The Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi

The Collapsing Empire is my first Scalzi book, but since it's the first in a new series in a new world that wasn't a problem.  I have to say I really enjoyed it. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was getting good review and I needed an audio for the Sci-Fi Readathon. Now, I'm a little upset that I have to wait for the next in the series, which, at least according to Goodreads, isn't expected until 2019. :( The Flow has allowed humans to build a far-flung empire, the Interdependency. The Interdependency is set up so that all the colonies must depend on each other, hence the name. The problem is the flow is changing, moving, becoming inaccessible - outposts will be cut-off, unable to send or receive supplies or people. Eventually, it's going to be a matter of survival, but now it's a political issue, one that the brand-new Emperox has to handle. It's clearly the first in...
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Thursday’s Tale: The Old Woman in the Woods

It's been a while since I featured a tale by the Grimms. "The Old Woman in the Woods" may be titled after an old woman, but the heroine is more of the standard Grimm type. A poor servant girl, who I assume was lovely and humble and kind, was once traveling through a great forest with her master and mistress, when robbers came out of the trees and murdered everyone they found. Everyone died except the girl, who had jumped out of the carriage and hidden herself behind a tree. After the robbers had taken all the valuables and left, she came out of her hiding place and saw the horrible disaster. She began to weep, and said, "What can a poor girl like me do now? I don't know the way out of the woods. No humans live here, so I'll most certainly starve to death." She walked about looking for a path, but couldn't find one. When evening fell she...
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My Favorite . . . Thriller

My Favorite.. is a weekly meme hosted by Maureen’s Books. In this meme we share every week something we love with each other. Because let’s face it.. The world can be a dark place and it’s time to share something positive. For more info: My Favorite Meme. I don't know if I don't read many thrillers or just don't classify many things I do read as thrillers. My Goodreads list only shows that I've read 26 since I joined in 2007, but considering how many mysteries and spy novels I read, I find that unlikely. I found this definition on-line: "Thrillers are intended to arouse feelings of excitement or suspense, and sometimes fear. The stories generally contain dark or serious themes. Thrillers are sensational, focused on illegal activities, and involve sex and violence." I'm going to have to go with Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn as my favorite, at least that I've read in recent years. I listened to it on audio...
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2017 Audiobook Challenge Semi-Annual Update

The Audiobook Challenge is hosted by Loupe and Melanie at Hot Listens and Kimberly at Caffeinated Book Reviewer. I signed up for the My Precious level - 30+ books. So far, I'm BEHIND. I'm actually behind on all my reading challenges this year. :( Stiletto by Daniel O'Malley Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World by Bob Goff Game of Mirrors by Andrea Camilleri The Patience of the Spider by Andrea Camilleri The Girl with Ghost Eyes by M. H. Boroson Motion for Murder by Kelly Rey Kill and Run by Lauren Carr A Fine Year for Murder by Lauren Carr The Secrets of Wishtide by Kate Saunders The End of the Day by Claire North A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro...
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Readers’ Workouts – 6/13

I made my goal this week, probably because I took the dog for a walk every day. I didn't get to the gym or park though. This week: Tuesday - Walk with the dog Wednesday - Walk with the dog Thursday - Walk with the dog Friday - Walk with the dog Saturday - Walk with the dog Sunday - Walk with the dog Monday - Walk with the dog Meal ideas: Greek festival Baked ziti Grilled cheese Grilled Chicken with Summer Corn and Tomato Salad Pizza Peach Crumble Year Fitness Goals: - Lose weight. Goal - Lose 26 lbs. Current: -7 - Run 2 5ks, 1 10K and 1 half. Completed - 1 10K - Hit my weekly step goal (56,000 steps) for 48 weeks. Weeks completed: 19 How was your week? Readers’ Workouts is hosted by Joy at Joy’s Book Blog....
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#COYER Summer Reading List

I'm joining in on the #COYER Summer Reading List challenge this year. I'm taking the Summer Reading List Option. From the site: Abbreviated Rules * Challenge starts on June 17th Midnight (your time zone) and ends September 8th. Review link closes on September 9th. * You can read any format of book; Ebook, Physical, Audio, KU, Library, Borrowed, etc. * You must review books somewhere & link the reviews to the review linky to be eligible for one of the two grand prize giveaways. * If you want to join the Summer Reading List. Make a list in a Goodreads Shelf or your Blog of 30 books that you want to read. You must pick 30 and you must link it in your sign-up. This is your summer reading list. (you do NOT have to read all 30 books, don’t panic) (the books added to your list must be books that you already have) * You have from now until June 17th to make the list, when...
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