Got My Book

 

Yes, I'm "that person," the one who wears her headphones nearly everywhere. Whenever anyone apologizes to me for a delay, I just say,

"That's ok, I've 'Got My Book.'"

 

*****

Come join me on an Audiobook journey through the worlds of fantastical fiction, with other book related side trips.

Scary: Dr Fell's Playground of Doom | Audiobook Review

Dr. Fell and the Playground of Doom - David Neilsen, David Neilsen

A mysteriously creepy MG Fantasy

 

When the mysterious Dr. Fell moves into the abandoned house that had once been the neighborhood kids' hangout, he immediately builds a playground to win them over. But as the ever-changing play space becomes bigger and more elaborate, the children and their parents fall deeper under the doctor's spell.

 

Only Jerry, Nancy, and Gail are immune to the lure of his extravagant wonderland. And they alone notice that when the injuries begin to pile up on the jungle gym, somehow Dr. Fell is able to heal each one with miraculous speed. Now the three children must find a way to uncover the doctor's secret power without being captivated by his trickery.

 

Buy Now | +Goodreads

 

Disclosure: GMB uses affiliate links, clicking and making a purchase may result in a small commission for me.


Source: I received this book for free from the author. My opinions are my own.

 

BOOK DETAILS:

Dr. Fell and the Playground of Doom by David Neilsen, read by the author, published by Listening Library (2016) / Length: 5hrs 23min

 

SUMMARY:

I think the scariest part of this book is how alone these children are in their efforts to figure out what is happening. It is a common theme in MG & YA books that the adults are somehow not there (or the kid's fail to consult them). In this book they are there, but (for reasons I won't reveal) are of no help whatsoever. That seems worse to me somehow.

-read more-

It's That Time of the Year: Audiofile's Best Of 2016

 

I am proud to have been asked to partner with AudioFile Magazine in announcing their "2016 Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Audiobooks." For more information on their choices, in this and other genres, check out their complete multimedia 2016 Best Audiobooks E-zine. Visit between Dec 1 and Dec 16 and be entered to win a 6-month subscription to Audiobooks.com.

 

Hover over the cover to read the publisher's summary

Click the cover to open AudioFile Magazine's review

 

 

1) AGE OF MYTH by Michael J. Sullivan, read by Tim Gerard Reynolds

 

2) ALIEN: OUT OF THE SHADOWS by Tim Lebbon & Dirk Maggs, read by Multiple Narrators

 

 

3) ALL THE BIRDS IN THE SKY by Charlie Jane Anders, read by Alyssa Bresnahan

 

4) BATTLEFIELD EARTH by L. Ron Hubbard, read by a Full Cast,

 

 

5) CAPTAIN TO CAPTAIN by Greg Cox, read by Robert Petkoff

 

6) GHOST TALKERS by Mary Robinette Kowal, read by the author

 

 

 

7) JERUSALEM by Alan Moore, read by Simon Vance

 

8) MARVEL: DAREDEVIL by Kevin Smith, Joe Quesada, Richard Rohan [Adapt.], read by a Full Cast

 

 

9) SERENGETI by J.B. Rockwell, read by Elizabeth Wiley

 

10) THE CITY OF MIRRORS by Justin Cronin, read by Scott Brick

 

 

11) THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER by Harlan Ellison, read by Multiple Narrators

 

12) THE FIREMAN by Joe Hill, read by Kate Mulgrew

 

 

13) THE OBELISK GATE by N.K. Jemisin, read by Robin Miles

 

14) THE SUDDEN APPEARANCE OF HOPE by Claire North, read by Gillian Burke

 

 

15) VERSION CONTROL by Dexter Palmer, read by January LaVoy

 

Since I have been reviewing a lot of backlist titles this year, the only one of these that I have reviewed so far is Battlefield Earth. You can read my 4 star review here. Interestingly enough, when I posted this review on Amazon, I was accused of being a Scientologist shill. In actuality, the only thing I know about Scientology is what I've seen on the tabloid covers while waiting in line at the grocery store. The fact is that, regardless of the author's beliefs, this is one of the most incredible & "cinematic" audio productions I've ever listened to and fully deserves to be on any 2016 "best of" list.

 

And one more time...

I am proud to have been asked to partner with AudioFile Magazine in announcing their "2016 Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Audiobooks." For more information on their choices, in this and other genres, check out their complete multimedia 2016 Best Audiobooks E-zine. Visit between Dec 1 and Dec 16 and be entered to win a 6-month subscription to Audiobooks.com.

 

Got My Book Signature

 

Note: I am currently up to my earbuds in Cybils Awards listening, and not responding promptly to comments - sorry.

I am Contemplating Changes | Sunday Summary #29

I have begun working on my goals for 2017.

The Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer, is a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Caution: Her site has sidebar ads that sometimes contain cover images which may be offensive to some.


I am actually a bit overwhelmed contemplating all the things I would love to do with my blog in the new year. The reality is that I will probably reduce the number of regular posts I do for awhile, in order to give me time to explore other improvements & upgrades. I am already playing around with some different options for my review format. My main goals are to improve the quality of what is available on the blog and establish better social media habits.

 

I feel that by reducing the pressure to churn out posts, I can work on becoming a better blogger. Then I can increase my posting schedule again.

 


 

"Sci-Fi Month is a month-long blog event, that I [Rinn Reads] hosted for the first time in 2013, created to celebrate everything amazing about science fiction. From TV shows to movies, books to comics, and everything else in between, it was intended to help us share our love and passion for this genre and its many, many fandoms. It was such a success – and I honestly wasn’t expecting that many people to join in – that people were already asking in December whether it would be held again the next year!

 

Sci-Fi Month has a schedule that all participants can add to, meaning everyone can clearly see what is being posted each day. This also encourages participants to comment on and visit other blogs." You can also follow on Twitter @SciFiMonth and/or #RRSciFiMonth

On GMB: Last week

-read more-

An Improvement: The Alliance of Isian | Review

The Alliance of Isian: The Isian Series, Book 2 - Serena Clarke, Carolyn Kashner, Red Mountain Shadows Publishing

A pleasant, clean, YA/NA fantasy romance.

 

War is coming and all the kingdoms must choose a side. Isian decides to make an alliance with their long-time enemies in order to defeat a common enemy. So Isian sends a proposal, offering their daughter to the prince, in order to ensure an alliance. Princess Gabrielle and her new husband, Prince Alec must learn to work together and trust each other in order to triumph in the approaching war. With a mysterious beast attacking the kingdom, their lives in danger, and overcoming their vast cultural differences, will love grow despite their trials?

 

Buy Now | +Goodreads

Disclosure: GMB uses affiliate links, clicking and making a purchase may result in a small commission for me.


Source: I received this book for free from the publisher. My opinions are my own.

 

BOOK DETAILS:

The Alliance of Isian by Serena Clarke, read by Carolyn Kashner, published by Red Mountain Shadows (2016) / Length: 7 hrs 30 min

 

SERIES INFO:

This is Book #2 of 3 in the "Isian" series, but could easily be read as a standalone. Number 3 is not yet available on audio.

 

SUMMARY:

In my review for Book #1, I wrote how that book didn't really appeal to me until the final third of the story. Thankfully, this book was more enjoyable almost from the start. I still feel that there isn't anything outstanding here, and that the dialog often seems too contemporary, but it was a sweet fantasy romance.

 

I have tagged the book with diversity, as Gabrielle and her family are POC and their country has different customs & culture.

-read more-

Lost, Lamp, Light | New Audiobook Releases

New Releases

Each week there are dozens of SciFi/Fantasy audiobooks released; I highlight the most talked about and/or interesting looking ones. The first person to correctly identify which 3 books below I took the key words in the title from will get a virtual shout-out in next week's post & tweet. (I'm doing this to try and make it more fun for me to improve my titles.)

 

Disclosure: GMB uses affiliate links, clicking and making a purchase may result in a small commission for me.

Disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted, I have not read these books and thus can't give content warnings.


Due to technical difficulties I have been having with the cover images, this post covers the past two weeks. I am still occasionally experiencing disappearing & reappearing images, for which I apologize.

Buzzed About

Alternative Detective, Book #1: Steeplejack

By: AJ Hartley / Narrator: Noma Dumezweni / Pub: Audible Studios / Length: 11:25

Steeplejack

"Seventeen-year-old Anglet Sutonga, makes a living repairing the chimneys, towers, and spires of Bar-Selehm. Dramatically different communities live and work alongside one another. The white Feldish command the nation’s higher echelons of society; the native Mahweni are divided between city life and the savannah. And then there’s Ang, part of the Lani community who immigrated there generations ago and now mostly live in poverty on Bar-Selehm’s edges.

 

When Ang is supposed to meet her new apprentice, Berrit, she finds him dead. That same night the Beacon, an invaluable historical icon, is stolen. The Beacon’s theft commands the headlines, yet no one seems to care about Berrit’s murder—except for Josiah Willinghouse, an enigmatic young politician. When he offers Ang a job investigating the death, she plunges headlong into new and unexpected dangers.

 

Meanwhile, crowds gather in protests over the city’s mounting troubles. Rumors surrounding the Beacon’s theft grow. More suspicious deaths occur. With no one to help Ang except Josiah’s haughty younger sister, a savvy newspaper girl, and a kindhearted herder, Ang must rely on her intellect and strength to resolve the mysterious link between Berrit and the missing Beacon before the city descends into chaos."

Whispersync Deal Alert*: Audible = $3.99.

Buy Now | +Goodreads


Heartless

By: Marissa Meyer / Narrator: Rebecca Soler / Pub: Macmillan Audio / Length: 14:34

Heartless

"Long before she was the terror of Wonderland, she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love. Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next queen.

 

Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the king and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship. Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans."


Star Wars: Catalyst (A Rogue One Novel)

By: James Luceno / Narrator: Jonathan Davis / Pub: Random House Audio / Length: 11:15

Catalyst

 

 

"The must-have prequel novel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the upcoming film set before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, that reveals the untold story of the rebel effort to steal the plans to the Death Star."

 

 

-read more-

Will We Ever Be Better?: Little Fuzzy | Review

Little Fuzzy - H. Beam Piper, Peter Ganim

A classic Adult SF that stands up better than some but still has issues.

 

The chartered Zarathustra Company had it all their way. Their charter was for a Class III uninhabited planet, which Zarathustra was, and it meant they owned the planet lock stock and barrel. They exploited it, developed it and reaped the huge profits from it without interference from the Colonial Government. Then Jack Holloway, a sunstone prospector, appeared on the scene with his family of Fuzzies and the passionate conviction that they were not cute animals but little people.

 

Buy Now | +Goodreads

Whispersync Deal Alert*: Kindle + Audible = $1.99 (must obtain Kindle copy first, prices may change)

Disclosure: GMB uses affiliate links, clicking and making a purchase may result in a small commission for me.


BOOK DETAILS:

Little Fuzzy by H Beam Piper, read by Peter Ganim, published by Audible Studios (2009) / Length: 6 hrs 25 min

 

SERIES INFO:

This is Book #1 of the "Fuzzy Sapiens," series and the only one available on audio. Note: two of the sequels were written by Piper, with some additional ones that were written by other people. There is also a "reboot" of this novel written by John Scalzi.

 

SUMMARY:

I have been rereading a lot of classic SF now that I have a blog, and some of them have really made me cringe. This one isn't quite as bad. My biggest problem with it lies in the, I really hope we eventually outgrow such behavior, colonial attitudes. It is made clear from the beginning that proving that the Fuzzies are sentient won't mean that their planet will be given back, just that it will be governed differently.

-read more-

Balconies & Spilt Drinks: SF Movie Memories | TTT

**Today's List: (Movie freebie)**

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, “was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!”


Sci-Fi Month

 

"Sci-Fi Month is a month-long blog event, that I [Rinn Reads] hosted for the first time in 2013, created to celebrate everything amazing about science fiction. From TV shows to movies, books to comics, and everything else in between, it was intended to help us share our love and passion for this genre and its many, many fandoms. It was such a success – and I honestly wasn’t expecting that many people to join in – that people were already asking in December whether it would be held again the next year!

 

Sci-Fi Month has a schedule that all participants can add to, meaning everyone can clearly see what is being posted each day. This also encourages participants to comment on and visit other blogs." You can also follow on Twitter @SciFiMonth and/or #RRSciFiMonth


Disclosure: GMB uses affiliate links, clicking and making a purchase may result in a small commission for me.

 

I had a different post planned for today, but it didn't work out. So I decided to throw together a quick TTT list for the movie freebie week. This being Sci-Fi Month, it just had to be SF focused of course. (Since this is being done last minute, there are only 5 entries.)

 

I come from a large family that has always enjoyed movies, especially SF & Fantasy ones. Movie quotes were frequently sprinkled throughout our conversations, and quote quizzes helped keep us entertained in the car. Watching favorite movies together is still a big part of social occasions (although hard on new in-laws, since we talk to the screen a lot).

 

Here are 5 SF movies that have fun/special memories attached.

(covers link to Amazon)

 

Frequency - The first time I watched this, I thought that one of my brother's would really enjoy it also. So I got it for him as a gift. The next time I needed to get him a gift, I forgot I had already given him this and got it a second time. It wasn't until I gave it to him a third time that he said something, and that it became a family joke. Now whenever gifts come up I tell him, "actually, there's this really great movie I think you'd like..."

 

Galaxy Quest - I might not have ever seen this one if it hadn't been for a wonky double date. One of my younger brothers (not the same one as above) was trying to get a girl to go out with him and so we arranged for me & my boyfriend at the time to double with them. She ended up changing her mind though, so we brought one of my sisters along instead to keep things even. The "boys" picked the movie, and we weren't too impressed with the selection at first but ended up loving it and having a wonderful time. (That was also my first time eating at Olive Garden, though not the last since it is another sister's favorite.)

 

Independence Day

Well before the Galaxy Quest date, I took that same brother to see this movie for his birthday. He still occasionally reminds me that I spilled my drink all over him when the doctor is slammed against the glass by the alien. (That was also the first time that all the adults kept talking to my newly tall "little brother," rather than me, despite the fact that he is 10 years younger.)

 

The Return of the Jedi

This was the first movie I ever stood in line for on opening day. It was me and the rest of my family at the tiny (one smallish screen) theater closest to the "middle of nowhere" wide spot in the road where I grew up.

 

(The last movie I stood in line for on opening day was The Return of the King, also with my entire family. See below for "the rest of the story.")

 

The Wrath of Khan

This was the first movie I ever saw at the huge (& awesome) Cinerama theater in Seattle. It was a late night showing and we were able to grab middle seats in the front row of the balcony.

 

(The last movie I saw here was TRotK. And despite the fact that it was opening day, and I had my whole family there, we were able to grab awesome seats near the front center of the balcony.)

 

Talk to Me (pretty please)

  • What are your favorite SF movies?
  • Do you have any fun movie memories?
  • What's the most awesome theater you've been to?

--

  • If you are a first time visitor, how did you discover my blog?

Got My Book Signature


 

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I Am Experiencing Technical Difficulties | Sunday Summary #28

This was a much better week for me emotionally, but I am dealing with a couple of frustrating technological problems.

The Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer, is a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Caution: Her site has sidebar ads that sometimes contain cover images which may be offensive to some.


Thank you so much to everyone who expressed concern for my sister, the prayers and good wishes were much appreciated. She is doing better for now, and they are holding off on deciding whether or not she will need surgery.

 

I am dealing with two new problems this week, but they are more garden variety issues. I am completely unable to access my personal Yahoo email. It keeps telling me that my password is invalid. I have reset the password, I have answered the security questions. I have tried in every browser on every device I own. I was briefly able to access it on Chrome, but that didn't last. I have cleared caches & cookies, used safe mode, etc. The really frustrating thing is that I can't even get the help forum to let me post.

 

I have had other problems with Yahoo for a while now, and have decided that I will just drop it. My main concern is that I can't access it to get contact information for everyone. And I am concerned about how to change my email on official accounts, when I don't have access to the old one.

 

My other problem is that the blog has been experiencing disappearing & reappearing cover graphics. This week, for the first time in over 6 months, I didn't publish a "New Audiobook Releases" post because of it. I haven't yet been able to figure out if the problem is on the Booklikes end or the Amazon one. I have definitely learned my lesson about not including an "alt" attribute though.

 


Sci-Fi Month

 

"Sci-Fi Month is a month-long blog event, that I [Rinn Reads] hosted for the first time in 2013, created to celebrate everything amazing about science fiction. From TV shows to movies, books to comics, and everything else in between, it was intended to help us share our love and passion for this genre and its many, many fandoms. It was such a success – and I honestly wasn’t expecting that many people to join in – that people were already asking in December whether it would be held again the next year!

 

Sci-Fi Month has a schedule that all participants can add to, meaning everyone can clearly see what is being posted each day. This also encourages participants to comment on and visit other blogs." You can also follow on Twitter @SciFiMonth and/or #RRSciFiMonth

On GMB: Last week

-read more-

When Your Sanctuary is Threatened: Tris's Book | Review

Tris's Book: Circle of Magic, Book 2 - Tamora Pierce, Tamora Pierce, the Full Cast Family

This MG Fantasy doesn't shrink from the truth about Pirates.

 

Earthquake damage leaves Winding Circle vulnerable to pirate attack, so everyone - including the young mages-in-training Tris, Briar, Daja, and Sandry - is working to strengthen the community's defenses. When Tris's cousin Aymery comes to visit, he advises the "weather witch" to return to the family that exiled her, but she doesn't wish to leave her friends to face the threat without her.

As the onslaught begins, two things become terribly clear: The pirates have a powerful new weapon, and they have an accomplice within Winding Circle. But the attackers have failed to reckon with the fury of a young mage betrayed once too often and her very stubborn, very loyal friends.

 

Buy Now | +Goodreads

Disclosure: GMB uses affiliate links, clicking and making a purchase may result in a small commission for me.


 

BOOK DETAILS:

Tris's Book by Tamora Pierce, read & published by Full Cast Audio (2004) / Length: 5 hrs 31 min

 

SERIES INFO:

This is Book #2 of 4 in the original "Circle of Magic" series, all of which are available on audio. There are also additional books (only some of which are on audio) with the same characters.

 

**This review may contain spoilers for the previous book.**

 

SUMMARY:

One of the things I like best about this series is the way that the children work with & along side their adult mentors as well as together. That really starts to be solidified in this book as they make both good and bad choices in that regard.

 

Another strong point of the series is the message that choices/actions have consequences. Tris & the others continue to deal with the emotional results of the ones they make in this book for many years.

-read more-

A Soda Jerk in Space: Have Spacesuit, Will Travel | Review

Have Space Suit - Will Travel - Robert A. Heinlein, Mark Turetsky, Inc. Blackstone Audio

A Classic YA SF tale that won't be for everyone.

 

 

Kip from midwest Centerville USA works the summer before college as a pharmacy soda jerk, and wins an authentic stripped-down spacesuit in a soap contest. He answers a distress radio call from Peewee, scrawny rag doll-clutching genius aged 11. With the comforting cop Mother Thing, three-eyed tripod Wormfaces kidnap them to the Moon and Pluto.

 

 

Buy Now | +Goodreads

Disclosure: GMB uses affiliate links, clicking and making a purchase may result in a small commission for me.


Note: This version is not currently available on Audible, but physical copies can occasionally be found. The Buy links will take you to the available version.

 

BOOK DETAILS:

Have Spacesuit, Will Travel by Robert Heinlein, read & published by Full Cast Audio / Length: 8 hrs 3 min

 

SERIES INFO: This book is standalone.

 

SUMMARY:

If you have read and disliked others of Heinlein's "Juveniles," you aren't likely to appreciate this one either. But it is one of my favorites. I like the main characters alot; and, except for one section (see below), I really enjoyed their journey.

 

CHARACTERS:

Kip: The boy-next-door who goes on a marvelous adventures and proves that he's a hero. Although he is a bit "gee whiz," he's fun to spend time with. He is definitely a character who thinks, which is something I love.

-read more-

NYC is Weirder than You Thought: Enchanted, Inc | Review

Enchanted, Inc.: A Novel - Shanna Swendson, Eva Wilhelm, Audible Studios

A fluffy Adult Contemporary Fantasy that resonated with me (since I lived in NYC for 4 years, although I never saw any fairies)

 

Katie Chandler had always heard that New York is a weird and wonderful place, but this small-town Texas gal had no idea how weird until she moved there. Everywhere she goes, she sees something worth gawking at and Katie is afraid she's a little too normal to make a splash in the big city. Working for an ogre of a boss doesn't help. Then, seemingly out of the blue, Katie gets a job offer from Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc., a company that sells tricks of the trade to the magic community.

 

For MSI, Katie's ordinariness is an asset. Lacking any bit of magic, she can easily spot a fake spell, catch hidden clauses in competitor's contracts, and detect magically disguised intruders. Suddenly, average Katie is very special indeed. She quickly learns that office politics are even more complicated when your new boss is a real ogre, and you have a crush on the sexy, shy, ultra powerful head of the R&D department, who is so busy fighting an evil competitor threatening to sell black magic on the street that he seems barely to notice Katie.

 

Now it's up to Katie to pull off the impossible: save the world and - hopefully - live happily ever after.

 

Buy Now | +Goodreads

Whispersync Deal Alert*: Kindle + Audible = $6.48 (must obtain Kindle copy first, prices may change)

Disclosure: GMB uses affiliate links, clicking and making a purchase may result in a small commission for me.


BOOK DETAILS:

Enchanted, Inc by Shanna Swendson, read by Eva Wilhelm, published by Audible Studios (2014) / Length: 10 hrs 31 min

 

SERIES INFO:

This is Book #1 of 7 in the completed "Enchanted, Inc" series. All of them are available on audio.

 

SUMMARY:

I'm not a huge fan of Urban Fantasy, since I don't really like "dark" and so much of that genre merits the description. It was a real pleasure to find this comedic city based fantasy.

 

I wasn't pleased with the love triangle that developed later in the book, however.

 

CHARACTERS:

Katie: I like that she totally willing to the let the stronger people protect her from the "scary bad guys," yet jumps in whenever she can.

-read more-

Visions of the Future: Why Science Fiction is Important | My Musings

**Today's Topic: Why should we encourage and support the creation & consumption of SF for children / young adults?**

 

"Sci-Fi Month is a month-long blog event, that I [Rinn Reads] hosted for the first time in 2013, created to celebrate everything amazing about science fiction. From TV shows to movies, books to comics, and everything else in between, it was intended to help us share our love and passion for this genre and its many, many fandoms. It was such a success – and I honestly wasn’t expecting that many people to join in – that people were already asking in December whether it would be held again the next year!

 

Sci-Fi Month has a schedule that all participants can add to, meaning everyone can clearly see what is being posted each day. This also encourages participants to comment on and visit other blogs." You can also follow on Twitter @SciFiMonth and/or #RRSciFiMonth


 

For me, the path to this post began when I realized that although I identify my favorite genre as Science Fiction (SF), I actually read & own a lot more Fantasy (F). This contributed to changes I made in my posting schedule which attempts a strict alternating of SF & F reviews. Which led to my realization that it is actually much more difficult to find SF audiobooks for MG & YA readers than F ones. And most of what I do find is post-apocalyptic dystopias.

 

Don't get me wrong, Fantasy is my second favorite genre (and I also like a good dystopia). But the truth is that none of the children/teens reading fantasy today will ever get a (real) Hogwarts letter, nor find a door into Narnia. But they might become scientists, inventors, medical researchers, or space agency employees; and a few of them could even become astronauts. They could help cure cancer, improve technology, reduce hunger & poverty, and explore new worlds (in our own solar system at least).

-read more-

I Survive a Rough Week | Sunday Summary #27

The Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer, is a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Caution: Her site has sidebar ads that sometimes contain cover images which may be offensive to some.


I have a sister who has been very ill. She has had to drop all her classes for the semester and lost one of her part time jobs. As a family, we have been working together this week to make sure she has enough money for food & rent. If she ends up needing surgery, I will be taking time off work to go take care of her (my other sisters & sisters-in-law all have small children, and it would be awkward for a brother to care for her in this situation).

 

In addition, I am the supervisor of a small department at work and a personnel issue blew up this week & had to be elevated to my boss. It has been very emotionally distressing, and required a lot of extra documenting & meetings. Which is why I may not have responded to your comments nor commented back yet. And is also why there is no "Exploring Cyberspace" section in this post this week; I just wasn't able to do my usual visiting.

 

Some things I am grateful for (in honor of Thanksgiving month in the U.S., and to help me stay positive): A family that loves and takes care of each other. / Friends at work who are emotionally supportive / Blogging friends who say nice things about me on Twitter. / Blog Ahead & having some reviews etc stockpiled, so I didn't miss posting anything. / I can be proud of myself for not going on a freebie rampage (my, "don't have any money," version of retail therapy). / And most importantly, a Heavenly Father who loves me & gives me peace when I remember to ask.


 

"Sci-Fi Month is a month-long blog event, that I [Rinn Reads] hosted for the first time in 2013, created to celebrate everything amazing about science fiction. From TV shows to movies, books to comics, and everything else in between, it was intended to help us share our love and passion for this genre and its many, many fandoms. It was such a success – and I honestly wasn’t expecting that many people to join in – that people were already asking in December whether it would be held again the next year!

 

Sci-Fi Month has a schedule that all participants can add to, meaning everyone can clearly see what is being posted each day. This also encourages participants to comment on and visit other blogs." You can also follow on Twitter @SciFiMonth and/or #RRSciFiMonth

On GMB: Last week

-read more-

What is Real?: Only You Can Save Mankind | Review

Only You Can Save Mankind - Terry Pratchett, Richard Mitchley, Random House AudioBooks

A fun little MG Paranormal SF that may require some explanation of history.

 

 

As the mighty alien fleet from the very latest computer game thunders across the computer screen, Johnny prepares to blow them into the usual million pieces. And they send him a message: We surrender. They're not supposed to do that! They're supposed to die. And computer joysticks don't have 'Don't Fire' buttons. But it's only a game... isn't it. Isn't it?

 

 

Buy Now | +Goodreads

Whispersync Deal Alert*: Audible = $5.99 (must obtain Kindle copy first, prices may change)

Disclosure: GMB uses affiliate links, clicking and making a purchase may result in a small commission for me.


BOOK DETAILS:

Only You Can Save Mankind by Terry Pratchett, read by Richard Mitchley, published by Random House Audio (2011) / Length: 4 hrs 11 min (this is the Unabridged version)

 

SERIES INFO:

This is Book #1 of the "Johnny Maxwell" trilogy. All of them are available on audio.

 

SUMMARY:

Like most Pratchett book, this one is a pleasure to read for people who love interesting characters.

 

Note: It takes place during the first Gulf War; so you might need to explain who "Stormin' Norman" is, and other such things, to children who are going to read it. It isn't absolutely necessary though. The book has some interesting commentary on how the war is just another "show" to kids who have grown up with lots of different screens in their lives, and yet they can't help but be affected by it.

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Time Travel in Texas: Prom Night in Purgatory | Review

Prom Night in Purgatory: Purgatory, Book 2 - Amy Harmon, Emily Woo Zeller, Tantor Audio

A slightly confusing but wonderful YA Paranormal Romance.

 

Where does before end and after begin? Johnny Kinross is a boy from the 1950s, a boy trapped in time, and Maggie is the girl who loves him. By some miracle and against all odds, Johnny and Maggie are given a second chance at life and love. But Johnny is freed from Purgatory only to find himself in a totally different time and place, in a world full of strangers. One unsolved mystery becomes another, and Johnny and Maggie must unravel the past to have any chance at a future.

 

 

Buy Now | +Goodreads

Whispersync Deal Alert*: Kindle + Audible = $6.98 (must obtain Kindle copy first, prices may change)

Disclosure: GMB uses affiliate links, clicking and making a purchase may result in a small commission for me.


BOOK DETAILS:

Prom Night in Purgatory by Amy Harmon, read by Emily Woo Zeller, published by Tantor Audio (2014) / Length: 8 hrs 18 min

 

SERIES INFO:

This is Book #2 in the "Purgatory" duology.

 

**This review contains spoilers for the previous book.**

 

SUMMARY:

I wasn't sure that I wanted to read this. Sometimes I worry that it might be better to leave things the way they ended previously. But in the end I couldn't resist. My first time through, I wasn’t able to keep it entirely straight. But I enjoyed it enough to listen a second time. The issue is flashbacks, paranormal “dreams,” and time twisting.

 

However, and despite their issues in this book, the central romance remains a favorite.

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Charming, Captives, Curse | New Audiobook Releases

New Releases

Each week there are dozens of SciFi/Fantasy audiobooks released; I highlight the most talked about and/or interesting looking ones. The first person to correctly identify which 3 books below I took the key words in the title from will get a virtual shout-out in next week's post & tweet. (I'm doing this to try and make it more fun for me to improve my titles.)

 

Disclosure: GMB uses affiliate links, clicking and making a purchase may result in a small commission for me.

Disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted, I have not read these books and thus can't give content warnings.


Buzzed About

The Diabolic

By: SJ Kincaid / Narrator: Candace Thaxton / Pub: Simon & Schuster Audio / Length: 12:30

"Nemesis is a Diabolic, a humanoid teenager created to protect a galactic senator’s daughter, Sidonia. The two have grown up side by side, but are in no way sisters. Nemesis is expected to give her life for Sidonia, and she would do so gladly. She would also take as many lives as necessary to keep Sidonia safe.

 

When the power-mad Emperor learns Sidonia’s father is participating in a rebellion, he summons Sidonia to the Galactic court. She is to serve as a hostage. Now, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia. She must become her. Nemesis travels to the court disguised as Sidonia—a killing machine masquerading in a world of corrupt politicians and two-faced senators’ children. It’s a nest of vipers with threats on every side, but Nemesis must keep her true abilities a secret or risk everything."


Soulwood, Book #2: Curse on the Land

By: Faith Hunter / Narrator: Khristine Hvam / Pub: Audible Studios / Length: 14:04

"Before Nell Ingram met skinwalker Jane Yellowrock, she had no one to rely on, finding strength only in her arcane connection to the dark woods around her. But now she has friends in the newly formed PsyLED team to keep her grounded - even if being part of the agency responsible for policing paranormals comes with dangers of its own.

 

After training at the PsyLED academy, Nell returns home to her woods to find the land feeling sick and restless. And that sickness is spreading. With the help of her team, under the leadership of agent Rick LaFleur, Nell tries to determine the cause. But nothing can prepare them for the evil that awaits: an entity that feeds on death itself. And it wants more. "

Buy Now | +Goodreads

Haven't started this series yet? Check out Book #1

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Just Call Me Jeanene

I am a middle-aged female who lives in the U.S. Southwest.


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My Reviews Include:

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