Modern Warriors: Real Stories from Real Heroes by Pete Hegseth

 

5 out of 5 stars  *****

Men and women who put their lives on the line in combat halfway around the world explain their motivation and desire to do what they do. Modern Warriors: Real Stories from Real Heroes is an opportunity for these tested patriots to divulge their feelings and observations about today's warfare. The strongest theme throughout their stories is the bond formed between soldiers regardless of their affiliations, color, or gender.
Pete Hegseth does a wonderful job presenting the somber reality of war with the heartfelt dedication these heroes have for one another. The format allows the accounts to be in their own words. This makes each chapter fresh and alive with their life-altering experiences.

Red Rain (Nameless #4) by Dean Koontz (Goodreads Author), Edoardo Ballerini (Narrator)

5 out of 5 stars  *****

Red Rain reveals that the hero in this series, Nameless, is seemingly an intentional manufacture of elite technology and science that manifests approximately two years ago. Before that is a blank memory but since is a razor sharp memory that rivals computer processing for retrieving information. This plot involves an arsonist who is clever when burning his subjects, people. The possible manufacturers of Nameless connect the arsonists presence with the burning deaths of individuals, families, and human collateral. A psychological profile also pins the murders on someone who has a penchant for fire. When Nameless is given his mission he exacts retribution on Evil's unremorseful tool. 
 

In the Heart of the Fire (Nameless #1) by Dean Koontz (Goodreads Author), Edoardo Ballerini (Narrator)

 5 out of 5 stars  *****

A most intriguing protagonist, a man who suffers from amnesia but recalls every detail of current events, is "Nameless." He vaguely remembers his fingerprints being erased with chemicals and plastic surgery. He is aware of a purpose that is directed by his unlimited source of money, equipment, and cases of murderous crimes either forgotten or covered up. Nameless is quite formidable as an opponent because of his supportive employer, his intellect, calm demeanor, and a clairvoyance that allows him to see what either is going to happen or has happened, already.

In the Heart of the Fire starts the Nameless short story series by Dean Koontz. Each book stands alone. They may refer to previous cases but their history is not vital to complete each story; therefore, it is not necessary to read each story in sequence. This first short story takes place in a small town where the law is enforced by the antagonist and his relatives who hold key political positions. They think they are above the law. An unsolved trend of murders alerts the employers of Nameless who direct him there to assure justice is done.

The Praying Mantis Bride (Nameless #3) by Dean Koontz (Goodreads Author), Edoardo Ballerini (Narrator)

 

Superstition becomes reality and spirits from the dead make contact with the living world. Justice seeking revenge haunts the culprit responsible for the spirits' demise. The protagonist, who remains, Nameless, uses his endless supply of resources and astute guile to wrap this case up. In a most unsettling conclusion, revenge adds another tier of evil that breaches the divide between life and death.

Photographing the Dead (Nameless, #2) by Dean Koontz (Goodreads Author), Edoardo Ballerini (Narrator)

 4 out of 5 stars  ****

The mysterious photographer/investigator looks into a suspicious trend of death in the mountains. He meets the locals and probes for clues never writing anything down. He has perfect recall but not for his whole life. His earlier history is blank. Nameless is the man with amnesia that has perfect recall of recent events.

Dean Koontz has a flair for the peculiar in particular predicaments. Documentation of such cases make up the Nameless series, thrilling adventures with macabre twists. Follow the trail, the thought process, and the gruesome reality in each of these short stories.

The Mercy of Snakes (Nameless #5) by Dean Koontz

4 out of 5 stars  ****

Another mysterious and thrilling adventure from the mind of Dean Koontz. This short story is another case in the Nameless series which portends enjoying the remaining cases.
 

Mythos: A Retelling of the Myths of Ancient Greece by Stephen Fry

Creation, the beginning, until the gods stopped interacting with man is the comprehensive timeline for Stephen Fry's superb work, Mythos: A Retelling of the Myths of Ancient Greece. The author's passion for the subject is evident by his rendition of the ancient tales which occur throughout the known world from a Greek perspective. As Fry notes, no other culture has a mythology that is so intricate, vibrant, and compelling. Literature owes so much to Greek Mythology by its contribution of common words and pronouns whose name symbolize the chief qualities of a particular creature.

The Audiobook is special because one hears the enthusiasm and deft voice alterations of its narrator, Stephen Fry, himself. The eloquence of voice and word choice in the compilation of this work of love lives in its telling. This book is the best, yet, this listener has come across in this fascinating genre.