#Nicholina

[leire-s-mind]

Reseña - Asesino de Brujas: Dioses y Monstruos

¡Hola! Vuelvo después de un tiempo con la primera reseña que hago de un libro. El libro en cuestión es Asesino de Brujas: Dioses y Monstruos. Es el último libro de la trilogía, así que voy a tratar de hacer la menor cantidad de spoilers posible.

Sinopsis:

Lou lleva toda su vida huyendo. Pero ahora, después de un golpe demoledor de Morgane, ha llegado el momento de ir a casa... y reclamar lo que es suyo por derecho propio.

Pero esta ya no es la Lou que conocían sus amigos. Ya no es la Lou que le robó el corazón a un chasseur. Una especie de oscuridad se ha apoderado de ella y, esta vez, hará falta algo más que amor para espantarla.

Empecemos:

Primero, los puntos malos, porque necesito descargarme:

Al principio del libro, Lou está poseída por alguien (si digo quién, es spoiler) y se la nota muy rara, pero todo el mundo lo acredita a que sufrió mucho. Literalmente, en un capítulo narrado por Reid dice que hay momentos en los que la ve convulsionar y acto seguido piensa "No me sorprendería. Había sufrido mucho. Todos lo habíamos hecho". Como si sufrir mucho fuese una explicación para CONVULSIONAR. Entiendo algo más que las actitudes raras las relacionasen con todo lo que sufrió, pero pensar lo mismo de una convulsión ya roza la estupidez.

Después, a la mitad del libro, ocurre un hecho al cual lo prosiguió una caída en la historia. Si el problema no se hubiese resuelto como se soluciona, el libro tendría 2,5 estrellas como mucho.

Para que se den una idea de algo ocurrido después de eso, imagínense que Reid está viendo como torturan a su madre y solo por el contacto físico de Lou empieza a imaginar que la masturba (a Lou, si no sería mil veces peor) ahí mismo. Aclaro que el contexto lo conté muy por encima, y no hablé del trasfondo de eso, aunque aún así me parece muy "¿Qué carajos?"; por cómo lo dije, Reid parece un depravado, pero no es tan así.

También, las escenas subidas de tono (en las que no incluyo lo que acabo de contar) me parece que están medio fuera de lugar. Son dos, y una tiene más sentido en cuanto al momento en el que ocurrió, pero aún así es algo extraño.

Ahora sí, los puntos buenos:

Primero, los capitulos 3 y 25. No voy a hablar de que tratan, para no hacer spoiler, pero la manera en la que están escritos y el sentimiento que transmiten (no solo esos capítulos, el libro en general también, solo que en estos resalta más) es impresionante.

Me gustó mucho cómo se va desarrollando la relación entre Lou y Nicholina, y cómo se va contando la vida de Nicholina, todo lo que vivió para ser como es en el libro.

El desarrollo de personaje de Célie es maravilloso. Me encanta la persona en la que se convierte y el mensaje que da con ello (les dedico a todas la página 288 y el principio de la 289 <3). De la mano con este punto, también me gusta su relación con (si digo quién, es spoiler), es muy linda 🥲💖.

Otra relación que me gusta, y que venía desde el segundo libro ya, es la de Coco y (si digo quién, es spoiler x2).

Por último, me encanta el final. Gracias a él, el libro tiene la puntuación que le puse. Tiene un montón de giros, uno más impredecible que el otro y, cuando por fin termina, se siente como si se cerrara un ciclo.

Puntuación final: ⭐⭐⭐✨

Entonces, hasta acá llegamos. Espero que les haya gustado la reseña. Creo que se ve medio contradictoria, pero posta que los puntos buenos levantan un montón al libro. Nos vemos otro día <3

[lom-journal]

Saturday May 4/24- Birthday Dinner with Nicholina and Ernest our Neighbors, tonight at Gino’s ! Shot Tomorrow!

Peter and the gurls up at 5:30 or so and me well after 7:00 ! In the early morning before getting up I had a ***IBig Poop 💩💩and then again another big Poop 💩 💩when I got up to go make ☕️ ! *** I took 2xT’s with a Pink med at 7:30 a.m. ***** I had a coffee ☕️ in bed and then Peter left for Frontrunners in Stanley Park for 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. and a drive back to the bus 🚌! For about 10:30 or so! Traffic being good! I had another Good Poop 💩💩this afternoon.m. And a lay down for about an hour now I’m taking 2xT’s at***12:30 a.m. *****!next 4:30(4) peter went toWalmart at almost 2:00 p.m. I just got up from a rest and had another Poop 💩 just before 2:00 p.m. **** next 4:30 p.m. ******6:30 x 2 **** (6)bedtime and thru the night!

[prnanayarquah]

4th OSABARIMBA ROYAL AWARDS:  See Full List Of Winners

New Post has been published on https://plugzafrica.com/4th-osabarimba-royal-awards-see-full-list-of-winners/

4th OSABARIMBA ROYAL AWARDS:  See Full List Of Winners

The 4th edition of the Osabarimba Royal Awards came off at the Emintsimadze Palace on Saturday, January 20th, 2024 with a great cultural display with various institutions and individuals getting honoured in various categories at the prestigious ceremony.

The awards scheme is organised to honour and appreciate excellent businesses, institutions and personalities who have contributed immensely to the development of Cape Coast. The awards scheme is open to only individuals residing and working in Cape Coast or who are indigenes of the town.

Categories of the awards included entertainment and fashion, media, banking and finance, general business, education, health, and tourism, among others.

See Full List of Winner Below:

AWARDS CATEGORIES 2023/2024

Ayekoo Mbo Culture Troupe – Best Cultural Troupe

Yaw Blvck- Singer/Song Writer – Most Influential Musician

Mr. Paul Mensah – Most Influential Information Communicator

Mr. Michael Otoo. DJ Mickay – Asaase Radio – Most Exciting DJ

Mrs. Edwina Gilda Annan (Aunty Nyaniba) – Outstanding Media Personality Of the year

Asaase Radio – Media House of the year

Mr. Blessed Godsbrain Smart – Onua TV – Most Outstanding Media Personality Supporting Cape Coast

FED Kastle Multimedia Limited (Kastle FM) – Organisation promoting Cape Coast to tourists – (Asankamu Festival)

Latex Foam (Nana Zama) – Most Sustained Business

Central Region Development Commission (CEDECOM) – Most Effective Public Sector Organisation

National Insurance Commission – Most Friendly Organisation

Centre for Coastal Management, UCC – Outstanding Public Institution.

Jomars Cake School – Best Organisation supporting skills development in Cape Coast

Sanford World Clinics – Best SSNIT Compliant

Hamza Abubakar Hassan/ Hamza Electrical Shop – Best GRA Compliant

Madam Nicholina Naa Yeye Adumuah – Promoting Social Education in Cape Coast

BEL Beverages – Variety and Most Patronized Beverage

GIHOC Distilleries – Supporting Tradition and Royalty with Schnaps and Gin

Mr. Nicholas Ato Mensah Police Basic School (Mathematics) – Best Teacher

Mr. Addo James Kofi Ansah – St Nicholas Basic School – Best Student in Cape Coast

Mfantsipim School – All round best SHS in Cape Coast

Wesley Girls High School – Best Old Student Association in Cape Coast

Flowers Gay School – The Most Outstanding Private School in Cape Coast

Central Regional Library – Best Institution promoting education in Cape Coast

Ewim Polyclinic – Most Outstanding Health Facility in Cape Coast

Prof. Evan Kofi Agbeno – Most Outstanding Health Personnel in Cape Coast

Firmer Eye Clinic – Best Allied Health Facility in Cape Coast

Kakum National Park – Most Fascinating tourist site in Cape Coast

Hutchland City – Most Popular Joint

Opanyin Egya Ekow Awotwe – Best Fisherman

Obaapanyin Maame Adwoa Atta – Best Fish Monger

Mr. Elicot Nana Kweku Okyere – Historian and blogger on Cape Coast History & Customs

Mr. Dennis Korsah – Sports personality promoting Cape Coast

Mr. Gabriel Nii Kommey Adams – UCC – Putting Cape Coast on the International Map to receive the prestige International Citation of Honor /Award for exceptional academic performance in the Jacobs-Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies (JAGILS)

Rev Father Stephen Obeng – Most Influential Religious Leader in Cape Coast

Mr. Kingsley Kofi Yeboah – Renowned Personality Promoting Tourism as a Tour Guide

Mr. James Biney – Distinguished News Paper Vendor in Cape Coast

Vivace Symphonials – The Most Impressive Chorale Group in Cape Coast

HONORARY AWARDS

Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto – “Instrumental leadership in transforming the Centre for Coastal Management to become the World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience”.

Dr. Kwabena Sarpong – For his immense contribution in the field of Health in Cape Coast and Central Region for twenty-one years.

Mrs. Sati Ocran –Supporting Education (Adisadel SHS) with a “Distinguished Residential Complex: State-of-the-Art Dormitories with Modern Amenities and Solar Power”

Thomas Yallo – Dedicated Service as Supi of the Amanfo No 7 Asafo Company

Iddrisu Abdulai Donkor Registrar (2009 – 2023) Nana Ntadu – Kodu 1 – Ankobeahen of Gomoa Pomadze – Dedicated Service to the Oguaa Traditional Council

Marigold Justina Assan (Central Regional Minister) – For her outstanding support to Omanhene and the Oguaa Traditional Area

Lifetime Achievement Award – Mr Kwaw Ansah

[endeavorsreward]

Excerpt (Bk. I, Ch. 2)

Delita placed one hand on the crystal shard dividing his former opponent's face and sighed as a rush of warm energy filled him, a slow build that rolled down his arm and into his aching torso. Carefully, Dorothea let him stand on his own, and he straightened, looking at Ramza, who was watching another crystal as it shattered to pieces in the open air.

“Honest work would see them die old in bed, yet they choose instead this early grave. Why persist in such folly?”

“Fairness, 'twas nearly our own graves,” mumbled Cuthbert.

Delita said nothing.

Ramza handed him the object. Still warm through his glove, a curled-over piece of slag. There were splintered bits of wood around one end that hadn't quite burned away. His thumb ran across its bubbled edges and he shook his head.

“We should show this to Lord Brother,” Ramza offered lamely, and Delita nodded without looking at him. He wasn't thinking about how close to death he came; he was thinking about the men he'd helped to slay.

“I know not what that was, but I think it queer that bandits would have such a tool we did not know.” Osric sounded tired, though he'd fared perhaps best out of all of them. “Mayhap they were Corpse Brigade for true.”

“Ser Folcurt's men arrive soon, and they'd know.” Ramza was rotating his shoulder around. The movement seemed to be fully restored. Delita wished he knew if the hollow pit in his stomach came from the wound or elsewhere.

Nicholina sat down, let her feet drop into the canal water. Her shoulders were jerky in their rise and fall. Ramza approached her, but she waved him away. Cuthbert and Dorothea were speaking together in low tones a few feet away. Delita sighed.

“Ramza, I...”

There was a rumble down the way, and hands went to weapons before realizing that it was quite literally the cavalry arriving. Seven men and women on birdback, with four diverting down a crossing thoroughfare in the final approach. When the other three arrived, the lead pulled up sharply on the reins and the chocobo turned into a halt with precision. Well-trained birds. He couldn't help look them over, judge their plumage and the grooves in their beaks where they chomped the bit. Well-tended birds as well.

His late admission to the Akademy had brought expectations on his part that he'd be charged with tending mounts. He'd been too young to learn at his father's side, but he could not help but share his fascinations—his last link to his first family. But he also knew he had a head for more complicated matters, and neither father he'd had would abide by wasted talent: a rare thing they'd held in common.

“Who is the squire-command?” asked the lead knight, and Ramza placed a hand on Osric's shoulder before he could speak.

“I am in command, ser, but that title is to be bestowed on the morrow.”

The other knight surveyed the damage, the corpses. His face was visible, but still hard to discern from the scars. “Still cadets? A credit to the Akademy, then.”

The lead was a covered in such heavy plate he looked like an ingot. “I'll inform your instructors that you performed your duty.” He removed his helmet—he was bland but hard-faced, the sort of knight you'd sketch if you had none particular in mind. “Voltare Montrose of the twin villages Sezhun and Caernag.” He shook Ramza's hand. “With me here is Sara Ostvald and Tamuz Fedorenko. We serve proudly Ser Zalbaag under command of Ser Folcurt.”

The archer, Sara, shifted on her mount to regard Ramza. Less armored to leave free shoulders, she was lovely in an undelicate way. “Voltare, did you not notice? We have here kin of the Knight Devout!”

Ramza shifted uncomfortably as all eyes turned on him—even those who already well-knew his relation. “I... serve the Crown, as do we all.”

Voltare chuckled. “Well said. You follow in your family's footsteps.” Ramza was turning red. Thankfully, Osric moved to rescue him, if for different reasons.

“Well met, ser—I commend your own work in funneling the brigands to us.” Osric crossed his arms, clearly unable to bear Ramza receiving all the credit.

“Lord Wineburg?” Tamuz scrunched his face. “I say, who else is out here boxing ears this eve? Has the High Confessor a son we don't know learning the sword as well?” Cuthbert gasped at the suggestion. To be contrary, Delita did the most commoner thing he could think of in the instant, and spit roughly to one side. Ser Voltare frowned.

“Yes, well. We must reconnoiter with the other companies. Will you stay stationed and await the black wagons? They will take your report.”

“Of course,” offered Ramza, and Voltare nodded, spurring his chocobo. As the trio rode further into town, he gave Delita a dirty look. He smiled and shrugged.

“You've been acknowledged, Ramza!” Dorothea clapped happily. “You follow your brother's footsteps!”

“Indeed,” he weakly offered, and went to find a crate to sit on. The sun was setting, and the chill was rising.

[filmerditelle]

Kirsa Nicholina, Gunvor Nelson, 1969.

[thestarlitbooks]

The Lost Book of the White:

“First of all,” said Ragnor, “I am not going to take naming advice from someone who could have chosen any name in the world and went with Magnus Bane.”

Gods and Monsters:

“Ah,yes. King of the forest, the horned god.” Nicholina rocked back and forth, still laughing maniacally. “Out of all his names, he chose Claud.”

[alwaysreadingandranting]

really thought Shelby would let my babies be happy once Nicholina got out of Lou 🤡

[mistwraiths]

4 stars

Gods & Monsters is the third and last book of the Serpent & Dove trilogy. I loved the first book, I gave it 5 stars even though it was messy, but the second book, Blood & Honey, was in my opinion BAD. It suffered heavily from second book syndrome, filler nonsense, and a bunch of characters acting completely unlike themselves and just not a fun time at all. I was extremely hesitant to read the third because I was worried especially with how the second ended, but I'm glad I read it. 4 stars FEELS a bit too kind but 3 stars doesn't feel great.

Gods & Monsters doesn't pick right off but perhaps a few weeks or days have passed. It's not extremely clear but that's a main problem we'll go through from this series another time. Lou has been possessed by Nicholina and everyone is still reeling from the disastrous end of B&H. Coco is very full of grief but doesn't really seem very bothered that she's set a terrible witchfire that's possibly killed many allies and likely many innocents beside that.

I was nervous about the whole possession bit however I think it was a really interesting and well done part of the book. I actually found Nicholina a very tragic character and I love a tragic character, so learning more was really good. I liked that everyone was kind of feeling like Lou was acting bizarre and just had the general weird vibes. But I was hoping once the possession part was over, we might have more come of it. If not on Nicholina's part, perhaps on consequences of the possession/dark parts on Lou's end but alas. We didn't really get much of either. After she was "cured" that was basically it.

The underwater part was actually pretty cool. I honestly liked it and I'm totally here for Gods acting not nice or friendly or catering to blessings that other Gods bestowed. This book still suffers a bit from gathering more allies in a way to two search for the item quests before we get to the end battle. This book is also a bit messy because we have some occasional weird and messy moments like a truth or dare scene that feels unnecessary and ridiculous. None of you have really slept and you're on an important mission. Maybe sleep and not drink? Also I love spicy scenes but there's one where I was rolling my eyes like Y'ALL REALLY DOING IT IN A CAGE?

My main issue however is that often things just either make no sense, there's no explanations, or rules just don't matter at times. How and why did Lou suddenly get bestowed the Triple Goddess power when her mother had it before? When did it switch? The other Gods powers don't seem to really work the same. Magic requires sacrifice for spells but we see a lot of magic in the end battles and some of them just feel excessively powerful? Coco's always bleeding but she never seems to suffer from any blood loss? Her blood heals literally everything. Her tears burn. She seems excessively powerful. And then her love maybe caused a magic rainstorm??? I guess??? Madam Savauge??? That was never quite clear. I'm assuming Claud but then it jumped to strangely Ansel's parents so????

It wasn't all bad though!! While I'm not a huge fan of Reid losing his memory, I completely understand why he felt it necessary and in a way it really gave us some good Serpent & Dove vibes. More importantly, I felt it reiterated the star-crossed lovers and finally, FINALLY allowed some growth of Lou to allow people to make their own choices. For the first time, these characters respected the choice of another character's!

Lou became the character I enjoyed again. Selfless for the people she loves, capable of being nice and compassionate, and fierce. The whole Ansel following them around was a little cheesy, but it was a good send-off. I didn't really like or care about her suddenly getting OP goddess powers. It felt a bit unnecessary. Reid was also good in this. I liked the whole I will find you again part. It did feel like he finally grew and allowed her to also fight for herself at the end.

Coco I went back and forth on. I liked her but I never really liked this whole Coco Ansel thing. Ansel felt like he was written young in my opinion and I know he's basically sixteen, but he certainly didn't feel like it. Coco is maybe nineteen so I didn't really care for that. I understood her grief. She really didn't seem to care about the fire at all she started. She had a more emotional part in this book due to her mother. I'm not a big fan of characters who don't think about their people until it's like at the very end of the book and they are like THEY DESERVE BETTER and get promoted basically to lead their people. I don't like insta-leaders. Neither Coco or Lou did anything to help their own people so I kind of don't believe they deserve to lead. At least, not while so young.

Beau is comic relief at best but honestly most of the entire series you're like why is he here and what does he really bring? He doesn't bring anything. He's a crown prince but he doesn't seem to give a SINGLE shit about his country or people? You're telling me he had no lessons in negotiating that could have come up in gathering allies? He doesn't really even have any allies to help? People don't take him seriously? But um... apparently he and Coco are actually in love. Which is fine.

The BEST character in my opinion is shockingly Céline. I absolutely loved her. After being a victim of Morgane's, she refused to allow herself to be weak. She refused to do nothing. And she apologized for her behavior and she actively kept an open mind and learned. She still had fears and when certain characters accused her of hate, she snapped back. I loved her and I loved her growth, and I love that she was so important.

Jean Luc was also a surprise. I loved that he was able to navigate his prejudices and accept that things changed. That to love and protect someone he loved, he had to allow them to be their own person and find their way.

The end battle was kind of a clusterfuck. I still don't 100% understand the villain of Morgane. She wanted to kill her daughter to protect her people from... something? Witch hunters? I'm not sure and maybe that's just me not remembering. Josephine wanted????? I'm not sure but living in a special house doesn't seem like a reason. Also, I really disliked Lou's "I can't murder my mom with magic" thought and I still love her. Like bitch!!!! She killed Ansel. Killed a shit ton of people!!!

The epilogue was cute but honestly felt unnecessary. I'm a big believer of you don't NEED to see a happy ending to know that it's going to end happy. I know Lou and Reid will get married again and live happily ever after. I don't need to see. I want to know about how after the events of the last battle how are things changing? Has the Chasseurs changed methods? What about the trees in the city? Has the Church changed? What are the Dame Rouges doing? Dame Blanches? Has the perception of witches changed? What is Beau doing now as King? There's so much I'd rather KNOW. Also, bringing Ansel back felt unnecessary again. Didn't he leave for peace? Why is he there again?

Overall, it was a nice ending.

[zoroshonkingbazonkadonkas]

“How does he taste, he taste, he taste?” Nicholina edged forward, licking her lips. “Let’s tear off his face, his face, his face.”

AHAHAHAHAH THIS WAS THE MOMENT I FELL IN LOVE WITH HER (she’s talking about Jean Luc)

[skyleeeeeeeeer]

so in the blood and honey book, is there something in particular that happens when Nicholina kisses people? i just finished the book and i can’t remember if something does happen or not.

[spidergirlsrpt]

✶ — › hello birdies !! under the cut you will find 208 italian names. i picked up my favorite ones - popular and underused. click the ♡ button or reblog this post to spread the word !! enjoy !!

first of all, what you need to know about italian names:

italian name

a bunch of those names can be used for a brazilian character as well.

female:

allegra

allesandra

anabelle/annabella

angelica

arianna

armoni

aurora

belladonna

benedetta

betina

bianca

brandi

bruna

camilla

capri

cara

carla

carolina

cattia

celestina

chiara

constantia

daiana

donatella

donna

donielle

editta

eleonora

elettra

elisabetta

eloísa

emerlinda

fabia

fabiana

fabrizia

fausta

felicita

fia

franchesca

gabriella

gemma

gia

giada

giana

giavonna

ginevra

gioconda

giorgina

giovanna

giulia

giulietta

giuseppa

greta

ignazia

ilina

isabella

italy

jacobella

jianna

karina

krizia

laverne

leonora

livia

lorrella

luciana

ludovica

maddalina

madonna

marcella

marcellina

marieta

marina

martina

marzia

miabella

mirele

monalisa

natala

nathaly

neve

nicholina

nicolina

ornella

ortensia

ottavia

sofia

paola

paolina

patrizia

pietra

rafaella

renatta

romula

rosangela

rosetta

samanta

siena

simona

stefania

tala

tasha

venette

vivianna

male:

achille

agustin

agusto

aldo

alessandro

allesio

alonzo

ambrogio

antonello

beto

bettino

bosco

bucca

calvino

carlino

carlo

catarino

celso

chellis

claudio

dangelo

dante

donato

edoardo

eligio

elio

emanuele

emiliano

enzo

eugenio

eustachio

fabian

fabiano

fabio

fabrizio

faustino

federico

felix

filippo

francesco

gabriele

gaetano

genaro

georgio

germano

giancarlo

gianmarco

gianpaolo

giovanni

giuliano

giuseppe

hieronomo

ivano

januario

julio

kara

lauro

leonardo

leopoldo

lodovico

lorenzo

luca

lucio

luigi

marcello

marcio

marco

mario

massimiliano

matteo

mattia

maurizio

mauro

narciso

nicollo

nino

onofre

orazio

orsino

ottavio

paolo

pasqualino

patrizio

petro

plinio

rafaello

raimondo

raul

remo

rocco

romario

romeo

sal

sandro

severiano

silvio

simone

stephano

tasha

teodosio

thomasio

tito

vicenzu

vicentius

[womenandfilm5]

Kirsa Nicholina (Gunvor Nelson, 1969) Joyce at 34 (Joyce Chopra, Claudia Weill, 1972) Slippage (Patti Bruck, 1989)

[prnanayarquah]

CAPE COAST: 3rd edition of Osabarimba Royal Awards held successfully — SEE FULL LIST OF WINNERS

New Post has been published on https://plugzafrica.com/cape-coast-3rd-edition-of-osabarimba-royal-awards-held-successfully-see-full-list-of-winners/

CAPE COAST: 3rd edition of Osabarimba Royal Awards held successfully — SEE FULL LIST OF WINNERS

Finnally the 3rd edition of the Osabarimba Royal Awards came to light at the Emintsimadze Palace with great display of culture and more. Personalities and Istitutiions in the area of Media, Entertainment, Business, Health, Tourism and more were all awarded for playing a great role in the development of Cape Coast, Central Region – Ghana. This years editions saw great improvements over the previous editions held.

The Osabarimba Royal Awards is open to only individuals residing and working in Cape Coast or who are indigenes of the town. Categories of the awards included entertainment and fashion, media, banking and finance, general business, education, health, and tourism, among others.

SEE FULL LIST OF WINNERS BELOW:

BEST CULTURAL TROUP – TWEREAMPONG TRADITIONALS

MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSICIAN – ORKORTOR PERRY

MOST EXCITING DJ – DJ BARNES

MOST OUTSTANDING MEDIA PERSONALITY – RICHARD KWADWO NYARKO

MEDIA HOUSE OF THE YEAR – GHANA NEWS AGENCY

MOST OUTSTANDING MEDIA PERSONALITY INDIGENE OUTSIDE CAPE COAST – KWAMINA SAM BINEY

RADIO PRESENTER OF THE YEAR – OSAHENE KWAME DAPAA

ORGANISATION PROMOTING CAPE COAST TO TOURISTS – CITI TV AND RADIO

PIONEER IN THE MEDIA SPACE – KOJO QUANSAH

MOST INNOVATIVE AND SUPPORTIVE IN SMEs – GCB BANK PLC

MOST EFFECTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY – SIC INSURANCE PLC

MOST INNOVATIVE BUSINESS – HUTCHLAND CITY

START-UP SUPER STAR – A.T. COOKE FRUITS

MOST SUSTAINED BUSINESS – IBB COMPUTER SCHOOL

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COMPANY OF THE YEAR – MANDEV GHANA LTD

MOST EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SECTOR – FOOD AND DRUGS AUTHORITY

MOST FRIENDLY ORGANISATION – SOCIAL SECURITY AND NATIONAL INSURANCE TRUST

OUTSTANDING PUBLIC INSTITUTION – NATIONAL INSURANCE COMMISSION

BEST ORGANISATION SUPPORTING SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN CAPE COAST – SPRINGS FOR SKILLS COLLEGE

BEST SSNIT COMPLAINANT – ADOM MROSO CO.LTD

BEST GRA COMPLAINANT – PKA STAR INVESTMENT LTD

BEST PUBLIC EDUCATOR – ON INSURANCE – NICHOLINA NAA YEYE ADUMUAH

BEST TEACHER – JUSTINA ENTSUA

BEST STUDENT IN CAPE COAST – CLARIBEL BENYIWA ESSEL

ALL ROUND BEST SHS – ADISADEL COLLEGE

BEST OLD STUDENT ASSOCIATION – WESLEY GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

MOST OUTSTANDING PRIVATE SCHOOL – UNIVERSITY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

BEST INSTITUTION PROMOTING EDUCATION IN CAPE COAST – GHANA LIBRARY AUTHORITY

MOST OUTSTANDING HEALTH FACILITY – BISHOP ACKON MEMORIAL CHRISTIAN EYE CENTER

MOST OUTSTANDING HEALTH PERSONNEL – DR MADISON ADANUSA

BEST ALLIED HEALTH FACILITY – RAAJ DIAGNOSTICS

MOST IMPACTFUL CHURCH IN CAPE COAST – THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST

MOST INFLUENTIAL RELIGIOUS LEADER – BISHOP ISAAC BOADU INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN LIFE CATHEDRAL

MOST FASCINATING TOURISTS SITE – HAS COTTAGE BOTEL

MOST POPULAR JOINT – SAHARA SPRING RESTAURANT

PROMOTING CENTRAL REGION THROUGH MASQUERADERS – JUSTICE MASQURADERS (Justice Masko Mackey Otto)

BEST FISHERMAN – KWAMENA KAKRABA

BEST FISH MONGER – EKUWA FYNNBA

BEST BAKER – BENTSI – ENCHILL BAKERY

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR – JAWLYN PICTURES

MAKE-UP HAIR ARTISTE OF THE YEAR – ADELE BEAUTY ZONE

BARBER OF THE YEAR – AWOO DE – LAS VEGAS (PAPA AWOTWE)

IMMENSE CONTRIBUTION IN THE FIELD OF HEALTH IN CAPE COAST – MRS. JULIANA BROWN – PPAG

MOST OUTSTANDING PERSONALITY IN EDUCATION – MRS BETTY EWURAADWOA DJOKOTO

PROMOTING THE GROWTH OF CAPE COAST AND CENTRAL REGION AS A WHOLE – MRS JUSTINA MARIGOLD ASSAN

IMMENSE SERVICE TO OGUAAMAN – SUPI KOBINA MINNAH

PROMOTING TOURISM IN CAPE COAST– MR KWAME GYASI. REGIONAL MANAGER, GHANA TOURISM AUTHORITY

LEADERSHIP IN HEALTH – NANA PRA AGYENSIM, PARAMOUNT CHIEF, ASSIN KUSHEA

LEADERSHIP IN PUSHING THE FLAGSHIP OF CAPE COAST AS CHANCELLOR OF UCC – SIR CHARLES SAM JONAH

PIONEERING TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN CAPE COAST AND ITS SURROUNDINGS – MR KWESI AGBLEY

MOST OUTSTANDING HEALTH PERSONNEL – DR SETH ADU (GYNECOLOGIST PPAG)

PACESETTER IN MEDIA, ENTERTAINMENT AND COMMUNICATION – MR SELETE NYOMI

OUTSTANDING ASSEMBLY MEMBER – HON. STEPHEN DOFFOE FORSON (KRU – TOWN ELECTORAL AREA)

[talesofanavidreader]

Let’s play THIS OR THAT: Blood & Honey edition!!⁣ ⁣ ▪️Dame Blanche or Dame Rouge ⁣ ▪️ Coco or Ansel ⁣ ▪️Face off against the werewolves or chasseurs ⁣ ▪️Morgane as your mother or King Auguste as your father ⁣ ▪️Rooftop or river 😉⁣ ⁣ I’d choose. . .⁣ ▪️Dame Blanche only to stay the heck away from Nicholina!! ⁣ ▪️Both (it’s my game I can choose both lol) ⁣ ▪️I’ll take my chances with the chasseurs because the werewolves are scary lol ⁣ ▪️Ehhh both are terrible but probably the King 🤷🏻‍♀️⁣ ▪️Rooftop 😉⁣ ⁣ PS: How gorgeous is this Blood & Honey pin from @ironandinkdesigns !?! Swipe to see a close up! ⁣ ⁣ #invokingbooks - harvest/nature props⁣ #readinginoctober20 - witch’s brew ⁣ #octobercovergoals - witch’s brew ⁣ ⁣ #serpentanddove #bloodandhoney #harperteen #louleblanc #reiddiggory #enamelpin #bookishenamelpin #ironandinkdesigns #witches #magic #bookgram #bookishlove #bookclub #booklove #readersgonnaread ⁣ #allthebooks #booksta #avidreader #alwaysreading #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #bookblog #bookreviewer #booknerd #bookworm #instareads https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9uxYPApSu/?igshid=16jonw9ds63qw

[endeavorsreward]

Excerpt (Bk.I, Ch.3)

The other eight members of his company were assembled in an informal cluster, just on the edge of the parade grounds. Ramza wanted at first to say something about military discipline, but a second look squelched the thought before it had fully unfurled.

That the healing arts accelerated the body’s natural capacity to rebuild meant that it relied upon adrenaline to function. And if it was true that the average person might “crash” upon the cessation of frantic energy that came with battle, a soldier who’d been administered al-chemickal potions or healing magicks experienced that tenfold. Most of the cadets had gone from battle to drinking with the briefest of respites in-betwixt; what Ramza now beheld was a horde of undead. Cuthbert was seated ‘pon a marker stone, hat crushed in his fist, trying to keep his eyes open. A bleary-eyed archer he didn’t yet know was looking at him with near-open contempt. And Osric... Osric looked more ill than he’d ever seen a man out of bed.

Ramza cast an eye back at Delita, who stood tall. But of course, Delita would not show weakness in front of anyone.

“I’ll not patronize anyone with a ‘good morning,’ then,” he offered, and received only a few weak smiles: one from Dorothea, and one from a girl whom he couldn’t help but recognize, as Gariland had precious few Galgastani students: it was Latisha Isolde, whose father was a business-owner of some renown in the Merchant City of Dorter. “Wealthy enough not to be ignored,” as Dycedarg might say, but certainly not noble. He’d bought her way into the Akademy. He needn’t Delita to know the rumors surrounding her, that her father was hoping to find some landed cadet of low enough reputation to wed her. She was in matching kit with Dorothea, and standing at some remove. Osric was pointedly ignoring her, but the archer kept casting her dirty looks. Troublesome.

He sighed. “Let’s form up.” Delita jointed the crowd, and so five men and four women stood, if not at attention, at least in something resembling ordered rows. “Everyone is already aware of our orders, that we go to bolster defenses at Eagrose, but we have been given a spare few days leave to make the journey slowly, and get to know each other a degree. Some of you, I fought proudly beside only yesterday, but everyone here served with distinction.” There was a snort from a man in the back. He looked to have five or six years on everyone else assembled and was missing a piece of his ear, but he was also the only one bar Delita standing appropriately rigid. Latisha was frowning, as though she had a similar thought but more self-control. He continued. “I am Squire-Command Ramza Beoulve. I would be remiss in not acknowledging that but a day ago I stood beside you as a fellow cadet, and so it is my hope that respect and discipline as representatives of the Northern Sky need be the only cause for obedience of the chain of command. Neither my family name nor my pride need motivate anyone, and I’d rather serve beside you than above you in matters where such latitude can do us no harm. But I am honored also to command you, and you’ll find me no yielding tower to be toppled. I shall do my best to earn my position, and you shall each do the same.”

“Well and good,” sneered the archer, “But I work best alone.” He was tall, lithe but with strong shoulders, with close-cropped hair that revealed too-thick eyebrows. Cuthbert, standing next to him, was looking at him curiously, as though puzzling something out.

“Strange words from a Gariland cadet,” Ramza offered, taking a step forward and not losing eye contact. “The levies are past us, you stand here by choice.”

The archer crossed his arms. “Oh, I’ll follow your orders, you needn’t fear, but I’ll not suffer this pretense of camaraderie. I’m proud enough to serve Gallionne, I needn’t do so with bowed head.”

“Wait... I do recognize you.” Cuthbert waved a pointed finger. “Myles Kinnison, yes? You placed second in the Frontier Marathon last year!”

He gave a sarcastic half-bow. “Third-best archer in Ivalice, by my reckoning.” He looked back at Ramza. “Skill is the only true metric by which one shall be judged, and I have long-proven myself. Have you?”

“He led us capably only yesterday!” Snapped Dorothea, but Osric shrugged.

“Spent half of it wounded, did he not?”

“Enough.” If Ramza Beoulve had a single gift that was his and his alone, it was his voice. He so rarely used it to its fullest, but since childhood he could be counted on for one thing: pure volume. So it was now, that his enough brought the bickering to a halt instantly. It prompted others walking the grounds to turn in their direction, likely paused Ser Ronald in the middle of his paperwork halfway across the Akademy property. The assembled cadets slowly returned to something closer to form, and Osric clutched at his head in agony. “I shall repeat myself once, for all of us are less than a day’s time from our first true engagement, but I shall not do so again. I shall do my best to earn my position, and you shall each do the same. If this is unsuitable to you, report to Ser Ronald now. I’ll think no less of you, but I cannot imagine he will. We serve the Northern Sky and shall do so proudly. My desire for... camaraderie... is subservient to that calling.” He looked to Delita. “Roster.” His friend wordlessly handed over the sheet of names. “I shall call each of you in turn, acknowledge your presence that we might know you by name.”

He cleared his throat. “Nicholina Bouchard.”

“Yes.” Calmly, and with a level of bemusement at the whole congregation.

“Cuthbert Fawkes.”

“Present.” Cuthbert was looking over at Nicholina, trying to hide a dry smile. Hmm.

“Bran Goddard.”

“Present.” The older man with the chipped ear, who looked implacable; his voice steady and quick, a man who already knew how to follow orders.

“Delita Heiral.”

“Here,” said Delita, but with just enough of a sarcastic edge to acknowledge that Ramza knew damned well they’d arrived together. He tried not to roll his eyes and failed.

“Dorothea Ingram.”

“Aye!” She was darkly glaring at Osric, who was making a point of ignoring her as he had Latisha. Hmm again. Indeed, speaking of which...

“Latisha Isolde.”

“Here, sir.” Deference with sincerity, their second chemist offered a salute, with which even Bran hadn’t bothered.

“Myles Kinnison.”

“Present.” Desultory, arms crossed.

“Avelyn Somerhild.”

“...”

Ramza frowned. Some of the cadets looked at each other quizzically. Delita shrugged at him.

“Avelyn Somerhild?”

“Oh!” Called out a voice from behind the others. “Here, I suppose.” The group parted to reveal a girl who, rather than dressed for marching, was instead in a dress, a simple gown in blues and greens. Osric tilted his head in the manner of a hound that didn’t recognize his meal; Myles looked disgusted. Dorothea and Latisha were asking each other questions to which nobody had an answer.

Ramza strode forward, hands at his sides, attempting to remain calm. “You are Avelyn?”

“Yes?” The girl had looked much younger from a distance, but now Ramza could see that she was indeed a cadet of their age. Her chestnut hair was tied up in some sort of snarl that Alma could likely identify, and she looked for all the world like she was off to market, rather than assembled with the rest of her company... save for the frog around her waist, which bore a short sword. “I am sorry, my mind had wandered.”

“Avelyn.” Ramza wiped at his eyes. “You are not dressed for battle.”

She frowned. “Were we to battle? I had thought we were gathered to meet one another before setting out.” She put one finger to her cheek in contemplation. “I’d assumed the others more comfortable in their togs and such.”

“I... But if you’d not thought to be in uniform...” He could feel Osric and Myles judging him to one side, like a heavy blanket tossed over one shoulder. “You are still armed.”

“Oh! Yes, I’d not go without it.” Avelyn smiled. “There were brigands about only yesterday.”

“...Indeed.” He turned towards Nicholina, whose face he still could not see. Was madness to be a common cause for his unit? He stood up straight and addressed the crowd. “No harm need be done. We shall only be marching as far as the Beast’s Maw today. I’d have everyone meet at Tannhaüser Gate  in three hours—in uniform and prepared to move.” He took the gil pouch, the gift from Lord Brother Dycedarg, and tossed it to Latisha. “Latisha, Cuthbert. I’d have you in charge of procurement. Assume the full week of travel. Everyone will have with them their belongings, as we do not plan to return to Gariland—bring your practice equipment as well—and any requests should be brought to those two. The rest of you have leave to say any necessary farewells.” As they began to disperse, save Delita who stood by his side, he held up a hand. “Osric, Bran, if I might have a word.”

The two men approached, Osric with a frown, Bran more stoic. The older man crossed his arms. “I’d not pay Kinnison much mind, milord. I’ve seen his kind before. He wishes to affirm his place and you all are too recently peers, but his is all bark. He fashions himself an alpha wolf, I’d wager, but bringing him to heel will be easier if you don’t give him cause to resent.”

“Naturalists disproved that ‘alpha’ business,” Delita said, and the man chuckled.

“Aye, so I heard once. But those men studied common wolves of the forests. The desert wolves are another matter.” He tapped his forehead. “That bone across their bridge, their minds are smaller. Operate more on instinct. I was once caught out in the sands, our group was hemmed in by those furry dastards, I had more cause to observe their behavior than an academick.”

Ramza frowned. “No more ‘milords,’ I pray you. Bran, why are you enrolled in this Akademy? It takes not an academick to see that you’ve already served Ivalice’s military in some capacity.”

Bran rubbed his chin. “It will surprise none assembled to learn I’m not of noble breeding. And I’ve no coin with which to play at a title, either. But my tale isn’t so interesting. I answered the call for men as soon as I was of age, and saw only small exchanges. But I took a blow meant for Ser Voltaire, and when he offered a reward, I requested patronage.”

Delita raised an eyebrow, but frowned when Ramza continued. “But why? If you served with distinction, to be a cadet...”

“To say ‘distinction’ may be to overstate.” He shrugged. “I am no knight, either, though I’ve seen more combat.” He rapped one gloved fist against his escutcheon. “If I’m to find ‘distinction’ it shall be in acquiring that knighthood, by my wager. And through training am I considered in active service. My pay never ceased.”

Delita nodded, satisfied. Osric clapped his hands together.

“Well! Our unit is quite... colorful, is it not?” The look he was giving Ramza was difficult to describe, but he didn’t like it. “We are quite the collection of strays.”

“I’m not certain I like the pointedness of the world ‘color,’ Osric.” Ramza glared. “You give me cause to reconsider why I asked you both to remain.” He sighed. “I keep Delita’s counsel because I long know his wisdom—and when also to disagree—but I’d be a poor commander to only listen to one voice. We hold no firm hierarchy as squires, and so it falls upon me to assign titles as I did for Latisha and Cuthbert. I’d have you both, Osric and Bran, serve as my officers of a fashion.”

“Ser,” Bran said, and saluted, but with less formality. Osric was looking at Ramza suspiciously.

“Why choose me?”

Ramza threw up his hands. “Need you a reason, Osric? For there are many to choose from. I’d not promote many men over the king’s bastard. I find value in hearing the words of a man with whom I oft disagree, even if I choose to dismiss them. Because in proving to you I value your input I hope to stave off your complaints at failing to lead. Because Delita and Bran are common men, and some will take issue. Because there are only ten of us, and so options are only so plentiful. Because you outperformed me yesterday. Which reason would suit?”

Osric opened and closed his mouth a few times. “I...”

Ramza stuck his finger out. “I’ll not abide you deriding your fellow cadets any longer, or this title, informal as it may be, shall be summarily stripped.”

“...Understood.” Osric was bright red.

“We can discuss training and other plans en route.” Ramza waved them off. “Say your farewells, or ready yourselves for travel.”

And they departed, leaving only Delita, as it was to start. Delita put his arms behind his back as the two of them walked back to the Boardhouse to gather their things. Neither of them had people enough to say good-bye.

“Shall you pick a name?” Delita’s tone was light. “It’s customary, is it not?”

“I was thinking ‘Company Zero’ might suit.” Ramza grimaced. “Osric’s preoccupation with class—and I fear with race—notwithstanding, he is to a degree correct. We’re all bastards and exceptions...”

“...And whatever Avelyn is,” Delita allowed.

“I’d thought this assignment important enough—for a cadet, yes, but under that purview.” He threw up his arms. “What was he thinking?”

“Our commander has either a sense of humor, or he saw an opportunity.”

Ramza side-eyed him. “You believe he gathered his embarrassments together.”

“I’d not describe it thus. To treat you thus would embarrass your Lord Brothers.”

“At times I wonder. But ‘tis a fair enough point.”

“Consider it thus.” Delita ticked off on his fingers. “Were this group disseminated amongst the units hunting the Corpse Brigade, or whatever they’re assigned to the north and east, each would have to deal with the... friction. But leading us together in service of Eagrose will be meritorious for you. While some of us may exist by the good grace of others, Ser Ronald would be well within rights to dismiss Myles or Avelyn, to name two, if he thought it just.”

“You are of course correct.” He sighed. “You found Bran’s tale more interesting than he did.”

“Mm.” Delita averred. “He strikes me as wholly pragmatic. I can admire that.”

“I’m sure you can,” Ramza said dryly, and they entered their dormitory for the final time.

[filmerditelle]

Kirsa Nicholina, Gunvor Nelson, 1969.