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Judge, Jury, & Executioner #1
You Have Been Judged (The Judge, Jury, & Executioner Series)
Rivka Anoa has a gift and a galactic mandate. She's a lawyer accused of a murder she did commit. She stands ready to accept her fate, even though her victim was a murderer. A second chance appears. Become more than a lawyer. Be one who judges and punishes the guilty. Could she look herself in the mirror after meting out justice? She's about to find out. Rivka heads to space to be the Judge, Jury, & Executioner. Criminals have nowhere to go. You Have Been Judged . . .
1 pages, Audio CD
Published January 17, 2023
1166 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Craig Martelle
309 books7,858 followersVisit Craig's web page, craigmartelle.com for the latest posts and updates or find him on Facebook, Author Craig Martelle. Send an email to craig@craigmartelle.com to join his mailing list for the latest on new releases, information on old releases, and anything related to his books.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
October 13, 2018
The opening of this novel was rambling and incoherent. The main character is so throughly unlikeable that it tainted my perception of the whole story. I’ll be giving the rest of the series a miss.
Read
May 1, 2025Rating: minus 5 on a scale of minus 5 to plus 5
This book is now up for revision. My rewrite project is dedicated to several of the outraged man-children who wrote so many hate comments to my reviews. To ToddG now just Todd, Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr and Cass Michaels, if you are reading this, this is an excellent read for you.
For the more sane reader, I need a step back to prepare on YouTube. This rewrite is courtesy of Doctor Who/They Break My Heart -RecklessGirl100, ScaredKetchup -Hindu Hillbilly, Patrick(H)Willem, Dr Fatima physicist, Jay Exci, LuckyBlackCat, Mia Mulder, Red Glasgow, Eugenia from Ukraine, Words Unravelled, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Operator Starsky, Wednesday -Paint it Black, The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Lily Simpson, Narrowboat Pirate, Weirdo Book Club, Kyiv Independent, Ukraine Calling, Cosy Creative, Books N Cats, The Book Leo, Ukraine Matters, NFKRZ, Riverboat Jack, Inside Russia, Adam Something, Books and Lala, Ana Gramling, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Northern Narrowboaters, Cruising Alba, Bobbing Along, Ben and Emily, OrangeRiver, Squire, Sailing Melody, Cruising Crafts, Covert Cabal, Widebeam and Wellingtons, Chris and Shell, Kris Atomic, OrangeRiver, Warthog Defence, British Museum, Anders Puck Nielsen, NativLang, The Real News, UNTV, Alt Shift X, Tank Encyclopedia, Princess Weekes, Fit 2B Read, Mynameismarines, Living Anachronism, Reporting from Ukraine, Nini Music, Autumn's Boutique, Hailey in Bookland, Elina Charatsidou, A Lil Bit Mads, Gutsick Gibbon, Planarwalker, Geo Girl, Ben G Thomas, Shitty Book Club, Lumber Capital Log Yard, Mercado Media, Patrick(H)Willem, Up and Atom, Physics Girl, Bookslike Whoa, Reads with Rachel, The Great War, World War Two, Kings and Generals, Isaac Arthur, Artur Rehi, Nomadic Crobot, Matriarchetype, Kelly loves Physics and History, Foster on the Spectrum, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, EarleWrites, Sanctioned Ivan, Captured in Words, ThePrimeChronus, May, Military Aviation History, Lydia Loves Timelines, Puddles Pity Party, Aditu Laudis, Bellum et Historia, Sarah Z, Foster on the Spectrum, Veritas et Caritas, HBomberGuy, Evie Lupine, TIKHistory, Anna Fern, NerdForge, Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox, ARTE.tv, Military History Visualized, Eileen -Hej Sokoly, Diary of a Ditch Witch, Stevie Emerson, Not the Andrew Marr Show, Times Radio, Liz Webster, With Cindy, Vasya in the Hay, Fall of Civilisations, Verilybitchie, Ancient Americas, Kazachka, Novara Media, Adiemus - Carmina Slovenica.
I recently saw that one of the village idiots offended by my reviews, whilst insulting a trans female creator complained to her that I list trans creators. I can only wonder at the lack of self-awareness that characterises US males. A trigger warning for that idiot and fellows. The channels which I list include essayist, straight, economist, bi, hobbyist, cis, socialist, asexual, anthropologist, Intersex, political historian, trans, redhead, physicist, gay, married, mathematician and other female creators whom the sane refer to as Women. Almost as threatening to you are the channels by communist, Swedish, other POC, older, eco-activist, archaeologist. other LGBTQ+, political commentator, Celtic, philosopher, ginger, modeller and other creators whom are by the sane labelled Human Beings. Should after this warning, the voices insist that you torment yourself, I suggest emergency therapy, immediate pastoral counselling or a Catholic exorcism. My feelings towards these idiots are similar to that of the 13 Ukrainian marines defending Snake Island, when their surrender was demanded by the Russian navy. Their response was "Russian warship, go f@ck yourself". Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes.
Neither of these writers is good. When Anderle is on the cover expect rubbish, though he seems to be popular since US publishers push the name. The average writing level for romance and romantasy is that for the eleven year old. After attempting 1000+ Kindle recommendations, my judgement of current US science fiction is that of the ten year old with Anderle weighing in at the eight to nine year old.
This and the other boom-boom spacey-space books feature a dark background (very Capitalist Realism), a background of vast scale (not necessarily bad for science fiction) but vague and murky as sh*t (which is bad storytelling regardless of genre).
The story is a mashup of "Judge Dread" storyline and "Flash Gordon" universes. The main character is the female version of the standard deranged male main character. The american myth of the universally applied Miranda rights protocol is dispensed with after the manner of Judge Dread. Every non-wealthy, non-influential character will be found guilty with no investigation needed followed by punishment administered. Any wealthy and/or influential suspect can not be found guilty or be inconvenienced by the main character without serious consequences.
This book will feature no plot, make liberal use of plot armour and contrivance with dialogue best described as cringe or just juvenile. The book does not waste ink on character development as there are no characters worthy of the label. This was more effort at criticism than this book was worth.
This next was courtesy of YouTube's UATV English, Art by Annamarie, Emmie, Life of Lit, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Petrik Leo, Thirdworld Booknerd, Dark Brandon, Autumn's Boutique, Sarah Z, Owen Jones, Lily Alexandre, Munecat, Tara Mooknee, DW News, Anna from Ukraine, Some More News, Novara Media, Bernadette Banner, Shannon Makes, Break N Remake, The Closet Historian, Erutan -Jabberwovky, Parkrose Permaculture, Hildegard von Binhin', Karolina Zebrowska, Celtica, Renegade Cut, Lady knight the Brave, Hello Future Me, Alizee, Don't F@ck with Ukraine, Depressed Russian, Alice Cappelle, Jessica Gagnon, France 24, Tom Nicholas, Hetty and the Jazzalato Band, Lindsay Ellis, Patrick is a Navajo, TVP News, Double Down News, Double Down News, The Shades of Orange, UNTV, Russian Dude, Natasha's Adventures, Jean's Thoughts, A Day of Small Things, With Olivia, Katie Colson, ScFi Odyssey, A Clockwork Reader, Jennifer Nicholson, Roisin's Reading, Lady of the Library, Sabine Hossenfelder, Kik1006-Secret Melody, Dan Davis History, Practical Engineering, Between the Lines, Alayna Joy, Enby Reads, Verilybitchie, Spacedock, Indigo Gaming, Brittany the Bibliophile, Philosophy Tube, The Amber Ruffin Show, Dakota Warren, Jabzy, Joe Scott, Merphy Napier, Matriarchetype, Cari can Read, Books and Lala, The Great War, Military History Visualized, Reporting from Ukraine, A Cup of Nicole, DW News, The Irish Reader, Jessie Gender, Practical Engineering, The Narrowboat Pirate, Cruising Crafts, Cruising on the Border, Think that Through, Amie's Literary Empire, Swell Entertainment, Make Better Media, Knowing Better, Fundie Fridays, Keffals, Cruising Alba, Camper Vibe, Answer in Progress, Zoe Bee, Lilly's expat life, The Armchair Historian, Lily Simpson, Honest Government Ads, The Juice Media, League of STEAM, Boat Time, Dead Good Books, IzzzYzzz, Three Arrows, We're in Hell, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, Cold Fusion, Whitney Avalon, Louise Proven, The Science Asylum, Maggie Mae Fish, Raw News and Politics, The Kavernacle, Austin McConnell.
Goodreads ratings and reviews were for me useless, given that few titles are given less than 4 star averages. That includes books featuring uneven prose, multiple misspellings, multiple plot holes, contrivance as plot driver, racist and misogynistic representation, ethno-supremacist and ethnocentric themes and more. A comment which I received more than once was "It is just science fiction". That opinion says a lot about loss of critical thinking and limiting of imagination among the readership as a result of these genre standards.
I began watching YouTube somewhere near three years ago in order to discover good reviews of new science fiction video and print. I found the myriad special interest channels fascinating. I stumbled upon the book channels last. 😍 These host communities of thoughtful, curious and polite (for the most part) readers enamoured of all things bookish. I promise that they are an environment far different to that of Goodreads.
I browse charity shops, second hand bookstores, farmer markets and the like. It will reduce regret accompanying a hardback junker. The streaming services also deliver some very good movies and TV and even when bad they can be entertaining if only to spot the writing flaws. YouTube channels include short film channels and good criticism channels can be found on Nebula, a content creator owned site.
About Amazon/Kindle/Goodreads, please consider treating this as a potentially hostile site. 🤔
Goodreads discourse does not exist. About three years ago I wrote a short negative review of Powers of the Earth, a poorly written, juvenile salute to the sociopathic January 6, 2021 hero by Travis Corcoran a self-described libertarian and advocate for the return of chattel slavery, veteran, employee of an unnamed US agency and admirer of Putin's Russia. He seems the perfect profile of a Reform Party, Republican Party, MAGA or National Front follower.
He and six fellow patriots took issue with my communist opinion that glorifying the overthrow of the US government with the aid of the military was unhealthy and dangerous. They spent a year demanding my engagement with comments involving the social good of slavery past, present and future through history being solely created by white males, though not one addressed the quality of the book. It is almost as if these were political rather than literary positions. The Village Idiot Party also seem not to appreciate irony.
The final comment was from a Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr, who grandly declared that They had "won" ((?). I discovered that They and a much larger number of the VIllage Idiot Party members had launched a year long deluge of attacks against channels which I mentioned (and continues still). The archaeologist, economist, hobbyist, essayist and the many other female creators were neither silenced nor impressed. Still the world's overabundance of unpleasantness was increased and They did deliver to a multinational audience the perfect portrait of the snowflake (deranged, vicious US man-child) whose worldview is not reinforced. Apparently that constituted a Victory. Goodreads discourse, Yay ?? USA,Yay ??
My comment gang experience with the free speech section of the membership began perhaps six months into my Goodreads reviews. This was the longest running comment storm and unfortunately it did not end there.
I need a reset after revisiting my memories of the clod convention. This continuation was made possible by YouTube's Mia Mulder, Yewleea, Keffals, Eileen, Molly Tuttle, Winging it on a Budget, May, Crecganford, Cambrian Chronicles, Jen the Librarian, Britta Bohler, JohnTheDuncan, The Welsh Viking, Turn Left, Brigitte Empire, The Juice Media, Outlaw Bookseller, Fit 2B Read, Times Radio, Tibees, Dr Ben Miles, Arvin Ash, Engineering with Rosie, Dungeons and Discourse, Players Aid, Little Wars, The Grungeon Master, Burd's Books, Annamarie Forcino, Ship Happens, Fantasy and World Music by the Fletchers, Yankee Farm Wife, World War Two, SandRhoman History, Nikki Carreon. Merphy Napier, The Book Leo, Verilybitchie, Ukrainian Jenny, Russian Canadian, Cold Fusion, SK Media, Parody Project, Some More News, Mrs Betty Bowers, The Yankee Farm Wife, The Ministry of Miniatures, ScaredKetchup, The Friendly Atheist. Real Time History, Vlad Vexler, Then & Now, Voices of the Past, Vasya in the Hay, Britmonkey, The New Enlightenment with Ashley, Lily Simpson.
I also watched Carol and the End of the World, Dark Winds, Inside Job, Workin'Moms and Kim's Convenience.
Ominous music begins. 😊 There is a phenomenon in Amazon/Kindle/Goodreads which is not considered by them to be a problem but is treated as policy. I have seen the comment gangs on mine and other science fiction reviews but only recently discovered that the romance and romantasy readership may be even worse. There the gangs sometimes organised by writers are known to attack one star reviewers with not only comments but doxxing, stalking and threatening readers and their friends/families. It seems more common on romance and romantasy but since Amazon have not acknowledged any of these incidents, an estimate is difficult to derive. Obviously Amazon have not disciplined mad members or deranged writers nor dismissed mental employees who enable them.
My own very limited Goodreads message history was given over to members of the Village Idiot Party. That resulted in a request made through Pine Gap Centre of Australian Intelligence that they interrogate the one friend whom I occasionally messaged for my personal history. The attempt failed but was not concerning to Amazon until we publicised that bizarre event. At that point all visible harassment suddenly disappeared and Kindle interruptions of my internet access and the odd blank middle third of my keyboard ended after more than a year. No explanation was given.
Recently a seventh EBay ex-employee was sentenced for harassment of a couple whose small ecommerce channel was deemed unkind to EBay. The couple were awarded multi-millions of pounds and the ex-employee had been EBay Chief of Global Security or some such. Personal data is available to the tech corporations in detail and quantity with little governmental oversight, which is obviously very dangerous. Amazon are a tech corporation. Something to think about.
A woman was identified as the source of a claim that Haitian immigrants in an Ohio town were eating their neighbours' pets. Her claim was debunked and rescinded but was repeated by a Nazi organiser and neither of their identities were widely published. 🤔 Republican candidates across the US repeated this claim. Trump and his vice presidential candidate repeated this claim at rallies. It is doubtful that anyone who further broadcast this story believed this fantasy for a moment. It was a pleasant image for the originator and other racists who enjoyed the image of the subhuman. These followers loved being given public permission to enjoy this tale.
The US is an extremely segmented society where "community" has lost meaning. Individuals gather in mobs and act on any idea which generates a feeling of superiority. I have not seen this admitted in US media. This mass self-delusion allowed many dozens of bomb threats to be made against hospitals, public services and government in that white populated town. This was considered an appropriate reaction to that town's allowing the non-white resident. I have not seen this truth admitted in media. It is a cultural and societal blind spot.
Britain addressed a similar truth during the white race riots, recognized the threat and the legal system crushed immediately the working class idiots who had believed themselves empowered.
I have several suggestions for a safer, if not Safe exposure on Kindle/Goodreads. Remove any personal information on profile and avoid messaging. Remove the lurker, those who never post. They are monitors not admirers. Given the Goodreads practice of Altering customer pages with neither explanation nor notification, the screenshot of the odd and the ugly is very useful. I have not been able to see my own own page history but did receive a middle finger email early on.
Do Not use Kindle Files, Calendar, Contacts or Email if you value your own and the safety of friends and family. Searches on Kindle should be innocuous and non-critical.
Do Not "purchase" Amazon e-books. You only own the device not the download, which can be deleted from your device at Amazon's whim. I tested The email function with a throwaway account, which I then deleted with difficulty after fifteen minutes and changed the password. Six months later, Kindle sent me a notification that they were unable to Sign Into my email. The dangers should be obvious.
Any temporary immunity rests on the whims of emotionally damaged employees and members. It is prudent to remember that much like a MAGA cultist, these men and women are dedicated to the racist and the anti-woman, lack morality, reject self-examination but are freedom loving patriotic americans. Ominous music ends.😊
Be well and may we all enjoy Good Reading. 🤗
Some of my favourite YouTube channels.
Anna Gramling, Sabine Hossenfelder, Munecat, Philosophy Tube, Owen Jones, Tom Nicholas, Randy Rainbow, Mrs Betty Bowers, Tara Mooknee, Ash L G, Lily Simpson, Engineering Knits, The Hat Historian, Abby Cox, Travelling K, AllShorts, Prime of Midlife, Minimal List, Ben and Emily, Cruising Crafts, A Day of Small Things, Mynameismarines, Bernadette Banner, Council of Geeks, The London History Show, Library of a Viking, Library Ladder, Renegade Cut, Media Death Cult, What Vivi did next, Tara Mooknee, Abbie Emmons, Karolina Zebrowska, Lynn Saga, TwoTheFuture, Keffals, Verilybitchie, Crow Caller, A Frolic Through Fiction, Angela Collier, Book Furnace, Alysotherlife, Roomies Digest, Art Deco, Historia Civilis, Warographics. Dark Docs, Liz Webster, Future Now, Chris Animations, Hardy's Books, The People Profiles, Lives and Histories, The Royal Institution, With Olivia, Steve Shives, Kirkpattiecake, The Juice Media, Double Down News, Spacedock, Ask a Mortician, Lady of the Library, Three Arrows, Anka Daily News, Bitchuation Room, Omeleto, Beau of the Fifth Column, The_Miracle_Aligner, Linguoer Mechanic, Noelle Gallagher, Zoe Baker, The Northern Historian, Engineering with Rosie, Kelly Loves Physics and History, Alina Gingertail, Invicta, Scholars Shelves, Dark Seas, Armour Cast, The Tank Encyclopedia, The Authentic Observer, Strange Aeons, Rebecca Watson, David and Romany Gilmour, The Present Past, Unlearning Economics, Duck Bricks, Silicon Curtain, Kathy's Flog in France, Sarah Millican, Belinda Carr, The Researcher, Interior Design Hub, Adult Wednesday Addams - 2 Seasons, Olly Richards, JuLingo, Isaac Arthur, Sciencephile the AI, The Book Castle, Times Radio, Fundie Fridays, Biz, Leutin09, Lucy Thomas, Dark Brandon, Red Viburnam Song, Physics Girl, ATP Geopolitics, History with Kayleigh, Megalithhunter, Miniminuteman, The Leftist Cooks, Jessie Gender, Gabi Belle, Elena Taber, Luciana Zogbi, Hailey in Bookland, GK Reads, DUST, Eric Karl Anderson, Cover in French, Patrick is a Navajo, Naughty Nana DUZ.
I wish you a sunny morning, a relaxed afternoon, an exciting evening, a wonderful night and may we all continue learning. Elbows Up, my friends.
Silence in the Face of Evil is Complicity.
This book is now up for revision. My rewrite project is dedicated to several of the outraged man-children who wrote so many hate comments to my reviews. To ToddG now just Todd, Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr and Cass Michaels, if you are reading this, this is an excellent read for you.
For the more sane reader, I need a step back to prepare on YouTube. This rewrite is courtesy of Doctor Who/They Break My Heart -RecklessGirl100, ScaredKetchup -Hindu Hillbilly, Patrick(H)Willem, Dr Fatima physicist, Jay Exci, LuckyBlackCat, Mia Mulder, Red Glasgow, Eugenia from Ukraine, Words Unravelled, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Operator Starsky, Wednesday -Paint it Black, The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Lily Simpson, Narrowboat Pirate, Weirdo Book Club, Kyiv Independent, Ukraine Calling, Cosy Creative, Books N Cats, The Book Leo, Ukraine Matters, NFKRZ, Riverboat Jack, Inside Russia, Adam Something, Books and Lala, Ana Gramling, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Northern Narrowboaters, Cruising Alba, Bobbing Along, Ben and Emily, OrangeRiver, Squire, Sailing Melody, Cruising Crafts, Covert Cabal, Widebeam and Wellingtons, Chris and Shell, Kris Atomic, OrangeRiver, Warthog Defence, British Museum, Anders Puck Nielsen, NativLang, The Real News, UNTV, Alt Shift X, Tank Encyclopedia, Princess Weekes, Fit 2B Read, Mynameismarines, Living Anachronism, Reporting from Ukraine, Nini Music, Autumn's Boutique, Hailey in Bookland, Elina Charatsidou, A Lil Bit Mads, Gutsick Gibbon, Planarwalker, Geo Girl, Ben G Thomas, Shitty Book Club, Lumber Capital Log Yard, Mercado Media, Patrick(H)Willem, Up and Atom, Physics Girl, Bookslike Whoa, Reads with Rachel, The Great War, World War Two, Kings and Generals, Isaac Arthur, Artur Rehi, Nomadic Crobot, Matriarchetype, Kelly loves Physics and History, Foster on the Spectrum, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, EarleWrites, Sanctioned Ivan, Captured in Words, ThePrimeChronus, May, Military Aviation History, Lydia Loves Timelines, Puddles Pity Party, Aditu Laudis, Bellum et Historia, Sarah Z, Foster on the Spectrum, Veritas et Caritas, HBomberGuy, Evie Lupine, TIKHistory, Anna Fern, NerdForge, Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox, ARTE.tv, Military History Visualized, Eileen -Hej Sokoly, Diary of a Ditch Witch, Stevie Emerson, Not the Andrew Marr Show, Times Radio, Liz Webster, With Cindy, Vasya in the Hay, Fall of Civilisations, Verilybitchie, Ancient Americas, Kazachka, Novara Media, Adiemus - Carmina Slovenica.
I recently saw that one of the village idiots offended by my reviews, whilst insulting a trans female creator complained to her that I list trans creators. I can only wonder at the lack of self-awareness that characterises US males. A trigger warning for that idiot and fellows. The channels which I list include essayist, straight, economist, bi, hobbyist, cis, socialist, asexual, anthropologist, Intersex, political historian, trans, redhead, physicist, gay, married, mathematician and other female creators whom the sane refer to as Women. Almost as threatening to you are the channels by communist, Swedish, other POC, older, eco-activist, archaeologist. other LGBTQ+, political commentator, Celtic, philosopher, ginger, modeller and other creators whom are by the sane labelled Human Beings. Should after this warning, the voices insist that you torment yourself, I suggest emergency therapy, immediate pastoral counselling or a Catholic exorcism. My feelings towards these idiots are similar to that of the 13 Ukrainian marines defending Snake Island, when their surrender was demanded by the Russian navy. Their response was "Russian warship, go f@ck yourself". Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes.
Neither of these writers is good. When Anderle is on the cover expect rubbish, though he seems to be popular since US publishers push the name. The average writing level for romance and romantasy is that for the eleven year old. After attempting 1000+ Kindle recommendations, my judgement of current US science fiction is that of the ten year old with Anderle weighing in at the eight to nine year old.
This and the other boom-boom spacey-space books feature a dark background (very Capitalist Realism), a background of vast scale (not necessarily bad for science fiction) but vague and murky as sh*t (which is bad storytelling regardless of genre).
The story is a mashup of "Judge Dread" storyline and "Flash Gordon" universes. The main character is the female version of the standard deranged male main character. The american myth of the universally applied Miranda rights protocol is dispensed with after the manner of Judge Dread. Every non-wealthy, non-influential character will be found guilty with no investigation needed followed by punishment administered. Any wealthy and/or influential suspect can not be found guilty or be inconvenienced by the main character without serious consequences.
This book will feature no plot, make liberal use of plot armour and contrivance with dialogue best described as cringe or just juvenile. The book does not waste ink on character development as there are no characters worthy of the label. This was more effort at criticism than this book was worth.
This next was courtesy of YouTube's UATV English, Art by Annamarie, Emmie, Life of Lit, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Petrik Leo, Thirdworld Booknerd, Dark Brandon, Autumn's Boutique, Sarah Z, Owen Jones, Lily Alexandre, Munecat, Tara Mooknee, DW News, Anna from Ukraine, Some More News, Novara Media, Bernadette Banner, Shannon Makes, Break N Remake, The Closet Historian, Erutan -Jabberwovky, Parkrose Permaculture, Hildegard von Binhin', Karolina Zebrowska, Celtica, Renegade Cut, Lady knight the Brave, Hello Future Me, Alizee, Don't F@ck with Ukraine, Depressed Russian, Alice Cappelle, Jessica Gagnon, France 24, Tom Nicholas, Hetty and the Jazzalato Band, Lindsay Ellis, Patrick is a Navajo, TVP News, Double Down News, Double Down News, The Shades of Orange, UNTV, Russian Dude, Natasha's Adventures, Jean's Thoughts, A Day of Small Things, With Olivia, Katie Colson, ScFi Odyssey, A Clockwork Reader, Jennifer Nicholson, Roisin's Reading, Lady of the Library, Sabine Hossenfelder, Kik1006-Secret Melody, Dan Davis History, Practical Engineering, Between the Lines, Alayna Joy, Enby Reads, Verilybitchie, Spacedock, Indigo Gaming, Brittany the Bibliophile, Philosophy Tube, The Amber Ruffin Show, Dakota Warren, Jabzy, Joe Scott, Merphy Napier, Matriarchetype, Cari can Read, Books and Lala, The Great War, Military History Visualized, Reporting from Ukraine, A Cup of Nicole, DW News, The Irish Reader, Jessie Gender, Practical Engineering, The Narrowboat Pirate, Cruising Crafts, Cruising on the Border, Think that Through, Amie's Literary Empire, Swell Entertainment, Make Better Media, Knowing Better, Fundie Fridays, Keffals, Cruising Alba, Camper Vibe, Answer in Progress, Zoe Bee, Lilly's expat life, The Armchair Historian, Lily Simpson, Honest Government Ads, The Juice Media, League of STEAM, Boat Time, Dead Good Books, IzzzYzzz, Three Arrows, We're in Hell, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, Cold Fusion, Whitney Avalon, Louise Proven, The Science Asylum, Maggie Mae Fish, Raw News and Politics, The Kavernacle, Austin McConnell.
Goodreads ratings and reviews were for me useless, given that few titles are given less than 4 star averages. That includes books featuring uneven prose, multiple misspellings, multiple plot holes, contrivance as plot driver, racist and misogynistic representation, ethno-supremacist and ethnocentric themes and more. A comment which I received more than once was "It is just science fiction". That opinion says a lot about loss of critical thinking and limiting of imagination among the readership as a result of these genre standards.
I began watching YouTube somewhere near three years ago in order to discover good reviews of new science fiction video and print. I found the myriad special interest channels fascinating. I stumbled upon the book channels last. 😍 These host communities of thoughtful, curious and polite (for the most part) readers enamoured of all things bookish. I promise that they are an environment far different to that of Goodreads.
I browse charity shops, second hand bookstores, farmer markets and the like. It will reduce regret accompanying a hardback junker. The streaming services also deliver some very good movies and TV and even when bad they can be entertaining if only to spot the writing flaws. YouTube channels include short film channels and good criticism channels can be found on Nebula, a content creator owned site.
About Amazon/Kindle/Goodreads, please consider treating this as a potentially hostile site. 🤔
Goodreads discourse does not exist. About three years ago I wrote a short negative review of Powers of the Earth, a poorly written, juvenile salute to the sociopathic January 6, 2021 hero by Travis Corcoran a self-described libertarian and advocate for the return of chattel slavery, veteran, employee of an unnamed US agency and admirer of Putin's Russia. He seems the perfect profile of a Reform Party, Republican Party, MAGA or National Front follower.
He and six fellow patriots took issue with my communist opinion that glorifying the overthrow of the US government with the aid of the military was unhealthy and dangerous. They spent a year demanding my engagement with comments involving the social good of slavery past, present and future through history being solely created by white males, though not one addressed the quality of the book. It is almost as if these were political rather than literary positions. The Village Idiot Party also seem not to appreciate irony.
The final comment was from a Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr, who grandly declared that They had "won" ((?). I discovered that They and a much larger number of the VIllage Idiot Party members had launched a year long deluge of attacks against channels which I mentioned (and continues still). The archaeologist, economist, hobbyist, essayist and the many other female creators were neither silenced nor impressed. Still the world's overabundance of unpleasantness was increased and They did deliver to a multinational audience the perfect portrait of the snowflake (deranged, vicious US man-child) whose worldview is not reinforced. Apparently that constituted a Victory. Goodreads discourse, Yay ?? USA,Yay ??
My comment gang experience with the free speech section of the membership began perhaps six months into my Goodreads reviews. This was the longest running comment storm and unfortunately it did not end there.
I need a reset after revisiting my memories of the clod convention. This continuation was made possible by YouTube's Mia Mulder, Yewleea, Keffals, Eileen, Molly Tuttle, Winging it on a Budget, May, Crecganford, Cambrian Chronicles, Jen the Librarian, Britta Bohler, JohnTheDuncan, The Welsh Viking, Turn Left, Brigitte Empire, The Juice Media, Outlaw Bookseller, Fit 2B Read, Times Radio, Tibees, Dr Ben Miles, Arvin Ash, Engineering with Rosie, Dungeons and Discourse, Players Aid, Little Wars, The Grungeon Master, Burd's Books, Annamarie Forcino, Ship Happens, Fantasy and World Music by the Fletchers, Yankee Farm Wife, World War Two, SandRhoman History, Nikki Carreon. Merphy Napier, The Book Leo, Verilybitchie, Ukrainian Jenny, Russian Canadian, Cold Fusion, SK Media, Parody Project, Some More News, Mrs Betty Bowers, The Yankee Farm Wife, The Ministry of Miniatures, ScaredKetchup, The Friendly Atheist. Real Time History, Vlad Vexler, Then & Now, Voices of the Past, Vasya in the Hay, Britmonkey, The New Enlightenment with Ashley, Lily Simpson.
I also watched Carol and the End of the World, Dark Winds, Inside Job, Workin'Moms and Kim's Convenience.
Ominous music begins. 😊 There is a phenomenon in Amazon/Kindle/Goodreads which is not considered by them to be a problem but is treated as policy. I have seen the comment gangs on mine and other science fiction reviews but only recently discovered that the romance and romantasy readership may be even worse. There the gangs sometimes organised by writers are known to attack one star reviewers with not only comments but doxxing, stalking and threatening readers and their friends/families. It seems more common on romance and romantasy but since Amazon have not acknowledged any of these incidents, an estimate is difficult to derive. Obviously Amazon have not disciplined mad members or deranged writers nor dismissed mental employees who enable them.
My own very limited Goodreads message history was given over to members of the Village Idiot Party. That resulted in a request made through Pine Gap Centre of Australian Intelligence that they interrogate the one friend whom I occasionally messaged for my personal history. The attempt failed but was not concerning to Amazon until we publicised that bizarre event. At that point all visible harassment suddenly disappeared and Kindle interruptions of my internet access and the odd blank middle third of my keyboard ended after more than a year. No explanation was given.
Recently a seventh EBay ex-employee was sentenced for harassment of a couple whose small ecommerce channel was deemed unkind to EBay. The couple were awarded multi-millions of pounds and the ex-employee had been EBay Chief of Global Security or some such. Personal data is available to the tech corporations in detail and quantity with little governmental oversight, which is obviously very dangerous. Amazon are a tech corporation. Something to think about.
A woman was identified as the source of a claim that Haitian immigrants in an Ohio town were eating their neighbours' pets. Her claim was debunked and rescinded but was repeated by a Nazi organiser and neither of their identities were widely published. 🤔 Republican candidates across the US repeated this claim. Trump and his vice presidential candidate repeated this claim at rallies. It is doubtful that anyone who further broadcast this story believed this fantasy for a moment. It was a pleasant image for the originator and other racists who enjoyed the image of the subhuman. These followers loved being given public permission to enjoy this tale.
The US is an extremely segmented society where "community" has lost meaning. Individuals gather in mobs and act on any idea which generates a feeling of superiority. I have not seen this admitted in US media. This mass self-delusion allowed many dozens of bomb threats to be made against hospitals, public services and government in that white populated town. This was considered an appropriate reaction to that town's allowing the non-white resident. I have not seen this truth admitted in media. It is a cultural and societal blind spot.
Britain addressed a similar truth during the white race riots, recognized the threat and the legal system crushed immediately the working class idiots who had believed themselves empowered.
I have several suggestions for a safer, if not Safe exposure on Kindle/Goodreads. Remove any personal information on profile and avoid messaging. Remove the lurker, those who never post. They are monitors not admirers. Given the Goodreads practice of Altering customer pages with neither explanation nor notification, the screenshot of the odd and the ugly is very useful. I have not been able to see my own own page history but did receive a middle finger email early on.
Do Not use Kindle Files, Calendar, Contacts or Email if you value your own and the safety of friends and family. Searches on Kindle should be innocuous and non-critical.
Do Not "purchase" Amazon e-books. You only own the device not the download, which can be deleted from your device at Amazon's whim. I tested The email function with a throwaway account, which I then deleted with difficulty after fifteen minutes and changed the password. Six months later, Kindle sent me a notification that they were unable to Sign Into my email. The dangers should be obvious.
Any temporary immunity rests on the whims of emotionally damaged employees and members. It is prudent to remember that much like a MAGA cultist, these men and women are dedicated to the racist and the anti-woman, lack morality, reject self-examination but are freedom loving patriotic americans. Ominous music ends.😊
Be well and may we all enjoy Good Reading. 🤗
Some of my favourite YouTube channels.
Anna Gramling, Sabine Hossenfelder, Munecat, Philosophy Tube, Owen Jones, Tom Nicholas, Randy Rainbow, Mrs Betty Bowers, Tara Mooknee, Ash L G, Lily Simpson, Engineering Knits, The Hat Historian, Abby Cox, Travelling K, AllShorts, Prime of Midlife, Minimal List, Ben and Emily, Cruising Crafts, A Day of Small Things, Mynameismarines, Bernadette Banner, Council of Geeks, The London History Show, Library of a Viking, Library Ladder, Renegade Cut, Media Death Cult, What Vivi did next, Tara Mooknee, Abbie Emmons, Karolina Zebrowska, Lynn Saga, TwoTheFuture, Keffals, Verilybitchie, Crow Caller, A Frolic Through Fiction, Angela Collier, Book Furnace, Alysotherlife, Roomies Digest, Art Deco, Historia Civilis, Warographics. Dark Docs, Liz Webster, Future Now, Chris Animations, Hardy's Books, The People Profiles, Lives and Histories, The Royal Institution, With Olivia, Steve Shives, Kirkpattiecake, The Juice Media, Double Down News, Spacedock, Ask a Mortician, Lady of the Library, Three Arrows, Anka Daily News, Bitchuation Room, Omeleto, Beau of the Fifth Column, The_Miracle_Aligner, Linguoer Mechanic, Noelle Gallagher, Zoe Baker, The Northern Historian, Engineering with Rosie, Kelly Loves Physics and History, Alina Gingertail, Invicta, Scholars Shelves, Dark Seas, Armour Cast, The Tank Encyclopedia, The Authentic Observer, Strange Aeons, Rebecca Watson, David and Romany Gilmour, The Present Past, Unlearning Economics, Duck Bricks, Silicon Curtain, Kathy's Flog in France, Sarah Millican, Belinda Carr, The Researcher, Interior Design Hub, Adult Wednesday Addams - 2 Seasons, Olly Richards, JuLingo, Isaac Arthur, Sciencephile the AI, The Book Castle, Times Radio, Fundie Fridays, Biz, Leutin09, Lucy Thomas, Dark Brandon, Red Viburnam Song, Physics Girl, ATP Geopolitics, History with Kayleigh, Megalithhunter, Miniminuteman, The Leftist Cooks, Jessie Gender, Gabi Belle, Elena Taber, Luciana Zogbi, Hailey in Bookland, GK Reads, DUST, Eric Karl Anderson, Cover in French, Patrick is a Navajo, Naughty Nana DUZ.
I wish you a sunny morning, a relaxed afternoon, an exciting evening, a wonderful night and may we all continue learning. Elbows Up, my friends.
Silence in the Face of Evil is Complicity.
February 1, 2023
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/you-have-be...
My disappointment was palpable. I get it’s a governor’s family squabble: still, it felt like James Bond being assigned to direct traffic. The other mission in this book, brokering a treaty between two squabbling planets, wasn’t particularly interesting, exciting or a good use of her newly-acquired talents either. Indeed, her original ability, being able to sense emotions and history by touch – something you’d think would make her unstoppable as a member of the legal profession – is hardly ever used. Speaking of which, in terms of law, this is so unconvincing, to the degree it can only be read as childish parody.
My disappointment was palpable. I get it’s a governor’s family squabble: still, it felt like James Bond being assigned to direct traffic. The other mission in this book, brokering a treaty between two squabbling planets, wasn’t particularly interesting, exciting or a good use of her newly-acquired talents either. Indeed, her original ability, being able to sense emotions and history by touch – something you’d think would make her unstoppable as a member of the legal profession – is hardly ever used. Speaking of which, in terms of law, this is so unconvincing, to the degree it can only be read as childish parody.
January 23, 2024
I’ve heard the series gets better but boy is this first book just bad. Bad bad bad
February 26, 2021
I like this book, think Judge Dread only a petit woman. A futuristic female attorney is given a chance to be a "Judge Dread" kind of "Ranger" for the Universe, or accept her pen punishment for murder.
What I liked:
-The beginning
-The premise
-Short Novel
-Her test to get the job
-Her space ship and her crew.
-Good ending
What I didn't like:
-The first big mission/ assignment for her was a little confusing for me.
Overall I liked it.
What I liked:
-The beginning
-The premise
-Short Novel
-Her test to get the job
-Her space ship and her crew.
-Good ending
What I didn't like:
-The first big mission/ assignment for her was a little confusing for me.
Overall I liked it.
January 14, 2021
This book is ridiculously horribly written. It reads as if it was dictated and not further read or edited.
In an incoherent beginning the protagonist and plot make no sense and the language used is to no purpose. (I have no objection to "bad" language in an appropriate context, but this was just throw away nonsense.) I seriously object to 5 star reviews of dreck like this and highly recommend that no one buy, read or consider this book.
In an incoherent beginning the protagonist and plot make no sense and the language used is to no purpose. (I have no objection to "bad" language in an appropriate context, but this was just throw away nonsense.) I seriously object to 5 star reviews of dreck like this and highly recommend that no one buy, read or consider this book.
June 27, 2018
Interesting and entertaining
A great start to a new series. I guess I missed it in one of the other books from this universe, but I now know why the Rangers went away. The Magistrates look like they are a worthy successor. As for Magistrate Rivka, I’m looking forward to reading more about her.
A great start to a new series. I guess I missed it in one of the other books from this universe, but I now know why the Rangers went away. The Magistrates look like they are a worthy successor. As for Magistrate Rivka, I’m looking forward to reading more about her.
March 14, 2024
The first several minutes are full of foul language so I almost stopped listening. I'm glad I pushed beyond that because I did enjoy the story... in spite of the cursing. The heroine is a smart attorney who has a bad temper. When her temper lands her in trouble she is given a choice of jail or a surprising position. She has a unique gift that works really well with her legal knowledge and enhances the likelihood she can succeed at her new profession.
The characters are well developed and I liked that there are alien characters included. The heroine gets extra training in self defense even though she gets a strong body guard too. There is action as well as legal contract negotiations which I found interesting.
I like these authors and the creative worlds they write. This can be read without having read any stories in the Kurtherian Gambit Universe. I would have rated this as 4.5 except for the amount of foul language so my final rating is 4.25.
Audio Notes: Chloe Cannon does a very nice job with the narration. I liked the distinct voices, the rapport, and the energy conveyed in the performance. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.
The characters are well developed and I liked that there are alien characters included. The heroine gets extra training in self defense even though she gets a strong body guard too. There is action as well as legal contract negotiations which I found interesting.
I like these authors and the creative worlds they write. This can be read without having read any stories in the Kurtherian Gambit Universe. I would have rated this as 4.5 except for the amount of foul language so my final rating is 4.25.
Audio Notes: Chloe Cannon does a very nice job with the narration. I liked the distinct voices, the rapport, and the energy conveyed in the performance. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.
April 25, 2019
Could be good, but it's incoherrent in the extreme. The main character is supposed to be a bad-ass or something, but most of the time she's just plainly a bitch that loves her power too much. While I'd liked an interesting book based on a judicial premis, this isn't it. Too much cursing, fighting and strongarming for something like that. I'll give the rest of the series a wide berth.
May 9, 2022
I love, love, love this!
Not surprising, really, since it was reading Craig's Freedom Traders series, that got me into the Kurtherian Universe of series!
I wasn't sure what Rivka would be like, when I read a bit about her - I think in a Bad Company book - but I'm very glad to say that I love her character already, and can't wait to see what she, Red, her guard, and Jay, one of her cases, that she ended up bringing back home with her, are going to be up to next - as if what they've already achieved in this book isn't enough! Lol
I also really enjoyed all the legalese in the story. As a fan of Detective, and Crime and punishment, stories, there was something very satisfying in reading all the legal jargon - especially with Rivka, beating up on the perp at the same time! Priceless!
I'm very much looking forwards to learning more about all the characters in this new series - Craig helped there a lot, in his author's notes, which I'm so glad to read after every story, as you just never know what detail will be there, that takes on a whole new meaning later on! Lol
Anyway, as usual, I'll not be able to go straight on to book two, as I'm using a chronological reading list,to follow, as I delve through my Kurtherian adventures, and my next story, is actually book six of the Ascension Myths: Retribution.
I don't really mind not getting straight on with J, J, and E, as there are so many amazing series still to be read, and I'm sure it won't be long before I'm back with Rivka and the gang again, and I'm sure that I'll keep on finding even more excellent stories to read! 📖😁
Not surprising, really, since it was reading Craig's Freedom Traders series, that got me into the Kurtherian Universe of series!
I wasn't sure what Rivka would be like, when I read a bit about her - I think in a Bad Company book - but I'm very glad to say that I love her character already, and can't wait to see what she, Red, her guard, and Jay, one of her cases, that she ended up bringing back home with her, are going to be up to next - as if what they've already achieved in this book isn't enough! Lol
I also really enjoyed all the legalese in the story. As a fan of Detective, and Crime and punishment, stories, there was something very satisfying in reading all the legal jargon - especially with Rivka, beating up on the perp at the same time! Priceless!
I'm very much looking forwards to learning more about all the characters in this new series - Craig helped there a lot, in his author's notes, which I'm so glad to read after every story, as you just never know what detail will be there, that takes on a whole new meaning later on! Lol
Anyway, as usual, I'll not be able to go straight on to book two, as I'm using a chronological reading list,to follow, as I delve through my Kurtherian adventures, and my next story, is actually book six of the Ascension Myths: Retribution.
I don't really mind not getting straight on with J, J, and E, as there are so many amazing series still to be read, and I'm sure it won't be long before I'm back with Rivka and the gang again, and I'm sure that I'll keep on finding even more excellent stories to read! 📖😁
September 26, 2022
Judge, Jury, & Executioner Boxed Set (Books 1 - 4): You Have Been Judged, Destroy The Corrupt, Serial Killer, Your Life is Forfeit by Craig MartelleMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
DNF at 27% which is start of book 2.
Everything before chapter 2 is pretty awful. It really made no sense. I think this might either be a spin-off or in the same universe of a different book or series.
The book does get drastically better after chapter 2.
Overall, the book was alright. I didn’t think it was particularly smart or logical but it was entertaining.
View all my reviews
July 5, 2020
I just don't know why there are two things that persevere, unchanged, through the future centuries until Earth is a faded ancient memory and faster-than-light spaceships roam the galaxy. There are aliens, AIs and millions of planets populated by trillions of sentient beings.
Through all of this there march MARINES with their unbelievably destructive weapons shouting oo-rah! and generally forcing their will upon all and sundry because they are right and they know it. And they seem to be about the same as they were in 1775, but with bigger and better guns!
Apart from that - or maybe in spite of it - I'm rather enjoying this series of novels that follow a Magistrate in her travels all over the known civilisations of the Federation sorting out the cases that have become to difficult or wide-ranging for the local jurisdictions to handle.
The legal side is interesting with convoluted and difficult cases, the violent side is mostly mindless, and the writing style is light-hearted and irreverent with large gobs of violence. But taken with a decent pinch of salt, it's quite entertaining if you don't think too hard.
At the top I said two things. Marines I've covered, the other is coffee. It seems like every SF book ever written has coffee, and that sounds about right to me.
Through all of this there march MARINES with their unbelievably destructive weapons shouting oo-rah! and generally forcing their will upon all and sundry because they are right and they know it. And they seem to be about the same as they were in 1775, but with bigger and better guns!
Apart from that - or maybe in spite of it - I'm rather enjoying this series of novels that follow a Magistrate in her travels all over the known civilisations of the Federation sorting out the cases that have become to difficult or wide-ranging for the local jurisdictions to handle.
The legal side is interesting with convoluted and difficult cases, the violent side is mostly mindless, and the writing style is light-hearted and irreverent with large gobs of violence. But taken with a decent pinch of salt, it's quite entertaining if you don't think too hard.
At the top I said two things. Marines I've covered, the other is coffee. It seems like every SF book ever written has coffee, and that sounds about right to me.
August 17, 2018
The opening of this book was virtually incoherent, I don’t know why the author bothered with this introduction, it added nothing to the story and nearly made me just give up.
Once the story started it wasn’t too bad and I thought Rivka had some potential. However, for most of the book I kept waiting for something to ‘click’, I didn’t dislike her, but she didn’t Wow me, fortunately towards the end of the book she was beginning to grow on me.
As for the rest of the characters, Red was a fairly ineffectual bodyguard and I’m not sure why the author added Jay to the crew, as he didn’t seem to know what to do with her, finally I could definitely do without Grainger. Oh I forgot, I did like the cat.
I should also add the supposedly witty banter wasn’t great, at best it was feeble, it just felt like the author was trying too hard.
I have read a few books that are meant to tie into Michael Anderle’s Kurtherian Gambit Universe and in most cases the they didn’t work, in fact the closer the fit, the worse the book. Fortunately this one wasn’t too bad as the connection is fairly loose.
Once the story started it wasn’t too bad and I thought Rivka had some potential. However, for most of the book I kept waiting for something to ‘click’, I didn’t dislike her, but she didn’t Wow me, fortunately towards the end of the book she was beginning to grow on me.
As for the rest of the characters, Red was a fairly ineffectual bodyguard and I’m not sure why the author added Jay to the crew, as he didn’t seem to know what to do with her, finally I could definitely do without Grainger. Oh I forgot, I did like the cat.
I should also add the supposedly witty banter wasn’t great, at best it was feeble, it just felt like the author was trying too hard.
I have read a few books that are meant to tie into Michael Anderle’s Kurtherian Gambit Universe and in most cases the they didn’t work, in fact the closer the fit, the worse the book. Fortunately this one wasn’t too bad as the connection is fairly loose.
July 7, 2018
You Have Been Judged, - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Reminiscent of the theme of Valerie the super-vampire in Justice Has Been Served, this is nevertheless an excellent story of Rivka Anoa, Book 1 in the Kurtherian Universe Series by Craig Martelle, working with Michael Anderle in a thrilling collaboration.
Lawyer Rivka is also part of the Terry-Henry Walton series the Bad Company books, and in this novel she is similar to Tabitha from the main Kurtherian Universe series. Despite having committed a (self) justified murder, Rivka is selected to be the new Justice Enforcer by the High Chancellor. Her sense of humour helps her cope with many cases where she is judge, jury and executioner in some instances. Partnered with bodyguard Red, teenager Jay and Chaze a snarky would-be AI, the action comes thick and fast, from the first page to the thrilling last one. A must for fans of the Kurtherian Universe!
Reminiscent of the theme of Valerie the super-vampire in Justice Has Been Served, this is nevertheless an excellent story of Rivka Anoa, Book 1 in the Kurtherian Universe Series by Craig Martelle, working with Michael Anderle in a thrilling collaboration.
Lawyer Rivka is also part of the Terry-Henry Walton series the Bad Company books, and in this novel she is similar to Tabitha from the main Kurtherian Universe series. Despite having committed a (self) justified murder, Rivka is selected to be the new Justice Enforcer by the High Chancellor. Her sense of humour helps her cope with many cases where she is judge, jury and executioner in some instances. Partnered with bodyguard Red, teenager Jay and Chaze a snarky would-be AI, the action comes thick and fast, from the first page to the thrilling last one. A must for fans of the Kurtherian Universe!
November 1, 2018
It’s rare that I don’t finish a book but I could not finish this one.
The beginning of the story is jerky. As if descriptions, introductions, and build up was cut out to reduce word count. It leaves people saying and doing things without any reasonable motivation and doesn’t help to build the world for the reader.
But what bothered me most was the constant childish language. This is an educated, trained lawyer saying things like, “What now butt stains?”, to a group entering their room. There is excessive profanity without a good purpose. It’s just bad. I might believe this is the language of a bunch of high schoolers, but it’s lawyers and business owners and police talking like this.
I really wanted to like this book as there are too few sci-fi (crime/courtroom/investigative) stories.
The beginning of the story is jerky. As if descriptions, introductions, and build up was cut out to reduce word count. It leaves people saying and doing things without any reasonable motivation and doesn’t help to build the world for the reader.
But what bothered me most was the constant childish language. This is an educated, trained lawyer saying things like, “What now butt stains?”, to a group entering their room. There is excessive profanity without a good purpose. It’s just bad. I might believe this is the language of a bunch of high schoolers, but it’s lawyers and business owners and police talking like this.
I really wanted to like this book as there are too few sci-fi (crime/courtroom/investigative) stories.
January 12, 2020
This is one of my favorite series. This first book really sets it up well and is interesting on its own. The moral dilemmas, acceptance of consequences, and search to help others is something that resonates with me. That Rivka comes to understand her life needs to mean more than just meeting her own needs and instead centering on justice sets up a fantastic, and believable, story line. This is a series I eagerly refresh my kindle in the middle of the night when a new one is released so I can immediately start reading. The author has a fantastic grasp on legal and military systems yet puts them into terms anyone can understand easily. There is no talking down to readers less familiar with these things unlike in many Sci fi and a lot of explanations that don't get boring about what everything from acronyms to concepts are. It's very appreciated.
August 27, 2019
Not Just Another Lawyer Story
Wow! This book was not at all what I expected. I was very pleasantly surprised. I almost didn't read it even though I am reading my way through the KGU in order because I usually don't like books with lawyers as leading characters. But Rivka is one lawyer I'd really love to me. She is feisty and a little impulsive and dedicated to upholding the law she loves. I would like to be let in on more of her thought processes when she is working out a law problem, but I'm sure that will develope more in future books. I'd like to see Jet grow into a more rounded character with a purpose to her life. I am definitely looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Wow! This book was not at all what I expected. I was very pleasantly surprised. I almost didn't read it even though I am reading my way through the KGU in order because I usually don't like books with lawyers as leading characters. But Rivka is one lawyer I'd really love to me. She is feisty and a little impulsive and dedicated to upholding the law she loves. I would like to be let in on more of her thought processes when she is working out a law problem, but I'm sure that will develope more in future books. I'd like to see Jet grow into a more rounded character with a purpose to her life. I am definitely looking forward to reading more books in this series.
July 6, 2018
Outstanding!
Love this new book by Craig Marielle! The Rangers from the Kurthen Gambit Series have always been a favorite so I've enjoyed how he was able to incorporate them into this series. The character Rivka is so interesting I'm looking forward to her growth as a Magistrate as the series continues. My favorite kind of book with lots of twists and turns, action and adventure sprinkled liberally with lots of humor. Looking forward to more adventures along with Rivka being able to proclaim "Justice is served"! In ending this I can only add: Craig, I hope you are busy writing! 😄
Love this new book by Craig Marielle! The Rangers from the Kurthen Gambit Series have always been a favorite so I've enjoyed how he was able to incorporate them into this series. The character Rivka is so interesting I'm looking forward to her growth as a Magistrate as the series continues. My favorite kind of book with lots of twists and turns, action and adventure sprinkled liberally with lots of humor. Looking forward to more adventures along with Rivka being able to proclaim "Justice is served"! In ending this I can only add: Craig, I hope you are busy writing! 😄
July 7, 2021
This is really unusual and really neat science fiction story where a woman named Rivka ends up killing someone who gets off free when he should have been found guilty. The guy ends up dead and Rivka begins her life as a very special type of judge.
Judge, jury and, if necessary, executioner. She undergoes a lot of training and body modification, ends up on a spaceship, has some companions and ends up being given an assignment involving two planets who are about to go to war with each other.
Meetings are held her and representatives of the two races and treachery is afoot! Justice will be served! It's a really, really neat type of rather different story and very well done.
Judge, jury and, if necessary, executioner. She undergoes a lot of training and body modification, ends up on a spaceship, has some companions and ends up being given an assignment involving two planets who are about to go to war with each other.
Meetings are held her and representatives of the two races and treachery is afoot! Justice will be served! It's a really, really neat type of rather different story and very well done.
December 12, 2023
Rivka’s adventures in the two books that I read are too stupid!
I started reading J.R.R Tolkien, Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, Ursula K. Le Guin, Arthur C. Clarke
and many others in my 70 years. Anne McCaffrey is by far my favorite author. The characters in her books are people that I wanted to meet. To hear more about in the next books.
These authors Craig Martelle, Michael Anderle are terrible! In my opinion!
I was not happy with the first book "You Have Been Judged", but I figured I should try the second book to judge these authors. Well "Destroy The Corrupt" was even worse.
So it took me two tries to figure out the I wasted my time reading the first book.
Michael
I started reading J.R.R Tolkien, Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, Ursula K. Le Guin, Arthur C. Clarke
and many others in my 70 years. Anne McCaffrey is by far my favorite author. The characters in her books are people that I wanted to meet. To hear more about in the next books.
These authors Craig Martelle, Michael Anderle are terrible! In my opinion!
I was not happy with the first book "You Have Been Judged", but I figured I should try the second book to judge these authors. Well "Destroy The Corrupt" was even worse.
So it took me two tries to figure out the I wasted my time reading the first book.
Michael
June 21, 2024
I didn’t really enjoy this book - I think it’s part of an already created Universe, and the way it is written, specifically the two worlds plot, doesn’t explain much for beginners!
The main thing I didn’t like was I didn’t have an emotional connection to anything - even during the climax I felt NOTHING. I read another review that criticised the juvenile language and this was why. The lawyer herself spoke like a teenager at times, and a stereotypical one at that, so I never really appreciated her character, nor did I appreciate the other lawyers. Still, I liked the legal jargon and how the protagonist explained the law at times, hence the two stars.
The main thing I didn’t like was I didn’t have an emotional connection to anything - even during the climax I felt NOTHING. I read another review that criticised the juvenile language and this was why. The lawyer herself spoke like a teenager at times, and a stereotypical one at that, so I never really appreciated her character, nor did I appreciate the other lawyers. Still, I liked the legal jargon and how the protagonist explained the law at times, hence the two stars.
June 26, 2018
Jumping start for a fresh series in a favorite universe
This was an enjoyable non-stop story full of action with new (and familiar) characters. Loved the setup for the Magistrates’ adventures and their allocation of justice. I haven’t read all the KG series (maybe four?), but felt the story stood on its own—although I’m sure there is backstory to be caught up on when I read more of the various other series.
Super first in the series and, of course, I hope more are coming soon!
This was an enjoyable non-stop story full of action with new (and familiar) characters. Loved the setup for the Magistrates’ adventures and their allocation of justice. I haven’t read all the KG series (maybe four?), but felt the story stood on its own—although I’m sure there is backstory to be caught up on when I read more of the various other series.
Super first in the series and, of course, I hope more are coming soon!
February 21, 2019
Fun new series with another great female lead
Personally, I love this universe of Anderle origin. As much as I appreciate his books, it is a universe also colored in by many co writers. Craig Martelle has been there from the beginning thank goodness.
This series is a fun twist on space law with a kick ass heroine lead who seeks real justice. The cast of characters is slowly growing to fill this series. This novel focuses on the heroine. Cursing and some serious violence occur in the pursuit of justice, but not cartoonish or too dark.
Personally, I love this universe of Anderle origin. As much as I appreciate his books, it is a universe also colored in by many co writers. Craig Martelle has been there from the beginning thank goodness.
This series is a fun twist on space law with a kick ass heroine lead who seeks real justice. The cast of characters is slowly growing to fill this series. This novel focuses on the heroine. Cursing and some serious violence occur in the pursuit of justice, but not cartoonish or too dark.
February 18, 2020
Great read
An enjoyable addition to the universe, feel a little like valerie but softer and newer. Having a encompassing legal system that has a ultimatum to justice but still within a series of laws brings a Judge Dreddesque to space. I enjoyed this quite a bit more than i expected to although usually most stories within the larger Kutherian universe is worth following. My only issue is i would like a date of when this all happens as part of the larger whole even if this is designed to be a standalone.
An enjoyable addition to the universe, feel a little like valerie but softer and newer. Having a encompassing legal system that has a ultimatum to justice but still within a series of laws brings a Judge Dreddesque to space. I enjoyed this quite a bit more than i expected to although usually most stories within the larger Kutherian universe is worth following. My only issue is i would like a date of when this all happens as part of the larger whole even if this is designed to be a standalone.
May 31, 2022
Be excellent to each other
I wanted this book to be good, just from the description. The first chapter was a bit too quick, taking you into the meat of the story almost too quickly. I worried that the whole book would be so sparse.
It wasn't. The story and characters held my interest, and I hope for there to be many many more sequels. In fact, I could see this storyline being turned into a Netflix space drama. And I would be so excited to watch it. It would be as good as The Expanse, and I would recommend it to everyone.
I wanted this book to be good, just from the description. The first chapter was a bit too quick, taking you into the meat of the story almost too quickly. I worried that the whole book would be so sparse.
It wasn't. The story and characters held my interest, and I hope for there to be many many more sequels. In fact, I could see this storyline being turned into a Netflix space drama. And I would be so excited to watch it. It would be as good as The Expanse, and I would recommend it to everyone.
April 27, 2024
More K world...yipee!!!
Started this one without realising it was part of BAs world...soooo happy!! A lawyer breaks the law she upholds and anticipates the next steps will follow as per the law....surprise!! Things go in the opposite direction...and things get interesting. A well balanced adventure....action, legalese, character development and thriller all in a tidy'ish package... Read in one sitting (the extras followed after I had slept!)....now to book 2....although would really like this as a box set eventually...pretty please....!?!
Started this one without realising it was part of BAs world...soooo happy!! A lawyer breaks the law she upholds and anticipates the next steps will follow as per the law....surprise!! Things go in the opposite direction...and things get interesting. A well balanced adventure....action, legalese, character development and thriller all in a tidy'ish package... Read in one sitting (the extras followed after I had slept!)....now to book 2....although would really like this as a box set eventually...pretty please....!?!
June 27, 2018
Kickass Barrister
Rivka a lawyer with a gift is brought into the Magistrates under strange circumstances. She is tough and snarky with an attitude. Red, her bodyguard, and Jay, a teen she is protecting, are assimilated into her crew. I like the action, snarky dialogue, and humor. Rivka is a compelling, competent main character and the supporting characters are interesting as well. I look forward to another book.
Rivka a lawyer with a gift is brought into the Magistrates under strange circumstances. She is tough and snarky with an attitude. Red, her bodyguard, and Jay, a teen she is protecting, are assimilated into her crew. I like the action, snarky dialogue, and humor. Rivka is a compelling, competent main character and the supporting characters are interesting as well. I look forward to another book.
June 27, 2018
Outstanding book. This had better be the start of a series.
Really good book. Rivka is a kick-ass lawyer who knows Federation Law, but also knows how to make it work for whatever situation she is in. In each chapter there is at least one scene where you want to stand up and cheer "Rivka, Rivka, Rivka". I sincerely hope that this is the first in a long series of books that are as good as this book.
Really good book. Rivka is a kick-ass lawyer who knows Federation Law, but also knows how to make it work for whatever situation she is in. In each chapter there is at least one scene where you want to stand up and cheer "Rivka, Rivka, Rivka". I sincerely hope that this is the first in a long series of books that are as good as this book.
April 10, 2019
Great series, just started it, love it.
I love this book. I enjoyed all the characters and I enjoy the world that it is set in. I love anything that has to do with TKG, and the age of expansion. I usually wait for two or three books in a series before I start because sometimes an author will stop the series because of lack of sales. So I don’t want to invest myself in a series when it will be canceled. Hope this one won’t it is very good.
I love this book. I enjoyed all the characters and I enjoy the world that it is set in. I love anything that has to do with TKG, and the age of expansion. I usually wait for two or three books in a series before I start because sometimes an author will stop the series because of lack of sales. So I don’t want to invest myself in a series when it will be canceled. Hope this one won’t it is very good.
September 11, 2020
Excellent
No spoilers...
I love a tale that leads somewhere and ends with me smiling like sunshine. This story did that for me.
I love the characters too, the joviality, the seriousness and the knowledge that is common sense.
We need more of that in the world.
Be excellent to each other, and to the author of this book. Buy it. Read it, and I assure you, you will want to read the next one too, just as I do.
No spoilers...
I love a tale that leads somewhere and ends with me smiling like sunshine. This story did that for me.
I love the characters too, the joviality, the seriousness and the knowledge that is common sense.
We need more of that in the world.
Be excellent to each other, and to the author of this book. Buy it. Read it, and I assure you, you will want to read the next one too, just as I do.
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