AudioBook Review: Marcus and the Red Granny

Marco and the Red Granny

By:  Mur Lafferty

Publish Date:  November 4, 2010

Format:  PodioBook

Genre:  Fantasy/Science Fiction

Series:  Stand-alone novella

Recommendation:  Go ahead. Read this one! It's fun to see art and words associated with clothing and other senses. And there is more to the story than you realize. You'll see in the end.

Synopsis:
By bringing back the patronage system, a new alien species has transformed the moon into the new artistic center of the universe, and Sally Ride Lunar Base soon gains the nickname “Mollywood.” These aliens can do amazing things with art and the senses, allowing a painting, for example, to stimulate other senses than simply sight. When someone asks a starlet, “Who are you wearing?” she could as easily say “J.K. Rowling” as she could “Gucci.”

Every creative person in the world wishes for a patronage. It’s quite competitive.

Marco wanted one, once. But then his girlfriend got one and shuttled off to Mollywood for fame and fortune, and Marco stayed home, waiting for his own patron. After several years, he gave up entirely. His career faltered. His agent dumped him. And then, one morning, he gets a call. At last he has a patron, at last the aliens want him. But he’s about to find out that an artistic patronage isn’t what it was in the good old days, and that the only friend he’s made, a tiny old woman who’s the star of a blood sports reality series called The Most Dangerous Game, has secrets of her own.

Narrated by Devo Spice. Theme song by Beatnik Turtle.

First Sentence:
"Who are you wearing?"

The scream to the posing starlet draped in deep red silk, even on the tinny cellvid, cut through Marco's hangover like an angry rhino slipping on oil.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

Listen for Free:
iTunes  /  PodioBooks

*I listened to this story for my enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Marco was dropped by his literary agent yesterday, the reason he's hungover. Now taking a call from her telling him he's got an appointment with the Li-Jun today on the moon. They want to be his patrons for his work. An amazing deal and a way to get his books out to everyone. But does Marco really want it? The aliens assume he does. On his trip to the moon, Marco meets the influential and friendly The Red Granny. She's a little old woman named Heather, who has gained patronage for the Blue House Marco is called too for being the best at The Most Dangerous Game real tv series.

With being a novella there is lots of building quick. The first chapter hits you with lots of the world and about Marco. Both are intertwined as the world with aliens strongly affects, and influences, Marco and his writing profession.

The Li-Jun is an alien race that combine different senses to bring a new line of clothing and accessories to the human race. One the human race is loving. And a great way to get books out to those who haven't ever read them. A book can be worn along with smell blended with it to bring the feelings and share the story with you.

The Li-Jun assume that Marco will take their patronage as no one turns them down. But they don't share much of the procedure or what they want with him. This is where the Red Granny, Heather, comes in. She helps share some information before it happens as Marco has not read up on what happens in this meetings. Heather is an interesting catalyst here. We see where she came from and her benefit from her patronage. In the end, the pieces slip together and you will realize why Marco had to go through what he did.

I listened to this one on my ipod. I'm not sold on the reading voice for this one. He talked a bit fast for me and I felt there were sentences read as if they were extras and didn't need to be there. But, I loved the aspect of the story and think it would be an amazing read!

This is a novella story with an interesting little twist to it. A whole new aspect and I love this idea! Wearing or eating a story. Who would have thought!?!

Audio Book Review: War

War

By:  Mur Lafferty

Publish Date:  2009

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  5th of The Afterlife series; 1st Book ~ Heaven, 2nd ~ Hell, 3rd ~ Earth, 4th ~ Wasteland

Recommendation:  Oh my. Finish out the story line, yes.

Synopsis:
Kate and Daniel remain exiled in the new world they created, with the need to build an army to save Heaven. But the allies they need may not be willing participants, as they're trapped gods who blame Kate and Daniel for their imprisonment. As the dark power that traps Heaven begins to seep into Kate and Daniel's new world, they face new enemies and learn about a very old obstacle that blocks them from their goal.

First Sentence:
Barris lay on the temple's roof, watching the sun go down with half-lidded eyes.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

Listen For Free:
PodioBooks  /  iTunes

*I listened to this story for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Kate and Daniel travel their second world to free the gods imprisoned on this world. They need all the help they can get to go to war to save Earth 1, Heaven, Hell, and even this world. But, no matter how hard you try, not everyone wants what they think. Kate and Daniel work to try and save the worlds they've created.

The story does start with a fellow voice friend giving a recap of the four previous stories, to bring us completely up to par for what this book has to hold for us. I really liked this reminder of where we started and what Kate and Daniel worked through to get here.

Mur has taken us everywhere through this series. This story; floating city, gear works, and to an under sea city. Never thought, in starting this series, that we would travel so far and create so much. Good and bad, as everyone - even gods - make mistakes and aren't perfect.

We face that there are peculiar storms in the Earth 2. I want to know about the Chaos storms as I think it has to do with Heaven and Hell war, or what's happening there. The anticipation grows with the story!

In the end we learn what has caused their journey from the beginning. The influence to why they were given their quests, in looking for the lost souls and leading them on their path of troubles. Why the souls were taken and what was stirring that they had no idea of. How far with Kate and Daniel go to save all?

This is the conclusion to the world and story of Kate and Daniel. It was one I got caught up in, and with all the gods that surface along the way. A blend of so many elements in one place. The story had moments where I had to re-listen to areas as I wasn't sure what was going on. Things happening a bit rushed, but at the end the world in in dire need of a rushed rescue.

I have found, I AM a Mur Lafferty fan. I will be watching this author for as much as she'll put out.

Audio Book Review: Wasteland

Wasteland

By:  Mur Lafferty

Publish Date:  2008

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  3rd of The Afterlife series; 1st Book ~ Heaven, 2nd ~ Hell, 3rd ~ Earth

Recommendation:  Oh You've come this far. You have to follow them all the way now! You are dying to know what happens to Kate.

Synopsis:
Daniel has been forced from the afterlife to be exiled in the wasteland, with nothing but his misery and Kate’s dead body. But he is not without power entirely, and he begins to make his way in this world that looks less like a wasteland and more like another world. But the volatile power of the wasteland still touches this new world, and Daniel and his friends must not forget the trouble facing Heaven and Hell.

First Sentence:
"What do you want to do?"

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

Listen For Free:
PodioBooks  /  iTunes

*I listened to this story for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Daniel is exiled with Kate to the wastelands after what happened to both Heaven and Hell at his mistakes. The battle is still being fought, but Daniel and Kate are removed from it. Daniel has lost Kate and the baby Earth. Or has he? What happens to the dead when they die in the Afterlife? If they are together they are stronger and can do what needs to be done....Earth. Things are changing in the Wastelands. Another Earth is created, unintentionally, but it could help in the end goal.

The story does include a quick thought and mention to where the worlds are at this point in the books. I like this refresher worked in. We go on with the story of our duo, but we make full circle in the end, there is still a war being waged between Heaven and Demons. And it seems we'll get back to it in the next story.

It is neat seeing the world they subconsciously created. The animals! Okay, dinosaurs! And the creation of the cities here. The neat influence of gears and steam. The religion that is picked up...oh boy. How Daniel and Kate respond to that Religion. Mur has ties weaved into the world that gives our duo help, and that the troubles are still out there to be tended too.

It seems this story to be where Daniel is revered more on this world. And Kate does the not so nice thing, in this Earth. Nice to see the shoe on the other foot for a bit. Daniel, being a god, deserves to feel some follower love for a bit. Help boost his confidence that I felt had faltered in the last book. He's not absorbed by the worship though. He's not fond of it. He does not let it go to his head and doesn't make Kate feel beneath him. He understands more than any and even jokes about the huge mess he's made.

This story has brought me full circle to worry of the war that's being battled. We might be on to find a few more allies, but we need to get back and help save the Earth along with Heaven and Hell. On to the last story to see how things balance out...

Audio Book Review: Earth

Earth

By:  Mur Lafferty

Publish Date:  2007

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  3rd of The Afterlife series; 1st Book ~ Heaven, 2nd ~ Hell

Recommendation:  Oh yes. Oh heavens! What happens when a human, slated for more since the beginning inherits Heaven and Hell? Yes, things get askew. And I think it's wonderful.

Synopsis:
After gaining the rule of Heaven and Hell, with all the power that promised, Kate and Daniel should be set for eternity, right? Well, sure, as soon as they get used to their god-like powers. And then they need to remake the Earth. And there's the matter of the major and minor deities who are not pleased with their ascension. Even now, the afterlife still isn't easy.

First Sentence:
There's a point when you're not cold anymore.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

Listen For Free:
PodioBooks  /  iTunes

*I listened to this story for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Kate and Daniel are still coming into their powers and getting use to their new positions. But they are not both adjusting well, or easily, to what they are to do. There are troubles as well. The weather is off, which shows they don't have full control of their powers. There is something chasing after Daniel in Hell, and even when not there. There are gods that are not happy with Kate and Daniel having control, even dead gods...where do they go? And, they need to create an Earth before everything is sucked away. All while trying to put the Afterlives back together.

We see new parts of Heaven. A part that doesn't get seen by others and even becomes a very important part of the story. Hobo Heaven.

What about the old gods? There are some that just up and left. There are others that are dead. Where do the dead gods go though? Is there even a death for the dead? We see how the energies and souls move here.

But what's interesting, seeing the rise of powers that are not happy with who's in charge, or who is. Kate and Daniel are in their new positions and struggling to figure out what they are to do, and how to do it. One adjusts better than the other. But it's a battle for them. And one that leads to a big battle and worry. Daniel and Kate are the center of the works and world here.

The responsibility they have on their shoulders. Wow. I am glad I don't have the weight of the world and afterlife on my shoulders. I can completely understand the struggling, and there's no handbook either.

What happens when a human, slated for more since the beginning inherits Heaven and Hell? Trying to learn along the way, without a handbook. Mur has twisted slightly the way things revolve here with the new coming of powers. I love it! Really has me thinking and I can follow the way things have turned and twisted for these characters. Just wow-ed. I'm growing more and more worried for our duo. They are amazing and I'm fully invested with them.

Dang! I'm thrilled at this moment of finishing that ALL the stories are out. So I can RUSH to the next story!

AudioBook Review: Hell

Hell

By:  Mur Lafferty

Publish Date:  2007

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  2nd of The Afterlife series; 1st Book ~ Heaven

Recommendation:  Oh yes. There is much more going on with our friends, Kate & Daniel. So much more. You'll feel the weight of it.

Synopsis:
Kate and Daniel are reunited, but they have to return to their duties in traveling the afterlife. There are stolen souls suffering without cause in Hell, and only they can help. Kate is back in her corporeal body, but keeping memories of her time as pure soul energy, recently touched by the divine. Daniel carries the magic of an old god and the sword of a death goddess, as well a grudge against the deity who tricked him into losing nearly everything. As they search for the missing souls, Kate and Daniel have to come to terms with themselves and see if their friendship - not to mention the cosmos – can handle everything they've been through thus far.

First Sentence:
I'd had no concept of time or self when I was a soul.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

Listen For Free:
PodioBooks  /  iTunes

*I listened to this story for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Kate and Daniel, pick up their next journey with their ventures through Hell. They are now needed to save the souls that are missing from Heaven, and release those that shouldn't be in Hell. Along the way, they find things are in chaos, and they might be able to help restore some order to order of things. With the help of his guide and best friend, Daniel journeys through Hell to find his sisters missing soul and others.

We pick up exactly where Heaven ended.

Kate realizes Daniel's not the same as he was. He's changed, but in recognizing that she realizes she's changed as well. Kate has a slightly different view of things now as she had been an unborn soul. Daniel has realized he has the godlike power to douse flaming souls, and even help a few to return to Heaven. And so much more. I wonder if they are finding a faith. Seems to be Daniel's and Kate's adventure is what he and she needs for their heart and souls to heal.

We see many versions and levels of Hell. What people "think" should be Hell, even if not, depending on Religion. Very neat how Mur Lafferty does this. I feel I'm getting a small view of a large setting through an intriguing story. I want to see if they get through and what they learn on their journey.

There is fun mixed in with a bit more serious story. I feel there is more to this story and world than I realized. An underlying thread to what they are going through and where they will end up. The changes they go through to be who they are to be. I am very intrigued by this. I want to keep going as fast as I can to see and know! By the end I felt the heaviness and the weight of the story and why. Now I know, and it makes sense with all I felt earlier. Happy and yet bitter sweet ending. I love it. It brought tears to my eyes.

Oh, I'm hooked. I love the harsh journey and actions Kate and Daniel have gone through. I'm 100% invested now. I will be finishing this series!

AudioBook Review: Heaven

Heaven

By:  Mur Lafferty

Publish Date:  2006

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Fantasy

Series: 1st of The Afterlife series

Recommendation:  Oh yes. Quick listen with an interesting adventure in Heaven.

Synopsis:
Is perfection really an attainable goal? After their deaths, best friends Kate and Daniel learn that perfection is, well, boring.
Heaven is not their cup of tea, so to speak, so they leave and begin visiting the afterlives of other religions, other times, even other species. But turmoil keeps churning back on earth, and the friends discover secrets between themselves, and secrets about the world they left, and they begin to wonder if their wandering wasn't aimless after all, but part of a much bigger design.

Heaven is the first book in the epic Afterlife Series that began as a free podcast and remains one of the top five most downloaded podcast books. It will be followed by Hell, Earth, Wasteland, and War.

First Sentence:
My best friend Daniel and I died when we were twenty-four.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

Listen For Free:
PodioBooks  /  iTunes

*I listened to this story for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Kate and Daniel, best friends and roommates, come to an untimely end. They wake to find themselves in their Heaven, with what they most want. But when they start to question things they see more. Needing more God gives them a pass to travel the different Heavens. As travelers they come across different settings, and learn more than they expected. Yet, there is more behind the driving force of their journey. A mission.

We have two main characters, Kate and Daniel. They are the best of friends, and have been so for years. We start with seeing things through Kate's eyes. Getting to know her well. I like the questions she asks of Heaven and the illusions she feels here. Then about half way we get Daniel's view and journey. There is a reason for this, you have to listen so you get the affect. The things that drive Daniel to do what he does. Who he thinks of and why. It's interesting how the story comes to light as we go. As Kate's is a more lighthearted fun, Daniel has a bit of a different journey. He goes through some trials and tribulations to fulfill his assigned mission. Both have their stories to tell, and story to live out in the afterlife.

What they see in the different Heavens we visit. LOL! Oh my. We see different Gods and worlds. We also get to visit a dog heaven. Yes, dogs do go to heaven. And the fun humor Mur is so great at seeps through the journey. It's fun, yet as we go we learn there is more to the journey than meets the eye.

There is much, MUCH, more happening here than a simple journey. In the shortest episode we learn much that is a huge pivot point in the book. Interesting. Souls are going missing and mission bestowed upon Daniel is more than he knows. Maybe a way of putting things into order, after the chaos? We have to keep going to find out. Once I hit this episode, a little bit past half way, I was hooked. As much as I enjoyed the fun, the drop of what was happening cinched it for me. I will be following through this series to learn what is going on.

This is a fun glimpse at different thoughts of Heaven. This is a neat journey through Heaven. There are different thoughts conveyed and even through what Kate and Daniel go through. You'll feel the touches of Religion, but in no way feel as you are swayed to any specific aspect.

Mur does make me smile with her characters comments and happenings, even when things seem to get a bit dire.

I'm on to the next stories in this series. I want to see if Kate and Daniel can complete their next mission, to find the missing souls. And what Mur has in store for us in other aspects of the world she's created.

Book Review: Ghost Train to New Orleans

Ghost Train to New Orleans

By:  Mur Lafferty

Publish Date:  March 4, 2014

Publisher:  Orbit

Format:  Print, 317pg

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  2nd book in The Shambling Guide series; 1st Book ~ The Shambling Guide to New York City

Recommendation:  Oh heavens! Fun and troubles follow in New Orleans with the urban fantasy hidden in plain sight.

Synopsis:
Could you find a museum for a monster?
Or a jazz bar for a jabberwock?

Zoe Norris writes travel guides for the undead. And she's good at it too—her new-found ability to talk to cities seems to help. After the success of The Sbambling Guide to New York City, Zoe and her team are sent to New Orleans to write the sequel.

Work isn't all that brings Zoe to the Big Easy. The only person who can save her boyfriend from zombism is rumored to live in the city's swamps, but Zoe's out of her element in the wilderness. With her supernatural colleagues waiting to see her fail, and rumors of a new threat hunting city talkers, can Zoe stay alive long enough to finish her next book?

First Sentence:
Zoe Norris would have rather had a root canal than conduct this interview for a new writer.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

**I requested a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Zoe picks her team of writers, which includes hiring the Norse Goddess Eir, and takes the new high-speed train to New Orleans. A ghost train. Zoe's "boyfriend" has lost his Zoetist herbs, the herbs keeping him from going zombie. The Zoetist who knows the secret recipe is out of town and unreachable. New Orleans is where the Zoetist trained and his mentor, if still here, could help Arthur. Zoe finds another like her, with the same ability as her, and he always seems to run in the face of trouble. He seems to be on someones want list, very badly. Why does he run and what is going on? Zoe stumbles into more trouble in New Orleans as she learns about her powers and tries to help all her friends.

We see several of Zoe's new 'friends', more like employees, again. A few we are missing, and will be missed after Decembers happening. Zoe starts to think a few of her employees could be friends, but remembers most of the coterie would eat her for dinner. Then fondly remembers Granny Good Mae telling her NOT to trust them. Zoe struggles with this through the book, seeing a side to a few of her co-workers she may not be able to accept with being human. Arthur is having troubles adjusting to 'monsters' being so near and that Zoe works for them. This seems to be a hurdle in their relationship along with his impending death. Arthur is trying to come to terms with many things.

We remember that night in December, one month ago. Zoe is healed but she remembers what she saw her friends/co-workers do that night. Zoe also knows what she is now, a city-talker like Granny Good Mae. But there's no one around to teach her what to do to talk to the city.

Aaah, we do learn more secrets and the history of city talkers. Awesome! This opens so many doors. Answers questions and makes me curious to learn more of this deep history of coterie and city talkers. Can't wait to learn it! There is a shortage of them and cities are dying due to lack of connection to bring care to the city.

Trouble always seems to find Zoe, or is it her finding it? Either way, it makes for an amazing journey. Now the question is; who's trying to kill her now, all the way in New Orleans?

I enjoy the fun animosity between Zoe and her "undead" friends. They all have their quarks and troubles, a few of those troubles find them in New Orleans. But when you've lived as long as several of them, that happens.

Zoe brings out the smile as I read her and her comments. And the troubles they all plow through. Fun read that I will come back too. Zoe is a fun character that will not back down when there is trouble. She is the character to read when looking for enjoyable and urban fantasy troubles.

AudioBook Review: The Shambling Guide to New York City

The Shambling Guide to New York City

By:  Mur Lafferty

Publish Date:  May 29, 2013

Format:  Podiobooks & Trade size print, 338pgs

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  1st in The Shambling Guide series

Recommendation:  Oh goodness yes! Fun twist to the city of New York and story.

Synopsis:
A travel writer takes a job with a shady publishing company in New York, only to find that she must write a guide to the city - for the undead!

Because of the disaster that was her last job, Zoe is searching for a fresh start as a travel book editor in the tourist-centric New York City. After stumbling across a seemingly perfect position though, Zoe is blocked at every turn because of the one thing she can't take off her resume - human.

Not to be put off by anything - especially not her blood drinking boss or death goddess coworker - Zoe delves deep into the monster world. But her job turns deadly when the careful balance between human and monsters starts to crumble - with Zoe right in the middle.

First Sentence:
The bookstore was sandwiched between a dry cleaner's and a shifty-looking accounting office.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Until December 15, 2013, you can listen to this story for FREE thanks to Mur Lafferty.
Mur Lafferty's Blog  /  iTunes 

**I listened/read this story for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Zoe has moved back to her home city, New York City, after a terrible incident with her last boss and...his unbeknownst to her, wife. She has some money to live off of, but needs a job. She is a wiz at travel guides and the book store and coffee shop she stumbles into has the perfect add on it's board:

Underground Publishing

LOOKING FOR WRITERS

Underground Publishing is a new company writing travel guides for people like you. Since we're writing for people like you, we need people like you to write for us.

Pluses: Experience in writing, publishing, or editing (in this life or any other), and knowledge of New York City.

Minuses: A life span shorter than an editorial cycle. (in this case, nine months).

Zoe feels she's a perfect fit. The owner...not so much. Zoe learns of the special employees and that she might be in mortal danger from them. These beings are all through the city. Then the danger she comes upon with the city as a whole. Zoe tries to balance the attacks on her, find out who and why they are after New York City, and finish a layout for the new Travelers guide all at the same time.

Mur takes New York City and twists what we know to the supernatural lives as well. What we know as one meaning also has another to the supernatural world. We start with the implications and feelings there is something off with a few places. We are human and the supernatural do hide themselves rather well, but we the readers are looking for it and see the small flickers in their glamour. ;)

The first chapter left me wanting more. I was curious to what the world is like behind the curtains we don't know are there. I did get the feel there were some supernatural in the world. And when Zoe was talking about the publishing company; on yes, something was going on.

Zoe's personality is perfect. One that takes things in stride, and what she learns about what's been in New York City all these years, and everywhere, trips her up for a heartbeat but she goes on. She needs the job to badly and finds it all interesting at the same time. I love her thinking process on the monsters in the city. They'd been here for some time, so why was it different from last week? I love seeing Zoe interact with the "monsters" and all that is present in the world. The connections of Zoe's life to what's happening around the Coterie is not viewed as a coincidence by the Coterie. There is more to it. Then we meet Zoe's neighbor, nice young man, Arthur. But Arthur has a secret as well.

I love that we get Zoe's story and clips from her guide book at the end of each chapter. The clips give an insight to what we've already learned, places we've visited, and what's to come.

This story has a blend of everything here. Fun. Supernatural. Story that grows as we get more and more acquainted with the world. And a spark of relationships. Definitely a must buy series for me! Mur is wonderful at weaving fun into a story. She has a great cast of characters and twists things with a supernatural element along with her quick one liners that make me chuckle. Mur weaves a whole system to the supernatural world. One that keeps it secret to the human world as well.

Thank you Mur, and Orbit, for podcasting this book. I loved every minute of listening to it and HAD to get the book! I want this to show off and go back through.

This fun humored read and story is one I'll suggest to many for the fun and world. You'll be flipping the pages to learn what next is in this world and the humor that will come with it. Then, you'll find you are sucked in to a story that you didn't see coming.

AudioBook Review: Playing for Keeps

Playing For Keeps

By:  Mur Lafferty

Publish Date:  July 2008

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Fantasy - Superheroes

Series:  Stand-alone

Recommendation:  I HIGHLY recommend this to all to read/listen.  Fun! with a great story with superheroes!

Synopsis:
The shining metropolis of Seventh City is the birthplace of super
powers.  The First Wave heroes are jerks, but they have the best gifts: flight, super strength, telepathy, genius, fire.  The Third Wavers are stuck with the leftovers: the ability to instantly make someone sober, the power to smell the past, the grace to carry a tray and never drop its contents, the power to produce high-powered excrement blasts, absolute control...over elevators.

Bar owner Keepsie Branson is a Third Waver with a power that prevents anything in her possession from being stolen.  Keepsie and her friends just aren't powerful enough to make a difference, at least that's what they've always been told.  But when the villain Doodad slips Keepsie a mysterious metal shpere, the Third Wavers become caught in the middle of a battle between the egotistical heroes and the manipulative villains.

As Seventh City begins to melt down, it's hard to tell the good guys from the bad, and even harder to tell who may become the true heroes.

First Sentence:
The supervillain attacked at the most inconvenient place and time: right on Keepsie's walk to work.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Smashwords

Listen for Free:
iTunes  /  Podiobooks

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

My Thoughts and Summary:
When Keepsie is taken captive by Doodad, a super villain, and she finds he slipped a metal sphere in her pocket, the crew of Third Wavers that visits Keepsies bar stand with their friend and get drawn into the constant battle between good and evil.  But, who are good and who are really evil?  That could be subject to ones perception.

Keepsie is part of the Third Wavers that have "lame" powers and are told they are not Hero quality.  Oh, but these 'lame' powers are amazing when they are put together as a team.  What these characters learn of themselves and the twists the can do to strengthen their powers is a blast.

I love the play on words with the title and Keepsie's name and her ability.  She keeps things.  Well, not willingly.  When she owns something, it can't be taken from her without the other freezing in a stasis until she releases them.  Keepsie is an independent woman.  Strong.  And she learns she has friends to have at her side.

The story starts right in with Keepsie getting taken by a villain and finding something he left in her pocket.  We see the Heroes and Villains through Keepsie's eyes, and her friends.  Hmmm, makes one wonder on who's the 'hero' and why.  When it comes to the sphere, which can not be stolen from Keepsie do to her power, we see that neither side - hero or villain - might be the 'good' side.  So who do you pick to give it back too?  This is a world that not everyone is a 'hero' and some are corrupt, others make bad choices from inflated heads.  The use of desires and manipulation to get what they want, or try stealing.

This story made me chuckle several times.  The comments from Michelle, Keepsie's friend and waitress, oh she's a quick one.  And the powers that the Third Wavers possess!  Hahaha!  Just to much fun!  The quick ideas of all these are great.  The crew is even brutally honest with each other and I love hearing it, it makes me chuckle.

There is lots of action, even though Keepsie might not be a big action fighter - her power is more a passive one - there is lots going on around her.  It's cool!  And oh the destruction to the city.  Heroes and Villains collide!  Boy do they all take a beating.

When listening to this, Mur starts each new section with a Recap from the previous episode.  I rather enjoyed this as it brings the story to a personal level, like I'm in this city.  The people make me laugh with their comments and the "character" they take on as well.

You have to go into this looking for fun.  You need to listen to it and have a blast with it.  Relax with superheroes in the Seventh City.  They aren't the ones you'd expect.

I highly recommend listening to this one, for fun.  You'll enjoy it!

Tuesday Teaser (177)

Teaser Tuesday

is a weekly event

Sponsored by MizB of Should be Reading

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)

Open the book to any random page.

Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page

Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!

(Don't Give Too Much Away)

Just enough to pique our interests

This Week:

Melissa's Read:

She had no idea what she would say to Clever Jack, but she pushed on the door and entered the kitchen.

He sat exactly where her power had trapped him.  His arm was stuck inside the Lost and Found box, and he looked up at her, smiling.

Playing for Keeps
By:  Mur Lafferty
26 pg


Oh my goodness!  I finished listening to this story on iTunes yesterday.  I LOVED this superhero (and unlikely superheroes) story.  It had me smiling and enjoying their rough few days.  You can pick up the ebook for $4.99, or search for it on iTunes and listen for free.  Really something to have fun with!