Children Playground: Eye to Eye by Vanita Oelschlager

Eye to Eye: A Book of Body Part Idioms and Silly Pictures by Vanita Oelschlager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have reviewed various books from Vanita Oelschlager. What I love the most about this author is her capacity to develop unique ideas for her books. Today, I am reviewing Eye to Eye.

One of the things that can be challenging in a language is the figurative language. Figurative expressions are unique expressions in a language that are used to explain something. In this book, the author seeks to present some of these expressions in a very simple way for children to understand. I see this book as a useful teaching tool. That is why Eye to Eye is a good addition for classrooms. This book takes a friendly approach to show kids how to interpret figurative language they listen to on a daily life.

They art in this picture book is charming. Robin Egan illustrated this book in a colorful
bright way. Illustrations are playful and funny making the learning experience fun for any kid.

*Book provided by publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Graphic Saturday: Monstress

Monstress, Volume 1: Awakening by Marjorie M. Liu

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Monstress was a gift from my husband. I have been reading graphic novels again and he thought I would love this one. After all, he is the one who buys Saga for me. Enough about Saga and let's discuss some details about Monstress that makes this graphic novel worth reading.

The art on this graphic novel is amazing. Beautiful and full of details. The colors are perfect for the artist style. Also, the art on this book helps in creating the atmosphere of that fantastical world. The story is good. At the beginning the story was slow and have to confess I was about to stop reading it. The art (which sometimes reminds me of Battle Chasers) kept me interested until the story gets really interesting. The main character is full of surprises and I think it will proof to be versatile. The heroine is unpredictable and strong. Certainly, her actions propel the story forward with dynamism. The ending of this volume is great. Now I want to know more about this author's world. This is a series I plan to follow.

View all my reviews

Monument 14: The book I decided to finally pick

Monument 14  @ my kindle app

Well, I have been not much of a bookworm lately. After a long day I suddenly wanted to read and found Monument 14 on my Kindle App. I had bought the book a long time ago and forgot about it. So I finished reading Monument 14 yesterday and today I got to work on my review.

Monument 14 is a book from 2012 by author Emmy Laybourne. It is a story about a group of kids dealing with catastrophic nature events. While nature unravels, a store becomes a safe haven for these kids during the events. With no adult supervision or help they try to make the most of the experience by using the resources the place offers for their survival.

Monument 14 is a simple and an entertaining read. I read it quickly because it keep me interested. One thing I have to emphasize is,  I got tired of the story when I noticed girls were characterized as caregivers or as hormonal creatures. Girls can be leaders too and this author lost the opportunity to showcase that. Josie is the one character who fights that a little.  In one scene, she requires to be included on the information they were receiving and also  in the decision making. That is why although she is always the caregiver, I give her credit for making herself heard.

The setting is a good one. The store is a practical place to survive a cataclysm.  Food, water, weapons and shelter can be easily found in a department store. On the other hand the natural events  that propel the kids to take refuge need more development and to be believable, Nevertheless I simply decided to ignore that for the sake of entertainment.

If you like quick reads about natural disasters and cataclysm go ahead and read it, but these circumstances won't be the main event in the book. A little spoiler: There is a chapter called Blood Types. That chapter adds something interesting in the mix. I wonder, how does the author develops this idea in the other books of the Monument 14 YA series?

In the end, it entertained me so it can entertain you too.

Embracing a new year!

Hello Readers Everywhere:

Today is December 31st, 2014.  This year is ending and 2015 is full of new opportunities for all of us. I want beautiful significant experiences for all of you.  Also, I wish for a year abundant in inspiration, creativity and projects. 

This year I have to say, I have not been a proliferous reader.  I think just 19 books were read this year.   Never had time for reading, so this year I plan to change that.  My book jar is laughing because it won.   I had plans to read 55 books this year! So this year I won't get crazy with challenges but I will try my best to read those 55 books.

To all of you I say: 

Enjoy this day and embrace the adventure that 2015 represents for all of us.  Make sure 2015 is not the space between 2014 and 2016 like this smart image.  Make it relevant and most of all, an interesting chapter of your personal story.  Happy New Year!

Image credit to Geralt

  

What I am reading right now? Eating Sarah

Just a few short lines to say hello.  

I'm reading Eating Sarah by author Jaret Martens. I have read 39% of this book on my kindle and apps. The title is direct and suggesting of what this book has in store for you. The design is one of the things that made me choose this book, the other was the synopsis. I'm reading this and loving the horror in the story. Some would say this is a Young Adult but I considered it  a horror new adult. Characters are complex, which I appreciate in a story. The main character is smart. I expect a lot from her in the developing of the story.

Hope you look for this book.  Right know is at a great price. I'll stop know...back to reading Eating Sarah.

Look for this title at Amazon and add it at goodreads.
Tweet Tweet Jaret Martens @FadingDream97
Visit  author site

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Audio review: Cerulean by Anna Kiss

Cerulean by Anna Kyss
Narrator Melissa Moran
Audio format
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Visit author  Anna Kyss at her site
Look for this audiobook at Audible
*Copy provided for an honest review purpose

Cerulean has affinity to the audio format. The story has a good pace and intrinsic rhythm which is fantastic for the audio. This audio seemed short to me. While listening to Cerulean I was immerse in the story.I have to confess that I was truly surprise with the evolution of the story. At first I thought it was about mermaids but it evolves into something new. The main character lives in a totalitarian society where she feels constrained by lack of choices and diversity on her life. Chey is a young girl with many questions. That is why she ends finding answers that change life as she knows it.

Cerulean is narrated by Melissa Moran. This narrator has a beautiful voice, perfect for this audiobook. The narration is single voiced and Moran is a skillful narrator. To help the listener differentiate genders, she changes her voice tone. Melissa Moran provides momentum to this audio by giving a strong voice to the main character. She translated the emotions depicted by author Anna Kiss into the audio, which is great.

Recently I have been disappointed with some audiobooks, So, it has been a pleasure to find a good audio. Audiobooks are deeply affected by their narrator’s performance. Melissa Moran puts a lot of effort on this audio performance. She maintains an adequate pace and the plot flows without unnecessary interruptions. The sound quality in Cerulean is really good and this is a factor that completes the delightful experience of listening to Cerulean.

I earnestly recommend Cerulean. The audio format will give you a really good listening experience, so look for it.

Enjoy your audio!

To know more about great audiobooks visit http://www.audiobookjukebox.com/

View all my reviews

Feature and Follow

Feature and Follow is a feature from Parajunkee and Alison Can Read

Before blogging (dark times people!) how would you find out about new books or did you?

Since I opened the first book on my Mom's bookshelf I haven't stop reading.  So I guess that during those dark times I had my bookish news at my Mom's bookshelf.  At high school, I used to browse around until I could find something with good synopsis and interesting cover.  I read a lot of Isabelle Allende from the school's library.  During that era of the dark times, magical realism was essential.

Keep with Jessy's Bookends by

A dozen things you learn from your favorite supernatural/ paranormal books and shows

A dozen things you learn from your favorite supernatural/ paranormal books and shows

• Love is powerful, but no matter what you do you gonna end dead, supernatural or both.
• If you are supernatural don’t worry about getting a job because... Being a Supe is your Job! Cars will be available, gas, money... you mention it and it will materialize spontaneously.
• High School is not a once in a lifetime experience anymore.   
• There are schools that specializes on your dark arts or in providing for the necessities any Supernatural being needs like: a balanced diet of blood bags and  human blood bags snacks, magic curriculum.
• That enigmatic guy that for some reason you know you love, beware for he can be your brother
• Your supernatural condition makes you sexy.  Why? you ask.  Obviously because you are supernatural and a weird allure exudes from every pore on your body. Are there any fat vamps?  If you are fat, you lose all the extra weight?
• You will be the chosen one, the most powerful, the most talented for your age or at least something never seen before in your species.
• Life will be a rollercoaster.  You will be faster and amazing now, but know that a plethora of danger will be intrinsic to your Supernatural status.  If you are not the Supe but you friend are, it is worst because you will probably end up dead and probably revived quite frequently.
• Better have a cool name.  A vampire named Lestat makes and impact.  A vampire name Hank, not so much.  So, the name gives you rep.  The only ones who can get away with it are Bill and Eric because they have southern and viking charm respectively.
• Sometime hunters will be following your every step and sometimes they will forget all about you.  Maybe they have a quota?
• If you would write your memoirs, at least a trilogy will be needed.
• Prepare yourself for some kind of battle or at least to mark your territory in some way.
• Remember some martial arts would be a plus and since you are a supernatural being, they are already included.  You don’t have to learn how to fight!
• Hydration is always good whether you are going to mark your territory or having a deathly fight.
• There is a 99.99% probability you will be in a situation where the world will depend on your actions.  

What have you learned so far?

Beat The Heat Readathon Progress

This is the 2nd BTH Readathon and I have made progress... well, some progress.  This is what I am suppose to read these weeks:

	Book	Author	Format
1	Kindred	J.A, Redmerski	e-book
2	Cerulean	Anna Kyss	audio
3	Blood Orange Soda	James Michael Larranaga	ebook
4	Flowers in the Attic	V.C. Andrews	ebook
5	Torn	Amanda Hocking	paperback
6	?	?	paperback

Week #1 Summary

Total pages read: 

• 229 pages from Kindred (Darkwoods Trilogy #2)
• 10 pages from Torn (Trylle # 2)
• 3 hrs 47 mins 55 secs from Cerulean: One Thousand Blues

Books completed:

• Cerulean: One Thousands Blues 

Highlights of the Week: Cerulean was a great audio.   Soon, I will be sharing my review.

For Week # 2 I have achieved:

	Book	Author	Format
1	Kindred	J.A, Redmerski	e-book
2	Cerulean	Anna Kyss	audio
3	Blood Orange Soda	James Michael Larranaga	ebook
4	Flowers in the Attic	V.C. Andrews	ebook
5	Torn	Amanda Hocking	paperback
6	?	?	paperback

Total pages read:

• I finished Kindred: Darkwoods Trilogy (346 pages)
• 31 pages from Torn (Trylle #2)

Books completed: Kindred: Darkwoods Trilogy

Highlights of the week: Kindred had a surprising twist.  The heroine of the story is now on her 2.0 version. 

Beat The Heat Readathon Sign Up

My reading has been needing a lot of help lately. My available time for reading and wandering inside literary worlds has been reduced drastically over the past months.  I don't like to measure my time nor I like to keep up with a Calendar when reading.  I used to read everyday and know I can't.  Although I can't read everyday I try to make it work and read everytime I can.

Audiobooks are a lot of help.  I listen to a story on my commute, which is great, but sometimes I don't want audio, I don't want ebooks because I just want plain old books. So, I use the formats available to bring some diversity to my reading and maximize my available time.

So all that explaining is for you to know why you will see that my list is a mix of audio, e-format and books. Readathons are a motivational thing for me, so I will read as much as I can and try to participate as much as I can. Let's grab some fiction! 

My goals for this Beat the Heat Readathon:

	Book	Author	Format
1	Kindred	J.A, Redmerski	e-book
2	Cerulean	Anna Kyss	audio
3	Blood Orange Soda	James Michael Larranaga	ebook
4	Flowers in the Attic	V.C. Andrews	ebook
5	Torn	Amanda Hocking	paperback
6	?	?	paperback

Feature and Follow : Favorite tv series you watch on Netflix

What is your favorite tv series that you can watch over and over again on Netflix?

I love Netflix.  My favorite thing about Netflix is that I have a lot of options.  I can watch my favorites over and over again and relax. 

What do you watch?

Review Carter Finally Gets It by Brent Crawford

Carter Finally Gets It by Brent Crawford
Narrated by Nick Podehl
Publish: Brilliance Audio / April, 2009
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Unabridged recording : 9 hours
Look for this book at goodreads / Audible 
Source:
*Book from audiobook sync Summer 2013 free downloads.*

As Carter would say... This book is awesome!

Carter is a teen with a head full the worries of a pubescent. Also, he can be an idiot. What makes him interesting is his hilarious point of view. Carter is transitioning into high school. Everything is complicated for him because he is simply clueless until he finally understands what self discovery and individuality are all about. I do not consider Carter a complex character with a pecul iar way to analyze. It is his decision making process that makes things complicated for him. Carter is a MC with pizzazz.

The author Brent Crawford elevates the concept of the hormonal adolescent by making Carter interesting, dynamic and vital for the story to be fun. Sincerely, I look forward to read more books on this series. This kid and his idiosyncrasies make for a good story anytime.

Those of us who listen to audio books love to listen to them while we commute, so we look for a good narrator. Nick Podehl is such a good narrator. His voice is clear and with a good tone. The narration is enthusiastic which is great because Carter is constantly pumped up. Carter shows enthusiasm in every project he puts his head on. Podehl, as a narrator always captures that. I think that this narrator is one of the pillars that makes this audio book so good. I can assure you that Podehl's narration made me enjoy the book amazingly.

This book was meant to be an audio. I can't picture myself reading Carter's experiences because his daily happenings are meant to be told by him. The narrator Nick Podehl became Carter. But also, he became every character because his narration style made it possible. Genders can be differentiated in the book which is great.

I couldn't stop listening to this audio.

I want to listen to more audiobooks performed by Nick Podehl.  You can browse a list of his works here. You can visit author Brent Crawford at his site or look for him at twitter @brentcraw

About Carter Finally Gets It . Add this book to your goodreads!

Meet Will Carter, but feel free to call him Carter. (Yes, he knows it's a lazy nickname, but he didn't have much say in the matter.)
Here are five things you should know about him:

1. He has a stuttering problem, particularly around boobs and belly buttons.

2. He battles Attention Deficit Disorder every minute of every day unless he gets distracted.

3. He's a virgin, mostly because he's no good at talking to girls (see number 1).

4. He's about to start high school.

5. He's totally not ready.

Join Carter for his freshman year, where he'll search for sex, love, and acceptance anywhere he can find it. In the process, he'll almost kill a trombone player, face off with his greatest nemesis, suffer a lot of blood loss, narrowly escape death, run from the cops (not once, but twice), get caught up in a messy love triangle, meet his match in the form of a curvy drill teamer, and surprise the hell out of everyone, including himself.

View all my reviews

Graphic Saturday: Y The Last Man

Y: The Last Man #1 by Brian K. Vaughan
Art: J.G. Jones, Pia Guerra, Jose Marzan
Published: September 2002 / Vertigo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Purchased
Look for this at goodreads / Amazon / Comixology

One of the things that is relevant in this title is how the storyline is organized. The storyline is done using a sequence of events occurring in different parts of the world. By creating the story this way we can understand the real global impact of the situation formulated in this title.

Y: The Last Man presents as a premise males around the world dying spontaneously, leaving females as the only gender populating the earth. It caused an impact on me as a reader because massive deaths in males in all species would be catastrophic for the evolution and continuity of the species. It would bring the end.

There are so many reasons for me to recommend this graphic novel series to you. Y: The last man has great art on its cover which depicts the evolutionary element intrinsic in the story by including the monkey and the DNA. Colors complement the cover so well. Art inside is good and enhances the narrative. The author created enough mystery around the main character to make me want to return to the series. Why is he surviving? Is he special? I will stop writing about the goodness of this series because it is time for you to look it up and see for yourselves.

You want to know more about artist Pia Guerra visit her at Hellkitty.

For J.G Jones visit Comic Vine 

Find writer Brian K.Vaughan at Panel Syndicate 

Visit Jose Marzan at his Jose Marzan Jr.

About Y: The Last Man

"Unmanned (Part I of V)"

Written by Brian K. Vaughan (Lost, EX MACHINA), this is the saga of Yorick Brown - the only human survivor of a planet-wide plague that instantly kills every mammal with a Y chromosome. Accompanied by his pet monkey, Yorick searches for his lost love...and the answer to why he's the last man on earth.

What have you been reading?  Have you read other works created by this talented group of people?  Did you know that Vaughan created Saga?

View all my reviews

Children Playground: Blucy by Julia Dweck

Blucy: The Blue Cat by Julia Dweck
Illustrations: Erika Lebarre
Published: August 2013/ Xist Publishing
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Source: Purchased
Look for this at goodreads / Amazon

Blucy has really beautiful illustrations. The shades of blue used by the artist bring the cat to live, plus the illustrations look cute. The story written is rhythmic and perfect for kids to enjoy. The concept of this storybook is interesting, a cat who changes color and who loves the color blue. The character is created with these interesting details so a lesson can be imparted to the readers.

Kids learn about patience and caring with the girl but, what do they learn with the cat? The cat as a character I wasn't crazy about. The cat keeps doing a lot of things without been explained that his behavior was inadequate. It seems like he is awarded with a free license to do everything he wants. When I was reading it to one of my girls she told me: "That's a bad cat". Well, h

One thing I truly loved about the book is the section at the end where we can find Cat Facts and Hidden Pictures. These have a high fun factor for kid readers. My kids liked the book and these sections a lot.

View all my reviews

Graphic Saturday! Sex Criminals Vol.1

Sex Criminals, Volume 1: One Weird Trick by Matt Fraction
Published: April, 2014/ Image Comics
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Look for this at goodreads / Amazon / Comixology
Source: I received this copy (vol 1) via Netgalley for review purposes. Issue 1 was purchased.

I describe Sex Criminals as a series without inhibition. It's author took a leap into a daring subject: Sex. My favorite thing about this series is the introduction the author gives to each character because we get to know them from the beginning of their sexual curiosity to their adult age. Suzie is a complicated character. She begins experiencing with sexuality to create a space of her own. Years pass by until she feels empty and alone.Is there more people like her?

Suzie is not alone.

Suzie stops time with sex. LOL! The premise is funny but this graphic novel works it so well. The graphic novel develops a plot around how Suzie and her lover in a Bonnie and Clyde style, take to steal using their abilities. The first Volume has number 1-5. It gives the reader a clear panorama of what Sex Criminals' is all about. It's creators are direct and are pretty sure about what they want they want to do with this series. Every number has amazing covers as well as Vol.1. Colors are perfect for the illustrations. Inside, art is good but not mind blowing. It could use some improvement.

This is a graphic novel I plan on keep reading. I read Suzie Down in the Quiet (no.1) thanks to Comixology. Later the volume was available at Netgalley, which provided me with the opportunity to understand more about this series.

What comic series have you been reading? Have you found any graphic novels you want to recommend?

View all my reviews

Feature and Follow: Picture Books

Friday: Feature and Follow 

Feature and Follow is  hosted by Parajunkee and Alison, two awesome bloggers how have established a great feature for all of us bloggers and readers to get to know each other.  By sharing with other bloggers we get to forget about the vastness of the web and reunite with a common purpose: book related stuff!

So, I will make a stop at a lot of blogs this day.  If you pay me a visit at Jessy's Bookends, and I hope you do, you can follow like this:

What are some of your favorite picture books?

From my childhood, I remember going to my school's library every two days.  I used to pick one or two books and to spend some time browsing.  Do you remember those pop ups books? I loved to open them and watch for a castle to pop out.  and these days  we still get to find great ones.  Well, I used to check out fables and with the passing years, fables where changed for other genres.

When I was in Middle School I loved a mystery/ horror series where the ending would be decided by the reader's choices.  It gave options like (example):

page 14 you go up the stairs
page 20 you opened the door

Sadly, I can't remember the title anymore. Uhhh... 

Now, I read children books with my daughters. These are some of the titles I have read with them and which we have enjoyed!

Cookie The Walker by Chris Monroe

They're Coming by Timothy Young

I Hate Picture Books! by Timothy Young

Lester's Dreadful Sweaters by K.G. Campbell

Flood by Alvaro F. Villa

Children Playground: Chasing Butterflies

Chasing Butterflies by Harry Toews
Publisher: June 2013
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Visit author at his blog
Look for this title at his goodreads / Amazon
Source: Received in exchange of honest review

Chasing Butterflies is a sweet story that brings back to mind our childhood and those times with our Grandmas. To the kids in the story, their Grandma gave them unique magical moments like no one else. Toews created a story to impart values to our children.  I feel connected to Chasing Butters, for my childhood was also characterized by the ever constant presence of my Grandma.  We used to pick fruits and make juice together...  Those simple moments I will always cherish.

Toews wrote a children's book of beauty. Art in this story reminds me of ingenuity and simplicity. Colors are soft and go well with the illustrations.

I recommend this book for kids 4 to 7. Kids will enjoy the beauty of the illustrations, the colors and the story.

To know more about Harry Toews's life lessons visit website.

About Chasing Butterflies:
Join Sophia and Matteo who explore the wonders of their grandmother's enchanting rose garden in the search for magic. But is all what it seems? Along the way they discover a world of beauty and kindness as well learning a valuable life lesson. Once finishing the story, you'll be left hungry for more!
View all my reviews

Blog Tour Summoned by Rainy Kaye

Today Summoned by author Rainy Kaye is making a stop at Jessy's Bookends for its blog tour.

Blurb

Twenty-three year old Dimitri has to do what he is told—literally. Controlled by a paranormal bond, he is forced to use his wits to fulfill unlimited deadly wishes made by multimillionaire Karl Walker. Dimitri has no idea how his family line became trapped in the genie bond. He just knows resisting has never ended well. When he meets Syd—assertive, sexy, intelligent Syd—he becomes determined to make her his own. Except Karl has ensured Dimitri can't tell anyone about the bond, and Syd isn't the type to tolerate secrets.Then Karl starts sending him away on back-to-back wishes. Unable to balance love and lies, Dimitri sets out to uncover Karl's ultimate plan and put it to an end. But doing so forces him to confront the one wish he never saw coming—the wish that will destroy him.

A dark twist on the genie folklore, SUMMONED follows a reluctant criminal as he unravels the mystery of the paranormal bond controlling him.

Warnings: 18+, adult content, mature themes, strong language, violence

Summoned is represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA.

Find out more at http://www.summonedtheseries.com

Note: SUMMONED is around 90,000 words and has been edited by three editors. While there are

other Summoned books in the work, this one stands complete on its own (no cliffhanger).

Review

Summoned by Rainy Kaye
Published: March 2014/ Immortal Ink Publishing
Source: E-book received for review purposes of this blog tour. 

This book is  intensity personified.  I have to say, I didn't expect Summoned to be like that. Rainy Kate took the bull by its horn with this book.  The characters are sultry and the story is grabbing.  Let me explain to you why it is that way.

Summoned is the story of Dimitri who has a secret no one can know.  He is a creature of legend, he is a mythological entity who found home on this book's pages.   Author Rainy Kaye shows us a being who has hopes and desires which are secondary to his sense of obligation towards his master.  Dimitry has created a way of life for himself where he is a fullfiller of desires and everything else is ephemeral.  Everything changed when love invaded his life abruptly (Syd). From that point on , Dimitri wants his own life.

I appreciate when authors take time in creating  characters.  Dimitri and Syd are a juxtaposition.  While Dimitri is bound by a master bond which controls everything he does, Syd is free.  Characters are intense and daring. This is one of those books that keeps you reading.  The story it's surprising and unexpected.  Sincerely, I didn't expect to read this book at the speed I read it. Dimitri is a highlight as a character in this book.  He is funny in such a way that I hope he appears in other stories.

The only thing I wasn't that crazy about was the sex craze  these two experience through the book.  Good conversation and quality time cannot be underrated.  If they do not talk with each other, how can we understand them and their motivations?  When the sexual marathon between these two (Syd and Dimitri) takes a break, is when he shows as a character what he wants and who he wants to be.

Overall, dear readers if you like books with a mysterious character, lust everywhere and page turning action, you should look for Summoned by author Rainy Kaye. Summoned is refreshingly unpredictable which makes the story even better.  This is not the type of story I look for but now am a convert.

*This book is not for kids.  

Author Bio

Rainy Kaye is an aspiring overlord. In the mean time, she blogs at www.RainyoftheDark.com and writes paranormal novels from her lair somewhere in Phoenix, Arizona. When not plotting world domination, she enjoys getting lost around the globe, studying music so she can sing along with symphonic metal bands, and becoming distracted by Twitter @rainyofthedark. She is represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA.


To know more about this author:  Twitter/Facebook/Author Blog

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Visit Audiobook Sync for great audio

This summer Audiobook Sync offers a variety of books for free.  Each week a pair of audiobooks is available to download.  Last summer I found a great selection and this year they have great books too. You can check their schedule and even sign up for their newsletter.  Prior to make your visit to Audiobook Sync, look for Overdrive Media Console, you will need it to access your audiobook downloads.



Hope you enjoy your audio time! to know more about Audiobook Sync visit their page

What is Sync?