lizabethstucker

[lizabethstucker]

Bonded in Death by J. D. Robb

5 out of 5.

In Death 60

Lieutenant Eve Dallas' latest case leads back to the Urban Wars.  The victim was carrying a mockup of Eve's business card, a list of cover names written on the back.  The Twelve were a secret organization fighting for peace in a violent war that had swept the world, forced to do what was necessary to protect the innocent.  What Dallas didn't expect is to discover that Summerset, Roarke's father-figure, the bane of Eve's existence, was one of The Twelve, meaning he is a probable target.

The surviving members of The Twelve were a delight, interesting and fascinating in how these individuals, all from various levels of society, came together to fight to protect the innocents, to help secure a future for them.  The depth and respect given to the former warriors who stepped up during a time of worldwide meltdown resonates more than ever with today's current issues.  Prescience by the author or just a coincidence?

Definitely one of my favorite Eve Dallas mysteries.  I really enjoyed it, disgusting as the villain was.  I found the conclusion to be mostly satisfying.  I also hope to see more of The Twelve in the future.  This is prime J. D. Robb/Nora Roberts work.  I'd highly recommend this book. 

[lizabethstucker]

Orphans of the Sky by Robert A. Heinlein

2.75 out of 5.

The Ship has been in existence long enough that much of its true history has become a mixture of myth and religion, facts twisted or completely lost in time. The population is divided into Crew and Scientists and muties, the last group living in the highest levels of the Ship. Crew are farmers and workers, few able to read or write. Scientists are the more educated, technical workers. The muties are descendants of mutineers who escaped death, most of them are mutated in some manner. The relationship between muties and the rest of the Ship's inhabitants are volatile, on the verge of war.

Hugh Hayland had always been more curious than his friends, constantly wandering about the Ship. On the verge of becoming a Scientist until during a foray into mutie territory he is captured. While there he learns more than anyone in the lower levels know about the truth behind the Ship, about the Trip.

I've always been fascinated by generational ship stories, so I was interested in revisiting a book that I vaguely remember reading when I was in middle school. To be honest, I now realize why I had no memories of the content despite many other Heinlein books from that time period being burned into my mind. There is violence, derogatory language, demeaning of women, ableism, etc. Much of it is typical of 1941, the original publication date, but blown up.

Do I like the book? To be honest, no. I found it to be simplistic and objectionable in so many ways. And, unlike other works from Heinlein, not worth the time to read. His works can annoy me, disgust me, entertain me, and make me think. I have fond memories of "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" and "Stranger in a Strange Land", even "Starship Troopers" although I recognized the fascist overtones even as a 11 year old. "Orphans of the Sky" is most definitely NOT one of Heinlein's better works. I think only completists should take the time.

[lizabethstucker]

The Last Wizards' Ball by Charlaine Harris

4.5 out of 5.

Gunnie Rose 6

Lizbeth Rose's half-sister Felicia has been invited to the Grand Wizards' Ball, a way for magic users from all over the world in search of mates to connect. Felicia is essentially the belle of the Ball considering her power, her specialty, and her beauty. But with war pending in Asia and Europe, she's also someone wanted by Germany and Japan to add to their war efforts.

Lizbeth is escorting Felicia to the various get-togethers, increasingly aware of the dangers surrounding them. Add Eli's secrecy and longing to return to the Tsar's court and Lizbeth is feeling truly out of her comfort zone. But she's determined to do whatever she must to protect her family.

I wish to thank Saga Press, Simon & Schuster Publishing, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this, the last planned installment of the Gunnie Rose series. This has become one of my favorite series over the years. I'm truly sad to hear that this is the last entry. Anticipated publication date is July 22, 2005. Seriously, pre-order NOW!

As usual, the action was well done, even if more up close and personal this time. The cracks in Lizbeth and Eli's marriage are spreading despite their love. Lizbeth despises secrecy, especially when it surrounds something that involves her. Her uncomfortableness with the society rules she must abide by while escorting Felicia to the various events are acknowledged by those around her, but it is a life that Eli was raised in. As to Eli himself, he is torn between his potential return to his former life in the HRE and his love for his wife. If I could sum up my thoughts and reactions, it would probably be "sometimes love isn't enough". Or even, "opposites attracting doesn't always end in forever after."

I always suspected this would come, yet had hoped that they would find a middle ground that could make both of them happy. Sadly whatever happiness that Eli and Lizbeth find will not be together. There is a lot of scope for the future in the series despite it being announced as the sixth and final book. After all, New America has their greedy little eyes on Texoma. Perhaps, sometime down the line, there will be short stories or novellas, even if another novel will never arrive.

[lizabethstucker]

Hello,

I hope you’re all doing well. 🌿

I need your help to share my family's story and raise awareness about our struggle. Every voice counts, and your support means the world. 🙏

💬 Please reblog my pinned post or, if you're able, consider donating just $5—it could be life-changing for those facing unimaginable hardship.

Your kindness and solidarity make a real difference. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 🤍✨

@aboodfmly

Fuck off.

[lizabethstucker]

Hey 💌 I’m Saja — a mother trying to hold onto hope through days that feel impossibly heavy.

I know you probably see a lot online, but if you could take just a moment… I’d be so grateful.

💫 A reblog of my pinned post could help our story reach someone who cares.

🌿 And if you’re in a place to give, even a small donation could bring comfort to my daughter and help us feel safe again.

@sajagz, thank you for listening.

Even gentle support creates strength.

From one heart to another — thank you 🤍

Fuck off.

[lizabethstucker]

Hi there 🌼

I hope it’s okay that I’m reaching out. My name is Rola, and I’m a mother of two from Gaza. Life used to be simple—filled with laughter, home-cooked meals, walks with my children, and ice cream on weekends. But since October, everything has changed.

We lost our home in a bombing. One moment, we were sipping coffee on the balcony… the next, the house shook, windows shattered, and our world collapsed. We had to flee with nothing—no clothes, no toys, no sense of safety.

My children still ask about their beds, their books, their quiet little room. I don’t have answers. All I can do is hold them and keep going.

We’re now raising funds to evacuate—or, if returning becomes possible, to rebuild. I just want to give my children a future that isn’t defined by fear and loss.

If you’re able to help—by donating or even just sharing our story—it would mean everything 💛. Your kindness can bring us one step closer to healing.

Thank you for listening. And if you'd prefer not to receive messages like this, just let me know and I won’t reach out again.

With love and hope,

Rola | @rolafamily 🤍

Will you people FUCK OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lizabethstucker]

Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving

3 out of 3.

Rip is an amiable man, well liked by all, but is not ambitious and has an aversion to profitable labor that could support his family. During an escape into the Kaatskill Mountains to get away from his wife, he encounters a group of strangely dressed men. After a night of heavy drinking, he passes out, awakening to find everything has changed.

Well-written, but I was surprised on this reread that there is no ending that teaches a moral, no awakening for Rip. Instead he is essentially rewarded by the death of his "nagging" wife. And the fact that Dame Van Winkle is called out for wanting her husband to actually support his family offends me so freakin' much! Then, due to his age, he's actually given permission to be as lazy as he's always been. Sadly, Irving has never been a favorite of mine.

I believe the last time I read this was when I was around 12-14 years of age, during my intensive classic reading period. I didn't remember that Rip actually was only "asleep" for twenty years, not the one hundred I falsely remembered.

[lizabethstucker]

Sad and somewhat disgusted

Back in 2020 I purchased (or rented, per Amazon) loads of books that collected classics into one massive Kindle edition. I made it through the first two novels during the last five years (too many other books to read to just work my way through them). Pulling up Emma by Jane Austen soon found my Kindle glitching or perhaps because these editions were no longer available through Amazon. White screens, occasionally an error message stating that the page could not be displayed, no page turning or extremely SLOW turn (over a minute for some pages), and just general freezing. I made it through the book finally, but sadly had to delete both volume 1 and 3 of 50 Classics You Have to Read Before You Die.

The good news is that, because of the sale, they only cost me $.49 each. I'm hoping that the other collection sets I bought at the same time aren't as big a problem when I get around to them.

[lizabethstucker]

Emma by Jane Austen

2.5 out of 5.

Miss Emma Woodhouse is headstrong, spoiled, and believes she is a wonderful matchmaker after introducing her former governess, now companion and friend, to the man Miss Taylor marries.

Unfortunately Emma is NOT good at matching couples, but is unable to understand that she is creating havoc amongst her friends and acquaintances.

As much as I love films based on Austen's novels, I always struggle to read the books themselves. I cannot explain why as I enjoy classics, society of manners novels, and romances. I don't mind a mostly unlikeable heroine or hero if they are interesting. Yet, much like my struggles reading Agatha Christie novels despite adoring the film adaptations, I had to fight to complete this story. A pity.

[lizabethstucker]

Hi there 💛

I hope this message finds you well. I'm reaching out with a heavy heart and a hopeful spirit.

My name is Mohamed. My family and I lost our home to the war, and we’re doing our best to start again from nothing. We’ve created a GoFundMe to help rebuild—not just the walls, but the life we once knew.

If you have a moment, please check out my pinned post. Even a simple reblog or share can make a world of difference. And if you’re in a place to give, even a small donation would mean more than I can ever express.

Your kindness, your voice, your support—it truly matters.

Thank you for reading this. I’m so deeply grateful. 🙏

@hamodfamily

Fuck off.

[lizabethstucker]

This is important news. I understand how we are all overwhelmed with all the stupidity coming out of D.C., but this is just another warning that TPTB are dumbing down our youth and young adults. History is being erased, education is being impeded, and all the bullshit about States' Rights is just that -- bullshit.

From the loss of Hoopla, databases, and Wi-Fi hotspots to the closing of rural branches, these stories document the devastating effect of the Trump administration’s policy decisions on public and school libraries across the country.

[lizabethstucker]

When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley

2.5 out of 5

Thank you to NetGalley, Erewhon Books, and Kensington Publishing for allowing me a chance to read this ARC. I wish the reception had been better, but it is what it is.

Benny Caldera, a Puerto Rican blacksmith and metal worker, manages to make an exquisite cage for an exhibit in Luna Park, Coney Island. He is invited to help set up the exhibit, which turns out to be a captured merman named Rio. As Benny becomes more involved with the Park he is drawn to Rio. Now he must decide if he can or will help Rio escape.

I tell myself time and again to dip into reviews before reading a book from an author I've never experienced before. But the cover and the synopsis given appealed to me, along with the time period of the 1910s. I grew up hearing stories, both good and bad, of that time from my grandmother and her sisters, all three raised in Hell's Kitchen during that time period. Perhaps I should've taken the Content Warning at the beginning of the book more seriously: I know I did hesitate after reading it, but still decided to continue on.

Kelley's language and descriptive imagery was a bit flowery for my tastes, but still drew me in. She definitely has some talent there. Yet her characters seemed flat, particularly the side characters. They were treated more as set dressing than essential parts of the story. And the fact that Rio would trust the man who helped place him on display? Yeah, that doesn't work for me at all. Of course, I'm not a fan of insta-love either, so that also jarred.

One of the other things that bothered me enough to make it difficult to finish the book was how Benny only seemed to care about "rescuing" Rio because he was attracted to him, not because of the criminality and cruelty of kidnapping and holding hostage a living, breathing, thinking person. Benny essentially dismissed everyone else held captive that way.

I believe the author has real potential, but the book could've used some severe editing, both in length (over 400 pages?) and characterization. The pacing was also too slow at the beginning, picking up somewhat near the end. Perhaps even in determining whether she was writing a fantasy, a romance, or a romantasy. This, to me, was a swing and a miss..

Finally, all I could think of while reading this was "The Shape of Water" which I had read a few years earlier. Sadly there is no real comparison. This just wasn't it for me. I can see its appeal to younger or more casual readers, but I don't believe this will work for many more experienced readers of fantasy and romance.

[lizabethstucker]

WARNING

I'm been fairly patient with all the requests for financial aid, 99% scams, that show up in my feed. No more. Now I not only will be blocking you, but reporting you as well.

[lizabethstucker]

Reading Hiatus

Some of you may have realized that I didn't post a single review in February. Now in the past that used to be my month of book slump. This time it was a surfeit of H-U-G-E and engrossing Harry Potter fanfic.

I'm hoping to get back to regular reading this month, but I'm still making my way through massive (I'm talking 400K plus words) stories on my Kindle.

[lizabethstucker]

Notice to Grifters, Scam Artists, & Beggars

Don't send requests for money to me. I will block you. You may very well be in need of help, but sadly too many of these types of posts are scams. In the same way that people begging for help on street corners no longer see a dime from me, because the majority are making their living this way, conning soft-hearted drivers.

[lizabethstucker]

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

DNF

No summary this time. If you're interested, check out Goodreads or Amazon or Barnes & Noble or … anywhere else. I usually don't purchase hardbacks anymore as I don't keep 95% of my books. But BN was having a sale, so I opted to pick up "The Spellshop". Frankly that sale is the only thing that made me buy it as I dislike, make that hate with the fire of a thousand burning suns, that a huge portion of hardbacks are now $29.99 and up!

I even did the first chapter test, reading it in the Starbucks section of the store. I enjoyed the first chapter and though, okay, 40% off and a $5 member credit? Worth it. I had also heard good things about the book, all about it being cozy and romantic and filled with fantasy and mythological creatures. I was barely through the second chapter before I wondered if I had made a mistake. By chapter seven, I was convinced I had, but struggled on. I hit chapter ten, 100 pages in, and gave it up.

What I didn't like:

1) Kiela. The author appeared to try to set her heroine up as a loner, an introvert, perhaps somewhat awkward with others. What I read was a sometimes rude, self-centered, boring heroine who was anything but a suitable character for a heroine once the escape from the capital was done.

2) Larran. His size and his looks were a constant refrain, mostly ignoring his character. His habits of just intruding where Kiela had made it obvious that she didn't want him also disturbed me. Overbearing much or just clueless?

3) I didn't find any real chemistry between Kiela and Larran. Absolutely none at all. Of course, that might've come later in the book, but I'm not a fan of waiting for something to click as I read. Not protestations of love and sexual desire, just that something that makes the reader start rooting for the hero and heroine.

4) The fantasy and mythological creatures seemed to be thrown in for support the book being a fantasy rather than having a life. That is pretty common in too many fantasy books nowadays.

5) Did not feel like cozy to me. And, as to being compared to a Harlequin Rom-Com? I didn't see any Com and just some pathetic Rom.

What I did like (not enough to keep reading):

1) Caz. Our anxiety ridden sentient spider plant. Unfortunately he was more one dimensional than not.

2) Bryn. Now she had some real possibilities. I might've keep reading if Bryn was the main character and Kiela was just a strange backgrounder.

3) Umm, nope, that's all. Unless you accept the cover which I found beautiful. (But who the hell opted for a BROWN cover underneath the overwrap? Just -- no!)

One more comment, then I'll end this painful review. Am I the only one who felt like this read Young Adult Romance? Because that's the vibe I was getting.

[lizabethstucker]

The Baby Dragon Cafe by A. T. Qureshi

3 out of 5.

The Baby Dragon 1

Saphira Margala loves dragons, but know she will never own one. Instead she opens The Baby Dragon Cafe, a coffee shop where adorable baby dragons can accompany their owners. Unfortunately the dragons are much like human toddlers, causing chaos and attracting trouble while still looking cute. It leads to Saphira draining her savings with the amount of repairs to be done.

When Aiden Sterling stumbles into her shop, following his own baby dragon, Sparky, the attraction in mutual. He sees how differently Sparky interacts with Saphira and hires her to train the little devil to behave and, if possible, get him to stop biting him.

sigh The month started so wonderfully with interesting reads. And this had everything that should've appealed to me, from dragons to romance and fantasy (I will NOT use that ridiculous term "romantasy") and fake marriage and touted as a cozy read. Not to mention having an awkward hero, which is a particular favorite of mine in a romance. Yeah, no. I found myself only enjoying the baby dragon bits and fast reading through everything else. Even the ending was a disappointment, although not for the hero and heroine's HEA.

The dragons are the only thing that saved this book from a 2.5 stars.

At least when I preordered this it was only $2US, so I don't feel like I wasted any money.