organism. Unfortunately for everyone involved, that is about to become the least of their problems.

Asteroidea is an action-packed homage to the classic creature feature. If you like fast-paced horror, daring heroines, and unrelenting ravenous monsters, then you’ll love this short story. Ideal for reading on the bus, at the aquarium, or anywhere the lights are on…

Red Sun Rising by Alison Ingleby
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Humans are visiting Taur. But do they desire peace or war?

For the first time in Taur history, another species will set foot on their world. It is intended to be the start of an amicable relationship but Tadia suspects the humans are not quite as peaceful as they seem. As protector, it's down to her to keep the dome safe, and the taur's precious elladium secret.

When the visit takes a disastrous turn, it's up to Tadia and her team to stop their technology from getting into the wrong hands. But as they race against time, Tadia realizes that the price of success may be higher than the price of failure.

If you enjoy sci-fi short stories with a twist, then you'll love Alison Ingleby's contribution to the Alteruvium Expanse. 

Call Me M by B.K. Boes
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
New Haven Acropolis is an oasis under a dome—at least for the Ri, who manifest powers at a young age. For the rest, the Normals, life is just about surviving day-to-day. Moira Venixa is a Normal girl trying to work hard enough to get her mother out of the dome-patcher chemical plant that’s slowly killing her. But Moira’s whole world is turned upside-down when her true identity is revealed. The Ri will want to destroy her, and the Equality Alliance will want to use her. All Moira wants is revenge. With her life forfeit, she knows she must find a way out—but first, she’ll make them pay.

Clockwork Titan by Jon Cronshaw
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
When a power-hungry lord reawakens an ancient titan, things don't quite go to plan...
The titan's mind forms a magical bond with an unintended new master--a lighthouse keeper's young daughter, Anna.

Seeing through the giant's eyes, Anna must come to terms with her new power, but with Lord Krauss willing to stoop to any depths to take control of the clockwork giant, Anna must give everything she has to keep her home and family safe.

For fans of epic fantasy who don't have the time. If you enjoy short stories packed with magic, wonder, and intrigue, you'll love Jon Cronshaw's contribution to the Alteruvium Expanse.

From Above by MK CLark
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
The community used to revere a Retriever's ability to see the past on command. But they had long since given in to fear and jealousy. 

After all, no one likes a tattle-tale. 

Now, Retrievers like TiaNu spend their entire lives trying to forget what they are. However, when a strange ship crashes near her home, she may no longer have that option. 

In a world where no one else is supposed to exist, knowing if their unexpected visitors are a threat becomes the highest priority, but when it becomes clear that there are no survivors of the crash, this task is impossible without TiaNu. The only problem is that TiaNu isn’t so sure the personal cost is worth it, especially for a people that never gave a damn about her.

Twin Lives by S.L. Mason
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
With only one way off a dying planet, one sister gives her twin a chance to live. The Croneshaw Corporation will only take young healthy families of reproductive age to the new colony in the asteroid belt. The impossible choice, trade places to save a family or stay on the planet and die. 
Can Rachael fake being her twin long enough to save her sisters family or will she be discovered and destroy it? Will she find out too much and become another casualty? With only three weeks, everything must go perfectly to pull this off…

Alura's Gambit by J.P. Douglas
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Cooper is stranded. 

Stranded in a dead end sector of space. 

A sector controlled by a corrupt corporation bent on scorching the entire system for profit 

He’s almost out of money, and he’s low on choices. The only option is to do what he does best, find a game and make enough money to get out of there. Now, he’s in at a table with a cheat, and he’s determined to outfox the swindler before he finds himself at the mercy of the Croneshaw Corporation. 

At this gaming table, nothing is as it seems, but as the jackpot grows, Cooper might have to take some action to stay in the game.

The Valley of Souls by T.S. Brothers
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
When a petty warlord causes the inadvertent death of General Remi Gudoux's bonded Ami, a creature that grants him incredible powers, Remi becomes a broken man. 

He wanders away from the battlefield, searching for solace in a life that had provided him none. Approached by a small stone golem, Remi falls into conversation with the creature before realizing the golem may be more than meets the eye. 

A story of revenge and filled with a deep history, The Valley of Souls takes you into the world of Terremere and transports you onto the battlefield. Will Remi remain broken, or will he find his revenge?

Forgotten Worlds by Andre Jeter
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Bad luck seems to follow Robert no matter what planet he escapes to. This time, his gambling habit may have gone too far. After losing a fortune to Don Capatron on Aleon, there's no chance of him repaying the half-million credits within two weeks in return for his girlfriend Vivian. 
So when a mysterious man shows up and declares that he can solve everything, Robert is skeptical. Can he turn things around by trusting this man and his outrageous request?

Apotheosis by E.D. Cask
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
The conflict between magic and technology is growing. In a world where anyone can use technology to supersede magic, Dek has been hiding in the shadows, waiting for decades to take down the tech lords. The coming conjunction of the twin suns provides the perfect opportunity to gain the power he needs to right the wrongs of the tech age. 

Will he be able to defeat the notorious Dr. Croneshaw and his minions?

Gateway by Paul B. Kohler
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Robert Paulson and Paul Robertson have real a problem. Each of them have suffered physical or mental injuries, causing moderate cases of amnesia. Hypnosis and other experimental devices are employed—with varying levels of effectiveness—in restoring their memories. As their past and present lives are revealed, it becomes alarmingly clear that they each think they're in the wrong persons body. In the end, only one can exist.


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
Make Bright the Arrows by S.A. Huchton

The Books and Braun Dossier by Philippa Ballantine & Tee Morris
The Job by Greg L. Turnquist
The Living End by Craig Schaefer

Audio Book Review: Darklight: A Coming of Age

Darklight: A Coming of Age

By:  Greg L. Turnquist

Publish Date:  March 25, 2018, Audiobook Release July 13, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 6 mins
Narrated By:  Starla Huchton

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  1st in Darklight series

Impression:  A floater of a girl finds her purpose.

Synopsis:
Snitch, a young woman who grew up on the medieval streets of Kelmar as a thief, has learned something terrible. The regime’s evil military ruler has learned the hideout location of the resistance she joined and ordered an all out assault. Combined with the captain of the disbanded royal guard, a political prisoner, a duke’s daughter, and an old advisor, can her team rise to action and free Kelmar?

First Sentence:
Snith moved as fast as she could in the dark toward the southern edge of the city-state of Kelmar, desperate to not draw attention to herself.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

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

A narrator can take a book to the next level, making it more enjoyable than reading words. Starla has done that here! The story is simple, but Starla breaths life into it with each word. She adds heart, emotion, and life to the characters with tone, innuendos, and accents. The narration is clear and clean while listening to it. I enjoyed listening to Starla bring the story to life.

Did you ever read a book and feel there's no desire in the characters? They seem to have no need for something. Well, I got that feeling here in the beginning of the book. I know the characters in the resistance are trying to live and those in the army under Melicose want to capture the resistance to rule on. But there doesn't seem to be any other drive than living, which we all want to live but it doesn't feel strong enough to back the story. But we get more in the end. Melicose's goal. And direction for Snitch.

I think Snitch is a character that's a floater, not sure where she's to be in the world. Snitch feels to not have a drive for anything until the end, which would likely carry on through future books. In the end, she finds what she should do and a mission to follow. It was a bit touchy for a while with Snitch as she felt to have no direction for me, but in the end she came together. And there are a few other important characters we see grow in the story.

The story is told from different character point of views. You easily know which character you are hearing from because they are clearly mentioned as the section starts to make you aware. This is very important in a story this vast. There are different things happening at the same time that are related. And there are groups that get separated, so to keep up with each set of events this is needed.

We come across some very interesting things here. There is a magic present, though it's limited to one or two people we are aware of. There is an extremely good reason for this, as it could draw a new danger and enemy to the world. And there is already enough problems in the world with Melicose.

I liked the twist of magic and technology here. It's interesting to see the two in a world that feels to be of a fantasy setting. There is a history to both, and we start to get details on the magic side here but not as much with the technology side. We know there is potential for technology here, but it's hidden.

There are some connections I'd have liked a little more details on, like with magic and more hard core on Melicose's weaknesses in his system. Yeah, I see it, but would have liked a little more to grip at.

The story was interesting, and seeing it all play together was nice. I'd be curious to see where the author goes in the next book.



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

Audio Book Review: Innocence Lost

Innocence Lost

By:  Patty Jansen

Publish Date:  March 19, 2014, Audiobook Release July 26, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 5 hrs 57 mins
Narrated By:  Genevieve Lerner

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  1st in Ghostspeaker Chronicles series

Impression:  Slow start with potential to a series.

Synopsis:
A fantasy loosely based on the historical setting of the Netherlands and western Germany.

Johanna is the daughter of a rich merchant in the kingdom of Saarland. As an only child and without a mother, she has grown up with notions, such as that she wants to take over her father's river trade business in her own name. Courtesy of her eastern mother, she has an unusual ability. She sees things in willow wood: whenever she touches wood, it shows her what has happened around the tree or wooden object. Any kind of magic is not common in Saardam, and the Church of the Triune, which rapidly gains influence in the city, forbids it.
While she goes to church, Johanna also maintains a loose network of magic-enabled people. One of those people is Loesie, a farmer's daughter from out of town.
One day, Loesie comes to town after having been struck mute by magic. She carries a basket made from willow twigs that tells Johanna that a group of bandits with demons is about to attack the city.
But there is no non-magical proof, so she can't tell anyone or she'd be branded a witch. The time of witch-burnings was not that long ago.
Never mind that the army is still approaching, and there are increasing signs that Saardam's embattled royal family might have done something that has angered magical forces in the east. Add to this that the royal family seems to have fallen out with the city's nobility, and that the recent death of the crown princess has left the family with only one heir: the mysterious prince whom no one has seen for years and who has suddenly returned home.
At the annual ball, Johanna's father has brokered a dance for her with the prince. Johanna just wants to warn people of the impending attack.

First Sentence:
Johanna sashayed down the church aisle towards the open doors that beckoned her to freedom.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I have listened to this book for my own enjoyment.

This is the first time I've listened to Genevieve. Genevieve did a good job at reading through the story clearly. But, right off the bat I heard lots of space in the recording. There is a metal twang to her voice as well. With the sound of the background, you can hear where the stream was cut, either because she was done or because cut out a section. The sound of the background stops then starts again, leaving it feeling as it's not a constant flow. It sounds like she's in a large empty room, with wooden floors.

The story is a big build up for the King's ball. A lot of world building in the beginning. There is something with Johanna's friend and a potential danger coming to their city, but trying to find a way to tell people without telling about how she learned is a problem for Johanna. With this, most of the beginning is focused on getting to know Johanna and how she doesn't want to marry or go to the ball. Both things her father is saying she must do.

With getting to know Johanna and the buildup to the ball, I found the beginning to be rather slow. If it wasn't for being audio, I probably would have put the book down. Although, I'm not very taken with Genevieve's narration or voice acting as Johanna, and that might be part of the problem. Johanna sounded like a spoiled brat at the age of twenty-four with Genevieve's vocal innuendos.

As we go, the story of going to the ball felt like it was going to turn into a Cinderella type story. But it doesn't. When we get to the ball, things take a turn that draws me into the story. To meet Prince Roald and see how things come together. Now I can enjoy this. I liked the turn things made with Johanna after the ball.

The writing style didn't hit the beat with me. Others may enjoy it more, but wasn't for me. At times I felt that the emotions used were repetitive, and when I wanted emotions they weren't there. I definitely think the narrator could have done a better job, or picked a different narrator. Genevieve was a bit bland or to much attitude that gives Johanna a stuck up feel, which she's not by her actions.

I'm curious about the characters and where they end up next because there is a cliffhanger ending, but I'll likely pass on the series with all others I have to listen to.



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

Audio Book Review: Make Bright the Arrows

Make Bright the Arrows

By:  S.A. Huchton

Publish Date:  August 6, 2018, Audiobook Release July 12, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 8 hrs 14 mins
Narrated By:  Starla Huchton

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  1st in Flights of the Nanshe series

Impression:  Gentle space opera with action and Firefly influence

Synopsis:
"Soldiers need wars, doctors need patients, and the Nanshe needs trouble. That's just kinda how it is."

The galaxy ain't a friendly place, but it's a good sight better when you've got friends at your back. And when the crew of the Nanshe stumbles into larger-than-your-average trouble, they'll need all the help they can get.

What starts off as a simple retrieval of stolen goods turns deadly when Leena Espinoza discovers a girl stashed in a cellar, her guardian murdered. The crew has a soft spot for hard cases, and despite Delilah's odd behavior, offer help instead of turning her over to the authorities.

But what they don't know might kill them.

No good deed goes unpunished, and the crew winds up on the radar in the worst possible way. Merc squads, shadowy coalitions, plus the usual criminal element are all on their tails, so it's fight or flight.

As a plot to unbalance the entire civilized universe unfolds around them, the ladies of the SS Nanshe gear up for battle. Through blood and fire, they'll do everything they can to protect what little they have. In the vast blackness of space, taking matters into your own hands isn't an option... It's a matter of survival.

First Sentence:
It wasn't every day a gal had six loaded guns pointed at her head while poised to jumpstart a fifteen-year-old girl with live wires.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

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

Starla is an amazing author and awesome voice to listen to. She voices the crew of Nanshe with different accents and personalities. I was impressed with how different each character came across! In distinct tones, accents, and personality of voice. Starla brought the crew to life for us. The pacing was fitting for the story, easy to follow that moved along. If there was a moment where we felt as though things moved faster, Starla gave us the feel of the moment. Starla felt seamless in her narration and the background was clear. Wonderful job!

Starla channeled a little of Joss Whedon for this book. I immediately felt a strong Firefly influence in the story, which carried through the whole book. But the crew is all female. The ship is a crew of woman that do search and salvage jobs to get by, things they are hired to find. At times, this can be more dangerous than other times. What they find on their latest delivery is more than they could have expected. When delivering a mysterious box to a Reverend, they find a teenage girl huddled away in a hidden basement room. In trying to find a place for this innocent to go, they find that someone has paid a steep price to send dangerous people after her. And the little innocent girl is more than they ever foreseen.

I love this crew! Leena is the point of view character on the ship for us, and we learn that they won't take advantage of Lilah as many people would. The crew may be of a mercenary sort with some of the jobs they take, but they have morals they live by. They all have each other's back at all times. They even have a sense of what others need to do to become more in their own rights. There are moments Leena is worried that the boss, Edie, might turn Lilah over to someone who would take advantage of her or worse, to save them all. And Edie might still just do it with the way things go.

Each crew member has their own story for ending up here on the Nanshe and in their dangerous line of work, Cynthia, JC, Anita, Doc Jasmine Cole, and Kara, and we get to hear some of them. If I had to pick my favorite character... Ugh! I don't know if I could do that. We get to know the crew pretty well through Leena and her thoughts. I think I'd have to pick Lilah though. She's the wild card though the story. She's the reason I was so glued to the pages, just to learn if what I suspected was true then to learn why and how and what will be done about those after her. I would like to learn more about Edie though. She's the owner of the ship and doesn't like to be called captain. There is a story to her and I'm curious about it.

I found it interesting how Edie seems to be pushing Leena to learn to be more a leader than a follower. The thing is, Leena has the traits to be a leader, I don't really see her as a follower but she doesn't always think as a leader does. Leena is growing stronger in her own mind through this book as she learns little lessons along the way as she watches over Lilah. Leena sort of becomes of a motherly nature with Lilah and her eyes are opened about a few crew members too.

I love how the characters are who they are; straight, gay, fire-y red heads, owner/boss, and more but the story isn't about all that. All of it is a part of who the character is, sure their past and who they are influences their decisions, but that goes for everyone. They don't care any less for each other for any of it. They accept each other as individuals and family. It's well done as the character is who she is and the story happens.

This is a story of a crew of strong woman doing their thing in space to survive. A story full of family and action on the ground and in space. They have to think out of the box with being in space, and they do. This is not a romance story, no intimate scenes or major flirting happening. Sure there is love to be found, but it's the love of family and dear friends. The story is more a gentle space opera than scifi, in my opinion. There is not all the scifi tech we have to understand to get the story.

I would highly recommend this story to anyone (male or female) who enjoys action and camaraderie of a crew with great personalities. And looking for some fun.

Starla has outdone herself once again! On so many levels. Character wise. Plot wise. World wise. I can't wait to read/listen to more of the adventures of the Nanshe!



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

Sunday Post #205

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 about three Sunday's since I've done a Sunday post. It's been rather busy here. We took a week off work to get lots of work done around the house. Only to be rained out each day. Ugh. We had plenty of other things to do but the major work was out side. My husband and I came to realizations though. When we retire, we are going to the grocery store Monday mornings and to the drive-in during the week. lol. We'll fill our time for sure.

During these last weeks, I've celebrated our wedding anniversary of 16 years (we've been together about 21 yrs total), had a birthday (I'm not telling my age lol), went to Confluence SFF convention, and went to a wedding. Like I said, it's been busy. I have pictures from Confluence to share, I just have to get the post done.

That's my quick run down. What have you been up to?

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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... Not...really... Time is mad at me right now.

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

What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:

She Dreams of Fire by M.K. Gibson
Editing work.


Current Audiobook:
Will start a new one on Monday.

Current Podcast Book Listen:
Nothing new.

Finished Last Week: 

Books:
The Books and Braun Dossier by Philippa Ballantine & Tee Morris
The Job by Greg L. Turnquist

Audiobooks :

War and Wind by Alex Lidell

Make Bright the Arrows by S.A. Huchton
The Living End by Craig Schaefer

Finished Podcast Book Listen:

Nothing new yet.

DNFed:

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Last Two Weeks on the Blog:

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

Guest Posts:

Posts:

Spellbound in a Flash:
Spellbound in a Flash now has a Facebook Page!

The photos from Confluence are up here! And band concert photos for Gary Pratt along with East Coast Turnaround.

Challenged Writers:

Around the Internet...

Reviews:

As Dead as a Vampire

"I know Grimstone is different, but I get the cozy feeling from it like I did from Halloween town in the Disney Halloween movies. I love this feeling. Of course, Grimstone isn't as safe as it once was and that's something to look into, but it feels homey. And it's full of supernatural creatures!"

War and Wind

"There are many worried we feel for Nile as she went on this venture. We know them and still worry as things start to surface and seen by others. There are new worries that slowly grow here, and potential worries that could go either bad or good for Nile."

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 Few Weeks:

(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:

Darklight by Greg L. Turnquist
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Snitch, a young woman who grew up on the medieval streets of Kelmar as a thief, has learned something terrible. The regime’s evil military ruler has learned the hideout location of the resistance she joined and ordered an all out assault. Combined with the captain of the disbanded royal guard, a political prisoner, a duke’s daughter, and an old advisor, can her team rise to action and free Kelmar?

Dreadful Company by Vivian Shaw
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Contemporary fantasy in the world of Strange Practice, starring Dr. Greta Helsing, whose family has been keeping the supernatural community not-alive and well for generations.

When Greta Helsing, doctor to the undead, is unexpectedly called to Paris to present at a medical conference, she expects nothing more exciting than professional discourse on zombie reconstructive surgery and skin disease in bogeymen -- and hopefully at least one uneventful night at the Opera. 

Unfortunately for Greta, Paris happens to be infested with a coven of vampires -- and not the civilized kind. If she hopes to survive, Greta must navigate the darkest corners of the City of Lights, the maze of ancient catacombs and mine-tunnels underneath the streets, where there is more to find than simply dead men's bones.

Spellslinger by Sebastien de Castell
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Goodreads Synopsis:
There are three things that earn you a man’s name among the Jan’Tep. The first is to demonstrate the strength to defend your family. The second is to prove you can perform the high magic that defines our people. The third is simply to reach the age of sixteen. I was a few weeks shy of my birthday when I learned that I wouldn’t be doing any of those things.

Magic is a con game. 

Kellen is moments away from facing his first mage's duel and the start of four trials that will make him a spellcaster. There's just one problem: his magic is gone. As his sixteenth birthday approaches, Kellen falls back on his cunning in a bid to avoid total disgrace. But when a daring stranger arrives in town, she challenges Kellen to take a different path. Ferius Parfax is one of the mysterious Argosi - a traveller who lives by her wits and the three decks of cards she carries. She's difficult and unpredictable, but she may be Kellen's only hope...

Shadowblack by Sebastien de Castell
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Goodreads Synopsis:
The second book in the page-turning Spellslinger series for all teen, YA, adult and fantasy readers.

It's a few months since Kellen left his people behind. Now aged sixteen, Kellen is an outlaw, relying on his wits to keep him alive in the land of the Seven Sands. He misses home, he misses family and more than anything, he misses Nephenia, the girl he left behind. 

Then he meets Seneira, a blindfolded girl who isn't blind, and who carries a secret that's all too familiar to Kellen. Kellen and Ferius resolve to help - but the stakes are far higher than they realise. A Shadowblack plague is taking hold - and Kellen can't help but suspect his own people may even be behind it.

King of Assassins by RJ Barker
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Goodreads Synopsis:
THE KING IS DEAD, LONG LIVE THE KING . . .

Many years of peace have passed in Maniyadoc, years of relative calm for the assassin Girton Club-Foot. Even the Forgetting Plague, which ravaged the rest of the kingdoms, seemed to pass them by. But now Rufra ap Vthyr eyes the vacant High-King's throne and will take his court to the capital, a rat's nest of intrigue and murder, where every enemy he has ever made will gather and the endgame of twenty years of politics and murder will be played out in his bid to become the King of all Kings.

Friends become enemies, enemies become friends and the god of death, Xus the Unseen, stands closer than ever - casting his shadow over everything most dear to Girton.

Lucifer's Nebula by C.T. Phipps & Michael Suttkus
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Goodreads Synopsis:
From the bestselling author of The Rules of Supervillainy: Captain Cassius Mass can only run so far from his problems and the galaxy isn't big enough to hide from those pursuing him. Cassius soon finds himself blackmailed into a mission that will clear him of all charges as well as protect him from future persecution: bring an end to the civil war currently racking the galaxy. Accompanied by a new set of untrustworthy allies, the crew of the Melampus, and the A.I duplicate of his dead wife—Cassius needs to figure out how to not only deal with his target but also his employers. 

Because the entire universe is at stake.



Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:

Book:

Audio:

Innocence Lost by Patty Jansen
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Goodreads Synopsis:
A fantasy loosely based on the historical setting of the Netherlands and western Germany.

Johanna is the daughter of a rich merchant in the kingdom of Saarland. As an only child and without a mother, she has grown up with notions, such as that she wants to take over her father's river trade business in her own name. Courtesy of her eastern mother, she has an unusual ability. She sees things in willow wood: whenever she touches wood, it shows her what has happened around the tree or wooden object. Any kind of magic is not common in Saardam, and the Church of the Triune, which rapidly gains influence in the city, forbids it.
While she goes to church, Johanna also maintains a loose network of magic-enabled people. One of those people is Loesie, a farmer's daughter from out of town.
One day, Loesie comes to town after having been struck mute by magic. She carries a basket made from willow twigs that tells Johanna that a group of bandits with demons is about to attack the city.
But there is no non-magical proof, so she can't tell anyone or she'd be branded a witch. The time of witch-burnings was not that long ago.
Never mind that the army is still approaching, and there are increasing signs that Saardam's embattled royal family might have done something that has angered magical forces in the east. Add to this that the royal family seems to have fallen out with the city's nobility, and that the recent death of the crown princess has left the family with only one heir: the mysterious prince whom no one has seen for years and who has suddenly returned home.
At the annual ball, Johanna's father has brokered a dance for her with the prince. Johanna just wants to warn people of the impending attack.





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

The Job by Greg L. Turnquist
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Goodreads Synopsis:
What if a pickpocket had a change of heart? 

Snitch and her partner in crime decide to knock over a pawn shop. But something goes wrong. What should she do next?

The Glass Mermaid by Melanie Karsak
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Amazon Synopsis:
I'm the last mermaid.

On the shore of Lake Erie, I spend my final days hunting beach glass and waiting for my mermaid glamour to leave me. Then it will be over. I resigned myself to the fact that there's nothing more for me. Until I saw Cooper.

He comes to the beach every day to paint the sunrise and sunset. Nothing in this vast world has sparked my attention as much as him. I have no business falling in love with a human. Not now. And Cooper seems to have secrets of his own. I should leave him alone, but the curious mermaid in me can't let that shiny bauble go.

More than anything, I want to be part of his world...before it's too late.

At the Heart of the Deep by Carrie L. Wells
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Oceanographer Luke McAllister races to figure out why the ocean depth is changing off Florida's Treasure Coast. But before he and his crew discover what’s transforming the deep, he stumbles upon an even greater mystery. Leagues below the waves, he swear he sees…a mermaid? 

Anya isn’t allowed to get close to humans. But when a golden-haired researcher gets too close to her island, she can’t afford to stay away. 

Together, this unlikely pair will seek to discover what’s causing shifts in ocean floor. While their new alliance is forbidden, Anya will risk everything to save her beloved ocean. The only problem is, she’s not sure what’s really luring her in, her love of the sea or the tempest Luke has stirred in her heart. Either way, Anya knows that the dangers facing the sea are nothing compared to what will happen to her when her father learns she’s broken the merfolks’ most sacred law. 

Can Anya and Luke discover what lurks at the heart of the deep before it's too late? 

Adult novel. Due to steamy scenes, this novel is best suited for mature readers. 

Submerged by Pauline Creeden
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Mermaids can be cruel creatures.

I couldn’t stop them from hurting her, but I couldn’t let them destroy her, no matter what they did to me. The moment I heard the bottom feeder had been chosen for the reckoning, my heart sank. Had I been discovered for what I truly was? Years of pretending I was just like everyone else could all have been for naught. But then I heard it was Verona, and my blood ran cold.

Why was I surprised?

I shouldn’t have been. I’d stood by and watched her ridiculed since we were younglings. I was never as brave or as unselfish as she was. But today, I would be.

Ghostly Paws by Leighann Dobbs
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Middle age can be murder ... 

At least that’s how it seems to former crime journalist, Wilhelmina Chance, whose near-fatal accident has given her a strange side effect ... she sees ghosts. 

After a messy divorce sends her fleeing back to her hometown of Mystic Notch, nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Willa finds herself haunted by the tenacious ghost of the town librarian who insists Willa solve her murder. 

Luckily, she has lots of help, including a quirky cast of small-town characters, the cat she’s inherited from her grandmother, and her best friend, Pepper, who claims her herbal teas can work magic. 

But just when Willa thinks she’s discovered who the killer is, she finds out that things are not what they seem in Mystic Notch, and the case takes a strange turn that has Willa adding even some of her long-time friends to her suspect list. 

Can Willa find the real killer in time to keep the magical balance in Mystic Notch on the side of good, or will evil prevail?

A Vision For the Future by Melissa Wright
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Elaina Johnson was born with a vision of her own death. It was something she had accepted, but as the end moves closer, she learns that seeing and knowing are far different things.

This is a short story of approximately 3600 words. Additional content includes a free preview of Bound by Prophecy.

Frey by Melissa Wright
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Frey's life is a lie. She doesn't remember being bound from magic. She didn't intend to get entangled in Council business.

But she did.

And now she's on the run. As the Council trackers pursue her, Frey discovers a world beyond their lies. With the aid of a stranger, she fights to reclaim her true identity before the others hunt her down. If they find her, she will burn.

King of Ash and Bone by Melissa Wright
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Goodreads Synopsis:
When flying monsters break through the veil into her world, Mackenzie Scott has nothing left to lose. Her brother has been taken, her future has vanished, and all that remains is a desperate need for revenge. After discovering the breach the creatures used as a gateway, Mackenzie devises a plan to stop them, whatever the cost.
When she finds an injured stranger in the street, he just might be the key she needs to succeed. What Mackenzie doesn't know is that this stranger isn't the helpless boy he appears to be. He's one of the monsters. And he's got plans of his own.
Thrown into a dying city in another realm, Mackenzie is powerless to get back. With the gateway closing, time is not on her side. But the stranger is, and if they can escape execution, this girl and her monster might be able to save both their worlds.

Conjure by Lea Nolan
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Goodreads Synopsis:
Be careful what you search for...

Sixteen-year-old twins Emma and Jack Guthrie hope for a little summer adventure when they find an eighteenth-century message in a bottle revealing a hidden pirate treasure. With their best friend—and Emma's secret crush—Cooper Beaumont, they discover the treasure, and accidentally unleash an ancient Gullah Hoodoo curse that attacks Jack with the wicked flesh-eating Creep and promises to steal Cooper’s soul on his approaching eighteenth birthday.

Determined to save the two people she loves the most, Emma apprentices herself to an elderly sea island hoodoo root doctor who agrees to teach her the magic to undo the hex while she works to unravel the riddle of the pirate’s message. With the clock ticking down to Cooper’s birthday and Jack turning into a walking skeleton, Emma must hone her new skills to conjure visions of the past to discover the curse’s origins, steal an antique ruby, battle a horde of terrifying demon dogs, and summon ancient spirits who can help set things right before it’s too late.

Inseverable by Cecy Robson
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Goodreads Synopsis:
How can you imagine forever with someone who's leaving everything behind?

Callahan, a former army sniper, wants to make an escape from his past and everything he experienced at war, but most of all, just not feel. Feeling leads to pain and he’s suffered enough. When he inherits a house on South Carolina’s Kiawah Island, he packs his bags, lured by the peace and seclusion he thinks it will bring. But, Callahan never counted on meeting anyone like Trinity . . .

Trinity has always been the cute, and funny one, who most guys overlook in pursuit of her "hot" friends. She became used to being everyone’s pal, until the day the young man she was attracted to, was drawn to her in return. He became her first great love, and first crushing heartbreak when she found him in bed with one of her closest friends.

To move forward, and to carry out her commitment to helping those in need, Trinity enlists in the Peace Corps, but not before returning to Kiawah for one last memorable summer. She just never imagined it would be so unforgettable.

Callahan doesn’t want to get close to anyone—let alone Trinity. He finds her perkiness insufferable and her attempts to entice a smile distracting. After all, he’s in Kiawah to leave all feelings behind. But when it comes to Trinity, who feels everything, it's hard not to feel something.

Neither expected to fall in love. And no one could have predicted how inseverable they’d become.



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
Make Bright the Arrows by S.A. Huchton

The Books and Braun Dossier by Philippa Ballantine & Tee Morris
The Job by Greg L. Turnquist
The Living End by Craig Schaefer