Broken Toys

Blog Post
Larry-Lambert

 

 

Broken Toys

My latest novel, Broken Toys, is now available in digital formats at Amazon.com for $3.99. Even if you’re on a budget or a fixed income, you can afford that. I would appreciate it if you’d give the book a try. If you do, please review it and “like” other reviews. It’s the only way for the book to be noticed. Doing this is a huge encouragement for me to write more.

The print edition is out (late-breaking). That’s $11.75 for the paperback; my profit is one dollar. Printing costs, like everything else, are crazy.

Thanks to Jules Smith for the cover art. She is the best!

________________

Broken people are willing to risk everything because they have nothing to lose…

Combat-wounded Sergeant Lucky Frank Brandt is taking pickup work to supplement his medical retirement paycheck in a world where his skillsets are rewarded. As he plies his trade from the New Orleans slums to the Utah desert, his success puts him on a short list that will catapult him into the seats of power.

Captain Claire Hoffman’s life changed when an IED cut her Humvee in half, taking her legs with it. Struggling as a double amputee, army nurse Hoffman returned to school in search of a new way forward. The CIA, looking to fill a quota, offered her that opportunity.

Laurel Vega-Mendoza, a congresswoman from Texas, is tapped to fill a vacancy when the United States Vice President suddenly dies in office. Now on a trajectory to fill the sitting president’s shoes, she casts about for people she can trust among the most untrustworthy group of scoundrels on the planet.

Unbeknown to them, an extrasolar spacecraft devoid of organic life crashed in the Pamir Mountains on the Roof of the World on November 4, 1932. There, in that place, an intelligence awaits its resurrection.

In a world of risks and rewards, they are poised to do things you wouldn’t.

 

The follow on novel to Broken Toys is titled Hungry Ghosts and I’m working on it. It may be out mid-Spring 2024 if I push it. Contrary to popular opinion, these books do not write themselves.

 

Bullet Points:

** EdB offers critical points in conflict resolution here.

** As Wall Street put it, the United States mispriced violence. The United States has confused ideas with people. Assassinating bin Ladin never stood a chance of driving a stake into violent jihad, just as Rome did not kill Christianity when it killed Christ. In other words, there’s no point in killing the Clausewitzes of the world but, rather, the general who’s mastered his tactics and is about ready to rout you on the battlefield. (Solemani – thanks President Trump.)

** Epstein filmed the events on his island so that he could have power over the people he filmed. His photos and films made him a very powerful person. They made Epstein more powerful than the powerful people he filmed and he filmed some of the most powerful people. Now an organization that was more powerful than Epstein has taken control of Epstein’s power position. That more powerful organization is currently drunk on power. The FBI has become totally corrupted.

** Are any of you creeped out when you walk into a church and its walls are completely black? I know that black churches matter, but really…

** Housekeeping – The blog has been taking a beating from “malware warnings”. There is no malware problem with this blog. It’s been in operation since 2009 – yes, that long. It’s just that the Federal Government is getting more aggressive against people who write what they’re uncomfortable with others reading. They don’t want to be reminded of Pedo Joe’s dementia and pedophilia; that the Vice President was a whore for many years (not just a slut) and so forth.

** Jules is at it again with her inktober themes in drawing and prose. This time, it’s a bit darker. She’s not on a quest…not exactly.

 

Meme of the Day

 

Identify the Armor

1

2

 

Identify the Aircraft

1

“Flying Gas Tank”

2

Extra points for identifying people in the photo.

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84 thoughts on “Broken Toys”

  1. IDARMOR:
    1. BRAZILIAN CENTAURO 2
    2. BRITISH FV 214 CONQUEROR
    IDAIRCRAFT:
    1. HEINKEL HE 116
    2. F4D SKYRAY

        1. Thanks Kle. Off grid for a little bit. Yeah that Skyray was a little tricky. LL has raised the difficulty bar a little bit on some of these.

  2. The paperback is in my Amazon cart. I have a few problems with Amazon to sort out then the order will be placed. I don’t do Kindle – too many instructions to read.

    Hey, I’m a grumpy old man. Sue me.

      1. Let me know if you like the book. You might.

        I told one of the guys who works for me to buy the book on Kindle. He hedged. I said, “I know that you have $4 bucks.” He had the money. I received a text at about 11 p.m. that he bought the book, loved it, and couldn’t put it down. Maybe he was blowing sunshine up my skirt, but considering the source, I don’t think so.

        1. Finished “A man called Intrepid.” Excellent book. Very excited about Broken Toys! I’m sure it will not disappoint. Also going to read white powder over again. Knowing what I know now about the book I’ll probably read it a few more time’s over. Excellent! Skirt!!! Thought you were a Kilt man LL?!

  3. Broken toys, Hungry ghosts, Empty souls.. whatever you call it definitely looking forward to it! Forgot to put in Douglas before f4 in the last IDA pic. Damn.
    Malware –
    Been whitewashing it along with the mainstream news/media as far as that goes.
    Meme-
    Love it! I’ll try to keep it clean but I’m going to say that’s not her first time gripping wood… 🤔. Mike C I’d love to hear your in-depth analysis on this.?

    -STA Lethal

    2. Huh? I regret to report that I have no personal experience with a slim blonde clutching a piece of wood longer than her forearm. What can I say? It’s part and parcel of being Chinese. 😁

      In other news, by sheer happenstance I’m watching the sun come up over the water at a place called Lambert’s Cove. Very pretty indeed.

        1. Technically not alone —on a train with several hundred people.

          Not even 9am and I’m tired already. Dealing literally round-the-clock with continual issues from someone who apparently has not heard (or at least not internalized) the expression “when you’ve fallen into a hole, the first thing is to stop digging”. Sigh. But it could be worse, I could BE that person.

      2. Mike_C, Self effacing with humor…you do not disappoint, even with a lobbed softball over the middle.

        Lambert Cove, our host surely realizes his far and wide influence, there is no cove anywhere on the planet named after my family…but…I could rename my pasture. If you need me I’ll be in the shop making a sign, MrsPaulM will think I’ve gone over the edge…well, more over the edge.

        1. E-mail a photo of the sign erected in the middle of the field so that I can share it on the blog. Yes, I’m jonesing for material to interest and amaze…

          1. I’m on it…have to make it look old and sorta leaning to add credibility. If I were a government park agency would have to add a Day Use Paystation and bear proof trashcan even tho I own the place.

          3. Ahh geez, already sent the pic without included bullet holes…we do need a little shooting practice tho, and the sign really should look more authentic.

        2. “gone over the edge”

          Last week on a group call with a client I said, “Okay, here’s an analogy: Our role in this is basically Intel. We provide background, quantitative analyses, and interpretation of the results. But we can’t decide for you if you should bomb Lower Slobbovia. In other words, the final decision of whether or not to do the procedure rests with the surgeon.”

          You shoulda seen their faces when I said “bomb Lower Slobbovia.” In our internal AAR one of our people (think SNCO equivalent) said, “sometimes you go too far.” Apparently talk of bombing Slobbovia was inappropriate for a meeting about severe heart-valve disease. Who knew?

          1. See, I’d laugh, getting the point. Meetings don’t always have to be a durge, even with critical subject matter, but some people take themselves way too seriously.

          2. What is wrong with bombing lower Slobbovia? Oh, I get it. They’re woke. They would have rather you speak of a clean drone strike, making an early morning wake-up in a country we aren’t at war with more palatable.

      3. I was hoping you would check my diversity and inclusiveness to make sure I wasn’t leaving any party out LOL. Enjoy the covel brother.

  4. Larry

    I’ve been getting malware warnings about 50% or more of the times I try to read your site. This took three attempts.

    Not sure if that’s helped or hindered by viewing from Australia.

    Best wishes

  5. I can attest that Broken Toys is excellent and may well be Larry’s finest book to date. Go and buy it. At those bargain prices it would be silly not to. In fact, while you’re at it, lob a few in your basket for Christmas pressies! You’re welcome- I’m full of brilliant ideas.

    I’ve been getting the malware too but I’m from England so that’s guaranteed!

  6. I have never had a malware notice here. A couple 501 errors.
    But I don’t use malware detectors other than Windows Defender.
    I think some are a little over sensitive to make you think they are doing something.

  7. Zero problems on iPad, or Firefox on the laptop, and no notifications of malware etc… maybe it’s a remnant of their service (we use Starlink). But I do clear history and Internet Data Cache fairly often.

    Epstein- Read a report that one of the trafficked captives that testified against Maxwell was found dead. If we knew the size of this ONE pedo ring and who was involved it would further rip the country apart (visions of pitchforks and torches in righteous extermination of the perpetrators comes to mind). But those of us demanding answers of the DC Criminality or from their School Boards are the real problem.

    Broken Toys…congrats. The “must read” pile on the side table will get even taller now, and the Amazon cart will get another saved item ready for purchase. So many books, so little time…as I fall asleep with the latest on my face after only one chapter.

  8. Every now and then (it just happened on my initial attempt to read your blog this morning) I get this weird generic page that says “Checking Your Browser” and it hangs there. I close the tab and reopen it with no further problem.

    1. I get unexpected results occasionally as well and resolve the same way – close the affected tab and open a new one. “Checking Your Browser” is one – I haven’t caught the URL. Another wants me to prove I’m not a robot, and wants to send notifications. That comes from bluesmallbutterfly(dot)com/… saved the URL today. I can email the actual link if you would like.

      I wonder if this is a remnamt from the previous hacker – something to show up just often enough to smear the blog. I mostly read on the phone, where I’m currently running Brave 1.39.123 on Android 6.0.1

      Jim_R

  9. Larry, I have a question about your new book.
    I am considering purchasing a copy for myself and my son and wonder if it would be age appropriate…
    He is about to turn 15 and is about to graduate from a behavioral RTC after two years of severe mental health/Drug seeking/Violent behaviors.
    I am Overjoyed that he appears to be well on the road to recovery and has matured quite a bit over this summer…
    And may be COMING HOME!

    So considering all of this,
    do you think your book would be age appropriate for me?

    MSG Grumpy

    1. MSG – The book includes some violent behavior by characters. I would have loved the book when I was fifteen, but in his situation, I don’t want to push it. Maybe read it for yourself and then decide for him?

      1. Good idea, he is doing better, but I think I need to err on the cautious side when it comes to violence.
        Thanks

    2. If you’re looking for adventure/mil fiction appropriate for a young man consider the “JAG in Space” series by Jack Campbell (pen name of John Hemry, LCDR, USN, ret). The first book is “A Just Determination”. The main character is an ensign in the near-future US Space Navy who gets caught up in the legal fallout after an incompetent Captain does something rash and stupid. The themes are about duty, conscience, and how to function as a very junior officer in a hierarchy.

      1. Thanks, he might like this series. He is quite the avid reader and has read the entire Dune Series as well as War and Peace.
        I will look for this. Thanks.

        1. Does your son read any fantasy stories? David Eddings wrote a series called “The Belgariad”. There was another one after that which struck me as too much as being a follow-up clone, but the original one was very good. Jack Campbell also wrote “The Lost Fleet” series, about a ship captain caught in the initial strike in a war getting stuck in a deep sleep capsule until awakened years later by a fleet that had just gotten whipped and needed his old knowledge in order to get back home. He had to set aside the ghosts from his past and take up the burden of duty and honor.

          1. The Lost Fleet series is good too, but “JAG in Space” (actually the “Paul Sinclair” novels) is particularly good for a young man, IMNSHO. After recommending it I thought I ought to revisit to make sure it didn’t have inappropriate parts for a 15-yo. Just finished re-reading the first book, and no, nothing bad.

            If I were still wrangling med students and interns I’d have them read the book. I think it has good lessons and role models embedded (organically) in the story. But it’s not preachy or lecturing. Hemry shows (vs tells) us examples of leadership styles, and why some are effective and some not. Paul, a fresh graduate from Annapolis, learns how to function as a very junior officer aboard a warship where he’s overworked, stressed out, and has to deal with senior officers good and bad; fellow junior officers who could become friends as well as those who are backstabbers; and learn how to manage enlisted who know waaaay more about their jobs, and how to be a sailor, than Paul even though he outranks them. (It’s an exact analogy to a brand new intern (MD) having to give “orders” to a 20-yr veteran ICU nurse.)

            And @MSG: a 15-yo who’s read War and Peace (I’m assuming of his own volition) has my attention. I still haven’t read W&P 😳.

  10. Housekeeping…Been dealing with the “threat warning” my computer security software throws up when I attempted to access Virtual Mirage. In addition to the “warning” the software completely blocked access to the site.
    So I took to disabling the software, accessing the site, catching up on the latest info., enabling the software, doing a computer scan for trojans and other malicious computer demons. Found none. Accumulated the data and finally convinced the software programmers to remove the “threat warning” and unblock access to Virtual Mirage. Although I asked how they determined there was a threat that question went unanswered.
    Anyway, good to be able to read the gems and comments without having to go through any computer gyrations.
    Cletus Valvecore

  12. I’ve been getting the malware warnings as well, about half the time. My anti-virus blocks the “attack” but still lets me in.
    I too support a woman’s right to choose, and I love it when they bring that choice to the range.
    Got my copy of Broken Toys and will likely read it after I finish what I’m reading right now.

  13. No malware issues, but out of the blue Firefox has decided not to display any of the pictures this morning.

  14. I don’t get threat warning when trying to open Virtual Mirage but none of the pictures open. Oh well, I can open them in a new tab if I really want to see them but I get more information/entertainment from the written information and the comments from your esteemed readers.

    Book in Amazon cart. I have certainly enjoyed your other books. As much time as I spend writing a concise letter I can only imagine the effort to write a book. Sticking with the electronic version because the trouble with living in a small house is that there is only so much room for bookshelves.

    1. I admit it, if I start to write a concise comment it turns into a screed with too much editorializing. Writing a book (of which MrsPaulM is exceptionally better than I) would turn out to be 500 pages of bloviating with a million sidebars built around a simple premise, serious discipline would need to be employed to keep my proclivity to engineer-splain in exhausting detail in check.

    2. Ed+, I had the same issue, but was able to open pictures by opening them in new tab. Then I figured out on my computer if I changed the size of the print (using the + or – key with control key pressed) the pictures started mysteriously opening in the article. I use Firefox so not sure if that technique is unique to Firefox or not. I have little if any interest in using a gxxxxe or gates product.
      Cletus

        1. Ok, that weirdly worked, hit Ctl + (then – if you want normal size page text).

          Much appreciated CV.

  15. “Broken Toys” is on my kindle!
    I’ll get started as soon as I finish the new “Bob’s Saucer Repair” book that came out today.

    I enjoy your writing, the stories grab me… the “Bob’s Saucer Repair” stories are simple escapism stories & I’m hooked but I am looking forward the “Broken Toys”.

  16. Broken Toys is on its way from Amazon; free shipping, naturlich!
    The impossibility of entering your site on my computer remains; I find, however, I can enter your site on my phone; Kaspersky just will not allow my computer the damage itself.
    I would find it very difficult to continue bereft of your daily wisdom.
    Gary

  17. The to-be-read pile just got kicked to the curb…again.

    Looking forward to firing up the Kindle tonite.

      1. Review submitted to Amazon, said it would take a couple of days to review and post.

        In a word: Great.

        One thing-the little banner under the synopsis has the book listed as YA, ages 11-18, so someone at Amazon screwed that up.

  18. Has anyone been able to produce j6 colors yet? Betsy Ross isn’t available so thought I’d just check in and see if anyone’s looked into it?

      1. I’m talking about the POW/J6 colors. Has anyone looked into that? Might have a cleared shop willing and able.

  19. The young lady with the double barrel shotgun is Paige Wyatt, the step-daughter of prohibited possessor Rich Wyatt.
    He ran a gun shop out of Wheat Ridge, CO.

    1. Nice catch…only watched one American Guns episode while traveling, interesting fall from grace as Wyatt’s shop, Gunsmoke Guns, was apparently top rated. More likely he ticked off the wrong people who didn’t like his celebrity or competition. I don’t trust 98% of what the news reports, altho WestWord is excellent. Paige is her mothers daughter for sure.

      https://www.westword.com/news/american-guns-reality-tv-star-rich-wyatt-indicted-for-conspiracy-and-more-7602582

      1. He burned a lot of Gunsite attendees who had sent their guns to him for work or other issues. He kept many of them and never returned them or resold them to other customers.
        Over on the Gunsite blog, many bottles of champaign were popped when he was arrested.

        1. I didn’t know that when I posted the picture. In fact, I knew none of it. Thanks for the heads up.

  20. BTW:
    Am I the only one who noticed that when Biden “spoke from Israel”‘, he spoke from Tel Aviv (as opposed to Jerusalem).

    1. Yup. “This business” has gotten out of hand…by those who believe they are the smartest people God ever created, except they wrought chaos wherever they go.

    1. Rene (sorta like getting a “local” customer service person, “My name Peggy” from India) has been subject to Bidenomics as the “earnings” have fluctuated with the market, $100 one day, $85 the next.

  24. Looking forward to reading it, as always! And interestingly, the other three pilots in the picture with McCain are never identified that I can find.

  25. PS. Hungry Ghosts — have you considered the ghosts of the astronauts in orbit when the world dies?
    Just a cheery thought.

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