Audio Book Review: Race to Terra

Race to Terra

By:  Terry Mixon

Publish Date:  February 22, 2019, Audiobook Release May 6, 2019

Format:  Audiobook - 9 hrs 12 mins
Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  10th in The Empire of Bones Saga series

Synopsis:
Separated by an almost unimaginable gulf in space, Princess Kelsey Bandar and Admiral Jared Mertz must fight to stop the diabolical artificial intelligences that destroyed the Old Terran Empire.

Though unable to communicate with one another, they must overcome terrible odds and defeat foes determined to kill or enslave them. They cannot allow themselves to fail.

Yet time is running out. Unless both quickly make their way to Terra, the computers win and humanity loses.

My Thoughts and Summary:

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

Veronica is magnificent as always! The number of voices she has to do! Wow. That's talent to keep them all straight and different with tone, accent, and personality. Amazing work! Veronica makes it possible to hear emotion in each character's voice as they live through amazing and terrifying moments on this adventure. This brings the story and world to life through natural actions as the voices feel to be natural to how the characters would respond.

I love how Terry takes different people with different views and makes allies and even friends with them. People that are on opposite sides of a battle could still connect, and Terry shows that. Of course these people are ones that are not drastic in their thinking, but even those that are brain washed have been shown the truth. I love this blending as it gives hope to all.

Terry's character growth feels natural and believable as I listen to his story. I don't feel that anything comes out of the blue as it evolves. There are leads to the points in these characters lives and emotions that feel human. I love how he writes these characters. And the small jokes that are made by characters is awesome, they draw in something we know to a futuristic space story.

Terry breaks his normal story style in this book. We don't start with meeting new people then dive into the troubles. Everyone is already in tough situations that could go bad in a heartbeat. Do we get to meet new people? I'll let you read the book to find that out.

We do get a few surprises in the story though, like a System Lord we get to visit. Interesting to see this AI's view.

I'm afraid to say too much about the story as this is the tenth book. Wow. How did we get this far already?!? I'm no where near ready for this series to end! I've become so comfortable with these characters, their lives and adventures. Sure, we've lost a few good ones along the way, but that's what happens when battles are fought to free all from the control of the AI's.

We see most of our crews come together again, along with making new alliances. As the title states, this is a race to Terra and for a good reason. We will find the Terra system, and ready for the next step in the plan for freeing all from the AI controls. And we will learn a bit about the Singularity that have showed up on our radar. Very interesting.

I can't wait to see what adventures and who we meet on Terra in the next book! 

Audio Book Review: Hidden Enemies

Hidden Enemies

By:  Terry Mixon

Publish Date:  August 23, 2018, Audiobook Release February 12, 2019

Format:  Audiobook - 9 hrs 16 mins
Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere

Genre:  Science Fiction, Space Opera

Series:  9th in The Empire of Bones series: Book 1 ~ Empire of Bones, Book 2 ~ Veil of Shadows, Book 3 ~ Command Decisions, Book 4 ~ Ghost of Empire, Book 5 ~ Paying the Price, Book 6 ~ Reconnaissance in Force, Book 7 ~ Behind Enemy Lines, Book 8 ~ The Terra Gambit

Impression:  Kelsey is making friends and enemies and finding key components.

Synopsis:
Trapped between murderous xenophobes and calculating artificial intelligences, an interstellar war threatens to wash Princess Kelsey Bandar away in a tide of blood.

With her most powerful ship crippled, only a desperate mission to steal what she needs right out from under the noses of her enemies offers a way to get her people safely home.

As if that wasn’t hard enough, success requires her foes never learn of her existence and therein lies the problem. Few have ever accused Kelsey Bandar of subtlety.

If you love military science fiction and grand adventure on a galaxy-spanning scale, grab “Hidden Enemies” and the rest of The Empire of Bones Saga today!

First Sentence:
Kelsey Bandar stood at the edge of the bazaar and tried to take everything in.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

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

Veronica holds one of the top spots in my book for narrators. She's amazing to listen to as she voices each character with a different voice, personality, tone, and life. And this is a large cast of characters to do that with. This makes it so much more enjoyable of a listen for me, keeping me drawn to the characters along with the emotion present in them. Always a great pleasure to listen to Veronica!

We are back with Kelsey!! Kelsey has become my favorite character in this series. She is like Wonder Woman with her implants. She's bold and smart. She usually has trouble finding her everywhere she goes. lol. Kelsey does make for an interesting adventure wherever she goes. Then there are those that are with her. I love the whole crew!

This book picks up with Kelsey again. I had to work my brain to remember where we left Kelsey as it was two books ago when we left her. Kelsey and her crew are in a sort of a pickle with where they are and a time frame that they have to work in as things are sparking in the universe. And they may have helped start the sparks with their actions.

This book continues with Terry's pattern of writing. We start the book with learning where we are and making friends, along with a few enemies. We start to see how things are on this planet and with our crew who needs help. Then when Kelsey and her crew make a move, it's with force and action. This brings the fighting and fast movement in the second half of the book.

It seems many planets and bands of people have the same idea. There are those that are tired of what the AI's and Singularity are doing to their people. We find groups that are ready to rebel. I love that if these fractions act on their own, the likelihood of survival is very tiny. But with Kelsey and Jared out in the universe visiting new planets, it brings a small flicker of hope that they just might be able to work together to win the war that's coming.

With each book I feel there is a bigger event coming. The more Kelsey or Jared interact with people in the universe, it feels they are growing alliances and finding people who will fight as well. I'm looking forward to when they all come together and the big battle for freedom happens.

This series is classified, in some venues, in Military Science Fiction. It's not a heavy military or science fiction read. There is so much interaction with the characters and the situations they find themselves in is what guides them to act. There is action and battles but the story is more. I would HIGHLY recommend the series to many people who enjoy space operas.



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Audio Book Review: The Terra Gambit

The Terra Gambit

By:  Terry Mixon

Publish Date:  February 23, 2018, Audiobook Release August 3, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 9 hrs 34 mins
Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere

Genre:  Science Fiction, Space Opera

Series:  8th in The Empire of Bones series; Book 1 ~ Empire of Bones, Book 2 ~ Veil of Shadows, Book 3 ~ Command Decisions, Book 4 ~ Ghost of Empire, Book 5 ~ Paying the Price, Book 6 ~ Reconnaissance in Force, Book 7 ~ Behind Enemy Lines

Impression:  Moving forward with battle plans with a few bumps.

Synopsis:
Sent on a mission critical to the survival of the New Terran Empire, Jared Mertz must travel deep into the AI-dominated Rebel Empire on an operation of deception.

Only there are games afoot that no one could foresee and players at the table that no one could expect. The stakes couldn't be higher.

When unexpected enemies deal themselves in, Jared must bet everything on a single hand. Bluffing might get him killed but folding isn't an option.

First Sentence:
"I left her there," Jared Mertz said. "This is my fault."

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

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

Veronica. I'm astounded by Veronica's voice work each time I hear her. She's great at different voice tones, personalities, and accents to differentiate each character as they speak. I love it! And this book/series, well, Terry gives her a wide cast to vocalize and make individual. And Veronica does that with what feels ease to a listener. She's one of my top favorite narrators.

Wow. Book eight!? It doesn't even feel like I should be on book eight. This is definitely a series you need to read in order.

It's been a while since I finished book 7, so I'm thrilled with the brief refresher in discussions happening to bring me back up to speed with where everyone is. I love how Terry easily inserts the relevant details to let us know where everyone is sitting and makes them important to the here and now moment. Terry also adds a new element to his people that he keeps organized for us. When you listen or read the books, you'll see what it is. I know I've said this before but Terry is a master at handling a large cast of characters so I know who they are and where they are from or at. This is a huge talent I appreciate as a listener.

With being book eight, we use what we've come across in the universe. Terry gives us a surprise visitor from Omega. If you aren't aware, Omega is connected to other universes that are of a parallel feel to the one we "live" in. And we get to see that here.

As many things move forward, somethings go backward. Jared and many others are moving forward in the battle against AI's and preparing. They need the scepter to open vaults, as do others in another universe. They move forward with living their lives and against the AI's, but something Jared dealt with before has surfaced to be his obstacle again, along with the dangers they face in their battle.

It feels as we are getting a do over with a few items as we tend to the needs of another universe, but there is a new element to all this. In explaining all that they bring to the doppelgangers, we get the whole story on what we've found in the previous seven books along with how it all connects. This was a bonus for me as I need reminded about the Singularity and Old Empire war and how the AI's fit into it all.

It felt as though there wasn't as much danger in the first half of the book, but building up to what could happen and placing all the proper details in the right places and to the correct people to use them. Then, once we take off, there will be lots of trouble to fight through.

Ugh. We end on a cliffhanger ending. Things aren't resolved at the end and there are several huge things happening here. It feels like there is so much more to happen, and it'll be all action. I want it!! I've seen the next book is out, so I'll have to get to it to resolve what we have here. I'm hoping it ties in with this ending as I really want to know!



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Audio Book Review: Behind Enemy Lines

Behind Enemy Lines

By:  Terry Mixon

Publish Date:  April 21, 2017, Audiobook Release December 4, 2017

Format:  Audiobook - 10 hrs 59 mins
Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  7th in The Empire of Bones series; 1st Book ~ Empire of Bones, 2nd Book ~ Veil of Shadows, 3rd Book ~ Command Decisions, 4th Book ~ Ghosts of Empire, 5th Book ~ Paying the Price, 6th Book ~ Reconnaissance in Force

Impression:  Space opera to love, characters and storyline.

Synopsis:
Cut off from home, Princess Kelsey Bandar needs a place to hide from the vengeful Rebel Empire.

The secrets she stole give her people a fighting chance in the war that brought down the original Terran Empire. If she gets them home. If her prisoners cooperate.

Should that prove impossible, she must then convince a long-hidden people to help her. After she finds them, of course.

If you love military science fiction and grand adventure on a galaxy-spanning scale, grab “Behind Enemy Lines” and the rest of The Empire of Bones Saga today!

First Sentence:
"Why the hell did you sneak aboard one of our ships?" Kelsey Bandar shouted once she had her mother alone in her office on Persephone.

Purchase At:
Amazon

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

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

Oh Veronica. My hats off to you. How do you create and keep all the voices straight in your head? LOL! Such an amazing job with each person. (And there are more than a few.) She's amazing at giving each their own voice and personality to fit their mood and persona. As I've come to expect, it's a huge treat to listen to Veronica narrate a book. It's like listening to a movie.

Seriously? Seventh book? Already?!?! It does NOT feel that way! I've loved every book for different reasons. To me the series is amazing and I think everyone should pick it up! We have a threat through the books but the characters grow and cross new bridges with each event.

Terry starts with Kelsey in a heated moment with her mother. Kelsey is not happy. Her mother doesn't believe things are as bad as Kelsey is saying. And we get a quick rundown of where we are after the last book. Oh yes, I so fondly remember.

Kelsey is born to rule. If you had any question about that before, you'll not doubt her now. Kelsey's come a long way with learning the way of things on a ship. She is great with her people and knows how things are to flow. She takes what her crew has to say to heart and uses it.

Wow. Kelsey has her hands full. They are on the run and where they find themselves is between nothing and war. Kelsey has all the right people in her possession to do what needs to be done, but there's a lot to do. (I'm starting to think no one has time to sleep with all they have on their hands.) They have a whole boat (aka orbital) load full of prisoners that could start problems. They have no place to turn, and research on the weak flip point has to be done along with research on what they took in the orbital. There is a habitable planet, though fridged on most of the surface, with residents here.

All of these people have different stories to share. But I'm curious about the ones on the planet. These people seem a bit different and bring the Ghosts to our attention. There is more to these Ghosts than we know. And I'm curious as to which home these people had called home prior to being put here. Along with the woman and children that are their families, they are somewhere else. We do learn some of these answers, but it's also a turning point to new details we will be learning.

As our characters move along to new systems and planets, they learn more and more of the people that came before them. There are so many pieces to the history and Terry guides us through it. When we come to a new planet and problems there, we see what we've started to learn is of importance here. And it grows in detail. I find this manner of writing easy to follow as it gradually guides me through the history, story, and problems we come to.

We have many more people from the other Fleet Empire that works for the AIs in care of our crews. Of course the new prisoners don't know of the old Empire that our friends are from. When our crew members finally show some of the prisoners who they are and the difference, Terry does a great job of using different ways of showing. Like with Annette, she takes one out in a small craft to show the space they are in and ships.

As I've mentioned in previous reviews, this is like living a space opera. It is NOT over the head science fiction that you have to focus on or phase out while listening. It's full of life and problems the characters live through, and some deadly and lingering problems. Also, there is a large cast of characters, but don't let it deter you! Terry has kept them all itemized in the story for us, also with it being audio, Terry couldn't have picked a better narrator. Veronica keeps each character as their own voice - physically and mentally.

This book has your action, as we see in previous books, but more of it is learning and strategical. There is a lot happening for Kelsey and her limited number of crew and ships to handle. Kelsey does a great job of bring things into order, and still trouble finds her. We also learn a lot of information here. Things are going to get even more dicey in the next book with how things work out here. Can't wait!

At this point, I love Terry's writing style so much, I think I want all books he's ever written!



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Audio Book Review: Reconnaissance in Force

Reconnaissance in Force

By:  Terry Mixon

Publish Date:  December 2, 2016, Audiobook Release August 8, 2017

Format:  Audiobook - 10 hrs 23 mins
Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  6th in The Empire of Bones series; 1st Book ~ Empire of Bones, 2nd Book ~ Veil of Shadows, 3rd Book ~ Command Decisions, 4th Book ~ Ghosts of Empire, 5th Book ~ Paying the Price

Impression:  Wow. Space opera at it's best.

Synopsis:
When going to war, it pays to know your enemy. Particularly when they can crush you like a bug.

Princess Kelsey Bandar has one slim chance to steal the tech her people need to survive. Only a bold strike deep into enemy space keeps the New Terran Empire alive.

Success gives them a chance. Failure dooms them to death and worse.

Kelsey and her friends once again risk everything for their people. If you love military science fiction and grand adventure on a galactic scale, grab “Reconnaissance in Force” and the rest of The Empire of Bones Saga.

First Sentence:
Admiral Jared Mertz wrapped up his presentation to the senior Fleet officers aboard Orbital One with more than a hint of relief.

Purchase At:
Amazon

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

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

Do I need to tell of my love of the voice acting work?  Veronica is amazing at different voices, personalities, accents, and infliction. At this point of the series, book six, she is all the characters. There have been several over the books and she has made each individual and unique to hear. In doing so, I feel like I'm watching an amazing tv series and not even listening to a book. Thank you for such a great experience!

The Empire is working to get many things in action and done to protect them from what's coming - More ships like what Jared found, AI's like Marcus made, flip point jammers made, and implants produced and implanted. All of which could take several months to several years to finish. They are working against the clock to be prepared for when Rebel Empire arrives for war.

The beginning places us where everyone is and what the Empire has to do in order to prepare for the Rebel Empire eventually coming to attack. There is a lot to be done. But they have it all in order. In this breakdown we see what Jared's next mission will be - a reconnaissance mission. They need data of the area and the supplies on the supply ship from the Rebels to make more Raiders.

The first few hours of this book could be seen by some as slow, but for me it's exactly what I want. This is book six and I'm HIGHLY invested in these characters and what happens to them. This part is on more a personal level rather than the fighting and space quests of unknown danger. Terry writes these characters in such depth that I feel their anxiety as they are re-positioned in the lives they know. None of this is a bad thing. It's all elevating their statuses that they deserve. And yet there's a lot of events that happen in their lives as well. Families and friends. lol.

I love the family connections that have grown with these characters. Not only the sibling feel that's grown between Jared and Kelsey, but also the matching of others and friendship bonds that have formed rather strongly. The characters and their stories and troubles smoothly flow through the story.

Then we go out on our next mission. The threats escalated more than we could have expected. Wow. What is found here are things that are highly needed and could be used by the Empire. Where our friends end up... Let me just say, it is something to have seen how they've all grown in their abilities. With what they've learned and lived through, they may still doubt themselves but they are ready for the tricks they need to work up in order to live.

These stories are so like Star Trek. We get personal life and the big action and adventure and danger. Then we come out at the other end with a huge sigh. My heart beats for the characters and their dangers. I love this creation.

Goodness. Where's the next book!?! lol. We come in with the major expedition done. Now real life sets in before we are shipped out again. On this mission we end with more than expected. We conclude what we are looking for, but we are left hoping for the safety of all. I know the next book is going to bring us much adventure and danger that leads to fighting. I can't wait!

I don't want to give anything away with this book, as it's the sixth and it's growing harder to not tip the hat. So you need to read this series! That way we can talk about it in more depth. Believe me, it's worth it.



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Audio Book Review: Paying the Price

Paying the Price

By:  Terry Mixon

Publish Date:  June 11, 2016, Audiobook Release July 13, 2017

Format:  Audiobook - 11 hrs 13 mins
Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  5th in The Empire of Bones series; 1st Book ~ Empire of Bones, 2nd Book ~ Veil of Shadows, 3rd Book ~ Command Decisions, 4th Book ~ Ghosts of Empire

Impression:  The price of ones actions is faced.

Synopsis:
No good deed goes unpunished…

Admiral Jared Mertz and Princess Kelsey Bandar saved billions of lives and staved off an invasion of the Terran Empire, but not everyone is cheering their success. Their triumphant return sets off a chain of events that threaten not only their lives, but everyone they hold dear.

Crown Prince Ethan Bandar, heir to the Imperial Throne, will stop at nothing to claim his birthright. He won’t allow anyone to stand between him and ultimate power. Not his sister. Not his half-brother. Not even his father.

Kelsey, Jared, and their battle-hardened allies must fight to survive his insidious attacks and race to stop a looming civil war. With the future of humanity on the line, can they save the world they love from blood and fire?

First Sentence:
"Admiral, do you have a few minutes?"

Purchase At:
Amazon

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

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


Veronica is a favorite narrator for me. She speaks clear with possession of each word. She voices each character with different tones, sounds, and even accents to differentiate each one for us. This is a blessing in audio with a larger cast of characters. Even to give an AI feel to some voices is an addition to the many talents Veronica has. Veronica breaths life into these character with each word she speaks.

It's been a little while since I finished the previous book. The beginning chapter was to get us caught back up with who's who and what the "plan" is to work towards. It seemed to happen quick with reacquainting myself with the names of characters, ships, and worlds or stations. I just made notes and went for the ride, I'd get them all back in line as we go because I trust Terry's writing. He's organized in a fashion that makes it easy to keep this large cast in order. I was correct to follow Terry. Terry ironed any questions I had quickly and people fell into place for me.

Was I to be making notes while listening for a review?!? Um... That's one thing with Terry's writing and world here, I get sucked into the beautiful universe and forget to breathe. Seriously, the things these character live through are amazing.

So, I got drawn in when we found a station orbiting a black hole. When a few of our characters find their way in, it gets worrisome on whether they will get out. Lets put that worry on the back burner for a moment because I love what we find here! Though, if you are this far in the series, you know Jared and his crew members are not going to wait and see with their friends locked in this station, so you can't forget about that worry. Then there's the project that Carl Owlet was working on before this happens. Totally cool! It's like Thor's hammer, all done with technology. Goodness is this cool! It's also more than a powerful weapon.

Oh you just have to read/listen to this story to get it!

I love that while the characters get tripped up on a few stones as they are readying to venture home, the thread of the ultimate goal of the day is not lost. There is a character that is not involved in the current dilemma that is working for the next - when Jared returns home and Crown Prince Ethan Bandar is approached. Yeah, that's not going to go over well...

When we return home, it's exciting to see the responses from all parties. We also get brief reminders of what's happened to everyone, what they've lived through, and what can be coming their way. Being the 5th book in the series, I think this was a great way to remind us of what we've seen. Though, Terry does NOT repeat everything by word. We are reminded of major events and it all comes rushing back in our minds.

I love how each book builds on the previous events yet it is its own story. This is not a repeat of what we've already read, it's more. This is what keeps me thirsty for this series, along with the amazing characters and writing.

If you haven't guessed, I'm TOTALLY ready for the next book and will gladly continue with this series until the end.



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Audio Book Review: Ghosts of Empire

Ghosts of Empire

By:  Terry Mixon

Publish Date:  December 13, 2015, Audiobook Release February 16, 2017

Format:  Audiobook - 10 hrs 12 mins
Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  4th in The Empire of Bones series; 1st Book ~ Empire of Bones, 2nd Book ~ Veil of Shadows, 3rd Book ~ Command Decisions

Impression:  Wow. Fascinating story with characters we love.

Synopsis:
When on deadly ground, fight!

Jared and Kelsey won the battle for Harrison’s World, but the enemy holds thousands of Fleet personnel prisoner. They must get their people back without revealing who they really are or the sentient AIs will eradicate the new Terran Empire.

Coordinator Olivia West sees and opportunity to free her people from Harrison’s World now that the AI that had crushed them under its heel was no more. To do that, she must outwit the Fleet officers holding the keys to her planet’s destruction.

But foes striking from the shadows will go to any length to derail their plans. Can the three of them settle their differences before the ghosts of the Old Empire return to haunt them all?

First Sentence:
"What the hell is that?" Princess Kelsey Bandar asked.

Purchase At:
Amazon  

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

Having planets under control of higher powers can be a feeding ground for conspiracies and resistances. Here on Harrison's World, we get both. And they know very well who their enemy is. Harrison's World holds knowledge Admiral Jared Mertz and Princess Kelsey Bandar need to continue their fight against the Rebel Empire. But, can they get their people free and make allies at the same time? Or will the conspiracies of the Rebel Empire go deeper than all expected?

Veronica is talented at keeping pace with the excitement of the story. When the events pick up pace and the heart of the characters is pumping, Veronica has the feel of the fast tension to her voice, drawing me into the rush of the moment. Yet, Veronica is crystal clear in speaking so I know exactly what she says. There are moments through the book that have an echoy sound to them. I'm not sure what this is or why, me or the recording, I'm not sure. I'm repeatedly wowed at Veronica's ability and beyond any talent to give a vast cast of characters their own voices and personalities.

With Terry's writing we have come to be very close to our characters here. We've slowly added new characters that I've grown attached to as well. Now we are adding more people to the mix. It sounds like a lot of people, but the way Terry adds them keeps them all individual and easy to get to know before adding more to the group. I love this as it does not stress me out. He introduces them in their 'home' environment and when they appear on the page it's in relation to who and where they are, even not spoken or written. This makes it very easy for me to remember who's who in this growing cast of characters.

We get the story from Kelsey and Jared's POV's like previous books. But we also get a new view here. Commander Sean Meyer is in a different spot and we get to see from where he's at. And Coordinator Olivia West, who has a special connection to things.

Oooooh this book. There is so much to learn! We start to learn details of the Rebel Empire and how it's set up with their lords and rulers. Very interesting. Just when I thought things could get boring, Terry surprises me and keeps me held fast to the book. Things could easily be repeated, but they aren't. What we learn and deal with at Harrison's World grows to new heights, unlike at Pantagar.

We see how two worlds collide with needs and desires to do more. There are items that both want, yet only one has and can have. There is also desires for more on the new world we are negotiating with, Harrison's World. These worlds are damaged and the people are angry. Different people want different things - revenge, freedom, power, and more. There are people who want to rebel against the Rebel Empire and others with plans of their own. All clash as Jared and Kelsey work to get their people freed from Harrison's World. Will they make a new ally or an enemy? Or come to even grounds? There is a different hierarchy here, and it's going to be difficult to get anywhere.

This book had me groping for all sorts of ideas on how things could turn out. Oh to see how the people of Harrison's World who want to rebel against the Empire have worked for what little they have in place, and to know where those items are. Wow. There is more in common with Jared and Kelsey with Olivia and her people, they just don't know it right away. I worried how this common ground could be destroyed before it's ever found because everyone's so worried about keeping things safe against the AI and their Rebel Empire.

The creation of the Rebel Empire and their treatment of the planets is a feeding ground for rebellions and conspiracies. People wanting to be free. People wanting to climb the power ladder. It's a crafty web people weave to get what they want, and the extents they will go to. I was worried and anxious for all our friends, old and new, hoping things would turn out as they get into tight spots. I'm always mesmerized at the craftiness of authors that create systems and conspiracies this deep and this believable. Amazing talent!

Battles in space and on land. Car chases and fights. Caring people with close relations to their crew.

Aside from all my rambling, I just love this spectacularly written story, characters, and world!



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Audio Book Review: Command Decisions

Command Decisions

By:  Terry Mixon

Publish Date:  March 16, 2015, Audiobook Release June 29, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 9 hrs 37 mins
Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  3rd in The Empire of Bones series; 1st Book ~ Empire of Bones, 2nd Book ~ Veil of Shadows

Impression:  We move on to learn of the Rebel Empire and AI!

Synopsis:
Between a rock and a hard place!

After winning a hard-fought victory, Commander Jared Mertz and Princess Kelsey discover another insidious foe blocking their way home. A remnant of the Old Empire still exists and seems allied with the savage, AI-dominated Pale Ones.

With the existence of the Terran Empire at stake, another enemy, this one from Jared’s past, threatens everything they’ve worked so hard to achieve. Jared and Kelsey must fight for survival while the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

First Sentence:
"Behold. Imperial City, the capital of the Terran Empire."

Purchase At:
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Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

Captain Jared Mertz and Princess Kelsey have been living in Pentagaran space since the fight with the Pale Ones that crippled their ship. They've been working to get Courageous up to speed along with helping Pentagar build their fleet of ships to fight the Rebels when they return to Erorsi. Surprisingly, six ships from the Empire come through the weak flip point that has stranded Jared and his crew here. And the captain is one who's not a fan of Jared's and difficult to work with. Jared and Kelsey have their work cut out for them on all sides of the line as battles come faster then they hoped.


Veronica has returned for the next Empire of Bones novel, yea! She voices each person as their own. The characters have their own voice tone and personality. By doing this Veronica makes listening entertaining and easy to differentiate the large cast of characters. Thank you! The audio is clear and easy to listen to.


I love the character interactions here! The ones we love are here and interacting better than we ever hoped. Relationships of all kind are growing stronger. I absolutely love Jared and Kelsey. Then their's Elise and Talbot and all others that surround them. All are amazing people and lived through so much already. Kelsey gets to demonstrate her power as second in line to the throne (of the Empire) and it's awesome! Add to it the strength she holds from the implants. Dang that woman is a force to reckon with.

Kelsey. Wow. She's such a strong female character. She's everything wrapped into one little package. She's small, but she is mighty! She has the power to verbally put people into place and quick thinking to get around things. But with her implants, she's also a physically strong woman. Everyone tries to protect her with being the princess, but she can protect herself just the same. Jared faced the frustrating prejudice he has always faced in the Empire as the Kings illegitimate son. I feel he does this with the honor he feels he should, and accepts it. However another doesn't see it that way and feels Jared is worth more credit (tons more!) than he's given. There is a direction taken in the story for this very reason, and it's well deserved.

Then we have new members added. Oh, the new captain we see... Captain Breckenridge. Grrr. I hate him when we meet him. And continue to not care for him as the story goes. Though, he is written to be that way.  He's a stubborn old man that won't listen but thinks he knows all. Grrr. He adds a new challenge to the story. I found I was not looking forward to seeing him in scenes because he was just trouble, but I love Kelsey as she stands up to him.

The ships from home that are now stuck in space with them adds a new difficulty in Kelsey and Jared's lives. They are already working to prepare for fights that are coming. And there are more to worry about getting home or what they are going to do next.

The AI and computer connections are starting to unfold for Kelsey and Jared. Wow. The things that we learn here. I'm stunned. And the potential of what's yet to come by learning this... Oh this is so good. Then there's what we learn of the Rebel Empire forces that were to come in contact with the AI on Erorsi (which was found)... The connections are becoming open to us with Kelsey, Jared, and Elise and so many more.

Oh Terry has done an amazing job of creating a system with the Empire I find believable. And the history to go with it! I love the chain of command we see in the space fleet. We get to see that a bit more here. I get the feel we are constantly moving forward with the characters, never going backward - except for that darn new Captain getting in our way, even then things move forward. There is always something to explore and learn about here. And Kelsey is written in a way that she wants to hear all opposing thoughts, which opens up the story even more. Wonderfully written!

Oh man! I know there's more to this history of the Rebel Empire and AI's. And I want to know it! What was the intent of the ship Invincible that they found? There are connections to the planet. Dang! I want more! This book ends with the big battle in space, but leaves me wanting more with the curiosity of what will happen on the planet they found. Thank heavens I have the next audio book!



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Audio Book Review: Veil of Shadows

Veil of Shadows

By:  Terry Mixon

Publish Date:  October 4, 2016, Audiobook Release June 16, 2015

Format:  Audiobook - 8 hrs 51 mins
Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  1st in Empire of Bones series; Book 1 ~ Empire of Bones

Impression:  Trouble found in the kingdom they found.

Synopsis:
It's always darkest before the dawn!

In Empire of Bones, Commander Jared Mertz and Princess Kelsey scored a stunning victory over the savage Pale Ones. Yet they paid a terrible price for it, one that left their ship crippled and changed the Princess forever.

As Kelsey struggles to master the combat enhancements the Pale Ones forcibly implanted inside her and Jared works feverishly to resurrect an ancient battlecruiser, they discover the Pale Ones aren’t as defeated as they seemed.

Jared and Kelsey race to unravel the secrets behind the ancient rebellion that destroyed galactic civilization and thwart unseen foes determined to take their new ship and their lives. If they fail, an entire planet dies.

First Sentence:
Kelsey Bandar, second in line to the Imperial Throne of the Terran Empire, fell with a crash loud enough to turn every head in the physical therapy center.

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Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review, at my request.

Jared's crew is stuck in the Pentagar Empire. Kelsey is recovering and going through therapy for her implants while on Pentagar. Jared is working on Courageous and Athena to fix them up and find a way to continue on the mission when a ship is ready. But Pentagar has their own troubles that royalty is not aware of. There is someone who wants usurp the throne. Jared and Kelsey along with the crew get stuck in the middle of it all.

Veronica is the voice of our crews once again. In this case of a vast crew, Veronica shines. I love listening to her as she gives me different tones, personalities, and emotions with each character relating to the moment they are in. She easily slips into the persona of each character, and the event they are living through so we can feel the emotions as well as hear them in her voice. Veronica gives the space opera a fourth dimension to absorb with the story.

We start in a little over a week from where we ended with Empire of Bones. I'm glad for that as I wanted to see Kelsey in her recovery! And there is plenty happening to keep our attention, with the new Empire and troubles they have, creating a fully functioning ship for Jared and crew to continue on, and finding a way to stop the Pale Ones from attacking again. Wow! It all fits together in a wonderful harmony as we explore with Kelsey and Jared, learning about the new worlds.

I got to thinking about this book because I can't find the words to express how much I really, truly enjoyed this book/series thus far. The question arose: How do you share when you simply love a book? What was it that drew me in? I don't know. Everything.

The characters are ones I really felt I became close to; Kelsey, Jared, Talbot, and many more. There are characters I don't like, but that's because of who they are and what they are doing. These characters are well written and I just want to scream they are bad to all to stop the troubles that will come. These characters spike my worry and suspense for when they will be found. But I love how our crew fights on and get better with each chapter and event. They never stop, having the determination to keep going.

The setting. I like the unknown of space. The troubles that could linger out there, waiting to find our characters. I like that there is action and fighting to go with it. This book is set in Pentagar and the systems around, which we have visited when attacking the Pale Ones. But we also see a bit more as we have a small crew land on a planet.

The plot. Wow. There is trouble in the paradise of Pentagar. There is always a threat to the throne and it crosses with what Jared, Kelsey, and their crew is trying to accomplish. Oh how things get complicated. We also are looking for the main AI system that sends commands to the Pale Ones. This needs to be found and stopped to stop the Pale Ones making more ships and soldiers like them. But what is found with doing this could open doors to more information! Yes!

The characters interact and are smart. They relate to their surroundings and adjust for them too. There's action and information. All the things I enjoy and draw me in.

So, to answer my previous question, this story/series (so far) has everything I love in one nice, neat package. Sweet find!



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

Audio Book Review: Empire of Bones

Empire of Bones

By:  Terry Mixon

Publish Date:  January 25, 2014, Audiobook Release December 16, 2014

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 24 mins
Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  1st in Empire of Bones series

First Impression:  Sci Fi with a high fantasy feel with adventure and danger!

Synopsis:
The Terran Empire is dead. Long live the Empire!

Commander Jared Mertz, the bastard son of the Emperor, and his half-sister, Princess Kelsey, barely speak to one another. To their dismay, their father seizes an opportunity to change that and sends them on a dangerous quest to explore the fallen Empire.

Separated from home by an impassable gulf and struggling to redefine their relationship, they find themselves thrust into a vicious war. Unless they work together to stop the Empire’s deadly legacy, billions face a horrific fate.

First Sentence:
Commander Jared Mertz, captain of the Fleet destroyer Athena, looked up from his console when his tactical officer spoke.

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Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

Jared is leaving for at least eighteen months to explore outer boundary space. Kelsey is drawn to the ruins and possibilities of finding the Old Terran Empire that was long ago lost. Jared is not happy when the Imperial Princess, second in line to the throne, arrives on his ship as a Diplomatic Representative for this exploration on orders from the Imperial Emperor. Also that she's his half sister who hardly knows him or speaks with him since learning he's an illegitimate child to the Emperor. Now, they are on a ship directed into the unknown. Together for at least a year.

I really enjoy Veronica and her many voices. She makes it so easy to differentiate the characters by voice and personality. She doesn't have as many accents as she's known for, but the personalities are clear. She speaks clear with a distinct feel to the words, there is no way to think they blend together when she speaks. This is one of her earlier works, it's from 2014, which shows she's always tried to differentiate different characters through tone, timber, and personality in voices.

This is the sort of science fiction I really enjoy. It has the feel of a high fantasy setting with adventure and danger, yet set in space. No magic or dwarves in that manner, but in the story telling it resembled high fantasy to me. I really enjoyed the adventure into the dark unknown of space with this crew. There are times I smiled and others I felt the worry. Their are well placed thoughts that make us worry of what could possibly come next on the road ahead of them.  Dare I say a sort of space opera in a sense with the characters?

I listened closely to catch as much as I could about the history of the Old Terran. There feels to be so much there and a troubled history with the Rebels. Nice set up and drawing us into it. I had questions and was curious to learn about Old Terran and what happened in the Empire as much as the explorers in the book, hoping to find some clue to the past.

There was mention of Flip Points in space that are used to travel between systems. At first I wasn't sure what these were or how they worked. When I really understood what they were was when we got to use one. I shouldn't have been worried in hoping I understood because Terry made it easy to understand when the time came to know. Thank you Terry.

We get the story from Jared and Kelsey's point of views. Two very different views of each other and the world, which gives us strong feelings for what is happening around them.

Jared is a great captain, in my book. He doesn't live better than his marines and he's not afraid to do the work as well. He earns respect from his crew and well deserves it. He's a genuine guy that you could like but he's stern when it comes to the way things are done on his ship. He cares about his people.

I really like Kelsey. She fits in so well with the rough and tough guys of the Marines. She's strong in her mind and intelligent. Kelsey is of the age that Jared was when he joined the Fleet, learning of his parentage. Kelsey now learns news that could shatter her and her twin brother's world. She's living with something that is very similar to what Jared had to face at the same age, bringing her to have a new view on her half brother. Kelsey also knows, somethings are best left untold, and I think all would agree with this information being one of them. But can it be kept that way? Could this jeopardize who Kelsey is and what Kelsey does?

As the story went we got to see new things and how some people have evolve with what they have. People at different levels of technology evolution. There are implants that are a curiosity, attacks from what appears to be a salvage race of people, and what of the old empire. So many different avenues that seem to cross and connect, but how? It was great how it was presented through actions and events that kept me interested, invested, and learning more and more. The empire is divided, yet there are pieces of it evolving at different rates in unknown systems.

I'm hooked! I enjoyed the adventure into the unknown. All the new we see and the battles we fight. The events our characters live through, and what they will have to live with is challenging. I WANT to continue with these characters as they learn to adjust to new tech they come across. Along with meeting all out in space, friend and foe.



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