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Title: Relics

Subtitle: One

Author: Nick Thacker

Narrator: David S. Dear

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-18-17

Publisher: Turtleshell Press

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Myers is a Relic. Cast out of society by a computer program that's far more efficient at managing and regulating human life than any human ever could be.

The System is running everyone's life. It's quickly becoming smarter than humans, and it no longer has any need for leaders like Myers. There's a technological singularity coming, and only Myers knows how to stop it.

The problem? He doesn't remember anything from the past 15 years. And now he's being hunted.

Members Reviews:

Very interesting future Will be getting the others

Part techno-thriller, part chase movie. The book was written in a way that you can easily visualize all the action. It was very fast paced and did an excellent job with the science behind the main plot. very well told story by both the writer and the narrator. Definitely will be getting the other two books. Will also be looking for other works by this author.

This audiobook was given to me free and I have left a voluntary review.

Lots of action but little character interest

I liked the idea for the premise, but had trouble getting into this one. I found the story unstructured and did not care about the characters. There was a lot of action, but I had no reason to care what happened.

It was a bit like reading an account of a boxing match where you are given a blow by blow account of what's going on, but you don't know anything about either contender and have absolutely nothing invested in it. Well, boxer A takes a hard right from boxer b, then boxer A dodges and lands a blow to the midsection. Um . . . good, I guess? What now?

It got a little better as it progressed, but I suppose I just need more sooner. I never felt like I got my time's worth from this one.

I was given this book for free at my request from the author, publisher or narrator and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected my opinions.

Interesting premises but poor execution

Myers wakes up in the middle of nowhere finding out that he is a Relic in a world controlled by a very advanced AI. He has no memories from his past life, and when entering Istanbul he discovers that he is wanted. Myers will get some glimpses of his past while he tries to understand how the world now works.

I was looking forward to this book, since the premises were very interesting and I usually enjoy books about dystopian societies; but I was not able to get into this one. The story felt disjointed and confusing at times. I know many details were hidden from the reader so that we could discover things along with Myers, but I missed some background, descriptions, and in general a clearer view about the world and Myers surroundings.

I found all the characters terribly one-dimensional. We get some details here and there but not enough to have fully fleshed characters. I just didnt care for them, their past, or their future. I would also like to mention that there were no important female characters in the story. There were just two secondary female characters and one was really caricaturesque.

There is some technical babble that didnt make a lot of sense to me. Basically, computers had a static IP address, and one of the characters was trying to hook a machine for his own purposes with a dynamic IP address, and this could be detected by the AI and rejected. Well, in real life, one can have indeed static and dynamic IP addresses.

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Title: Vaulcron

Subtitle: Enigma, Volume 3

Author: Ditter Kellen

Narrator: Johnny Mack

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-18-17

Publisher: DK Media, LLC

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 22 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

On a mission to save his people from being destroyed, Vaulcron must team up with a human reporter known as the Great White Shark. She's beautiful, cunning, and definitely hiding something. Vaulcron will do anything for his family, even if it means breeding with the one woman who can destroy them all. Mallory Cahill hasn't become the lead reporter of Channel Eight News by being weak. Feared by some, and hated by many, she'll do anything to get the story, no matter whose toes she has to step on to achieve it.

When Vaulcron, a Bracadyte prince, virtually falls into her lap, Mallory jumps at the chance to interview him. She doesn't count on falling for the gorgeous alien, any more than she expects to be running for her life from the very government who had promised to protect her.

We recommend listening to the audiobooks in order. This is not a serial, and it does have a happy ever after, but the story moves forward with a new hero and heroine in the next audiobook.

Members Reviews:

A love story between a Bracadyte Prince and a ...

A love story between a Bracadyte Prince and a Great White Shark!

Vaulcron is #03 of 09 in the Enigma Series by Ditter Kellen. All 9 are currently published with 05 of them being in audio. The author plans for the other 4 to be in audio by the end of the year. She also plans many more after #09 at this time. Which excites me to no end!

Happy dance

Johnny Mack narrates the series, to include all future editions.

HEA with no cliffhanger!

These are connected by characters so I recommend reading the books in order. It is more enjoyable that way, but could be taken as standalones if you absolutely insist. There would be spoilers for the earlier ones if you start in the middle.

Length: 4 hrs and 39 mins

Warning: SEX!

Yes! Both in thoughts and actions, so those opposed should avoid.

Trigger Warnings

None that I see.

Please let me know it you think there should be.

Story

Bracadyte Prince, Vaulcron Mallory "Great White Shark" Cahill

Im the Great White Shark. Remember?

Mallory

Mallory Cahill is a second generation reporter who knows the truth about the virus, but doesn't have the proof needed to bring down those responsible. She just had the story of a lifetime and her proof dropped into her lap. Vaulcron, a Bracadyte, wants to meet and set the story straight about his people. Mallory can't believe her luck or the immense attraction she feels for him. She quickly realizes how false all the reports are about the Bracadytes and vows not to give away their location.

Vaulcron

Vaulcron is older brother to Hauke and Naura from books #01 & #02. He has felt the pull to the one they call a shark since he first saw her on the news in the last book. He wants to make peace with humans and keep his people safe, and so reaches out to the human reporter for help. After they are abducted by the military, he vows to keep Mallory safe as well as make her his!

Time, location, and family are not all on their side. Mallory needs to protect her sister, who has her senses set on a Bracadyte of her own. (I say senses because Amy is blind) Vaulcron wants to protect Mallory from those that seek to harm her just to get to him. The Vice President wants to protect the American population from the insanity that is the President. The human citizens as a whole just dont want to die from the virus that is at large regardless of where it came from.

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Title: The Planet Savers (Darkover 1)

Author: Marion Zimmer Bradley

Narrator: Arthur Vincet

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-07-17

Publisher: Audioliterature

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

"The Planet Savers" is a 1962 science fiction book by Marion Zimmer Bradley. It is part of her "Darkover" (a fictional world) series.

Desperate to discover a cure for the cyclical 48-year-fever, known as "Trailmen's fever", Dr. Randall Forth persuades a colleague, Dr. Jay Allison, to undergo hypnosis. He calls forth a secondary personality, Jason Allison, who is gregarious and an experienced mountain climber, while Dr. Jay Allison is a cold, clinical man with no outdoor skills...

This is just the beginning of a fantastic internal adventure!

©2017 Audioliterature (P)2017 Audioliterature

Members Reviews:

Missing some text.

I didn't like the size of the book, didn't fit right in my hand or on the shelf with the rest of the mzb books. So, I ordered another one that was used and when I went to find my place in it I noticed an entire page with of the novel was just not there. This version appears to have been heavily edited from the author's original writing.

Quick and good read

Marion Zimmer Bradley rarely disappoints. In this instance, it's a Darkover novel that doesn't require too much foreknowledge of Darkover. Indeed, this could be a gateway short story that gets the reader interested in Darkover.

The Darkover series blends psionics with science fiction if I remember correctly. The native Darkover inhabitants in possession of the psionics and the Terrans (I think, I haven't read much Darkover) largely in possession of advanced technology.

In any case, it's inexpensive (if not free), and a novella so it's not a long read. If you don't like it, you haven't wasted much time.

Master storytelling

Bradley is the master at blending sci-fi and fantasy, a great read. A look into the mind of a split personality.

Four Stars

Originally written for a young adult reader gives context to the Dark Over saga.

The Planet Savers

As are all of the Darkover books that I have read over last 50 or so years, this one riveted me and was immersion for me. I can imagine it all. This planet and these people come to life on the pages be it paper or electronic. I reread my first one over and over again. The bloody sun. I am discovering more books either I haven't read or forgot. So rediscovery. Timelines blur and spatial relations aren't as clear to me. I'd love to have big graphic of timeline and names as a true history to map out all the books and characters. Is there such a thing? Thank you fir another good read. Karen Hamilton. Maryland

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Title: Jager Thunder: A Story of Black Powder and Panamindorah: Refugees, Volume 2

Author: Abigail Hilton

Narrator: Rish Outfield, Lauren Harris

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-27-17

Publisher: Pavonine Books

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 36 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

From the Author of The Guild of the Cowry Catchers:

While the crew of the Scarlet Albatross struggles to survive her harrowing voyage, Gerard is busy keeping his promise to his father. He and Silveo return to Holovarus for a brief farewell visit. However, chaos is threatening to overwhelm the Great Islands, and even little Holovarus will not be spared. Gerard's father and brother are facing difficult decisions, and they need help. Gerard feels torn between his old kingdom and his new family.

The situation only grows more complicated when the crew of the Scarlet Albatross limps into port, bringing old enemies and a child Silveo didn't know existed. Jager Thunder is a sequel to both The Scarlet Albatross and The Guild of the Cowry Catchers sagas.

Members Reviews:

High Tale of Fantacy and Steamy-punky

What a riveting tale of adventure, intrigue and politics. This book takes place as two distinct stories, yet they weave together perfectly.

The first part is suspended in the air in a flying ship, the second a political jostle for power.

I did not see it coming, and now I can't wait to see where it ends...

Thank you Abigail Hilton for another fabulous novel!

I've been spoiled

As a follow up to The Scarlet Albatross this book was wonderful.

As a way to round up the GoC characters and pull them in, I felt a little bit like everyone was making a cameo in everyone else's story and that I was having a hard time finding satisfaction- that is, until the plot really got off around the halfway mark. The book itself is wonderful, but I found I was impatient, so I would suggest that if you want the pay off, hold tight.

I struggled with the tie ins to the GoC series because of the voice acting and pacing. Abbie does a wonderful job selecting voice actors, and her production value is to notch. The writing was wonderful and spot on- but I struggled with wanting/waiting the 'end' resolution I could see coming, at about the half way point in the novel. For me, about the 3/4ths part of the book was when I was really invested and ready for it to get hella real. (Spoiler, I do love a good dinner party- blood and all)

Rish and Lauren do a wonderful job acting this out, but if you are coming from the full cast productions, I would recommend trying very hard not to compare their voices, respectively to those of Nathan Lowel, Chris lester, and Norm Sherman. Its odd to hear the 'voices' of characters that are essentially old friends change, but then again, these two do such a wonderful job of keeping the same vocal quality/mannerism that it comparisons don't mean a whole bunch.

All in all, a solid book and I am very excited to see what happens next!

Another great story from Abbie

Panamindorah is a fascinating world and continues to intrigue me. Abbies story telling style builds a rich world and deep characters. I really enjoyed how this story tied together previous stories and is setting the table for others. There is definitely an element of unpredictability that I enjoy with Abbie. As soon as I think I have things figured out, she surprises me with a new character or element to the story. I typically listen in the car, and I found myself sitting well after I had arrived, just to finish a part of the story.

My only criticism would be two narrators. Independently, both do a great job.

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Title: The Delirium Brief

Author: Charles Stross

Narrator: Jack Hawkins

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-13-17

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 23 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Bob Howard's career in the Laundry, the secret British government agency dedicated to protecting the world from the supernatural, has involved brilliant hacking, ancient magic and combat with creatures of pure evil. Now the Laundry's existence has become public, and Bob is being trotted out on TV to answer pointed questions about elven asylum seekers. What neither Bob nor his managers have foreseen is that their organisation has earned the attention of a horror far more terrifying than any demon: a government looking for public services to privatise. There are things in the Laundry's assets that big business would simply love to get its hands on....

Inch by inch, Bob Howard and his managers are forced to consider the truly unthinkable: a coup against the British government itself.

Critic Reviews:

"Brilliantly disturbing and funny at the same time." (Ben Aaronovitch)

Members Reviews:

Engaging

A very good entry in strosss bouquet. If I had to pick a flaw its that the ending is a bit abrupt

Decent story let down by the narrator

Would you listen to The Delirium Brief again? Why?

I've listened to it twice, the second time my heart wasn't in it. The narrator just isn't up to the job.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bob. He's the hero and principle character.

How could the performance have been better?

Could have been read by someone else. All of the other Laundry Files books that I've listened to were narrated by Gideon Emery. Jack Hawkins sounds like he is reading aloud to himself and a few times he'd changed characters without me noticing. He just doesn't have as many different voices or accents as Emery. I would need to be really desperate to listen to this again, unless I can find a version narrated by Emery.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I hate questions like this. I wasn't watching War Horse, I was listening to an urban fantasy book.

Any additional comments?

A decent story in the Laundry Files line. Nice to see the band back together as well as some old 'friends'. A few strands left over, so it will be interesting to see where Charlie takes us in the next installment.

This drags

A shame. There is far too much waffle about the Civil Service politics of the Laundry. I wanted action like the previous instalments but this was thin on the ground.

Is Mr Stross running out of new ideas? I hope not but the first of this book was just plain boring

Well-paced, good characters, insanity.

Any additional comments?

I was nearing the end of my first reading of Iain Banks brilliant The Bridge when I came down with pneumonia. The Bridge is a complex novel, with many layers running together. Pneumonia destroyed my ability to concentrate. I suspended my reading, intending to switch to something simpler, at least until my head was fixed.

I chose Charlie Strosss brand new The Delirium Brief, the latest in The Laundry Files series.

This was a mistake. Thats not because its a bad bookits a good bookbut because its set in a world of braineating monsters, and I have pneumonia, which is eating my brain (well, ruining my concentration).

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Title: Breaking Gravity

Author: Mitty Walters

Narrator: Al Letson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-05-17

Publisher: MoBetter Productions Inc

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

It was just a hoverboard. Nobody was supposed to die.

Dale Adams has worked hard to leave his troubled past behind for a brighter future at Emory University. But when he makes a discovery that will change humanity forever, avoiding the spotlight becomes the least of his concerns.

Small experiments have attracted big attention. And not all who notice want Dale to be successful. Or even alive.

As Dale's world collapses around him, his fate intertwines with that of a girl he hardly knows. Their only hope for survival is to disappear into Atlanta's seedy underbelly, the very place Dale has tried so hard to leave behind. Time is running out, but if they can survive long enough, science will be rewritten by the most unlikely of authors.

Narrated by: Al Letson

Members Reviews:

So good, I wish it was a series!

The writing style and the story progression kept my attention easily and had me spending all day listening. I started this book yesterday and have listened to it almost straight through.

I was also impressed with Al Letson's narration and his range of voices. He did an excellent job of differentiating all the voices, which brought the story to life for me.

Like R.C. Bray, he adds an element to a good story that's hard to describe, yet takes a good story to the next level. I'll definitely be looking for the next book from Walters.

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Title: Alien Resistance: Omnibus Edition

Author: Amanda Close

Narrator: Persephone Rose

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-12-17

Publisher: Amanda Close

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 19 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In the aftermath of World War III, a reptilian army emerges from the darkness of space to launch a ruthless campaign of conquest and genocide. All that remains of the world is a wasteland of concrete ruins and shattered architecture, now the dystopian battlefield upon which the human resistance wages its defiant war of survival against the invaders. Includes five books of the Alien Resistance series.

Members Reviews:

This is not so much a review as a warning

I listened to the first chapter of the book and thought it was great! Then, the second chapter turned into an extended sex scene between two of the protagonists. When I started the third chapter, it devolved into a gang rape/torture scene and I decided enough was enough.

I am not a prude, but I do think that books like this should inform potential readers/listeners that the book might be embarrassing to the listener when other people are around. Or, at least let the listener know that it includes graphic sex, including rape. I read the blurb and nothing in it warned me of this.

Might be OK for some readers/listeners, but I will not be finishing this book.

A thrilling, sexy read!

In the aftermath of World War III, a reptilian army emerges from the darkness of space to launch a ruthless campaign of conquest and genocide.

An enjoyable read that was made worth it by the narrator. Narration was good - I kept getting lost into the story.

Good book- great narration-- but not for me

Would you try another book from Amanda Close and/or Persephone Rose?

Yes---but I will look for less alien everything.

What about Persephone Roses performance did you like?

The narrator did a great job. I liked her performance very much.

Any additional comments?

I was voluntarily provided this free audio-book by the narrator in exchange for my honest review. This was not a bad story, I just couldn't get into the whole alien/human sex thing. Overall the story line was good, very sexual (with lizardy type aliens), I WILL look for other books by this narrator.

A sex filled tale of alien invasion

I applaud anyone who can write and get published. The description of the book did warn of sexual content. That being said, I did not realize just how in depth and detailed in description that the sexual content would be. If there was a sci-fi erotic category this would be at the top of the list. This is not a tale to listen to with children present and I just say I got a few harsh words from my wife when I was listening to it while doing some housework (listened on a speaker). That being said the battle scenes are wonderful. The dialog is well written. The narration is flawless. Just be aware what you are buying and make sure that an erotic story of an alien invasion is what you want. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Not what I was expecting...

Any additional comments?

Alien Invaders and Human Resistance fighters sounded great. Unfortunately, this was not quite what I was expecting when I requested this book. While it is a book that many will enjoy, it's not a book I would listen to again or recommend.

To start with it needs to have erotica added to the category. Second, it needs to have a few disclaimers put into the description. I have no problem with sex in my books but most of the sex in this book was in no way sensual or romantic.

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Title: The Harvested

Subtitle: The Permutation Archives, Book 1

Author: Kindra Sowder

Narrator: Angel Clark

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-28-17

Publisher: CHBB Publishing

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

There are only a few things Mila is afraid of. Most are pretty common fears, but there is one that sets her apart from those around her. The fear of a secret. With one drop of blood, her secret of a power beyond anything anyone had ever seen before is unleashed, landing her in a place where she is a prisoner. And an experiment. And there are only a few that know their dictator's ultimate goal. Some are willing to save her, others want to exploit her for their own dark and sinister intentions, and it is up to her to stop them before it's too late.

Members Reviews:

Absolutely nothing but awesomeness, Kindra Sowder

Kindra Sowder's best work to date. I was told by a very good friend that when I got to a part i would not want to put it down. All I can say "Understated, No shit Sherlock" Now where is the next Audible file!!!!

Bloody Brilliant!

I had no idea that I would ever be so interested in a book about such weird people and fantasies. Listening to Angel Clark tell Mila's story, though, made it all seem so believable. The book may not be real but my anticipation for the next one sure is!

Narrator

Would you try another book written by Kindra Sowder or narrated by Angel Clark?

Yes i would try another Book Writen by Kindra Sowder but the Narration style i did not like it was for me badly Narrated i stopped listening and read the book instead.

What could Kindra Sowder have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Choose some one who can read a book out loud with passion and understanding.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

no feeling just reading robot style

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

disappointment

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Title: Thuvia, Maid of Mars (The Barsoom Series 4)

Author: Edgar Rice Burroughs

Narrator: Arthur Vincet

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-13-17

Publisher: Audioliterature

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

"Thuvia, Maid of Mars" is a science fantasy novel from the "Barsoom" series. The principal characters are Carthoris (the son of John Carter of Mars) and Thuvia of Ptarth, each of whom appeared in the previous two novels. Carthoris is madly in love with Thuvia. This love was foreshadowed at the end of the previous novel. Unfortunately Thuvia is promised to Kulan Tith, Jeddak of Kaol. On Barsoom nothing can break an engagement between a man and woman except death, although the new suitor may not cause that death.

Thus it is that Thuvia will have none of him. This situation leaves Carthoris in a predicament. As Thuvia suffers the common Burroughsian heroine's fate of being kidnapped and in need of rescue, Carthoris' goal is abetted by circumstances. Thus he sets out to find the love of his life, igniting a war between the red nations of Barsoom as a result of being framed as the kidnapper of Thuvia.

©2017 Audioliterature (P)2017 Audioliterature

Members Reviews:

Swordplay, Kidnapped Princesses, Imaginary Armies, Amd Great Air Battles On The Dying Planet Barsoom

âThuvia, Maid of Marsâ is the fourth book in Edgar Rice Burroughsâ groundbreaking Barsoom series. It was originally published in 1916 in All-Story Weekly and then as a novel in 1920. Like the first three novels in the series, âThuvia, Maid of Marsâ is a swashbuckling tale of derring-do and adventure, taking place on the dying planet Mars. It differs from the first three tales in that, instead of following the adventures of John Carter, it follows the adventures of his son, Carthoris, who, like his father, spends his time attempting to rescue a princess in danger, Thuvia, who first appeared in âThe Gods of Mars.â

This novel involves palace intrigue with nobles from three nations attempting to secure the hand of Thuvia, Princess of Ptarth. It involves not just palace intrigue, but a mighty battle where the navies of the great powers of Mars (or Barsoom as the natives call it) face each other in something like when the English faced off against the great Spanish Armada.

This novel also involves some science fiction aspects (apart from taking place on another planet) in that an ancient race that somehow survived the drying up of Marsâ mighty oceans can create things and people and warriors with just their thoughts. This is a theme that was explored at length in many other science fiction novels and even in Star Trek episodes. Burroughs spends much time in this novel not just writing about Carthorisâ adventures, but also exploring the philosophical ends of such things as mental creation and what is real and what is fantasy. Can these ancient people survive on just imaginary food? Can imaginary arrows kill Green Martians? Are the bowmen brought into existence to defend the city any less real flesh and blood than the men who bring them into existence? Is it necessary for imaginary archers to eat and make camp?

Even though the Barsoomian adventures of John Carter and his son involve flying airships and ray guns, most Barsoomians prefer to do battle hand to hand with swords. They also act with a code of honor and do not slay women.

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Title: Gauntlet

Author: Holly Jennings

Narrator: Erin Spencer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-04-17

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 14 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Plug back into the dangerous world of virtual gaming, in the next thrilling novel from the author of Arena.

Kali Ling has faced down death hundreds of times for the entertainment of millions. She knows fear - and she knows what's truly terrifying....

There's a new game in town. A brutal, winner-takes-all international video game tournament showcasing the world's most elite players, promising fame, prestige, and unbelievable fortune. But there's a catch. The game uses new VR pods guaranteed to push digital warriors to their physical and psychological brink - adapting every time a gamer makes a move.

As the first female captain and youngest team owner in VGL history, Kali is used to defying the odds. But as the all-star tournament heats up, her determination begins to waver, and the pressures of media, sponsors, and the game itself begin to put cracks in her hard-set convictions - and strain on her relationship with the one person who matters most.

If Kali and her teammates are to survive, they'll have to find a way to be stronger than ever before. But battling the system may prove too difficult for even the most hardened of fighters....

Members Reviews:

Jennings continues an excellent story

Gauntlet by Holly Jennings is the second book in a series called Arena. Kali Ling is a professional team owner and gamer in the Virtual Gaming League. In the gaming league, not only do the gamers need to remain in top physical shape as their own physique is translated to their game personas, their fame requires them to constantly been on view for the paparazzi. As a new team owner, Kali intends to change this environment that puts the league and the team owners above the health and well-being of the players. However, with the pressures of both managing the team, with all its challenges of funding and need for sponsorships, while continuing to be a team captain, she is overwhelmed. When an unexpected opportunity arises to play in the newest and most elite game to exist, she jumps right in. But as the challenges mount in and out of game, she wonders if she and her team are out of their league.

Jennings continues an excellent story with everything that I was missing from the first novel. While not being a gamer or a sports-lover, I did enjoy this story. Again, this novel is filled with real problems and the reader gets to observe as Kali learns to deal with them, including drug addiction, pressures of leadership and fame, how perception and reputation can have real impacts, and dealing with power. The rest of the team really got the opportunity to develop in this novel. The reader learns a lot of information about the characters and the team becomes more of a team. Again, the relationship between the league, the team owners, and play for money and power are center stage. This is a really diverse set of characters coming from all different races and backgrounds. There is a big focus on honor and doing what truly feels right to you, even if it will buck the status quo. The gaming aspect of this novel was really cool. I loved how the game developed over time and how the gamers had to adapt to it, especially the championship.

The narration by Erin Spencer was really well done. She really captures the characters personalities well. Unfortunately, the production quality was again not perfect. As in the first novel, there are a few skips and really fast speed through for less than a second.