#especially if you’re talking about romance and romcoms I’m sorry they would not exist without this trope

[thesundanceghost]

I am little confused as to where this sudden distaste for the “third act misunderstanding” trope came from like… I don’t know I think you have to admit that it’s like a classic storytelling device……… to introduce conflict or another twist to keep the plot driving forward and provide a new obstacle to give the story another dimension??

[queenofnohr]

Aeaean Spring Breeze - Ch. 2: Once Upon a Time

Dreamwidth version here.

---

[We open with a “storybook” segment.]

Once upon a time... On a certain island, there lived a very powerful witch.

Witch: I can do anything. Healing people, transforming people, making poison, giving advice, dispensing prophecy— there is nothing that is beyond my power.

And it was true. Living all alone on an island didn’t hinder her at all. But, even if it wasn’t a hindrance, it was lonely. In truth, when she walked along the sandy beach, or looked up at all the stars strewn about the night sky, or when she ate her meals, or when she would lie down at night to sleep— she was always faintly longing for another to stay with her.

—However. She was a witch. And as a witch, loneliness shouldn’t exist for her. Those who knew the witch thought as much, and she, herself, thought so as well. It was a small thing, really, but it was enough to bring about a fatal discrepancy.

—Some time passed. A boat came ashore on the witch’s island. The warriors on the ship were finally on their way back home after a long, long war.

Witch: —That man looks like he’s made of iron.

One look, and the witch took a liking to the ship’s captain. So she thought she would do to him what she did to any other warrior.

[Storybook segment over]

Mash: The Great Hero Odysseus! You mean he’s the same Odysseus who’s not only celebrated for his feats in the Trojan War, but also the origin for the very word that encapsulates “adventure”!? Ah, but that would also mean he’s Circe’s— ……Oh, pardon me. Circe: I don’t mind if you say it, Mash. Go ahead and say whatever you were going to!

> So he’s your ex……

Circe: HE’S TOTALLY NOT!! Or, no, would he be considered one? …...No, no, it’s totally different. He’s definitely not my ex. Orion: ……Here’s my interpretation. This smell…… Yes, it’s the stink of a 24 karat, undistilled, 100% romcom. Or something like girls gossiping about the guys they like at a slumber party…… Mash: Girl talk!

> Romcom!!

Circe: Kuwah! (She made a totally weird noise) Orion: Be honest, you! Circe: Well, let’s see…… …… …… ……No, it’s like…… or is it? I give up, I don’t really understand myself. Even though I’m a Great Witch. Orion: In any case, we should return to the others. If you’ve got lingering feelings, bring ‘em up. If you don’t, leave it be. Even separation is important when it comes to romance. Circe: Being lectured on love by a stuffed bear is so humiliating……!! Orion: Kokokokoko. (He’s laughing.) I may look cute, but on the inside I’m a romance veteran!

> It’s because Artemis is far a—

Orion: YOU’RE MISTAKEN!!

> Only because a certain goddess isn’t here……

Orion: Hyohyohyohyo (He’s laughing) Circe: (One of these days, this guy is gonna get slapped for going along with this)

Circe: Well, wait a sec before we head back. I’m gonna give myself a little something so I don’t act out.

> A little something?

Circe: ...... ...... There we go. Orion: What did you do? Circe: I put a little limiter on my emotions. This way, no matter what happens, it’ll be like I’ve reached enlightenment. ……Well, I don’t really know if “reaching enlightenment” is the correct turn of phrase, it’s just the feeling I get!

[back at the beach]

Arjuna: Oh, you’ve returned. What happened? Circe: Well…… this and that. Anyway, about that guy— Arjuna: Speaking of that Servant, I have some deeply disappointing news. Circe: ? ???: It seems I’ve lost my memory. Circe: Your memory......? Georgios: I thoroughly interrogated him, and it doesn’t seem like he’s lying. Orion: Oh, don’t worry, we know his True Name. Arjuna: How? Orion: Circe knew it. His name is Odysseus. It goes without saying he’s a hero from the Trojan War. Arjuna: —I see. Odysseus, huh? If that’s the case, I want to gauge his skill. Circe: Oi, oi, are you really picking a fight? Arjuna: I’m a warrior. Even a small glimpse of his conduct in battle, and I’ll have a good grasp of his skill level. Odysseus: ……So, I’m Odysseus. Georgios: Did hearing your name bring back some memories……? Odysseus: Unfortunately not. It’s like being caught in a maze. Odysseus…… Even if you tell me it’s my name, even if I know it’s my name, I can’t quite comprehend it. Georgios: This is quite the pickle. Circe, do you have any potions that can restore memory? Circe: If I can think I can make it, then I can make it…… ...... ......Ugh. L- Let me troubleshoot a little. I don’t know what’s interfering. Odysseus: Please do. Circe: ...... ...... Circe: There’s residual magic on him. This can’t be treated with a potion. This means— Someone robbed him of his memory. Everyone else: !! Georgios: Then what should we do? I believe that perhaps he has a deeper connection to this Singularity than anticipated. Odysseus: I think you should account for the possibility that I’m the culprit. Jason: In that case, maybe we should tie him up and leave him be.

> Are you able to come with us?

Odysseus: Certainly. By learning that my True Name is Odysseus, the only thing I remembered was how to use my Noble Phantasm. ……It seems that as a Servant, there is some inherent knowledge and records I possess. If it isn’t a problem, I should be able to use that, at least. Arjuna: That’s promising. Then we’ll search for the solution to this Singularity together with Odysseus. Circe: ...... ...... Mash: Circe, are you okay with that? Circe: ……I guess I’m fine with it. Odysseus: Oh, so you’re Circe? Circe: Right on the money, Odysseus. …...Well, I suppose I’ll work with you until your memory comes back. Odysseus: I look forward to working with you. Circe: *being unsociable* Odysseus: ...... ...... Orion: Circe, you’re a little, uh- maybe smile a bit……? Circe: What are you talking about? I’m always like this. Well, let’s go, Master!

> What’s with this strength……!?

Circe: Don’t be rude to a Great Witch!

> Circe?

Circe: It’s fine, it’s fine. Let’s go!

Odysseus: ...... ...... What a close Master-Servant pair. That’s nice to see. Orion: (……She’s totally gonna break Guda’s wrist……)

[we’re in the jungle]

Circe: For now, let’s follow the residual magic left on him. Though it’s hard to track with all these Phantasmal Beasts hanging around…… Well, just leave that part to me. Odysseus: I’m counting on you. Circe: Oh, uh, right. Well, let’s give this a go……

> Seems like you're having a hard time……

Circe: Of course I am!!

> Is Odysseus weighing on your mind?

Circe: Can you stop with that tepid look, Piglet!? I think you totally have the wrong idea!

Odysseus: What’s wrong, Circe? Circe: It’s nothing so don’t you dare come over here! Odysseus: ......Okay. Arjuna: ……I have a problem with the way you’re acting right now. Georgios: Even if you’re only joking, aren’t you being a little impolite to someone who was an old acquaintance? Circe: What is this, a combo attack from the righteousness police!? Jason: No, from a third party’s perspective your behavior is totally that of an evil woman persecuting someone who’s already demoralized by having his memories lost. Circe: Yeah right. That guy is iron. He’s a man whose bones, flesh, and nerves are all made of steel. Odysseus: I see. So that’s how you see me…… Certainly, it’s as you say— I’m not hurt. Because I understand you have a reason for acting this way. Jason: He has total faith in you, O Great Witch. Circe: ……How about I toss some cursed pancakes on you for blessing us with your horrid laugh? Jason: I’ll stop. Circe: Hm. Sorry, but can someone take care of the Phantasmal Beasts ahead of us? We could go around them, but it’ll make it even more difficult to track the residual magic. Jason: Hm. Then looks like you’re up, Odysseus. Odysseus: Me? Jason: Show us the hero who could compare to  Achilles and Hektor in the Trojan War. Oh, the greatest hero in Greece is Heracles, of course. I won’t concede that fact, but you can compete for second place. Odysseus: Understood. It’s certainly true that I can verify my existence with my behavior in combat. Georgios: If you’re apprehensive, I will follow you into battle. Odysseus: Please do. It’ll be welcome in the unlikely event that I’m defeated. Jason: Isn’t the usual response, “I’ll do it alone”? Odysseus: With how I am right now, even if I had said that, it wouldn’t be from my pride as a Heroic Spirit…… it would simply be arrogance. I don’t intend to solely rely on another, but I won’t refuse help. Now then, Guda. Your orders!

[battle]

Odysseus: ……Right, how was that? Arjuna: There’s a solidness to the way you fight. It’s beyond reproach. Rather than a warrior, the way you fight is like that of a strategist. Odysseus: That seems to be in-line with how I lived. Circe, can you continue tracking now? Circe: ...... ...... Odysseus: Circe? Circe: Oh, er, yeah. That was just the first time I’ve seen you fight. Odysseus: Really? Since we knew each other in the past, I assumed we fought alongside each other. Circe: No, Aeaea Island was peaceful. Jason: Because you turned everyone into beasts? Circe: That’s right! Because I’m a Great Witch! Orion: I feel like that isn’t something to brag about. Circe: By the way, I turned your subordinates into beasts. What do you think about that? Awful, right? Odysseus: No, not really. I don’t think it’s acceptable to make snap judgements about a situation. If I’m going to blame someone, I’d want to have all the facts straight first…… To begin with, I’m just a vestige of who I was when I was alive. I have no intention of continuing to hold the grudges I had when alive, especially over strange circumstances. Circe: ...... ......Hmph!!

[she storms off]

Odysseus: ?

[Odysseus follows; they're separate from the rest of the group]

Mash: Circe?

[with them]

Circe: Sorry, it’s nothing. No, let’s see. I’m blaming you for things you didn’t do. But it really is nothing. Odysseus: ……Because I don’t remember, I wanted to avoid answering. Circe: —Fufu. As expected of the Achaeans’ #1 strategist! Alright! The trail is clear again with those Phantasmal Beasts gone. With this it’s a straight shot! Odysseus: Yes, let’s go!

[they walk away, and a picture is snapped]

Jason: Do those two get along or not…… Arjuna: Are we being underhanded and rocking the boat by butting into their business? By the way, Georgios, what did you take a picture of just now? Georgios: Oh, those two looked quite good on camera so I snapped one unintentionally. Jason: So you’re a battlefield photographer…… Mash: About Circe, do you think that she’s still, you know, toward Odysseus……? Er, I mean, do you think she still loves him? Orion: No idea. You’d probably have to ask her yourself. My guess is she finds it amusing and wants to mess with him. Jason: I agree with Orion. That witch wants to take advantage of his weakness. And wants to use him as a shield in a pinch. Arjuna: Ah, I see. So this is what Lady Medea had to deal with as a wife…… Jason: That’s in the past! Circe is Circe, and I’m me! I won’t comment on anything ‘cause I’d like to continue living, thanks!

[switch to Circe's PoV]

—Even lacking his memories, there’s no change in his personality or the way he acts. It’s infinitely frustrating, but also relieving. Because that means he didn’t change how he acted just for me back then. ……It’s reassuring. Even though it’s me, he treats everyone the same. ……It’s also just a bit frustrating. How complicated a maiden’s heart is.

Odysseus: ……I see something. Circe: That’s…… Odysseus: This is your island. Any idea what it is? Circe: ......Not at all. No, to be specific I know what this building is, but…… Why it’s here…… I haven’t the faintest idea. Odysseus: Hm. ......It seems like this is a matter of great interest. Circe: Piglet, can you come here for a sec—?

> What is it?

Circe: Take a look at this. Jason: The stairs lead underground...... It’s bad, that place is giving me a bad feeling! Arjuna: Circe, what do you think of it? Circe: Well, an underground staircase never existed on Aeaea Island! Georgios: If that’s the case, then this place is a clear discrepancy with the original. Odysseus: In other words, we should go down there. Now then, Guda, what do you want to do?

> We have no choice but to go.

Odysseus: Roger that.

> Any objections to going?

Jason: Yes! I say we abandon this Singularity and go home! Georgios: Ha. Ha. Ha. That’s not a valid answer. Denied. Jason: Tsk. ……Isn't this just an open invitation to an underground labyrinth? This is like saying you need a tiger cub— no one needs a tiger cub, not even a little.

Orion: ......Well, I second that bad feeling. Arjuna: Then I’ll be the scout. Georgios: I’ll join you. Master, Circe, and Odysseus will be in the middle. Jason and Orion will bring up the rear. Jason: Oho, that sounds good. …… …… Orion: Jason, if you desert, you’ll become a wandering ghost. Jason: Don’t read my mind! Odysseus: Then, shall we go? Guda, your orders.

> All units, forward!

Arjuna: Roger that. Go, go, go! ……Why did I do that. Jason: Aren’t you the one who did it!?

> Let’s go—!

Orion: Right!

[he goes, then comes back]

Orion: Are you coming or not!? Everyone Else: Sorry.

---

Ch. 1 ← → Ch. 3

[rebeccaheyman]

reading + listening 9.29.20

It was another week of soaring highs and middling mediocrity, but fortunately no DNFs. Notably, I’ve been dragging my heels on PIRANESI by Susanna Clarke, which has been sitting on my desk in gorgeous hard cover since release day. You ever want to love a book so much that you’re afraid to actually read it? No, no, me neither. Here’s hoping I get brave this week. In the meantime...

It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake (Claire Christian), eBook ARC (US pub date February 2021). I loved this book so much that I’m already looking forward to owning the aBook once it’s available, just so I can relive the magic in a new way. Here’s my five-star NetGalley review: 

I have discovered the antidote to the unmitigated disaster that is the year 2020, and it is IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE, NONI BLAKE. I inhaled this book in under 24 hours and feel soul-satisfied in a way I forgot existed. NONI BLAKE is a rom-com that's so much more than a rom-com; it's as much a character study as LESS and as much a travelogue as WILD, with the sweetness of Mhairi MacFarlane, the delicious heat of Sally Thorne, and the humor of every best friend you've ever gotten drunk with. It is, in a word, perfect.

When I say this book has it all, I am not kidding. In it, you will find: - an average-bodied woman finding sexual empowerment and body positivity - a Scottish book boyfriend for whom you do not need to travel through time - healthy adult friendships - A+ Bechdel Test score - adventurous, consensual sex that is at times hilarious and at other times really, really hot - situational comedy that will legitimately make you laugh out loud - adults who talk openly about their feelings in an authentic, mature way - portrayals of grief that range in severity from mourning the loss of an unborn child to coming to terms with years of self-criticism and negativity - rich, descriptive prose that does not drag down pacing - excellent plotting, perfectly balanced with the protagonist's complex internal journey

...the list goes on. This book is joy exemplified. I can't wait to give it to every woman I know. My only complaint is that the world needs this book immediately to inoculate us against the tidal wave of awfulness bombarding the globe, and yet it won't be released until 2021.

Notably, Australian readers have access to NONI BLAKE as of... today (!), so if you happen to be reading this in Australia, please do yourself a favor and buy this book immediately. And if there’s someone you especially like elsewhere in the world, maybe box up a copy and spread the love.

Act Your Age, Eve Brown (Talia Hibbert), eBook ARC (pub date March 2021). I know, I know -- how many contemporary romcoms with the exact same title structure can I read in a single week? Real answer: 2. But based on how fabulous both these titles were, I’m open to more. Here’s my four-star NetGalley review:

I've decided it's entirely impossible to read the Brown Sisters series without feeling amazing. Hibbert's writing is so smart, funny, and full of A+ banter -- not to mention scorching-hot heat -- that it almost feels like we don't deserve her books' nuances, diverse representations, and patriarchy-shaking feminism.

But we do deserve it, actually, and it's all there in ACT YOUR AGE, EVE BROWN.

If at first Eve seems flighty and difficult to connect with, don't discount the intentionality of her characterization. In a tidy narrative trick, Hibbert gives us the very experience that defines many of Eve's friendships: while the youngest Brown sister may have made a great first impression in Chloe and Dani's books, her flightiness feels off-putting once she takes center stage. But sticking with Eve -- instead of pushing her to the margins of our two-person social circle -- has a massive pay-off, as she soon reveals herself to be intensely focused on helping others, spreading joy, and baking delicious cake. It's a side of Eve too many of her "friends" never get to see -- but Reader, we do. And it turns out, Eve is a wonder.

Many of Eve's quirks align with behaviors on the autism spectrum; while Jacob's autistic presentation is perhaps more conventional, Eve's traits are equally validated by Hibbert's sensitive, nuanced treatment of the disorder. Romance + autism usually means antisocial behaviors, rigidity, and/or Asperger's-like presentation (The Kiss Quotient/Bride Test, The Girl He Used to Know, The Rosie Project... the list goes on). But ACT YOUR AGE explores the all important "spectrum" side of "autism spectrum disorder," and urges us to resist believing we understand what these labels mean just because we understand one small aspect of a very large picture.

All of this happens while a truly compelling, heart-melting romance unfolds. Eve and Jacob are incredibly fun to watch, and Hibbert keeps things moving at a lovely clip. I especially appreciated her resistance to the "h/h have to spend totally unnecessary time apart after an argument/misunderstanding" trope in Act III, which is a convention I would happily see go the way of the dinosaur.

Fair warning to your TBR pile: If you don't reread Chloe and Dani's books prior to picking up ACT YOUR AGE, EVE BROWN, you're going to want to afterward. There's simply no other way to maintain the rosy glow of post-Hibbert reading.

Finally, I'm predicting here and now that Mont, Alex and Tess are the next sibling trio to get the Hibbert treatment. (Please? Like...PLEASE please?)

Set My Heart to Five (Simon Stephenson), aBook (narr. Christopher Ragland, Rachael Louise Miller, Lance C. Fuller). If you combined the signature humor/love combo of David Nicholls, the deeply felt nostalgia of Ready Player One, and the bots-with-feelings hypothesis of Spielburg’s AI, you might come close to understanding what makes SET MY HEART TO FIVE so good. In the year 2054, the world has taken some unexpected turns: humans have accidentally locked themselves out of the internet, Elon Musk blew up the moon (also accidentally), and humanoid bots have been integrated into society as second-class pseudo-citizens. We meet Jared -- bot, dentist, cat-owner -- who has begun to experience curious malfunctions. With a friend’s help, and a heaping dose of old movies, Jared realizes he can feel real emotions. He resolves to journey west to Hollywood, where he’ll write a movie that changes the way humans view bots and paves the way for his bot brothers and sisters to enjoy the full range of human experience. 

Jared’s explanations of human behavior provide a satirical commentary on our curious, often contradictory behaviors (”Humans. I cannot!”). Since films from the pre-bot age figure so prominently in Jared’s emotional awakening, that same satirical analysis is applied to movie synopses, which are rendered with necessary frequency but occasionally feel like overkill. The book relies heavily on a lovely trick of narrative reciprocity; Jared is on an archetypal hero’s journey, even as he strives to write a formulaic screenplay according to the “golden rules” of the fictitious script expert, R.P. McWilliams. But SET MY HEART TO FIVE never feels hackneyed, and in more than one way proves the rule that great stories are all in the telling.

With the innocence and clarity that can only come from being something of a stranger in a strange land, Jared embraces his existence with infectious enthusiasm and charm. It’s virtually impossible not to cheer for his success, even as we’re warned again and again that a great story will “eff us in the heart” at its conclusion. Audio is brilliantly narrated by Christopher Ragland, who manages to imbue the bot cadence we expect with believable nuance and big style. 

Well Played (Jen DeLuca), aBook (narr. Brittany Pressley). I’ve got bad news for fans of WELL MET: If you wondered whether your enjoyment of Deluca’s ren-faire romcom debut of 2019 was due in large part to the book’s setting -- and more specifically, the way h/h’s interactions at the faire advanced the storyline -- the answer is yes. And why is that bad news, you ask? Well, because WELL PLAYED has none of the crackling Emily/Simon tension that carried the first book through its narrative stumbles. In book 2, the glacially slow Act I relies heavily on Stacy’s recitation of what makes her life humdrum, and a long series of email exchanges we *know* are coming from the conspicuously introduced Daniel -- even though Stacy, apparently suffering a traumatic brain injury, convinces herself it’s idiot playboy (and Daniel’s cousin) Dex. Sorry not sorry for the “spoiler,” which is impossible not to see coming from many miles away. Once this pseudo-conflict is resolved, the book boils down to situational fluff: a wedding, a squeaky mattress, the literal number of pumpkin spice lattes Stacy drinks over the course of a month. If it sounds like this is not a plot, that’s because it isn’t. The romance is low-stakes, the “uncrossable divide” that eventually separates h/h is the width and depth of a puddle, and the last third of the book is pretty much solely devoted to setting up a Mitch/April romance in book 3.

Notably, I found references to Stacy’s body-consciousness extremely strange. If we want to normalize average-sized women in romance, maybe we do that by not including, apropos of literally nothing, how “unflattering” woman-on-top sexual positions are?! Stacy is not characterized by self-consciousness, so the moments when her interiority veers toward self-criticism don’t feel necessary. I’m not saying these aren’t authentic thoughts and feelings plenty of women have, but an editor should have pushed DeLuca to answer the question to what end? Why include body hyperawareness in the precise moments when it appears? Like too much of the prose in WELL PLAYED, these inclusions felt like word-count boosting instead of dynamic character development or plot production. Sad as I am to say it, this book was a missed opportunity that shows the danger of rushing book 2 to market. 

The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics (Olivia Waite), aBook (narr. Morag Sims). This book has been on my radar since its publication last summer. Gorgeous cover aside, I’m always here for diverse historical romance. Sadly, for me, the external stakes here were simply too low, and relied overmuch on the baffling revelation that men -- especially in this historical moment --  underestimate and undermine women. I never felt discernible chemistry between Lucy and Catherine. This could be due, in part, to Morag Sims’ narration, which pitches Catherine’s voice in a low, husky range that accentuated the women’s age difference. From the outset, we learn that Catherine is the widow of one of Lucy’s father’s colleagues; while Lucy is the more sexually forward woman in this partnership, there’s something a little An Education about the whole arrangement. 

On my radar this week:

Piranesi (Susanna Clarke) 

A Deadly Education aBook (Naomi Novik)

We Can Only Save Ourselves ARC (Alison Wisdom)

Angel in a Devil’s Arms (Julie Anne Long)

The Project ARC (Courtney Summers)

The Love Square ARC (Laura Jane Williams)