Thursday, March 2, 2023

Audio Book Review: Skinwalker by Faith Hunter (Jane Yellowrock #1)

Skinwalker (Jane Yellowrock, #1)Skinwalker by Faith Hunter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've always wondered what this series was like after hearing all the love for it. In just one book, I can see what all the praise is about. It lives up to the hype.

I loved meeting Jane and learning about what she can do. And what she is and how she became this way. I know there's more to her story, but what I learned in this first book was great. I love that I got some of that history in book one, and it hints to so much more with her.

The writing had me glued to the story. I enjoyed the investigation as Jane does it, in cat form. Jane is a strong character and I enjoy seeing her strong and ready to go on her own. But there's a soft side to her as well and we see that with her friend and her friends kid.

Great paranormal world here as we get a glimpse to what all is present. I will be continuing with this series!

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Monday, February 27, 2023

Audio Book Review: Revenant by David Wood & Alan Baxter (Jake Crowley Adventure #3)

Revenant: A Jake Crowley Adventure (Jake Crowley Adventures Book 3)Revenant: A Jake Crowley Adventure by David Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is something about these adventures that keep me gripped to them. The history used and viewed in a way that follows along with the story. The history that has a bit of mystery to it, expanded to fit the story. Here we are looking at a few but focus on Salem Massachusetts and the history of witches. And how it all comes to the current time with murders and more.

The history used is weaved into the story line and it feels so intense with David and Alan's writing style. I love how it's used to create and answer questions.

Then seeing Jake and Rose together as they solve the mystery, such a great duo! I love how they work together, even as they grow closer. Seeing how things are viewed by both Rose and Jake when they live through things is great. I can completely understand both of their views when they disagree.

Everything that they come across as they continue on their journey evolves and kept me drawn into the details, type of events happening, and action.

There are a few audio editing errors, just a few, in this book. But NOTHING that pulls from Jonathan's work or the story.

This adventure is addicting!

I'll be waiting for the next book(s).

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Thursday, February 23, 2023

Audio Book Review: Space Academy Rejects by C.T. Phipps & Michael Suttkus (Space Academy Rejects #2)

Space Academy Rejects (Space Academy #2)Space Academy Rejects by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vance is back! Another mission and an accelerated promotion! But, with quick advances come a few troubles... Like his voyage being recorded over the next two years.

The Elders are upset at the destruction of a system, and Vance is on the job to find out what's going on. He has one year to find out, or... the worlds will burn...

Vance has put most of the crew back together, and added a few amazing new people.

There's murder to solve, along with saving the universe. And Vance with his own humor and connections with his crew. Great combo again. I love Vance's references to "old, old" movies and music. They are my "time" references. Yet most of the crew don't get the references. lol. This is a great connection I have with the character.

In the Epilogue...Ooooh, the connection! Case Gordon shows up! Such a great character to see show up. And the details we learn here... Can't wait for another adventure!

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Monday, February 20, 2023

Audio Book Review: Dead Stare by M.R. Forbes (Ghosts & Magic #3)

Dead Stare (Ghosts & Magic, #3)Dead Stare by M.R. Forbes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great building on the base we learned in book one. Seeing the necromancy and the items grow with each book is wonderful.

Thank you for the small reminders through the book on what happened previously. It's been a few years since I listened to them, and those refreshers helped me remember the details.

Conor doesn't want connections, but in some way, he ends up with them. A few people are drawn to him, and the loyalty grows. Conor tries to go it alone, but sometimes you need help.

When I learned the reasons and why and who at the end. Oh, I sat back in my seat and thought... Huh. Good. Well played.

I do enjoy that Jeff does different voices for the characters in this book. It helps for me to easily differentiate who's who.

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Thursday, February 16, 2023

Audio Book Review: World Tree Girl by Kerry Schafer (The Shadow Valley Manor Series #2)

World Tree Girl (Shadow Valley Manor #2)World Tree Girl by Kerry Schafer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Life's never easy. Always tossing several things at you. Maureen's life is the same. Well, if you add some ghosts into the mix. And extended "family."

Phil's daughter, who's not Maureen's biggest fan, ex-husband, and new lady along with a new dead body arrive. All want Maureen's attention. Oh, and school children coming to the Manor for Thanksgiving Dinner. A lot of a messy life.

Maureen finds the body may have a connection to another body with no records. The story behind the body and an old one is attracting to me. There's more going on, and seeing as the dots are connected is great.

I love Kerry's writing. These books are fun and full of adventure, holding my attention the whole time as we go on to investigate.

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Monday, February 13, 2023

Audio Book Review: Mania by K.A. Finn

Mania (Nomad Series, #5)Mania by K.A. Finn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gryffin's first raid on Ultar. I love getting to see this. We saw the friendship between Gryffin and Alena on Ultar in previous books, and this is how their relationship has started and grown. I love seeing Gryffin grow into his own place here. We see Bray start to build a friendship with people who helped him escape, and how and why he's placed on Perses. Bray's story is brief in this book, but we got a lot of details in it.



We do get a few quick point of views from other characters. This is nice to build the character of those we have been following. This also gives up the inside view of why people are doing what they are doing and what they have done.



I feel like we get a repeat of some events from previous books here. The book is crossing time lines with a few of the books as well, so there feels to have a cross in events here. With this happening, the writing is a smoother flow and those events fit in seamlessly.



We come up to the time where we are close to where we ended in the books. I'm hoping we get to dive into current events now.

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Thursday, February 9, 2023

Audio Book Review: Chaos by K.A. Finn

Chaos (Nomad Series, #4)Chaos by K.A. Finn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

We see Gryffin as Daegan when all the horror starts. And Bray as a young boy as he grows up. I will say these are quick chapters of important moments in their lives. For Daegan, it's leaving on that school trip then being found in the lab that leads to the life he'll strengthen in. For Bray, it's when his brother leaves, when he learns of his parents death, and how he acts after. The sections are quick. I feel there could have been more said to bring us into the story more.

Seeing the boys grow into the men they are this way is interesting. It's interesting to see what they are doing in their lives at the same time, forging their own way in the world. Even see how close they came to meeting. But, part of me wonders if these stories would have been more gripping if told in a novella for each character. It all depends on each person's perspective. I do like seeing them at the same time as they get older and carve their way to their places we meet them at.

This is interesting, but I'm ready to return to the current troubles that Gryffin and Bray are in. And see the characters I grew fond of in the books.

Dan is a new narrator for me. He has a nice accent for the different characters and there are little differences between characters. He's very clear in speaking and easy to understand.



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Monday, February 6, 2023

Audio Book Review: Reapers & Repercussions by Harmon Cooper

Reapers and Repercussions (The Feedback Loop #4)Reapers and Repercussions by Harmon Cooper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Always an adventure to "dive" back into this series with Quantum and crew.

Part of what makes this story fun is listening to it in audio form. I enjoy here's Jeff Hays voice the story, bringing their personalities to life through voice.

Quantum is on a mission. Quantum's snark and humor is something I always look forward to. He makes me laugh. Everyone once in a while I have to stop and think on that line, then I laugh when I get it. lol.

The adventures in the gaming world are fun. Quantum... he makes the adventures extraordinary. Quantum usually has a "plan" that's off the cuff and out in left field. And somehow they work out! This is what I enjoy, the out of the ordinary actions and thinking. In a gaming world, that's great because it's a game. But, what about in the real world...

In the real world, Quantum's struggle with FDA who "helps" monitor everyone's eating habits. Hahaha. It's a hoot with them emailing Quantum. And Quantum's responses. lol But Quantum does have some serious situations to face in the real world, the world he's coming back around to after being in the game world for so many years.

Quantum deals with the obstacles of the real world and how people are monitored for their health. Along with finding his arch enemy.

Fights and sarcasm. I enjoy hearing these in voice as they really carry through. Fun!

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Thursday, February 2, 2023

The Saint of Liars by Megan Mackie (The Lucky Devil #2)

The Saint of Liars (Lucky Devil #2)The Saint of Liars by Megan Mackie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was interested in following on with Rune and St. Benedict. Sounded like an interesting adventure with looking for Justin Masterson.

I thought Rune grew in this book more than she did in other books. She's working on still getting over her Ex husband, and the terrible things that happened at Kodiak Corporation. In this book, Rune comes face to face with many things she's working to get through.

I'm glad Rune has become an independent person of her own here. I was worried for a touch there, but she's making her way and becoming a stronger person.

I had a few hiccups as I went through the audio book. There are a few errors that were missed in audio editing and there seems to be a volume difference between the characters. I thought there were a lot of unneeded "talking" moments where I felt things are drawn out.

Where the story ends is where the characters are to be. I had my suspicions about St. Benedict, but I think those were explained out. I do look forward to more with Rune as they go on to find what they are looking for and seeing her grow into her powers.

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Monday, January 30, 2023

Audio Book Review: The Horror of Supervillainy by C.T. Phipps

The Horror of Supervillainy (The Supervillainy Saga, #7)The Horror of Supervillainy by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's been far too long since I've listened to this series. I really enjoy the quick one liners from (dare I say) old and new science fiction and fantasy movies, shows, books, comics, and more. Even music! lol. If you enjoy fun superhero stories, that are a little of a play on those that are present, this is the series for you! A light farce and fun with what we already know.


Since it's been so long, I was thankful for C.T.'s quick mentions of what's happened in the previous books with Gary and all his friends, family, and foes. All the past events came back to me and I had the characters placed where they are to be in relationships and in the world(s). 

I listened to this as I've listened to the previous books in this series. Jeffrey Kafer is a pleasure to listen to as he voices Gary and cast. Gary's dry humor comes through great by Jeffrey. And I find each character has their own innuendos that Jeffrey carries through with as the series has gone. 


Gary is so smart, yet doesn't think things all the way out. lol. He is great with fun clips and references to things of old. But when he has magic and things, he can use it to his benefit but doesn't think how it could be...snatched, used by others, or who would covet it. lol


Gary has grown as a person, and life is changing with him. I enjoy seeing Gary "blindly" fall into trouble, out of trouble... all the above. lol. Gary has such great intentions. And I enjoy seeing his daughters make an appearance, along with a few great friends.

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Thursday, January 26, 2023

Audio Book Review: Space Academy Dropouts by C.T. Phipps & Michael Suttkus

Space Academy Dropouts (Space Academy #1)Space Academy Dropouts by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fun! I love that Vance gets himself kicked out of Academy, like the description says (it's a perfect description!). But in doing that, he lands himself in another situation that's a bit more dangerous, as he learns.

Vance becomes part of a crew of misfits, and misfits they are. lol. They all have their quarks that make the adventure further out in space fun.

There's more going on than meets the eye and Vance and he new friends learn that as they venture out into space, where their lives are at risk.

The story kept me listening as things unfold. Also to enjoy the interaction between the characters as they get to know each other...some a little better than others. lol. There's characters that are great for so many things. The AI, I know she has the "all seeing eye" in the ship. But, there are blind spots, and I like how those are found. Also a special character that can really open up the universe and share how big it really is.

If you're looking for a fun listen/read with substance too, this is the book for you.

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Monday, January 23, 2023

Audio Book Review: Desert Devil by Colleen Helme (Sand and Shadows #2)

Desert DevilDesert Devil by Colleen Helme
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Colleen's writing!

I love Ella and Creed together. They are a great team, but they still are so new that they need to work through a few things together. And they are doing that, getting use to Ella's draw to help and Creed's protective nature. There are lessons there, and it all leads to something new.

Shelby makes an appearance! Always nice to see Shelby walk on for a few scenes. And if only I could have learned what she heard. Wow, I'm sure she heard some amazing things with a new character.

The story took a turn I wasn't expecting with a new character, or two, that seem to be solid additions to the series. There's more to come and I'm curious to see how it all plays out!

I'm looking forward to so many possibilities in the future!
When does the next book come out!?!

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Thursday, January 19, 2023

Audio Book Review: Anubis Key by David Wood & Alan Baxter

Anubis Key (Jake Crowley #2)Anubis Key by David Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. I really get lost in these books. The adventure, danger, and the visualization of how the details are seen.

Jake and Rose on their adventure, looking for Rose's sister.

Rose and her sister aren't close, but she knows something is up. Never did Rose expect to find her sister was caught up in a search for... the Anubis Key.

This story had me from the beginning. The adventure that Jake and Rose are on...But I love that there's loads of serious thought put into the story. Jake and Rose are so smart and it shows in their details and knowledge of where they go and what the see.

I'll say, the connection of the Denver airport murals... This blew my mind. I actually went and searched to see the images as I listened to this part of the book. I love the secrets that the authors tied into these.

There is a touch of a growing connection between Jake and Rose. I do enjoy they way they respect each other and talk to each other. This is a duo I enjoy seeing work together.

I will gladly dive into the next Jake Crowley book, and any in the future.

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Monday, January 16, 2023

Audio Book Review: A Thousand Drunken Monkeys by Eric S. Nylund

A Thousand Drunken Monkeys (Hero of Thera, #2)A Thousand Drunken Monkeys by Eric S. Nylund
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the series, and I'm looking for the third!

Hektor is starting to question how the game works...

Hektor is a fair person. He works his way through the game with more than slashing and fighting, though he does that when the moment calls for it. He makes plans on how he's going to play the game, but then wonders how things are going with other characters.

I do enjoy the adventure that happens in this book. And I love the surprises we get along the way! This book sets us up for book three and I'm curious to see how it all will play out!

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Thursday, January 12, 2023

Audio Book Review: Daughter of the Cyber Dragons by C.T. Phipps & Michael Suttkus

Daughter of the Cyber Dragons (The Cyber Dragons, #1)Daughter of the Cyber Dragons by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book checks off all the boxes of what I want in a story. Damaged main character who grows and learns as we go. Great secondary characters. And an adventurous journey with danger, humor, and details to keep us going. This is a cyber setting for the characters and their bodies. I'm glad it's all easy to understand as it's the setting and already in play.

In the beginning, I felt there were holes and Kei was... a tough character to follow. This is THE PLAN. This is all done as part of what Kei knows, shares, and doesn't want to remember. Stick with the story and it ALL unfolds and comes together as Kei grows.

And oh the things we learn. Love that.

Case is here! I love seeing Kei with Case. She seems to relax a bit when talking with him. Case is a character from another series, so seeing him here in this story, in the position he's in, it's great. He's working to make a difference.

We also get a short bonus story at the end with Agent G! Fun!

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Monday, January 9, 2023

Book Review: Tempest's Legacy

Tempest's Legacy (Jane True, #3)Tempest's Legacy by Nicole Peeler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jane! Anyan! Ryu! And more! So so glad to be back in the world with them all.

Jane is growing as a character so much. Her powers are coming along nicely. And she's growing to be stronger on her own. I love seeing Jane growing stronger in her own skin. And her humor! Love hearing her quips. She's usually got something quick, and Anyan is great with comebacks with her.

We meet new characters that grow the world as we go on a mission. A big mission. One that touches Jane's life personally. Jane is determined to help, and it sparks her determination. Jane may not always have the best ideas, but the do move things along and that's what's needed in some instances. She's so determined and it works. She does have friends she works with putting things in motion.

I love all our new friends and look forward to seeing them again in the future as we've learned so much more about the supernatural world. And the ending...Oh, there's more to come....love and action. Can't wait! (So glad I have the books here waiting for me!)

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Thursday, January 5, 2023

Book Review: Shaedes of Gray

Shaedes of Gray (Shaede Assassin, #1)Shaedes of Gray by Amanda Bonilla
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was drawn into the world and learning things with the Shaedes and about Darian.

This is the first book in the series, so I did find it started a little on the slower side. And, though I know Darian has been sheltered and lived alone, there were many times I struggled that she didn't ever think about "that" or was so completely put out when learning things. I just wanted to say, Um, you're not human either. lol.

I very much enjoyed the world that we are introduced to and what we learn about Darian. I've picked up the next books as by the end of the book I was taken with it all. I look forward to continuing on with Darian and her adventures with some amazing friends.

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Monday, January 2, 2023

Book Review: Season of the Bitch

Season of the Bitch (Elis O'Connor)Season of the Bitch by Skyla Dawn Cameron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh Elis. I love your calculated cold streak. lol. You do have a caring heart, but how you show it is not how others want to see it. In the world you've been raised in and with who your mother is, it all fits into your personality.

Elis takes it upon herself to deal with the guys at the school who will never see punishment for the torture they are putting other females and people through.

I love seeing Elis use her powers. And to se Dev, her brother as well as her father. Home life is a little different for her....wizard brother, one of few vampires left. And her mother's story... I miss her mom! But the hints here and the ending! Oh! So much to learn! If you've followed the Demons of Oblivion series, this is a great story to follow on with as it's in the future.

I have the next book here and looking forward to more!

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