Audiobook Rev: Princess Melia’s Plight by Julie C. Gilbert

August 17, 2021August 11, 2021 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, Audiobooks, dragons fantasy, Julie C. Gilbert, Kate Poels, my books

Narrated by Kate Poels

Run Time: 52 mins

Summary:

This is a very short fantasy story with princesses and dragons. There’s a madman trying to take over the world. His quest for power leads him first to war and then to trickery and sorcery.

Additional Comments:

Kate Poels did a lovely job with the narration. The book had over 100 auditions submitted. Among these, there were at least 8 people I could have gone with who would all have done a fantastic job.
Princess Melia’s the only child of her parents, who rule a small kingdom.
This isn’t my most serious piece.
It’s a classic fairy tale sort of story.
There’s a graphic novel version that’s also a lot of fun. The adaptation and illustrations were done by Tim Sparvero. Amazon has a slightly different sized version than the one I sent out to the printer.
It’s 100% kid safe, but also includes magic, which I know some people find objectionable.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a short, family friendly tale, give this one a go.

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Many of my 50 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Awakening – Redeemer Chronicles Book 1, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
The Holy War – Redeemer Chronicles Book 2, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
Reclaim the Darklands – Redeemer Chronicles Book 3, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
River’s Edge Ransom – Prequel to Redeemer Chronicles (Amazon) (email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)

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Devya’s Children Series Links:

Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts – short stories featuring Jillian. (Amazon) (free codes)
The Dark Side of Science – official prequel to Devya’s Children; Genetically altered kids fight for the right to live. (Amazon) (Please email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)
Ashlynn’s Dreams – Genetically altered Dream Shaper learns her gift. (Amazon) (free codes)
Nadia’s Tears – Jillian tries to awaken her sister, Nadia, from a coma. (Amazon) (free codes)
Malia’s Miracles – Jillian and her siblings try to save a friend’s mother. (Amazon) (free codes)
Varick’s Quest – Jillian and Danielle get kidnapped. Nadia’s also in trouble. (Amazon) (free codes)
More Scifi:
Reshner’s Royal Ranger (epic sci-fi) just made it there. (Amazon) (free codes)

Guardian Angel Files:

Spirit’s Bane – Allister and Mina are training to be Guardians. Satan’s out to get them. (Amazon) (free codes)
Kindred Spirits – Mina’s exiled to Earth. Allister’s stuck in the Heavens. (Amazon) (free codes)

4.45/5 Stars Coffin Creek by Ben Bridges

August 2, 2021July 30, 2021 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, Audiobooks, Western Ben Bridges, Coffin Creek, Western

Narrated by J. Rodney Turner

Run Time: 4 hrs and 11 mins

Summary:

Starts with a bang, ends with a bang. A train robbery that ends tragically with several deaths is just one of a long string of robberies perpetrated by several masked men. Lane was once a gunslinger but had that beaten out of him long ago. He may have to return to those roots to protect what and who he loves.

Additional Comments:

The back cover copy does a thorough job of spelling out the story. You’re better off NOT reading it.
This is classic western. I had to stop at one point because it seemed the bad guys were getting too much page time.
Performance was solid. I’d listen to the narrator again.
It weaves a halfway decent mystery in and around the high action.
Fairly clean. Oh, there’s plenty of violence, but nothing is really described in gruesome detail.
Lane’s likable. The Marshall’s niece is likable. There’s not much memorable about anybody else, even the bad guys, but I don’t think it’s mean to be a story where you fall deeply in love with every character.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a classic, high action Western, this is a good choice.

Audiobook Promotions …

Many of my 44 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

Path to the Chosen Redeemer by Julie C. Gilbert

August 1, 2021July 20, 2021 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, Audiobooks, Fantasy, middle grade Aeris Legends, fantasy, Julie C. Gilbert, Middle grade, Young Adult

This is the box set cover … Individual audiobooks have their own covers.

River’s Edge Ransom, Aeris Legends Books 1-3, and Redeemer Chronicles

Note: There’s no rating b/c these are my books.

Summary:

River’s Edge Ransom tells the tale of what happened in the Bereft village of River’s Edge. That incident sets many things into motion. Things that lead to Redeemer Chronicles. On the surface, it’s a story about greed and sibling rivalry. It’s got a little magic and mystery.

Aeris Legends Books 1-3 continues weaving the backstory for Marina Castaloni, Daniel Saveron, and Jackson Castaloni.

Redeemer Chronicles switches gears in several ways. The biggest, most notable switch is a flip to first person narration. Awakening picks up immediately after The Lady’s Grace. Vic starts on her journey to find her father. It’s also where we really start to get to know her, Katrina, Tellen, and Shadow. They show up in Aeris Legends as children, but those stories aren’t truly theirs.

Additional Comments:

These are my books, so the rating’s going to be extremely biased.
Teralyn Davis’s performance was spectacular on all 4 of the first stories. She’s got a very impressive range of voices in her. (Raelyn is one of my favorite voices.)
Caitlin Jacques was actually the first narrator hired to do one of the stories. Awakening was written first. I lost touch with her after that book though, so Jacqueline DeGraff picked up where Caitlin left off for The Holy War and Reclaim the Darklands. Both women did a stellar job with their assignments.
There are a few production (2-ish) mistakes that made it through to the final version of Aeris Legends, but I’m pretty sure people who aren’t me and/or don’t have a manuscript in front of their faces might only catch one of them.
Story: Aeris Legends is kid-safe, but the main characters aren’t kids. The MCs in Redeemer Chronicles, which this was meant to lead to, are teenagers. Aeris Legends is the backstory for Vic’s parents and scheming uncle.
If you’re willing to review the book, I might still have a free code for some of these stories. I am likely out of Redeemer Chronicles unless you’re willing to do Author’s Direct codes. Audible ones are likely gone.

Conclusion:

I generally don’t end books on cliffhangers, but this one was always meant to dump the reader right on Redeemer Chronicles’ doorstep. If you want the full Aeris tale, you’ll have to continue on to get Vic’s tale (and the story for Shadow, Tellen, Sara, and Katrina) in Awakening, The Holy War, and Reclaim the Darklands.

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Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

4.5/5 Stars Ace Carroway and the Great War by Guy Worthey

July 29, 2021July 20, 2021 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, Audiobooks, historical Ace Carroway, Guy Worthey, Keira Grace

Narrated by Keira Grace

Run Time: 2 hrs and 53 mins

Summary:

At the beginning of the Great War, Cecilia Carroway lies about her age and enlists as a pilot. She makes a name for herself by being excellent at it, but one day, she’s forced to land on an enemy runaway. She meets several colorful fellow prisoners, and together, they hatch a plan to escape.

Additional Comments:

Ace is an overpowered but very fun character. She’s good at languages, flying, hand-to-hand combat, forming plans, and finding trouble.
The performance works, but I still find duet audiobooks odd. Keira Grace fits the main character very well, and the high number of male characters makes it fitting to have a man voice them. I suppose it could be her, but I highly doubt it. That’d be some range.
The description pretty much spells out the story, but it also has a newsy feel to it that fits the story well.
Even with only 5 male side characters, it’s kind of hard to keep who’s who straight.
You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate the story.
I’m guessing the rest of the series is worth checking out.
They have the general feel of old school Nancy Drew books. You know you’re in for a perfect character, but you can still enjoy the ride as she gets into and out of trouble, meeting cool people along the way.

Conclusion:

Solid historical fiction with fun characters.

Audiobook Promotions …

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

4/5 Stars Mass Effect Andromeda: Annihilation by Catherynne M. Valente

July 20, 2021June 24, 2021 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, Audiobooks, scifi Catherynne M. Valente, Mass Effect, Tom Taylorson

Narrated by Tom Taylorson

Run Time: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Summary:

The ship carrying Quarian, Batarians, Elcor, and Drell falls under a biological catastrophe. Is it accidental or criminal? How can they fight something never encountered in the history of every sentient race?

Additional Comments:

The book blurb is absolutely, unequivocally useless. Blah, blah, blah, these are great books. Okay, great, and agreed, these are excellent books, but what the heck is this one about?
5/5 Stars Performance: The narrator had to work super hard, but I am glad that the Volus didn’t have more dialogue. That breathing thing got annoying.
I’m not sure I’ve ever read a Mass Effect book that didn’t have a human as a main character. Pretty sure that was a requirement of the book. They went to the author and were like, you get to write a book that doesn’t have one human in it. Have fun. It’s been a while since I played any ME games. Had to pull on some memories to remember how these races ticked.
But they do know f-bombs and use them liberally. That’s a mark of any ME book, but it’s surprising that in the vast knowledge of curses, they couldn’t think of 1 unique word to use.
The mystery’s rather straightforward as is the conclusion.
Not exactly a great time in the world to be reading about a rampant virus recking havoc, but whatever.
I’m surprised at how little straightforward violence was perpetrated in the book. That’s unusual for a ME book. Still, the enemy’s real.

Conclusion:

A terrifying mystery that’s more than whodunit. There’s a disease on the loose and the main characters are running out of time to contain it.

Audiobook Promotions …

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

Audiobook Reviews 4.25/5 Stars Mass Effect: Initiation by Mac Walters, N.K. Jemisin

July 17, 2021June 24, 2021 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, Audiobooks, scifi Fryda Wolff, Mac Walters, N.K. Jemisin

Narrated by Fryda Wolff

Run Time: 8hrs and 13 mins

Summary:

Cora Harper, a powerful human biotic, takes on the job of recovering some valuable stolen data.

Additional Comments:

– I have the paperback for this book and just never finished it. I tried on and off for like 4 years. Just didn’t get into it.

– The audiobook expel was much better than the paperback one.

– Freda Wolff fit the character very well. SAM-E’s voice definitely sounded female to me but it was supposed to be androgynous and Ryder called it a he. That aside, the narrator’s voice captured Harper well.

– in the grand scheme of things, this is a skippable book. It could be referenced in a paragraph. But it was overall fun to see Cora in action.

– The series does not have to be read in order. But this one has a lot more action than the Nexus Uprising one.

– There is a surprisingly small number of key characters.

Cora and SAM-E are in the bulk of the book.

Conclusion:

Good prequel but you don’t need it to understand Mass Effect Andromeda.

Audiobook Promotions …

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

5/5 Stars Skin, The X-Files Book 6 by Ben Mezrich

July 16, 2021June 24, 2021 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, Audiobooks, Paranormal, scifi Ben Mezrich, Patrick Lawlor, x-files

Narrated by Patrick Lawlor

Run Time: 8 hrs and 29 mins

Summary:

A series of fantastic, seemingly unrelated events send Mulder and Scully halfway across the world to hunt down a legend.

Additional Comments:

Story has great flow. There are a lot of seemingly unrelated things happening, but they don’t feel contrived.
The murders are brutal but plausible.
There’s good action and danger for our hero and heroine.
There are only mild hints of conspiracy on this one.
Soldiers disappearing during the Vietnam war isn’t that far-fetched.
Mulder and Scully get to travel. They seem to be doing a lot of that.
Science and supernatural collide in many X-Files. This one happens to favor more science than supernatural, but there’s still a decent mix of the two.
Content Warnings: Some disturbing content. It’s not described in too much gruesome detail, but there’s definitely a creepy killer on the loose in this one.

Conclusion:

Probably the strongest in the series so far. It’s got classic X-Files vibes and creepy killers and scifi crazy science. Nice combo.

Audiobook Promotions …

Many of my 51 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

4.5/5 Stars Antibodies, The X-Files Book 5 by Kevin J. Anderson

July 15, 2021June 24, 2021 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, Audiobooks, mystery, scifi Kevin J. Anderson, Patrick Lawlor, x-files

Narrated by Patrick Lawlor

Run Time: 7 hrs and 48 mins

Summary:

Is it a miracle cure or a deadly plague? This tale sets Mulder and Scully frantically searching the backwoods of Oregon to find a young boy and his mother who might be in grave danger.

Additional Comments:

Nanotechnology is always fascinating, especially in an X-Files book, where it’s sure to wreck all sorts of havoc.
This story might have a hair more action than the other books in the series.
I enjoyed the pursuit of Jody and his mother.
Have to love that the dog’s name is Vader.
There are fun vestiges of sneaky government agencies within agencies. Have to appreciate the classic conspiracy vibes all over this one.
Still a little weird to have the books feel so dated even though they’re scifi and paranormal.

Conclusion:

I forgot how much I loved this show (at least the first 6 seasons). Great series.

Audiobook Promotions …

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

4.5/5 Stars The X-Files Ruins by Kevin J. Anderson

July 14, 2021June 24, 2021 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, Audiobooks, scifi Kevin J. Anderson, Mulder, Patrick Lawlor, Scully, x-files

Narrated by Patrick Lawlor

Run Time: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Summary:

Cassandra Rubicon and her archaeology team disappear in Mexico while investigating a new and exciting dig through some ancient Mayan ruins.

Additional Comments:

Several other groups have a keen interest in the dig, or at least the many priceless artifacts that it holds.
Mulder and Scully draw the case to investigate the disappearances.
The police chief seems unhelpful. The guide seems unreliable. Both might have their own agendas. A team of US commandos get assigned to destroy the ruins because evidence suggests that it’s a base of some sort.
The young archaeologist’s father insists on going to search for her. As he’s an experienced archaeologist himself, it’s allowed.
The plot’s not all that complex, but it is believable in an unbelievable sort of charming x-files way. I might have read the book ages and ages ago. Definitely forgot it.
I enjoyed the performance. There weren’t all that many characters, so the narrator didn’t have to stretch his lexicon of voices too much. He kept a nice cadence and distinguished characters well.
Content Warnings: no curse words or unnecessary adult scenes. Some violence.
Mulder is right but can’t prove it, of course.
This has the original flavor of the series from eons ago.

Conclusion:

Satisfying X-Files tale.

Audiobook Promotions …

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

4/5 Stars Ground Zero, The X-Files Book 3 by Kevin J. Anderson

July 13, 2021June 24, 2021 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, Audiobooks, Paranormal, scifi Kevin J. Anderson, Patrick Lawlor

Narrated by Patrick Lawlor

Run Time: 8 hrs and 24 mins

Summary:

Dr. Gregory dies a gruesome death in his own lab. A second victim dies similarly on the other side of the country out in the middle of nowhere. A third victim gets struck in Washington, D.C. This one has some ties to nuclear research.

Additional Comments:

Definitely of the paranormal flavor. A wee bit of government conspiracies thrown in.
Revenge is best served stone cold, I guess.
Mulder and Scully poke around, but they’re not even sure what kinds of questions to ask. They keep getting stonewalled by government officials. Not even their FBI clearances will pull back the curtain and shed light on the super-secret project.
I don’t really like the researcher who turned protestor, but I do sort of like her fate. It’s oddly fitting but horrific at the same time.
I liked the little bits of Scully’s past being tied in.
Gee, you probably don’t want to be the person who opens one of these books because you’re gonna die in a gruesome manner.
Patrick Lawlor’s performance works swell. He doesn’t attempt to go full falsetto for women, but you can still tell when the speaker is a lady.
Mulder and Scully take on a hurricane. Nice. I enjoyed the conversation Mulder has with the kid who answers the phone number he’s not supposed to have.

Conclusion:

No need to hear these in order. There is zero link between the stories, but they’re all uniquely fun in their own twisted little way.

Audiobook Promotions …

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files: