L. J. LaBarthe
Author of No surrender, no retreat
Series
Works by L. J. LaBarthe
Sunburnt Country 1 copy
Associated Works
I'll Be Home for Christmas, Dreamspinner Press: 2011 Advent Calendar (31-in-1) (2011) — Contributor — 3 copies
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Canonical name
- LaBarthe, L. J.
- Legal name
- LaBarthe, L. J.
- Birthdate
- 1972-09-23
- Gender
- female
- Education
- BA
- Occupations
- novelist
short story writer - Short biography
- L.J. LaBarthe is a French-Australian woman, who was born during the Witching Hour, just after midnight. From this auspicious beginning, she went on to write a prize-winning short story about Humpty Dumpty wearing an Aussie hat complete with corks dangling from it when she was six years old. From there, she wrote for her high school yearbook, her university newspaper, and, from her early teens to her twenties, produced a fanzine about the local punk rock music scene. She loves music of all kinds and was once a classical pianist; she loves languages and speaks French and English and a teeny-tiny smattering of Mandarin Chinese, which she hopes to relearn properly very soon. She enjoys TV, film, travel, cooking, eating out, abandoned places, urbex, history, and researching.
L.J. loves to read complicated plots and hopes to do complex plot lines justice in her own writing. She writes paranormal, historical, urban fantasy, and contemporary Australian stories, usually m/m romance and featuring m/m erotica.
L.J. lives in the city of Adelaide, and is owned by her cat. - Nationality
- Australia
- Birthplace
- Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Map Location
- Australia
Members
Reviews
Sometimes life doesn’t go as we planned, and this story is about a man who needs to learn how to deal with a new reality. Garrett has a very hard time with it, and even though his injury may not seem all that serious if compared with losing a limb or paralysis, pain and loss is often in the eye of the beholder. For him, not being able to use his arm any longer comes close to being the end of the world. It means he has lost the job he always wanted to have - an arborist needs to be able to show more climb trees - and Garrett no longer can. This novella takes him from utter despair and self-pity all the way to a new understanding of his role in life, and I loved watching him grow and change. L.J. LaBarthe did an amazing job getting into the head of a man who suddenly doubts his own value, only to discover that as long as he is alive, there is hope.
Garrett is not a very nice person in the beginning of this story. He doesn’t even like himself! He figures he has every reason to feel sorry for himself – after all, his life is now ruined. He never asked for the accident that ended up damaging his rotator cuff, but he now has to deal with the consequences. I wanted to shake him a couple of times, just so he’d realize how much he still had to live for.
When he goes on a trip to Havelock Island in India for some pretty special therapy, his eyes open in more than one way. He meets Jai, a nurse, and he gets to swim with elephants. Jai impresses him with his easygoing, gentle nature and the elephants – well, I am a fan of them myself, and I think spending time with them can probably cure pretty much any metal agony someone is feeling. Garrett makes a few discoveries on that trip, and when he returns home to Australia, he is mentally an spiritually refreshed and much better equipped to deal with his new realty. Yes, it will not be easy, but at least he is no longer despondent. He is ready and willing to give life another try.
If you like thoughtful stories about men who go through a life-changing experience, if you enjoy reading about emotional and spiritual journeys, and if you’re looking for a read with deep emotions and some sweet romance to top it all off, then you will probably like this novella as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. show less
Garrett is not a very nice person in the beginning of this story. He doesn’t even like himself! He figures he has every reason to feel sorry for himself – after all, his life is now ruined. He never asked for the accident that ended up damaging his rotator cuff, but he now has to deal with the consequences. I wanted to shake him a couple of times, just so he’d realize how much he still had to live for.
When he goes on a trip to Havelock Island in India for some pretty special therapy, his eyes open in more than one way. He meets Jai, a nurse, and he gets to swim with elephants. Jai impresses him with his easygoing, gentle nature and the elephants – well, I am a fan of them myself, and I think spending time with them can probably cure pretty much any metal agony someone is feeling. Garrett makes a few discoveries on that trip, and when he returns home to Australia, he is mentally an spiritually refreshed and much better equipped to deal with his new realty. Yes, it will not be easy, but at least he is no longer despondent. He is ready and willing to give life another try.
If you like thoughtful stories about men who go through a life-changing experience, if you enjoy reading about emotional and spiritual journeys, and if you’re looking for a read with deep emotions and some sweet romance to top it all off, then you will probably like this novella as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. show less
Epic space opera? Check. Interesting characters, including some very creative AIs? Check again. A love story between a member of the privileged few and one of the genetically engineered many? Keep the check marks going. The version of 2275 presented in ‘Song of Song’ may be a little scientifically inaccurate, but with everything that is going on, it is also highly entertaining. The focus is on some of the social developments we can already see today, and I found it fascinating to look at show more a society that has eradicated any and all issues we have today – from depletion of resources to pollution and global warming to crime – but at a price that some would deem too high.
It is kind of scary that, even today, not everyone would agree that giving up personal freedom is a problem when the benefit is a paradise-like situation on the whole planet. I occasionally look at some of today’s voices advocating certain laws be changed, certain rights sacrificed, to fight “terrorists” and wonder where this is all going. Well, L.J. LaBarthe shows where it could go if we lose sight of the role individuals, freedom, and fundamental human rights have played in the development of civilization as we know it. Yes, this future is glorious in many ways. But. Never mind that only the rich will be able to afford it, and that more people will be poor than ever before. Never mind that the work will be done by genetically engineered workers, the Boxies, who have no rights and are not allowed their own thoughts. And never mind that all the criminals are dealt with via a personality wipe that makes them perfectly malleable to whatever the various Authorities (read: governments) tell them. You see? Scary!
This novel, above all else, tells the story of two very different men and their journey toward greater self-awareness, a greater understanding of relationships in general, and their personal happiness when they fall in love. Dex is a Boxie and has no rights, but has begun to learn about friendship by taking care of his pet cat, an AI; all Dex wants is to be free to make his own choices. Song is a spaceship designer who comes from money, but decides to run when the sentient spaceship he created is being threatened. When they meet, Dex turns out to have some useful abilities, and Song finds himself fascinated by someone he never even considered fully human before. Song learns quickly though, and that is a good thing since they are facing multiple threats and mounting danger and will only be able to stay alive if they work together.
I loved all the secondary characters as well, especially the curious, loyal spaceship Fa’a and the clever, supportive AI cat Manx. They and the humans on board are a ragtag group of beings from all walks of life, but they all care about keeping the galaxy free and out of the villain’s nefarious plans. Said villain is very well designed: he is an utterly civilized man who likes the finer things in life, out to make sure everything is “orderly” and well run – for everyone’s benefit, of course. The fact that this new order of his benefits him the most is neither here nor there, or so he thinks. While he is ruthless and despicable, he hides it under a thin veneer of pseudo-benevolence that makes most people believe the propaganda he spouts.
If you like epic adventures in space, if a thickening plot that leaves the main characters fewer and fewer choices while increasing the danger they are in by the page is your thing, and if you’re looking for a read full of space battles, freedom fighters, and more than one hot encounter between a pair of very unlikely lovers, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. show less
It is kind of scary that, even today, not everyone would agree that giving up personal freedom is a problem when the benefit is a paradise-like situation on the whole planet. I occasionally look at some of today’s voices advocating certain laws be changed, certain rights sacrificed, to fight “terrorists” and wonder where this is all going. Well, L.J. LaBarthe shows where it could go if we lose sight of the role individuals, freedom, and fundamental human rights have played in the development of civilization as we know it. Yes, this future is glorious in many ways. But. Never mind that only the rich will be able to afford it, and that more people will be poor than ever before. Never mind that the work will be done by genetically engineered workers, the Boxies, who have no rights and are not allowed their own thoughts. And never mind that all the criminals are dealt with via a personality wipe that makes them perfectly malleable to whatever the various Authorities (read: governments) tell them. You see? Scary!
This novel, above all else, tells the story of two very different men and their journey toward greater self-awareness, a greater understanding of relationships in general, and their personal happiness when they fall in love. Dex is a Boxie and has no rights, but has begun to learn about friendship by taking care of his pet cat, an AI; all Dex wants is to be free to make his own choices. Song is a spaceship designer who comes from money, but decides to run when the sentient spaceship he created is being threatened. When they meet, Dex turns out to have some useful abilities, and Song finds himself fascinated by someone he never even considered fully human before. Song learns quickly though, and that is a good thing since they are facing multiple threats and mounting danger and will only be able to stay alive if they work together.
I loved all the secondary characters as well, especially the curious, loyal spaceship Fa’a and the clever, supportive AI cat Manx. They and the humans on board are a ragtag group of beings from all walks of life, but they all care about keeping the galaxy free and out of the villain’s nefarious plans. Said villain is very well designed: he is an utterly civilized man who likes the finer things in life, out to make sure everything is “orderly” and well run – for everyone’s benefit, of course. The fact that this new order of his benefits him the most is neither here nor there, or so he thinks. While he is ruthless and despicable, he hides it under a thin veneer of pseudo-benevolence that makes most people believe the propaganda he spouts.
If you like epic adventures in space, if a thickening plot that leaves the main characters fewer and fewer choices while increasing the danger they are in by the page is your thing, and if you’re looking for a read full of space battles, freedom fighters, and more than one hot encounter between a pair of very unlikely lovers, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. show less
Ash returns to his outback home of Quorn after seventeen years in the Australian Army looking for some peace. War didn't leave him unscathed; he suffers from PTSD and occasional flashbacks. But he hopes that spending time with his family can help him. And there's nothing like going home.
But home has changed since Ash was here last. And one of those changes has been the addition of Jaxon. Jaxon is the new librarian in Quorn, and he draws Ash's attention right away. Not only is Jaxon show more attractive, there's something about him that helps calm Ash. Jaxon makes him feel better.
One thing Ash knows, though, is that he needs to find something to keep himself occupied if he's going to work past his issues. So he proposes starting a mobile library to bring books and other items to those in more rural parts of the local area. Although he shouldn't be surprised, Ash is excited to find Jaxon is on board to help him. Which creates the added benefit of something the two of them can do together.
But Ash can't just throw his past aside overnight. And he's not sure if Jaxon can truly understand everything he's been through. They both seem willing to try, and he just hopes trying is worth enough...
This book is not as angsty as I think my summary makes it sound. But I also feel the need to accurately portray where the characters and story are coming from. In actuality, I found it to be almost a bit of an inspiring read. While it's not exactly easy for Ash, he uses his experience and his connections to create something meaningful for his community. Not only is this something that can help him, but it also helps others. There's a selflessness of so many of the characters in this book that definitely made me smile. And it comes across as totally authentic at the same time.
A fun and unique romance novel. I definitely give this a strong recommendation. show less
But home has changed since Ash was here last. And one of those changes has been the addition of Jaxon. Jaxon is the new librarian in Quorn, and he draws Ash's attention right away. Not only is Jaxon show more attractive, there's something about him that helps calm Ash. Jaxon makes him feel better.
One thing Ash knows, though, is that he needs to find something to keep himself occupied if he's going to work past his issues. So he proposes starting a mobile library to bring books and other items to those in more rural parts of the local area. Although he shouldn't be surprised, Ash is excited to find Jaxon is on board to help him. Which creates the added benefit of something the two of them can do together.
But Ash can't just throw his past aside overnight. And he's not sure if Jaxon can truly understand everything he's been through. They both seem willing to try, and he just hopes trying is worth enough...
This book is not as angsty as I think my summary makes it sound. But I also feel the need to accurately portray where the characters and story are coming from. In actuality, I found it to be almost a bit of an inspiring read. While it's not exactly easy for Ash, he uses his experience and his connections to create something meaningful for his community. Not only is this something that can help him, but it also helps others. There's a selflessness of so many of the characters in this book that definitely made me smile. And it comes across as totally authentic at the same time.
A fun and unique romance novel. I definitely give this a strong recommendation. show less
This book is a tough one for me to decide what to think. I have really liked L.J.'s other books, and I loved the concept of this story and much of the world described in this book - BUT.
For me there was something missing, and it wasn't just the romantic elements that fell flat for me due to lack of any sort of emotion beyond physical attraction (and even that didn't fit with the rest of the characters' actions and thoughts).
More importantly, some of the details of the world, as well as the show more "resolution", were less than satisfying for me. I have to admit that I am particularly picky because I read a lot of science fiction and paranormal stories, so this is a personal issue and should not stop you from giving this book a try.
And finally, the plot was a lot more simplistic than I was hoping for (my fault) with hardly any conflict, despite a great setup for some truly amazing intrigue, confrontations, and maybe even actual fighting (although the latter is by no means a must for me, I just expected it based on the blurb). That, for me, was probably the most disappointing aspect of reading this novella.
If you like paranormal stories about vampires in the future, if you enjoy reading about yet another "mess" humankind may get itself into if we're not careful, and if an interesting world and some great technological details are more important to you than emotionally deep characters, then you will probably enjoy this story. show less
For me there was something missing, and it wasn't just the romantic elements that fell flat for me due to lack of any sort of emotion beyond physical attraction (and even that didn't fit with the rest of the characters' actions and thoughts).
More importantly, some of the details of the world, as well as the show more "resolution", were less than satisfying for me. I have to admit that I am particularly picky because I read a lot of science fiction and paranormal stories, so this is a personal issue and should not stop you from giving this book a try.
And finally, the plot was a lot more simplistic than I was hoping for (my fault) with hardly any conflict, despite a great setup for some truly amazing intrigue, confrontations, and maybe even actual fighting (although the latter is by no means a must for me, I just expected it based on the blurb). That, for me, was probably the most disappointing aspect of reading this novella.
If you like paranormal stories about vampires in the future, if you enjoy reading about yet another "mess" humankind may get itself into if we're not careful, and if an interesting world and some great technological details are more important to you than emotionally deep characters, then you will probably enjoy this story. show less
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Associated Authors
Statistics
- Works
- 27
- Also by
- 2
- Members
- 112
- Popularity
- #174,305
- Rating
- 3.6
- Reviews
- 15
- ISBNs
- 47
- Favorited
- 1
