#Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook

[samirant]

Dungeon Crawler Carl & You

*taps microphone*

Okay, so I've been going off about Dungeon Crawler Carl for months now and I do not see it stopping at any point, so let's see if I can entice one or two of you to join in my madness.

DCC is Lit RPG and written like a video game come to life, from the point of view of the contestants trapped within the game. There are levels to conquer and loot boxes and quests and an AI running things that has a very tenuous hold on stability to begin with and doesn't keep it for very long.

Carl is just... a guy. He's just a guy with a traumatic backstory that he's squished deep down inside himself because he doesn't like drama and he thinks he's doing just fine because it's done, you know? It's in the past, can't change it, can't hurt him anymore.

(It can hurt him. It does hurt him.)

The world as we know it is destroyed in a split second, Carl surviving by mere happenstance and the only reason he goes into the dungeon is that he will literally freeze to death otherwise. At no point is this guy searching for glory or thinking he's a savior, he's just trying to survive another day. That Carl happens to have his ex-girlfriend's prize-winning tortie Persian cat with him is a coincidence - and it turns out to be his major lifeline in the entire series. Princess Donut is his partner in crime, his bestie for life and if he ever loses her, he will lose everything. Goodbye to the last vestiges of his sanity.

The first couple levels are pretty contained, Carl & Donut learning the ropes and how to survive every encounter with increasingly powerful enemies who want nothing more than to see them dead, the eyes of the universe and the corporations running the shitshow ever focusing on them and trying to eke out as much profit as possible at the same time.

Then they meet other survivors - both good and misled - and the beauty of humanity comes out, the sacrifices they are willing to make for one another, the knowledge that they aren't likely to survive, but they make the right choices anyway because dying might be bad, but letting each other down is worse.

The secondary characters grow in complexity with every level. Where it was once just Carl & Donut, it becomes dozens of characters, from all over the world, all of them gifted in their own way, all of them fighting as best they can, some of them betrayed, some of them dying, some of them choosing to go out on their own terms. Men and women and animal alike, they are individual and committed to the greater good.

Matt Dinniman has written a series that takes an emotional toll on its readers: pain, loss, horror, humor, desperation, walking through life with an unrelenting grief. There are dick jokes and drug-dealing, lava-spitting llamas and riffs on Wonderwall and lines like: Trauma does that, I thought. It's an explosion with your heart at the center. It changes everything all at once.

Also, there are velociraptors.

And a decapitated, talking sex doll head that wants to kill everyone's mothers.

It's a LOT of stuff going on, all right?

And just as you think the story can't get any better, enter Jeff Hays. Our audiobook narrator, our man of a hundred distinct voices. Good god, he's phenomenal. I've listened to so many books and while there are some very talented narrators out there, Jeff Hays leaves them in the motherfucking dust. I honest to god thought he was using an app to manipulate his voice for different characters until I saw him narrating in real time and I was utterly blown away by his talent.

The combination of this story by Matt Dinniman and narration by Jeff Hays has me going back, time and time again. I recommend the experience wholeheartedly and hope you'll give it a chance.

[audiofictionuk]

New Fiction Podcasts - 29th September 2024

Escape From Morinia Audio Drama Escape From Morinia is an anime inspired audio drama. The Story follows Miyasaki Chin (Miyo) , a college student who gets trapped in his brother’s favorite video game. He is then unwillingly enrolled in the “Tournament of Destiny”, which would be easy… if he knew anything about video games. He is quested with navigating powers, finding allies and most importantly Escaping Morinia with his life. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240923-01 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/f5618974/podcast/rss

AthraPlay Audio RPG Exploring the lesser-trod paths of Tolkien's legendarium through role playing games! An RPG actual play podcast featuring adventures in Middle-earth using The One Ring RPG system. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240922-01 RSS: https://feeds.simplecast.com/HJslsnNX

Equinox Anthology Audio Drama An anthology of short fiction from some of the most inventive and creative indie audio storytellers working today. Released every Equinox and Solstice, each episode features short sci-fi audio works created just for this show, all around a particular theme. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240922-02 RSS: https://feeds.redcircle.com/ea51ded7-0b48-4b2e-95d6-0d641e1a7e8d

A Cold and Heartless Lullaby -Full Cast Immersive Audiobook- Audio Book After the world collapses a lone robot is tasked with the care of a little girl but both he and the world that remains are woefully unsuited. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240919-05 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/fb3cabf8/podcast/rss

A Dictionary Of Ukrainian Emotions Audio Drama The podcast "The Dictionary of Ukrainian Emotions" offers a captivating nine-episode series featuring plays by Ukrainian playwrights from the Theatre of Playwrights. Hosted by the translator and creator of the play series "A Dictionary of Emotions in a Time of War" John Freedman, each episode presents not only the performances of these powerful short plays, but also insightful conversations with the playwrights and actors Alessandra Torresani, Kristin Milward, Wayne Maugans, Kevin McMonagle, Kathleen Chalfant etc., who bring them to life. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240924-01 RSS: https://feeds.captivate.fm/a-dictionary-of-emotions/

The Lazy Gamers Present: RPG Adventures Audio RPG This is where you can listen to The Lazy Gamers journey into various worlds playing some of their favorite Tabletop Role Playing Games. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240821-08 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/fb7fda68/podcast/rss

Muein Mystery School Adventures Audio Book Most listeners want more from an historical audio drama than simply escapism.   With Muein Adventures, not only are you bathed in the immersive listening experience that places you at the heart of 14th century Europe, but also satisfies your quest for higher multidimensional consciousness within your modern life.  Get swept away in a profound journey that takes you deep into the dark ages while simultaneously exploring the light of one’s universal spirit – no matter when you exist."Surrender Not the Flame" is the first chronicle in the Muein Mystery School adventure series, set amid the backdrop of humanity's worst recorded pandemic.  Cinematic in presentation.  Bold in storytelling.  Captivating in consciousness. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240924-02 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2392260.rss

The Greatest Matter Audio Drama A Victorian Gothic Crime Audiodrama. On a cold winter’s evening in Dublin in the 1890s, Professor Cesare Lombroso, a renowned Italian criminologist, arrives in the city to give a talk. Meanwhile, a man has been gruesomely murdered in the nearby Phoenix Park, and the authorities appear to be covering it up. As the police begin inquiries, a powerful English military commander leads a sinister parallel investigation, and two writers become increasingly intent on solving the crime, no matter the cost. The murder, it seems, may have disturbing connections with the occult. Lombroso, with his expertise in crime, is reluctantly drawn into the investigation and soon realises there may be dangerous consequences for his career. In fact, this murder may have profound implications for the very nature of life and death. And the murderer may still be out there. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240924-03 RSS: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/the-greatest-matter

The 365 Days of Benjamin Raine Audio Drama The sole repository for the 365 audio recordings of Benjamin Raine. As the individual entrusted with these recordings, it is my solemn duty and privilege to distribute them publicly, ensuring that Benjamin's story is heard. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240108-07 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/f048ce84/podcast/rss

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I Have No Process Audio Book My name is Nicholas England. I tell stories.This is listener funded content. There are no ad breaks. No interruptions from corporate affiliates. And there never will be. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240910-05 RSS: https://media.rss.com/i-have-no-process/feed.xml

Darkest Matters: Interviews with Creatures of the Night Audio Drama Professor Mortimer Blackwood invites a variety of supernatural creatures to his studio for in-depth and candid conversations about their lives, experiences, and the myths and misconceptions that surround them. Join Us! on this eerie and captivating journey as Professor Blackwood sheds light on the mysteries of the night and the beings that inhabit it. Whether you're a horror enthusiast, a folklore fan, or simply intrigued by the unknown, Darkest Matters promises to entertain and engage with its unique blend of fiction, interviews, and horror lore. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240904-06 RSS: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/darkestmatters

Claqué au sol Audio Drama Studio Bloom est le premier studio de création de podcasts pour les auditeurs de 11 à 16 ans. Première série : Claqué au sol Saison 1 disponible dès le 9 septembre. Une série de fiction pour les ados de 11 à 14 ans sur le harcèlement scolaire. où la bande de copains "Les Inséparables" va être mise à mal à l'entrée au collège. de moqueries en petites blagues, la situation va vite devenir intenable pour Arthur, la cible. Est-ce que ses amis vont le soutenir ou bien au contraire participer voir même amplifier le phénomène. Vous le saurez en écoutant : Claqué au sol Saison 1Saison 2 en cours de préparation.... https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240909-04 RSS: https://feeds.audiomeans.fr/feed/508d1e66-94e2-4322-8f5d-b2bf5e025f0b.xml

Born to Die Audio RPG A light-hearted Blades in the Dark actual play podcast following the misadventures of a gang of scoundrels in the elvish fortress city of Glimmer Falls, fighting for their lives and fortunes against powerful gangs, guilds & industrial corporations. Low on dice and rules, high on improv and laughter. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240914-01 RSS: https://feeds.alitu.com/10836410

RPG Major Audio RPG A Musical Tabletop Mystery https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240903-02 RSS: https://www.rpgmajor.com/feed.xml

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Roleplay Rookies Audio RPG Four high school friends wake up in a mysterious land with no memory of how they got there. They soon discover they've gained extraordinary abilities. As they navigate this strange world, they must work together to find a way back home. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240920-02 RSS: https://media.rss.com/roleplay-rookies/feed.xml

The Paranormal Dinner Club Podcast Audio Book Get daily letters from a club formed on a mysterious island to take on the threat of a mad doctor. A work of fiction in process with help from readers. www.paranormaldinner.club https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240906-03 RSS: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/2729232.rss

Serpentine Riddle Audio Book From sunken treasures to ancient curses, 'The Serpentine Riddle' unravels a tale of transformation and intrigue beneath the waves. Are you ready to uncover its secrets? https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240914-02 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/f8fa5034/podcast/rss

The Forgotten King Audio Book The world of Elderon is on the brink of collapse. Chaos spreads through the realm, fueled by whispers of shadow riders with a dark purpose and the resurgence of The Turned - an army of once-human souls twisted into something mindless and monstrous. As King Gael Arron battles to unite his fractured land, his every move is shadowed by old rivalries and unseen enemies. Growing unrest and unspeakable betrayals begin to tear his family apart, putting a heavy burden on his teenage sons, Quintus and Produs. But it is his daughter Kyla - a bold but impulsive princess - that may have the power to change the course of history. Far from the throne, in the quiet corners of the realm, a simple farm boy stumbles upon a long-buried secret about LifeSpark, an ancient magic force that could either save Elderon… or destroy it. The fate of The Second Age of Elderon hangs in the balance as old alliances crack, new heroes rise, and dark forces creep into the light. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240926-01 RSS: https://feeds.captivate.fm/tfkseries/

SCAM HUNTERS Audio Drama A disgraced CISO (Greg Kinnear) gets a call from a Miami journalist (Erin Moriarty) who needs help investigating a series of scams targeting terminally ill patients. He begrudgingly accepts… But in a world of swindling and deceit, where nothing is what it seems – their findings are just the tip of the iceberg. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240925-01 RSS: https://feeds.simplecast.com/1ctcsdmD

Nightmares Unleashed Audio Drama Are you ready to unleash your nightmares? Nightmares Unleashed is a horror anthology podcast produced by Ted Heaver and Delaney Sutton. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240919-07 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/fb3a3af8/podcast/rss

Anything Goes! A Live Audio Drama Audio Drama The magic of audio drama meets the thrill of live theater! Anything Goes! A Live Audio Drama is an hour long stage show at Fallout Theater in Austin, TX. This project is funded in part of the economic development department of the City of Austin economic council. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240917-06 RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/Anythinggoe/feed.xml

Night Walks Audio Book Welcome to Coyote Peaks, where every shadow hides a story. Guided by a mysterious night-walker who knows the town’s darkest secrets, each episode plunges you into spine-tingling tales that blur the line between reality and the supernatural. From ghostly whispers to strange happenings, Night Walks will keep you hooked as you venture further down the road, where the unknown awaits. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240917-07 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2388383.rss

The Wizard Wheezes Audio Book A podcast for Fan Fiction Audiobooks, read by yours truly! All recordings are created and distributed with the authors knowledge, and links to the original works will always be available in the description. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240916-04 RSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/the-wizards-wheezes

Shadow Bound Audio RPG An explicit narrative podcast told through the Fantasy Unhinged TTRPG system. Where my Lightbearers take on their fates, my shadows, and uncover the truths of the dark book. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240916-05 RSS: https://feeds.simplecast.com/gElsJmvO

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Unimaginable Stories Audio Book Short stories with a twist, includes fantasy, horror, and mystery. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240916-06 RSS: https://media.rss.com/threeknuckleheads/feed.xml

Rise of the Runelords D&D style Audio RPG The rise of the runelords adventure path in the dungeons and dragons style most of the players are new. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240916-07 RSS: https://www.spreaker.com/show/6293327/episodes/feed

The Fifth Power Audio Drama In the futuristic world of NewCity, everyone has super-abilities that fall into one of four power clans. When three 12-year-olds — Max, Ever and Charli — don’t fit into any single clan, adults they trust conspire to lock them away to prevent them from threatening the delicate peace among the clans. The three friends must work together to solve the mystery of their megapowers — and prove their differences are society’s best chance at survival. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240914-03 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/f6b08eb0/podcast/rss

Audio Dramas by James Hand Audio Drama Hello and welcome to Audio Dramas by James Hand. This page will have all audio dramas created by James Hand for free listening. Enjoy! https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240914-04 RSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/audio-dramas-by-james-hand

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The Silent Directive Audio Drama Comprised of recovered tapes found around the world. Strung together, they spin an interesting tale... https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240922-03 RSS: https://media.rss.com/the-silent-directive/feed.xml

The Caliginous Chronicles Audio Book The Caliginous Chronicles is a monthly podcast that brings you original horror short stories. Let the story chill, the narration thrill, and audio production fill you with dread. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240908-05 RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/546277/rss

Pages on the Tongue Audio Book Venom in the Cloud Forest is a short speculative fiction story written and read by Katherine Quevedo. Deep in the cloud forest of Ecuador Acoti has been poisoned. His friend Pamba takes him to the curer to heal him. Acoti can't help but wonder if there is another poison infecting his beloved cloud forest. With the help of his friend Pamba, he sets out to uncover a mystery and save his people. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240908-06 RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/545242/rss

Voices from the Aether Audio Book Voices from the Aether is a pirate radio broadcast revealing information about anomalies in our midst, and exposing organizations like the SCP Foundation. This program is brought to you by the Society of Virtuous Pagans. Since 1691, we have worked to study the anomalous entities, artifacts, locations, and events that may be found within our reality. Have Faith. We Know. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240906-04 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2393831.rss

Danny Trooper in the Forgotten Realms Audio Drama DAN TROOPER is just your normal 25-year-old trying to live a normal life. He's got a promising job, a beautiful fiance', and overall a pretty comfortable existence. (If he can just remember to call his mother on occasion.) However, all that is about to be fractured as Dan is unexpectedly confronted by the adventures he had in childhood, adventures he can't seem to remember for some reason. But he needs to, or all of reality itself may be at stake. The adventure continues in DANNY TROOPER IN THE FORGOTTEN REALMS! https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240906-05 RSS: https://feeds.podcastle.ai/e5f83d30-5d6e-49e9-bd0c-35e251558ae8.rss

Hymns for the Road || Hodgepodge Audio Audio Drama Four survivors of a magical apocalypse embark on a road trip through the fantasy wasteland that once was America. Filled with mischievous and often malicious otherworldly creatures, strange and esoteric survival rules, and impossible, dreamlike landscapes, the world has become both indescribably beautiful, and ruthlessly, indiscriminately deadly. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240906-06 RSS: https://feeds.redcircle.com/a1dd0dbd-34de-4c08-bfe3-ae0b2dcdd0db

Midnight Calls Audio Book An aspiring author aiming to terrify or scare anyone who dares to listen to the stories that I've written. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240905-05 RSS: https://feeds.podcastle.ai/29e6010b-1695-436e-9dfd-a9aa9b6ded95.rss

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The Invocation Audio Book A world famous composer is introduced to a melodic fragment with the power to alter reality. He composes an orchestral Invocation, which, if successful, will induce Lucifer to appear before a packed new-year's-eve gala audience. What arises is something no one could have predicted: complete and utter . . . transformation. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240904-07 RSS: https://media.rss.com/the-invocation/feed.xml

Tales From the Singing Porch Audio Book Tales From the Singing Porch is an original folktale anthology podcast. Let yourself be whisked away to worlds full of adventure and joy in these bite-sized stories full of heart. The Singing Porch will make sure you always safely return home. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240916-08 RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/talesfromthesingingporch/feed.xml

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ADHD&D Audio RPG Broadcasted live every Thursday from 8-10 on Landmark College radio station WLMC. How do you keep a show on track when everyone has ADHD? You don't, and you watch the places it ends up. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240901-05 RSS: https://media.rss.com/adhd-d/feed.xml

Etheralife Productions Audio Book Etheralife Productions provides new and original speculative fiction full cast audio dramas, narrated audiobooks, and more. Our genres are a sci-fi, psychological thriller, philosophical fiction, horror, and more. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240831-04 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/fa8f7dfc/podcast/rss

The Loved One Audio Drama How far would you go to find the person who means the most to you in all the world? 'All roads gave led Pink, a private investigator from LA, to Glasgow. Now she's here, insomnia threatens to distort every clue. As reality and fiction blur, can Pink hold on to her sanity long enough to find her missing daughter and bring her home? https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240902-04 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2389257.rss

Masami Ko Japanese Bounty Huntress Audio Book Masami Ko is a Japanese bounty hunter in the Old West. Circumstances in Japan have forced her to leave and come to America. She leaves behind her family and enters the land of opportunity only to discover that she’s not welcome. Using her only skills, she embarks on a dangerous journey to bring outlaws to justice. The job is not that simple. Along the way, she finds friends in the most unusual places, even a friendship that portends love. Follow along as Masami etches out of the vastness of the West, a place where she becomes self-reliant. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240912-03 RSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/masami-ko-japanese-bounty-huntress

[sadpandareads]

Here are some bookish trends we should leave in 2024.( a list of things I hate)

Age gap (1000 old man and 19 years old female) love interest

Tall dark and brooding man

People who said books are not political(yes, it is)

Stop hating on women who read romance.

Guy thirst trap who holding a book

Stickers on book

Video calling booktok weird or have a smut problem. Give better criticism.

Ai

Hating on ya book

Hating on Tigger warning

Saying audiobook are not reading (yes it is)

Problematic romance

Not every book needs a special edition or different edition of one book.

Not reading diversity ( it 2024 your just racist or homophobic)

Marketing book using Tropes

Comparing books to another book, for example, this book is like Hunger Game x Star War.

Calling a book " feminist retelling"

Silent review

Stop asking if the book has spice .

[space-ace-elias]

Alternatives to Doomscrolling

are you struggling with doomscrolling? so am i! thats why i made this really long list that will hopefully hold your attention for a little while and let you take a break from doomscrolling. this list is made up of my own ideas and ones i found online so have it! please! don't get stuck in the trap!

ALTERNATIVES TO DOOMSCROLLING: -Use Duolingo Game-like format that has the small bits of serotonin, but also feels like collecting so lasts for a long time -Use Headspace Lets you relax, allows you to take a step away from screens for a little while -BBC Sounds Still has sound if thats what you want, has variety if its the kind of music you’re into. -Some sort of game on your phone Mildly addictive like scrolling, but challenges your brain a bit more -An app called Calm Music and other soothing sounds to help you sleep better -Make tea What can I say? It’s tea, I love tea, I have lots of different varieties like lemon and ginger, green tea and mint, green tea and lemon. I’m drinking some while writing this. -Make. Lists. I made this list to avoid doomscrolling, and so far its working, because I like the feeling of using a keyboard, because it feels like I’m being sort of productive, also I like lists in general. -Start a journal I don’t journal particularly often, I mainly do it because I like nice notebooks and nice pens, so I get to use both of them, thank the stationary nerd in me for that. -Stretch Stretching is good, nice even if its only your hands. Its okay to go back to scrolling after but just a break for >5 mins is good because it takes your eyes away from a screen for a little while. -Audiobooks/podcasts I guess they can be good, you can curate them to your interests which is nice. -Think of something you’re interested in, read the wikipedia article on it. I like this because its easy to switch to if you catch yourself doomscrolling, it doesn’t take you away from the screen but it gives you an opportunity to learn something that you might not have none. I guess this is fuelled by the neurodiversity -The NASA Website Okay so I know this is really specific, but honestly if you go to the bit about the solar system or the universe its got some cool stuff for you space nerds like me out there. Here’s one I like https://science.nasa.gov/universe/stars/ -Find a craft Knitting, crocheting, just plain drawing whether its digital or traditional, jewellery making, something that has the dopamine and serotonin that you’re trying to get while doomscrolling -Start learning a new skill Similar to the last one but its less craft based, could be coding, a sport (not my thing but I guess some people are into that), or something similar, find something that you don’t need a lot to start with. -Start that book on your bookshelf that you haven’t read I’ve got so many on my shelf personally that I really want to read -Set yourself a schedule This isn’t an alternative to doomscrolling (I mean it could be if you want it to be), but it allows you to step away without having to force yourself in that moment, and have something ready for you to do instead. -Don’t get Pinterest It’s not TikTok or Instagram, but its still just as bad, its where most of my doomscrolling takes place, its the same as any short video format but in pictures most of the time. -Make a playlist I have so many playlists, its honestly a problem, I make them for hyper fixations or characters that I’m currently obsessing over, which is a pretty constant thing for me. -Watch a TV show/film Could just be an episode of a show, or a long film, depending on how much time you have. I also like YouTube personally, since you can find a lot of stuff on there, and I know the adds suck but honestly I find it bearable. -Just research alternatives to doomscrolling Seriously its good, I like it since it’s what I’m doing right now, you don’t have to turn it into something like this if you don’t want, but just knowing that there are other options can really help you step away from scrolling. -Decorate your environment My bedroom walls are covered in handmade and non-handmade things alike, it makes everything feel more unique and more comfortable. I’m not talking about re-painting your walls because I know that option isn’t available to everyone, but small things like a little handmade poster can sometimes help.

[itmightrain]

Favorite books I read in 2023

The Ones I Loved

Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo - (genre: horror) idk what to tell you about this book, but you should read it. It's about ghosts and grief and Nashville and relearning how to be alive. The romance in it is gay and slowburn. If you love the All For the Game series, this book is for you.

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri - (genre: fantasy) One of the cleverest fantasies about empire and rebellion I've read in a long time. The female characters are fantastic and complicated, and it's so fun to be inside their heads. The gay romance at the heart of this book is tender and fucked up in all the best ways. Highly, highly recommend.

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by K.J. Charles - (genre: regency romance) Lovers to enemies to allies to lovers! A poor lawyer inherits an Earldom and discovers that the leader of the local smugglers is someone he is intimately familiar with. Very sweet and well written gay regency romance.

A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel by K.J. Charles - (genre: regency romance) A grumpy, embattled new Earl with a heart of gold meets a lonely, competent smuggler-turned-secretary with a ulterior motives. I can't overstate how much I loved this book, the characters and their relationship, the way they make each other's lives better and fuller, the way they come to make each other better people gah it's so good ;-; make sure to read the first book in this series first, even though it focuses on other characters

This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar - (genre scifi/fantasy) I went into this book knowing nothing about it besides the meme, and I highly recommend that approach. It is gay, the writing is very lyrical and flower, and you will need to let go of the typical scifi genre expectation that the world in which the story takes place will be explained to you.

The Ones I Enjoyed a lot

The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher - (genre: horror) relatable 30-something divorcee and 50-something gay barista find a passageway to another world. The world they find...is bad.

The Black Death: New Lessons from Recent Research by Dorsey Armstrong - (genre: nonfiction) summary of the latest research on the plague! V interesting and well explained. Originally a video but the audiobook is available on Hoopla.

Life in a Medieval Village by Francis Gies and Joseph Gies - (genre: nonfiction) great little deep dive into the daily life of Medieval peasants from how the legal system worked to marriage customs.

Ancillary Justice by Anne Leckie - (genre: scifi) the main character is the AI consciousness of a ship trapped in one of her ancillary bodies and her sidekick is one of her former lieutenants who was accidentally frozen for 1000 years and is having a very hard time about it.

Sorcery & Cecelia by Patricia C. Wrede & Caroline Stevermer - (genre: regency era fantasy romance) this was a re-read from my childhood and it held up!

The Wordhord: Daily Life in Old English by Hana Videen - (genre: nonfiction) did you know that "lady" evolved from the old english word for "loaf maker" and "lord" evolved from "loaf guardian"?

Role Model by Rachel Reid - (genre: romance) gay hockey romance between a hockey player and his new team's social media manager. Pretty standard romance novel but fun!

Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh - (genre: fantasy) the green man of the forest is minding his own business when a young man shows up on his doorstep. english mythology vibes, also gay.

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid - (genre: romance) gay hockey players, enemies to lovers/fuck buddies to lovers romance. if this was originally geno/sid rpf i would not be surprised.

[facetsofthecloset]

9 people you would like to know better

tagged by @vonlipvig, thanks!

1. 3 ships: Glenda/Mr.Nutt from Unseen Academicals, Adora/Moist from Going Postal etc., uhhh shoot do I even have a non-Discworld ship I actively care about ummmm

OH let’s go for the classic Gay Attorneys Phoenix/Edgeworth lol

2. first ever ship: hmmm. Probably Ranma/Akane from the middle school days. Tbh nowadays I feel like Akane is a lesbian actually but it could work out if they grow up and Ranma becomes more comfortable identifying as gender-fluid or gender neutral

3. last song: I’ve been binging podcasts for the past week or so but I’ve also been playing Stardew Valley while listening, so probably whatever track I last heard there lol

Oh wait I had a midnight crisis last night and listened to The Horror and the Wild by The Amazing Devil a lot so there we go

4. last movie: i genuinely don’t remember, but I think I recently rewatched Nausicaa?

5. currently reading: nothing technically bc I just finished the new Murderbot audiobook but that said GO READ (or listen to, even though the narrator of the audiobook is TERRIBLE at pronouncing names) MURDERBOT DIARIES I PROMISE IT’S WORTH IT

I mean if you’re not a fan of the sarcastic first person narrative format maybe you won’t like it but it’s very well done. It’s my kind of sci-fi, in that it focuses less on tech and worldbuilding (although there’s plenty of that) and more on character and how the worldbuilding actually affects the people in it

6. currently watching: my favorite hbomberguy and Folding Ideas video essays on loop. Although it’s usually as background while I play video games soooo watching might not be the right word lol

7. currently consuming: food-wise nothing; I’m at the doctor’s office waiting room for physical therapy. Media-wise, have been listening to a lotttt of Behind the Bastards, started with the Kissinger stuff. Really makes me think emotional intelligence/healthy coping mechanisms should be taught officially or something. Sure, some people will still be awful but I think at least some people would wind up NOT committing atrocities y’know

8. currently craving: Kailua pig. Or like, one really, really good avocado. The ones back home are probably in season now and yet I am trapped in the temperate zone where no one knows when an avocado is ripe and just toss in some hard green cubes

9. tagging @mariegoos (thanks again for the Murderbot rec!) @bittersweet-poppy @petrabasil @darkprincecait if any of you want to!

[kieraelieson]

Warning to my followers~ I have begun listening to the audiobooks of the hunger games. You are now trapped with me as I experience them and probably post hunger games things.

I will not post or reblog overly bloody/gorey/brutal images, gifs, or videos.

[sakshamjain3256]

Why Ignoring Your Finances Can Be Just as Bad as Obsessing Over Them | Day 4

Day 4 of Bookish Buzz's Reading Challenge focuses on personal finance, and what better way to dive into the topic than with the #1 book of all time on the subject: "Rich Dad Poor Dad" audiobook. This classic book, written by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter, advocates for financial literacy.

The "Rich Dad Poor Dad" audiobook provides practical advice on personal finance and building wealth through investing in assets, real estate, and owning businesses. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional aspect of money and avoiding negative consequences.

Rich Dad wants to teach people to master the power of money and not to be afraid of it. Being aware of fear and desire is crucial in avoiding life's biggest trap. Overall, the audiobook is a valuable resource for those looking to improve their financial literacy and achieve financial independence. So, if you're participating in Bookish Buzz's Reading Challenge, unleashing the power of this audiobook can be a game-changer in your financial journey.

[jjraderftw]

Cyberpunk Edgerunners

I freaking love Cyberpunk Edgerunners. I watched this bad boy on release and felt high on life for the first 5 episodes and extremely depressed for the latter 5. The anime is a rollercoaster of emotion with an insane soundtrack and awesome visuals, kudos to Trigger. The show tells an interesting story littered with critiques on modern society such as: class difference, capitalism’s takeover, and the unforgiving nature of life. The power system is really fun and enticing, making you want to play the game the anime serves as a prequel for (the trap, as some would say). Regardless, the show is fire and finishes off with probably one the biggest L’s any main character takes in a show, with hardly anything to show for at the end of the series, including the loss of his own life.

The idea of the large class division is super prominent in Cyberpunk. The difference between Arasaka employees and average Joe’s like David and his mom is drastic. Someone who works manual labor, long hours, and busts their butt every day is rewarded with minimal pay and starving mouths. There is no option nor legal route for escape from the lower class rabbit hole people like David are born into. No one has a say in the matter of where they are born. If you’re lucky, you are born into a rich and noble family, but others aren’t so lucky and have to result to long methods of labor to make do and still live in poverty. Furthermore, the lifestyles depicted in cyberpunk often critique the idea of who gets paid more in our world. Someone who simply manages a few things and can afford to lounge around all day (like Arasaka officials) make millions while first responders and medical specialists who physically work all day around the clock in a field that also requires intellectual prowess get nothing in comparison. This is similar to how many jobs in our world, like influencers, make almost double or even triple the amount something like an average engineer or even doctor would make, despite the latter professions requiring a bit more physical and mental work than the former.

Cyberpunk also critiques capitalism. The very idea that every person is linked up to some network and has cybernetic enhancements comments on the idea that we are all integrating with technology and having it become an essential part of our lives. The internet of things, smart devices, and our phones are all ways we are constantly connected to the internet. We can no longer fathom a world without it because it's our main form of communication, knowledge, and entertainment. Think of it. Teachers, professors, and other instructors provide class material, books and work that all require you to have some form of digital device to work, without it you’d fail. Video games and shows/movies run the entertainment world and what used to be physically present material (like books) are being slowly replaced with ebooks, audiobooks, and digital versions of the source material. We rely on phone calls and messages to communicate with people at all times (even those right next door). We are living in a world that is highly connected. This is not to say technological innovation is bad (trust me I’m all for it), it’s just that we cannot forget our humanity and let tech become more of the human identity than social/soft skills. In addition, Cyberpunks' focus on tech and social class also provides a commentary on the idea of consumerism. Everything is a commodity in Night City, even using your own laundry. This resembles how capitalism can make a product of anything in our world, and how it is hard to escape. Similar to A Place Further than the University, Lucy tries to escape the capitalistic world and go to the Moon. But just like Antarctica (which was believed to be the exterior of the world of consumerism), the Moon became a commodity and was already integrated into the world of capitalism, implying how we cannot escape it just yet.

The final point I want to make is that anime explains how life isn’t fair nor perfect. The real world is filled with challenges and difficulties. No one is the epic anime hero that will live a perfect life and always “get the girl” in the end. Sometimes, life takes a sudden turn no one sees coming and can result in some tough stuff. Though there is no recipe for success as some online gurus would say, the show does comment on the subject by saying to keep your head high. Don’t let the sacrifices of those you are close to be in vain. Carry your torch and use the tools at your disposal well to achieve the best life you can make for yourself.

[mmmm-moss]

@josis-teacup I want to continue the conversation from the comments as I truly enjoy talking about this but I hate the constraints of the comments section

The show uses a lot of showing instead of telling in the case of setting up the locations and uses telling over showing in the case of events (since we were talking about the lotus casino I’m going to continue to use it as a point of reference) . While yes in the books we had the one dude use outdated slang as a “verbal” signal (in quotes since it’s writing and not actually auditory , unless it’s read through an audiobook) that the people there have been trapped for an extended period of time , within the show we have visual representations of how long they have been trapped that’s shown through the clothing of the background characters . We get to see how engrossing the games are to people via the background characters . It wasn’t just the video game Grover was playing but also regular casino games that we see through out in the background . Grover sorta explains what the game was about and how he was close to finding Pan . In the case of not having Annabeth playing the architecture game it makes sense(throw back to when she was admiring Hephaestus’s work in the amusement park it sort of fills the gap you mentioned about not exploring their interests) , she was with Percy for a long time which was sort of like a tether to reality that Grover didn’t get since he went alone . From my perspective Percy and Annabeth staying together within the casino and being able to hold onto their memories longer is like a mirror to Nico and Bianca , they were in there for a very long time but because they stayed together some memories were able to be retained . It wasn’t exactly a “see they’re friends now” moment as that has been building up in each episode , it felt more like a residual worry over each other from what happened in the amusement park . There is not a lot of time between those two incidents so it’d make sense for them to worry over each other and want to ensure that nothing like it happened again . (I’m very sorry if that’s difficult to read , I did my best to make it coherent but it’s still a little messy :[ )

Sadly the show will never be a 1:1 rendition of the books as it is still just an adaptation and there will always be something missing or changed due to time(both production and screen time) and money constraints(sadly there is no irl Midas touch or infinite money to make everything that happens look exactly like they would in the books) .

We as the audience should be grateful for what we have gotten so far and show support for the upcoming season :]

I've seen a lot of complaints saying that Percy Jackson knowing mythology in the TV series is unrealistic but after an entire childhood of forced religion that my ADHD ass did not pay attention to, I can confirm that the second I'm watching Hazbin Hotel, Supernatural, Good Omens, and/or any show with Abrahamic characters, I suddenly unlock The Ancient Lore™ and it's like I'm a marvel fan pointing out side characters in the MCU.

[thebadtimewolf]

eek anyway

class is torchwood for teenagers.

sarah jane adventures is torchwood for preteens.

torchwood is for adults.

doctor who is for all

big finish is eldritch horror in a dark comedy

doctor who comics is fully exposing really hard no kinks that the dr says yes to much to the horror of everyone else.

bbc and target books are for certain [drowning-everyone-else's] ships to be censored or cut out in audiobooks or written so ooc the comics dont address it; and any other ships are given way bigger spotlight and written so tv accurate, it's easier for those ships to be canonical for present day than ones that arent returning since 2007 still being summarized as "trapped".... for some reason.

k9 and company is for those who are fans of the scooby doo and scrappy doo show.

k9 is for fans of house of anubis.

faction paradox is gallifreyan history from the viewpoint that isnt the doctor.

any doctor who video game is canonical as an episode as long as someone references said character in said game outside of it.

doctor who ttpg is canonical doctor thoughts you didn't want insight on ever (ex: card games)

doctor who dnd is what steven moffat thinks that what doctor who should be but what everyone else completely disagree about and they make sure he knows it.

[pujihiba]

Kids Books Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Download

Audiobook Download : Trapped in a Video Game by Dustin Brady | Kids - Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Download

You can Listen Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook On Your All Device by Click link bellow.Enjoy Listen and Download Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Free Download

[ LISTEN Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Free Download Streaming Online Mp3 ]

Download or stream Trapped in a Video Game audiobooks and podcasts on your iOS, Android, and Windows

Written By: Dustin Brady Narrated By: Kirby Heyborne Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing Date: November 2018 Duration: 2 hours 29 minutes

[wesawicaksanaadiagam]

Kids Books Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Online

Audiobook Online : Trapped in a Video Game by Dustin Brady | Kids - Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Online

You can Listen Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook On Your All Device by Click link bellow.Enjoy Listen and Download Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Free Download

[ LISTEN Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Free Download Streaming Online Mp3 ]

Download or stream Trapped in a Video Game audiobooks and podcasts on your iOS, Android, and Windows

Written By: Dustin Brady Narrated By: Kirby Heyborne Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing Date: November 2018 Duration: 2 hours 29 minutes

[fathinaanandajasmin]

Kids Books Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Online

Audiobook Online : Trapped in a Video Game by Dustin Brady | Kids - Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Online

You can Listen Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook On Your All Device by Click link bellow.Enjoy Listen and Download Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Free Download

[ LISTEN Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Free Download Streaming Online Mp3 ]

Download or stream Trapped in a Video Game audiobooks and podcasts on your iOS, Android, and Windows

Written By: Dustin Brady Narrated By: Kirby Heyborne Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing Date: November 2018 Duration: 2 hours 29 minutes

[sarinalaputriabigail]

Kids Books Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Online

Audiobook Online : Trapped in a Video Game by Dustin Brady | Kids - Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Online

You can Listen Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook On Your All Device by Click link bellow.Enjoy Listen and Download Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Free Download

[ LISTEN Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Free Download Streaming Online Mp3 ]

Download or stream Trapped in a Video Game audiobooks and podcasts on your iOS, Android, and Windows

Written By: Dustin Brady Narrated By: Kirby Heyborne Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing Date: November 2018 Duration: 2 hours 29 minutes

[zahirudinsaharhassan]

Kids Books Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Download

Audiobook Download : Trapped in a Video Game by Dustin Brady | Kids - Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Download

You can Listen Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook On Your All Device by Click link bellow.Enjoy Listen and Download Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Free Download

[ LISTEN Trapped in a Video Game Audiobook Free Download Streaming Online Mp3 ]

Download or stream Trapped in a Video Game audiobooks and podcasts on your iOS, Android, and Windows

Written By: Dustin Brady Narrated By: Kirby Heyborne Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing Date: November 2018 Duration: 2 hours 29 minutes