Audio Book Review: Travel by Bullet by John Scalzi

Travel by Bullet by John Scalzi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This novella was good, we have the "rules" in place and friends that are....questionable in their work, which leads to this story happening.

The ground work has been put in place with Mason and his grey to dark area of work with dispatching, and being a friend of Tony's that can bring trouble to his doorstep. And it does.

Tony amazes me as he's always laid back and doesn't stress over things, and figures out some way to play the game with the shady characters he comes across. He's great at protecting himself and helping others at the same time. That's a fine line to walk, and he can do it.

This story fell a little short for me compared to the first two. Why? I'm thinking it's hard to explain. It's well written and the mystery along with trouble is all here. But, it just didn't feel to work for me with Mason. Tony obviously sees Mason much more a friend than Mason sees Tony as. I know the story is far fetched to begin with, but the events seemed to be out there for the rules of the murder world, again I know it's said that no one knows why it works for some and not others. I felt the story focused more on Mason's involvement with some crypto scheme rather than being a dispatcher. Dispatching is used by these terrible people, but that's only a side to the story. I really liked when Dispatching was the focus of the story.

All in all, the story is well written to solve for all the stumbles and troubles we see along the way in this short book. I'll definitely keep an eye out to see if more of these come out in the future.

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Audio Book Review: Murder by Other Means by John Scalzi

Murder by Other Means by John Scalzi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm drawn to these books for the thought process. I like when a book makes me thing about the possibilities of getting around the rules put in place. This series does that. What constitutes murder and suicide? Who will return? Then, there's the mystery that makes Tony look guilty. How's Tony going to get out of this one without revealing too much about what he's really doing?

Yea, sounds like a tough subject, but in this world it's not. It really has me thinking as to what could help or happen. And there's people who want to be "murdered" so they can return. It's a thrill for them... but there's always that 1 in a 1,000 that they may not.

This book is 2 years after the first one. Tony is dragged into a... suicide... and a few other illegal events. And we see a few "old" friends again. Interesting to see where everyone is in 2 years time.

I'll be listening to the 3rd story here next. :)

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Audio Book Review: Vault of the Magi by Carrie Summers

Vault of the Magi by Carrie Summers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was thrilled to get back into this world. We had solved for Owen's being stuck in the game in the last book. This book we know the demons will come, but when.... And Devon has the last relic to find. Hopefully before the demons attack.

Stonehaven is growing and buildings are expanding. Devon has a lot to watch over and tend to with her town needing to grow to protect, her friend joining her, and the expected demon attack on it's way. But, who would have thought Vaya would have started brand new players at her walls too?

There's Owen we are curious and concerned about as well. Is he okay? Then Hayley....we get to see how her real world life is going....and hints at something more happening. I'm looking forward to learning more about both these characters as we continue into the next books.

Then there's Bob! I'm very curious to learn more about who he is or what he belongs to. It seems like he's helpful.....but is he? Who is he?

I'll have to wait a few months for credits to continue the series, but I'm totally looking forward to it! I'm hooked here!

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Audio Book Review: The Dispatcher by John Scalzi

The Dispatcher by John Scalzi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book will question your thoughts on death, murder, and God.

Tony is part of a shady world with his profession. There's a fine line to walk when people are injured. Do you leave them injured or "dispatch" them and hope they are in the 999 out of 1,000 to return.

When someone is sick, when do we stop and let go? This could make for some uncomfortable thoughts and talks, on death and murder in a world where murder doesn't necessarily mean death.

I wasn't sure where we were going or how the returns worked at first. I was kind of confused at the opening. But we quickly learn the process and the in's and out's of a Dispatcher. Very interesting. I'm thinking this concept is interesting to play with and will have varied opinions.

I'll be listening to the rest of these novella stories as the concept has me thinking and interested to learn more.

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Audio Book: Three Mages and a Margarita by Annette Marie

Three Mages and a Margarita by Annette Marie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I found I really liked this story and not too long into the book, Tori had grown on me and so did Aaron and I actually felt bad for them after her walk home that one night.

Don't let the beginning discourage you. It was okay, a little slow to getting into what the world really is in the book. The first chapter gives us a view of Tori's personality but it didn't really make me curious or invested in her or the world.

But when Tori finds her place with people that don't take crap, I started to enjoy her personality much more. Seeing her with people who dished back to her the same retorts she made, that was fun. And seeing what she does... lol, made for fun banter.

There is a growing relationship with Tori and the characters, and a potential love interest. Though, the love interest is a side to the story of Tori finding her place. I will say for a moment I was worried this was going to turn into a reverse harem story, but it didn't. And I went looking and saw the author mentioned on Goodreads in the 2nd books description that it's NOT a reverse harem just fun. So that made me feel better. (I just wasn't looking for reverse harem stories at this time, I just wanted witty fun.)

We see Tori find her way to getting into all sorts of trouble with Aaron, Kai, and Esra. I've seen reviews that talk about Tori being a damsel in distress. I didn't see that in her. She's a damaged character, yes. She has her own distrusts to work through. But she actually runs into trouble. Trouble that she's not really prepared to deal with. She's human, and she jumps into magical fights. So as much as she does do, she does need help from those around her. She can do so much, but when it comes to magic and getting deep, as a human she's not able to compare. But she does stand for herself. And I love that the male characters see her for this. NEVER do they degrade her for being human or lacking. They point out what she does and the facts. This pleased me.

I will be picking up the next audiobooks to listen to. I enjoyed seeing the world created here and I'm curious about what Tori will get into next with Aaron, Kai, and Esra on their outings tracking rogue mages.

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Audio Book Review: Eldritch Ops by C.T. Phipps

Eldritch Ops by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I finished this book to go searching to make sure the next one is out.

It is! I'll be picking it up as I need to follow through with where this book ended. It's not really a cliffhanger ending, but an ending to this story and a reason for the beginning of another mission.

I'm enjoy the characters in these books. Derek and his twin sister Penny are a great team. And those he finds himself trusting are great people. The mix in origins is great...a succubus, a werewolf, and magicians. Though, there is one person Derek talks to to get to where they need to go with back up coming... I don't trust that person very much. Which kind of brings us to the end and what I'm looking forward to in the next book. ;)

Who's behind the attacks? The solo hits on groups. The attacks on Derek.... We find this out and learn more deep, dark secrets of The House. The House is the organization that houses the Red Room and many other departments. I know Derek has been raised to be speculative of things, but as an agent you're to trust The House when you receive orders. We see how over time Derek has started to see things aren't as they were blindly believed for so long. Derek has his own speculative thoughts on the House and those on the Committee.

Derek isn't one to pull his punches. He dives head first into missions, more so when he has personal investment in them. Derek is even starting to be more open to the supernatural people in the world.

I enjoy the twisted path we follow to learn the truth and events that happen to get there. Conspiracy and action are great combinations in a story.

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