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This story is for all my readers who have been impacted by the current political SNAFU – and for anyone else who might need to enjoy a free story in these difficult times.
“Shutdown”, will be available free for the duration of the government shutdown. Once the government is back in business then the short story will no longer be available on line, at least not until my publisher and I figure out what we might want to do with it. But for right now, while we’re all wondering how it got to this point, here’s a brand new Anita Blake short story, featuring our favorite bad boy werewolf, yep, I mean Richard Zeeman. Hey, I’ve been telling you, he’s been working his therapy: read on to see the results that hard work and being brave enough to own your whole self can get you.
“Shutdown”, will be available free for the duration of the government shutdown. Once the government is back in business then the short story will no longer be available on line, at least not until my publisher and I figure out what we might want to do with it. But for right now, while we’re all wondering how it got to this point, here’s a brand new Anita Blake short story, featuring our favorite bad boy werewolf, yep, I mean Richard Zeeman. Hey, I’ve been telling you, he’s been working his therapy: read on to see the results that hard work and being brave enough to own your whole self can get you.
25 pages, ebook
First published October 8, 2013
40 people are currently reading
6499 people want to read
About the author
Laurell K. Hamilton
422 books25.7k followersLaurell K. Hamilton is one of the leading writers of paranormal fiction. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Hamilton writes the popular Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novels and the Meredith Gentry series. She is also the creator of a bestselling comic book series based on her Anita Blake novels and published by Marvel Comics. Hamilton is a full-time writer and lives in the suburbs of St. Louis with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
January 27, 2019
What is the point of this thing? Just because there was the Shutdown, she posted this? I sort of wonder where it an extra for the latest Shutdown.
Can I say that this was just pointless and that I really cannot stomach Anita describing how gorgeous she is?
I bet that Hamilton has a file with a long description of every character. And every time they come to the scene she just puts the description there. Every single time! We all know how blue eyes J-C has. We all know what happened to Asher and how he got his scars. And how he hides behind his hair. We all KNOW that! And this outtake is supposedly 25 pages, but if you erase the descriptions, then you will have half of it.
I felt sorry for Ellen, she was made the bad guy here, and she definitely did not deserve it. And the moment Anita goes to compare Ellen to herself, I just wanted to punch her! "She's curvy, but my breasts are bigger! She's in shape, but I'm in better shape!"
So sick of this. And it is not the first time other women are put down in this series this way! I can very much remember Anita bonding with another female hunter over belittling skinny women. Sorry, that is not okay in my book.
Can I say that this was just pointless and that I really cannot stomach Anita describing how gorgeous she is?
I bet that Hamilton has a file with a long description of every character. And every time they come to the scene she just puts the description there. Every single time! We all know how blue eyes J-C has. We all know what happened to Asher and how he got his scars. And how he hides behind his hair. We all KNOW that! And this outtake is supposedly 25 pages, but if you erase the descriptions, then you will have half of it.
I felt sorry for Ellen, she was made the bad guy here, and she definitely did not deserve it. And the moment Anita goes to compare Ellen to herself, I just wanted to punch her! "She's curvy, but my breasts are bigger! She's in shape, but I'm in better shape!"
So sick of this. And it is not the first time other women are put down in this series this way! I can very much remember Anita bonding with another female hunter over belittling skinny women. Sorry, that is not okay in my book.
October 15, 2013
The sum and total of this short story is Anita meeting with Richard's fiancée in order to convince her that Anita has enough 'yummy' men in her life and she's not going to steal Richard away. Except that her and Richard are still sleeping together and aren't about to stop doing that any time soon.
That right there is a situation ripe for drama. Except the way it's written is absolutely jarring; Anita describes Ellen as just like her, only not as good as her (because no woman can ever be as good as her), that Micah is prettier than Richard, that Anita doesn't care for small-talk with another person that she has no interest in dating. Because interaction with other people is just so tedious when sex isn't on the cards, I guess. On top of that, Ellen is portrayed as the naive, insecure, and ultimately jealous harpy -- she thinks that Anita is far more beautiful than her, she doesn't understand BDSM/kinks, she wanted a solid, monogamous relationship with Richard and that makes her evil because it means Richard would have to deny his deepest, darkest sexual desires that he's only just now started to accept. Because clearly his needs are more important than hers, or their mutual relationship or something. So when ambushed with "surprise, the man you want to marry is a) still sleeping with his ex, b) has no plans to stop, and c) apparently hasn't spoken to you about his sexual proclivities or let you even google them before now," she's flustered and makes an emotional exit from both the restaurant and this relationship.
I'm sorry, but all my sympathy is with Ellen in this. Anita comes across as judgemental and selfish -- more so than usual, because everything has to be about her and she needs to pontificate that her life is so much better than yours -- that she's dragged Micah in as back-up to echo her specialness doesn't help. And then there's Richard, who has been the series' whipping boy for several books but now has been completely lobotomised by the miracle of "therapy" (hint: therapy doesn't work like that) to toe the same line as the rest of Anita's harem. I'm all for characters becoming worse, but it's a complete 180 with Richard. We're supposed to accept Anita's version of events because she's the POV character and clearly whatever she says is the truth even if the actions of everyone around her don't match her internal commentary. Especially since Anita's in no position to judge; she herself has had to learn about BDSM and explored her own kinks, finding things that she's willing to do or allow her lovers to do without her.
This whole story was petty and mean-spirited in addition to the usual LKH problems of sexism and the need to prove that Anita is the most special. That it's poorly written (so many pages should not be dedicated to description of clothing and I petition to strike "yummy" as a description for people unless cannibalism is involved) only adds insult to injury.
The other thing that's rubbing me the wrong way is that this story is only free so long as the US Government is shut down. There's a note in the acknowledgements about how this is for people who are waiting for their paychecks. Because clearly all the people being furloughed have nothing better to do with their time than read this, and once they're able to buy things again surely they'll be willing to pay for this? That's not how free works. That's not how gifts work. That's not how doing nice things in general work.
That right there is a situation ripe for drama. Except the way it's written is absolutely jarring; Anita describes Ellen as just like her, only not as good as her (because no woman can ever be as good as her), that Micah is prettier than Richard, that Anita doesn't care for small-talk with another person that she has no interest in dating. Because interaction with other people is just so tedious when sex isn't on the cards, I guess. On top of that, Ellen is portrayed as the naive, insecure, and ultimately jealous harpy -- she thinks that Anita is far more beautiful than her, she doesn't understand BDSM/kinks, she wanted a solid, monogamous relationship with Richard and that makes her evil because it means Richard would have to deny his deepest, darkest sexual desires that he's only just now started to accept. Because clearly his needs are more important than hers, or their mutual relationship or something. So when ambushed with "surprise, the man you want to marry is a) still sleeping with his ex, b) has no plans to stop, and c) apparently hasn't spoken to you about his sexual proclivities or let you even google them before now," she's flustered and makes an emotional exit from both the restaurant and this relationship.
I'm sorry, but all my sympathy is with Ellen in this. Anita comes across as judgemental and selfish -- more so than usual, because everything has to be about her and she needs to pontificate that her life is so much better than yours -- that she's dragged Micah in as back-up to echo her specialness doesn't help. And then there's Richard, who has been the series' whipping boy for several books but now has been completely lobotomised by the miracle of "therapy" (hint: therapy doesn't work like that) to toe the same line as the rest of Anita's harem. I'm all for characters becoming worse, but it's a complete 180 with Richard. We're supposed to accept Anita's version of events because she's the POV character and clearly whatever she says is the truth even if the actions of everyone around her don't match her internal commentary. Especially since Anita's in no position to judge; she herself has had to learn about BDSM and explored her own kinks, finding things that she's willing to do or allow her lovers to do without her.
This whole story was petty and mean-spirited in addition to the usual LKH problems of sexism and the need to prove that Anita is the most special. That it's poorly written (so many pages should not be dedicated to description of clothing and I petition to strike "yummy" as a description for people unless cannibalism is involved) only adds insult to injury.
The other thing that's rubbing me the wrong way is that this story is only free so long as the US Government is shut down. There's a note in the acknowledgements about how this is for people who are waiting for their paychecks. Because clearly all the people being furloughed have nothing better to do with their time than read this, and once they're able to buy things again surely they'll be willing to pay for this? That's not how free works. That's not how gifts work. That's not how doing nice things in general work.
November 3, 2013
When I first heard about this story, I was excited to read about Richard...hoping for a more mature and accepting man. Well, that's exactly what we got.
The problem is we have to read about a lot of the same issues with Anita being too beautiful, with Anita being judged and with Anita having to explain her sex and romantic life. I'm really over that.
Other than that, it was good to see Richard moving forward. Now if he could just get over Anita! ;)
The problem is we have to read about a lot of the same issues with Anita being too beautiful, with Anita being judged and with Anita having to explain her sex and romantic life. I'm really over that.
Other than that, it was good to see Richard moving forward. Now if he could just get over Anita! ;)
October 12, 2013
Shutdown by Laurel K Hamilton was free on her website.
This is the first paragraph of this story. Can you see the problem?
I can.
I know Anita is the main character in this series but I am starting to get seriously concerned about Hamilton’s complete inability to have another female character in the books. And to have multiple poly relationships and groupings with only one woman in the mix? It just isn’t going to work. If Anita is meant to raise zombies, investigate murders and sex ALL the guys, she will need more hours in the day.
I used to love this series and I own all the books, but this is honestly starting to make me nuts.
And this woman is supposed to be Richard’s new fiancée? Spoiler alert - it doesn’t go well. Of course it doesn’t; she’s NOT Anita.
Richard is still looking for the white picket fence. (That phrase makes it into every scene that has Richard in it. Please stop. Readers remember stuff.) There must be a wolf girl who can tick all his boxes? There is no way Anita is human anymore, so surely he can let that go?
Anita gets mad and Micah pats her to calm her down. The characters are becoming cardboard cut-outs.
Wouldn’t it be awesome if Richard got a real woman as a wife; one who had a character, and who could be an intelligent match for him and maybe even a valuable ally and friend to Anita? She has no female friends. Ellen here, is supposed to be a doctor and is clearly not very smart. The least she could have done was Google poly relationships before meeting them. But she fast becomes the outspoken voice of poly/vampire hate - too fast for a woman who was going to marry a werewolf.
So Richard gets his heart broken again… and no doubt, Anita will kiss it better and Micah will back off and let her.
Sigh.
“Dr. Ellen Radborne was about my height, 5' 3" with thick shoulder length brunette hair that I might have thought was black, but my hair was black, so I knew hers was really just dark brown. Her eyes were brown, like mine, though again mine were a little darker. She had a pale summer tan, to my nearly white skin, but then my skin never tanned, it just burned, and then went back to being pale. She was curvy, maybe not as curvy through the chest as me, but no man who liked breasts would complain that she lacked. She was in shape, though not as fit as I, but then I doubt she needed to hit the weights and cardio as hard for her job as I did for mine.”
This is the first paragraph of this story. Can you see the problem?
I can.
I know Anita is the main character in this series but I am starting to get seriously concerned about Hamilton’s complete inability to have another female character in the books. And to have multiple poly relationships and groupings with only one woman in the mix? It just isn’t going to work. If Anita is meant to raise zombies, investigate murders and sex ALL the guys, she will need more hours in the day.
I used to love this series and I own all the books, but this is honestly starting to make me nuts.
And this woman is supposed to be Richard’s new fiancée? Spoiler alert - it doesn’t go well. Of course it doesn’t; she’s NOT Anita.
Richard is still looking for the white picket fence. (That phrase makes it into every scene that has Richard in it. Please stop. Readers remember stuff.) There must be a wolf girl who can tick all his boxes? There is no way Anita is human anymore, so surely he can let that go?
Anita gets mad and Micah pats her to calm her down. The characters are becoming cardboard cut-outs.
Wouldn’t it be awesome if Richard got a real woman as a wife; one who had a character, and who could be an intelligent match for him and maybe even a valuable ally and friend to Anita? She has no female friends. Ellen here, is supposed to be a doctor and is clearly not very smart. The least she could have done was Google poly relationships before meeting them. But she fast becomes the outspoken voice of poly/vampire hate - too fast for a woman who was going to marry a werewolf.
So Richard gets his heart broken again… and no doubt, Anita will kiss it better and Micah will back off and let her.
Sigh.
October 22, 2013
The first paragraph goes more or less like this: “Her hair is dark. But mine is darker, so I know hers is just dark brown. Her eyes are dark, but mines are darker. She’s curvy, but my chest is bigger. She has a good figure, but mine is better. Her job is not as hard as mine.”
It was my first contact ever with this character: and I hated her. That’s quite troublesome, if you think about the way the author proclaims to be one with her character at times: I hope not at all times, and not this one in particularly.
She, the character, moves on, badmouthing her ex’ new girlfriend without knowing her, “Oooohhh, she’s exactly like the others two he had, nothing special”, “Ooooh, she has hobbies, so cute, having the time for that, contrary to other people who have, you know, real important jobs”. But my favorite?
“Men understood that sometimes you didn’t want to smile, but you weren’t mad either, while women expect other women to be pleasant, and if you’re not they think you don’t like them. There are so many reasons that most of my friends are men.”
That’s when I thought “Fuck you, you judgmental bitch!”
You can see how not happy I was right at the beginning. But I rarely give up on a book, let alone a short story. So I made it through the Anita’s perspective, reading her commentaries on the boys, how the boys looked like, how the boys dressed, how the boys were also victims of judgment… And then I reach this:
“Richard hugged Ellen to him. “Ellen, honey, you can see that Anita and Micah are a couple. What more do you want to be reassured?” “Honestly?” she asked. “That would be nice,” I said. Micah whispered, “Easy.” Ellen gave me a not entirely friendly look and said, “For you not to sit there looking fabulously beautiful and making me feel like an ugly duckling to your swan.”
I laugh. Hard. In case you have missed it, Ellen is the ex’ new girlfriend. I don’t know what to point first, if how unrealistic this is, or the way the author is putting an antagonist “subtly” kneeling over the oh-so-marvelous-and-superior-principal-character. You make the call.
A recycling of this idea goes on and on in this scene, adding the detail that apparently “Anita has trouble seeing herself as beautiful.” Nice try, miss, but I saw how much “troubles” she had right at the first paragraph. This statement is, however, justified with a cheap dramatic past of stepmothers destroying little girls’ confidence. And the logical conclusion that if handsome men keep chasing Anita, than she must be beautiful. Of course, honey, keep that optimistic thinking *smiles*
I will move faster now. The conversation between the characters advances to their kinky sexual life, one that Elle’s cannot accept. A bunch of names were used in here, which left me a little bit confused, but since I’m reading a short-story from a rather long book’s series, that was entirely my fault. What I really wanted to highlight is, the tone of superiority Anita has towards Ellen. Because is so boring and wrong being a vanilla, you know? And let’s not talk about not being okay with your husband fucking other woman, and then go back to the family house has nothing has happened. It’s ok if both agree with that, but judge because someone doesn’t?
But Anita could not be seen as the judgmental one. No, no, no, she’s too perfect and beautiful for that. So the author decides that Ellen will make a scene, not accepting their sexual life style, and insulting Anita with that wonderful word: whore. In the end, the new girlfriend become an ex, of course, ‘cause Anita is the worthy choice.
All of this meaningless plot, written in a rather basic English. What I achieve with this? Nothing. It wasn’t entertaining, it wasn’t educative neither had a message to pass through. It just made me wish to punch Anita in every line of the story. Judgment: not always what the author is trying to sell you.
It was my first contact ever with this character: and I hated her. That’s quite troublesome, if you think about the way the author proclaims to be one with her character at times: I hope not at all times, and not this one in particularly.
She, the character, moves on, badmouthing her ex’ new girlfriend without knowing her, “Oooohhh, she’s exactly like the others two he had, nothing special”, “Ooooh, she has hobbies, so cute, having the time for that, contrary to other people who have, you know, real important jobs”. But my favorite?
“Men understood that sometimes you didn’t want to smile, but you weren’t mad either, while women expect other women to be pleasant, and if you’re not they think you don’t like them. There are so many reasons that most of my friends are men.”
That’s when I thought “Fuck you, you judgmental bitch!”
You can see how not happy I was right at the beginning. But I rarely give up on a book, let alone a short story. So I made it through the Anita’s perspective, reading her commentaries on the boys, how the boys looked like, how the boys dressed, how the boys were also victims of judgment… And then I reach this:
“Richard hugged Ellen to him. “Ellen, honey, you can see that Anita and Micah are a couple. What more do you want to be reassured?” “Honestly?” she asked. “That would be nice,” I said. Micah whispered, “Easy.” Ellen gave me a not entirely friendly look and said, “For you not to sit there looking fabulously beautiful and making me feel like an ugly duckling to your swan.”
I laugh. Hard. In case you have missed it, Ellen is the ex’ new girlfriend. I don’t know what to point first, if how unrealistic this is, or the way the author is putting an antagonist “subtly” kneeling over the oh-so-marvelous-and-superior-principal-character. You make the call.
A recycling of this idea goes on and on in this scene, adding the detail that apparently “Anita has trouble seeing herself as beautiful.” Nice try, miss, but I saw how much “troubles” she had right at the first paragraph. This statement is, however, justified with a cheap dramatic past of stepmothers destroying little girls’ confidence. And the logical conclusion that if handsome men keep chasing Anita, than she must be beautiful. Of course, honey, keep that optimistic thinking *smiles*
I will move faster now. The conversation between the characters advances to their kinky sexual life, one that Elle’s cannot accept. A bunch of names were used in here, which left me a little bit confused, but since I’m reading a short-story from a rather long book’s series, that was entirely my fault. What I really wanted to highlight is, the tone of superiority Anita has towards Ellen. Because is so boring and wrong being a vanilla, you know? And let’s not talk about not being okay with your husband fucking other woman, and then go back to the family house has nothing has happened. It’s ok if both agree with that, but judge because someone doesn’t?
But Anita could not be seen as the judgmental one. No, no, no, she’s too perfect and beautiful for that. So the author decides that Ellen will make a scene, not accepting their sexual life style, and insulting Anita with that wonderful word: whore. In the end, the new girlfriend become an ex, of course, ‘cause Anita is the worthy choice.
All of this meaningless plot, written in a rather basic English. What I achieve with this? Nothing. It wasn’t entertaining, it wasn’t educative neither had a message to pass through. It just made me wish to punch Anita in every line of the story. Judgment: not always what the author is trying to sell you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2020
I'd like to say poor Richard but geez always the dog and pony show with this guy. Used to wish he and Anita worked things out. Now I'm glad he dumped her. Best thing he ever did for her.
November 4, 2013
What? What did you do Laurell? Where did Anita go?
I read 24 pages of drivel about polyamory... again but this time it was with Richard's fiancee who of course has to hate Anita because she's beautiful & etc.
When is enough enough? I have heard the same drivel come out of different character's mouths for the last 6 or 7 books. The exact same sh*t!
I cannot and will not be taken for my hard earned cash anymore by Ms. Hamilton, an author I have loved and admired in the past. I refuse to keep purchasing and reading the exact same story over and over again and if I hear one more time about the color of someone's eyes I'll probably scream. That won't be good because it'll probably be in a public place and police will probably be called.
All in all a disappointing read even if I did download it for free. No adventure. No insight. No originality. No more.
I read 24 pages of drivel about polyamory... again but this time it was with Richard's fiancee who of course has to hate Anita because she's beautiful & etc.
When is enough enough? I have heard the same drivel come out of different character's mouths for the last 6 or 7 books. The exact same sh*t!
I cannot and will not be taken for my hard earned cash anymore by Ms. Hamilton, an author I have loved and admired in the past. I refuse to keep purchasing and reading the exact same story over and over again and if I hear one more time about the color of someone's eyes I'll probably scream. That won't be good because it'll probably be in a public place and police will probably be called.
All in all a disappointing read even if I did download it for free. No adventure. No insight. No originality. No more.
October 22, 2013
I wish this had been longer. I've really hated Richard for a very long time, so it was nice to see that for once HE wasn't the problem. He has come to accept who he is, and he is trying to incorporate all of his needs and wants into his life- I am very proud of him for dealing with his issues.
In these 20 pages, I feel like LKH has touched on something that most people don't talk about or recognize: It is HARD to admit what you crave and need in relationships sexually/emotionally, but it is even harder to actually go about getting those things from the people we choose to love, especially if they are things outside of societal norms. Situations/Relationships don't always end in your favor when it involves alternative arrangements, and you can either be heartbroken because you can't be yourself or heartbroken because you had to let go of someone you love in order to be yourself- I was happy to see that Richard stood up for himself and what he was trying to accomplish in a relationship. I hope to see more emotional developments from Richard in future books.
In these 20 pages, I feel like LKH has touched on something that most people don't talk about or recognize: It is HARD to admit what you crave and need in relationships sexually/emotionally, but it is even harder to actually go about getting those things from the people we choose to love, especially if they are things outside of societal norms. Situations/Relationships don't always end in your favor when it involves alternative arrangements, and you can either be heartbroken because you can't be yourself or heartbroken because you had to let go of someone you love in order to be yourself- I was happy to see that Richard stood up for himself and what he was trying to accomplish in a relationship. I hope to see more emotional developments from Richard in future books.
May 30, 2014
I can't even begin to describe how fucking angry this short story/novella made me. Dear lord, Anita is such a bitch and trust me when I say there aren't enough italics in the world to describe how this is an insult to women because all of Hamilton's female characters are so bloody weak and poor, poor Ellen!!!!! She was completely right to not be okay with it because Anita did absolutely nothing to help the situation and surely - surely - Richard should have pointed out that he was going to be shagging other women before he got engaged to the poor woman??? I don't have enough words to explain how pissed off I am right now, but let's just say I had to skip through most of the dull descriptions of how Anita is so much better than every other woman on the planet because she's so beautiful and curvy etc. and the cringey, clunky descriptions of their sexual lifestyle, and I really have given up on this series now. For good. Fin.
October 14, 2015
Ugh, terrible. I read it because it was free, and I spent the entire time wondering what the hell happened to this series. I stopped reading AB a while back when it became more about Anita's many boyfriends than it was about solving monster mysteries.
This story is truly wretched and I'm sorry I lost thirty minutes reading it. Richard's fiancée (who looks just like Anita except not quite as pretty and with worse(?!) fashion sense than Anita) at one point literally says to Anita that she wishes Anita wouldn't "...sit there looking fabulously beautiful and making me feel like an ugly duckling to your swan.” WHO THINKS LIKE THAT LET ALONE SAYS IT ALOUD? No real person EVER.
A horrid hot mess that validated my decision to stop reading Anita Blake novels.
This story is truly wretched and I'm sorry I lost thirty minutes reading it. Richard's fiancée (who looks just like Anita except not quite as pretty and with worse(?!) fashion sense than Anita) at one point literally says to Anita that she wishes Anita wouldn't "...sit there looking fabulously beautiful and making me feel like an ugly duckling to your swan.” WHO THINKS LIKE THAT LET ALONE SAYS IT ALOUD? No real person EVER.
A horrid hot mess that validated my decision to stop reading Anita Blake novels.
October 14, 2013
It has been a VERY LONG TIME since I liked or had any respect for Richard. The fact that his therapy seems to be working, i.e. he has accepted his wolf and his sexual needs all the while trying to still have the wife and 2.5 kids means he's come a long way! He hasn't won me over because, much like Asher, Richard throws WAY too many juvenile tantrums and pisses me off.
However, I was happy to see at the end of this story that Richard has learned not to compromise what he knows he needs to be happy by giving in to what he used to think would make him happy. Gods, does that even make sense? *grins*
However, I was happy to see at the end of this story that Richard has learned not to compromise what he knows he needs to be happy by giving in to what he used to think would make him happy. Gods, does that even make sense? *grins*
October 22, 2013
I gave up on this series a long long time ago. I read this short because it was a free download and I thought, why not. Why I wasted my time, I don't know. Maybe I keep thinking it won't always be about sex, but I've finally realized that it will always be because it has become the blood of the series. Obviously a lot of people enjoy the poly-amorous aspect these stories encompass, but it just isn't for me. I know it's only a short story but it cemented the fact for me that Anita Blake will always center around the sex and the power thereof.
This was a short where Anita was at lunch with Micah, Richard and Richard's girlfriend. Richard was trying to make his girlfriend comfortable with the fact that he "needs" to have sex with these other people at the table with him because there are things she just can't do for him. Richard's girlfriend was portrayed as prime and proper , so one reading this right away knows how the story is going to go. Speaking of which, the writing reminded me of a impromptu short a college instructor might ask for as a writing warm-up. I understand it was a fast write to begin with, but geez.
I better end this review. I think I'm entirely too bitter about the fact that a once kick-ass character has turned into a person who's worth and whole world revolves around who and how many she has sex with. That her power comes from that and not from within herself.
This was a short where Anita was at lunch with Micah, Richard and Richard's girlfriend. Richard was trying to make his girlfriend comfortable with the fact that he "needs" to have sex with these other people at the table with him because there are things she just can't do for him. Richard's girlfriend was portrayed as prime and proper , so one reading this right away knows how the story is going to go. Speaking of which, the writing reminded me of a impromptu short a college instructor might ask for as a writing warm-up. I understand it was a fast write to begin with, but geez.
I better end this review. I think I'm entirely too bitter about the fact that a once kick-ass character has turned into a person who's worth and whole world revolves around who and how many she has sex with. That her power comes from that and not from within herself.
August 12, 2016
I appreciate the free book and Ms. Hamilton did readers and fans a solid by giving them something as a positive protest against the ridiculous shutdown of parks. Don't even get me started on that one.
I liked the concept of this story, but really, it was once again a whine fest from Anita. It starts with - "I was fighting not to get angry. (loc. 94-95) Anita is always fighting with women. It's always that they think she's too beautiful and they want to compete with her. Been there, done that. Let's move on. Seriously, are there that many women who are like this? I guess I'm lucky the females I'm friends with are not as insecure as the women in this story nor do they have as big a chip on their should as Anita.
From a BDSM perspective, I cringe. It's a mish mash of the lifestyle mixed with polyamory. The heavy hand lecture on what is and what isn't BDSM just left a distaste in my mouth. Basically, this entire scene is once again about how Anita and Richard are fucked up yet can't live without each other. Everyone else is just collateral damage. It's a train wreck I can't stop watching.
I liked the concept of this story, but really, it was once again a whine fest from Anita. It starts with - "I was fighting not to get angry. (loc. 94-95) Anita is always fighting with women. It's always that they think she's too beautiful and they want to compete with her. Been there, done that. Let's move on. Seriously, are there that many women who are like this? I guess I'm lucky the females I'm friends with are not as insecure as the women in this story nor do they have as big a chip on their should as Anita.
From a BDSM perspective, I cringe. It's a mish mash of the lifestyle mixed with polyamory. The heavy hand lecture on what is and what isn't BDSM just left a distaste in my mouth. Basically, this entire scene is once again about how Anita and Richard are fucked up yet can't live without each other. Everyone else is just collateral damage. It's a train wreck I can't stop watching.
October 31, 2013
Eeesh, this was not what I thought it would be.
Given the thought behind it was the government shutdown and its title Shutdown and the starring character this time would be Richard and it was free! - I really thought it would be something interesting and dramatic like Richard getting outed as a werewolf and fighting to hang onto his position as professor.
I was way wrong. With the first paragraph I knew I was in trouble and should have just deleted it. But hope is such a bitch and I was once in love with this world and idea behind it and some of the characters were fascinating. I will give the author props for creating an unforgettable series but I will also lay at her feet the blame for destroying it.
I don't know if the title is as meaningless as previous titles or was to make a point that if you demand for what you want in life you run the risk of getting "shutdown". Good idea. Presenting alternative lifestyles and how it can gain or lose you friends or break your heart is also a great idea. Coming out to someone that you have fallen in love with and revealing your sexual likes/dislikes also can make for a great story. But this was very poorly executed and just doesn't belong in an urban fantasy story.
As usual it left more questions and plot holes because it was really just about airing some thoughts and creating a wish fulfillment scenario by using your characters to act it out.
It was negative, cold, spiteful and without compassion. I did not recognize any of the characters, even though they had the same names. The dialog was laughably horrid and very fake. Micah was recognizable because his character has never been developed beyond wereleopard with giant cock and Anita's yes-man. Anita has gotten so pathetic she cannot even have a conversation without clutching her sweeties with desperation. And finally the story itself rang false in so many ways as it seemed to switch midway from a ghost of a realistic situation of introducing a new person to a relationship dynamic to yet another confrontation with jealous whiner babies that just cannot hold up to the almighty greatness of Anita.
It was just an ugly and petty little story and a poor statement on alternative lifestyles and sexual politics. I have now gone from no longer buying the series to no longer reading the freebies. Like the latest edition of Anita, I just don't see the point.
Given the thought behind it was the government shutdown and its title Shutdown and the starring character this time would be Richard and it was free! - I really thought it would be something interesting and dramatic like Richard getting outed as a werewolf and fighting to hang onto his position as professor.
I was way wrong. With the first paragraph I knew I was in trouble and should have just deleted it. But hope is such a bitch and I was once in love with this world and idea behind it and some of the characters were fascinating. I will give the author props for creating an unforgettable series but I will also lay at her feet the blame for destroying it.
I don't know if the title is as meaningless as previous titles or was to make a point that if you demand for what you want in life you run the risk of getting "shutdown". Good idea. Presenting alternative lifestyles and how it can gain or lose you friends or break your heart is also a great idea. Coming out to someone that you have fallen in love with and revealing your sexual likes/dislikes also can make for a great story. But this was very poorly executed and just doesn't belong in an urban fantasy story.
As usual it left more questions and plot holes because it was really just about airing some thoughts and creating a wish fulfillment scenario by using your characters to act it out.
It was negative, cold, spiteful and without compassion. I did not recognize any of the characters, even though they had the same names. The dialog was laughably horrid and very fake. Micah was recognizable because his character has never been developed beyond wereleopard with giant cock and Anita's yes-man. Anita has gotten so pathetic she cannot even have a conversation without clutching her sweeties with desperation. And finally the story itself rang false in so many ways as it seemed to switch midway from a ghost of a realistic situation of introducing a new person to a relationship dynamic to yet another confrontation with jealous whiner babies that just cannot hold up to the almighty greatness of Anita.
It was just an ugly and petty little story and a poor statement on alternative lifestyles and sexual politics. I have now gone from no longer buying the series to no longer reading the freebies. Like the latest edition of Anita, I just don't see the point.
December 30, 2013
This short story was unbelievably bad. It's Richard going on a double date with Anita and Micah because his girlfriend isn't completely on-board with the poly lifestyle and she wants to meet the "other woman" in his life. It's painful to read. It's one of those scenes you just wish Hamilton's editor would insist on cutting but somehow never does. Endlessly talking - in this case, defending the lifestyle while emotions run high. You also get a WTF moment for Richard - why would he keep going after the wrong sort of woman?? Why wouldn't he make "on-board" his #1 criteria for dating? Doesn't seem realistic that way.
November 16, 2013
First of all, thank you LKH for giving us this story :)
Now, normally I am not a Richard fan...in fact I hate him most of the time. I've never understood/approved of how he treated Anita. In this short story he has gained more respect from me and hopefully we'll get to read more from him & his character growth in the next book. It sucks that it ended the way it did, but it's about time he did what he did :)
Now, normally I am not a Richard fan...in fact I hate him most of the time. I've never understood/approved of how he treated Anita. In this short story he has gained more respect from me and hopefully we'll get to read more from him & his character growth in the next book. It sucks that it ended the way it did, but it's about time he did what he did :)
May 19, 2014
I stopped reading LHK a long time ago - since this book was free figured I'd give it a try - sorry I wasted my time. LKH used to be a great author now it's the same thing every book. I happily consider Blue Moon as the last in the Anita Blake series as it was the last truly good book in the series that LKH has written.
April 26, 2020
Ova priča je dio opsežnog Hamiltonicinog serijala o Aniti Blake. Nisam čitala taj serijal pa mi je priča apsolutno izvan konteksta. Ali, podsjetila me je na Hamiltonicine knjige o Mery Gentry koje sam čitala prije milijun godina. S jedne strane me je zaintrigirala, a s druge strane sam shvatila da sam se te tematike zapravo davno zasitila tako da, iako bih možda mogla probati pročitati koju knjigu iz serijala, to nažalost neće biti tako skoro.
October 30, 2013
Richard is still searching for the special someone to have the white picket fence with, but still wants to keep the others on the side. Richard asked Anita to meet with his fiancee to convince her that she has other men in her life and won't try to steal Richard away even though he still plans on having sex with her. If that doesn't make the situation splendidly awkward, the fact that his knew fiancee is completely 100% vanilla will.
In this short story, no actual sex takes placed but it is discussed in detail. From tops to bottoms, submissive to doms its all laid on the restaurant table for Richard's fiancee to explore. Poor girl didn't know what hit her.
I have to admit that even though I really dislike Richard it looks like his character actually saw to the truth of the situation instead of keeping his normal blinders on.
Thanks for this little freebie!
In this short story, no actual sex takes placed but it is discussed in detail. From tops to bottoms, submissive to doms its all laid on the restaurant table for Richard's fiancee to explore. Poor girl didn't know what hit her.
I have to admit that even though I really dislike Richard it looks like his character actually saw to the truth of the situation instead of keeping his normal blinders on.
Thanks for this little freebie!
February 12, 2020
Loved this short! I've finally got my Richard back :) I'm glad he's working out his problems and most importantly, I'm proud that he finally stood up for Anita!! He's finally taking responsibility for his actions and he's staying true to himself. Way to go Richard and thank you Laurell K. Hamilton for offering this short for free! You totally made my month! I can't wait for the next Anita Blake novel! I'm a huge fan and always will be! :)
October 14, 2013
Hamilton has changed styles of writing where the Anita Blake series is concerned but I enjoy it. There is still the danger you look forward to with a major soft side. Hamilton is showing how open we have become to the differences of sexual preferences. Shutdown shows how much Richard has changed but stayed the same. He doesn't want to hide anymore but still wants a normal life in the sun. A little confusing but it will work in the end.
May 28, 2015
If I could give zero stars, I would.
I'm not even going to waste the time it would take to explain just how angry this story made me - other reviewers have already made many of the points for me. All I can say is, I have never been such a devoted fan to something that turned so incredibly horrible and ridiculous.
I'm not even going to waste the time it would take to explain just how angry this story made me - other reviewers have already made many of the points for me. All I can say is, I have never been such a devoted fan to something that turned so incredibly horrible and ridiculous.
November 10, 2013
I hate so much the lengthy descriptions OF EVERYONE AND THEIR FUCKING MOTHER IN THESE BOOKS WHY. IT'S BEEN 20 BOOKS ALREADY I KNOW WHAT ANITA LOOKS LIKE OKAY.
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July 30, 2015
This wasn't the worst thing I've ever read. It wasn't even the worst Anita Blake thing I've ever read. But it was still a stretch to give it a full two stars.
March 17, 2020
I liked it!
Liked it even better second time!
Liked it even better second time!
June 12, 2016
We start out this story learning about Dr. Ellen Radbourne. Some might say her hair is black but when you compare anything to the great Anita, it's not black enough. But then no one's good enough unless you're on the Blake "meat wagon". No ones eyes are as green as Damien's, as dark blue as JC's, as gold/green as Micah's, as lilac as Nathaniel's, as pale blue as Asher's. No ones anatomy is as big around as Richard, as muscular as Nicky, as handsome as Wicked & Truth, as whatever as Ethan, or Cynric aka Sin, or Requiem, or Jade and on and on and on! God this woman gets around! But no one or their lover can compare, so why do they try? Because to be introduced in an LKH book, you have to run the gauntlet of being compared to Blake or her harem! And I only mention this because, well just read the first damn paragraph of the book and you'll see:
"Dr. Ellen Radbourne was about my height 5'3" with thick shoulder length brunette hair that I might have thought was black, but my hair was black, so I knew hers was really just dark brown. Her eyes were brown, like mine, though again mine were a little darker. She had a pale summer tan, to my nearly white skin, but then my skin never tanned, it just burned, and then went back to being pale. She was curvy, maybe not as curvy through the chest as me, but no man who liked breasts would complain that she lacked. She was in shape, though not as fit as I, but then I doubt she needed to hit the weights and cardio as hard for her job as I did for mine."
So she's similar to Blake but not quite good enough. How freakin irritating! This whole book was irritating. To think Richard would sleep his way through that many woman and then choose the only one who was that uncomfortable with sex is preposterous! If it had happened right after he and Anita had one of their break-ups then fine, but now? After he's made peace with his darker side, no just no.
I think this was written to placate LKH's ideal of kinky f***ery that she obviously likes but isn't inherently comfortable with yet. So she creates a character just close enough to be Anita-like but made her into what I can only assume she thinks people who criticize her must be like.
I've criticized some of the sex she writes about. It's not because I'm some uptight bitch who hates sex, far from it. I didn't enjoy it in her books because she substituted sex, and a lot of it, for plot lines and story conclusion.
I felt, and perhaps I'm wrong, that this was a slap in the face to anyone who thinks her idea of sex is just hate and ignorance. I honestly don't mind that side of books, and if it's necessary to the plot and is written well, then go for it. But when it becomes 90% of the book and nothing else, then perhaps you should say it's erotica instead of mystery, vampire hunter, whatever.
I couldn't recommend this book to anyone. It just introduced a throw away character to give Anita a chance to explain her need for rough sex. If you want to read about that, stick to Fifty Shades, it's better written.
"Dr. Ellen Radbourne was about my height 5'3" with thick shoulder length brunette hair that I might have thought was black, but my hair was black, so I knew hers was really just dark brown. Her eyes were brown, like mine, though again mine were a little darker. She had a pale summer tan, to my nearly white skin, but then my skin never tanned, it just burned, and then went back to being pale. She was curvy, maybe not as curvy through the chest as me, but no man who liked breasts would complain that she lacked. She was in shape, though not as fit as I, but then I doubt she needed to hit the weights and cardio as hard for her job as I did for mine."
So she's similar to Blake but not quite good enough. How freakin irritating! This whole book was irritating. To think Richard would sleep his way through that many woman and then choose the only one who was that uncomfortable with sex is preposterous! If it had happened right after he and Anita had one of their break-ups then fine, but now? After he's made peace with his darker side, no just no.
I think this was written to placate LKH's ideal of kinky f***ery that she obviously likes but isn't inherently comfortable with yet. So she creates a character just close enough to be Anita-like but made her into what I can only assume she thinks people who criticize her must be like.
I've criticized some of the sex she writes about. It's not because I'm some uptight bitch who hates sex, far from it. I didn't enjoy it in her books because she substituted sex, and a lot of it, for plot lines and story conclusion.
I felt, and perhaps I'm wrong, that this was a slap in the face to anyone who thinks her idea of sex is just hate and ignorance. I honestly don't mind that side of books, and if it's necessary to the plot and is written well, then go for it. But when it becomes 90% of the book and nothing else, then perhaps you should say it's erotica instead of mystery, vampire hunter, whatever.
I couldn't recommend this book to anyone. It just introduced a throw away character to give Anita a chance to explain her need for rough sex. If you want to read about that, stick to Fifty Shades, it's better written.
April 16, 2016
In this 2013 short story, polyamorous bunch Anita, Micah, and Richard sit down with Richard’s new fiancée to discuss the finer points of their alternative lifestyle. Ellen is what Anita calls “vanilla”—she doesn’t understand Richard’s preference for polyamory and S&M, and wants reassurance that his involvement in their group’s sexual activities won’t break up their future marriage. Although the trio painstakingly answers her questions, defines terms, and otherwise tries to explain why they find their unconventional lifestyle so appealing, Ellen becomes increasingly disgusted. Soon, it becomes clear that a choice must be made: Richard can either enjoy a conventional lifestyle with Ellen, and suffer from a stunted sex life, or he can break off the engagement and embrace his true sexuality.
“Shutdown” is very educational if one wants a brief overview on Anita’s combined lifestyle of polyamory/S&M, but I didn’t really enjoy it that much as a stand-alone story. Laurell K. Hamilton has written on her blog that she and her husband enjoy a lifestyle similar to Anita’s, so the entire set-up just seems like an excuse for the writer to pen a defense of her own sexual escapades, while coolly condemning those who might judge her. So while I’m glad that Richard is finally getting a handle on his personal life, it’s okay if you decide to skip this one. You won’t be missing much.
“Shutdown” is very educational if one wants a brief overview on Anita’s combined lifestyle of polyamory/S&M, but I didn’t really enjoy it that much as a stand-alone story. Laurell K. Hamilton has written on her blog that she and her husband enjoy a lifestyle similar to Anita’s, so the entire set-up just seems like an excuse for the writer to pen a defense of her own sexual escapades, while coolly condemning those who might judge her. So while I’m glad that Richard is finally getting a handle on his personal life, it’s okay if you decide to skip this one. You won’t be missing much.
March 9, 2017
Poor Richard and Anita! I feel bad for Richard that he still is trying to deny/lie to himself. I'm glad that in the end he choose himself. Poor Anita though went through the wringer. Having to explain how and why she doesn't think she's beautiful and having to talk about her sex life with a stranger for her lover. The whole poly thing still confuses me lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2013
I'm sorry. I feel so bad for Richard. He tries so hard to accept something that no one should be asked to accept. He just wants a normal life. One that he just can't have. I have always love Richard and am so glad that he stood up for himself.
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