#Cultural holiday insights

[thejuniorage]

Discover enchanting Christmas customs from diverse cultures with our captivating exploration of 'Fascinating Christmas Traditions From Around The World.

[str4wbrry-bl00d]

I know most of you aren't Jewish, but this might be some insight. So, Jews have our rituals and whatnot, we have the joke about whether the holiday is "they tried to kill us", "we survived" and "let's eat" but even with our happy celebrations we keep a darker undertone. With the smashing of a glass at a wedding, it's a reminder of our tragedies.

What's my point? The culture makes a point to remind us of our struggles, our oppression. We are ALLOWED to feel woe and suffering. However, we aren't to just lay down and die. We're a people of fighters. If we didn't fight, we'd be dead.

So, to my friends out there who are afraid of what's to come, who already face oppression everyday, you are allowed to hurt. Please do. Take some time to feel your emotions deeply and fully. But, then go out there and keep fighting. The nazis want us dead. They want us suffering. They want us to wallow to the point we have no energy to stop them, so they can stomp all over us.

Don't let the Nazis win, do not roll over and show your belly, do not stop fighting.

[vaspider]

I want to learn more about Jewish culture and history after a recent Ancestry test confirmed my family are Ashkenazi Jews, but the process is daunting with the state of misinformation and antisemitism in the USA. How can I start if going to a synagogue and asking is just not an option? (Comments and info in tags are welcome)

A few places to start. :)

I have tried to provide a basic, broad selection of sites across a number of different strains of thought within the Jewish world. None of these links are an endorsement of a particular site, publication on that site, or point of view on that site. We're Jews: we disagree strenuously about deeply essential things & are still one people.

I really hate that I have to say these things, but every time I post about Judaism at all, someone comes through like they think they're Encyclopedia Brown or some shit, trying to sniff out what I 'really mean' by what I post. What I mean is that these are basic resources. :)

[evi-anxiety]

To follow up my last post, I also wish we got more insight on Galra culture.

It seems like such a waste to have two very prominent alien races in a show and then not do much with their culture. I want to see religious/mythological figures, holidays and special traditions, behaviors and characteristics that are unfamiliar to our human characters

[redd956]

Worldbuilding Pantheons & Gods: Representation of Society

Representation of Values, Common Workforces, and Societal Norms

Gods represent the aspects of a society, from major to little ways. They are the embodiments of prevalent parts of the daily life, and change drastically overtime alongside the societies that worship them.

To think of religion as one rigid thing is incredibly wrong in both historical and modern contexts.

Let's take Ancient Greece for example. Every god is a focused look into the every day life of the people of Ancient Greece. From sea travel, to hunting, to fertility, to household roles, to wine, to natural disasters.

Zeus isn't just a god of thunder, his behavior is representative of both men's unchecked sexist behavior of the ancient times, the expectant fears that parents and women would have for their daughters, and a symbol of masculinity.

Hades wasn't just a god of the underworld. He is a representation of how death can abduct and suddenly whisk away your family at any moment. His domain is a the truth about how once someone is dead that's it, there's no crossing back to the world of the living without some sort of profound miracle.

So worldbuilding...

Think about how your society's behaviors reflect into their religion, whether it be the gods, traditions, or even holidays. Some places to pull from...

Where they get their food?

How often do they go to war?

What's their relationship with the ocean?

What animals are important to them?

What are common jobs?

Do any natural disasters repeatedly haunt the area?

What virtues are valued?

Are there any special imports?

Adapting & Religious Trade

Gods themselves change and adapt both regionally and as new insights occur in a society's knowledge. For the Spartan's Aphrodite wasn't just a goddess of love and beauty, but a goddess of war too. Dionysus was a party god of wine, but to his own cult a god of madness and counterculture.

Ever wonder why gods always had farming and hunting tools for weapons? Tridents, bows, nets, scythes. That's what the ancient peoples were most familiar with.

Who is to say a god of death doesn't reap souls like a farmer cuts their crops. The Ancient Egyptians thought of the underworld as a field of reeds. When trading amongst each other these stories of farm-based death spread.

Not every religious group heard foreign stories and completely distanced themselves from it. Often times they would just assume that they followed the same pantheon, but with different names. The Greeks and Romans were most known for this, but even early versions of Abrahamic religions did the same thing.

Convergence

We also see things like evolutionary convergence of similar places in religious beliefs. Everywhere on the coast is going to have a story of a great ancient flood, because they were familiar with floods. Snakes and dragons are so prevalent in thousands of cultures, but snakes are also everywhere and a rumored natural phobia of humans.

Of course every religion and culture handled these things differently still, but the similarities are bound to form.

[sierrawitch]

Recommended Beginner Resources

**I don’t consider myself an expert, these are books that I personally enjoyed

Wild Magic by Danu Forest

This is a great book for those just beginning their exploration into a Celtic path. There are traditions, cultural aspects, deities, and other topics covered in this book.

Morgan Daimler

Many of Morgan Daimler’s works are very beginner-friendly, and overall pleasant to read. Her writing style makes historical information a bit easier to process, and her insight is a nice touch.

True Magick by Amber K

Definitely a personal favorite, Amber provides an interesting perspective on many beginner topics, specifically on reincarnation in the witchcraft/pagan sphere. This is a Wiccan-centered text, but is a good foundational piece for any practice.

Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft

Buckland is not one of my favorite authors, but this book in particular was very engaging due to its incorporating workbook pages after each chapter. This is a great way to test your knowledge on previously covered information as you go along in the book and is very helpful for retaining what you’ve learned.

Wild Witchcraft by Rebecca Beyer

Again, not inherently Celtic, but a nice piece on nature-centered practice with a focus on spirits of place rather than deities (as many books tend to be).

Earth Witch by Britton Boyd

I was intrigued by this book after hearing Britton speak on a podcast, and I’m glad I read it! Again, not focused on Celtic practice, but includes thought-provoking philosophical perspective and exercises for becoming closer with the land and its spirits.

Scott Cunningham

Cunningham is a household favorite for many practitioners. His works are broad yet thorough, and applicable to many practices despite being Garderian at their cores.

Scottish Witchcraft & Magick by Raymond Buckland

Again, not my favorite author, but this brief collection of practices can be a good introduction to aspects of Scottish witchcraft. This book is based on the information of one major source, Aidan Breac of the PectiWita tradition, with additional historical references throughout. However, Buckland often inputs his own Gardnerian perspective, which is generally unhelpful in the context of Scottish tradition.

Year of the Witch by Temperance Alden

This book is a nice introduction to the annual holidays. Each chapter focuses on a sabbat/holiday, along with its aspects, symbolism, practices, etc, as a bit of a deeper dive compared to what the average beginner book covers. (Again, Wicca-based, but still informative.)

The Taín

The epic folktale of the Taín Bó Cúailnge is a good historical reference for those just starting on their Celtic path. There is introduction to Irish culture, language, deities, and other famous historical characters that provide insight into what the Celtic tradition is, why it is this way, and how we can learn from the past.

The Mabinogion

This Welsh text consolidates folklore, legend, and history for a great introduction to Welsh customs and culture. Another great historical reference for beginners first starting to look through medieval sources.

sacred-texts.com

This website is a digital collection of historical references throughout the ages adapted for modern perusal. Many texts like the Táin, the Mabinogion, and other pieces of folklore can be found here for FREE! Donations are encouraged for database upkeep.

[remembertheplunge]

Hello! I’m not gay (at least I don’t think so), and I can’t remember how I stumbled across your blog but I wanted to thank you for sharing your life story. It’s helped me learn more about gay culture which I didn’t know much about before, other than a little bit about the partying aspect. I know that was worded awkwardly, sorry. But reading your blog as well as talking to older LGBT people showed me some of what non-gay people think about them is stereotypes based in fear or ignorance. I hope you have a great Christmas and New Year’s holiday and please stay safe! Take care

Wow! Thank you. Your words mean a lot to me. I'm glad that my journal entries give you insight into what being out and gay in America is and has been like. I think it's also great that you are talking with older LBGT people to hear their stories. We are just people living our lives.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well.

[radioaktiv666]

transchinese tips?

Transchinese tips!

𓍢ִ໋🇨🇳 learn about their religions! Toaism and buddhism are major ones. Learning about what those religions put emphasis on can definitely offer some insight into what chinese culture was founded on!

𓍢ִ໋🇨🇳 learn about and celebrate the chinese new year and zodiacs! And other holidays!

𓍢ִ໋🇨🇳 eat things like dumplings and fried rice!

[thefanficwriterscraft]

S3E8. 2024 WRAP-UP (OR, STOP TREATING FANFIC LIKE SOCIAL MEDIA) -- AND AN ANNOUNCEMENT!

Hi all, Happy Holidays! Our new episode is here!

In this episode, we reflect on their 2024 fanfiction journeys and podcast highlights. We discuss notable shifts in fandom dynamics, including the growing conversation around engagement and the impact of binge-reading culture on commenting. We share their favourite reads and writers of the year, personal writing milestones, and thoughts on scenes or lines we especially enjoyed creating. We also highlight some fun podcast statistics and celebrate milestones, like our interview on @mindthetagspod.

As you will see, this episode comes with a bittersweet announcement: Lani (@copper_dust) will be stepping back as a regular co-host in 2025. While this was a tough decision for her mostly due to IRL circumstances, I (@pebblysand) want to express my deepest gratitude for Lani’s incredible contributions to the podcast. Lani, thank you for your hard work, your insights, and the amazing conversations we've shared—on and off the mic. I will miss you so dearly! 💛

But for me, this isn’t goodbye! I (@pebblysand) am thrilled to share that the podcast will continue with a new co-host: @btelling, aka Nargles15 on AO3! 🎙️ You may know her for her brilliant dystopian fanfiction The Squib or her guest episode from season one (check it out here!). We’re already hard at work brainstorming fresh ideas for the new season, which will launch in late January 2025. Have suggestions? Let us know—we’d love your input!

Thank you all for an amazing 2024. Your support, comments, and enthusiasm mean the world to us. Here’s to more creativity, connection, and fandom fun in 2025. Wishing you a joyful end to the holiday season! 🎄✨

This week, we mention: 

Books: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan ; Normal People by Sally Rooney ; Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt ; The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

Fandoms: Harry Potter ; The Good Wife ; Spooks ; Peaky Blinders ; The Song of Achilles

Fics: castles by pebblysand ; Merry Men by copper_dust ; Check the Spindle by copper_dust

Films: Small Things Like These (2024 adaptation)

Podcasts: [Mind The Tags] Interview with Lani and Jo ; [The Fanfic Writers' Craft] S3E5. Motifs & Symbolism ; [The Fanfic Writers' Craft] S3E6. Money, Business & Economics ; [The Fanfic Writers' Craft] S3E1. Audience ; [The Fanfic Writers' Craft] S3E4. Use of Time in Narrative ; [The Fanfic Writers' Craft] S2E4. Writing Dystopian Hellscapes with @Nargles15

TV: The Good Wife ; 

Other: Sally Rooney Is Irish (essay)

Our inspirations this year were: 

Lani: Baejax and Johaerys (writers in the Song of Achilles fandom)

Jo: Sundew (fic) and the podfic version of castles by josnail

Your recommendations for this week are:

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney

Wicked (2024 film)

And the Band Played On by Randy Shilts 

The Boys in the Band (original 1970 film)

You can find us online at:

The Fanfic Writer’s Craft: tumblr ; spotify ; ko-fi

Lani (@copper-dust): tumblr ; AO3

Jo (@pebblysand): tumblr ; AO3

[15-lizards]

Hi I love the Stormlands and your wonderful posts is the only insight I’ve seen of the unloved Stormlands for clothes 😍 Would it be ok if you could elaborate on the clothes and styles with house baratheon in the steffon and cassava era? How do you think baratheon court changed from rhalle Targaryen to cassana estermont to renly? Do you think they had more Targaryen influences with rhalle or she embraced Baratheon styles, I have complete blank on what cassana era would be but I can so see renly going tyrell!!! Thoughts???? I’m so so loving your series my girl!!!😍😍😍 baratheon style and Stormlands get so unloved even the masters didn’t add their tree in the book they made for Robert

Ofc!!! The stormlands are my unloved favorite, and I’ve been meaning to get into them more so let’s go girls 🏃🏻‍♀️

I think the main aspect of stormlands clothing is durability. They need something that can last the constant harsh rain and wind and terrain. The air is probably always damp and the ground is rocky, so clothing is mostly sturdy cottons and other fibers, along with thicker coats or jackets made of animal skin to keep rain off. Hair is covered too, more for practical reasons than religious

Stormlander men keep it simple, partially bc they’re hard masculine #real men (Steffon doesn’t fuck with that “girly” shit at kings landing) and partially bc it’s just easier to deal with. Life is harder in the stormlands, and it would be even more difficult if they had long clothing and belts and jewelry getting in the way. Just leather, wool, and anger issues

They still have fancy clothing and such, but it’s not worn nearly as often and Stormlanders idea of “fancy” is probably different from the Reaches. Nice articles are probably reused and saved for important occasions. Detailed embroidering and patterned fabric are probably a luxury, so only the richer houses have that kind of stuff. However it’s my headcanon that there is a lot of precious metals in the mountains of the Stormlands, so essentially everyone has access to it for their accessories

And honestly smallfolk clothing isn’t that much different than most minor nobles. It’s essentially the same type of fabrics and layers, though not as neatly made. Smallfolk clothing can be defined as rough wool shifts, sturdy pants, one or two stiff overlayers tied with corded belts. Clothing good for work and marching to endless wars in the dornish marches

Also I kinda love the idea of more folk-like clothing worn by smallfolk on holidays and special occasions. Like each area of the stormlands and every village has their own variation of cultural clothing, and it gives them something nice to wear on holidays instead of old scratchy wool. Since Cassanna is a character in name only, I have a headcanon that she was a big promoter of cultural events native to the stormlands, and frequently paid for tourneys and festivals where Stormlanders could come together and celebrate more

[superman-the-secret-third-thing]

Superman's Day of Truth! (1965)

A.k.a. Silver Age Superman is obligated to be honest for an entire day and he's a douche about it.

At least it gave us some neat insights to Kryptonian culture, such as this weird holiday and the fact they were formerly colonized by an oppressive alien race before uprising, inspired by the actions of a martyred youth, but more importantly, Superman is so mean in this!

[roxynani9292]

okay so 48hrs drama "Chinese New Year" by Infolds staff + managers

2 posts on FB IG only global/ Eng ver, for Japanese + Korean ver they don't use this phrase

last year they didn't use "Chinese NY" on any ver

YES, this is ON PURPOSE coz any marketing texts need to be reviewed many rounds + diverse cultural insights (trust me, I'm a Brand Manager for 11 years for intl group/ company by foreigner owners, even their base in Shanghai/ Shenzhen/ Hongkong never use "Chinese NY" on any platform coz we know it's politically sensitive for other Asian offices in Vietnam/ Singapore & we care for our staff/ customer culture, search "B+H Architects" or "The Deck Saigon" or "Mekong Merchant Saigon" FYI)

what happen?

their marketing team purposely changed "Linkon NY" to "Chinese NY", for other games by Infold they changed "Lunar NY" to "Chinese NY"

scenario 1: they were pressured to change this politically from higher levels

scenario 2: all staff are on LUNAR NY holidays so they delay to react

fandom war/ Vietnam fandom cancelling

LADS global FB group closed comments on this topic to avoid more war between intl fans

Vietnam fans are rating 1* + uninstall the game + register clone acc... to lower rate + increase cloud data (cause larger space/ slower loading)... or sell their acc to retire

all VN groups close their official page + stop all fan projects in early 2025 (valentine, Sylus bday)

the outcome

in Vietnam LADS + Infold are now totally hated

for me it's a shame that politics involved & destroyed our fun & relaxing fandom both in VN & globally

games are for entertainment so we can choose how to react as a customer, as long as we don't attack each other, fight the dev NOT the fans 💪🏻

[forumgamer]

A Jane Austen moment

I am currently re-reading Northanger Abbey (not my favourite Austen, but also not my least - probably rank 3-4 I'd say), and I was struck with the realisation how ODD the notion of Catherine Morland's trip to Bath would be to many modern people.

Here is a young girl (17), going on a trip to Bath with a rich older couple that are neighbours to her parents - not as an au pair or governess or whatever, but as a guest and companion. Taken along to have fun, as a kind gesture of favour and goodwill. And they aren't even her godparents or relatives or something!

And I find that notion so very charming.

Catherine is not like poor Fanny Price, rather abused than cherished, used as an indispensable companion for a very silly and lazy lady (though Mrs Allen certainly has her share of silliness and indolence...). From how their relationship is presented, the Allens seem genuinely motivated by wanting her to enjoy herself. They don't mind her meeting new people and spending time with them, and she in turn refers to them when she is unsure about how to behave in this to her completely new and exciting world. And rich as they may be, they also seem to spare little expense in taking her to Bath and there to balls and plays.

We have today a weird aversion to inter-generational friendships, or so it seems to me. Yet when I was growing up, in a semi-detached suburban house, I was always welcome at our neighbours' house and table. Sure, mostly because they had a boy my age who quickly became my friend, but even now, when we have both moved out, I rarely visit my parents without also checking in with their neighbours, who are like an uncle and aunt to me.

And as for myself, I have no children of my own, and will never have any either. Yet working as a teacher, I get to interact with younger people on a daily basis, and you guys, young people can be amazing company. Sure, some of their concerns appear trivial to me, but I remember they weren't that way when I was their age - just as some of my views or hobbies might seem odd or boring to them, yet they also know I have seen more of the world than they, and apply to me for insights into issues that they feel unsure about.

And guys... I get it. I get what the Allens feel. I might still be a bit young to QUITE get it (I assume the Allens to be in their 50es or so, which I am not for another decade), but... imagine taking a seventeen-year old teenager, that has never been able to travel so far, to a prime holiday spot! Showing them Paris, London, Prague or Rome, seeing their amazement and delight, presenting them the art, cuisine, culture and pleasures of such an unfamiliar site... to find new enjoyment in these things yourself by witnessing their effect on someone younger and more excitable than yourself.

I doubt I will ever have the option to do so, because a) times have changed and b) if Mr Allen had been a bachelor/divorcee like me, the book's plot could not have happened back then either, but... I think I might like it. I really would.

[ails-of-ardor-au]

Okay…. Where to begin…

PLEASE NOTE: Any and all ideas, insight, constructive criticism, and support is welcomed!

This is not a project I intended to make, really, and not one I intend to put too much energy towards. Community activity is very much welcomed, and polls will be common to let you guys decide which details are added or nixed, however I will retain the final say on most matters. If something you’ve suggested doesn’t make the cut immediately, likely it either just didn’t fit or I’m saving it to puzzle-piece in somewhere else! Either way: very sorry.

Likely this will end up just being a hodgepodge of my personal ideas, tastes, and desires being implemented in a somewhat cohesive restructuring of the canon Warrior’s story in a way that feels satisfying, with heavy influence from you guys as an audience! ^^

Let’s see where this takes us, and see where it goes!

[LORE DUMP MASTERPOST] (to be added)

Things I’d like to explore:

The Clans’ ancestor worship

The true extent of StarClan’s power and sway over the living world

Assigning meaning to prefixes and suffixes, while still allowing for more “fun” and “modern” names where possible

The way apprentices earn their full names, and what that truly means for them: not only as an individual, but as a part of their society, community, and culture

Independent Clan cultures, i.e. what truly differentiates them from their neighbors

How time is tracked and kept

The long-term effect Brokenstar had on ShadowClan and his direct followers

Things I’d like to keep roughly the same as canon (though likely expand on):

Very little, admittedly…

The rough job system (leader, deputy, meddie, warrior, queen, apprentice, elder), but likely with each being broken down into specific tasks

The naming system of the cats themselves (kit’ to paw’ to suffix’ to star’) and the naming of the Clans staying… well, “the Clans”

Big canon story plot points, even if some get shuffled around

Things I’d like to add:

More queer rep

More disabled rep and how the Clans might adequately support these cats

Ways for the cats to relax and have fun! Such as holidays, popular games, the potential for plays, etc… A society driven solely to work is not a sustainable society, after all

A true connection between Scourge and Fireheart, not just something retconned in

Things I’d like to change entirely:

Shifting the “no kits” rule from medicine cats to leaders (see: the Kinless Leaders au)

The deal with the Dark Forest and StarClan, and how the two both operate independently and interact with the living

Moth Flight

The “medicine cat” role being renamed to “cleric”

The way the Three’s powers actually work

The family tree. Enough said.

The timeline, and several character’s ages

BloodClan (how/why it was started, where it fits into the world and story, how they operate, their influence on Clan culture, Clan culture’s influence on them, etc etc)

This list will probably change and grow over time! ^^

[bigbrotherlouis]

top books of 2024!

i’ve been doing a lot more reading and i love talking about it so here are my faves. i tried to narrow it down to 5 and then went “well, i can’t leave THAT one off the list!” so ten fiction and five nonfiction recs for you:

fiction:

1. nettle and bone by t. kingfisher - i’m a sucker for a fairytale and this was a good one. felt very familiar and still very new all at the same time. t. kingfisher was a new to me author this year and her horror didn’t hit but all her fairytales did. this one was very good, and a princess nun on a witchy endeavor was a fun time.

2. burial rites by hannah kent - i read this in one sitting because i couldn’t put it down, and i’m still thinking about it almost a year later. the way kent changes your opinion on the characters is so skillfully done and i liked it a lot.

3. the library at mount char by scott hawkins - this is not a book for everyone but i do love a plot that makes me go “HOW did you even THINK of that?!” what WOULD you do if god went missing?? massive trigger warnings but oh so good.

4. the alice network by kate quinn - kate is my holiday read author of choice and i read this in poland in the summer and it was perfect. the rose code is still my favourite book of hers but this one ranked up there. love a good spy network.

5. beartown by fredrick backman - i loved this one but i think i would’ve loved it more if i had not read the other two. good, but after three books of that length it does drag. masterful control of perspective and of plot weaving, plus some great ruminations on hockey.

6. the six deaths of the saint by alix e. harrow - i am overjoyed that harrow is (allegedly) making this into a longer novel because i LOVED IT. the visceralness of it. the cyclical nature. the horror when you realise what’s happening. perfect.

7. when among crows by veronica roth - i’m a slut for slavic folklore and this has such a sense of both history and place that really draws you in. i cannot stop thinking about the spine sword. i wish it had been longer just to stay in the world more.

8. the english understand wool by helen dewitt- i know it’s three novellas in a row but they were GOOD!! this one was an amazing length and just a fascinating almost oceans eleven-esque unraveling of a story. i gasped.

9. normal people by sally rooney - i know I KNOW. but i went to school on the emerald isle and it just resonated in lots of ways. i fell in love with the characters and honestly? might reread this winter bc i loved the atmosphere.

10. penance by eliza clark - god. this book. brutal in the worst ways and such an insightful commentary on, well, a lot of things. true crime culture, online communities, parasocial relationships, the weirdness of girl friendships as teens. also a potential reread!

nonfiction:

1. red valkyries by kristen ghodsee - probably my favourite book i’ve read this year, just because i learned SO much!! i read it in one sitting because i was just so fascinated by these amazing women, and i walked away with a more nuanced, more positive view of lenin than before.

2. the quiet damage by jesselyn cook - possibly the best nonfiction book i have ever read? i couldn’t put it down. heartbreaking and tough to read but i think very necessary in these days.

3. war is a force that gives us meaning by chris hedges - this is very good with a disclaimer. i agreed with a lot of his overarching philosophies but i didn’t agree with his examples. it has some pitfalls, but! parts of it are essential reading for peacebuilders. if anyone wants to chat abt this one please text

4. in the dream house by carmen maria machado - this was a very good memoir and very innovative in form. i liked that part a lot but i couldn’t quite shake the feeling that this was not written for me. that’s okay! i could still see how it might be impactful and, again, i liked the playing with tropes, but didn’t hit me the way i expected after seeing other people’s reactions.

5. the sunflower by simon wiesenthal - i tell everyone to read this book if they are interested in peacebuilding at all. it’s a good commentary on forgiveness. not much else to say except it’s fascinating.

and that’s all for now! i read 62 books and am trying to read 100 in the upcoming year (about 8 a month). my personal goal is at least one nonfiction a month, but my secret goal is two with one being more memoir and one being more informative. it was fun rediscovering how to read again and i’m hoping to continue that in 2025 :)

also for the record the worst book i read this year is the idea of you which is the one that anne hathaway starred in an adaptation of. absolutely terrible.

[screaming2thevoids]

I’m not just a bitch, I’m a bitch with a backstory

My review no one asked for

I didn’t think I would like this one as much as I did, which surprised me!

Asha who, at first, seemed like a one dimensional “antagonist rival” gets a chance to be more developed and proves the point that you really don’t know what someone is going through. And damn, was Asha going through it.

Let’s get into it! Spoilers ahead:

This is where having the women serve as unreliable narrators kind of pays off—you get new perspectives with each new point of view.

I was pleasantly surprised even still, when Claire hopped in! 3 POVs worked well enough to give us more insight about Asha and her friendship. I was also shocked when the epilogue mentioned a 3 year time jump!! Like, tell me why I’m so invested in what this means, culturally for this group?

So let’s dig in with what I specifically loved:

-the center of this book was about making friends, and some pretty valid explanations for why Asha was the way she was in previous books

-I enjoyed the slow, rekindled romance, and the work the main couple needed to do when communicating with one another

-I appreciated Asha expressing how she was afraid of resonance’s guarantee of a second child. It really highlighted something I felt was realistic for a woman who isn’t ready to have another kid—I’m glad this was brought up

-Overall, Asha was really interesting as a character, she is so introverted and yet it was fun to see how she began to open up to Claire and grow as a person

Here’s my critique (some less fair than others):

-there was a HUGE opportunity missed for some kink. Asha could have shown some real brat behavior? Dom/sub play!? Hello!?

-another huge missed opportunity—Sa’khui women don’t have clits?! There MUST be a reason, Ruby Dixon— you have a monster fucker situation here, take advantage—have funnnnnn with it!!!! You hinted at the tails being sensitive but wrote little to none of that in the scenes! Also how do fangs work with blow jobs? I had assumed that was a reason Sa’khui women hadn’t done that before?? Ugh I was starved for some real freaky shit. Why are they vanilla as fuck?

-what the fuck is happening with this metlak side plot?? Are they sentient?? They seem to be a nonverbal species, but they are treated like animals?! Why does this feel racist 😂 WHY are we spending time with this side plot?

-Claire is frustrating sometimes with her whole “ew Beck don’t give me gifts” like, he’s not into you, he said it a billion times, just take them. I’m MORE curious why the sa’khui didn’t think this was weird—they were the ones who made gift giving mean something significant. They should be the ones who have a problem, or think it’s weird?? As soon as they were chill with it Claire should have backed down. He wasn’t giving her a bikini, it was baby stuff!

-Hemalo’s “I’ll just leave” noble bullshit. Dude….idk, I don’t want to be “understanding” that Asha was pushing him away, this trope of “I hope she comes back to me” fruuuustrates me. But it makes sense with how hurt and bitter Asha was. There’s just something about how others also kept telling her “he lost a daughter too” just irks me for some reason. But this is why at the end it’s so satisfying to see him grow too and be more vocal. Still though, at this point the tribe needs to invest in someone becoming a therapist. Train a metlak or something.

So what’s my overall rating:

🌶️2/5

I’m not mad that a majority of the book lacks spice—when it’s there it definitely isn’t fade to black, so it gets a 2. When it finally happens, it’s pretty passionate and fun. I appreciate the books focus, like the one before, was about Asha rekindling her relationship, and they realistically take their time with it

⭐️3.5/5

I really liked this one, I’d even go as to say that I would reread it for the warm, fuzzy, girls supporting girls vibe that it built. The holidays were cute and afterwards I really liked Asha as a character. It wasn’t my absolute favorite of the series so far—but I liked it more than the last few I’ve been reading.

Thanks for reading! I’m on to the next one, and I’m dying to see where this 3 year jump is taking us!