Recent Reads: Lovely Violent Things by Trisha Wolfe

Lovely Violent Things by Trisha Wolfe

Series: Hollow Row #2
Publisher: Lock Key Press
Publication Date:  March 29, 2023

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Borrowed - Kindle Unlimited

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

He’s the devil. And she’s his wicked game.

Book two in the Hollow's Row series.

The night I gave in to Kallum Locke, I sold my soul to the devil. Now that devil has returned for me, a daemon siphoning off what soul I have left.

The Harbinger killer has descended on Hollow’s Row amid an active case, where I’ve been hired as a consultant to profile two killers. One offering gruesome sacrifices to obtain an ancient philosophy, and the other a bad omen from my past.

A dark truth hovers at the edge of my memories—but is it real, or a trick by the chaos magician himself, meant to trap me in his web of lies and corruption.

Kallum is too consuming, his clashing green-and-blue eyes staring into my depths, demanding I feel the frenzy he teased from my soul.

I have to escape him.

I’ve tasted Halen St. James, my muse of heartbreak. I’ve sank my teeth into her tender flesh, lapped at her tears, marked her as mine…

So I’ll be damned if I let her go now. Not this time—not when I’m so close to revealing our truth. It’s easy to be tricked when you believe your own lies. And, oh, how my little Halen loves her pretty lies.

She’s obsessed with naming me the killer. She’s afraid of me, but I’m not the danger she should fear.

The moth is attracted to sweetness—and my little Halen is the sweetest damn thing.

Halen needs her big bad villain to protect her.

Trigger warnings: Mention of loss of loved ones, grief, attempted SA, violence, gore, murder, detailed crime scenes, knife / sharp object / blood play, breath play, occult references and rituals 

Review: 

This is such a dark series. Halen and Kallum are tasked with solving a case that has now taken several body parts from several victims and left them in a swamp. While the crime scene is eerie already, it is made more maddening that there are no full bodies, and there are random clues spread throughout the swamp. 

When last we left Halen and Kallum, they were unassigned from the case, but brought back on by the locals. At the start of this book, they are both being brought back in and there is a new scene to analyze, but there is also the matter of ensuring Kallum is kept close. Halen still believes he is somehow a part of the Harbinger case as well, but can't figure out why she feels so strongly for him. 

I think that this series so far has done well at the darkness. Kallum is psychotic for sure, but his obsession is what seems to drive him. Halen is also full of sadness and trauma and while she tries to keep it together there is always a breaking point and Kallum is trying to give her the opportunity to break safely under his watch. She isn't comfortable with that but it seems like he if the first in a long time to give her this option and so she leans into it more than she would like. 

There are a lot of emotions at play thoughout their 'romance' if you can call it that. I think that there is something to be said for broken finds broken and they can help each other heal. That being said, I think most are reading the series for Kallum's sexy, dark, weirdness, and there is nothing wrong with that. There is a plot as well, its mystery is interesting and I liked the philosophy that is tied throughout the crimes. I like the dynamic between Halen and the other law enforcement and moreso her relationship with Kallum. Is it twisted, yes, but it hits right. 

Early Reader Review: A Circle of Stars by Craig Montgomery

Source: From the Author in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

A Circle of Stars by Craig Montgomery 

Series: The Stardust Duology #1
Publication Date:  June 16, 2023

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Sometimes you have to leave home to find it…

All Casper Bell has ever wanted is to belong. But now, abandoned by his friends and family after being outed, he has nothing left to lose when the people of Novilem abduct him.

Except Earth.

Teleported to a world where stars grant humans magic, Casper discovers he has the rare ability to draw power from all twelve astrological signs — a gift that makes him a political pawn for the Estellar Council.

But Novilem’s inhabitants seem as hard and cold as the stone their city

is carved from, and Casper’s new role leaves him more isolated than ever. Until he meets the grandson of the council’s most powerful woman. Helix is kind, playful, and heartbreakingly handsome, yet it’s how Helix makes him feel that gives Casper hope.

As rebellion brinks in the city, even the Council starts to fracture, reaching for extreme measures that could cost Casper not only his newfound abilities, but the first place he has ever wanted to call home. Together with Helix, he must uncover the secrets of his full potential — because the survival of Novilem hinges on Casper’s powers, whether he’s using them or not.

Set inside a hidden lunar city, where astrology is magic and your birth sign defines your social status, A Circle of Stars is a queer young adult fantasy filled with political intrigue and romance.

Review: 

I thought this was an adult sci-fi when I was reading, and now that I am am seeing it as a young adult genre sci-fi... it makes more sense. I am not sure how that got jumbled in my head. Either way I really enjoyed this read, but more makes sense now.

This book is a science fiction/fantasy about a young queer guy who is kidnapped to another planet to be their savior of sorts. Casper, was finishing high school and got kicked out of his home and disowned for being gay, but lucky for him in some ways, he was picked up by some people because he has the ability to see and use magic. The people of Novilem abduct him and teach him about their magic of the Zodiac houses and he learns that he can harness them all. Capser has been though a lot and shows a lot of strength throughout this book, however at times he is vulnerable and not sure the path he should take. 

I liked the magic system in this book a lot, the houses of the zodiac, all have differing powers and levels that they are in, much like a caste system. I liked the magic part - not the turmoil that the caste system brings upon this plot. The plot itself was really interesting. Sci-fi isn't really my cup of tea but this story kept me interested and I liked the characters a lot. It is told in multiple POV, so you seem more of the overall picture coming together as the reader. 

The middle was a bit off for me though, it was as if this wanted to be an adult story at the beginning and end, but the middle was teh chance for the YA parts. Casper was suddenly very opinionated and whiney and it was a lot. For a while there, I wanted to punch him in the face rather then see him succeed. 

Overall, I liked this book for the diverse cast, the MM queer relationship rep, and the magic system. I found it lacking a bit in the middle but it was a good first book. 

Early Reader Review: Role Playing by Cathy Yardley

Source: From Amazon First Reads program. This does not alter my opinion or review.

Role Playing by Cathy Yardley 

Publisher: Montlake
Publication Date:  July 1, 2023

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Maggie is an unapologetically grumpy forty-eight-year-old hermit. But when her college-aged son makes her a deal—he’ll be more social if she does the same—she can’t refuse. She joins a new online gaming guild led by a friendly healer named Otter. So that nobody gets the wrong idea, she calls herself Bogwitch. Otter is Aiden, a fifty-year-old optimist using the guild as an emotional outlet from his family drama caring for his aging mother while his brother plays house with Aiden’s ex-fiancée. Bogwitch and Otter become fast virtual friends, but there’s a catch. Bogwitch thinks Otter is a college student. Otter assumes Bogwitch is an octogenarian. When they finally meet face to face—after a rocky, shocking start—the unlikely pair of sunshine and stormy personalities grow tentatively closer. But Maggie’s previous relationships have left her bitter, and Aiden’s got a complicated past of his own. Everything’s easier online. Can they make it work in real life?

Review: 

This book was offered through the Amazon First Reads program and I normally pick one up but then have too many other things on my TBR to read them immediately. I was so smitten with this idea and synopsis that I jumped right in and started reading. 

The story follows a divorced mom, Maggie, severe introvert who tries to make more friends to help lead by example for her college age son. She joins an online guild and while playing with them forms a connection with another member. They are local so when the other player needs help she goes to help him. He is her age, which she didn't realize, so it makes for a hilarious introduction between them. It also turns out that they know some of the same people in town and have crossed paths before. 

Aiden is a 50 year old former nurse, home to look after his mother. She is on the decline and his father recently past away. He has been giving up a lot for his family, but they don't seem to appreciate his help. 

I like Maggie and Aiden. Maggie seemed like a cool, down to Earth mom, and I appreciate her hermit like nature. She was introverted but very outspoken and sure of herself.  Aiden was so considerate and his family was complete shit. Sadly both characters had family mistreat them and I think that they bonded over this. 

The plot of the book is them getting together and the trope is friends to more. The book had a lot of really funny, cute parts and it had me giggling and also wanting to play online games again. There were some things that I didn't fully love though. For example, while it takes time to fully explain sexualities and highlight them in this book, it does it in a very 'here's the definition' way, that took me out of the book as a reader. That being said, I think for older readers or ones that are not familiar with the terminology it could be helpful, but it just seemed odd to me and forced. I fully appreciated the rep though. 

Overall, this was a cute, fun, and playful romance. I also really enjoyed the play on the title role-playing in game and out. Could make for some interesting book-club discussion points. 

Building the Book Pile #436

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Happy Tuesday reader friends. 

Attempting to blog while Goodreads is down is difficult - hopefully by the time you read this, the issues is resolved. 😞 Right now it seems like they don't even know... or maybe they do but haven't posted to other socials to let people know they are working on it ... 🤷‍♀️

This past weekend, we had some family visiting but I finished a few reads and am fully engrossed in Fourth Wing - I am listening to the audiobook. Have you read it yet? Let me know your spoiler-free thoughts in the comments if you have or are reading it now.

This upcoming week, I am traveling for work. I will have some time for reading so I am excited for that and will try to squeeze in as much as I can. Really hoping to round out that TBR pile if I can. Wish me luck!

-S

Coming up on the Blog

Recent Reads: Role Playing by Cathy Yardley (Adult, Romance)

Recent Reads: Lovely Violent Things by Trisha Wolfe (Adult, Spicy)

Early Reader Review: A Circle of Stars by Craig Montgomery (Adult, SciFi)

Books Received Recently...   

Kiss the Girl by Zoraida Cordova - from Netgalley Giveaways and Hyperion.

Have you missed anything lately?

Recent Reads: Mystery of the Lost Lynx by Tamra Wight (MG) -3 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Ko-fi

Comment or leave me a link and I will see you online again soon.

Happy Reading!

Recent Reads: Mystery of the Lost Lynx by Tamra Wight

Source: From Librarything Early Reviewers Program in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Mystery of the Lost Lynx by Tamra Wight 

Series: Cooper and Packrat, #5
Publisher:  Islandport Press
Publication Date:  June 21, 2022 

 

Format: Paperback


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Their favorite campground is opening for winter break, so Cooper, Packrat, Roy, and Summer are excited for snowy fun while helping plan a winter festival. But when they see a lynx kit wearing a pet collar, watch a reckless snowmobiler dash across the ice, and are warned about a dangerous poacher, the young detectives and some cool new friends set off on their most exciting adventure yet. Can they solve the mystery and protect the camp's wildlife from poachers before it's too late? Award-winning author Tamra Wight returns with her fifth installment in the Cooper and Packrat series and this time she introduces readers to a whole new season of fun, more excitement than ever, and even a hint of young romance at the Wilder Family Campground.

Review: 

This looked like a super cute book when I requested it from Librarything, I didn't realize that is was the fifth book in a series. 

This middle grade series follows Cooper, Packrat, Roy, and Summer on wilderness adventures. In this installment there is a lost lynx cub. 

Oftentimes in middle grade books, authors recap who the characters are and any info that might be helpful for young readers, or in my case, ones that pick the book up out of order. I felt that this book was missing that aspect and while I figured things out along the way, it made for a slow start for me and I wasn't immediately invested in these chacracters like other readers might have been. I didn't learn much about them until we were in the thick of the plot - that Cooper was an aspiring game warden and often takes on that persona on this campground that his family owns. His friends seemed pretty interchangable, but I gathered that Packrat was his right had and Roy probably has some anger issues. Summer and Cooper were also in the beginning 'I like you' stages so that was a cute addition. 

The overall plot was fun, but slowly built. There is a poacher on the property and he is surprised by the winter campground opening. There is a little lynx that the kids are seeing around and they are concerned that the poacher is going to get her, so they are trying to find him with the help of the Warden. 

I like how determined Cooper was to help and liked that Warden Kate fed into that, although I think that was also pretty dangerous. I also really liked that each chapter started with facts about Lynx. I didn''t really like how missing the parents felt, they were either non-existance or completely overbearing, this whole thing felt like they should be more around and questioning things. 

Overall, this was a cute read like I thought it would be. I found it sow to start and a bit hard to get into, but think younger readers will enjoy the mystery and adventure that the kids have. There is a lot of action at the end.

Building the Book Pile #435

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Happy Sunday again. Happy Father's Day!

This week flew by, so did last week! Sorry for the lack of weekly re-cap last week.

I am just keeping up with things and working on my closet/bathroom build here at home... more to come. I am reading in the evenings, attempting to get to my TBR without too many distractions, buuuut I might replace one spicy romance with another, and I picked up The Fourth Wing on Audible for my Fable Book Club.

Why are TBRs so hard to stick to?! 🤔

At least I am reading! :) 

How was your week? Did you read anything good?

Stay Well

-S

Coming up on the Blog

Recent Reads: Mystery of the Lost Lynx by Tamra Wight (MG)

Recent Reads: Role Playing by Cathy Yardley (Adult, Romance)

Books Received Recently...   

Role Playing by Cathy Yardley - From Amazon First Reads program

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins  - from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press 

Have you missed anything lately?

Monthly ReCap (April & May 23) and TBR Pile (June 23)

Early Reader Review: The Byways by May Pascual (YA) - 3 stars

Blog Blitz: Excerpt & Giveaway! The Birth of Death by Joseph P. Macolino 

Recent Reads: Hooked by Emily McIntire (Adult, Spicy) -4 Stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Ko-fi

Comment or leave me a link and I will see you online again soon.

Happy Reading!

Recent Reads: Hooked by Emily McIntire

Hooked by Emily McIntire

Series: Never After #1
Publisher: 
Publication Date:  September 5, 2021

 

Format: Paperback/ Ebook
Source: I own a copy and downloaded the ebook as well

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

From international bestselling author Emily McIntire comes a dark and delicious fractured fairy tale reimagining of Peter Pan.

He wants revenge, but he wants her more…

James has always had one agenda: destroy his enemy, Peter Michaels. When Peter’s twenty-year-old daughter Wendy shows up in James’s bar, he sees his way in. Seduce the girl and use her for his revenge. It’s the perfect plan, until things in James’s organization begin to crumble. Suddenly, he has to find the traitor in his midst, and his plan for revenge gets murkier as James starts to see Wendy as more than just a pawn in his game.

Wendy has been cloistered away most of her life by her wealthy cold father, but a spontaneous night out with friends turns into an intense and addictive love affair with the dark and brooding James. As much as she knows James is dangerous, Wendy can’t seem to shake her desire for him. But as their relationship grows more heated and she learns more about the world he moves in, she finds herself unsure if she’s falling for the man known as James or the monster known as Hook.

Hooked is a dark contemporary romance and the first complete standalone in the Never After Series: A collection of fractured fairy tales where the villains get the happy ever after. It is not a literal retelling and not fantasy. Hooked features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised. For all content warnings, check the author's website.

Trigger Warnings: Graphic Sexual Scenes, Breath play/Choking, Torture, Murder, Physical Assault, Kidnapping, Mentions of pedophilia/sexual abuse of a minor, Mentions of physical abuse of a minor

Review: 

This was a Peter Pan reimagining but with Hook as our main character. We follow Wendy and James as they fall for each other in a crazy, mob-like enviornment. There is deception, lies, violence... a lot of violence. This is a spicy book, but the non-spicy plotline focuses on James and his past, how he got to be where he is and the people trying to steal it away from him. Peter is Wendy's father, and he has a line in James' past, that is what brings them all together. 

The romance, if you chose to call it that, is very insta-love, and at times a bit cringe, but it was enjoyable for me, I read it pretty much in one sitting. I liked the obsessive boyfirend bit that James has with Wendy, and I liked that they were so broken but good together in a lot of ways. Their relationship was dark, built on lies, but they make each other stronger. He gives her the courage and self-confidence to speak up and speak her mind, and really be herself. 

I felt like there were a few moments that were adapted from other mob-movies/books, like the rat/bucket thing, so it was odd reading them. That being said I liked the book and was rooting for James and Wendy, it was a cute ending... cute but spicy.

Blog Blitz: Excerpt & Giveaway! The Birth of Death by Joseph P. Macolino

The Birth of Death by Joseph P. Macolino

Series: (Evorath, #1)

Publication date: August 11th 2016

Genres: Adult, Fantasy

About the Book:

What you see on the surface is not always what you get.

Meet Artimus, the head investigator for the elvish kingdom of Erathal who begins to notice the flaws in his apparently perfect society. As he develops feelings for Savannah, a beautiful elvish druid hiding an important secret, he struggles to separate his personal feelings from his responsibilities to the kingdom.

In a nearby center village, the young warrior Irontail struggles to distinguish himself in a tribe where independent thought is discouraged. When their paths cross, they both discover that their own people’s shortcomings may be the least of their concerns. Putting aside their own personal troubles, they must fight against the clock to ensure the very survival of their peoples. As they work towards this common goal, they find that they each have their own, unique gifts to offer. But, will they be strong enough to survive?

The second edition of the critically-acclaimed 5-star fantasy epic, The Birth of Death takes readers on an unforgettable fantasy journey. Re-released in collaboration with Free Dragon Press, the second edition brings all the excitement of the initial release in a more refined package. Dark elves, demons, centaur, elves, trolls, and a host of other fantasy creatures, Evorath offers it all!

  

On sale for a limited time only!

EXCERPT - Battle Scene

Tel ‘Shira was growing impatient. It had seemed like an eternity since she had assumed her position here in this oak, and the anticipation was becoming unbearable. The incessant rain, though much lighter than before, didn’t help the situation any.

She had participated in a number of engagements during her time as a warrior. From fighting a centaur tribe, to barghest, lizock, and even an engagement with a band of ogres from the mountains, she had more experience in combat than most. Still, this felt different than any engagement before, and she could not help but feel a certain apprehension.

Then it hit her.

A tingle ran down her spine. A loud shriek followed almost immediately, the sound of a roc in serious distress. She turned her head up towards the sound, catching a glimpse of a dark figure swooping just above the tree line.

One of her allies fell right before her, his spear tumbling to the ground as his lifeless body impacted a lower branch on its way down. His mount followed quickly behind, one of its wings torn clean off. The blood soaked its once regal feathers, pieces of bone and sinew sticking out of its side.

Another shriek followed from above, and another roc rider came tumbling down just across the clearing. Tel’ Shira climbed, swinging branch to branch. Her claws tore into bark as she catapulted herself up.

There was a flash of lightning as she flipped herself over the top branch, arriving safely above to see her four remaining allies. The illumination from the lightning aided her in seeing the two dark figures that were flying just above. Three of her allies were closing in on one of the demons, attempting a three-pronged attack to take out their enemy.

Unfortunately, the second demon had no intention of letting this assault succeed. It quickly dropped down from above, plucking one of the three riders from his mount and tearing his legs off as if pulling a weed. With a quick spin, the demon’s left claw impacted the roc and tore through with just as much ease. The blood and bodies of both its victims tumbled down through the trees and out of sight.

These demons were as large as a small drake, making the rocs that her allies rode upon look like mice by comparison. They appeared to be twins, both having leathery, black skin and demonic, yellow eyes. Each had a short tail with spikes protruding from all sides, giving them a natural weapon. Their pupils were like slits in pools of blood, and as Tel’ Shira locked eyes with the demon who had just torn her ally apart, she felt as if she was trapped in a void of despair. She had to act. Now.

As the cornered demon went to defend against the rider to its left, the first demon swooped up toward the other rider. Tel’ Shira sprang forward, her legs propelling her with speed and power. Flying gracefully through the air towards her unsuspecting prey, she pulled two daggers out from her belt, ready to pounce with precision and take down her much larger foe.

Through her peripherals, she caught a glimpse of the final living rider. He was descending towards the primary demon. Time slowed as the wind ran across Tel’ Shira’s body, each drop of rain flowing across her fur without resistance.

She landed blades first upon her prey, the daggers penetrating through the thick skin of this demon and into the flesh of his back. The demon let out a cry like none she had heard before. Following his cry of pain, he spewed out a great torrent of flame towards the nearest roc rider, instantly incinerating the unsuspecting felite and his mount.

Editorial Reviews:

“Overall, The Birth of Death is definitely recommended to fans of LOTR and Game of Thrones.” – Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Review

“Snappy writing keeps the action moving, and satisfying doses of lore, bolstered by appendices with maps and a glossary, will keep readers wanting to return to the world of Evorath for more.” – The BookLife Prize in Fiction

Open Internationally!

$25 Amazon gift card + ebook copy of The Birth of Death

Ends Jun 15th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

Husband, father, and seeker of truth, Joseph Macolino has a passion for nature,
philosophy, and all things fantasy. An unwavering Christian and self-declared anarchist, he dreams of a future human society where people can truly cooperate and voluntarily exchange ideas, goods, and services.

When he’s not writing Evorath, he’s likely outside gardening, spending time watching a show with his family, or reading a book on philosophy. Considering himself a lifelong student of humanity, Joseph enjoys meeting new people and being exposed to new perspectives. He believes each person’s unique gifts can help contribute to stronger communities and hopes his work encourages others to embrace their gifts.

Evorath introduces a rich world full of magic, adventure, and diverse characters trying to find their place in the world.

Find the Author

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

 

Early Reader Review: The Byways by Mary Pascual

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Byways by Mary Pascual 

Publisher: SparkPress
Publication Date:  June 6, 2023

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Neurodivergent high school student CeeCee Harper has a temper, and a reputation for trouble. Angry at the rumors and afraid she’ll never fit in, she makes a wrong move—and lands in the Byways, a world of alleys, magic, and forgotten people . . . some that aren’t even human. And if she doesn’t escape quickly, CeeCee learns, she’ll be trapped for good.

Searching for a way out, she gets lost among monsters, drug pushers, the homeless, and political upheaval, and soon finds there are those who will stop at nothing to keep her from leaving. But the Byways pull people in for a reason. CeeCee must figure out why she got stuck in the first place—before her loved ones are put in danger and she loses them forever.

A dark retelling of Alice in Wonderland meets Neverwhere, this contemporary fantasy will enchant Neil Gaiman and Christina Henry fans.

Review: 

This book felt like a fever-dream, it is so strange. The Byways follows CeeCee, who is struggling with being labeled and her school and friends only seeing her as those labels. She is neurodivergent, has anger issues, and is seen as a troublemaker and so when things at school start going more out of her control she snaps and storms off, suddenly buying into the labels everyone has placed on her.

I found CeeCee to be difficult. Throughout the book she was really focused on what people thought about her. I know as a high school student, that is where your thoughts are often focused, but it ended up making her fairly unlikable. I found her to be a pretty problematic main character. She often asked the wrong questions and her desire to get out of the Byways was often interrupted by her being impulsive. 

The world-building in this book is so strange and all over the place. Much like Wonderland, the Byways, are a strange in-between/a different world, but this one is not full of whimsical cute things, but creepy, sometimes scary ones. There is a worm-man, a girl that produces dirt from her mouth, and other creatures along the way. CeeCee has to learn about this strange realm in order to escape it. There is a Queen, much like Wonderland, and she is just as bipolar in her rage. The Byways are a place were people go to hide, flee, fall into if they are forgotten, or end up if they are unseen or want to be unseen. It is full of the odd, strange, and problematic. There were a number of drug users and addicted, and the whole place read like a homeless encampment. 

When you are first introduced to the Byways, the author uses a lot of shock-value to pull you in, but after that it becomes more fantastical and I enjoyed it better once CeeCee understands that she is in another place and needs to leave it. It is only at the 50% mark that we get a really good explanation of the world and how it is there. There is also more explanation of how the people are there and what they are like. I was interested to learn how some of the nicer people ended up there and why they stayed in this situation. I felt like the book switched at this halfway point - from a dialogue around liking yourself to a romance of sorts and CeeCee was only able to like herself once other people told her that she could. 

The overall story was an interesting one. It was grittier than I expected, creepy in the right ways, but the story lost me by the halfway mark. I finished the book and it was ok, but I think you will only enjoy this book if you really like the creepy-whimsy that it projects and don't mind waiting a bit for it to all come together. 

On a completely seperate note, I do not think that this cover does it justice.