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pocsinspeculativefiction · 2 years ago

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Impressions: The City Beautiful

Series: N/A; Standalone Author: Aden Polydoros Author Website: https://adenpolydoros.com Trigger Warnings: Homophobia, anti-semitism Year Released: 2021 Demographic: Young Adult Genres/Subgenres: Gothic fantasy, mystery, paranormal, historical fiction, LGBT

Synopsis: From the author’s website:

“Death lurks around every corner in this unforgettable Jewish historical fantasy about a city, a boy, and the shadows of the past that bind them both together.

Chicago, 1893. For Alter Rosen, this is the land of opportunity, and he dreams of the day he’ll have enough money to bring his mother and sisters to America, freeing them from the oppression they face in his native Romania.

But when Alter’s best friend, Yakov, becomes the latest victim in a long line of murdered Jewish boys, his dream begins to slip away. While the rest of the city is busy celebrating the World’s Fair, Alter is now living a nightmare: possessed by Yakov’s dybbuk, he is plunged into a world of corruption and deceit, and thrown back into the arms of a dangerous boy from his past. A boy who means more to Alter than anyone knows.

Now, with only days to spare until the dybbuk takes over Alter’s body completely, the two boys must race to track down the killer—before the killer claims them next.”

Themes

Anti-semitism

Homophobia

The pressure on immigrants to hide their heritage and become fully Americanized

The myth of the American dream and the difficulties of starting over in a new country with no money, resources, or ability to speak English

The inhumane treatment of working class people

Death, grief, and survivor’s guilt

Best Features

The atmospheric descriptions of life in Chicago. The narration provides sensory details about the geography, the locations, and the types of inhabitants. It paints a picture but doesn’t go overboard.

Alter as a main character. He’s proactive, three-dimensional and receives a lot of character development.

Alter’s romantic subplot. The tension, banter, and arguments between Alter and his endgame partner made their interactions entertaining to read.

Raziel, Frankie and Mrs. Brenner as supporting characters. They all have memorable personalities, entertaining dynamics with Alter, and contribute to the plot.

A well-written mystery. Every clue and new lead answers questions and builds up a motive but still keeps the reader wondering until all is revealed.

The well-developed themes. The hard lives of immigrants in America and the pressure to assimilate into American culture. The shame and fear of being open with one’s sexuality because of homophobia. The need to avoid prosecution as a Jewish person with so much unapologetic antisemitism in the world. The author never wastes an opportunity to show how these factors affect the lives and worldview of his characters.

The dybbuk as an antagonist. Yakov’s dybbuk was a constant source of torment and misery for Alter. It did a great job of raising dramatic tension in several parts of the story. Decoding Yakov’s unfinished business through a supernatural entity was riveting.

Worst/Least Appealing Features

The dybbuk takes its sweet time making its first appearance in the story. There is plenty of foreshadowing and buildup but it takes awhile to actually show up.

You might find the lead up to the climax to be a little too long.

Favorite Spoiler-free Quotes:

But you can’t look toward the future when you’re carrying ghosts upon your back.

We’ll never be equals in their eyes. They can grit their teeth and tolerate us, but they’ll never welcome us into their white cities, because ambition becomes something ugly when it has a Jewish face.

“Life was not some never-ending tragedy. Just as for every bitter herb there was sweet charoset, hope and joy persisted alongside suffering. And even someone like me had the ability to change things.”

Overall Rating - 4.5 out of 5

#the city beautiful #lgbt fiction #young adult #fantasy #mystery #paranormal #aden polydoros

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haveyoureadthisqueerbook · 8 months ago

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The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros received 140 votes total. 4.3% of respondents answered YES, they have read it. 95.7% of respondents answered NO, they have not read it.

Would you sacrifice your soul to stop a killer? Chicago, 1893. For Alter Rosen, this is the land of opportunity. Despite the unbearable summer heat, his threadbare clothes, and his constantly empty stomach, Alter still dreams of the day he'll have enough money to bring his mother and sisters to America, freeing them from the oppression they face in his native Romania. But when Alter's best friend, Yakov, becomes the latest victim in a long line of murdered Jewish boys, his dream begins to slip away. While the rest of the city is busy celebrating the World's Fair, Alter is now living a nightmare: possessed by Yakov's dybbuk, he is plunged into a world of corruption and deceit, and thrown back into the arms of a dangerous boy from his past. A boy who means more to Alter than anyone knows. Now, with only days to spare until the dybbuk takes over Alter's body completely, the two boys must race to track down the killer--before the killer claims them next.

#the city beautiful #aden polydoros #poll results #mlm #fantasy #historical #gay mc #young adult

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ssa-atlas-alvez · 5 months ago

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Imagine cowboy!reader walking into the bullpen and just seeing everyone crowded around JJ’s desk, going to see what they’re looking at and it’s just pictures of him as a teenager with THE FULL cowboy get up™️ on

Hiya! This is an amazing request thank you so much for sending it in, I appreciate all requests! Also cowboy reader in the photo is wearing the full cowboy get up, I did research it but please (as always) let me know if I get anything wrong :)

Description: JJ gets a hold of a picture from cowboy's younger years

Warnings: None

Taglist:

@chubbyboyinflannel @xweirdo101x @ara-a-bird @supercriminalbean @pendragon-writes

@technikerin23 @migwayne @criminalskies @oddmiles @1s3v3n1

@kevyeen @heidss @honestlycasualarcade @caffeine-mess @stealing-kneecaps

@woodandwaxwings @wizardmon3 @aphroditeslovr @ducks118 @azeal-peal

@13thdoctor-run @introvertpan84 @goth-boi-atlas @iliketozoneout @chaosofmanyfandoms

@logicalhorror @luvfornick @prmsn-17 @pinxeajin @silas-aeiou

You walked into the bullpen with a sigh, clutching a Tupperware box of freshly baked cookies.

"Hey guys, what's goin' on?" You asked, placing the cookies on your desk, your hat to follow.

"We have found a work of art." Garcia declared, face lighting up. "We have found the most magnificent thing to ever exist."

You smile slightly at her before you look at the rest of the team, noticing the particularly proud expressions they all held whilst crowded around JJ's desk.

"What's really goin' on?" You asked, giving JJ a raised eyebrow.

She smiled sheepishly at you, turning around what she was holding. A photo. Of you, aged sixteen, seventeen, decked out completely in all things cowboy. You were wearing a denim button down shirt, denim jeans, a belt with a large belt buckle, cowboy boots (with spurs, obviously), and a cowboy hat.

"Oh my good lord." You mumbled, pinching the bridge of your nose. "How did you get that?"

"Aden sent it to me."

"'M gonna kill that brat." You mumbled, cheeks flushing a deep pink.

"Awe, he's blushing."

"Right, that's it." You said, "There's nothing left for me to say except: one, I rocked that look and still do; and two, no cookies for you."

"No cookies?" Spencer asked, face dropped.

You looked at the young agent, "Fine, you can have cookies." You gave a small huff, handing your colleagues the tub of cookies. "I can't believe he actually sent you that."

JJ grinned, and with her voice lighthearted, said: "He's a troublemakers."

"Oh, I'm tempted to ground him."

"That might be a little too far," Morgan chimed.

"It's almost like you don't want any cookies."

#criminal minds #aaron hotchner #derek morgan #spencer reid #emily prentiss #david rossi #criminal minds fanfiction #male reader #x male reader #cowboy #cowboy reader #bau x reader #bau x male reader #bau x cowboy reader #x reader #reader #x cowboy reader

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wandanatsbaby · 1 year ago

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Hey saw that you were taking requests for Lexa so here i am ! could you write smth about soft lexa and an oc or freader grounder that is really pretty and like soft for a grounder ? thankksss :))

Soft Grounder

Pairing: Lexa x Reader

Warnings: none

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lexa watches on with a smile as the night bleeders braid your hair and put little flowers in it. She has a small smile on her face as she watches you interact with them envisioning your future and wondering what you would be like if you both had kids.

Walking up to lexa with a smile you wrap your arms around her as no one is looking and give her a kiss on the cheek. “Good evening Heda.”

“Good evening Hodnes. Join me for lunch? The sky crew will be joining as well.” You nod and follow beside her as she leads you to the dining area. You look around and give Clarke a small wave as you see her sitting with who you recognize as Bellamy.

Lexa pulls out a chair for you at the head of the table and then makes her way to the other end. You never liked having to sit far from her but you knew it was tradition for the Commander's partner to be at the other end.

The night went on pretty smooth with everyone talking and chatting but throughout it all you could spot Bellamy giving you weird glances and whispering stuff to Clarke which made you nervous.

“Bellamy, is there a problem?” Lexa asks as she had seemingly noticed the looks and whispers.

“No Heda I just-”

“Just what? You’ve been giving my wife weird looks all night and whispering to Clarke. I'd like to hear what you have to say.” You send an uneasy look to Lexa not sure you want to hear what the boy was saying about you.

“I was just saying that well. Ive never met a grounder as sweet as her I mean the other day I say her with one of the guys at a stall and she was very sweet.”

Then

“Excuse me. Do you happen to have any more of this?” you asked, pointing to the object you wanted.

“sha hang ona” (Yes hang on) The guy pulled more of the material out and looked at you expectedly.

“What would you like? I have some medicine that Nyko gave me. I also have some jewelry.” The man just politely asked for one of the rings on your fingers but you just gave him a smile and handed him two rings and a bag of different medicine that Nyko had given you. The man tried to deny it but you insisted but ended up walking out with the object you had wanted and a bird that he said was made by his wife. The bird now sat on a stand in your and Lexas room.

Now.

“Is there a problem with that?” Lexa started standing up at this point ready to defend you by all means.

“Lexa its okay. Calm down.” The girl did not even spare you a glance as she stared the boy down and you watched him visibly gulp as he shrunk a little in his seat. Clarke trying to control her laughter beside him

“NO! Of course not! I mean its amazing how she acts with Night bleeders. They all looked so happy the other day when she was playing with them”

Then

“Kwin (Queen) Y/n will you please come play with us?” Aden asked as the other children gave you pleading looks. Will a laugh you agreed and ended up chasing them through Polis as many people watched on with small smiles as well.

As you were chasing a younger girl she had ended up tripping on a rock and landing on her knees. She let out a soft cry before covering it up.

“Oh no ash are you okay?” you asked the young girl as you crouched in front of her. You could see the tears in her eyes and the way she tried to hide them. She nodded slowly and looked at you. You attempted to help her stand but quickly swept her into your arms at the sounds of her cries of pain and quickly took her to Niko’s tent to get her seen.

She had made you promise not to leave her until she was allowed to go back to her room with the other Night bleeders and you gladly accepted. You ended up being there for an hour as she had a sprained ankle and needed some rest. You then escorted her to her room and gave her a small kiss on the head.

Now

Lexa turns to Clarke now wanting to know if this information is true.

“Is this true wanheda?” Clarke gives a nod and a slight laugh while looking back to Bellamy's shaking figure.

“Yes Heda its true.”

“Very well then. Just know if anyone were to ever threaten her or anything it would be against the rules and you would be killed immediately.” Bellamy Gave an Immediate nod and gave you a small apology as he continued to eat.

#the 100 lexa x reader #lexa kom trikru #commander lexa #lexa x female reader #lexa x fem reader #lexa x reader #heda lexa #the 100 lexa #lexa kom trikru x fem reader #lexa x y/n #lexa x you #clarke griffin #bellamy blake #the 100 fics #the 100

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thebadboyfanclub · 2 years ago

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The Apple Of His Eye (Aemond x Reader)

Comments are severely appreciated please let me know what you think it keeps me motivated

(Y/n) was always known as the realms fairy, to be around her was to feel the undeniable warmth of her character, her gentle heart and sensitive spirit was the reason so many raves about her, it was a rare thing for a princess to hold such zest for life, how her eyes sparkled when she ran around the gardens looking for flowers and climbing trees, her melodic laughter reached everyone’s ears like the sound of a river flow, her mother Rhaenyra had worked hard to shield her daughter from any harm, she would rather put her head on a spike than allow anyone to taint her daughter.

“Princess Rhaenyra of house Targaryen and her prince consort Daemon of house Targaryen with her children, Jacaerys Velaryon, (y/n) Velaryon and Lucerys Velaryon”

(Y/n) clung on her brothers arm as they entered the room, everyone was staring and they were not very good with hiding their whispers, she had begged her mother let her stay back on Dragonstone, as much as she loved to wear fancy gowns Aegons nameday was an occasion she had hoped she could skip over.

Jacaerys placed his hand over hers as she gripped tighter than ever to his bicep, (y/n) gave a pleading look to her brother to which he responded with a reassuring smile, Jacaerys had always been (y/n)s safe haven, a person she could confide in and vice versa, Jacaerys adored his sister, she was everything the world was missing, gracious, generous, wise beyond her years, there was nothing he would not do in order to ensure her well being.

As they sat down to their respective seats (y/n) was seated next to her cousin Aemond, it wasn’t by choice and she could have easily avoid it still she thought it would be better if she sat next to the prince than her brother Jace.

“Prince Aemond, it has been too long since we saw each other last”

“Indeed princess”

Aemond agreed, how voice was monotone and quite formal. (Y/n) nodded to herself as she rubbed the palms of her hands on her gown to get rid of the sweat that was occurring from anxiety, she had not begrudged the prince, on the contrary she could not help but identify a sort of shame within her, she had been rudely awakened by yelling that night only to ran to the source of sound to find Aemond being stitched up and her younger brother with a bloody nose.

The words the prince had uttered were harsh, not harsh enough to take his eye and be scarred for the rest of his life. Her heart drummed loudly that (y/n) was certain it would burst through her rib cage, she hoped to mend the relationship within the prince and her brothers, maybe after all these years the fire of hatred could shimmer down.

“Do you enjoy dancing prince Aemond?”

“I know the steps although I prefer to be a spectator to such events”

“It’s your brothers nameday I am sure you could make an exception”

“I could”

Aemonds fury wasn’t towards (y/n), he had held a grudge over her brothers however he understood that it would not be fair to be vicious against the princess, the only reason he was cold was that if he even gave one smile to her Aegon would take it as an invitation to tease his little brother and her brothers would most likely take her away.

Aemond had fond memories of (y/n), he could recall the pig incident when she was the only one that scolded the others for the distasteful joke

“Stop tormenting him, how would you like it if he did it to you Jace?”

Her squeaky youthful voice trembled, she never took well with such jokes that were only funny on behalf of making fun of others, he could still bring the memory of her running behind him before he got up on Vhagar to depart, the princess apologised for her brothers behalf, she had even hugged him goodbye before she ran back to her mother.

“Princess (y/n), my name is Aden Baratheon, would the princess be so kind to share a dance with me?”

“Of course my lord”

The man was young, taller than the princess and dressed in a fine suit, Aemond scowled as the princess got up from her chair to walk towards the young man, when she placed her hand in his and gave him a wide smile Aemond instinctively gripped his goblet, he should have agreed to dance with her, his second thoughts over people that did not even matter to him held him back, Aemond was unfortunately a man that cared too much about his image.

“I must say you look ravishing princess”

“Well you honour me my lord, your house is based in storms end am I correct?”

“Precisely, have you ever visited our land?”

“No unfortunately, I do not take kindly to the cold”

“A princess like you would be offered the finest of furs, I would make sure of such”

(Y/n)s cheeks started to heat up, her gaze wavered for a moment as she focused on the ground to regain her composure, the lord was handsome, he held the usual Baratheon features of dark hair and blue eyes, they looked relatively similar expect (y/n)s hair was lighter leaning towards the honey coloured side, her mother loved to brush her hair and called (y/n) “my golden princess”.

As the dance continued Aemond wanted to cut the baratheons head clean off his shoulders, he could even picture his Valyrian sword swiping so easily through his flesh, an image that brought a smirk on his lips as he watched over (y/n) like a hawk.

“If I did not know any better I would say you have the hots for the strong princess”

“I must admit dear brother I am more surprised you can still see”

“Oh trust me I am severely drunk which speaks volumes for how painfully obvious it is that your little pecker is finally working”

“Disgusting as always I see”

“I am just saying what’s right in front of us brother no need to get hostile with me, go on then, dance with her”

“For her mother to see?”

“Rhaenyra won’t do anything, it’s a feast, if you keep thinking about our half sister the Baratheon will get to have a bite out of your little peach before you even show your teeth”

Even in his drunken state Aegon spoke some type of sense, Aemonds visual perception shifted from the woozy prince to the twirling princess, she appeared blissful on the dance floor, Aemond felt guilt spreading over his chest for denying her something that put her at ease, Aemond had observed how (y/n) put almost her entire weight on her brothers arm, even when she sat down he took notice of her wiping sweat in her dress, it reminded him of his sister Heleana.

“Pardon me, may I dance with the princess?”

“Of course my prince, we will speak later”

The Baratheon was so bold to wink to (y/n) in front of Aemond, if he had it his way Aemond would have cut his eye out, let him get a taste of what it is like, still for the sake of the feast and (y/n) he withheld from cruelty.

(Y/n) was puzzled over the harshness of the prince towards the Baratheon lord, when his jaw clenched (y/n)s eyebrows scrunched together in confusion, (y/n) swayed on her feet as Aemond did not take the lead for the dance.

“My apologies princess, I should have escorted you when you hinted for a dance”

“It is alright, lord Aden was a good companion”

“Was he? Interesting”

Aemond muttered, what was he supposed to say? You shouldn’t dance with that bastard? He had no right to express himself in such a way nor feel anything about (y/n), yet he did. As the dance went on her eyes captured his soul, the grin that rested in her painted lips made him wonder how his fingers would sense if he graced them.

“I must admit I never pictured us being here, like this”

“Why is that?”

“You have been scarred for life because of my brother, it would displease me but I would understand why you would prefer to remain cordial with me”

“Displease you?”

“we were never at odds, quite the opposite you had been a tremendous help with my Valyrian lessons”

“You remember”

“Hen rhinka ñuha dārilaros” (of course my prince)

Aemond was so indulged with the conversation he had not realised they had talked through the entire dance, it was only when she broke eye contact and slightly bowed that Aemond looked around to see everyone change partners or walk away from the circle.

It was almost like a reflex that Aemond wrapped his hand around her wrist to prevent (y/n) from returning to her seat, she raised an eyebrow at the gesture while Aemond struggled to find an excuse to keep being in her presence.

“Would you like to take some air with me?”

“I would love-“

“Sister, a dance”

Jacaerys never left (y/n) out of his sight, his blood boiled at the scene of Aemond dancing with his sister, his mind racing with schemes that the prince had probably plotted to lure his sister in and hurt her, he would be damned if he let her go right in the wolfs mouth.

“I was actually going with prince Aemond outside”

“I am sure prince Aemond does not mind taking that walk alone, isn’t that right uncle?”

“Indeed my… dear nephew, enjoy your time together”

What he did not say was “while you can”. Aemond smiled at the princess and turned his back to retrieve from them his next target was none other than his mother, Alicent and Aemond always shared a close bond especially after the accident Alicent made it her mission to be the safe space Aemond could be honest to her.

“Mother, a word please”

Alicent did not verbally respond, she simply raise herself up from her chair to follow her son out of the room, (y/n) was too busy dancing however Jacaerys watched the mother and son depart, something in him told him it wasn’t just a coincidence that Aemond went to the queen, he shook himself to get rid of the presence of the greens from his mind and prioritise having a fun moment with his sister, it was a celebration after all.

“Princess, the queen is asking for your presence in her chamber”

(Y/n) had just gotten dressed when news of the queen summoning her, it was way too early for something like this which only meant it was important.

“Did her grace ask for my mother as well?”

“Yes princess”

“Alright then, let us get this over with”

(Y/n) had been frightened from the queen, Alicent had never done anything to the young princess, actually Alicent would always hug (y/n) and her daughter Heleana when they used to play together, (y/n) was the only person that could get Heleana out of her shell, the two princesses had been close for years until (y/n) and her family left for Dragonstone.

The walk to the queens chamber was rather short, howbeit (y/n) had started to sense cold sweat form on her armpits, the sensation was similar to dipping your legs in the cold ocean and the waves smacked you intensely.

“Your grace, prince Aemond”

(Y/n) curtsy respectfully as she entered, her mother was already seated directly at the head of the mother and son, it appeared like they had already discussed something that left Rhaenyra with a sour look, (y/n) sat close to her mother moreover Rhaenyra locked her one hand with her daughter, her hand was cold enough for (y/n) to be aware of how this might go.

“Has something happened?”

“No dear, we just have a proposition for you”

“For me?”

“I brought you here to discuss a match”

“You do not have to agree if you do not want to my sun”

Rhaenyra interrupted as she squeezed her daughters hand for encouragement. Rhaenyra internally prayed that her daughter did not agree to this, alas if the princess wanted to marry Rhaenyra would not go against it, she would not repeat the same mistake her father had done to her.

“A wedding match? With whom?”

“Me”

Aemond finally spoke up, (y/n) was stunted still something inside her fluttered, when the prince gave her a faint smile she could not help but reciprocate it, honestly (y/n) had never considered Aemond as a possible match until now, alas she was presented with such an opportunity, this could be the chance to mend all odds within the family.

“I- I am sorry it is a bit of a shock”

“You do not have to agree immediately my sweet”

“No I mean, yes I would be honoured”

“Are you sure? You do not have to rush”

“I am not rushing mother, this is a great match and would help us put any differences aside, Ivestragī īlva letagon īlva enoger” (let us bind our blood)

“ānogar, you always struggled with that world”

“ānogar, thank you Aemond”

Aemond only nodded as a sign of approval to (y/n), Rhaenyra and Alicent watched the interaction quietly. When Aemond asked his mother to betroth him to the princess she thought her child had gone mad, from what she knew they hadn’t spoken in years, even when they were children Aemond was too shy to speak to the princess, they played together sometimes but they had no type of bond that could cause Aemond to seek for a wedding.

Alas, Alicent trusted her son and called for the mother and daughter first thing in the morrow, once she saw the small talk between them it dawned on both mothers that this was no long year of a physical bond, it was a spiritual connection of familiarity, (y/n) was drawn to Aemond due to his noble ways and her soul searched past the facade Aemond had worked so hard to build.

Aemond was in much need of a person that he could lean on, her serene aura worked almost like a soothing balm against the wound that tormented him for ages, her voice resembled the sound of a wave that washed away any concerns or fears, (y/n) was the piece Aemond was missing, she was to be the apple of his eye.

Requests are open!

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