Special Edition Review 4/5 Stars The Batman (2022)

pic is screenshot of what Google said about who was in the movie.

Starring:

Robert Pattinson, Zoe Kravitz, etc (did not see Farrell in Penguin, props to makeup dept.)

Summary:

A darker sort of Batman that relies heavily upon nostalgia and twists.

Additional Comments:

First the complaints:

  • It was too darn long. That’s probably going to be a recurring theme in my review. You remember back in the day when Return of the King had a nice, lovely ending, and then the movie went on and on and on for another hour? Yeah, like that.
  • It had some super weird camera angles and unnecessary very long sections of just seeing a flashlight or several flashlights as somebody chased somebody somewhere. It’s like the director was like, ya know what would make this awesomer? Let’s shoot it with a Go-Pro because everybody wants to feel like they’re a fly on the man’s ear along for the ride.
  • The Riddler seemed godlike in his knowledge. Okay, so I stepped out to use the restroom, so they might have explained how he knows what he knows, but that’s because it was 3 flipping hours.

Now the Weird/Odd/Neutral/Gratuitous:

  • Pattinson with the mask on is fine. He’s got a suitably chiseled jaw for the job.
  • Pattinson without the mask needed a freaking haircut. He was pushing the emo, rich boy thing a little too hard.
  • This version of Batman was a tad gullible and spent the entire movie chasing one thing after another.
  • The chase scene was an exercise in blowing up stuff just to make the batmobile look cooler. (It worked, but my personal enjoyment was interrupted by some really weird camera angles.)

What they did right:

  • Catwoman and her relationship with Batman, sort of good, sort of misunderstood, sort of bad.
  • Alfred and his relationship with Bruce.
  • General fight scenes were fine.

Conclusion:

It’s worth seeing. I don’t know if it’s worth seeing multiple times.

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Have You Tried Kindle Vella Yet?

Christmas Shorts – (Mystery, thriller, Christian, suspense; Ongoing; story 1 is complete) Only one story right now, but will be a collection of short stories with characters from across my series. Typically, FBI agents with personal drama. Might feature an abundance of cute puppies.

The Minder Project Season 1 – (scifi, genetic engineering, superpowers; shares characters with Dustin’s Decision, Updated Wednesdays) The government gave her genetic Gifts. Now, it wants what it paid for from the program.

5 Steps to Better Dialogue – (nonfiction, writing skills; Complete) I feel like nonfiction titles should come with spoiler tags. This is a book for writers seeking to learn more about the creation of realistic characters and dialogue.

Assassin School Season 1 – (thriller, YA; Complete) Teen spies try to survive the rigorous training and other drama as powerful people battle to control the Ghost children.

Dustin’s Decision Devya’s Children Book 5 – (YA scifi, shares characters with The Minder Project; Complete) Genetically altered teens struggle to navigate the murky world and control their Gifts.

4.5/5 Schifflebein’s Folly by Iris Chacon

pic from audible

Narrated by Jenny Hoops

Runtime: 4hrs and 12 min

Summary:

Lloyd Schifflebein’s lifelong goal of being a dad is about to happen, but then, greed and corruption reach out and try to ensnare him from the shadows.

Additional Comments:

  • Not sure you needed the talking teapot angle to tell the story, but it did add a different spin.
  • The family is chaotic but perfect.
  • Conclusion is satisfying.
  • Charlie is a lovely side character.
  • cover is creepy.
  • Performance was nicely handled. I still have Jenny Hoops type cast as Louise Pearle, but she’s done a few good tales for Iris Chacon too.

Conclusion:

If you are in the mood for something weird and light, this is an excellent choice.

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Audiobook Promotions …

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Many of my 57 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.

Review copies for many titles are available from StoryOrigin.

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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Aeris Legends Books 1-3 ~17 hrs of epic fantasy. (Request a Review Copy)

4/5 Free as a Bird by Missy Tarantino

pic from audible

Narrated by Julie McCarthy

Run Time: 6 hrs and 20 mins

Genre: Foster Care, Family Drama

Summary:

Destiny’s had a rough life so far. Her mother is a hot mess and pretty much neglects the kid. Eventually, she enters the foster care system. The road to a forever home is fraught with mistrust, bratty behavior, and both conditional and unconditional love.

Additional Comments:

– Parts of the book were extremely annoying to listen to. Content-wise, don’t think most of the beginning was made to be comfortable, so that’s as designed. Some of the kid-voices were downright painful (part because the kid/character was screeching and/ or throwing a tantrum), but otherwise, it was handled fine. You could tell if a male or female was speaking.

– The bird rehabilitation angle was cool.

– The social worker’s a saint.

– The final family is super patient. I liked the fact that at least one family didn’t work out for the kid, not for anybody’s fault. That’s life, so it’s important to show that sometimes it’s nobody’s fault.

– I think it’s probably (sadly) accurate for some older foster kids who bounce from home to home because they’re behavior is awful, or they’re just too old for most couples looking to adopt want to tackle. In that sense, it’s a powerful book.

– The end works out swell. You kind of know that will happen if you read the description.

Conclusion:

If you can handle a rough beginning, it’s ultimately a touching and powerful book.

Get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Audiobook Promotions …

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Many of my 57 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.*

Review copies for many titles are available from StoryOrigin.

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)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DC-set-ad-1024x536.jpg

Books 1-4 were re-released in audiobook form in 2021.
Ashlynn’s Dreams – Genetically altered Dream Shaper learns her gift. (Amazon) (Request a Review Copy)
Nadia’s Tears – Jillian tries to awaken her sister, Nadia, from a coma. (Amazon) (Request a Review Copy)
Malia’s Miracles – Jillian and her siblings try to save a friend’s mother. (Amazon) (Request a Review Code)
Varick’s Quest – Jillian and Danielle get kidnapped. Nadia’s also in trouble. (Amazon) (Request a Review Code)
More Scifi:
Reshner’s Royal Ranger (epic sci-fi) just made it there. (Amazon) (click for sample)
If you’re all in and want to review the entire trilogy (~35 hrs!) go here.

Aeris Legends Books 1-3 ~17 hrs of epic fantasy. (Request a Review Copy)

4/5 Stars The Sweet Shop of Second Chances by Hannah Lynn

pic from audible

Narrated by Poppy Royana

Run Time: 7 hrs and 24 mins

Summary:

Holly Berry impulsively returns to her hometown and tries to buy the candy shop she worked in as a kid. What follows is a series of fortunate and unfortunate events.

Additional Comments:

– There wasn’t enough of a relationship with Dan to make his betrayal have any sort of sting. I get that the author needed to get to the current tale, but it just sort of made me question the MC’s judgment from the get-go.

– The main character’s kind of dumb. Especially near the end, she makes a lot of assumptions. Plus, if some obviously rich dude sweeps in and takes you to a uber fancy, crazy expensive place, then offers to pay the bill, your line is thank you, not I insist on paying my half with the bill not even seen.

– Not sure how the book got qualified as a romance. It’s super slow building. Not sure anything happens of significance until well into the third act.

– Characters are mostly endearing. Holly’s the sort of normal young adult you can root for.

– It’s more a slice of life sort of book than a romance, let alone a romantic comedy. I think I laughed like 2x.

– There’s a bit of mystery, but it’s not billed as a mystery.

– The bad guys stay pretty nebulous.

– I do like that there are two sides to every story and it comes down to who do you believe.

– Well narrated. I’m American. I’m a sucker for a British accent.

– Content Comments: There are a few curse words, and the opening scene almost crossed the line of clean/not clean, but mostly, it’s a clean book. Just not squeaky clean.

– Not really sure how this could be turned into a series. Things wrap up pretty well.

Conclusion:

Easy to listen to. Light read. Only wanted to punch a character once or twice. Hinted at a happily ever after, so it’s all good.

Get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Audiobook Promotions …

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Many of my 57 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.*

Review copies for many titles are available from StoryOrigin.

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)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DC-set-ad-1024x536.jpg

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Books 1-4 were re-released in audiobook form in 2021.
Ashlynn’s Dreams – Genetically altered Dream Shaper learns her gift. (Amazon) (Request a Review Copy)
Nadia’s Tears – Jillian tries to awaken her sister, Nadia, from a coma. (Amazon) (Request a Review Copy)
Malia’s Miracles – Jillian and her siblings try to save a friend’s mother. (Amazon) (Request a Review Code)
Varick’s Quest – Jillian and Danielle get kidnapped. Nadia’s also in trouble. (Amazon) (Request a Review Code)
More Scifi:
Reshner’s Royal Ranger (epic sci-fi) just made it there. (Amazon) (click for sample)
If you’re all in and want to review the entire trilogy (~35 hrs!) go here.

Aeris Legends Books 1-3 ~17 hrs of epic fantasy. (Request a Review Copy)

(Movie Review) 4/5 Stars: Free Guy

Free guy movie poster

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Joe Keery, and Taika Waititi

Summary:

It’s a bit like Edge of Tomorrow meets Leverage meets Inception meets a guy having an existential crisis. There are several layers to the movie. It attempts to find the balance between telling a fun story and a meaningful story. Mostly, it succeeds, but there are some jokes that fall incredibly flat. Okay, so there are a lot of jokes that fall flat.

Additional Comments:

  • The movie is a very odd mix of colorful characters.
  • There’s an inner and an outer story, which can be a lot of fun. They found a decent balance between the two. In the inner story, Guy is an NPC (Non Playable Character) in a video game called Free City. In the outer story, a woman is trying to prove that the guy who runs free city, stole her AI system to do it. The guy who helped her build that system now works for the jerk that stole the work.
  • I’m not a huge Ryan Reynolds fan, but he fits the character guy pretty well. And the movie was well done over all.
  • I enjoyed the fact that you could take the movie as a superficial fluff piece or as a deeper, more complex study of the meaning of life.
  • The bad guy in the outer story is over-the-top, money hungry.
  • The outer story love angle was cute. Predictable but cute.
  • The deal at the end sort of doesn’t make sense, but whatever. Probably their bid for a sequel.

Conclusion:

Not exactly a movie I would see a dozen times, but well-worth the effort to watch.

If you want to get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Audiobook Promotions …

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Many of my 55 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)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DC-set-ad-1024x536.jpg

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)

Never Again by Julie C. Gilbert

Picture from Audible

Narrated by Jarret Lemaster

Run time: 2 hrs and 37 mins

Summary:

Alana Adams catches her boyfriend, Nathan, kissing another woman. To Alana, that’s a deal breaker, so she promptly dumps Nathan. Her best friend, Jacob, cheers. Things should be bright, cheery, and perfect, but they’re not. Nate starts stalking Alana.

Additional Comments:

  • This story started as a Kindle Worlds tale. I modified it to get it to become its own thing.
  • I meant for it to be a series, but currently, it’s the first and only in its series. Originally, another Kindle Worlds spinoff tale, Money Makes it Deadlier, was part of this series. However, that not only became its own thing, it exploded into a 10 book series of novellas featuring FBI Special Agent Megan Luchek. Perhaps one day, I’ll get to return to some of these characters and explore where life takes them.
  • Anybody familiar with my work knows I write a lot about kidnappings. Stalking is another matter entirely. This might be my only story featuring that. I’m not opposed to writing more on the subject, but it is kind of a creepy one to tackle.
  • Jarret’s performance hit many high points perfectly. The general tone throughout the writing edges toward light-hearted, despite the weighty topic.
  • I don’t usually include trigger warnings, but if you can’t handle some creepiness, maybe try one of my other tales.

Conclusion:

It’s a relatively short story about a girl being stalked by her ex.

If you want to get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Audiobook Promotions …

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is rc-1-3-audio-ad-1024x536.jpg

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)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DC-set-ad-1024x536.jpg

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)

4/5 Stars Borderline Beautiful by Dr. Jason Ohler

pic from audible

Narrated by Kathleen Li

Run Time: 7 hrs and 10 mins

*Disclaimer: this is not a book I would have picked up from the description.

*Mild spoilers possible in discussion.

Summary:

Felicia and Matt embark on an odd relationship experiment in an attempt to do some good and deal with pain from their pasts.

Additional Comments:

  • 3/5 Plot: There’s not much action. Okay, so there’s zip in terms of action. Some references to past action, but absolutely nothing in the current timeline. But there’s still a series of events that unfold and character choices being made here. A lot of it is far-fetched, but then again, many books have far-fetched plots. They talk. They space out. They talk some more, walk in the woods, and talk some more.
  • 2.5/5 Suspension of Disbelief (Coincidences Abound): So, the MC insults a bunch of academics, and this alone gets the other MC to like her immensely? The MC also is a mathematical genius and just happens to meet an abused kid who’s a mini-me?
  • 4/5 Main Characters: Felicia’s mood swings are interesting, but I probably would have put the book down ¼ in because of them. Her past is tragic, yet her mathematical genius lets her sort of cope. Matt’s an angel. He’s fun to read about but he’s preposterously OP’d when it comes to “good” and “desirable mating skills” if you want to be coldly clinical about it. (Tall, handsome, former soldier, wounded warrior, hero, can cook amazingly, can build stuff, etc) Nicole’s probably the most realistic character, math genius thing aside. She’s a survivor, but not a fighter.
  • This is a personal bias, but I don’t really like flashbacks and this book is about 80% flashbacks.
  • 4/5 Unique factor. Not sure I’ve ever read a book with a MC with Borderline personality disorder.
  • 3/5 Felicia’s and Nicole’s tragic pasts are WAY too similar. To be clear, it’s not hard to believe that two girls growing up face sexual assault and abuse, that’s just a sad part of society. What’s hard to sort is the other details. Abusive brothers. Deadbeat dads. Mothers who tried to save them. Helping along the drug trade but certainly not partaking of drugs.
  • 4/5 Reading: Solid performance.
  • 4/5 Ending: Everything works out perfectly. Yay. Happy endings. While that’s to be expected, I think everybody was too accommodating. Not one person who heard their plans was like y’all out of your blessed, naïve little heads?
  • Content Warnings: Talk of abuse. Random curse words.

Conclusion:

It’s an odd, but oddly beautiful modern fairy tale wherein two wounded people unite to save a third.

Audiobook Promotions …

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is rc-1-3-audio-ad-1024x536.jpg

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)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DC-set-ad-1024x536.jpg

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)

3.5/5 Stars Those Who Wait by Milo James Fowler

Narrated by Gina Marie Davies

Narration 4 stars; story 3 stars

Run Time: 10 hrs and 56 minutes

*mild spoilers possible in discussion

Summary:

Jillian’s vacation quickly turns into a nightmare. She ends up hurt and stuck in a cabin with a scary mountain dude and his hell hound.

Additional Comments:

  • Main character 3.5/5 stars: Jillian’s okay as a main character. She comes across as the quintessential “good girl” who gets in way over her head. She’s somebody you can root for, but there were many, many points in this book where I could only shake my head and wonder how the kid got so dumb. That level of dumb is kinda hard to achieve.
  • Villain 3/5 stars: He fits his role well.
  • Content Warning: This is clearly not a Christian book. There are some Christian views expressed, but as is, with them being expressed by the cannibalistic, backwards, hick holding the MC captive for 4/5 ths of the book, it skews a lot of the views.
  • 2.5/5 Stars Plot and Pacing: There are some cool twists, but the book seems to go on forever for no good reason. If about 4 hours were cut of random conversations with the crazy dude or descriptions of the MC being dumb or hobbling here and there, would have been much better. You definitely need some of that, but the amount of that just seemed excessive. Even the beginning part was insanely slow. I think it took an hour for them to drive up to the cabin.
  • 4/5 Stars Narration: Nicely performed. Characters are distinguishable, which is tough seeing that there were 4 teenage girls right off the bat.
  • 2.5/5 stars Sense of closure: Eh, it’s okay. It’s not exactly a “happy ending.” Guess I’m just a sucker for happy endings. I think it may have been angling for a sequel.
  • Content Warning: It’s been a few weeks, so I honestly can’t remember if this one had any cursing in it. I do remember it has quite a few gruesome injuries to various characters.  

Conclusion:

Long thriller with some decidedly dull sections. Last quarter had a lot of action and decent suspense though, so if you’re willing to put in the time investment, you may enjoy this book.

Audiobook Promotions …

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is rc-1-3-audio-ad-1024x536.jpg

Many of my 42 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)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DC-set-ad-1024x536.jpg

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 Long Way from Paradise by Kevin M. Kraft

pic from Audible

(Sequel to Doboro the Bottlenecker)

Narrated by Todd A. Thompson

Summary:

Doboro (the reborn Dave Granger) tries to lay low by staying with a friend in a small town, hoping his enemies will move on to bigger and better things. But the traveling blues singer and guitarist can’t just stand by when trouble springs up in the peaceful town of Paradise.

Additional Comments:

  • 4.5/5 Stars Characters: They’re not always super realistic, but most are awesome all the same. Doboro, the hero, is a blind guy who can whip a sword out from his walking cane. Not realistic. Still very cool. His friend Summer Winter is a hot mess. That probably is more realistic, but she’s likable, even if a bit of a hopeless romantic. Drew’s really only got a bit part in this book, but I’m betting she’ll be back in a greater capacity sometime in the future.
  • 4/5 Stars Plot: If this book was one’s only exposure to small town America, you’d think everybody studied martial arts, got into sword fights, and had to rescue damsels in distress from street punks. There’s certainly a high amount of action in here, which I count an improvement over the last book. (The first story had to do a lot of setup in telling how Doboro came to be. That put a lot more emphasis on the character development and less on action plot points.)
  • Can you read this as a standalone? I believe so though you will enjoy it more having already known some of the characters. It’s definitely a self-contained story. I listened to the first story and still felt a bit dropped into the story because Summer Winter and Doboro greeted each other like very old friends, but I think they referred to events that happened in the time between books 1 and 2 of the series. Their interactions were natural and comfortable enough to sell the friendship.
  • Doboro’s kind of a nice-guy vigilante.
  • New characters: Mae Linn’s a nice addition to the cast. Stu’s a bit 1-dimensional, but he fulfills the role as punchable bad guy nicely.
  • What kind of a book is this? I’d categorize it as light drama with some Christian themes. There’s a little romance thrown in. (Honestly, I’m about to add chick magnet to Doboro’s resume, right up beside sword master and vigilante.)
  • Narration adds a very nice aspect. Narrator has a lovely voice.
  • The song included was at the end of the previous book. Still a cool song.
  • Favorite part? I always love the parts where Doboro’s showing the blind man magic.
  • How does this measure up to book 1? I liked it a hair more than book 1, though I enjoyed that one too. I think it’s the fact that it got right into the action without half the book being spent on creating the character/ changing everything about his world. To be clear, book 1 needed all the background. It provides excellent anchoring and reason to like the character.

Conclusion:

An excellent entry into a unique, fun series.

Audiobook Promotions …

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is rc-1-3-audio-ad-1024x536.jpg

Many of my 42 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)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DC-set-ad-1024x536.jpg

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)

4/5 Stars Thirteen Miracles: A Neurosurgeon Meets Jesus by Dean C. Lohse, M.D.

pic from audible

Narrated by Matt Christenson

Run Time: 2 hrs and 22 mins

Summary:

A short series of nonfiction “war stories” from a neurosurgeon. These are the sort of things one probably wouldn’t have talked about at the dinner table, but might chat over a long walk.

Additional Comments:

  • Each tale is started with a few Bible verses, then comes the tale, then comes the longer section of Bible verses. While I understand the pattern and the writing technique employed, I found that kind of annoying. I would rather have had the tale, the verses, and then more discussion of why the author felt the story applied to the verses.
  • Some of the ties between the Bible passages and the tales told were a tad shaky, but I think that’s mostly because the author kind of glossed over the connections between passage and story.
  • I had heard a fictional story by the same author where he worked in one of the stories, which was cool. It might have seemed far-fetched in the fiction, so it’s neat to see that life can be stranger than fiction.
  • The best part was at the end when the author shared some of his personal struggles. Though I’m not sure why he didn’t just include it in the regular portion of the story. It would have broken his lovely title, but he could very easily have retitled it.
  • Content Warning: medical descriptions of surgery can be kind of intense.
  • Performance was solid.
  • At least one story made me cry.

Conclusion:

A good series of shorts wherein the author recounts some war stories from throughout his career and ties them to various Bible passages.

Interested in a fun writing course designed for teens? Check out Storyquest Academy. (Note: affiliate link – if you sign up for the class through this link, I earn a commission … you get a great deal – win-win 😉 … seriously, most writing courses are a LOT more expensive.)

Audiobook Promotions …

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is rc-1-3-audio-ad-1024x536.jpg

Many of my 42 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)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DC-set-ad-1024x536.jpg

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)