Audio Book Review: The Awakening of Joel Singer: the Evolution Within by Scott McCaffrey

The Awakening of Joel Singer: The Evolution Within by Scott McCaffrey
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This story had elements I liked. It's a science fiction story with someone who's created with abilities. I like the exploration of abilities and how far they can go through the story.

The first portion of the book is done in glimpses of moments in time for Joel, Doctor Harrington, and a few others. I know this is a setup process and important moments in Joel's life in finding his ability again, but it didn't let me connect with the characters to care or be drawn into what they are doing and who they are. A consistent flowing story would have made it easier to connect with the story, but I know abilities don't surface overnight.

We do smooth out to a story. It has multiple POV's so we see all the actions and corruption and movements of the story. This keeps the story moving forward and us filled in to see how it comes together. Then we get to a part of the book that I think fans of Science Fiction military may enjoy this book with how things go in the last portion of the book.

We see Joel uses his shifting and knowledge to help people. He does have a kind heart.

Joel grows into a rather smart man and creates medicine that can help with illnesses. I'm curious as to what the connection was with his first medication and why he was so determined to create it. It didn't feel to connect to him or the story, at first. Later it does come back into play in a different way.

This is a science fiction story so there's scientific talk. It uses common things as examples to relate and explain. This could bring up things to think on and discuss. But it can be a lot. Some was interesting but I lost track and phased out after a while in one conversation because I wasn't involved in that discussion to absorb all that was talked about.

The Audio had sections that sound different, like they were rerecorded and cut in. There's no chapter separation voiced in the audiobook version. It is broken down into the parts of the books, but all the chapters in those parts are together.

The story was a slow start for me but it does smooth out and flow as a science fiction story with battles of learning self and what's good.

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Audio Book Review: Scythe by Neal Shusterman

Scythe by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this read more than I expected to. This book raises questions for me in how society is here in the book. Is this process any better than the old system? It really gets one thinking of mortality and living.

I like Faraday's view on things. It sounds like he's more fair. Yet, I see he's kind of one sided in his selection process. Then we get to see Curry's view and her process. They do seem to balance each other out.

What if you were the grim reaper? Scythe is what they are called, but it's kind of what they do.

There's a group of scythes we see in action and they feel as to walk a line of the rules. Or is it Faraday is more reserved in what he does? Seems to have a little more heart and care, along with Curry.

This book feels to be a heavy subject for Young Adults. But it's put together in a classy way. The words and actions bring me to thoughts and questions, then later in the book we get the answer to the question that was not actually worded. I love this! It sets us up to think something and answer it later for us.

The beginning of the book pecked my interest as had me thinking on the systems and mortality. Then the story took off and I was drawn into the lives of Citra and Rowan. I wanted to know how it worked out for them and all. I still saw that no matter the system, there will still be corruption that grows. Some systems run their course and life changes them. Do they need revamped or replaced? Great thinking topics for this book.

I will be listening to the rest of this trilogy!

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Audio Book Review: Trouble Wore Red by Chris Lewis

Trouble Wore Red by Chris Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

PI's know not to get attached or emotionally involved with a case. But... What if you take a case for an old flame. Things could get a little confusing and distorted in what you interpret.

This book has an old style mystery feel with a new age twist to it with a science fiction setting.

Rocky is on his home station closing up a case. And chatting with friends he's kept contact with. Then Penny walks in. There's lots of history with Penny. With them all, really. But the feelings are there and Rocky wants to help Penny, even knowing it's against his best interest.

I like how we follow along with Rocky as he investigates. We get the tips with him and can start to connect the dots as we collect more information. We also see the personal affect the case is having on Rocky and his trusted colleagues, and friends, along with his friends from the past.

I had a feel of friendships and returning home to get to spend time with and know old friends again. It's hard returning to where you grew up after decades. There was a log that happened here and we get to learn of the past as we go through the story too. Rocky has lots to work through from the past to see if Penny and others are who he thinks they are. Or have they changed that much over the years?

One more thing I enjoyed with this book... The main character is older. Rocky's 47 and dealing with aging and a body that he's abused over the years. (Yeah, I feel your pain Rocky. lol)

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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: 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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AudioBook Review: Guardian of Chaos by Michelle Manus

Guardian of Chaos by Michelle Manus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THIS BOOK! I think it was AMAZING! It's one I listened to in audio and WANT to read the paperback too. It's a book worthy of being in print and kept on my TOP shelves.

Just one chapter in and I was checking my audible credits for ordering the next books in the series. I even was looking at Michelle's other series, which I'll be picking up in the future. Yes. it was that catching.

I found Nyx to be a kind character and I was really curious about why she couldn't leave her home town. Then, when she was lead to the Station... Oh things got so interesting! First, I could TOTALLY live in this Waystation with Nyx. She love my kind of scenery, a library full of fantasy books! And meeting Griff. He's such a great avatar. I love his personality.

Nyx finds she loves being here, especially after living her life as not being seen by anyone. Now she's seen and has friends. And her friends list grows! It might be with those in the Earth Between and it might be people she...shouldn't? be friends with. At least when it comes to the Council's thoughts. But this group of friends is so cool. I love all their personalities and relationships. There's something special about them all as they are all from different worlds.

It's hard to learn and do everything on the first day. Nyx is learning the hard way. She's handling it in stride. Until she receives a missive that she had an traveler that wasn't allowed to travel the ley lines, and she has to find and capture him. This leads Nyx on a great adventure as her assistant, Evra, has other plans as well.

Each chapter has big events happening that kept me wanting more. Nyx does far more than any Station Guardian should do and even puts more into it as this is the first real home she's felt to have, that she remembers.

I love all the details that feel important to me. There's so many possibilities for the future books that are coming. There's tidbits here that could come into play in the future. I'm excited to see it happen!

I loved this book so much, I've ordered the next two that are out and I'm diving into book two NOW!

What are you waiting for??

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

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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Audio Book Review: Masters of Fate

Masters of Fate

By:  A.K. DuBoff
Publish Date:  October 17, 2018, Audiobook Release December 13, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 8 hrs 55 mins
Narrated By:  Kristin James

Genre:  Young Adult, Sci Fi, Fantasy

Series:  3rd Book in Dark Stars Trilogy series

Synopsis:
A Space Fantasy Sci-Fi Adventure

The final fight will change their perception forever.

Everything Elle Hartmut and her friends thought they knew about the alien menace—and the nature of their universe—is wrong.

With mounting evidence that the aliens behind the Darkness reside on a hyperdimensional plane above spacetime, Elle and the Dark Sentinels will need a new approach to win. However, preventing the impending alien invasion will test their team in ways they never imagined.

The ancient artifacts wielded by the Dark Sentinels may hold the key to victory. If they can understand and master their true abilities, they may still be able to save the Hegemony and their loved ones before the invasion’s final stage consumes them all.

The Dark Stars trilogy combines high-tech sci-fi with traditional fantasy magic, perfect for fans of Final Fantasy, Star Ocean, and Xenosaga. Join Elle in her final battle against the Darkness!


My Thoughts and Summary:

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

I love Kristin as a narrator. She breaths live into all the characters, giving each their own voice and personality. Such a great pleasure to listen to her.

We learn a great deal about the Crystalline network and the aliens. Some of the crystalline network was a deep detail that kind of skipped over me, but I like how there are different planes to the network. The Crystalline network reminds me of save points or respawning points in a game. But it also has a computer network feel to it as well. Very interesting blend to create different dimensions. As for the aliens... they are trouble. Yes, there's more to them but I don't want to give it away.

I enjoyed the new friend we pick up in this book. He's very special and willing to help. He adds to the gaming world feel with the group and their powers. I love this!

The crew finds a new artifact in their travels through new places. The new artifact fits right in as each one is important and a key to the hyperdimensional planes. Yes, hyperdimensional planes. That's a lot in one word. There are details about this in the book, however I fall in the same mind as Elle and I don't always follow what is told of it. But I get a solid feel for it through their actions. Thank you for showing and relating the descriptions to what we've seen and done!

This is the last book of the trilogy. We get answers to what's been happening as things have escalated through the series with the Darkness and aliens. This book felt to have more technical items to it for me, but with those details came answers. I didn't always understand what was said as I had to digest it and think on it because it came in the form of audio, I may have caught it sooner if I read it, but it was answers. We see what happens to our favorite four as things come to a close. I enjoyed the way this story tied up for us.

Audio Book Review: A Light in the Dark

A Light in the Dark

By:  A.K. DuBoff
Publish Date:  August 8, 2018, Audiobook Release November 20, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 8 hrs 34 mins
Narrated By:  Kristin James

Genre:  Young Adult, Sci Fi, Fantasy

Series:  2nd Book in Dark Stars Trilogy series

Synopsis:
A Space Fantasy Sci-Fi Adventure

The real invasion is about to begin.

An alien fleet is coming. Elle and her friends are the Hegemony's best chance for fighting back, but they'll need to head straight into enemy territory in order to identify the Darkness' origin.

The Hegemony is out of time... and the war may already be lost before it even starts. The only chance for salvation is the mysterious shard of the Master Crystal, supposedly capable of initiating a universal-scale reset. Except, no one knows what a reset of that magnitude might entail, or if it's possible.

Despite the risks, no step is too extreme in the frantic fight for survival. Elle and her friends must stop the insidious alien menace before every world is consumed.

The Dark Stars trilogy combines high-tech sci-fi with traditional fantasy magic, perfect for fans of Final Fantasy, Star Ocean, and Xenosaga. Continue the adventure today!


My Thoughts and Summary:

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

Elle and her team have done the first step for what they were made for, create back up the worlds in the archive. But when doing this, they learned there are aliens coming. They wait a week before Elle talks them into action. It's time to go learn what they can of the Darkness that's overtaking worlds so they can fight it. Off to investigate they go.

It is a pleasure to listen to Kristin again. I've not listened to her narration in a while, but once starting a story I knew why I enjoy listening to her. She brings the story to life to me as she voices each character as their own with tone and personality. Her pacing goes with the action of the story as well, keeping me hooked when things are moving quickly. I love her work.

Our crew tests their immunity to the black smoke as they investigate the first planet that was consumed to learn what they can of the black smoke and crystals.

As we investigate, we see Elle and crew in dangerous situations. But how else do you learn details? I love how we get to see them in action, fighting the darkness and working as a team.

I love how the characters are created from the world and with this, they react to the world. There's a great give and take between the characters and the world in events that happen. Never a dull moment with this team as they fight to learn and battle the darkness.

This book handled a situation that could be repetitive rather well and made it new for us. I really like how the same scenes become new as we learn different details that bring our characters to the conclusion they need. However, things are different. This difference is what drew me deeper into the story, to see if their plan B works or not.

I'm 100% invested in this series. I love the characters and their relationships along with the trouble of the darkness in the world. It still have a video game feel to what the crew does, but not as much as it did in the first book. I don't mind though because the group have grown as individuals and as a team and I love it.

With the ending of this book, I'm diving right into the third audiobook because I want to know what happens with the Darkness!

Audio Book Review: The Others

The Others

By:  Jeremy Robinson

Publish Date:  July 15, 2018, Audiobook Release July 24, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 10 hrs 15 mins
Narrated By:  R.C. Bray

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  Stand Alone

Synopsis:
UFOs and alien abductions remain one of the most hotly debated and mysterious subjects of the twenty-first century. In the decades since 1960, with reports of strange encounters on the rise, thirteen million people have gone missing worldwide and never been found. The Others takes a fast-paced, unique, and moving look at the phenomenon that has fueled Jeremy Robinson's imagination since several sightings, strange happenings, and visits with renowned UFO investigator, and family friend, Raymond Fowler.

TO SAVE A MISSING GIRL...

Dan Delgado is a private investigator. When it comes to finding cheating spouses, corporate thieves, or runaway teenagers, he's unenthusiastic, and unmatched. As a former San Francisco detective, he misses more meaningful work, but he hasn't had the heart for it since his wife's death five years prior. That is, until a phone call from a distraught mother. An illegal immigrant who can't go to the police puts him on the hunt for a missing little girl.

By the time he reaches the mother's small home, she's missing, too. The circumstances are strange, but when a team of heavily armed mercenaries arrive, Delgado is convinced there is more going on than a simple kidnapping.

Joined by his elderly assistant, a gun-toting pastor, and a UFO enthusiast Uber driver, Delgado follows the clues west, to Colorado City, a town cleaved in two by the 37th parallel, also known as the UFO Highway. In a town infamous for fundamentalist Mormon cult activity, they uncover evidence of a massive child-trafficking ring, whose ringleaders might not be human.

Delgado and crew are plunged into a dangerous world of corporate competition, UFO lore, and government cover-ups. While they hunt for answers, they're pursued across the Southwest by high-tech mercs, brainwashed cults, and beings whose true identity has been concealed since 1947.

...HE MUST RISK THE WORLD


My Thoughts and Summary:

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

R.C. Bray is a new narrator to me, but an experienced narrator by his long list of audio books. Wow. How have I not listened to him before now? R.C. has a controlled voice that gives nothing away. The emotion of the characters are portrayed through the worlds spoken and small innuendos. I stayed focused on the story at hand and drawn into the world created by the author.

I've come to know that I truly enjoy Jeremy's books. Not only do we get an entertaining and twisting story, I get my action and boldness with the characters I love. There comes a point when they have to stand or fall, and his characters chose what I want to see. The characters have a fully developed growth that flows with the story and events. It feels natural and believable for the characters to make the choices they make, even if the story is a science fiction fantasy read.

This book has created a well rounded person in Dan Delgado as I see the events unfold through his eyes. There is more to him and we learn the things that make Dan tick as we move through the story, looking for Isabelle and her mother.

The thing that Dan finds himself in, along with his dearest friend and co-worker Wini, is mind blowing. Dan never expected to find his way into learning the truth about UFOs and aliens.

The people that Dan finds himself spiraling down the rabbit hole with are perfect. There's a Sheriff, a Pastor, and a Uber driver along with Dan's assistant, Wini, who's a senior citizen. lol. It sounds like a joke when you think about it. An unlikely crew, but they all have pasts that lend to why they are here. They really do fit together and make a great crew.

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! 

Re-release Book Review: Cybrosis

Cybrosis

By:  P.C. Haring

Publisher:  Off the Deep End Multimedia LLC

Publish Date:  May 2, 2014

Format:  eArc

Genre:  Science Fiction, Cyberpunk

Series: 1st book in A Codename Ciris Conspiracy series

Recommendation:  Yes.  If you enjoy action and adventurous mystery with technology mixed in, go read this one!

Book Synopsis:
For Agent Ciris, the mission should have been simple: get in, apprehend the target, get out.  But when the simple snatch and grab goes horribly awry, the worlds first cyborg find herself backed into a corner.  At odds with her superiors, she becomes embroiled in two conspiracies - one intended to destroy her with a cybernetic virus that will neutralize the technology that keeps her alive, the other intended to keep hidden the untold secrets of her origin.  With the walls closing in around her, Ciris becomes a rogue agent with no one to trust and only one objective - unravel the shrouds of secrecy before time runs out.

First Sentence:
Computer networks cover the Earth, connecting distant corners in an instant.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

**I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Ciris and her crew of operatives are on a mission to find and bring in Dr. Leon Quincy, who has become a dangerous computer hacker.  The simple mission turns messy and damage claimed by many is beyond belief of The Center, who's now upset with Ciris for her disregard of care to property around her.  Ciris is listening to the speech from Director Briggs on her disregard and how the physical damage caused while on cases has become beyond excessive since the accident, then unwillingly and not knowing why, she passes out.  These two combined with holding information from her crew gets Ciris grounded to paperwork, but quickly she returns to the field when she is the only agent around and Quincy is at his worst again.  We then see someone has other ideas for Ciris, using her computer side as a weakness...or is it her human side?  Ciris fights her virus and Cybrosis while trying to come to terms with many lies and betrayals around her.

This book started out as Podcasts, which you can find on the authors site.  I found my way there by way of Tales from the Archives, and listened to the first podcast.  I loved what I heard, but not having an iPod to load to, and not being able to carry with me, along with always being interrupted at home (you know how those kids and husbands are) I wasn't able to get to listening to more.  Which bummed me out as I really wanted to.  So, when I found out P.C. Haring made his debut into books, I jumped at the chance to read a copy of this book.  And I'm so glad I did.

We start with full, high speed action with loads of bullets and fire!  Then we end with it as well.  And through out the book, yes we have it there too.  Ciris is always wrestling with someone.

I loved the word usage!  So vivid, and easy to visualize.  Such strong words used, dropped the images into my head.
     "riddled with holes..."
     "charred remains..."
     "She raised her left arm and a pod slightly larger than a deck of playing cards rose a few centimeters from the back of her forearm." - This whole sentence made it so easy to visualize!  Who couldn't see this?

This brings me to my next subject, cyber and technology.  I always get a little fearful when picking up a cyber book or science fiction book that I will not understand the equipment or terms used.  In this case, P.C. Haring made it incredibly easy for me.  His descriptions were vivid and in terms I understood.  He didn't linger on the items longer than he had to, I know there is some huge and powerful equipment here, but as they are part of the setting and story, they were not the storyline itself.  Ciris was.  Thank you P.C. Haring.  I enjoyed the high tech equipment and usage.  The cars, can be driven or navigate on their own.  Computer access to Centers network from in the car.

Ciris... I have to say I feel for this woman.  All that has happened to her to get here, and beyond.  She is broken, but she is very strong.  Really, one of my kind of leading ladies.  P.C. Haring does well of controlling our feelings where Ciris is concerned, when we feel with Ciris the holes in her heart then turn it off with Ciris to be business when at work.

P.C. Haring kept me wondering and turning the pages as he deepened the mystery behind Cybrosis, the virus, and the betrayals all around in each chapter.  I was curious what our "man" would do next, when would we meet him, and why.  I wanted to learn all the answers and to see what destruction Ciris would create next.

Very nice debut into books!


Would you like to learn more?  You can check out P.C. Harings' site: The Network of P.C. Haring.
If you would like to listen to the Podcasts of Cybrosis (which I have to say in just the first one I enjoyed the different voices) You can do so with this link.