Humpback Wednesday - Where The Hell Is Tesla? by Rob Dircks

Humpback Wednesday

Where The Hell is Tesla?

By Robert Dircks

Performed/Narrated by Robert Dircks

5 hours and 4 minutes

Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy, Sci-fi

Unabridged Audio

4.10 stars on Audible

My rating on Audible is 5.0 stars - However, if I could give 6 stars I would!!!!

Book Blurb from Audible

Publisher's Summary

Sci-fi odyssey. Comedy. Love story. And of course... Nikola tesla.

I'll let Chip, the main character, tell you more: "I found the journal at work. Well, I don't know if you'd call it work, but that's where I found it. It's the lost journal of Nikola Tesla, one of the greatest inventors and visionaries ever. Before he died in 1943, he kept a notebook filled with spectacular claims and outrageous plans. One of these plans was for an "interdimensional transfer apparatus" - that allowed someone (in this case me and my friend Pete) to travel to other versions of the infinite possibilities around us. Crazy, right? But that's just where the crazy starts."

Chip's official disclaimer: This is a work of fiction: the events depicted in the collection of emails did not happen. I have never been in contact with a covert government group attempting to suppress knowledge of the lost journal of Nikola Tesla. I have not been threatened with death if I divulge the secrets contained inside. They did not buy me this handsome jacket (oh crap, you're listening to this - trust me, it looks great on me). They did not come to my place, and liquor me up, and offer to publish this book as a sci-fi comedy novel to throw the public off the trail of the real truth.

Or did they?

I'm kidding. Of course they didn't.

Or did they?

God, I can't keep my big mouth shut.

©2015 Rob Dircks (P)2015 Rob Dircks

My Review on Audible and other sites

So, what if you found a book and had the opportunity to meet one of history's great inventors? Would you take that chance of finding him? Or finding the machine called the interdimensional transfer apparatus (Always written in caps in the book, Chip thinks 'What is that all about' ) mentioned in that journal? Well, that is what the character in Rob Dircks book "Where the Hell is Tesla?" sets out to do. 

Chip is a security guard that is bored and really does not want to be standing around or even walking around the area he is keeping safe. Chip ask an Agent at the facility if there is a desk and chair he can have to put in his area. Taking him to a room so large filled with 1000's of desk from a by-gone era. Those huge metal desk one on top of the other. Chip starts looking for that perfect desk with as little beating to it and all. Chip drags this desk back to his area along with a chair. Even though he has nothing to put in it, he begins to open the drawers. When one does not open up he gets frustrated. Well, he is just not going to look for another one. But, he finally gets the drawer open and finds a book. A book, journal by Nikola Tesla. 

Reading the journal he becomes intrigued at what he has discovers in it and calls his friend Pete. Talking his friend Pete to go to a hotel where this device is suppose to be. Oh, let's back up a bit, talks his friend Pete into paying for the opportunity to stay a night in the Tesla Room for $725 a night. Really! Well, Pete is the one with a credit card and a real job. So now the real fun begins...

So my take on this book was by far the most amusing, funniest and laugh out loud audio books I have ever listened to. Yes, I have listen to books that I will have a laugh out loud a time or two through out the book. With this book I put in the headphones and went onto cutting my grass. Good thing for the loud noise of the lawnmower since I found myself bursting out with a laugh or OMG this is so good. Robert Dircks couldn't have picked no one better than himself to narrate this book. Though I do have one other narrator/performer that could have done the task as equally well. However, Robert has what I see as his heart into a story that he gave birth to and who better than himself was able to bring the characters to life as he feels each needed to be portrayed. To bring them to the funny gathering of characters. Chip and Pete best friends through thick and thin throughout the book bring to their team a little alien guy they names Bo Bo. The comic relief that they put this poor creature thru and the attachment he has to them bring this story full circle. 

My favorite parts where whatever the titles were for each chapter also, became the RE: in the emails he is sending his girlfriend if they do not make it out. Also, the Abbott and Costello routine, WHO! I was so upbeat when I finished this book provided by the author for an honest review. I had to shoot him an email to tell him this was the funniest book I ever listen to! 

What I did not mention was that if I could give this book 6 stars I would. Purely on the comic relief through out this entire story. Two thumbs up and whatever Bo Bo would be holding up Mr. Dircks!

Do yourself a favor a short 5+ hour book! One day listen. If you are in the worst mood by the time you finish getting caught up in laughing your way thru this book. You will forget what you were so grumpy about.

This book was as stated provided by the author for an honest review. All comments are solely mine and in no way effect by others. Please leave comments, good or bad. I would love to hear from you all!

Where you can find Robert Dircks

Audible - Amazon - Goodreads - Twitter - Facebook - Website

AND 

Where you can find ME! 

Please comment below! Go to the left side of the page and follow my blog,
So you don't miss the My Tweets on Twitter, 

Facebook Group join today!, GooglePlus+ (NEW)
Goodreads profile, Audible profile for new reviews and 

Audiobook Reviewer under Joan Pavlick!

Want to see something added to my format - send me a message to 

sapphirereader25@gmail.com

Have a Great Week and Happy Listening

Joan

FRIDAY FRENZY - Crossroads: Anna Strong Series, Book 7 by Jeanne C. Stein

FRIDAY FRENZY

Crossroads: Anna Strong Series, Book 7 

by Jeanne C. Stein

Performed/Narrated Dina Pearlman

8 hours and 2 minutes

Series: Anna Strong, Book 7

Sci-fi, Fantasy, Paranormal

Unabridged Audio

4.40 rating on Audible

My rating 5.0 stars

Book Blurb from Audible

Publisher's Summary

As a bounty hunter, Anna Strong knew how to find trouble. But now that she's a vampire, trouble seems to have a knack for finding her....

The death of Anna's old vampire mentor is causing ripples in the mortal world. His forensic report has brought up some anomalies, and people are asking questions - questions that no vampire wants to answer.

Anna needs to lie low, but the sudden discovery of a slew of drained bodies near the Mexican border brings an old flame back into her life and with him, a new challenge. Then, some stunning news from an unexpected source sends Anna and her friend Daniel Frey on a journey that may change both their lives - forever.

Bite into another Anna Strong title. 

©2011 Jeanne C. Stein (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

My Review from Audible from 04/04/12

"Can't wait for the next book!"

Overall

Performance

Story

Would you consider the audio edition of Crossroads to be better than the print version?

never read the hard cover - I love the audio - makes driving to where ever I go more relaxing!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Crossroads?

Her making that final decision to stay vampire!

Which character – as performed by Dina Pearlman – was your favorite?

Love both Anna and Frye are exceptional characters that are meant to be together - someday!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Another one for Anna Strong - giving vampires a good name!

Any additional comments?

This series is so easy to get caught up in that you really want to listen to it non-stop from the first book to the 7th. To me this would make a great series and I would be a number one fan of Anna Strong! Bring a strong women character to life is far more harder to do than a male character and Jeanne Stein did just that! thumbs up!

Where you can find Jeanne C Stein

Audible - Amazon - Goodreads - Twitter - Facebook - Website

Other 222 books on Audible that Dina Pearlman performs on Audible.

AND

Where you can find ME! 

Please comment below! Go to the left side of the page and follow my blog,
So you don't miss the My Tweets on Twitter, 

Facebook Group join today!, GooglePlus+ (NEW)
Goodreads profile, Audible profile for new reviews and 

Audio Book Reviewer under Joan Pavlick!

Want to see something added to my format - send me a message to 

sapphirereader25@gmail.com

Have a Great Day and Happy Listening

Joan

MONDAY MAYHEM - SECTOR 64: AMBUSH by Dean M. Cole

MONDAY MAYHEM

SECTOR 64: AMBUSH 

by Dean M. Cole

Audio Artist: Mike Ortego

11 hrs 57 mins

Mysteries, Thrillers, Suspense

Book Blurb from Audible

Publisher's Summary

**Huffington Post - IndieReader Best of 2014**

What happens to present-day Earth if friendly aliens take humanity under their wing?

What happens when their enemy becomes ours?

X-Files meet Independence Day when incredible events thrust Air Force Captains Jake Giard and Sandra Fitzpatrick into a decades-long global conspiracy to integrate humanity into a galactic government. However, as Jake finishes indoctrination into the program, it renders present-day Earth a disposable pawn in a galactic civil war.

Unknown aliens with a dark secret raid the planet.

Within and even below Washington DC, Jake fights through a post-apocalyptic hell, struggling to comprehend the enigmatic aftermath of the first attack. On the West Coast, Sandra's squadron smashes against the invading aliens. Thrown to ground, Sandy wades through blazing infernos and demented looters in a desperate attempt to save her family.

Finally, with the fate of the world in the balance, both captains must take the battle to the enemy--humanity's very survival hanging on their success.

What the Critics are Saying

• AudiobookReviewer "SECTOR 64: Ambush was a highly imaginative action packed apocalyptic assault on your mind."
• IndieReader "SECTOR 64: AMBUSH is an engaging book from the very first page to the final words of the Epilogue."
• Audiobook-Heaven "Cole has a good thing going here ... His descriptions of aerial battle and military procedure are accurately detailed and his knowledge of the aircraft themselves fascinated me ... He created a couple of races of aliens, gave them their own histories and cultures and just made them outright interesting. His characters are realistic and believable as well. Sector 64: Ambush is a great read."

Scroll up (click on the link) and grab a copy today.

©2014 Dean M. Cole (P)2014 Dean M. Cole

My review from Audible and other sites

As with any book or audio I like scanning the reviews to see if is worth the listen. I only see mostly men reviewing. HMMM! Well, here is a woman's point of review of Dean's novel. Sorry if you feel this is long but a lot to cover.

Starting with the plot line is what I like in a sci-fi apocalyptic scenario book blended well from scene to scene. Chapter after chapter. Not too much in the way of jumping around as some books I have either read or listened to. Doing the back stories and jumping back to the present. Which would make anyone lost in reading/listening and holding your attention to the end. Dean's book keeps your attention right from the start. Being a huge sci-fi/over the edge fan. I was held from the opening scenes (thought of Independence Day), finding we are not alone (Close Encounters) to where the main character Captain Jake Girard explains to his girlfriend Captain Sandra Fitzpatrick what is going on. So getting ahead of myself.

Author: Found this long yet compelling story a grabber from start to finish. Dean's background in the military as a combat pilot has woven the military lingo into easy to understand language for me and others as readers and listeners. Maneuvers a jet-spaceship would make in the heat of battle. I felt myself actually visualizing the scene in my mind as the jets trying to out maneuver and take down the spaceships and aliens. Like scenes in a movie. I feel when an author can pull you into a book that you feel you are sitting front row makes for a great writer.

Plot: In the beginning when his friend’s plane explodes in front of him during a routine drill. I could feel how he felt. That deep loss of more than just a fellow pilot but, a true friend. How he was treated by the military that it was his fault (made me want to jump in and say, "Can't you see he is telling the truth" But, that is showing how men think (woman's view)). The joy he felt to find out a year later that his friend did not died in the explosion and what really happen to him. That is was an alien ship that pulled his friend out and that they have been working with our government on a secret operation to protecting not only earth but a whole space sector right from a moon insulation. Yes, this is really out of the sci-fi that takes Jake by first surprise, then after it all sinks in he is elated at the idea they want him to join the team. 

Not giving away the whole story – So there is a bad alien that wants to be in control of it all! There is the surprise attack on earth that leaves a lot of destruction, dead and regular military pilots scratching their heads as the fly into battle (the thought of fighting against aliens). That includes Jake's girlfriend and pilot, Captain Sandra Fitzpatrick. As she surveys the aftermath all she could only think of is her parents and her newly discovered pregnancy of Jake’s child and where's Jake. As she does everything to get to her parent’s home to make sure they are alright and rescuing them to a safe area. Dean takes you through what she has to do to get there. I really can envision this and was thrilled for the strong character he created in her. 

Characters: The relationship the 2 main characters Jake and Sandra have between each other without getting to over the top mussy. For it is a sci-fi epic but, there is always a love interest somewhere in these genres. It really opens up for that continuing story – relationship they have in future books to this series.

Though I have to commend Dean for making Sandra a very strong, independent yet still maintaining her sensitivity as a woman. I do agree with a previous reviewer. The bringing up the pregnancy belly rub every after action scene was redundant. As a pilot she has a strong will about her and I love when woman do portray a strong role that she will not sit down and cry at the first boo! Makes me want to be her! Her worry for her parents and her strength not to cry (thou she wants to) when she sees her father's injuries. Just jumps into rescue mode that I am sure would be part of her training. To her thinking “I am not going to take any crap!” from her attack by 2 men telling her that they are in charge when trying to save her father. Love her mom she reminds me of my friends' mom strong but witty at the same time. A soft humor that makes you smile.

The characters were all strong in their own way. Captain Jake Girard I found appealing in the way he's emotions are portrayed by the narrator had me drawn in from the start. When his friend Vic deals with his dead mother in his head. Thou no one knows that he hears her nagging voice and what he dealt with as a child finally brings an inner strength out. No one knows about this even Jake and sometimes Vic is caught replying to her. Then making excuses. 

Favorite part of the book is when they suit up to look like the aliens and what they are feeling as their bodies are covered up. I really thought this was amusing. Lighten the story before heading out to the heat of the battle. 

Found the book/audio very descriptive without going overboard with a lot of jargon. Had listen to one audio where I found myself enough already I get it. Dean writes it in a way of this is what is happening and moves into the scene with fluidity. A stand-alone book however, the ending leaves you wanting more and a bit hanging. Even though it will have a continuation it could have been a little more to it. The relationship between Jake and Sandra and the expectations of the new addition to their relationship. I have read a lot of stand-alone series that have a definite endings and have the characters pick up into the next I guess you would say adventure. Otherwise, a great book!

I would listen to this book again down the road. It is lengthy but needs to be to get the full effect of the story. This story did not have shortcuts to the action parts. As with any action scene there has to be the supporting scenes to fill in the story to make it all fit together. Dean has done that and when the new book comes out I like to revisit this book. A catch up to flow right into the next story. Dean Cole has a fan for life! 

Book/Audio cover art: The latest revision of the cover is dead on fantastic. The original cover art was okay but, I am not sure I would have listen to this book if not offered up for review by the author. The storyline is what sold me to listen. 

Narrator: Mike Ortega was a good choice for this book. He handle all the characters with unique change in voice tone. Even from the female characters to the Alien rough and rugged voice. I am now a fan for life! Hope to hear him on the following books. There is one thing that I and I am sure other listeners hate is a new narrator for the same series. Seen it happen and makes it hard to love the new narrator when you have the expectations of certain voices. (My personal observation from other writers and the publishers).

Note: This review was posted to Goodreads, itunes, BN.com, Amazon and Audible. The Book was provided for review by the author. All views are strictly mine and not in any way influenced by others. Thank you for your time reading this and comments are always welcome about my review of this book!

Where you can find Dean M. Cole

Audible - Amazon - Goodreads - Twitter - Facebook - Website

Where you can find 23 other books on Audible 

performed by Mike Ortego

AND

Where you can find ME! 

Please comment below! Go to the left side of the page and follow my blog,
So you don't miss the My Tweets on Twitter, 

Facebook Group join today!,
Goodreads profile, Audible profile for new reviews and 

Audiobook Reviewer under Joan Pavlick!

Want to see something added to my format - send me a message to 

sapphirereader25@gmail.com

Have a Great Week and Happy Listening

Joan

FRIDAY FRENZY - HAYLEE AWAKENED SEED by Lisa Redfern

FRIDAY FRENZY

Haylee Awakened Seed: a paranormal adventure (Haylee and the Traveler's Stone Book 1)

by Lisa Redfern

Voice Artist Meghan Kelly

1 hour 43 mins

Teens, Sci-fi, fantasy

Book Blurb from Audible

Publisher's Summary

An ancient pattern begins anew…

Generations of oracles, seers, soothsayers and healers pass a relic of their lineage from hand-to-hand. They protect and prepare one another for the eventual blooming of a mysterious and terrible secret.

Until one among them breaks the chain.

Haylee Garrett, a California farm girl growing up in the '70’s, has no idea that she is about to take part in an age-old relay.

With an emotionally remote father, Haylee has become an expert at coping with things on her own. Plagued with worry over her failure to physically mature, she wears sweats and avoids teachers who ask too many questions.

An ability to communicate with animals brings her a sense of acceptance and belonging - one of her few comforts.

On the eve of her eighteenth birthday, a drastic development changes everything for Haylee.

©90 years Lisa Marie Redfern (P)2014 Lisa Marie Redfern

My Review from Audible

Meghan Kelly did a wonderful job narrating the book. She maintain an even change between the characters that she was preforming throughout the book. 

I found that this book is a great listen for the teenage girl. It was a coming of age and a coming of what changes Haylee Main character) found her body going thru. Even though her mother told her that she was special like the other women in her mom's side of the family. She never knew quite what expect except for the talent she had from a young age with animals. What you ask? Well not spoiling this part of the book. 

With her father left to raise her unaware of her gifts and how to handle Haylee's coming of age. It made me smile to think of all those father's raising their daughters' on their own and how he handle her becoming a woman. How serious and funny her dad was at the same time it would in my words would have listeners blushing. 

When her dad rushes her to the hospital unaware why his daughter looked like she was dying. While he was waiting for the doctors to take care of Haylee, the on duty nurse Gloria comforts her dad. A magical connection between them makes me feel that the nurse in this story may become a character in the next book. 

The end does make you want more because of the abrupt ending. Had me a bit confused had me go back a chapter to listen again. Would go onto Book 2 just so I can see what will happen next. I feel that this book is great short listen from teen to senior. Being in my 50's I enjoyed it.

Where to find Lisa Redfern

Audible - Amazon - Goodreads - Twitter - Facebook - Website

Where you can find Meghan Kelly

Audible - Goodreads - Facebook 

AND

Where you can find ME! 

Please comment below! Go to the left side of the page and follow my blog,
So you don't miss the My Tweets on Twitter, 

Facebook Group join today!,
Goodreads profile, Audible profile for new reviews and 

Audiobook Reviewer under Joan Pavlick!

Want to see something added to my format - send me a message to 

sapphirereader25@gmail.com

Have a Great Week and Happy Listening

Joan

HUMPBACK WEDNESDAY - Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

HUMPBACK WEDNESDAY REVIEW

Discovery of Witches

By Deborah Harkness

Narrated by Jennifer Ikeda

24 hrs and 2 mins

Sci-fi & Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Book Blurb from Audible

Publisher's Summary

A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries - and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as theTwilight series - with an extra serving of historical realism.

©2011 Deborah Harkness (P)2011 Penguin

My review from Audible

posted 5/5/2013

What did you love best about A Discovery of Witches?

I love how Deborah Harkness develops the characters by pulling parts of their personalities slowly and then moving into each of their past lives as a steady pace throughout the book. So you are hooked all the way to the very end.

What did you like best about this story?

How each character blended so well with each other whether it was a friendly or not so friendly scenes. I love how the dry humor throughout the book. The tenderness between the main Characters of Matthew and Diana. Yet the strength that is added to the characters.

What does Jennifer Ikeda bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I  love how she kept the flow of the character voices. I have listen to many audio books and she is now on my list of listen to narrators!

Any additional comments?

I purchase this book on a sale and when I found out another series book. Well I love series, and this book has exceeded my expectations. From the story line to the narration. Just finish the first one. now onto book 2nd and hope that book 3rd hits the site soon!

Where to find Deborah Harkness

Audible - Amazon - Goodreads - Twitter - Facebook - Website

Where to find other 73 books Jennifer Ikeda

narrates on Audible

Where you can find ME! 

Please comment below! Go to the left side of the page and follow my blog,
So you don't miss the My Tweets on Twitter, 

Facebook Group join today!,
Goodreads profile, Audible profile for new reviews and 

Audiobook Reviewer under Joan Pavlick!

Want to see something added to my format - send me a message to 

sapphirereader25@gmail.com

Have a Great Week and Happy Listening

Joan