Book Review: Emergence: Humanity 2.0

Emergence: Humanity 2.0

Edited By:  J.M. Martin

Publish Date:  September 27, 2016

Format:  eARC

Genre:  Urban Fantasy, Superheroes

Series:  Anthology

First Impression:  Good anthology of people with super powers.

Synopsis:
AN ANCIENT TRIGGER GENE buried deep in humankind's DNA is sporadically activating, evolving some humans into something superhuman. Influenced by comic-book culture, many of these 'chimerics,' as they have been dubbed, have taken on costumes and adopted codenames. Organizations have risen to either train, exploit, or police these chimerics, and the entire world is at odds about their very existence.

In this open-ended series, Ragnarok gathers authors to write superhuman fiction in a shared universe. It begins here with book #1, Emergence, shipping in fall 2016. Look for book #2, Chimeric, featuring stories by Dan Wells, Rob Duperre, Steve Diamond, and more, in 2017.

Emergence collects nine tales, each with a unique perspective on what it might be like to be superhuman in the modern age.

"From the Barrel of a Gun" by Jeff C. Carter
"Whiplash" by Tim Marquitz
"Never Go Half Supervillain" by C.T. Phipps
"We Can Be Heroes" by Eloise J. Knapp
"Perennial" by Edward M. Erdelac
"The Other" by Rob J. Hayes
"Avenger" by G.N. Braun
"Bring It On, Hero" by J.M. Martin
"(They Call Me) Epilogue" by Steve Diamond

In the Humanity 2.0 cosmology, the stories are set in a shared universe. Characters cross over, events have impact, establishments are consistent. It's an open-ended series and the stories, like the chimerics of H2.0, will continue to evolve.

Purchase At:
Amazon 

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I was offered a copy of this book from the author or publisher for review.

These novella length stories are longer than short stories so you can get the feel of the full story, characters, and world. Each story is different but set as a braided story in the same world. There are mentions of other characters from stories in them as you go, but nothing that would take from the story if you didn't read it.

Overall it's an enjoyable set of novellas based on people who come into super powers. But how will they use it? And how will the world be touched by them? Good? Bad? You decide.

From the Barrel of a Gun by Jeff C. Carter
I wasn't sure where this story was going as we watch the court case of Timothy Hathcock for killing 23 chimerics (super-beings). When I was about ready to say I was bored, the story took a twist and Hathcock decided to take the stand. That's when things cleared and made me thing.

We get this story from Lars Wilson, superhero known as The Red Wraith, point of view. He's stood by and watched his friends killed and had a target on his own head. Hathcock has his own story too. We get both here. Now we try to decide who is in the right. Or are they both wrong? Does two wrongs make a right? In this case, it's a slippery slope. Interesting.

Never Go Half-Supervillain by C.T. Phipps
David makes a living helping villains in his home town Motor Hills. But part-time as he's living a life as a husband and father too. David, The Freelancer, is drawn into the conspiratory world of who's in charge and who's doing right, to find he needs to decide what he wants to do.

C.T.'s humor with science fiction/fantasy is the top of my favorite list. So many quick remarks that I get! And they make me smile. I enjoyed seeing David be on his own side through the story. And make his decision. It was quite a dangerous adventure for David, but I didn't get overly worried for him because of his ability, though it's not always right...

We Could Be Heroes by Eloise J. Knapp
Vlad and Lucy are eighteen year old chimerics trying to get by in Russia under the thieving hand of a cruel man. They want to be heroes, not the thieves they have to be for Cheslav. One day, they will find a way to break his hold on them and escape to America.

I liked the way this story gave us a past and present view. Almost like two stories in one. It tells of what happened in the past to bring Vlad to be who he is today, and how he got to today. Vlad and Lucy work to get away from one life in Russia, to fall into another in America. Is it better and what they wanted? Hmm, you'll have to read to find out.

Whiplash by Tim Marquitz
Whiplash is working through college, but finds herself helping against the crime in her home city. Chimeric in their teens are popping up and attacking and stealing from stores. Vivian doesn't think it's a coincidence, there is a pattern. She puts the pieces together and goes after these kids, to find a bigger danger behind the acts of the kids. Monger.

I found this story fun with the headbanging and metal-head references. But what I like is that Whiplash, or Vivian, does get beat up. It's not that she's beat up that I like, but that she takes a beating and keeps going. She does get hurt, but she'll fight on. She keeps going back to stop what's happening. She wants to stop the person behind it too. That's strength. That's power. I like that draw to Whiplash as a character.

The Other by Rob J. Hayes
David wants to remain safe from the crime and chimerics employed to do crime, so he's modified his body. Working at Biotiq prosthetic's lab helps with the new and improved items.

This story is one of my favorites. I really like how it reads and makes me curious and interested in David. And The Other. Interesting story with The Other and what he's trying to do while meeting another chimeric and what she's up to.


Perennial by Edward M. Erdelac
Nico and Pan are tracking Zita, a baby-napper for hire. Pan's goal, to find the babies that didn't go through the illegal adoptions. But he learns more about himself and fights through more than he expected.

This is one of the longest stories in the book, page wise.

The story was okay for me. I really wanted to love it more with one character named Pan, after Peter Pan, and to learn why. I enjoyed some sections, but others dragged. I think the one thing that slowed the story for me was all the back stories. This is something in short stories that slows the story for me and frustrates me. Someone else may well enjoy this story more than I.


Avenger by G.N. Braun
Leon Stone, a security guard at the mall, finds a delivery van with blood on the side door. When he looks inside, he can't believe what he sees! Blood. And death. Then he has to fight the creature that caused it. This one incident draws him into the strange and deadly world of chimerics.

This story had me from the beginning with what Leon found in the van. This is in first person, but I felt I liked the feel from the first sentence. Leon's personality really comes through.

This story feels like it could be a prequel to a series. A series I'd be curious and interested in reading!


Bring It On, Hero by J.M. Martin
Where Avenger stopped, this one picks up from another person's point of view. It's like a braided world. Hero goes in to investigate where the others left. This draws Hero's memories to when had to talk about events lived through and what went wrong.

The story shares, through Hero, the memory of leaving TCA, when first developed powers, and more. The story started really good for me, then I got mixed up in the memories on where and who Hero was in the story.


(They Call Me) Epilogue by Steve Diamond
Kennedy Ross's husband is being honored with a statue. The news press pushes on for more answers and her thoughts on Human Shield not coming into his powers until after he failed to prevent her husbands death...

This is probably the shortest story of the anthology, and I loved it. It had me curious from the get go. What happened to Kennedy's husband to die? Even the true feelings Kennedy has, as you know she's holding back. Oh, I love Kennedy!

This story references the previous ones here, but not based on them. But answers a question from one of the earlier ones. (Who's behind this?)



****Find my thoughts helpful? Please click Yes at Amazon. Thank you!

Audio Book Review: The Torn World

The Torn World

By:  Melanie Karsak

Publish Date:  September 6, 2016, Audiobook Release October 28, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 5 hrs 57 mins
Narrated By:  Kristin James

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  3rd The Harvesting series: Book 1 ~ The Harvesting, Novella 1.5 ~ Midway, Book 2 ~ The Shadow Aspect, Novella 2.5 ~ Witch Wood

Impression:  A fitting conclusion that ties it all together.

Synopsis:
Our world is dead.

With the undead walking, vampires hunting, and kitsune closing in, everything seems lost. Layla and the others will need help if there is any hope of survival. But how can you endure in the dying world?

Join Layla, Cricket, Amelia, and the other survivors for the final chapter of The Harvesting Series in The Torn World.

First Sentence:
The undead closed in.

Purchase At:
Amazon   

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.

Tristan has lead Layla, Cricket and their followers to Witch Wood where Amelia and Madame Knightly live. Layla wants to get back to Jamie, where they left him as an undead. But she knows he's still there, he spoke her name in her mind. The living have to find a way to survive and carry on. But is this world the one for them?

Kristin returns as our narrator to finish off the series. I'm thrilled she's been a constant with these books. Kristin voices each character with accents and tones we've come to associate with them. She fluidly shifts from one voice and personality to another with all being present in one book. I never get a feel of the audio stopping and starting as I listen. The characters feelings and tones match through out their sections and smoothly transition to new emotions as they arrive with events.

We get POV's of all three of our young ladies who've brought us this far; Layla, Cricket, and Amelia. All three have a different ability that is needed to help survive and bring the living to a point that they can carry on. These ladies have all had their hearts filled or broken through the series. And have become stronger in this devastating world.

This is the conclusion to the harvesting series. I'm working hard to not tell all with this review. We get our action and fights along with nervous moments trying to get what the characters need. Nothing is convenient for the characters.

The writing flow Melanie has created here is magnificent. The missions to get needed supplies do not feel as they are created to give more story, the missions fit the places the characters are. The story feels as it fits in it's world and where the people are without creating situations to get to where the characters are. I love this complete feel for the characters and world.

We get our romantic moments and gazes too. Cricket and Tristan, Amelia and Logan are falling for each other. And maybe a few others of the group are flirting.

Melanie never leaves me wanting in magic, fae, and zombies in this book. We get it all wrapped in one little package. All the special traits the characters have are seen and enjoyed.

I enjoyed the ending. We get all our answers. We also see something new for the characters. And... from a different POV that gives us a great view of everything on how it is after all this. What we see in the end, may or may not be what you were wanting, but it feels right. The hints are all there to draw to this ending. Well done.



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

Mythical Monday #62

Art work by: @Burntlaughter on Twitteb

It seems there are many books influenced by or based on Myths and Mythological Beings.

There are many different Mythology's and Mythological Beings recorded. Some are very popular and well known, others not so much. There are many similar beings, yet different depending on the culture it’s based in.  The definition of Myth covers about anything in the Urban Fantasy/Fantasy realm to me.

I’ve invited authors to share briefly the Mythological being or Myth that influenced their character(s) or story, or what their character(s) are based on influencing their books.  Hosting here, one author and being or myth per week.

Eldritch Abominations and The Old Gods

The old gods wait. What exactly they’re waiting for depends on who’s writing the story. In HP Lovecraft’s work they’re waiting for the stars to be right, in the Norse traditions the Ice Giants await Ragnarok and over at my comic Cthulhu Slippers they’re waiting for the coffee to be ready.

I’ve become a bit obsessed by the idea of ancient, unknowable god like entities ever since I first came across the concept. You’d think I would have found it through HP Lovecraft’s work but it was Terry Pratchett who sent my brain down the rabbit hole of wondering about things that by their very nature defy description.

The line between eldritch abomination and Old God/One isn’t all that clearly defined and again seems to depend a bit on who is telling the story. The common elements in fiction are that they seem wrong, an affront to reality and the senses. Sometimes they’re so wrong just looking at them can cause people plunge into the depths of madness.

They’re also almost uniformly described as immensely powerful creatures able to warp reality at will. If they notice humanity at all, they see us as we sees mayflies: short lived and a bit pointless. They can wipe out all of us with little more than a thought, they’re gods, even when they aren’t: powerful, terrible, uncaring and ultimately unknowable.

They crop up in virtually every religion in one way or another, and their presence in a fiction story almost always spells madness and death for the protagonists (and humanity a whole).

As fascinated with the idea of the unknowable gods as I am, that all seemed a bit of a downer to me. So, I thought I’d try playing them for laughs.

The Old Gods and Old Ones in Cthulhu Slippers are still shockingly powerful and amoral, they’ve already conquered the world by the time the comic starts, but they’re also just as petty, stupid and selfish as humans can be.

They do not make for good middle managers.

Cthulhu himself is technically in charge of the globe spanning uber-corporation Cthulhu Corp, but given that he’s silent, small and mostly nice to everyone the company’s day to day operations are handled by the other gods like Nyarlathotep and Hastur. And, of course the hapless human employees are the ones that do all the work. People are seen as little more than commodities, and the corporation demands obedience or death.

It’s not all that unlike working for a regular human corporation.

In fiction and in myth the eldritch abominations that crop up represent the fear of the unknown. That fear is an integral part of all good horror stories as it’s always a lot scarier when you don’t know what the monster looks like, but horror and comedy are not as far apart as you might think. Both aim to force a reaction from their intended audience be it a scream or a laugh. Since eldritch abominations represent one of humanities most prevalent fears, I feel that they can also be turned funny by undercutting everything that makes them scary.

Or, at least almost everything. If I took away everything that makes an unknowable god scary then they wouldn’t be gods anymore, they’d be your old boss.

The artist who draws Cthulhu Slippers for me (I can’t even draw a good stick figure) Natalie Metzger has managed to strike a great balance, making the monsters look silly most of the time. And they are silly.

Mostly.


About Author:
Andrew Jack lives in Christchurch, New Zealand and has far too many projects on the go. You can see his webcomic at CthulhuSlippers.com, and his fiction at ajjack.com. He also runs a non-fiction blog over at solitarynut.com. His one claim to literary fame is that he got his first rejection letter at the age of four when a kindly editor suggested he learn to read and write before resubmitting his novel.


Find Author:
CthulhuSlippers.com
ajjack.com
solitarynut.com

Twitter:  @AndrewJLJack

Sunday Post #154

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share new about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

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Where did the week go? I've been trying to get all the things done in a day. Wow, it's a lot. lol. So I've been working at some sort of exercise daily, which is working for Monday through Thursday, and rotating days of writing (preparing) and blogging. With all this after the full time day job and taking care of family and life events. .... Yea, it's a lot.

So, kiddo had another college visit yesterday. He really enjoyed himself. It was a college that's looking at him for football as well. But it's a small school and there will be no scholarships for sports there. But is a possibility to keep in mind. All these schools have something that he wants, a big something. Ugh! We even have more to visit! I just hope when it comes down to it, he picks the one that fits and will be least expensive for him.

My dogs have vet visits this week. Sheba's doing better, but Athena seems to be showing signs of what Sheba had. So, we'll see what the vet says. These dogs are the most expensive in vet visits I've ever had!

Big news! I got to listen to N.K. Jemisin on Tuesday! She was at Seton Hill talking with the students of their writing program and Tuesday evening was open to the public. I took two friends with me and we listened to her.

I did get to talk with many amazing people while waiting to get all my books by N.K. signed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Fit Booker:

Goal:  Workout in any form of exercise (or on Wii Fit) 2x's a week. (to feel better and hope to drop a few pants sizes)

How did I do last week... This week I got 3 days in. Treadmill on Monday, gym weights and elliptical on Wednesday and Thursday. I did add 10 minutes to treadmill and elliptical times so I could make up for the half hour on Tuesday I missed.

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What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:

Blue Blooded by Amanda Carlson

Content editing work.


Current Audiobook:
I'll start a new one Monday at work.

Current Podcast Book Listen:
Stonebriar Casefiles: Bad Alchemy by Laura Nicole Spencer (You can listen for free too!)

Finished Last Week: 

Lost Girls by Merrie Destefano

Audiobooks from Audible:

Wytchfire by Michael Meyerhofer


Finished Podcast Book Listen:

Nothing yet.

DNFed:

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Last Week on the Blog:

Cover Reveals: (click titles to go to post & learn more)

Guest Posts:

Posts:

New Year Resolutions

Spellbound in a Flash:
This week I didn't post, but I did update my portfolio pictures. I have posts started so will get back to posting soon!


Challenged Writers:
I shared my New Year Resolutions in writing.

Around the Internet...


Reviews:

H.A.L.F.: The Makers by Natalie Wright

"The writing felt to ring home much better with me in this book. I really like the description as the story starts in Erika's POV. Wow. Well done. I feel this book has more emotion and depth to the characters than the first story. Living through these hard times and fighting to live and return home or save others has brought them all to a new level. This book felt more invested and better written to me."


Eternal Magic by Linsey Hall

"Linsey keeps the story moving fast, giving us many answers and information we have been wanting. There is something that happens or surprises me in each chapter, moving the story along by leaps."

Podcast Review:

Mama Bitchstress Reviews:

GIVEAWAYS:

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This Week to Come on the Blog:

I have a few reviews to finish up and will have two scheduled for you this week. I also have a resolution post for the new year.

Mythical Monday - Returns with it's first of 2016 on Monday
Two reviews.

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Received Last Weeks:

For Review Consideration:

Audio Books Requested for Review:

Crucible and Flame: A Walk the Fire story by John Mierau
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
A Ferryman Walks the Fire to an isolated generation ship, only a few decades away from its destination planet. There, in a moment of tragedy, he will learn that despite hundreds of years of life and the promise of endless more, even a Ferryman's life can change.

Circle of Reign by Jacob Cooper
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Lands Die.
The Living Light Fades.
An Ancient Darkness Awakens.

The Living Light that sustains Arlethia is dwindling.

An unknown, vicious enemy approaches in stealth from beyond the northern glaciers, a wasteland of ice that spans hundreds of miles. A clandestine brotherhood of assassins, held in check by the Light for millennia, seeks to break their maledictive shackles and unleash their bloodlust upon the world. Those that should stand with Arlethia clothe themselves in betrayal, desiring her secrets for themselves, leaving Arlethia to stand alone.

The rebirthing of lands ceased decades ago. The world of Våleira is dying. Only Arlethia, the Western Province of the Realm, remains untainted by the Ancient Dark’s Influence. Reign, the young daughter of Arlethian Lord Thannuel Kerr, becomes entangled in a perilous web of deceit, greed, and assassination plots after witnessing something horrific – something that will destroy all she knows and loves. As threats culminate, she and her twin brother, Hedron, must battle demons on every side – both external and internal – in their efforts to save Arlethia from extinction, as they simultaneously reach for their own personal redemption. But they have become pariahs to their own people. There will be few that dare to stand with them in the dimming Light – and even fewer that will survive.

The world of Våleira cannot endure without Arlethia. And the Living Light is fading ... 



Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:

Book:

Audio:

Free Ebooks:
(On my Kindle and Nook App) Links to books under title. They may or may not be free at this time.

Seen by Frances Pauli
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Shayd's visions serve the Heart... until it asks him to betray his own future. 

When the Shrouded Heart sends him on a mission of diplomacy, Shayd is eager to obey. The treason of his predecessor has stained the rituals and weakened his relationship with the sacred crystal, but when it brings him to Rowri, he is certain the alien priestess is destined to be his heartmate. Despite the fact that their mission is to deliver her to her wedding... to someone else. 

Rowri's duty to her people insists Shayd must give her away, even as their heartbond draws them closer and closer together. Though he understands her loyalty, honoring her choice will put her in danger, leave her planet open to attack, and unleash an old enemy dead set on destroying them all. 

The Dragonslayer's Sword by Rena Nelson
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
For Astrid, a blacksmith who makes swords for dragonslayers, the emergence of a strange gemstone from her body sets in motion a chain of events that threaten to destroy her life. Her happiness is shattered when her lover-the dragonslayer-disappears without a trace, and the life that she knows and loves implodes without warning. 

Astrid lives in a world of shapeshifters whose thoughts have the power to change not only themselves but others. Everything Astrid knows to be true is called into question when she learns the truth about her past and the mysterious family from which she was separated as a child. Reality turns inside out as Astrid gradually learns the truth about the people she loves as well as those she disdains. 

With the fate of dragons, ghosts, and slaves in foreign lands resting on her shoulders, Astrid faces the challenge of deciding who she is and how she will stand up inside her own skin. Will she withdraw and hide from the world that has disappointed her so much...or will she rise to lead others to freedom and peace? 

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This series is written for adults but appropriate for ages 14 and up.

SURGE by Kelsey Lee Connors
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
A broken city, its people in chains, and a brave young woman who dares to be free 

Chicago in 1922, reimagined. The city is ruled by a tyrannical energy company called The Corporation, the streets patrolled by the terrifying and corrupt Corp Bulls. Sixteen-year-old Evelyn O’Donnell takes karate lessons to defend herself in this dangerous dystopia, but she knows this is not enough. And when her father is mysteriously killed, it is a game changer. 

Penniless but determined, she meets her brother’s friend, the charming and mischievous Black Jack player, Dante Malachi. Discovering a unique, magical power within herself, Evelyn and her new accomplice plot to sting the city’s speakeasies and avenge her father’s death. 

But as the duo join the razzle-dazzle of Chicago’s underworld, Evelyn discovers her father had tried to protect her from the dark truth about this city and her past. And as they get involved with the mob, Evelyn knows she will have to do everything in her power if she ever hopes of reaching their shared dream of a life free from poverty and oppression. 

Tales of the Blood Kissed by Seleste DeLaney
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
Every story has a beginning, and the legend of the Blood Kissed began long before Jocelyn was born. Discover how Jocelyn first became involved in the vampire world, how Max and Chad wound up as her dichotomous duo of protectors, and Remy's views on far too many things. You'll even get his version of how vampires came into being and why there is always a seat on the council for one known only as Remus.

Start this saga from the beginning, and remember, those who don't learn from the past are destined to repeat it.

Includes "Of Course I Try" and "The Ghost of Vampire Present", formerly available as separate ebooks.

Wicked Legends (collection of several author's books)
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
A boxed set unlike any other before it, filled with the perfect blend of Dystopian, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, and SciFi Romance. 

Every selection in this rare, limited edition collection is a full-length novel or novella, including some BRAND NEW material from today's New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors! 

With over one million words of romantic fiction from all of your favorite genres, this limited edition omnibus will provide over 100 hours of reading! 

If you're looking for a boxed set overflowing with variety, this collection will satisfy your cravings with sorcery, genies, necromancers, space pirates, shifters, and more! Travel to new worlds or discover ones hidden right beneath your nose.

Fever by Lola Taylor
PICK UP AT AMAZON
Goodreads Synopsis:
When the Blood Moon rises, the wolves come out to play… and find their mates. 

Danica has about given up on love. In a last-ditch attempt at finding “the one,” she agrees to a blind date through an online dating service. But instead of finding roses and romance, she finds someone intent on killing her. That is, until the mysterious, brooding Gage shows up to save her…. 

Gage is running out of time to find a mate. If the Blood Moon sets before he can find her, he’ll lose the rank of packmaster - and the peace within the pack - he’s worked so hard to obtain. When he saves a luscious blonde in the parking lot, he has no idea she is his mate - until he Marks her with his touch. 

Determined to keep her safe at any cost, Gage whisks Danica away into a hidden world full of lust, unlikely love, and treachery. Someone’s put a hit on his mate, and he’s hell-bent on finding out who, all while the Blood Moon looms closer, threatening to destroy his chances at true love forever. That is, if something - or someone - doesn’t kill the woman he’s falling for first. 

Recommended 18+ for frequent, explicit sexual situations and language. Book 1 of 6. BBW Werewolf Romance 

For more information, including a complete list of books and excerpts, please visit lolataylorbooks.com.


Free Audio Books/Stories:

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Reviews to Come:

Soulless by Skyla Dawn Cameron

The Sentinel by Chris Lester

The Muse by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Making the Cut by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Whispers in the Wood by Chris Lester

Lex Talionis by Starla Huchton

Spark by Starla Huchton
Heir to Kale by K.L. Bone

Tales from the Archives Vol 4 #5 - Old Sinner's Bones

The Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan

Torn World by Melanie Karsak
Lost Girls by Merrie Destefano
Wytchfire by Michael Meyerhofer

Audio Book Review: Eternal Magic

Eternal Magic

By:  Linsey Hall

Publish Date:  July 31, 2016, Audiobook Release September 29, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 6 hrs 22 mins
Narrated By:  Laurel Schroeder

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  4th Dragon's Gift: The Huntress series: Book 1 ~ Ancient Magic, Book 2 ~ Mirror Mage, Book 3 ~ Stolen Magic

Impression:  Powerful story to bring Cass and her deifiur (sisters) into their places in the world.

Synopsis:
Cass Clereaux has a few problems. Sure, she just saved her whole town and is now immortal, but immortality sucks. The same spell that made her immortal also takes away her magic. It’s kaput. Finito. Gone. Being a FireSoul and finding magical treasure is who she is. Now, she couldn’t find her left leg with a map. Not even if a dragon pointed the way.

To make matters worse, her concealment charm is malfunctioning. Demons are showing up left and right, trying to bring her head back to the Monster who stalks her. While Cass is on the hunt to recover her magic and learn about her past, the specter of the Monster is getting ever closer to his mysterious end goal. She’s prophesied to meet him on the field of battle—but if she doesn’t have her magic back by then, she’s dead.

First Sentence:
"Oh no." I almost groaned when I caught sight of the golden sphinx crouched in front of the pyramid a hundred yards away.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  

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.

Cass is searching for a dampening charm that will weaken the nullifying power she now has, and let her other powers return to her use. Cass learns that Victor Orriordor, the monster from her, Nix, and Del's past, is looking for dampening charms too. He's taken the most powerful one of all, the one that can knock out dozens of people's powers, from the museum. Also, transporting charms are becoming scarce as well. Victor is up to something, but what? Cass needs to get her root power back before she has to face Victor, which is only a matter of time coming. Her searching leads her back to where her parents lived, and learning a great deal about herself and her deirfiur.


Laurel returns to voice Cass. I have really grown to enjoy her in these stories. She voices Cass and all with voices and tones that have become them. Even the new characters we meet have a voice of their own, even just slightly different than those we've grown use to. There are accents used as we do visit Ireland and Scotland as well. Laurel's pacing is wonderful, helping to keep the story moving along. She feels to be in the persona of the characters as she narrates. There is no hint to stopping and starting over, all is smooth in flow. Lovely job.

It's neat seeing the pyramids, statues, and different places along with traps in them when Cass and sisters and friends are on the hunt. Also the way stories were written with the details of Egyptians and setup of the pyramid. It feels as there is a lot of care and research put into writing these moments. I love how the sisters attempt to take care with the sites they visit. They believe in preserving what once was so others can treasure it as well. It's those pesky demons sent after Cass and sisters that make a mess!

I don't want to say much on the story and give away the great finds we have here. Linsey keeps the story moving fast, giving us many answers and information we have been wanting. There is something that happens or surprises me in each chapter, moving the story along by leaps.

We start to get answers to Cass's past, though have more questions too. I look forward to learning more and more with Cass as she learns her power and what tasks she needs to work through with her sisters. And more about Del and Nix. Interesting how they are all connected.

We get to spend time with the sisters together, Del, Nix, and Cass. I really enjoy seeing them together. And we see Connor and Claire help them again. And of course we get Aidan. Cass and Aidan are just lovely. Cass seems to start to come to accept her friends putting themselves in harms way to help her, as she does and would do for them.

Cass is growing stronger! It's great to see her stand on her own and fight though see her start to let her friends help her too. The ending brings me to a stronger, determined feeling for Cass though we are left in a bit of a spot. It's not a terrible cliffhanger per say, but I want to know what's next. I'll be getting to the next book soon to see what happens next.



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

New Year Resolutions

Photo By: Melissa L. Hayden At: Spellbound in a Flash

Happy New Year! Hard to believe we are into 2017 already. It seems like yesterday we were just coming into 2000. Remember the scares of how computers and all were going to fail? Yea, look at us now. lol.

I don't do resolutions often. I struggle with them because life has been known to change drastically in one year. To many times life has taken a hard right, or left, without letting me know it's coming. But I'm going to try to make a few resolutions this year. Some things I would really like to do and accomplish.


1)  Exercise more. I was content with maintaining my weight last year, at least not gaining any more. Which I did. Now, this year, I'd like to lose some weight. Not much, but some. I'm still going to the gym two days a week to workout with weights. But I'd like to add some treadmill time at least three more days a week.

2)  Write/edit through the year. I know they say write daily, but I feel as I get stressed when I write daily. It's like my brain needs to digest and move on. So, I'm going to get back to what helped keep me moving best in the past, writing every other day. (This, of course, will then take a back seat when I have editing jobs, which will be done daily.) Learn more details on what I'll be working on in my Resolutions post at Challenged Writers blog.

I've been thinking. I don't know if there is someone out there in the same boat as me with writing that wouldn't mind connecting and helping each other stay on track. We can check in on each other, motivate, and chat a couple times a week via Twitter, Facebook, email, or some sort of social media.

3)  Blog and blog visit every other day. This goes hand in hand with my writing. On the off days of writing, I'll be blog visiting.

4)  Post pictures at Spellbound in a Flash weekly. You remember this site right? I started it to share my love for photography. I've been so crazy busy with life and holidays that I haven't posted. (I have several posts to do!) I want to do a post a week, or every other week, of images I've recently taken or use old images to share.

One thing that I've noticed, weekends are my off days. lol. My husband and son and I are all together at this time, and I take advantage of it. We spend time together, so these are the days that I will probably not do above items most of the time.

I know, these are all generic items. Nothing specific in the way of goals to accomplish. But, this is what I need to start with and work with through the year. If you are curious about my more detailed writing resolutions, check out my post at Challenged Writers blog.

Audio Book Review: H.A.L.F.: The Makers

H.A.L.F.: The Makers

By:  Natalie Wright

Publish Date:  April 7, 2016, Audiobook Release November 10, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 12 hrs 27 mins
Narrated By:  Dylan White

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  2nd H.A.L.F. series: 1st Book ~ The Deep Beneath

Impression:  Things may not be brighter on the other side...

Synopsis:
"The Makers" is the follow-up to Natalie Wright's multiple award-winning debut science fiction novel "H.A.L.F.: The Deep Beneath." "We've seen grey aliens on T.V. and in movies. We may think we know all about them. But what if everything we think we know is wrong?" Erika Holt dodged death and departed Earth in an alien ship. It wasn't how she'd planned to spend her senior year. Is Erika on her way to paradise? Or to a hell worse than the underground lab she escaped? The greys rescued Tex from A.H.D.N.A. and promised him a life he could never have imagined. But what will he have to give up to become one with The Conexus? Jack Wilson is still Commander Sturgis' prisoner, but a promise of freedom comes from an unlikely source. Will his liberation cost more than he's willing to pay? Caught up in their personal battles and focused on our war with the grey aliens, will any of them realize the true threat that looms over us all before it's too late?

First Sentence:
The cold void that had swallowed Erika's scream as she entered the alien ship enveloped her.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

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.

Erika, Tex, Ian, and Dr. Randall are pulled through the light to the alien ship, or so they think is a ship. But things are as Tex suspected from what he'd heard. There is more and they need to survive and get home to help save the world. Jack was rejected by the light and facing the changes at A.H.D.N.A. Changes that are not good for the world. Jack must work with those he doesn't know to break out the one person that recently threatened his life, Commander Sturgis. She holds knowledge that is going to be needed in what's to come.

Dylan White is a new voice for me. He does well with different voice tones and personality to share the feel of the characters as they speak. I did find that the volume, in which the recording was done, was very quiet. I had to turn this book up louder than many of my other audio books to hear all the words that were spoken. But I enjoyed the story that Dylan voiced for us.

We start exactly where the first book ends. Our characters moving on with the unknown that's about to happen to them.

POV is through a few different eyes: Erika, Commander Sturgis, Jack, Tex, and U'Vol. All are at different places and witnessing or experiencing different things in the world. Erika is taken with Ian, Dr. Randell, and Tex by the aliens. However, Tex is separated from them. Jack was rejected in the taking, and is left on land with Commander Lillian Sturgis, but Commander Sturgis is arrested and none know Jack is there. U'Vol is a new character for us, an alien of a different world. I have a feeling U'Vol will become more important in the next book, especially after the last chapter with him in this book.

Each character has an important rule to play in this book. Erika sees the side of what's being done to her and her friends and works to escape where they are. Tex is wanted by the aliens, Conexus, because of how he was created and could help them. He also gives us the view of what's happened and what the Conexus is and wants. Commander Sturgis only has a few sections, but she knows there is trouble coming and will do anything to protect the world, and her knowledge is needed. Jack is on Earth and working with new characters to save the one person he didn't think he'd ever want to see again, then to save the world. Then there is U'Vol. I won't say much of him as he's new and an interesting view into things to happen.

Where I felt the first book was similar to many alien stories, this one was more impressive. Sure there are some spots that are common, but the story here feels to move to a new level. There are interesting connections between where Erika, Ian, Dr. Randell, and Tex go to with the aliens and where we've been. Very interesting!

I can see small sparks of love starting through the story. The couple we originally thought would be together, could grow to learn they love others, finding the one that may fit. Or maybe not. I'm not sure how the love angle will work out in this series. They are still young after all.

The writing felt to ring home much better with me in this book. I really like the description as the story starts in Erika's POV. Wow. Well done. I feel this book has more emotion and depth to the characters than the first story. Living through these hard times and fighting to live and return home or save others has brought them all to a new level. This book felt more invested and better written to me.

The ending concludes the troubles the characters are in with this book. But, it doesn't bring us completely to an end and there are new complications to face. We will be waiting for book three to see where we end up and what happens next!



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