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Why Are You Sick? (Audiobook)
The audiobook starts by pulling back the curtain on the lies and myths we’ve all been fed about health. From the first chapter, the narrator makes it clear that this is not another fad diet manual or a magic-pill promise. Instead, he introduces what the author calls the Ultimate Health Model™, a framework that connects cellular health with lifestyle factors like breathing, sleep, water, food, movement, environment, and even thoughts and feelings. He threads personal stories of loss, his own health struggles, and years of research into a narrative that pushes the reader to think differently about sickness. By the end, it feels less like a lecture and more like a wake-up call to reclaim agency over our bodies.
Listening to the audiobook, I found myself reacting in waves. At times, I was nodding along with genuine excitement, especially when Smith explained concepts like structured water or the overlooked role of chronic dehydration. The narrator’s voice is soothing but carries conviction, which makes the listening experience feel calming and informative. The narrator’s passion kept me engaged, and I couldn’t help but admire the author’s dedication to challenging the status quo.
The mix of narrators, Gillian Williams, GM Hakim, Tom Wayland, and Rachel Sloane, keeps the audiobook lively and dynamic, each voice adding its own energy and tone, and hearing directly from the author himself makes the experience feel even more personal and authentic.
The book feels personal. Author Benjamin Smith shares stories of losing loved ones to cancer, his own battles with asthma and fatigue, and the frustration of watching mainstream medicine ignore what he sees as obvious connections. That vulnerability gave weight to his arguments. I also liked how he broke up serious topics with humor, casual asides, and even a few sharp words. It made the audiobook feel conversational. It was heartfelt and, at times, surprisingly inspiring.
I’d recommend Why Are You Sick? to anyone who feels stuck in their health journey and wants a fresh perspective. It’s not an audiobook for someone looking for a rigid plan or a neat list of do’s and don’ts. It’s more for the curious, the frustrated, and the open-minded listener who’s willing to sift through bold ideas, personal stories, and unconventional advice to find what resonates. If you like your audiobooks passionate and provocative, this one might be exactly what you need.
6 Hours and 22 Minutes | ASIN : B0FN4S3DMB
Richard: War Erupts
Michael Hickman’s War Erupts is the thrilling, fantasy-filled fourth installment in the Richard saga. Richard, the teenage king of the galaxy with otherworldly powers, alongside his family, seeks peace in the kingdom. However, tensions grow among the residents of the Milky Way, and whispers of war threaten the civility of this universe. As Richard attempts to control the growing tension between his subjects, he makes time to strengthen his relationship with his family and friends.
Hickman’s strength lies in the immersive world-building. He has crafted a universe that is vast, diverse, and full of life. From alien civilizations with unique customs to life-saving advanced technology, this galaxy is full of wonder and complexity. The central conflict is between the human population and the non-human species. As distrust and resentment grow on both sides, the kingdom begins to crack.
Despite the chaos, Hickman keeps the story grounded through Richard’s personal journey. While the thought of war looms above him, his family deals with their own struggles. I found the chapter where Little Raider struggles between his human morals and fox instincts to be particularly emotional. These more heartfelt moments provide a contrast to what is unfolding across the stars. Richard’s powers may grant him a greater strength, but his empathy and his desire for unity shape his leadership.
The audiobook narration elevated the reading experience through the immersive delivery. The narrator alternated accents and vocal pitches to distinguish each character, which made the dialogue vivid and easy to follow. Additionally, the inclusion of sound effects added a dynamic layer to the storytelling, making each scene feel more atmospheric.
If you are looking for a science-fiction fantasy story that blends intergalactic tension with heartfelt character development Richard: War Erupts is a must-read. The audiobookis especially engaging, with compelling narration and sound effects that bring the galaxy to life. I am looking forward to reading the next installment in the Richard series.
Listening Length: 15 hours and 53 minutes | ASIN: B0CRRYWBW3
Skull’s Vengeance (Audiobook)
Skull’s Vengeance, the fourth installment in Linnea Tanner’s Curse of Clansmen and Kings series, unfolds against the dramatic backdrop of the Roman Empire. This gripping tale follows Catrin as she embraces her destiny to become the fierce Celtic warrior queen her people desperately need, fulfilling the prophecy her father foresaw. Facing overwhelming grief and betrayal, Catrin must confront her half-brother, King Marrock, in a battle for survival. To prevail, she seeks alliances from unlikely places, including a cunning druidess who once deceived her and her Roman husband, Marcellus. Yet Marcellus is ensnared in a perilous political web, where one wrong move could doom them both. Their love stands on the brink, will they find a way to stand united, or must they part to survive?
The novel’s opening chapters moved slowly for me. While some elements intrigued me, the pace didn’t fully engage until the story hit its stride around chapter six. One contributing factor may have been the male narrator’s delivery, which progressively improved throughout the audiobook. The female narrator’s voice consistently shone.
Despite the gradual start, the plot is masterfully crafted. Action pulses through the narrative, weaving a complex tapestry of events that held my attention. Linnea Tanner skillfully navigates multiple perspectives, all while centering Catrin and Marcellus as the heart of the writing. The balance between their viewpoints enriches the depth of the tale.
Catrin herself is a powerhouse of resilience and determination. Her journey from mourning the loss of her stillborn daughter to leading her people with unwavering resolve was profoundly moving. She stands as a testament to the fact that fictional characters can inspire as deeply as real ones. Marcellus, too, captured my imagination. Trapped in a treacherous political arena, his every action demanded precision and cunning. I found myself holding my breath, fearing for him as much as for Catrin.
In Skull’s Vengeance, Tanner delivers a stirring blend of action, intrigue, and emotion. The characters feel vividly real, their struggles and triumphs resonating long after the final page. The story’s rewards make the audiobook’s journey worthwhile. I recommend this book to fans of historical fantasy who will find much to admire in this immersive and powerful tale.
Pages: 402 | ASIN : B0BC2GCFGG
Enigma Forced
In an era where crimes grow increasingly heinous, the fight against human trafficking, drug trafficking, and the relentless opioid crisis demands a specialized group of extraordinary individuals. The Enigma Heirs face their most formidable challenge yet, navigating a high-stakes mission with global repercussions. As they confront the complexities of morality and strategy, the teams of the R-Group and CATS grapple with impossible decisions. How many lives can be risked or lost in the pursuit of stopping a monster?
Enigma Forced, the second installment in the Enigma Heirs series by Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey, picks up where the first book left off, plunging readers into a world of escalating tension. The story begins with the grim discovery of human “cargo” at the site of an unrelated crime. From there, the narrative deepens, unflinchingly exploring themes of exploitation and justice. Breakfield and Burkey deliver a chilling antagonist in Mateo, a villain defined by his manipulation and deceit. He preys on vulnerable hopes, turning human lives into commodities—whether as drug mules or merchandise. The Enigma Heirs race to dismantle his sinister empire, setting the stage for a gripping battle where good and evil cannot coexist.
The authors weave an intense and fast-paced plot, skillfully balancing action with emotionally charged themes. The story does not shy away from its darker elements, instead presenting them as essential to the narrative’s authenticity. As the tension rises, the stakes feel both personal and universal, amplifying the reader’s engagement.
This review is based on the audiobook version of Enigma Forced. While the narration displayed appropriate emotion and inflection, I feel it fell somewhat short of creating an immersive experience. Issues with pacing occasionally hindered the story’s momentum, leaving the impression that this book might shine even brighter as a traditional read. Despite this, the strength of the writing and the compelling plot combine to offer a riveting tale. The depiction of violence, while frequent, never felt gratuitous, serving instead as a stark reminder of the harsh realities the narrative mirrors.
Though a work of fiction, Enigma Forced, by Breakfield and Burkey, resonates with the harsh truths of modern headlines, offering a story that lingers long after the final chapter. The emotional weight of its themes, combined with a well-crafted plot and characters, ensures it remains both thought-provoking and memorable.
Pages: 296 | ASIN : B0D134Z98S
The Train is Only Speeding Up…
Early Adopter is a captivating collection of eight short stories that take a hard look at the promises and pitfalls of human progress. What was the inspiration for the setup of your collection?
I was raised to follow a simple maxim: “look both ways before you cross the street.” It’s an obvious rule, but also an important one—be sure to assess the dangers before you put yourself at risk. I’m proud to say that I’ve gone my near-30 years of life without being struck by a car, largely thanks to that one rule. But every now and again, I’ll watch someone boldly and carelessly stride into the street without looking. Most end up just fine, but always I feel a drop in my gut when I see folks take such a reckless risk… and right now, thinking of the society we live in, I again feel that same drop in my stomach.
We live in a world where AI models are rolling out that can perform better than PhDs on comprehensive assessments. Just days ago, I was playing with an AI music model where I only had to type in lyrics and a complete song was generated in mere minutes… I played it aloud in front of my family, and they were convinced it was a real song.
They say that technology’s growth is exponential, but only in the past few years have I really felt like the evidence is plain enough to see. Our decisions right now about AI safety, alignment, containment, and implementation will literally shape the following centuries. Many people clamoring for the march (or sprint) of progress don’t quite understand the implications of the changes they’re cheering on… history is filled with no shortage of examples of moments when humankind leapt before we looked.
Most of the stories in the collection orbit that same theme: progress isn’t free, and either we pay now in caution, or later, in misfortune.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think makes for great fiction?
People are compelling mixtures of contradictions. Most people have similar wants, but different priorities. Improve the world, help others, promote the self… most people likely share those goals, but which comes first will certainly vary from person to person. I always think there’s really interesting drama to be found where those priorities clash. Sometimes to prioritize one is to compromise another. A few stories in the collection explore that tension… take a person who wants to help others, but add in a dash of self-interest, and suddenly the drive to help others is twisted into something more convenient… and something often much worse.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
At the risk of sounding like a cliché, AI is transforming our world. The 2030s and beyond will look like nothing we can imagine, and the train is only speeding up… Despite the significance of these changes, discourse surrounding AI makes it clear that most people don’t quite understand the dangers.
Everyone has heard the doomsaying: “AI will destroy our economy!” “GPT5 will take your job.” “Artists will starve!” There might be nuggets of truth in those sorts of claims, but they largely misrepresent the threat. Pop culture does us no favors, either—sci-fi is littered with examples of evil AI who seem to have merely downloaded the “destroy all humans” software update. Oops.
But as someone with a long personal background in computer science (and machine learning specifically), I know that the dangers of AI extend to far more than financial concerns or an accidentally toggled murder-switch. My goal with this collection was to highlight these true, science-grounded risks in an approachable way—by the time they finish, readers won’t even realize they’ve learned about the alignment problem or reward hacking. The stories in the collection establish their rules and follow them faithfully to their thrilling (and sometimes horrifying) ends.
I’m no luddite; I’ve fully embraced AI tools in my professional life and I’d recommend most others do, too. But I’d hope any reader who finished the collection would agree that AI requires tremendous systemic caution. It doesn’t merely endanger our society… it endangers our humanity, too.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m currently working on a book that straddles the line between sci-fi and fantasy. Its current working title is The Men of the Mountain, and I’m hoping to have it published some time in 2025—though this may be the first book I really push hard to query to literary agents, meaning its timeline of release is far from certain. Here’s its blurb!
Inscrutable and Ever-Watchful Masters
The Men of the Mountain are fair; they bring the denizens of Fort Hope their food, shelter them from their enemies, and provide them with children to rear.
Cade Clanless is a humble trapper from humble folk. Ever since his sister’s disappearance, he’s suspected the green-robed mystics aren’t quite what they seem. And when a chance encounter in the woods presents him with an unlikely ally, Cade is thrust into a war he never wanted for a world he soon realizes he never truly knew at all.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon | Website | Book Review
“Early Adopter” is a collection of short stories from the edge of human progress. Eight stories hold dark mirrors to our own world… experience thought-provoking sci-fi, technologic tragedy, and pulse-pounding thrillers.
To Run Again: Dr. Laura Brandie is ready to change the world.
She’s the lead researcher behind the KSE, a revolutionary cure for paralysis and neurodegenerative conditions. And now, by good fortune, she’s found the perfect candidate for her first human trial: a man who suffers from locked-in syndrome.
Brett Harmon’s paralysis is total: he can’t move his arms, legs, torso, neck, or face. To the outside world, he’s little more than a statue that breathes… but Dr. Brandie’s KSE might be the miracle that allows Brett to run again.
Homonoia: The world faces an unprecedented alignment of catastrophes and failing systems, far too intricate and interconnected for any human to solve. Frank Burman joins with seven other volunteers for Project Homonoia–a radical, last-ditch effort to postpone the apocalypse. Separate minds link to form one multidisciplinary consciousness, the world’s first human superorganism… a hive mind. But with the world’s health rapidly failing, can Project Homonoia work out its kinks in time to make a difference?
Early Adopter: A loner enters into a relationship with a new type of partner: an AI agent, programmed to be the “perfect companion.”
Sure, it’s all self-deception and a game of pretend, as she’s not actually real… but where simulated consciousness is concerned, maybe the lines between real and real enough can get blurry.
Early Adopter
Early Adopter is a captivating collection of eight short stories that take a hard look at the promises and pitfalls of human progress. Drew Harrison weaves thought-provoking sci-fi narratives, each story holding a dark mirror to our present-day world. The collection blends technologic tragedy, unsettling what-ifs, and pulse-pounding thrillers, all set at the brink of our ever-accelerating future. From a high-stakes medical experiment to the creation of a hive mind and an AI love story that tests reality itself, this book pulls readers into a whirlwind of emotions and ethical dilemmas.
Early Adopter straddles the realms of science fiction and, at times, dips into the unsettling tones of horror, reminiscent of H.G. Wells and Richard Matheson. The stories vary in tone: some carry a hopeful outlook, while others are imbued with a sense of dread. Yet, they all circle back to a central theme, our intricate, often fraught relationship with technology. Among the standout stories is “To Run Again,” where a doctor discovers what she believes to be the ultimate remedy for neurodegenerative diseases. Predictably, the cure spirals into unforeseen territory, shocking both the doctor and her subject. Harrison’s perspective on technological advancement is intriguingly ambivalent. The author expertly builds the tension, and you can’t help but feel dread as you wonder what happens when science overreaches its limits. It’s a sharp commentary on the thin line between medical marvel and nightmare. Harrison captures the confusion and loss of individuality, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the cost of unity versus the value of individual human will. The stakes are sky-high, and the pacing makes you feel the urgency right alongside the characters. Harrison masterfully blurs the lines between human connection and synthetic love. The writing makes you question where reality ends and self-deception begins, and it left me feeling both intrigued and uneasy. It’s a sobering look at how close we might be to choosing simulated comfort over genuine, messy human relationships.
Early Adopter is a great audiobook for fans of sci-fi that digs deep. Harrison’s writing pulls no punches, and each story brings up questions that stick with you long after you’ve finished. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or someone skeptical of where humanity is headed, there’s something in this collection for you. The stories are unsettling, exhilarating, and sometimes devastating, but always thought-provoking. If you like your sci-fi with a dark edge and plenty of heart-pounding moments, this audiobook won’t disappoint.
Pages: 352 | ASIN : B0CP1W4JVB
Intrepid Spirit
David Tunno’s Intrepid Spirit audiobook takes listeners on a thrilling voyage through historical and contemporary naval adventures. The story begins in 1805, off the coast of Libya, where Commodore Edward Preble commands the USS Constitution in a daring mission against Barbary pirates. This gripping prologue sets the stage for a narrative that seamlessly transitions to the present day, weaving together tales of naval warfare, strategy, and personal valor across centuries.
Tunno’s story is both engaging and meticulous, capturing the essence of naval life with vivid descriptions and well-researched historical contexts. The depiction of Commodore Preble’s strategic brilliance and the detailed recounting of Lieutenant Stephen Decatur’s audacious mission to burn the captured Philadelphia are particularly compelling. Tunno’s portrayal of these historical figures is not only informative but also brings their characters to life, making readers feel the tension and excitement of their exploits.
Redding’s struggle with bureaucracy and the ethical dilemmas he faces in the Persian Gulf provide a stark contrast to Preble’s clear-cut battles, yet they do not always achieve the same level of engagement. Despite this, Redding’s character development and the challenges he encounters reflect the complexities of modern naval operations and the often murky waters of international politics.
One of the strengths of Intrepid Spirit is its ability to highlight the enduring spirit and resilience of naval officers across different eras. The parallels drawn between Preble’s and Redding’s experiences underscore the timeless nature of courage, leadership, and the moral quandaries faced by those in command. Tunno’s ability to intertwine these narratives adds a layer of depth to the story, emphasizing that while technology and geopolitical landscapes may change, the core values and challenges of naval service remain constant.
Intrepid Spirit is a captivating audiobook for anyone interested in naval history and military strategy. David Tunno’s narration is great and makes the story even more engaging, drawing listeners deeper into the world of naval adventures and historical drama. Tunno’s detailed narrative and character-driven storytelling make it a compelling audiobook that both educates and entertains. I would highly recommend it to history buffs, military enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted tale of bravery and strategic ingenuity on the high seas.
Duration: 10 hours and 18 minutes | ASIN: B0BGM7518F
Freeing Teresa: A True Story about My Sister and Me
Freeing Teresa: A True Story About My Sister and Me by Franke James is a powerful and deeply emotional account of familial conflict and the fight for autonomy. Franke James, a lifelong environmental activist, channels her compassion and determination into a new, more personal battle—one that involves her beloved sister, Teresa. Teresa, who has Down’s Syndrome, is placed in a facility for end-of-life care by their siblings, despite her protests. Against her will, she finds herself confined, her freedom stripped away. Franke, standing as her sole advocate, must now confront not only her own family but also the medical system and law enforcement, all of whom seem complicit in keeping Teresa imprisoned. Together, the sisters must face overwhelming odds if Teresa is ever to reclaim her independence.
This true account, written in a gripping narrative style, tells the story of love, loyalty, and resistance in the face of injustice. At its core, Freeing Teresa is about the bond between two sisters—Franke, fiercely protective, and Teresa, determined to live life on her own terms. Their relationship is touching, genuine, and filled with heart, making the story all the more compelling. However, this is also a deeply unsettling tale, as Franke exposes the cold indifference of their other siblings, who seem intent on ignoring Teresa’s wishes, viewing her condition as justification for stripping away her autonomy.
The book highlights the troubling ease with which authority figures—police, medical professionals, and caregivers—dismiss the desires of individuals with disabilities. Teresa’s battle for the right to live in a way that reflects her own choices becomes a larger critique of a system that too often prioritizes convenience over compassion. With her siblings’ tacit approval, these authorities confine Teresa, ignoring her pleas. James deftly draws readers into Teresa’s frustration and despair, making it easy to empathize with her plight. It’s a sobering reflection on how those with disabilities can be silenced and marginalized, even by those who should be their closest protectors.
What sets Freeing Teresa apart is its emotional intensity. Family disputes are never easy, but the stakes here feel especially high. The cruelty Teresa endures is heart-wrenching, and the story doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of sibling relationships. Yet, amidst the darkness, the love between Franke and Teresa shines brightly. This bond is the heart of the book, offering hope and resilience even in the face of adversity.
Freeing Teresa is a testament to the power of love and advocacy. Teresa’s fight for freedom is Franke’s fight, too, and through their shared journey, readers are reminded of the importance of standing up for those whose voices are too often drowned out.
Pages: 344 | ISBN: 1999406109
