realvalgalstyan

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Met Krysten Ritter at Barnes and Nobles.

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They’ve quieted down. It seems they’re becoming more comfortable.

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Latino Twitter/X Is Here to Stay. Oyes!

Latino Twitter/X is a dynamic and influential space on the social media platform that has transformed how the Latino community communicates, organizes, and expresses its cultural identity. Over the years, this digital ecosystem has emerged as an essential forum for dialogue on social, political, and cultural issues uniquely relevant to Latinos. It serves as a vibrant meeting point where voices across diverse backgrounds converge to discuss challenges, celebrate achievements, and advocate for change.

One of the most significant aspects of Latino Twitter/X is its role in political mobilization and social activism. With the power of hashtags and trending topics, users amplify voices that are often marginalized in mainstream media. Movements addressing immigration reform, social justice, and economic equality gain momentum on this platform, enabling rapid dissemination of information and coordinated action. This immediacy and connectivity empower individuals to rally around common causes and build a collective identity that spans geographic borders and generations.

In addition to its political impact, Latino Twitter plays a vital role in cultural expression and preservation. It provides a space for sharing music, art, literature, and personal narratives that enrich the cultural tapestry of the community. Through humor, poignant commentary, and storytelling, users forge connections that transcend socio-economic barriers and geographic distances. This cultural exchange not only reinforces a sense of pride in Latino heritage but also challenges stereotypes by showcasing the community’s diversity and resilience.

Ultimately, Latino Twitter is much more than a social media trend, it is a powerful tool for community building and social change. By giving voice to experiences that might otherwise remain unheard, it helps shape public discourse, influence policy debates, and foster a more inclusive society. In a world where digital conversations often set the agenda, the importance of Latino Twitter continues to grow, reflecting and driving the evolving narrative of the Latino community.

[realvalgalstyan]

Tumblr Tuesday: Yellowjackets Art (& Spoilers)

The drama girlies are back. Season 3 of that show about a teenage soccer team that sort of survives a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness and subsequently gets up to various dark and disturbing shenanigans is upon us as we speak, and the plot thickens, as it is wont to do. Please enjoy this offering of Yellowjackets art to keep you all sated til the next episode.

(And please scroll ahead at your own discretion—some mild spoilers, body horror, and gore ahead.)

@kashlat2:

@redvelvetbunny:

@smoggydoggyy:

@andreasketches:

@bluntbambzie:

@vertiska:

@yelloartt:

@irlplasticlamb:

@m0ssle:

@nalfae:

@fshfish:

@cowboythethird:

@tannertbosas:

@bevsi:

@bbluesidess:

@contemporaryenglish:

@faunshiii:

@lunarofthevalley:

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BOOK REVIEW - Robert Jackson Bennett’s The Tainted Cup (Jan 19, 2025)

The Tainted Cup: https://www.amazon.com/Tainted-Cup-Robert-Jackson-Bennett/dp/1984820702

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Sherlock Holmes in a fantasy setting.

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Summary:

Robert Jackson Bennett’s The Tainted Cup is a mix of mystery and fantasy. It follows Dinios "Din" Kol, an assistant investigator to Ana Dolabra, the brilliant but eccentric investigator. Din to Ana is what Watson to Sherlock, with a small twist. Din has been magically altered to complement Ana’s skills. He has an eidetic memory. Their first case together involves the strange death of a high-ranking officer, and as Ana and Din investigate, they uncover a dangerous conspiracy that could shake the empire.

CHARACTERS:

Dinios Kol is an engraver, meaning he is magically altered to remember everything. From the beginning, the reader will pick up on the fact that Din has dyslexia.

Ana Dolabra is an eccentric investigator who often wears a blindfold. She is mysterious and smart. It is very entertaining to read when she breaks down the case. She is so much like Sherlock Holmes, yet she is still unique in her way.

There are few other characters that I won't get into but they are just as well fleshed out as Din and Ana.

WRITING STYLE:

Bennett’s writing is easy to follow yet full of rich details. He describes the world vividly, making it feel real without slowing the story. The dialogue is sharp and often funny, while the action and emotional moments keep the reader engaged.

PLOT:

This book explores themes of power, corruption, loyalty, and the pursuit of truth.

The plot of The Tainted Cup is an immersive mix of mystery and fantasy. Right from the start, the story grabs your attention with a strange and puzzling death that sets the stage for a big investigation. Every twist feels natural yet surprising, keeping you curious while slowly uncovering the larger conspiracy.

The pacing is perfect—not too fast or too slow. Each clue adds to the suspense, and the mix of detective work and magic is done well. The fantasy elements make the mystery even better without taking over the story, creating something fresh and unique. The characters have time to think, research, and talk, making the story feel natural. Those in power are so confident that they don’t even see the investigation as a threat, which adds to the suspense without forcing a sense of urgency. However, the first 60 pages or so are a bit boring, but if you give it a chance you'll be captivated and immersed into the book.

As Ana Dolabra and Dinios Kol dig deeper, the stakes grow higher, and the secrets they uncover could have serious consequences. The story has a good mix of tension, discovery, and even a few funny moments to lighten the mood. It’s thrilling from start to finish without relying on big reveals to keep readers interested.

The book balances magic and mystery perfectly. The magic is an important part of the story but doesn’t overshadow the detective work. It is a classical whodunit story.

The book feels similar to Sherlock Holmes or Netflix’s The Alienist, blending sharp investigations with a detailed fantasy world and complex characters.

The magic system is simple yet detailed, it is more of an alchemy as people there are altered using various grafts and suffusions. It does not rely on flashy spells which is very refreshing and makes sense in such a story. It fits naturally into the story and makes the investigation more interesting. The author put a lot of thought into how magic works.

With its clever mix of magic, mystery, and well-crafted world, The Tainted Cup is a must-read. Fans of thoughtful detective stories with a touch of fantasy will love it.

QUOTES:

“Signum Dinios Kol, assistant to the investigator. I'm here about the body."

“The clay you must have stuck in your eyes and ears,” said Ana, grinning, “to remain so amazingly fucking ignorant of everything about you.”

SIMILAR BOOKS:

"The City & The City" by China Miéville

"The Rook" by Daniel O’Malley

"The Ninth House" by Leigh Bardugo

MORE BY ROBERT JACKSON BENNETT:

The Divine Cities Trilogy

Foundryside Trilogy

STAR REVIEW: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#books #mystery #novels #fantasy #RobertJacksonBennett #readers

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Dame Maggie Smith dies at 89 (Sep 28, 2024)

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of British stage and screen actress, Dame Maggie Smith, the “Downton Abbey” and “Harry Potter” star who won two Oscars, three Emmys and countless stage awards to her credit, who passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 89. Smith is survived by her two sons, actors Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin.

Born on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, United Kingdom, Maggie Smith rose to international fame with her breakout role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969), for which she won her first Oscar. Throughout her illustrious career, Smith portrayed a wide range of characters, from sharp-tongued aristocrats to tender-hearted heroines, captivating audiences with her unparalleled talent and wit.

Smith's most notable roles include her portrayal of Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise, which introduced her to a new generation of fans, and the imperious Dowager Countess of Grantham in the hit TV series Downton Abbey, for which she won three Emmy Awards. She was also celebrated for her stage performances, particularly in her early years with the National Theatre and in West End productions.

Beyond the screen and stage, Maggie Smith was known for her philanthropy and unwavering dedication to the arts. She supported numerous charitable causes, such as against cancer, children, civil rights, health, human rights and against poverty. One of these charitable causes was the Royal Theatrical Fund. Smith was a vice president of the Royal Theatrical Fund, which supports members of the entertainment industry who cannot work due to illness, injury, or infirmity. She also appeared in a streaming event in support of the fund in April 2021.

Career Highlights of Maggie Smith

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) – Role: Jean Brodie, Academy Award for Best Actress

The Harry Potter series (2001-2011) – Role: Professor Minerva McGonagall

Downton Abbey (2010-2015) – Role: Dowager Countess of Grantham, Emmy Award Winner

A Room with a View (1985) – Role: Charlotte Bartlett, BAFTA Award

Smith leaves behind an enduring legacy as one of the greatest actresses of her generation. Her contributions to film, television, and theater will forever be remembered.

Raise your wands for Dame Maggie Smith.

[realvalgalstyan]

TV SHOW REVIEW - ABC's Once Upon A Time (May 1, 2024)

You can watch the show on Hulu and Disney+.

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Fairy Tales come to life.

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Summary:

From the creators of Lost, Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis, comes a story mixing fairy tales with our contemporary world. Emma Swan, a resilient 28-year-old bail bonds collector with a past shrouded in abandonment, finds herself tangled in a magical adventure when her long-lost son, Henry, tracks her down. Henry believes Emma is the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, sent away to protect her from a curse. Reluctant at first, Emma follows Henry to Storybrooke, a town where fairy tale characters live but don't remember who they are. As Emma learns about her past and the magic around her, Emma must confront her doubts, embrace her destiny, and wage an epic battle against dark forces.

CHARACTERS:

Let's start with the characters who are responsible for most of the events in this show. Snow White (aka Mary Margaret Blanchard) and Prince Charming (aka David Nolan), played by Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas, are met in the Enchanted Forest while Snow is a bandit. Eventually, after overthrowing their tyrannical step-parents, Snow and Charming get married. Both Snow White and Charming, at some point in the show, are placed under a Sleeping Curse, and both awaken each other with true love's kiss. They have a daughter, Emma Swan, who is a product of true love and Savior. In Storybrooke they have a second child together, a son named Neal.

A bail bondswoman, Emma Swan, played by Jennifer Morrison, is the long-lost daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming and, as the product of their true love, was destined to break the curse that the Evil Queen cast over the whole Enchanted Forest. She was sent to Land Without Magic (aka our real world) through a magic wardrobe, to be safe from the Dark Curse. However, Emma did not know that growing up and came to believe that she was not wanted by her parents. She grew up an orphan. While growing up on the streets she met Neal. They fell in love, but he betrayed and she ended up in prison and pregnant. She gave up her son, as she believed she was not ready to be a mother.

The Evil Queen (aka Regina Mills aka Roni), played by Lana Parrilla, is the one who casts the Dark Curse. She wanted to punish Snow White. Regina got everything she ever wanted, however, something was wrong, until she adopted Emma's child whom she named after her father, Henry. At the show's start, she has an antagonistic relationship with Emma. She believes that Emma will take her son away from her. However, as the show progresses, they grow close and become good friends. She even forgives Snow White for the broken promise that eventually turns Regina into the Evil Queen.

Henry Daniel Mills, also known as the Truest Believer, is the biological son of Emma Swan and Neal Cassidy and the adoptive son of Regina Mills. He is the father of Lucy Mills and the husband of Ella. Henry is portrayed by Andrew J. West in season 7, in the other six seasons, he's played by Jared S. Gilmore. He is the reason most of the curses in the show are broken. He found Emma and brought her to Storybrooke.

Rumplestiltskin, nicknamed Rumple, The Dark One, or The Crocodile, is a powerful and immortal practitioner of dark magic who is feared throughout the Enchanted Forest and is known for making deals with people. When transported by the Dark Curse, Rumplestiltskin loses his beastly appearance and becomes the mysterious pawnshop owner known as Mr. Gold. In Hyperion Heights, he becomes Detective Weaver. He is portrayed by Robert Carlyle, and by Wyatt Oleff as a child.

Zelena Mills was the Wicked Witch of the West in Oz, where she ruled with her army of flying monkeys. In San Francisco, she becomes Kelly West. She is portrayed by Rebecca Mader, with her younger self portrayed by Isabella Blake-Thomas. Zelena is the older half-sister of Regina. At first, she hated her sister for being chosen over her over and over again, but eventually, they grew closer after their mother returned good memories of a chapter in their lives. Zelena was responsible for Rumple's son and Henry's father, Neal's death. She saved Storybrook citizens several times on the show until she became a protagonist.

PLOT:

Once Upon a Time is a fantasy series inspired by classic fairy tales including Snow White, and Pinocchio, and revivals of popular stories such as Mulan, Brave, and Frozen. The main themes of this show include the importance of love, the difference between good and evil (and the idea that good always triumphs in the end), parenthood, loss, abandonment, and a lack of fulfillment.

At the heart of Once Upon A Time lies its ingenious premise: classic fairy tale characters, including Snow White, Prince Charming, and Rumplestiltskin, are transported to the contemporary town of Storybrooke, where they live unaware of their true identities, thanks to a dark curse cast by the Evil Queen, Regina. The narrative combines fantasy and reality and seamlessly weaves together past and present.

The show's greatest strengths are its character development and redemption arcs. Each character undergoes a complex journey of self-discovery and redemption, grappling with their pasts while striving for a better future. Whether it's Emma Swan's evolution from skeptic to a believer or Regina's and Zelena's quest for redemption, the characters are deeply flawed yet undeniably relatable, making their triumphs and tribulations all the more poignant.

Furthermore, Once Upon A Time excels in its world-building, effortlessly blending familiar fairy tale elements with original twists and turns. From the sprawling Enchanted Forest to the quaint streets of Storybrooke, every setting is meticulously crafted, imbued with a sense of wonder and magic that keeps viewers eagerly anticipating what lies beyond the next bend in the road.

Of course, no review of Once Upon A Time would be complete without mentioning its exceptional cast. Led by Jennifer Morrison as Emma Swan and the amazing Lana Parrilla as Regina Mills, the ensemble brings these iconic characters to life with nuance and depth. Whether it's the playful banter between Snow White and Prince Charming or the sinister machinations of Rumplestiltskin, the chemistry between the actors is palpable, drawing viewers deeper into the story with each passing episode. Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas play the ultimate love couple and they also married in real life. They've met on this show and eventually got married.

However, like any fairy tale, Once Upon A Time is not without its flaws. At times, the plot can feel convoluted, with multiple storylines vying for attention and certain characters receiving more focus than others. Sometimes some characters are set aside or completely forgotten (e.g. Ruby and Archie). Sometimes the show can be seen contradicting its own rules.

Nevertheless, these minor quibbles pale in comparison to the sheer joy and wonderment that Once Upon A Time brings to the screen. Whether you're a fan of fairy tales, fantasy, or simply compelling storytelling, this beloved series offers something for everyone, inviting viewers on a magical journey that they won't soon forget.

PROBLEMS:

YES, there are problems with the show. I do understand that the show has a small budget. Yet, I have to acknowledge the awful CGI and VFX. You can see it in the Pilot episode when Evil Queen interrupts the wedding. You can see her walking toward Snow White and Price Charming, and when you look at the ground you can see Regina seems to glide on the floor rather than walk. I assume that most of the budget went into magic, costumes, etc.

The show became somewhat repetitive by the end. Season 6 returned to the roots and I liked it. Season 7 is controversial amongst people, however, I loved it. I loved seeing new characters, and new twists on these characters.

QUOTES:

“I Shall Destroy Your Happiness, If It Is The Last Thing I Do.”

“Love Is Weakness”

“I Will Always Find You.”

“All Magic Comes With A Price.”

“Sometimes The Best Teacup Is Chipped.”

“Love Is Hope; It Fuels Our Dreams, And If You're In It, You Need To Enjoy It Because Love Doesn't Always Last Forever.”

“The Best Way To Show Your Love For Those That Are Gone Is To Tell Their Stories.”

“That's How You Know You've Really Got A Home. 'Cause When You Leave It ...There's This Feeling You Can't Shake. You Just Miss It.”

SIMILAR SHOWS:

“Once Upon A Time in Wonderland” by Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis

“Lost” by Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis

STAR REVIEW: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[realvalgalstyan]

BOOK REVIEW - Terry J. Benton-Walker's Blood Debts (Apr 20, 2024)

Blood Debts: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Debts-Terry-J-Benton-Walker/dp/125082592X

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Agatha Christie-level storytelling. Game of Thrones meets The Originals.

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Summary:

In a version of New Orleans where magic is as common as cellphones, Clement and Christina Trudeau—the sixteen-year-old twin heirs to the powerful, magical, dethroned family—try to solve an old conspiracy to protect their family. While for Clement, magic is his everything, especially, a distraction from pain and anger, Cristina, once a talented and dedicated practitioner of Generational magic, has given up magic for good. When they discover a hex doll under their sick mother's bed, they are pulled into a mystery that started even before their birth. This mystery will change New Orleans forever.

CHARACTERS:

Cristina "Cris" Trudeau and Clement "Clem" Trudeau are twins and share most of the narration. However, they have distinct personalities. They often conflict with each other over their ideologies. They both have different views on magic and morality.

Christina was my personal favorite just because of her flexible morality. She feels regret for an action she believes she is responsible for and when she finds out she is not at fault she still carries that pain on her sleeve. However, she can also be described as impetuous and, at times, quite dangerous.

I liked Clem a lot, but he was very black and white, without shades of grey. He wasn't willing to take the life of his attackers, and he was attacked multiple times throughout the story. Though, it appears that it might change in the second novel, due to events at the end of the book.

My favorite side character is Jean-Louise Petit. He appears multiple times throughout the story and gets one chapter from his perspective at the end of the book. He is the most complex side character that I have ever read about. He has the most compelling side character story.

One thing, I want to see more is the complicated relationship of the Dupart sisters, Marie, Ursula, Desiree, Jacquelyn, and Rosalie. They have such a complicated past, but it doesn't address as much as I wish it was. The Dupart sisters were estranged for quite a while, but we see how Marie and Ursula's relationship is getting reconciled. We also see more predominantly Ursula but not as many of the other sisters. However, from what I've read so far, I think there will be more history explained.

WRITING STYLE:

Terry J. Benton-Walker has a breathtaking writing style. I couldn't put the book down. It was a great page-turner with twists upon twists upon twists. Easy to read. There are very few pop culture references, and they are kept vague enough that they won't date the material. I think the pacing was good and the build is steady and feels like a natural progression.

PLOT:

This book covers themes of racism, homophobia (light), child abuse, blood, institutionalization, and lynching.

There is a great combination of magic and mystery. The magic plays a real and necessary role in the story, but it does not overshadow the mystery. Additionally, the most interesting about this book is that the mystery is Why/HowDunnIt rather than WhoDunnIt. A murderer is established from the get-go, and the twins need to prove it to the public.

This, in a way, is similar to Netflix's Monk, a procedural TV show about detective Adrian Monk.

I may not know much about Voodoo, but I could see how magic was inspired by it. I think the magic system only highlights how magic will not solve everything with the wave of the hand. You still need to go and dig around to unravel the truth. I find it so much better than the sweeping, dramatic spells that typically come with fantasy. Magic is explained when needed in great detail which tells me that this was very well researched or maybe the author is a practitioner himself. I am so glad that we do not see gods as much as some fantasy novels do. They, too, despite their divinity, are down-to-earth. They are involved in human affairs, but they do not push people to do things and instead just guide or give permission for specific things. This shows that the author is knowledgeable in what he shows in the book. However, it does not mean that the gods lose the otherworldliness that would typically be associated with a deity.

I also loved that the book has no sense of urgency. We see twins just researching or talking or anything. While those in power are so confident that nothing bad will happen to them that they do not do much to prevent Clem and Cris's investigation into them. This ultimately shows that there is no time limit.

QUOTES:

“Mama’s not dying.Someone’s killing her.”

“No matter how hard I try, I can’t fucking escape magic. No matter where I hide, it always finds me.”

“It was foolish to think he could outrun a god.”

SIMILAR BOOKS:

“Game of Thrones” by George R.R. Martin

“Strange Angels” by Lili St. Crow

STAR REVIEW: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#books #bookreviews #BloodDebts #GenMagic #TerryJBentonWalker #readers

[realvalgalstyan]

BOOK REVIEW - Rebecca Yarros's "Fourth Wing" (Feb 21, 2024)

FOURTH WING: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=fourth+wing+rebecca+yarros&hvadid=631543145403&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9030955&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=8544351067473832993&hvtargid=kwd-1877580314040&hydadcr=10026_13483885&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_6hszfcbe07_e

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I DO NOT MEAN TO OFFEND THE AUTHOR, REBECCA YARROS, DURING THIS BOOK REVIEW.

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BACKGROUND: 

In 2023, Rebecca Yarros, an American author, introduced "Fourth Wing," a captivating new adult fantasy novel and the inaugural installment in the Empyrean series. This literary venture marked the debut publication under Red Tower Books, an imprint of Entangled Publishing. Unveiled on May 2, 2023, the novel quickly gained widespread popularity within the BookTok community on TikTok, ultimately claiming the top spot on The New York Times bestseller list. Following its success, the sequel, "Iron Flame," hit the shelves in November 2023. The series garnered even more attention when, in October of the same year, Variety reported that Amazon MGM Studios was developing a television adaptation. Notably, Amazon and Outlier Society secured the rights to all books in the series, with Rebecca Yarros and Liz Pelletier named as executive producers for the upcoming TV series.

SUMMARY:

Set within the confines of Basgiath War College in the fictional realm of Navarre, the narrative unfolds around twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail. Despite dedicating her entire life to the pursuit of becoming a scribe, a revered role responsible for chronicling history, Violet anticipates entering the Scribe Quadrant at the school. However, her mother, a general and the college's commander compels her to navigate the perilous Rider Quadrant, a decision fueled by Violet's slight and delicate physique.

Embarking on the challenges within the daunting "Fourth Wing" of the Rider Quadrant, Violet is thrust into a series of increasingly hazardous trials. These include forging a connection with a dragon and honing her skills as a warrior on the front lines of Navarre's ongoing conflict. With her mother's influential position and her vulnerable stature, Violet becomes a target, particularly for Jack Barlowe—a sadistic fellow first-year determined to eliminate any perceived weaknesses among the riders. Adding to the complexity is Xaden Riorson, the third-year leader of Violet's squad. His late father, who led a rebellion against Navarre, met his demise at the hands of Violet's mother, further intensifying the tensions within this gripping tale.

CHARACTERS:

Violet Sorrengail: The protagonist and primary point-of-view character. Smaller than other riders and physically weak, she only joins the Riders Quadrant at the demand of her mother, General Lilith Sorrengail. She is assigned to the Fourth Wing.

Xaden Riorson: The wing leader of Fourth Wing who, through his bond with Sgaeyl, can wield shadows. He is the son of Fen Riorson, a rebellion leader who was killed by Violet's mother.

Dain Aetos: Violet's childhood best friend and son of Colonel Aetos. A second-year Rider, he is a squad leader in the Fourth Wing. Through his bond with Cath, he can read memories upon touching another person.

Rhiannon Matthias: A first-year member of the Riders Quadrant who is assigned to the Fourth Wing. She becomes Violet's best friend.

Ridoc Gamlyn: A first-year member of the Riders Quadrant who is assigned to the Fourth Wing. He becomes a good friend of Violet and Rhiannon.

Jack Barlowe: A violent first-year Rider who is assigned to Fourth Wing and makes it his mission to kill Violet.

Mira Sorrengail: Violet's older sister and a graduate of Basgiath War College. She strongly opposes her mother's decision to force Violet into the Riders Quadrant.

Liam Mairi: A first-year Rider who grew up with Xaden after their parents were killed for leading the rebellion.

REVIEW:

When I was halfway through reading this book, I realized that I was not the intended/target audience. This book is good, great even, its just this book is not for me. This is mostly a negative review, however, there are things that I enjoyed.

I decided to start with things that I like because I am not a monster.

Things I Liked: 

Dragons: Of course, I liked the dragons. Are you kidding me? They are freaking dragons. The dragons were the only great and interesting parts of this book. However, they didn't even receive page time as they should have. I mean if you want dragons talking, why not give them POVs at least? There is so much to learn about them.

The ENDING: The ending or the build-up to it was truly epic. I mean it was everything I was not expecting. Those 40-50 pages were mind-blowing. I did not see that coming at all. The story ends on a cliffhanger, which is great and shocking at the same time. This is the only reason I decided to read the second book. Rebecca Yarros truly knows how to write a perfect ending/cliffhanger.

Things I Hated:

Characters: Characters were blank. I didn't find a single one of them interesting. They all lacked background and history. Only Violet received bits and pieces of history, and even then I did not understand what was the point of those bits and pieces as they were never used. All of them were underdeveloped, which made me stop rooting for them and lose interest in seeing them overcome the challenges they were facing.

Violet's character: I think Yarros could've made Violet's character more interesting.

We are told that she was a scribe before she was forced to become a dragon rider. I wish we could see her life before she became a rider. There is almost nothing about her life as a scribe. All we know is that she knows how Scribe Quadrant operates and that she knows many dead languages.

See her actually train and get stronger. Right out of the bat, she is thrown into the Rider Squadrant and she is an exceptional fighter. HOW? WHEN? WHY? We are shown that Imogen, Rhiannon, and Xaden train her, but we never see how she learns to fight before she becomes the rider. At least Yarros could mention that she was trained by Mira or her mother but that never happened either.

See how she generally fought through her chronic pain. The novel's protagonist Violet displays many symptoms and parallel experiences to those with Ehlers–Danlos syndromes, including joint pain and hypermobility as well as the graying of her hair. The condition is not specifically named in the novel, but Yarros has confirmed that Violet canonically has the syndrome. Yarros has the condition herself and uses the book to add more representation. Throughout the story, we see her dislocating her arms and everything, however, we are never shown how she deals with this pain. All we are given is that her arms are sore.

See her deal with the grief of her brother. Several times, it's mentioned that Brennan, Violet and Mira's older brother was killed by Xaden's father, but we never see Violet ever dealing with his death.

Explore the weird dynamic she has with her mother. We are told, that Violet's mother is a rigorous mother and general of Basgiath War college. We only see her at the beginning of the book and a couple of times she is mentioned in the middle. We never see Violet and her mother interact. Why is that?

See the friendships forming and the romance truly developing. Violet's best friend is Rhiannon. WHY? Rhiannon became Violet's friend because Violet gave her a shoe so she didn't slip on the parapet and died. Okay, that is a very great reason to get acquainted with Violet, but not a reason to become friends with her. The romance between Violet and Xaden is based on the fact that they are both horny. The romance was written very poorly for my tastes. According to Xaden, he only laid his eyes on her and was already in love with her. WHY? Violet's mother killed Xaden's father. Why is there no hate? Why is there no plot to murder her? Just him falling in love almost in an instant.

See her bonding with those dragons. It was stated in the book, that once riders bond with dragons, they must develop, grow, and strengthen the bond.

Violet's motivation to be a dragon rider: What is her motivation to be a dragon rider? Who is she trying to prove she can be a rider? Her Mother? Mira? As soon as she is forced into the Rider Quadrant, she is motivated to become the best. But there is no reason for her to be Rider. Several people are trying to get her out of there. Dain on several occasions tries to convince her to escape the Rider Quadrant and go back to the Scribe Quadrant. Nolon, the healer, for the Rider Quadrant, also tries to convince her to go back to scribes. However, she refuses all of them. But there is no reason for her to refuse. She was forced into the Rider Quadrant.

I think it would be a much better story if Violet wanted to join the Rider Quadrant but her mother would refuse and even forbid her from joining because of Violet's weak and frail body. It would be a much better story, if it was Violet's dream to join Rider Quadrant, but was forbidden, and then she would sneak in and go through the parapet with the rest of the cadets.

Worldbuilding: I think wordbuilding has disappointed me the most. My issue with worldbuilding is providing the reader with information about the world. For example, we are told Violet, the protagonist, is smart and clever, and when during times of stress, she begins to recite historical and geographical facts about the world. There is too much of exposition. Everything is told to us, but not shown. And it is also somewhat unrealistic. I know, I know, we are talking about high fantasy but still. It's not like I will be reciting the United States history and geography or Russian history and geography. This happens the most in the beginning of the book, but this is a tool Yarros relies on throughout the entire thing. We learn about the world in two ways: through Violet's exposition dumps or battle review sessions or something like that during class where a professor provides the details to students' questions. Several times there are mentions of some kind of treaty or some other historical fact, and Violet's response is "Oh yeah that thing." This feels like lazy writing.

QUOTES:

“A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.”

“Fascinating. You look all frail and breakable, but you’re really a violent little thing, aren’t you?”

“I will not die today.”

SIMILAR BOOKS:

“Divine Rivals” by Rebecca Ross

“An Ember in the Ashes” by Sabaa Tahir

“The Serpent and the Wings of Night” by Carissa Broadbent

“Dragon Bound” by Thea Harrison

“Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas

“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins

“Shadow and Bone” by Leigh Bardugo

STAR REVIEW: ⭐⭐

#books #bookreviews #FourthWing #dragons #RebeccaYarros #readers

[realvalgalstyan]

BOOK REVIEW - Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express" (Oct 29, 2023)

Rating: 10/10

"Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie is a classic mystery novel that takes place aboard the luxurious Orient Express train. The story follows the famous detective Hercule Poirot as he is called upon to solve a murder that occurs during the journey.

Agatha Christie's character development in this novel is exceptional. My favorite character was, of course, Hercule Poirot himself. His meticulous attention to detail and quirky personality made him a fascinating and endearing character. The supporting cast of characters also felt real and diverse, each with their own motives and secrets.

The plot is a masterpiece of suspense and intrigue. Christie's storytelling keeps you guessing until the very end. I particularly enjoyed how she weaves the various clues and testimonies together, creating a complex web of mystery that keeps readers engaged. The pacing is excellent, with tension building steadily throughout the book.

One of my favorite parts of the book is when Poirot gathers all the suspects in the dining car for the big reveal. The way he presents the solution is both brilliant and satisfying. Here's a quote that captures the essence of his deduction: "The impossible could not have happened, therefore the impossible must be possible in spite of appearances."

"Murder on the Orient Express" is not just a mystery; it's a clever exploration of morality and justice. It made me ponder the complexities of right and wrong. While the story didn't make me laugh or cry, it did keep me on the edge of my seat with its suspenseful moments.

I found nothing to dislike about the book. It delivered on all fronts, from the characters to the plot. The ending was a perfect conclusion to the mystery, leaving no loose ends.

In conclusion, "Murder on the Orient Express" is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts. It's a timeless classic that I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys a good whodunit. If you appreciate intricate puzzles, well-developed characters, and a brilliantly executed plot, this book deserves a 10/10 rating. If you haven't read it yet, you're in for a treat. If you're a fan of this, you might also enjoy other Agatha Christie novels like "Death on the Nile" or "And Then There Were None."

[realvalgalstyan]

Reedsy Character Profile (Sep 21, 2022)

Thanks to the Reedsy website. I present you a Character profile template.

If you want to learn more check their website out.

PART ONE: OUTER LAYER

THE BASICS:

Name: ________________________________

Age: ________________________________

Place of birth: _____________________

Current location: _____________________

Nationality: ___________________________

Education: ___________________________

Occupation: ___________________________

Income: ___________________________

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:

Height: _______________________________________________________________

Eye color: _______________________________________________________________

Hair color: _______________________________________________________________

Build: ______________________________________________________________

Distinguishing features (tattoos, scars, birthmarks)? ______________________________

Preferred outfit? ___________________________

Glasses? _______________

Accessories (cane, pipe, necklace, etc.)? ________________

Grooming: 

☐ Disheveled ☐ Smart, very put together

☐ Untidy but clean ☐ Other? If so, explain: _________

Distinguishing “tics” and mannerisms: ______________

Health? Do they suffer from chronic illnesses? ____________

Handwriting (sloppy, neat, careful, unintelligible): _____________

Gait:

☐ Confident, powerful strides ☐ Lazy stroll

☐ Fast, walks at a clip ☐ Distracted, eyes on the ground

☐ Other? If so, explain: ________

SPEECH AND COMMUNICATION:

Style of speech (elevated, educated, peppered with slang, etc.)? _____________

Tempo of speech (rapid, slow, measured, drawl, etc.)? _______________

Do they have an accent? 

☐ Yes ☐ No

Pitch (melodious, gravelly, deep, etc.)? __________

Posture: 

☐ Stiff, military ☐ Slouching

☐ Casual and relaxed ☐ ‘Turtle,’ tired

☐ Other? If so, explain: _____________

Gesturing: 

☐ Only when agitated or eager ☐ Doesn’t gesture

☐ Compulsive “hand-talker” ☐ Controlled, only to make a point

☐ Other? If so, explain: ____________

Level of eye contact (direct, shifty, etc.): ______________

Speech impediments: __________

Distinguishing speech “tics”: ___________

Preferred curse word: __________

Catchphrases: __________

Laughter? What do they tend to find funny? ____________

Describe their smile? ________

Emotive? Do they wear their emotions on their sleeve? How easily can others read them? ____________

They have a resting ________________ face.

☐ Bitch ☐ Angel

☐ Neutral ☐ Confused

☐ Other? If so, explain: ____________

PART TWO: THE FLESH

THE PAST:

Hometown: _________

Type of childhood (sheltered, neglected, etc.)? _________

Education: _________

Were they involved in organizations and clubs at school?

☐ Sports ☐ Debate

☐ Gay/Straight Alliance ☐ Model UN

☐ Drama ☐ Other? If so, explain: __________

At graduation, they were named Most Likely To __________________ in the yearbook.

Jobs (if applicable)? What would their résumé look like? ___________

Dream job as a child? Why? ____________

Who were their role models growing up? Describe them: _______________

Greatest regret: _____________

Hobbies growing up: ___________

Favorite place to be as a child? ________________

If they could change one thing from their past, what would it be? Why? _____________

Major turning points or “life beats” in childhood: _____________

Earliest memory: _____________Saddest memory: _____________

Happiest memory: ____________

Clearest memory: _____________

What are their skeletons in the closet? _____________

Three adjectives to describe them as a child? _______, _______, and _______

What advice would they give to their younger self? _____________

Criminal record: ______________

FAMILY:

Father: ___________

Age (if living): ___________

Occupation: ___________

Briefly describe their relationship with your character: _________

Mother: _____________

Age (if living): ___________

Occupation: ___________

Briefly describe their relationship with your character: __________

Siblings: ________________

How many? _____________________________

What are their names? Ages? _________________

Briefly describe their relationship(s) with your character: ________________

Children (if applicable): _________________

How many? ____________________________________

What are their names? Ages? __________________________

Briefly describe their relationship(s) with your character: _________________

EXTENDED FAMILY: 

Grandparents: ____________________________

Uncles and aunts: ________________________________

Cousins: _________________________________

Other: ______________________

Family’s economic status: _________________________________

Closest friends? Describe them: ________________________________

EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Closest friends? Describe them:___________________

Other significant friends: ______________________

Enemies? Describe them:________________

How are they perceived by strangers in the street? _____________

How are they perceived by acquaintances at a work function? ___________

How are they perceived by colleagues in the office? ____________

How are they perceived by authority figures? _____________

How are they perceived by friends in their friend circles? _______________

How are they perceived by children? _______________

How are they perceived by the opposite sex? ________________

How are they perceived by extended family? ________________

What social media platforms are they on? 

☐ Twitter ☐ Facebook

☐ Reddit ☐ Instagram

☐ Snapchat ☐ Tumblr

☐ Other? If so, explain: _____________

How would they use their social media platforms? ____________

How would they fill out an online dating profile for themselves? ______________

What’s their role in a group dynamic? 

☐ Leader ☐ Joker

☐ Parent ☐ Hype man

☐ Mooch ☐ Other? If so, explain: ________________

How quickly do they respond to emails? ____________

Who do they depend on for practical advice? ___________

Who do they depend on for mentoring? _______________

Who do they depend on for a wingman? _____________

Who do they depend on for emotional support? ________________

Who do they depend on for moral support? _________________

What do they want from a relationship? _____________

Who would be their ideal partner? _________________

Do they have a significant other? Describe them: _________________

How many people would attend their funeral? _____________

PART THREE: THE CORE

THE PSYCHOLOGY:

What do they do on rainy days? _____________

Are they: 

☐ Street-smart ☐ Book-smart

☐ Optimist ☐ Pessimist

☐ Introvert ☐ Extrovert

What is their favorite sound? ____________

Favorite place in the world? _____________

What secrets do they keep? What are they most afraid of people finding out? ______________

What do they want the most? ____________

Biggest flaw: ___________

Biggest strenght: ________________

Biggest fear: ___________

What is their biggest accomplishment? _______________

What is their idea of perfect happiness? ______________Do they want to be remembered? What for? ________________Favorite quote: ___________________

How do they approach to power? ____________

How do they approach ambition? ____________

How do they approach to love? ______________

How do they approach change? ______________

What is the one object or possession that they would rescue from their burning home? _________

What (or who) bores them? ___________

What makes them angry? ____________What do they look for in a person? ____________

How strong is their moral compass? When, specifically, are they willing to compromise their morals? __________

List the last 10 books that they read: ____________Which fictional world would they most wish to visit? _____________

If they didn’t have to sleep, what would they do with the extra time? _______________

What are their pet peeves? ____________If they won the lottery, what would they do? ________________

Describe the character’s bucket list at the ages of: 

15: ____________________________

20: ____________________________

30: ____________________________

40: ____________________________

List the 10 songs that would occupy their All-Time Most Played playlist on Spotify: ___________

What is the best compliment that someone ever paid them? ________________

In an elevator, do they push the elevator button more than once? 

☐ Yes ☐ No

What would they want their tombstone to say? ______________

THE PRESENT AND FUTURE:

Story goal: ______________

Story motivation: _____________

[realvalgalstyan]

The 3 Acts, 9 Blocks, 27 Chapters Method by Kat O'Keeffe (Aug 16, 2022)

The 3 Acts, 9 Blocks, 27 Chapters Method is supposed to make your plotting easy.

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Breakdown of The 3 Acts, 9 Blocks, 27 Chapters Method:

This method was made popular by Kat O’Keefe, so when I found it on youtube I have decided to share it with you, guys.

HERE AR SOME VIDEOS FROM YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe3eodLF_Uo - HOW TO OUTLINE | 3 act 9 block 27 chapter example

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94F-3Z6CJJw - How I Outline! [3 Acts: 9 Blocks: 27 Chapters]

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First of all, the story is broken into 3 acts. It is then further broken down into 9 chapters per act. Here’s an overview of those acts and chapters.

Chapter Overview:

ACT I

Intro

Inciting Incident

Immediate Reaction

Reaction

Action

Consequence

Pressure

Pinch

Push

ACT II

New World

Fun & Games

Old Contrast

Build Up

Midpoint

Reversal

Consequence

Trials

Dedication

ACT III

Calm Before The Storm

Pinch

Darkest Point

Power Within

Action

Converge

Battle

Climax

Resolution

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Chapter Descriptions:

Below is a description of what should happen in each chapter, with examples from a story from start to finish.

ACT I

Intro: Introduce Hero and the ordinary world. Example: We meet Jane and Sarah, two sisters that hate each other. Jane is an overachiever and Sarah is a slacker.

Inciting Incident: A problem disrupts the Hero’s life that will kick off the rest of the story. Example: Jane dies

Immediate Reaction: The Hero deals with the inciting incident and/or the changes that result from the inciting incident. Example: After Jane dies, Sarah’s tattoo starts hurting and she sees visions of Jane. It seems Jane’s ghost is bound to Sarah’s tattoo.

Reaction: Long-term reaction. The reader begins to understand just how the inciting incident will affect the Hero’s life. Example: Sarah freaks out. She doesn’t want to be haunted by Jane. She tries to find ways to exorcise her sister, but nothing works (refusal to the call to action). The sisters determine that Sarah needs to help Jane pass on by dealing with her unfinished business.

Action: The Hero decides to act and makes a decision that will impact the rest of the story. Example: Sarah decides she must get herself into the elite program her sister was involved in.

Consequence: The result of the decision made (see Action). Example: Because of her decision. Sarah now has to study and prepare for the tests.

Pressure: The Hero begins to feel the pressure of the task before them and is stressed. Example: Sarah is taking the test and doing the interview, a high pressure, stressful situation.

Pinch: Things get a little more complicated and the Hero wonders if the right decision was made. (see Action) A plot twist happens. Example: Turns out the test isn’t just a written test. There’s a hands-on portion that Sarah didn’t account for. Jane the ghost sister helps out at the last minute.

Push: The Hero is pushed in a new direction. Example: Sarah gets a tour of the lab. Meets new people that work there. She’s pushed into a new world.

ACT II

New World: The Hero experiences a new world or situation. Example: Sarah’s first day or a few days in the lab. Learning things, spending time with new people, etc.

Fun Games: The Hero explores and interacts in the new world. This is a good place to build relationships, romantic or otherwise, and develop your character more. Example: Sarah starts off a possible romance with someone in the lab who Jane, the ghost sister, hates.

Old Contrast: The Hero compares the new world to the old, and is reminded of how much has changed. Example: Sarah and Jane are fighting. Jane wants Sarah to focus on the work and not the guy she’s just met.

Build Up: This is where you prepare for the major turning point in your story. There is some form of struggle, internal or external, that will motivate your Hero to take matters into their own hands. Example: Sarah and Jane’s fighting gets to a boiling point and Jane decides to leave and not talk to her.

Midpoint: The Hero encounters something that complicates their plans and motivates them to change the course of events. Example: Sarah starts trying to figure out things on her own and then stumbles upon the fact that Jane might have been murdered.

Reversal: Everything changes. Example: The sisters make amends and discuss the possibility of murder.

Consequence: The Hero reflects upon what has happened. Example: Sarah decides to go to the police and try to report the murder. They don’t buy it, they need proof and evidence.

Trials: The Hero takes matters into their own hands and solves or works around the roadblocks that occurred. (See Reversal) Example: Sarah is now wary of everyone in the lab. She starts to investigate everyone in the lab. She might be nervous that she’s the next target.

Dedication: The Hero is now determined to overcome the overall issue. Example: Sarah finds no hard evidence but she’s dedicated to figuring it out.

ACT III

Calm Before The Storm: The Hero finds a solution, but now must overcome doubt, or some other complication. Example: Sarah builds on her romance with the love interest.

Pinch: Plot Twist! Everything is worse than it was. Example: Sarah finds out that the love interest is the murderer.

Darkest Point: Everything seems lost. Example: Sarah is betrayed.

Power Within: The Hero finds the courage and the strength to carry on. Example: Sarah musters up the courage to go on.

Action: The Hero takes action, and overcomes the plot twist, before taking on the overall issue again. Example: Sarah rallies the troops. Talks to the cops and any allies

Converge: Everything comes together: the main plot, the subplot(s), the conflict, etc. The big event is imminent. Example: The sisters have fully fixed their relationship and are working together flawlessly.

Battle: The Hero fights the villain and/or tackles the overall issue, full force. Example: Sarah and Jane fight the nemesis with all they’ve got.

Climax: The Hero either triumphs or succumbs to a fatal flaw. Example: Sarah gets the proof she’s needed and the love interest is arrested.

Resolution: Tie up all loose ends. Make sure the Hero has changed in some way.

Good Luck in writing your book.