#gorgeous thoughtful and diverse series

[eghfeithrean]

Kodansha currently has Witch Hat Atelier volumes 1-3 available to read for free!

(I think it’s meant to be through October 26th)

Link here: https://kodansha.us/series/witch-hat-atelier/

If you haven’t read this series yet I highly recommend it! Get a head start before the anime airs next year.

[claymoresword]

Fatal Attraction | Pt.2

Lagertha Lothbrok x Farmer Fem!Reader

Summary: After a long day of working on your farm, you have an accidental encounter with a gorgeous shield-maiden.

Pairing: Lagertha x Reader

Wordcount: 1.9k

Warnings: fluff, smut, cunnilingus, g!p reader, soulmate elements, in my mind lagertha & y/n live happily ever after

Note: hi, so this is a continuation from the other Lagertha one shot i did with the same title :D before anyone asks, no this won't be a series lmaoo i don't have the time or willpower to commit to one right now but trust there will be more Lagertha stories whenever i get the inspiration.

hope u enjoy!

Once you've laced up your breeches properly, you swiftly extend a hand, assisting Lagertha as she gets to her feet.

Quietly observing as she retrieves her own sword off the ground, the shield-maiden courteously reaches for your ax as well.

“Thank you.” You mutter, unable to wipe the evident smirk off your face. Lagertha rolls her eyes in a playful fashion, fastening her sword belt, whilst you do the same.

You soon take Lagertha's hand in your own, guiding her through the dense forest, towards your farmhouse. “Come, this way.”

It is nearly nightfall now so you had to move quickly, else risk being stranded till morning.

A period of comfortable silence as you walk side by side before Lagertha addresses you.

“Can I ask you something– before we get to your house?”

You nod, pushing past more undergrowth and brush. “You can ask me anything.”

“How old are you?” Lagertha inquires, her eyes fixed upon your face, as if eager for a response; anxious to dismantle you.

“Two and twenty.” You reply after a beat.

You manage to catch the way the older woman's brows furrow for an instant, before her expression sets impassively once more.

“How old are you?” You nudge her with a shoulder.

The distant noise of streaming water is all you hear before the other woman finally responds.

“Older.” Lagertha says simply, this time it is your turn to roll your eyes.

You scoff.

“I gathered that, but how much older?” You attempt, and once more the shield-maiden is opposed to answering.

“I am asking the questions.” She asserts, gesturing to herself.

You bite your bottom lip to conceal your amusement, holding your arms up in mock surrender. “My apologies, go on.”

“How many siblings do you have?” She asks, glancing at the riverbank as you come upon it.

“None. It was only me and my mother.. but she is gone now.” You admit, Lagertha accepts your hand as you ascend the bridge.

You cross the river in silence, but you can sense her stare. Intrigue and pity.

“I am sorry, the wound of losing a parent never truly heals.” Lagertha finally states, and you can only grace her with a nod, hoping to move away from the topic of your mother.

“How long have you been operating your farm alone?” Another question, you can feel your shoulders relax– merely thankful for the diversion.

“Five, almost six years now.” You have no issues replying with the truth once more, you relish the way Lagertha clasps your hand slightly tighter.

You anticipate her next words, willing to answer any question Lagertha might have, all night if necessary. Especially if it meant remaining in her company.

“Have you ever thought of getting married?” Her words prompt a smirk, you steal a swift glance at the older woman before responding.

“I have thought of it.. I suppose I have yet to meet a woman I would want to spend my life with.” You say, looking at her again.

Lagertha's brows furrowed once more, and you quickly realize that she does that because she is thinking. The sight makes your heart pound harder in your chest– she is truly the most enticing woman you have ever met.

“And what would you consider a woman you would spend your life with? What do you desire in a wife?” The shield maiden inquires, as her expectant gaze meets your own, you are tempted to pull her close and kiss her once more.

“Oh, that is easy to answer.” You remark as an idea occurred to you.

Tugging on Lagertha’s arm, you guide her to the body of water before pointing to it.

“You need only use your eyes.” With little light left in the sky, the river is dark, but her reflection is visible enough.

You watch it ripple as you both stare. The older woman is quiet for a while, though you swear she is fighting a smile.

“I don't think a fish would make a reliable companion.” Lagertha finally jests, brushing past you, her hand slips out of your grasp.

You can't help the involuntary laugh that erupts from your chest as Lagertha turns back to you with a grin. She waits for you to catch up and continue your journey back to your farmhouse.

“You are funny.” You compliment, and the older woman simply hums in acknowledgement.

“And you have a very smooth tongue.” Lagertha notes, now that you are practically beaming.

You don't fight the urge to reach for her hand once more; a sense of triumph as you feel the shield-maiden entwine your fingers in a more intimate manner.

“Just wait till you see what else I can do with my tongue.”

═══════════════════════════════════════════

You reach the farmhouse just as the sky has fully darkened, now the world is quiet, apart from the distant noise of crickets in the nearby forest. Even then, the sounds come few and far between. The insects must be hiding out to escape the cold– something you both should also do.

“After you, my lady.” You gesture into your home after pushing the door open.

Lagertha chuckles at your mock gallantry, she has her arms wrapped around herself for warmth as she steps through. “Thank you.”

You observed as the shield-maiden immediately began wandering around the inside of your home, taking in her surroundings. You let out a quiet sigh at the realization that you've left the space tidy enough, initially not expecting any company.

-

Routinely, you fetch a pile of firewood, making your way over to the hearth.

Lagertha's tentative stare is accompanied by a wild fluttering in your belly. She watches you feed the fire as if it was the most fascinating sight in the world– you had to bite back a grin.

“Do you really live alone?” The older woman asks again, and your expression contorts incredulously for a moment.

Why is that so difficult for her to believe?

“Yes, it is just me.” You respond in earnest as you move from a squatting position to approach her.

You hold her eye contact as you stand only an inch or two away. The shield maiden is first to avert her gaze– somehow she is even more gorgeous now, with light from the firepit dancing on her skin.

“Can I ask you another thing?” Lagertha's brows are knitted together once more. Now it is a familiar sight to you, you allow yourself to smile as you reach out to caress her cheek.

“What is it, beautiful?” You coax.

You desperately want to feel her lips against your own, though you decide to wait patiently for her next words.

“Do you believe that sometimes two people are meant to cross paths, for better or worse?” Lagertha inquires, and your expression grows almost mirthful as you quickly understand her meaning.

“Yes, I do believe that.” You ensure, shifting even closer, your gaze flits down to her mouth for an instance.

To your delight, Lagertha is first to eliminate all space between you– practically crashing her lips against your own, your tongue slips in her mouth, allowing you to taste her as you swallow her whimper. The shield-maiden's hand swiftly gets lost in your hair.

Lagertha gasps as your lips part, as if it pained her to separate. Although she maintains a firm hand against your chest, forcibly keeping you at a distance so she may speak.

“I do not understand it but– it feels like I am supposed to be here with you.” She breathes and you nod in agreement it feels as though you had been waiting for her all your life.

“Yes, I feel the same.” You admit, kissing her again, hard and eager until she moaned.

*

You feel your cock quickly stirring within your wool breeches, you want her again, you need her.

Lagertha seemingly shares that sentiment as she swiftly unclasps your ax belt before slipping her hand underneath the hem of your tunic, lifting it over your head to leave you in your smallclothes.

You repeat the same with her garments, and soon enough she stands before you bare, flushed and vulnerable.

“You are breathtaking.” You praise as your open mouth finds her neck. Lagertha is already panting by the time your hand cups her breast, she can only moan at the contact, guiding you closer to your bed.

You watched as the shield-maiden climbed onto your bed, unreservedly, as if it was her own. In truth, she looked as though she really did belong here, in your home.

You can hardly fathom a time when she wasn't in it.

“Come here.” Lagertha coaxes after she catches you staring, her legs parting willingly as you settle yourself on top of her.

Your clothed groin makes contact with her swollen, wet heat as you kiss. She immediately wraps her legs around your waist, seeking more friction.

Her arousal begins to leave a wet patch on your breeches, and the feel of it makes you groan.

She is utterly intoxicating.

“Fuck–” You grunt into her mouth, you needed to feel her and taste her, properly.

Lagertha’s grip on the nape of your neck tightens as you pull away, but the feel of your warm tongue on her breasts causes an involuntary shiver to run through her body.

She is weakened at the mere feeling of your mouth on her flesh, and it makes you giddy with want.

The older woman gasps once more as you deliberately nip at the skin just above her belly button, before smoothing over it with your tongue.

Lagertha trembles anew.

“Please..” Her voice is meek and desperate. What she is pleading for is unclear, although her insistent hand guiding your head further down her body gives you a clearer idea of her desires.

You decide not to deprive either of you a moment longer. Propping her thigh up slightly, at last your mouth makes contact with her weeping sex, ripping a wanton moan out of the older woman.

Her fingers tighten in your hair as you begin to run your tongue through her folds, sucking and licking with little reverence.

“Y/n– oh, Gods–” You proceed to coax a slew of incoherent muttering and groans from Lagertha as you continue to pleasure her with your mouth. Determined to make her feel the best she has ever felt.

The volume of her moans would suggest that you are succeeding.

You begin sucking on her already sensitive clit, and soon the shield-maiden arches her back, grinding her cunt against your mouth.

You decide to present her your tongue once more, this time dipping it inside of her entrance, and this is all it takes for Lagertha to come undone.

She screams out in ecstasy, her hand has fallen away from your hair to grip the sheets next to her, as the violent orgasm rips through her body.

You pull back, moaning at the taste of her on your lips. You kiss a gentle path up her still writhing frame until your face is once more, hovering over hers.

Lagertha's eyes are visibly glossed over from pleasure and arousal. She lets out a breathless chuckle as she looks up at you, wiping your mouth clean.

You kissed her palm then, and she hastily drew you close in response. Her chest is still heaving as her mouth meets your own, heavy and passionate.

As your lips eventually separate, you open your mouth to speak, but the words swiftly die in your throat.

Lagertha's hand begins to travel further down, she expertly locates your hardened bulge.

The older woman squeezes your cock through your breeches, and now all you can manage is a grunt. She beams at your reaction, leaving a contrastingly innocent kiss on your cheek before pulling her hand away and propping herself up on her elbows.

“Lay back.” Lagertha commands.

[vintagetvstars]

Diana Rigg Vs. Nichelle Nichols

Propaganda

Diana Rigg - (The Avengers, Diana) - Honestly? Just check her out as Emma Peel in any episode of The Avengers. The character herself was a legend - an exceptional spy, wonderful fighter, certified genius, a true feminist role model - not to mention a renowned sex symbol (that leather catsuit... heavens help me...) and fashion icon. As for Diana personally, she was once described by Michael Parkinson as "the most desirable woman he ever met, who radiated a lustrous beauty". She could pivot from funny quips and endearing jokes to stone-cold badassery like it was nothing, and she looked stunning either way. Whenever I look at a pic of her, I have this feeling she's planning some fun mischief and I get the strongest urge to ask her to take me along. Need anything more? Here, have some pics: (pics below the cut)

Nichelle Nichols - (Star Trek) - She speaks for herself. Legendary, iconic, at the forefront of feminism and civil rights in the 60s, she is a triple threat who did so much more. She volunteered from 1977 to promote recruitment diversity within NASA, including some of the first female and ethnic minority astronauts. Martin Luther King Jr. compared her work on Star Trek as a 'vital role model' to the civil rights marches. She refused to be dismissed, fought for visibility and shone whilst doing so. As a woman in stem, and simply a woman she means the world and stars above to me.

Master Poll List of the Hot Vintage TV Ladies Bracket

Additional propaganda below the cut

Diana Rigg:

When people think of The Avengers, they think Steed and Peel (or they think the marvel property but that’s neither here nor there). I know people who thought Mrs. Peel was the ONLY woman Steed worked with, Diana Rigg was Just That Good (she was only on two seasons!). She was one of those actors that could so perfectly play comedy in any form, her dry, sardonic wit was marvelous, but so was her physical and slapstick comedy, and she could do drama too! If you’ve seen her in interviews you’d also know how fabulously humble and kind she was. I don’t know if I’ve ever been more attracted to a TV woman than I’ve been to Diana Rigg. Some photos of her:

the SMILE!!!!

I like a woman that could kill me in one shot

tell me she's not endearing I DARE you

Gorgeous, sexy, competent, superior, so much leather. Diana Rigg as Emma Peel in the Avengers was foundational to my sexuality and personality. She's classy, she's cute, she's cocky, in one episode she whips a bunch of guys while wearing a corset and a spiked collar...

excuse me I'm overcome with sinful thoughts

 hello 911 I think I'm having a heart attack

Here's an interview I fell for her in:

Diana Rigg | Interview | The Avengers | Good Afternoon | 1974 | Part one

Her first appearance in The Avengers (In series 4, if you can believe it):

The Avengers: Emma Peel First Appearance HD

Nichelle Nichols:

She is the original badass babe. She was a black woman in a leading role on TV in the 60s, a trailblazer for black actresses for years to come. She is so beautiful and so awesome.

she's fantastic. have you seen her? paved the way for black actresses on TV even while her lines and scenes were being cut and improvised the most iconic uhura line in the series. (sulu: "I'll save you, fair maiden!" uhura, pushing him away: "sorry, neither!") she's incredibly talented and it's a crime the show didn't give her more screen time (or make her sing more often because she also has a beautiful voice!)

“Sorry, neither” in response to “fair maiden” was ad libbed by her. There’s a lot more I could say but what else do you need??

A sci-fi icon!

She was such a trailblazer, and Uhura was such an important character for so many people to be able to see on TV. Apparently Mae Jemison (the first African American woman to go into space) cited her as a reason she wanted to become an astronaut. She was just an absolute legend!

The story of Martin Luther King telling her not to quit Star Trek gives me chills. Representation matters. “Thank you so much, Dr. King. I’m really going to miss my co-stars.” Dr. King's smile, Nichols recalled, vanished from his face. "He said, 'What are you talking about?'" the actress explained. "I told him. He said, 'You cannot,' and so help me, this man practically repeated verbatim what Gene said. He said, 'Don’t you see what this man is doing, who has written this? This is the future. He has established us as we should be seen. 300 years from now, we are here. We are marching. And this is the first step. When we see you, we see ourselves, and we see ourselves as intelligent and beautiful and proud.' He goes on and I’m looking at him and my knees are buckling. I said, 'I…, I…' And he said, 'You turn on your television and the news comes on and you see us marching and peaceful, you see the peaceful civil disobedience, and you see the dogs and see the fire hoses, and we all know they cannot destroy us because we are there in the 23rd Century.'"

She shared the first interracial kiss on Star Trek, helped propel real life African American women into space-related careers, and looks divine in a mini skirt.

HOW DID UHURA WALK BACKWARDS SO FAR??? WOW!

[doodlesdreaming]

Shin Megami Log 4(After Game Thoughts)

Finished SMT V during Christmas, and I have THOUGHTS.

I'm gonna put all that under the 'Read More' bit, so if any of you are interested in this game, then scroll past and no peeking.

Right then, final thoughts:

Brief history lesson first, I knew very little about the SMT series or the spin-offs like Persona. Of course, with how incredibly successful Persona 5 is, it's hard to miss any sort of info. But even then, my knowledge of the entire franchise was very limited. All I know is that it's basically the "Dark Souls" of RPGs with character driven stories that have of ingredients than a Final Fantasy title. At least, that was the vibe I was getting.

But even then, I never have been interested enough to want to give any of the games a try. I did get Persona Q2 back when I first heard of the 3DS dying out, but it mostly because I didn't want a Persona game with Joker's face on it to be forever lost. Weird I know, but that was my train of thought, at the time. But after clearing the first boss(and realizing that prior knowledge of Persona 5's story is an absolute must) I got bored and haven't touched the game since.

Fast forward a few years later, when Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne was announced with a HD port to current gen consoles. I was genuinely excited by the announcement. This meant that if I ever decided to give Nocturne a try, it'll be alot easier for me to do so now. Then after that came the biggest surprise of all; Shin Megami Tensei V.

Now this....this caught my attention. Though I can't really explain why. Was it the character designs? The gorgeous looking world? "D" all of the above? All I can say is that something 'clicked' and I was very interested. Even though it would take two years later until I actually got it.

And I'm so glad I did.

I was invested right from the start. From the silent "show don't tell" protagonist, all the way to Lufcier himself, the story, even with its swiss cheese holes in plot at some points, had me hooked from start to finish. The combat never got boring. I was constantly thinking of strategies and building up my demons that suited my needs and my playstyle. The world was incredibly fun to explore, even though the lighting choices, in some areas, made my eyes strain a bit. It would take me up til the big boss of the area for me to finally adjust.

And the bread and butter of it all, The Law and Chaos mechanics. A stable, I've come to understand, in the SMT series. Yet an important take away from all this is that nothing is as black and white as it seems on the surface. SMT is a franchise that makes you think. It makes you question yourselves and you inner most thoughts. And SMT V had me rolling in so many thoughts, that when I reached the 'alignment lock' of the game, I had to take a break because I was starting to get overwhelmed.

Of course, this could very well be a really weird quirk of mine. But when I get into a really good story, I REALLY get into it. And the choices I make would impact the ending I would get.

By all accounts, the Law ending would naturally mean the good ending, right? Well sure...if you can live with a Law that discriminates all other forms of thinking(a.e. free will), will not hesitate to punish they see as 'unfit' and the willingness to become corrupt yourself, just to prove a point. Sure. Law is the way to go.

The Chaos ending usually entails victory for the bad guys. And yet, there really isn't a clear "villain" in this case, other then the absolute obvious ones(f you Lamau). In Chaos, there is diversity, the freedom to choice your fate, to be yourself. And yet with so many possibilities, there will be disagreements, arguments of what is right and wrong, and power competing against power. No one really wins, and there is constant strife. But hope is just as abundant, with the capability that anything is possible.

The Neutral ending is well...the Neutral ending. You don't pick a side. You're that little kid that asks, "Why not both?" A balance of law and chaos. So understandably this would the best choice. Yes...except the neutral path follows a man who has been brought down low by both law and chaos. He lost everything precious to him, to the point where he belittles his fellow man if they show any sort of weakness. So the solution? Make humanity the leading power of the universe, but take away every viture and sin that exists in the heart and soul. And by extension, all the angels and demons in existence. Never to be even a story told by campfire light because it would never be allowed to cross through the mind. Humans would be free of woe and fear, and grow abundant in their everyday lives. But will it truly last?

You could probably guess which ending I ended up getting. And quite honestly, I'm satisfied with it. Plus it lines up perfectly with my ever growing headcanons of the Nahobino. So I'm taking it as a win.

I honestly can not recommend SMT V, especially if you're like me who enjoys a good rpg that I can sink my teeth into. It has it flaws, yes. But they feel so small that it doesn't really bother me. Some of them I can just 'fix' with good old imagination. And it's definitely inspired me to play Nocturne next, for sure. But first, I want to see if I can beat the Demi Fiend himself in combat....

There's so much more I'd like to talk about, but I think I rambled long enough.

The main takeaway? I LOVE THIS GAME. Definitely gonna be alot of fanart for sure. And I'm gonna get my hands on some merch when I can. It probably won't exceed my growing Darksiders collection, but it might come close in time, lol.

The other main takeaway from all this is that I get it now. I get the appeal and why this series is standing as strong as it is. HEE-HO!!!

[batmanisagatewaydrug]

every single book I read in 2022. all 129 of them.

jesus christ

let's start with the best of the best; everything else will get listed beneath the read more because I'm not an animal. even just picking out my favorites is honestly probably going to get pretty lengthy, even though I'm trying to keep the synopses short.

batmanisagatewaydrug's noteworthy books of 2022

Complaint! (Sara Ahmed, 2021) - necessary for anyone doing diversity work in higher education, tbh

America is Not the Heart (Elaine Castillo, 2018) - achingly gorgeous novel of heartbreak and healing.

The School for Good Mothers (Jessamine Chan, 2022) - honestly? I feel very good calling this my favorite book of the entire year. sensitive, smart, chilling.

Black Feminist Thought (Patricia Hill Collins, 1990) - truly ashamed to say I didn't read this sooner. Collins' clear-eyed analysis remains crazily spot-on 30+ years later.

Hurts So Good: The Science and Pleasure of Pain on Purpose (Leigh Cowart, 2021) - I read this book so early in 2022 and literally have not stopped thinking about it since.

Batman: King Tut's Tomb (Nunzio DeFillippis, Christina Weir, José Luis García-López, and Kevin Nowlan, 2009) - dare I say the most fun I had with a comic all year.

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty (Akwaeke Emezi, 2022) - a romance unlike any other. queer, fun, sexy, bold as hell, and joyfully life-affirming.

The Dangers of Smoking in Bed (Mariana Enríquez, trans. Megan McDowell, 2021) - DELICIOUSLY creepy short stories that will lurk in your brain forever.

Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century (Kim Fu, 2022) - if a more perfect short story collection exists I am yet to find it.

The World We Make (N.K. Jemisin, 2022) - I normally hesitate to include sequels on a list like this, but god DAMN Jemisin is the queen of modern spec fic for a reason.

We Do This 'Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice (Mariame Kaba, edited by Tamara K. Nopper, 2021) - excellent collection of Kaba's abolitionist writings, drawing on years of organizing experience and wisdom.

Jade City (Fonda Lee, 2017) - look out! new favorite doorstopper fantasy series alert!

Priestdaddy (Patricia Lockwood, 2017) - about the best damn memoir I've ever read. heartbreaking and hysterical in turns, poetry the whole way through.

Batman: The Long Halloween and Batman: Dark Victory (Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, 1996 and 1999) - it's always so exciting when something much-hyped lives up to the hype in every way. Batman at his grim and moody Batmaniest with a Gotham that’s deliciously bleak.

Station Eleven (Emily St. John Mandel, 2014) - I didn't think I'd like this book much at all, then ended up proposing on the second date. oops!

I'm Glad My Mom Died (Jennette McCurdy, 2022) - you will also be glad McCurdy's mom died, and also experience every other known human emotion along the way.

Kaikeyi (Vaishnavi Patel, 2022) - SPLENDID mythology retelling + political fantasy.

My Body (Emily Ratajkowski, 2022) - haunting haunting haunting personal essays about Ratajkowski's life as a model and subsequent alienation from her own body.

Batman: Bruce Wayne, Murderer? (Greg Rucka et al, 2002) - genuinely what can I say I'm a messy bitch and I love when the Bats are having a terrible time.

The Batman Adventures Vol. 2 #1-17 (created by Dan Slott, Ty Templeton, Rick Burchett, Terry Beatty, and Bruce Timm, 2003) - a continuation of the Batman: The Animated Series universe that frankly just fucking rules.

Little Rabbit (Alyssa Songsiridej, 2022) - a potent and erotic adult coming of age story.

The Right to Sex: Feminism in the Twenty-First Century (Amia Srinivasan, 2021) - thorny, difficult, vital essays.

Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia (Sabrina Strings, 2019) - jaw-droppingly thorough research into the role of fatpobia played and plays in the project of race-making.

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous (Ocean Vuong, 2019) - yeah so it turns out no one was REMOTELY exaggerating. Vuong really is That Good.

Hench (Natalie Zina Walschots, 2020) - wild fun with a ruthless protagonist and her sex villainous beetle man boss; what more could you ask for?

Love Your Asian Body: AIDS Activism in Los Angeles (Eric C. Wat, 2021) - learning about queer history makes me feel like I’m holding something so vibrant and fragile and precious right in my little queer hand. this book is an emotional journey in such a shining way.

Never Have I Ever (Isabel Yap, 2021) - EXCITING short story collection centered on girls having Just The Weirdest Time.

and everybody else:

fiction:

Light From Uncommon Stars (Ryka Aoki, 2021)

Our Wives Under the Sea (Julia Armfield, 2022)

A Tiny Upward Shove (Melissa Chadburn, 2022)

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy (Becky Chambers, 2022)

Disorientation (Elaine Hsieh Chou, 2022)

The Laws of the Skies (Grégoire Courtois, trans. Rhonda Mullins, 2019)

The Monster Baru Cormorant (Seth Dickinson, 2018)

The Tyrant Baru Cormorant (Seth Dickinson, 2020)

Greenland (David Santos Donaldson, 2022)

Dead Collections (Isaac Fellman, 2022)

The Halloween Moon (Joseph Fink, 2021)

A Dowry of Blood (S.T. Gibson)

Nightmare Alley (William Lindsay Gresham, 1946)

The Vegetarian (Han Kang, trans. Deborah Smith, 2015)

The Metamorphosis (Franz Kafka, trans. William Aaltonen, 1915)

Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Toshikazu Kawaguchi, trans. Geoffrey Trousselot, 2019)

Woman, Eating (Claire Kohda, 2022)

Long Division (Kiese Laymon, 2014)

Jade War (Fonda Lee, 2019)

No One is Talking About This (Patricia Lockwood, 2021)

Portrait of a Thief (Grace D. Li, 2022)

Elatsoe (Darcie Little Badger, 2020)

A Snake Falls to Earth (Darcie Little Badger, 2021)

Glitterati (Oliver K. Longmead)

Gideon the Ninth (Tamsyn Muir, 2019)

Harrow the Ninth (Tamsyn Muir, 2020)

Nona the Ninth (Tamsyn Muir, 2022)

The Memory Police (Yoko Ogawa, trans. Stephen Snyder, 2019)

Even Though I Knew the End (C.L. Polk, 2022)

100 Boyfriends (Brontez Purnell, 2021)

Flowers for the Sea (Zin E. Rocklyn, 2021)

Any Way the Wind Blows (Rainbow Rowell, 2021)

Interview with the Vampire (Anne Rice, 1976)

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (Benjamin Alire Sáenz, 2012)

Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World (Benjamin Alire Sáenz, 2022)

Into the Riverlands (Nghi Vo, 2022)

Siren Queen (Nghi Vo, 2022)

Strange Beasts of China (Yan Ge, trans. Jeremy Tiang, 2020)

short story collections:

The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer (Janelle Monáe, Yohanco Delgado, Eva L. Ewing, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Danny Lore, and Sheree Renée Thomas, 2022)

Walking on Cowrie Shells (Nana Nkweti, 2021)

Terminal Boredom (Izumi Suzuki, trans. Polly Barton, Sam Bett, David Boyd, Daniel Joseph, Aiko Masubuchi, and Helen O’Horan, 2021)

nonfiction:

Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity (Judith Butler, 1990)

How to Read Now (Elaine Castillo, 2022)

Playing the Whore: The Work of Sex Work (Melissa Gira Grant, 2014)

What We Don't Talk About When We Talk About Fat (Aubrey Gordon, 2020)

White Tears/Brown Scars: How White Feminism Betrays Women of Color (Ruby Hamad, 2020)

Belly of the Beast: The Politics of Anti-Fatness as Anti-Blackness (Da'Shaun L. Harrison, 2021)

Some of My Best Friends: Essays on Lip Service (Tajja Isen, 2022)

One Day We'll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter (Scaachi Koul, 2017)

How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America (Revised Edition) (Kiese Laymon, 2020)

Sister Outsider (Audre Lorde, 1984)

Conversations with People Who Hate Me: 12 Lessons I Learned from Talking to Internet Strangers (Dylan Marron, 2022)

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism (Amanda Montell, 2021)

World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments (Aimee Nezhukumatathil)

Histories of the Transgender Child (Jules Gill-Peterson, published as Julian Gill-Peterson, 2018)

Yoke: My Yoga of Self-Acceptance (Jessamyn Stanley, 2021)

A Queer History of Fashion: From the Closet to the Catwalk (edited by Valerie Steele, 2013)

Transgender History: The Roots of Today's Revolution (Revised Edition) (Susan Stryker, 2008)

The End of Policing (Alex S. Vitale, 2017)

The Trouble With Normal: Sex, Politics, and the Ethics of Queer Life (Michael Warner, 1999)

Read My Lips: Sexual Subversions and the End of Gender (Riki Wilchins, published as Riki Anne Wilchins, 1997)

poetry:

Short Talks (Anne Carson, 1992)

Content Warning: Everything (Akwaeke Emezi, 2022)

Prelude to Bruise (Saeed Jones, 2014)

Alive at the End of the World (Saeed Jones, 2022)

Bright Dead Things (Ada Limón, 2015)

Motherland Fatherland Homelandsexuals (Patricia Lockwood, 2014)

Nature Poem (Tommy Pico, 2017)

Night Sky with Exit Wounds (Ocean Vuong, 2016)

Time Is a Mother (Ocean Vuong, 2022)

comics:

Batman: One Bad Day - Mr. Freeze (Gerry Duggan, Matteo Scalera, and Dave Stewart, 2022)

Spandex - Fast and Hard (Martin Eden, 2012)

Harley Quinn: The Animated Series: The Eat. Bang! Kill. Tour (Tee Franklin, Max Sarin, and Marissa Louise, 2022)

Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? (Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert, 2009)

The Sandman: Preludes & Nocturnes (Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith, Mike Dringenberg, and Malcom Jones III, 1988)

The Sandman: In the Doll's House (Neil Gaiman, Michael Zulli, Mike Dringenberg, Chris Bachalo, Malcolm Jones III, and Steve Parkhouse, 1989)

The Sandman: Dream Country (Neil Gaiman, Kelley Jones, Malcolm Jones III, Colleen Doran, and Charles Vess, 1991)

The Sandman: Season of Mists (Neil Gaiman, Kelley Jones, Malcom Jones III, Mike Dringenberg, Matt Wagner, P. Craig Russell, George Pratt, and Dick Giordano, 1992)

The Sandman: A Game of You (Neil Gaiman, Shawn McManus, Colleen Doran, Bryan Talbot, Stan Woch, and George Pratt, 1993)

Run, Riddler, Run (Gerard Jones and Mark Badger, 1992)

Catwoman: When in Rome (Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, 2005)

Batman: Year One (Frank Miller and David Mazzicchello, 1986)

Batman: One Bad Day - Penguin (John Ridley, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Cam Smith, and Arif Prianto, 2022)

Batman: Bruce Wayne - Fugitive (Greg Rucka et al, 2002)

Batman: One Bad Day - Two-Face (Mariko Tamaki, Jaiver Fernandez, and Jordie Bellaire, 2022)

Batman & Robin Eternal Vol 1 & Vol 2 (James Tynion IV and Scott Snyder, 2015 and 2016)

Batman: Their Dark Designs (James Tynion IV, Guillem March, and Tomeu Morey, 2020)

The Joker War Saga (James Tynion IV and Jorge Jiménez, 2021)

Papergirls Vol. 1-6 (Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang, 2016-2019)

Real Hero Shit (Kendra Wells, 2022)

Poison Ivy #1-6 (G. Willow Wilson and Marcio Takara, 2022)

and some gaming guides!

Monster of the Week (Michael Sands, 2012) - great game. so cool. cannot wait to actually play it someday.

Thirsty Sword Lesbians (April Kit Walsh, 2021)

special shame zone because I want you to know how bad this sucked, do not read this:

Rethinking Sex: A Provocation (Christine Emba, 2022). patronizing, puritanical, reductive, painfully cisheteronormative. weirdly afraid of group sex. not actually that provocative, just aggressively Catholic.

and last but most certainly least, a comic that I want to remind you all fucking sucked just one more time before the year is done.

Batman: One Bad Day - The Riddler (Tom King and Mitch Gerads, 2022)

Tom King, go fuck yourself. Mitch is cool though, the art slapped.

[zorbojorks]

Anachronism and ‘Red Dead 2′- Pt. 1: That Black Dress

So, this is typically an art blog, but I want to start a little series about my thoughts on some creative anachronisms in Red Dead Redemption 2, specifically concerning the historical clothing used for some of their characters, since historical fashion is a particular interest of mine. 

For part 1, I’m looking at this dress, dated approx. to 1897 (from @fripperiesandfobs​):

... which is actually used for two different characters in the game! (read more below the cut, but be warned of plot spoilers!!)

I LOVE this dress-- it’s a very gorgeous example of that late-Victorian, early-Edwardian figure, and it’s dating is of particular interest here, becuase of who wears this dress in-game, and when they wear it. 

Character 1, is (to possibly some of yall’s surprise) Abigail Roberts. Here is her character model in the dress:

To the best of my knowledge, she was modeled with this dress during the bank heist in “Banking: the Old American Art,” as she and Hosea were posing as well-to-do Saint Denis citizens while they created the diversion for Arthur, Dutch and company to carry out the robbery. 

This is not anachronistic for Rockstar, since the dress’ dating puts it as being made, presumably, according to the fashion trends of the late 1890s, when the game is set. (In other words, they know that this look was considered normal and fashionable in a city at that period, and designed Abigail accordingly).

Where the anachronism comes in (and gets interesting) is with the second character they dress in this outfit:

Mary Gillis Linton, presumably during the epilogue in 1907, pictured briefly in the dress during the credits (pictures from the Red Dead Wiki):

Here, she wears the dress as a mourning dress as she visits Arthur’s grave. The addition the devs make to Mary’s outfit is her mother’s broach pinned to her collar, which being a side-quest item, makes sense to add. The hat, as well, looks like it’s made of a gray felt or silk, rather than Abigail’s straw, and the ribbon ends with a low bow on the back, rather than whatever the fuck is going on with Abby’s in the front.

Be that as it may, the dresses are the same, and are both clearly modeled from the ca. 1897 dress pictured first. 

I think it’s interesting that they would dress Mary, a canonically “high society” character in a deliberately out-of-date dress (they do this quite a lot with her actually, but that for another post). 

To me, this anachronism links back to her relationship with Arthur, and the encounters with her in-game always being linked to both of their attachments to the others’ pasts. I mean, to visit a grave is to be inherently visiting bygone memories, right?

(There is always the possibility that this vignette is supposed to be before 1907, but because it is sandwiched by other vignettes from that year I am going with it being contemporary).

So, the anachronism of Mary’s wearing this dress, to me, works as a thematic anchor to her character’s emotional function within Arthur’s story, and even if it is historically-innacurate, I think it’s very amply deliberate, and interesting to see here. 

Tell me what y’all think! I love talking about this stuff!

[marblemoonstones]

🩵 catharsis ~ chapter five

main masterlist

series masterlist

pairing: bts ot7 x reader

genre: collegestudentreader!au 

warnings: ❗️any characters in the story have nothing to do with their real life counterparts❗️f reader, reader with glasses, use of the word ‘damn’ (lol don’t know if that counts as a curse word, but i’ll still put it as a warning)

word count: ~ 3.6k

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Now that Hoseok and I aren’t completely enemies, I notice that the boys are happier. I know they’re happy that we’re getting along, and I’ll admit that I’m also happier. I no longer feel super awkward around Hoseok, and he then tells me to call him ‘Hobi.’ A giant step, if I do say so myself. 

The school year drags goes on, and I throw myself deep into piles of homework and semi-late nights. If I’m not doing homework, I lie on my bed and binge k-dramas, usually falling asleep while watching. 

It’s another normal Wednesday, and I’m walking to class when I hear a voice call out behind me, “Y/n! Wait up!”

I turn and see Jungkook and…Taehyung? What’s he doing here? I thought that he had a shoot today. He is going to showcase his new line of clothes, which he calls ‘Reflection.’ I saw a couple of his sketches and they were gorgeous formal gowns.

I turn around.

“What’s up…Tae why are you here? I thought that you had a shoot today.” 

“That’s…why…I’m…here…” Tae pants, tired from running. 

“What TaeTae here is trying to say is that yes, there is a shoot today, and yes, we need you to model in it! Our model is sick, so our first thought was you!” 

I’m shocked. Me? A model? I may not hate my appearance, but I’m still human and am insecure about being in front of a camera. 

“Me? No way. You’re funny. I can’t model!” 

“Why not? You’re gorgeous and perfect for the role.” Taehyung says, not panting anymore.

My cheeks flame, and I say quietly, “Girls with glasses can’t be models.” 

I’ve seen many different models on ads and online, and while there is diversity and inclusion, I almost never see models with glasses. (author here-I agree with this and think that there should be more models with glasses. the only celeb that I can think of is actress anna cathcart. love her so much!!) I love my glasses, but sometimes I feel like there are so many stereotypes around people with glasses. I don’t feel comfortable with contacts, so I’ve embraced the beauty of wearing glasses.

After I say this, both boys frown at my answer.

“What do you mean?” Jungkook asks me. 

“You know…there aren’t many models with glasses. I’m definitely not fit for this role. You should try to find someone else, like Hwasa.”

“But we want you, y/n. That’s why we’re here. Please won’t you come? If you absolutely don’t feel comfortable, no pressure. But we could use you.” 

I hate making quick decisions, as I like to plan out the outcomes of each choice and then decide. I guess today’s a day for being spontaneous because I cave after seeing Jungkook and Taehyung’s puppy eyes.

“Okay, I’ll do it.”

They cheer. 

“Yes! C’mon, let’s go!” They start walking to the car.

I follow behind them, my class forgotten. Oh well. Today was only a review day, and I can do it online later so it’ll be fine. 

My brain starts racing, the thought of not being good enough crossing it often. I’ve never even modeled before! I have no clue what I’m doing. 

I sit in the backseat, trying to calm my nerves. Eventually we reach a grand looking building with gorgeous pillars. 

“Wow…it’s beautiful,” I marvel, staring at the vintage yet ornate detailing.

“Yeah it is…now we’ve got to go! We’re already behind schedule,” Taehyung urges. 

Us three rush inside, where there’s a grand staircase and a ballroom to the right. Both are filled with people rushing around. Stylists, hair and makeup people, producers, etc. Taehyung is talking to a woman who looks professional and serious with a headset. She nods, and then gestures for me to follow her.

“Go with Sasha! She’s my assistant and she’ll take you to hair and makeup!” 

I rush after Sasha, trying to keep up with her long strides. There’s a hair and makeup crew set up in a smaller room off into the corner. 

Sasha pops her head in and says, “Here’s the new model. Same look as planned and make it quick.” She then spins on her heel and walks away.

The stylists put me in a chair and have me take my glasses off. There are expensive makeup palettes and high-end hair products everywhere. They make quick work of me, and I try to stay as still as possible. My hair is being curled and put up in a half-up style. 

Finally, they tell me to put my glasses back on. I do, and am stunned by how I look. Deep red eyeshadow with a hint of gold sparkle and matching lip make me look sophisticated and my glasses showcase the eye makeup. My hair is bouncy from the curls and they put it into a simple half-up style with a small gold clip and pieces of my hair framing my face. I have never felt more beautiful. 

“Wow, thank you. You all did such an amazing job!” I repeat over and over to them. 

They all smile sheepishly and wave it off, saying “It’s our job!” 

Sasha comes back, and nods her approval, then rushes me off to wardrobe. The wardrobe woman put me in a stunning wine-colored dress that’s off the shoulder and has drapes of fabric around my shoulders. The waist has subtle gold detailing, and the skirt is full and loose around my gold heels (think ballgown). Gloves that match hit me slightly above the elbow, and I feel like a princess. I cannot believe that Taehyung designed this. 

Sasha comes yet again, but this time we’re going to start the shoot. As she leads me out to the grand staircase, I see Tae with a worried look on his face. But, as soon as he sees me, it melts into an awestruck smile. 

“Y/n…you look absolutely perfect. That dress was made for you!” 

“I can’t believe you designed this Tae, it’s so beautiful,” I say, smoothing my skirt down, looking at the glamorous design.

“It’s not the design but the person wearing it,” Taehyung says, still looking at me. 

“Hate to break this up, but we need to get started. Let’s get some solo shots before we include Jungkook,” Sasha interrupts. 

Jungkook? What’s he doing? Is he a model too? 

“Okay, y/n, go up to the staircase and place your hand on it and gaze out into the distance,” Taehyung orders, switching to full on director mode.

I do as he says, and try not to feel awkward as there are so many people watching and making adjustments to the hot lights and my dress. 

“Perfect…” says the photographer, taking many photos. 

“Great, now walk slowly down with your hand still on the railing and look slightly above my head with that same gaze.”

I try to do as Tae says, but he shakes his head at me. “You’re too stiff, loosen up a bit. Go up and try again.” 

I do, trying not to feel like he’s disappointed in me. After multiple tries, me getting frustrated every time we have to start over, we finally get the shots that Taehyung wants.

After what seems like forever, we move on to the next style. I change into a black ballgown with capped sleeves and more long elbow length gloves and real diamonds on the skirt. My makeup is changed to a subtle smoky eye and bright red lip. Hair now upswept in a chignon, a detailed diamond headpiece rests heavily on my head. I feel like a Hollywood starlet.

“Okay! After Jungkook’s ready, we’ll start.” 

I learned that Jungkook is going to be a model with me, as we’re going to do ‘romantic partner shots,’ which is what Sasha calls it. 

I wait impatiently, the black heels hurting my feet and my head heavy with diamonds. It’s also late afternoon now, and I just want to change and go eat. 

Jungkook finally shows, dressed in a classic tuxedo. I’ll admit, he looks like a fairytale prince. 

“Let’s go over the windows and get some shots with the sun streaming in,” Taehyung instructs. 

He then positions us in a class ‘romantic looking into each other’s eyes’ pose, with Kook’s left arm around my waist and my left hand holding the dress out slightly. 

I gulp as I stare into Jungkook’s big doe eyes. He’s so damn handsome, and I don’t feel that I deserve to be next to him. 

He winks at me, and I swear I turn into a tomato. But, we have to continue holding our gaze until finally, Taehyung says we can move on. 

The next pose is where Jungkook dips me. I’ll admit, this one is really fun to do. We have to do it may times, and each time I find myself falling harder into Jungkook’s eyes. 

Taehyung says that he has one more idea and turns on instrumental music. 

“Okay, for this last one I want you guys to waltz to the music. This will create more candid shots, so let’s start!” 

Great. There’s only one problem with that.

“Jungkook,” I hiss under my breath, “I have no clue how to waltz.” 

“I thought you were a dancer?” He asks me in a whisper. 

“I do contemporary dance! Not ballroom dancing.” I laugh nervously, wondering how we’re going to pull this off.

“Just follow my lead,” Jungkook says, starting to step with me slowly. 

I do as he says, and after stepping on his toes a couple times we fall into a rhythm. Soon the music fades away and all I can focus on is Jungkook. His handsome features, kind nature, soft smile…oh no. I like Jungkook. 

And then I stumble.

“Y/n! Are you okay?” Jungkook asks me worriedly, and I just nod, too dazed with my feelings to respond in words.

“Are you sure?” Tae asks me as well, concerned look on his face. 

“I’m fine guys, really,” I assure them. 

“Okay, well we got all the shots that we needed, so you’re both free to leave! I have to stay here for a while, though,” Taehyung says, still in director mode. 

“Don’t be so serious Tae! But you’d better come home before midnight because otherwise Joon-hyung will be mad at you,” Jungkook says, going to kiss Taheyung’s cheek. 

“Okay okay Kook. I’ll probably be back by seven tonight, so don’t worry,” Taehyung laughs, going back to the person I know. 

“Good. I love you,” Jungkook says, rubbing his nose against Tae’s. 

“Love you too my little bunny,” Taehyung teases.

“Hey! I told you not to call me that!” 

~ 

Jungkook and I change and I take off the heavy makeup, then we head home. I run my fingers through my hair, happy to have it loose and free again instead. 

But as I get into the passenger seat, I can feel myself getting irritated with my feelings. God y/n, why do you like someone who’s taken? How do you get yourself into these situations? 

“Hey y/n, you ok?” Jungkook’s voice brings me out of my thoughts. 

“Oh! Yeah I’m fine, I’m just tired from the shoot,” I say, only half-lying. 

“Yeah, the first couple shoots are pretty exhausting, but you did great for someone who’s never modeled before!” Jungkook praises.

I feel myself blush again. Why do I always blush at the most simple compliments? Oh wait, it’s because I like Jungkook. 

“Thanks Kook,” I say, trying to not feel the sweat coursing through my body.

“Joon asked us if we could pick up pizza, so I placed the order while we were at the shoot,” Jungkook explains as we start going a different route.

“Just how many pizzas did you order?” I ask, knowing that their appetites are huge. 

“Seven.” 

“Seven?” I ask, surprised. But I shouldn’t be, because I know that the boys could probably each eat their own pizza.

“Yeah, Tae won’t eat with us so everyone gets their own!” Jungkook cheers as we pull into the pizza place.

“I’m not even sure that I can eat a whole pizza,” I admit, thinking of the greasy slices.

“It’s okay, leftovers!” Jungkook exclaims. 

“Okay leftovers boy, let’s go,” I say, laughing at his enthusiasm. 

We step into the pizza place and the smell immediately makes my stomach growl. Jungkook goes to the counter and says that he has a pick-up order, and after a minute seven fresh boxes come out. I carry three and Kook carries four. 

We stack the boxes in my lap, and I can barely see over them. 

“We’re almost there y/n,” Jungkook says, chuckling at my wide-eyed expression. 

After a little bit we reach home. 

Jungkook parks then opens my door for me, taking all of the pizza boxes. 

I try to take some back but he waves me off, saying “You held them all the way home!”

Stepping through the garage door I yell out, “Pizza!” 

Namjoon immediately puts down his laptop on the coffee table and comes to help us. We set up the boxes on the counter. 

Yoongi slowly appears from the studio with Jin and Hobi comes out of the dance studio.

“Where’s Jimin?” I ask, noticing that he’s the only one missing.

“He’s upstairs I think,” Jin responds.

“I’ll go get him,” I say, starting up the stairs.

“Thanks y/n!” Joon calls.

I go straight to Jimin’s room, thinking that he’s taking a nap. 

“Jimin it’s time for-“ 

I freeze as I open the door. There, standing without a shirt on is Jimin. He has sweats on that dip dangerously low and his abs are gorgeous. He looks like an angel.

“Time for what, y/n?” Jimin asks, his voice slightly lower than normal.

“Um…time….for…” I trail off, averting my eyes. I’m turning red for the second time in one day. First Jungkook now Jimin!

“Like what you see?” Jimin asks with a smirk. 

An angel? No, he’s a devil.

“No…” I stammer out, trying to burn the image out of my mind. 

In the end, I just turn around abruptly and say in the way out, “Dinner’s ready! And please put on a shirt…” 

The last part makes him laugh as I shut the door behind me. I groan silently and put my hands on my head. This is not what I needed. Jungkook in a tux and Jimin shirtless is a double threat of hotness. 

Damn it. 

I also like Jimin. 

I can’t like both of them! This is a problem. I can’t like boys that have boyfriends! And I don’t even think that they like girls! Wait, Hwasa said that they did. Does that mean they all do? But I can’t like them! They’re strictly off limits! 

Too many questions run through my brain and somewhere in there I make a mental note to text Hwasa later and see what she says. 

I walk downstairs and bring myself to focus on the meal. Jimin’s abs-no, pizza. 

We sit down with our pizzas and Jimin comes sauntering down a minute later, now wearing a shirt. I just stare at my pizza slice. 

“Hey everyone!” He says, looking straight at me, a small smirk still on his face.

“Hi Jiminie!”

“Hey Chim.”

“Come sit down!”

He sits and we all dig in. The boys chat about their day and we eventually get to the topic of the photoshoot today. 

“Yeah, you guys should’ve seen y/n! She was such a pro even though it was her first time,” Jungkook gushes.

“That’s impressive y/n,” Yoongi says quietly amid the other compliments.

I smile and thank them.

“The dresses were so stunning. I can’t believe that Taehyung designed them,” I say, trying to divert the conversation to something else.

“Yeah, that’s our Tae. He’s always had such an eye for art. Just like Joon over here,” Hobi says, “Joon loves to go to museums for hours in the afternoon.” 

“Really? That’s cool. Who’s your favorite artist?” I ask Namjoon, surprised at hearing this.

“One of my favorites is J.M.W. Turner. His art is so beautiful and serene to look at. But I also like any kind of art, including music, fashion, etc.” Namjoon explains.

“Jin’s a cook, Yoongi’s a music producer, Jiminie and Hobi are dancers, Tae’s a fashion designer, and Kook is a cinematography major. You really found the right people!” I exclaim, thinking about how all of their careers are artistic, except maybe Namjoon’s. But, I think that teaching is also an art in its own way.

“I really did. I’m so lucky to have found them and-“

“Why am I the only one who doesn’t have a nickname?” Yoongi interrupts with a frown.

Jimin laughs at Yoongi, saying “I thought you didn’t like nicknames hyung!”

“Well…if i’m the only one without one I feel left out!” Yoongi complains.

I smile at his pout and decide to think of a nickname.

“What if I call you Yoodles?” I ask.

“Like noodles?” Jungkook asks, chortling.

“Yoodles is cute!” I argue defensively. 

“Okay, Yoodles it is,” Jin says, trying to break up the giggles and arguing currently going on.

“You’re the only one allowed to call me that, y/n,” Yoongi states, ignoring the boys’ “Hey!” “Why?” and “Not fair!”

“Sounds good Yoodles.” I try it out and see a gummy smile appear on Yoongi’s face. 

“Aww, y/n you made him smile!” Jimin teases, then sees Yoongi’s smile turn into a glare at him. 

“Now you made him mad!” I shake my head in fake disappointment. 

“Yeah Jimin, you made me mad,” Yoongi pouts cutely. 

“Alright guys, that’s enough. Just eat your pizza!” Jin complains again, although he’s looking fondly at the boys.

They comply and finish their whole pizzas. Meanwhile, I can only eat about six pieces before I feel stuffed. 

“Hey y/n, are you going to eat the rest of your pizza?” Namjoon asks me sheepishly.

“No, want my last two pieces?” I ask, giving the two slices to the beaming man.

“Thanks y/n!” His dimple pops out when he thanks me.

After doing the dishes we pile into the living room to watch a movie. Tae is home by now, tired but happy. 

Jungkook wanted to do a movie marathon, but then remembered that everyone has work/school the next day. 

Arguing over a movie takes a couple minutes, until we spin a wheel to determine who gets to choose. Jin wins so we watch Frozen. 

I look to where to sit, trying to avoid Jungkook and Jimin at any costs. The only spot that’s open is…in between Jungkook and Jimin. They must have planned this. Damn it. 

I reluctantly sink into the seat between them, trying to ignore their gazes. The movie starts, and the song at the beginning comes on.

Everything is fine for a bit, and I find myself slowly relaxing more into the cushions. Until ‘Do You Want to Build A Snowman?’ comes on. 

Jungkook suddenly leans down and starts singing the song slowly into my ear. His angelic voice is mesmerizing and I try not to shiver. I accidentally meet his gaze and my eyes widen at the look in his. Those beautiful eyes know what they’re doing. After the song he turns his attention back to the movie, satisfied with his attempt to fluster me. 

I also turn my attention back to the movie, trying to cool down from that encounter. It only semi-works because next thing I know, Jimin lays his head down on my left shoulder. His pink hair is fluffy and I can see his perfect skin shine. I swallow as Jimin starts to close his eyes, seemingly falling asleep. Great. Now I have an angel on my shoulder and the devil to my right. I stay stiff throughout the rest of the movie because of Jimin. 

After the movie finishes, the boys start to head up to bed. Jin is the first to leave, barely sparing anyone a glance as he heads upstairs. Yoongi gives me an amused smile at my situation and I roll my eyes as he too gets up. Hobi and Taehyung go together and soon it’s just me, Jungkook, Namjoon, and a sleeping Jimin. 

“Y/n, let me get Chim off of you so you can go sleep,” Namjoon says tiredly, looking at the bubblegum-haired boy on my shoulder.

“Or you could just sleep down here and not wake up Jiminie,” Jungkook suggests sneakily.

“Jungkook, you are not going to make y/n sleep down here on the couch when she has class tomorrow,” Namjoon says as sternly as he can.

“But hyung, Jimin looks so comfortable!” Jungkook whines.

I contemplate my choices. Go up to my nice bed or stay down here with Chim. I guess one night wouldn’t hurt, and Jimin looks so peaceful on my shoulder.

“I guess I can stay here tonight…” I say, eyes averted to the floor.

“Y/n, you don’t have to do that. Really. It’s okay.” Namjoon is protesting but I can see the exhaustion in his eyes.

“It’s okay Joon, just go up to bed. I’ll lay down here with Jimin and it’ll be fine for one night. Go to sleep. You have class tomorrow,” I urge Namjoon, happy to see him comply and shuffle up to bed. 

“Goodnight y/n. Sleep well,” Jungkook says as he leaves, turning off the light. 

The moonlight seeps in through the curtains and I gaze at Jimin’s serene face. I sigh softly, then gently maneuver us so that we’re both lying on the couch. Jimin stays asleep and before I close my eyes, I can’t resist giving a soft kiss to his forehead.

Goodnight Jimin. 

a/n: hey y’all, updates are probably going to be slow because i am so busy right now!! i mostly write on the weekends. much love and hope you enjoyed reading! 🫶🏼🩷

[victusinveritas]

Warm summer day, beautiful river scenery, gorgeous girl.

Another warm summer day, but in a burning city scenery, a dead girl.

➡The scene in this photo may reflect a carefree teenage girl's life. Even if it was like that, it was only for a very short period. The image was taken during times when teenagers matured really fast and nothing was taken for granted, especially when you were a member of an underground army, just like the girl in the picture.

➡Her name was Anna Zakrzewska, code named “Hanka Biała”. This photo's date and location are unknown, but we can assume it was taken somewhere in occupied Poland, probably around 1943 and 1944. She is only 17 or 18. Yet, despite her young age, she was already involved in the Polish underground resistance. She was a member of the Grey Ranks Assault Groups (Polish underground scouting organisation) and served in the Home Army’s Directorate of Diversion (Kedyw). “Hanka Biała” completed a military course and was trained as a medic.

➡In July 1944, she participated in military drills 60km east of occupied Warsaw in the forests near Wyszków. Perhaps this photo was taken there? At that time the Home Army “Operation Tempest” was in full swing. It was carried out to stand as allies and hosts for the approaching Soviet troops, in the hope that the political and propaganda considerations, as well as the support of the Western Allies, would force the Soviets to respect the sovereignty of the Polish civil authorities. The summer of 1944 was the last summer for “Hanka Biała”.

➡The Red Army soon approached the Polish capital and the Warsaw Uprising broke out on 1 August 1944. Thousands of Poles, including really young ones like “Hanka Biała” went on a desperate fight to liberate the city after years of brutal German occupation.

➡Another warm summer day in a burning city.

➡Warsaw, 11 August 1944. The elite Radosław Group of the Home Army is about to retreat from the Wola district. “Hanka Biała” is a messenger. She must pass the retreat orders to the “Felek” platoon of the “Rudy” company.

➡A Home Army soldier Stanisław Sieradzki, code-named “Świst” recalls.

➡“At one point I hit something with my wounded right forearm. It was “Hanka Biała”. She no longer needed help. She was lying on her stomach, her head turned to the left and her hair sprayed with blood. It was probably a series from a machine gun. Her open mouth was filled with blood and ground. This sight of “Hanka Biała” I will never forget. After all, an hour earlier she had pulled me from my combat position on the second floor of the school corridor on Spokojna Street. From this window, I was observing the Catholic cemetery, from where I fired at the enemy who was also aiming at me. At that time “Hanka Biała” was cheerful, as energetic as ever, lively. And now on this cursed field, she lies, calm, motionless. Expecting to march out, I thought of Hanka. I saw her sad face. The question arose in my mind: 'Why did Hanka have to die so young, after all, she was only 18 years old."

➡2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, the pinnacle of the Home Army’s “Operation Tempest” and one of the most tragic episodes in Polish history. More info about the Warsaw Uprising: https://rb.gy/8ifm8m

Warsaw Rising Museum.

[madama-noctule]

𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐈 𝐖𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐀 𝐍𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝟐:

WARNING: SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN’T SEEN NETFLIX’S CASTLEVANIA NOCTURNE.

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐈𝐅:

After finishing the series, I couldn’t help but feel there was so much more that they could have added/implemented. I DO like the series at the moment but I feel there can be some room for improvement - it has so much more potential.

___________________

NOCTURNE CRITICISM:

PROS:

- The animation was absolutely Gorgeous and I loved all the watercolour scenes - I thought that was a good touch. It still felt like I was watching Castlevania

- I adored the character designs - especially Drolta’s look. It’s a different take from the original series and it stands out a lot; it’s also one of my personal favourites. I loved seeing the different takes of characters as well.

- The music and soundtrack was just as good as ever. I especially loved hearing “Opposing bloodlines”.

- I like how some of the characters were written. However, they don’t come off as strong as the original. Regardless, they were okay and at the same time likeable.

I especially enjoyed most of the characters including Orlox and the newest: Edouard. Not forgetting to mention his lovely voice. He helps make scenes more emotional and come off stronger. I love the diversity and cultures Castlevania has to offer and has added; I love every single one of the characters. It’s so great to see all different beautiful cultures.

- I noticed along with some other friends that there were some popular anime references snuck into the show which I really liked. Although I don’t watch anime, it’s still pretty cool and fun to see!

- And of course the ending. I was over the moon when I saw Alucard appear again and it was the cherry on the top for me. At the same time, it was bitter sweet but at the same time I was sort of expecting it. He’s one of my favourite characters of all time so there’s nothing bad I want to say here. Definitely a cheeky but yet great way for engagement, for the die hard fans and Alucard-lovers ( such as yours truly). Something everyone can enjoy and look forward to.

CONS:

- The pacing wasn’t the best. I feel Nocturne was very rushed and the writers didn’t allow enough time for more character development and arcs.

For example Richter’s character development wasn’t all that. I wished he got more screen time as I also feel like 95% of the show is about Annette. Really in writing you’re supposed to show a character a lot of they have a significant impact in the story ( I know she’s a main character and all but what ties?) she is a great character and has her flaws she needs to overcome but I feel the writers are forgetting Richter is the star of the show. I know she’s a love interest and I don’t know if they’re trying to make the audience like her more by showing us more things about her but he barely got any screen time at all, in my opinion.

Another thing I’d like to add is Juste’s out-of-the-blue appearance. He just randomly appears for two episodes and we never see him again nor know where he went. Like what was the point? I assume he was a pillar for Richter’s development but so much more could have been done here! I know many fans like him as a character by himself and it’s quite a risky move to have 2 Belmonts in one show. His appearance was okay but I feel like it didn’t tie to the story very well. I felt like there could have been more episodes with the two to strengthen their bond.

Looking back at the main cast, I can understand why people are unhappy with Richter’s character. It’s okay to give a character weakness and trauma and they’ve done it well but what makes me laugh is how Annette mocks his PTSD. To be honest, Annette’s character has a lot of flaws. I get she’s supposed to be a strong female lead but she comes to him for help yet jeers and says he doesn’t need him? Also that blushing scene was well out of the blue and at a bad time. I do like her but she has so much more work needing to be done.

And when Richter got his powers back. Where was the climax for that? It felt very rushed and there was no build up AT ALL. Stuff like that would take time and building - it all felt too rushed. There wasn’t enough emotion and build up for that to happen. It happen far too quickly.

Maria was absolutely fine and I enjoyed the mother’s backstory, regardless.

I wasn’t too keen of the main villain. I like her design and how she ties to vampiric history and thought it was clever but what was her goal again? I feel like it’s another one of those they’re-just-evil cliches but that’s the worst way to write a villain. One of the main (and many) goals is to conquer the sun; which is cliche. Like why? What’s her backstory? Another thing that made me hesitant was that she’s an ( or a representation idk which) of an Egyptian God. Now I can see why some people can be upset about this. Some people out there worship deities and in some beliefs and religions, people can take offence. While I find it to be a different take, I still find it a bit lazy. I feel like Erzebet is portrayed as “ Big bad vampire goddess lady, be scared” but I’m not scared? I get most of the characters are afraid of her but I don’t feel like her presence is THAT impactful and worthy yet. Even Dracula and Carmilla had a better goal s and ones we can sympathise with. We understood what they did and why they did it. I’m afraid I’m just not warming up to her yet. It feels very bland to me and left very confused on her complicated lore.

OTHER NOTES:

I get many people are calling it woke. To be fair, Castlevania has always added religion as an opposing impact. The show tries to set the tone and story as historically accurate as they can, I’ve noticed.

People forget everyone was delusional back then and hyper-religious. Back then religions were taken more seriously and many people suffered more due to paranoia: take witch trials for example. Nocturne DOES stick to some important key elements of what the French Revolution was like back then ( of course the real life one had less vampires) but I do also like that as well.

I appreciate the attempt of twisting history with fiction but they need to be more careful. I still found it lazy and repetitive for a plot. I thought it was far too cliche and washed.

WHAT I WOULD SUGGEST:

If season 2 ever comes, here as my thoughts and things I would like to see:

- A slower storyline:

I get animation is a tedious process with all the story writing, composing, money etc ( I’m also an animation student myself). But I can wait a bit longer for so the series can get to its full glory. Good things come with time and less mistakes will be made.

- More humour:

This is what was missing. True, it does have some humour but the original feels less forced the some of the lines we receive. I would love to see more sarcasm and silly jokes like in the original. They need to have more fun.

- Trevor, Sypha and Alucard:

Now I know these characters are unfortunately long gone but I would like to perhaps see some scenes of the triofacing off against a threat which leads up to this series or just having a laugh for old times same. It would make more sense why Alucard is there, apart from another world threat. There is so much they can do here. Especially since Alucard is going to see a lot of his old friends on Richter. It would be nice for him to tell him more about his ancestors.

- Character improvement:

So, so much more can be done! The pacing hinders the story as a whole and makes the writing looks rushed, sloppy and confusing. Some of the characters were fine and would be fine kept the way there are but Richter definitely needs his times in the spotlight.

I feel like it should take more episodes for him to get his powers back and to fight the f antagonist. The other episodes can be revolved around him and him learning more about his past and on his self discovery; especially since he has ptsd. You can’t build a character on just that - it’s lazy and boring. He needs more wit and more experiences. He already has a weakness but how will he overcome it? Make Olrox tease him more maybe? Maybe throw him into more situations where he get triggers? Some people who suffer with mental illness would like a character to look up to and relate. Making him just have PTSD isn’t great character building at all. I can see where they’re trying to go with the build ups and that but it just isn’t working. Maybe Juste can also help him more? He needs more relevance than just “being there” have some Grandfather and Grandson time and hey maybe get Alucard involved to train him and shape him into the Belmont he’s supposed to be. Obviously he can’t be like Trevor and is his own character but he’s had very little scenes.

- Alucard:

Although it is highly unlikely and as much as I hate to say it but something drastic should happen to Alucard. He’s a very powerful character but why could he need Richter’s help? He literally took down one of the strongest antagonists in seconds when the others were struggling. Hopefully the tables turn and we see Richter save Alucard instead of the other way around.

- Erzebet development:

I feel her character needs a whole rewrite. She needs a better goal other than “conquering the sun” and “feeding”. Like why does she want to do that? Was she betrayed? Turned? Made that way? Or maybe just pure evil. She also needs more impact and scenes of where the characters are effected by her actions. I know she’s based of a real historical figure but making her a goddess or whatever seems very out of the blue. I feel even Drolta is a better written character than the actual villain.

Maybe Erzebet grew up poor herself and is taking advantage of the rich? Maybe she was promised something by someone and taking back what she is owed. Just making her evil isn’t executing enough. Hopefully we get more explanation in future.

- The “Wokeness”:

They can perhaps turn thing down a tad. I feel this series is revolved around god a bit too much and deities we don’t need. Also the Abbot doesn’t make much sense. I’m still confused why he’s doing what he does. I liked the twist with Maria but everything can’t just be “In the name of God”. Need to be a bit more imaginative.

I could go into more depth of what I would add but I could ramble forever. I’ve tried my best to list down the main things I’d do. Other than that I still enjoyed this series and felt S1 as more of an introduction.

————————-

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐡𝐮𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐝𝐮𝐦𝐩 𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭. 𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥.

Other than that, I still tip my hat to everyone’s hard work and hopefully they can get the rest they’ve earned. I would love to see what happens next.

Thank you all for bringing back my beloved series 🖤🖤

[localguy2]

I've watched the first 7 episodes of Dragons Rising and while yes I haven't finished it I have so much to say.

First of all, the animation, holy fuck the animation looks so good, and here I thought that it couldn't get better than Crystalized's animation.

The fight scenes are once again, incredible, standard with Wildbrain's animation, the set pieces and backgrounds and just everything is so incredibe and including the Ninja powers & Spinjitzu, which may I add both look absolutely gorgeous.

Wildbrain has taken it to the next level, so amazing job to them.

Arin and Sora and Riyu.

Fuck me i love them already so much-

poor Sora got treated so badly, she reminds me of Nya when she was still figuring out her powers, she's frustrated of herself and feels responsible for the Photacs despite it not really being her fault, she was still young when she made them and the Imperium used her technology for things she resented can't wait to see where she goes next.

Arin.

I don't even know what to say, he's just so damn loveable, it broke my heart to see him ask the Cloud Kingdom writers to bring his parents back, because despite being at least a bit more mature and skilled, he's still just a kid at the end of the day, and that scene with him in Imperium when he finds that group of kids like is just... Fuck man, he literally says he feels so seen, he saw people sorta like him but that was also taken away with how they immediately started talking about serving the Imperium Claws, such a good character and I'm hyped to see what they do with him.

Riyu.

Little dragon baby, that's all I'm gonna say, you just can't hate on him, are you seriously going to pick a fight with a little guy like that?

Okay now, old team members.

Finally, we got actual RGB siblings content, not like a few seconds worth of interaction, and hell it's really good as well.

They just take the piss at each other and mess around, I especially like the scene in the Cloud Kingdom archives, and the one on the new bounty where Sora explains how Arin told a barber to give him "The Zane", only for Kai to interject and tell Arin to get "The Kai", it's such a fun scene.

Nya is badass as always, great to see, I especially love how she's respected by the craglings to the point that their leader takes her word for a lot of stuff.

Kai has taken a more responsible role while still being himself, which I love so much because he's being serious while also being the dumbest guy alive

And Lloyd is well, Lloyd! He's just chilling and I'm happy that not all focus is on him, actually that brings me to another the point, the show doesn't really focus on 1 character all that often, it keeps changing POVs constantly and it's really nice, props to them.

Sidenote: this scene... Ugh man it hits...

Lloyd is so surprised by this, and the kids coming along to explain it is just uhhhh I love it.

Finally, dialogue, lore and the humor.

One of my biggest gripes with Ninjago from SotFS to Crystalized is was that it was no longer a story with some elements of comedy, rather it was a comedy with a story.

It still told really good stories don't get me wrong, but the comedy just didn't land most of the time, and that sorta unintentionally affected the story as well, it felt too childish and while Ninjago is a kids show, the jokes were just too on the nose sometimes.

But, with Dragons Rising?

Haha, NOPE!

I love the comedy here, it's so goofy and fun at times but it's never on the nose, I found myself constantly smiling when they joke about something, the gags are aimed at kids and adults as well, and it shows.

This scene for example.

This is such a ridiculous and goofy gag I can't help but smile each time I see it, and the series keeps this type of humor up the whole time, it's fantastic!

The lore.

Jesus man I love the world they've built, it's so good and you really feel the sheer diversity and verity of the Crossroads, you really get a feel for it.

It basically screaming: The Merge displaced so many many people, which is everyone is welcome here regardless of what you are, Nindriod, Frog, serpentine, Human, anything! You're accepted here.

And I think that's lovely.

And for the Dialogue, it's excellent.

It reveals what you need to know most of the time using Flashbacks, and these flashbacks are nice as well.

The dialogue isn't boring, not at all, even if it's a small comment and it feels really fitting most of the the time thankfully.

Now, the only issue I have with DR is potentially the pacing, but I literally don't have it in me to blame the predoucers.

This is the first time this team has tried writing 22 minutes long episodes, and they have done an absolutely spectacular job at that so far.

Remember, this team is used to writing 11 minute episodes only, so you could imagine how challenging it was for them to write a 22 minute episode.

And the best part is, they pulled it off almost flawlessly, they hit perfectly with the humor, world building, lore and just everything, seriously amazing job to these guys!

So overall, Dragons Rising Part 1 so far is absolutely awesome, I still haven 3 more episodes and I honestly can't wait to finish them, I'm so excited for part 2 and I hope yall are as well.

[bookaddict24-7]

REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

Every week I will post various reviews I've written so far in 2024. You can check out my Goodreads for more up-to-date reviews HERE.

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223. The Departure by K.A. Applegate--⭐️⭐️

The MC of this book being the only Black character in this series is both inspiring (especially because of when these books were first published), and a little sad because she's the most frustrating.

It is pretty well-known that Applegate's series is anti-war, which is great in itself, especially when considering that these are kids with some pretty great moral mentalities. But this MC is, in my opinion, the most self-aware character of the group. I think this because she is the one who is always reminding everyone that there are solutions that don't involve killing or hurting others. These are VERY important messages for readers--no matter the generation. My biggest complaint with this, however, is that sometimes all the moral questions and nay-saying can be over-the-top.

Which leads me to some of the questionable choices made in this book. Whenever a book is in this MC's POV, things can get either a bit frustrating, or just plain annoying. I'm sure many love her and the way she is, but I wish I could just fully explore why she does the things she does.

I just wish I could enjoy her POV more.

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224. All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley--⭐️⭐️⭐️

I'm torn on ALL THE BEAUTY IN THE WORLD. On one hand, it had some seriously gorgeous moments (see, favourite quote from the book: Daughters who looked like their mothers' pasts, and fathers who look like their sons' futures." UGH this quote. I am in AWE.) But it also had moments where I seriously questioned why I continued reading.

I had this discussion with a coworker recently (the one who mentioned the book to me, actually) about how it wasn't at all what she was expecting. While I didn't have the same expectations as her, I DID have something else in mind. I didn't expect the essays to be a little heavier on the historical aspect of things and less about the stories of every day security work. All of the people watching could have and should have led to some more exciting or intriguing essays.

What I WILL say, however, is that Bringley explored the difficult journey of grief beautifully. I teared up a few times, especially when he was detailing his brother's last moments before his death. The emotion surrounding Bringley's grief was palpable. I could feel that pain jumping from the page.

While I wished I DNF'ed it various times, something about ALL THE BEAUTY IN THE WORLD kept me reading. Maybe it was that underlying sense of grief I could feel from the beginning, or the fact that some of the writing was admittedly beautiful. I just wish it was more engaging. Most of the essays dragged and I'd catch my attention slipping away.

If you like history thrown into your essays and a wonderfully heartbreaking exploration of growth and grief, then I think you'll like this one.

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225. Behind You by Catherine Hernandez--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Catherine Hernandez never misses.

I've read most of Hernandez's books (I think I still have just one left) and I'm not being facetious when I say that all have been mind-blowing reads. Every single one of her books has left me with heavy thoughts and a new perspective on society and the way I interact with it.

BEHIND YOU explores what it means to be not just a girl in society, but a foreign girl in society. The sexualizing of young non-white girls by adult men (who feel like they're owed something from said girls), and the bullying those same girls get from classmates who don't look like them. Adding in that this mostly takes place in Scarborough was an extra touch because of the diversity there.

There are some seriously creepy moments in this book that help exemplify what it means to exist in a young girl's body; what it looks like to not be believed when you mention a situation to someone you hope would be on your side. All with the extra terrifying mystery of a serial rapist/murderer, who I immediately connected to the Barbie & Ken murders.

Taking place both in the late 80s-early 90s, and in present-day Ontario, Hernandez's novel was also an ode to young girls who are just trying to find themselves in a world that is determined to keep them down. From a very verbally and at-times physically abusive household (that I presume heavily discriminated against the MC because of colourism), to a present where the adult MC is spiralling into a dark hell of trauma, triggered by a re-exploration of the case that haunted her childhood, Hernandez gives us an incredibly fleshed out story that refuses to miss out any details.

The parallels between the MC's past experiences, and the present struggle she encounters with her own son, wife, and still abusive family, and the past that still haunts her were incredible--especially when we see certain interactions between the MC and her wife regarding their son's behaviour.

Hernandez doesn't hold back any punches and I think anyone who can handle those punches should pick this book up. It's important, poignant, jarring, and just an absolutely incredible piece of Canadian literature.

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226. Clueless Puckboy by Saxon James & Eden Finley--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Probably my least favourite one of the series, tbh. But still cute!

I think the main reason why I wasn't as big a fan of this one was because of the miscommunication trope, which I never thought I'd see in this series.

But other than that, this was still as fun as the other books--especially watching the one MC win over the other. The whole "forbidden" aspect of their romance was one of the things that made this one so much fun.

I did feel bad for the hockey MC because of how insecure he was about his career, even though he is a professional hockey player. His character growth was nice to watch because he was probably one of the tamer players of the whole series. He wasn't cocky or someone who flaunted his good looks, he was just a nervous ball of insecurity. Also, I'm so glad he got his story--I'd been waiting for it since we were introduced to him in book one.

I won't lie, of all the books in the series, this one took me the longest to remember what it was about. My non-five star rating for this one makes a lot of sense now.

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227. The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was not expecting to cry as much as I did. Thanks Elle Kennedy.

I was excited to pick up THE DIXON RULE because I LOVED the previous one in this sequel series. I love how spicy these books get, but I especially love the emotional connection between the characters. And while this book definitely had that enemies to friends to lovers aspect that I love and that spicy tension between the two MCs, I found this one a LITTLE hard to fall for.

Book one had this great enemies aspect that had me rooting for both characters, but it took me a while to fall for the FMC. She was such a bitch to the MMC from the get-go. Like, I get that he was a hoe, but she just immediately thought the worst of him? To the point where it verged on bullying, especially with some of the antics regarding the other people who lived in their condominium. The important thing is that they finally communicated and a lot more made sense for the two of them.

THE DIXON RULE also explored some more darker aspects tentatively introduced in book one. Super trigger warning for stalking and physical abuse. Those scenes were hard to read, I can't even imagine someone who could be triggered by it. I don't think I've read a Kennedy book that had the very dark side of romance (and not in that "sexy dark romance" way.)

Also, bring tissues, because damn. This book.

By the end, I was a fan of these two characters together--especially because of how they took care of each other, how they showed each other love, and just how much understanding there was between the two of them.

I'm wary of the third book, but it has already been ordered LOL.

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228. Bromantic Puck Boy by Saxon James & Eden Finley--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pleaseeeee. This was so much fun and so cute. Watching these two idiots figure themselves out was adorable af.

When I saw who this book was going to be about, I giggled so hard--especially because of how the one MC talked about the second MC in the last book. I knew it was coming, but I was still thoroughly entertained.

I know a lot of people didn't like how this one wasn't as outright romantic as the other books in the series, but I actually really liked this one because it was so different. I also liked how these two became inseparable best friends first before they fell into this messy friends-with-benefits situation.

In fact, while yes the spice was spicy, it was their relationship that really drew me in. The way the one character hated others using the same nickname his love interest called him, or how they did the most extreme or silliest things for each other. I loved it all. I literally read a story about two best friends falling in love when they didn't even realize they were doing exactly that.

I also really appreciated the topic of parents who may or may not be accepting, because it showed us (the readers) how that anxiety can grow so much to the point where you either ignore who you are or you pretend you're not the way you are, which can be extremely painful. It was a very vulnerable moment.

And BROMANTIC PUCKBOY also reminded me that I need to read FRAT WARS by Saxon James since a bunch of characters are mentioned in this one!

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229. The Jock by Tal Bauer--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tal Bauer is an incredible author. He somehow always captures the deep romance of a story and then manages to rip your heart out of your chest.

I'll admit that I was a bit skeptical of THE JOCK at first because of that prologue. I think this book didn't need it and if anything, it made me almost not want to pick it up. But I'm grateful that I pushed through it because this love story was incredible.

The heartbreak in this is palpable and the way the characters live through made me want to sob. The selflessness of the one MC was incredible, but the understanding of the other was inspiring. Another thing that I love about Bauer's writing is how he can create these characters who jump of the pages to profess their love for one another. He's just so...romantic? It's incredible.

I appreciated, too, how the football MC was being realistic about his future and what he wanted. He was always questioning everything and trying to find a way to attain that future he wanted so badly. Although, I think that coach needs to kick a few rocks for putting that pressure on him.

The other MC has his own complex circumstances with family and his heartbreak, but the way he was there for the man he loves? Incredible. He was also great because he knew what he wanted for his future and he also fought for it. I liked that these two characters didn't fall completely into each other to the point where they lost sight of who they were (this is why I keep mentioning this aspect of the story).

There were some pretty heavy things that happen in this book, some triggering, and some anger-inducing. But THE JOCK is definitely a must-read for anyone who is just a huge romantic and a fan of sports romances!

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230. Verona Comics by Jennifer Dugan--⭐️⭐️.5

I don't know what I was expecting from VERONA COMICS, but it wasn't this. I think this is my first Jennifer Dugan book and I've always been curious about her stuff, especially because she always has such great covers.

I originally wanted to read this book because of the Bi rep, so that part was cool. I understood the MC's internal questioning regarding her identity and how she's dated only guys, even though she has had crushes on other girls. What I didn't understand was the Bi-phobia coming from her Lesbian best friend and how it wasn't really explored or commented on? In fact, her best friend being not the greatest friend in general was never really addressed.

While VERONA COMICS had the important topic of co-dependent relationships and the dangers of said relationships, I also think that it is a dangerous topic to not handle with care. Especially when young readers pick these books up. The way the relationship is treated at the end of the book is slightly troubling for me. It's good to get the mental health care needed, but that whole "let's give this a happy ending" aspect of it weirded me out.

There are also a plethora of other topics that were thrown at the reader that at times felt overwhelming and heartbreaking: emotional and verbal parental abuse, suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety. This book was DARK and you know, this is fine. There are some seriously dark YA novels out there. My issue with this, though, is that this novel does not give any hint that this is one of those books that take you on a very serious mental health ride down a dark pit.

I kept reading because I couldn't look away, but the book now sits on my unhaul book stack. I can understand what the book was trying to say, but it was A LOT.

I didn't give this lower because even though the darkness of the story was overwhelming, there were moments of brightness and some cute moments between the characters. Also, half a star for the one friend who didn't try to manage the FMC's life. I get that the one friend was protective because of the FMC's shitty treatment of her friends when in a relationship, but her attitude was so bad that I will admit I thought she had a thing for the FMC.

I just wish this was just the cute book the cover hinted at, but knowing that this is a Romeo & Juliet adaptation should have hinted at how dark this was gonna get.

___

231. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ah, I finally understand the hype for Carley Fortune.

When I read the first book by this author, I was underwhelmed. Not only did it have a really shitty twist, it felt like three different books that were already written made into one. Needless to say, I wasn't super impressed.

But THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT? Yes, please. This was such a great and emotionally fuelled read. I could feel the tension between the MC and the love interest; I could feel the history between them. I wanted them together, but I knew they both had some serious hurdles to get over.

I actually enjoyed the back and forth of the past and present because it helped me further understand these two characters and why they are the way they are, especially when they're interacting with one another.

I think I was expecting something cheesy, or a really horrible twist, but what I got was actually a fantastic summer read that makes me really want to visit PEI.

After reading this book, I was curious about others' thoughts. I read one of my friend's reviews and she mentioned the weirdness of friendships and how extreme they can be and I have to say that I agree. Half of the tension in this book wouldn't be so...tense if the best friend didn't set such a rule from the first summer that the MC meets her love interest. It was a great point and now I'm sure I'll be thinking about it with every romance book I read. The friendship in this book is sudden and intense, but I won't fault it because it gave us this love story.

Loved the ending, loved the obsession with flowers, loved the missed opportunities and surprisingly spicy bits--I just loved how this felt like such a call to summer (which I know sounds weird, but it's how it felt).

Also, I'm a fan of the MC's character growth and her figuring out that in an attempt to find herself, she should probably stop being a workaholic and worrying what her parents think of her career choices.

Anyway, I highly recommend this book. It was fun, sexy, and incredibly addicting.

___

Have you read any of these books? What were your thoughts?

___

Happy reading!

[shsenhaji]

📚 Tress of the Emerald Sea - Book Review

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5265296349

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genre: Adult fantasy, adventure, rescuing a loved one, fairytale vibe, ships and pirates, romance.

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson was a delight. The first of his four secret projects, set within the wider world of his Cosmere universe yet not necessarily connecting to any one series, follows the titular heroine Tress as she embarks on an adventure to save her friend Charlie.

First of all, the novel’s framing provided a unique and strong voice. Narrated by a familiar Cosmere character who also appears in the book, the book seamlessly weaves between the narrator’s strong voice and opinions, and the perspective of Tress herself. It feels as if we are being told a story in the best sort of way, which also emphasizes the fairytale-esque vibe of the plot and the characters. It also allows the reader to acquire fun facts about the world-building and it provides some nuanced mediations on the characters within the novel, without it feeling out of place, out of character, or interfering with the flow of the story.

Secondly (and most importantly), the characters and the plot were delightful. I absolutely loved Tress, who is an ordinary girl (and really feels like one) and yet decides to undertake a crazy plan for love - because it is the right thing to do, because someone should do something, and that someone is her. She has flaws the reader (and the narrator) notices from the beginning, and seeing her not only blossom and manage amazing feats but also grow out of her previous (and potentially harmful) mindset was very cathartic.

I loved her pragmatic and matter-of-fact manner, as well as her kindness, determination, and very real fears and doubts. The metaphors (especially the glove) as well as Tress’ love of cups were important through-lines that also tied in very nicely with the plot and the novel’s messages. The other characters were all great; real, fleshed out, often subverting expectations. I really appreciated the inclusiveness and diversity of several characters, who are allowed to exist and be complex without it feeling tokenistic.

The romance present in the story was so well-written, and truly provided a microcosm of the novel’s overall messages and themes.

The worldbuilding itself was definitely unique. The entire concept of the spores - how the moons and the seas worked, the different types of seas, how that affected our main character but the world itself as well - was detailed, vivid, and provided for some quite spectacular scenes. I also liked how the narrator slowly opened up the scope of the world, starting with Tress’ island and the basic concept of the spores, to the realities of sailing on the seas and the political and socio-economic relations.

It felt real, and was truly intrinsic to the story and the characters; as well, due to the narration, there was that otherwordly and ethereal quality to everything. I also find it fascinating that many concepts behind the worldbuilding was based on real science.

Finally, the illustrations (found in both the ebook version and the Dragonsteel hardcover edition) were absolutely gorgeous, and really brought key scenes (as well as the accompanying emotions) to life.

Tress of the Emerald Sea is a beautiful story; kind, full of adventure and character growth and amazing worldbuilding, and with a really great ending. It manages to subvert and critique a lot of tropes, but never in a way that feels mean or out of place. I loved it so much more than I thought I would, and I was already predisposed to like it already.

[whypolar]

Gundam Unicorn OVA 1: Day of the Unicorn

I enjoyed this quite a lot.

Banagher is a responsible father. Stick a "baby on board" decal on the back of his work mech.

I think it's probably pretty rare for fans who don't know Japanese to read the Unicorn novels before watching the anime. They weren't even fully translated until well after the anime finished airing. Even nowadays, when we have the full fan TL available, I doubt many people decide "Yes, I will read an edited machine translation of ten light novels, even though I know the series has been adapted into seven anime episodes of movie length and quality and I have never watched them". It was novel-only character information that first caught my interest, though, so I get to do it the unusual way.

Will this make a difference in my perception of the anime? Who knows. I don't actually know much about what fan reception was like back in 2010-2014, in either the west or Japan.

Thoughts below.

I'll start with complaints first, since I have only one:

👎 Removed all textual and visual indication of Banagher being multiracial / Syam being Middle Eastern.

Why did they do this. I was genuinely surprised and disappointed to see this from Gundam, since the franchise has a history of diverse casts all the way back to 1979. Gundam 00 would have finished airing just a year before this came out, and that had two brown-skinned Middle Eastern protagonists. Did they hit a quota or something?

Things I really liked:

👍 Everything is beautiful.

It's so pretty. The way characters and expressions are drawn is pretty. The mechs are pretty. The death lasers and the resulting explosions are pretty.

The backgrounds! Ship interiors, industrial sites, the signs and posters in the city. It's all gorgeous.

👍 Robot Status: Wow, Cool

I looove the design of the cockpits and UI. I'd already seen the same setup used in Hathaway's Flash, but it’s not any less impressive here. It's so cool. It's SO cool. I love watching the little markers for the funnels pop up.

The mixing of 3D and 2D for complex scenes is pretty seamless, except for the bit at the very end where the Unicorn transforms. My suspension of disbelief can easily survive a few seconds of recognizable CGI.

God, the robots are cool. I love seeing the Kshatriya in motion.

👍Great use of one of my favourite little Gundam things: characters moving around in zero / reduced gravity.

There are some real weird shots in this one.

I love specialized architecture and infrastructure for low gravity environments! I love characters who are accustomed to living in space being strangely indifferent to the concept of up and down! I love deliberately confusing or unsettling camera angles! Raaaaah!!!

👍👍👍👍👍 MUSIC

It's good music.

The part of the score where the violins start going sour while Cardeas threatens Banagher, until it's just an ugly atonal mess? Love that.

I like that spooky echo sound they use sometimes-- I'm genuinely not sure whether it's built into the music tracks or an added sound effect? I interpreted it at first as an indication of Newtype Shenanigans, but it also seemed to show up in other moments that were dramatic or had a lot of deaths. Though I suppose a lot of people dying is something newtypes would pick up, so maybe it still is meant to represent that. I don't know. The sound is cool.

Some miscellaneous commentary, mostly but not exclusively about comparisons the novels:

Things move more quickly in the OVA than the novels, and the audience knows less about the characters. This is an inherent difference of medium and format. We spend less time inside the characters' heads, and this can give a very different first impression-- particularly of Banagher as the protagonist.

My impression of OVA Banagher is that he's a daydreamer, longing for something he can't place. Novel Banagher can also be described this way, but at least to me he felt more worn down and resigned in his detachment. The anime version has more of a wistful, almost romantic vibe. Maybe it's just those big ol' eyes.

Once he's seen the Unicorn, OVA Banagher has some kind of switch flip in his brain. From that point on, as soon as he gets an impulse, he is GOING. We aren't privy to any of his internal deliberation, just the snap decisions as they happen. He seems a lot more confident without his internal thoughts narrating everything, but also less socially aware.

Here's an actual change for you: in the OVA, Banagher actively volunteers to help Audrey get to the colony builder when she starts to leave. In the novel, she directly asks for his help-- and he says no!

He felt a pull to help when he saw she was in danger, but after they crashed he could hear police sirens. He didn't want to get in any more trouble after his little stunt, so she called him spineless and ran off. He has a whole little arc where he tries to just go back to school like nothing happened until Marida shows up and literally twists his arm. The guilt of ratting Audrey out is the push that makes him change his mind and go after her.

Some of the scenes this change skips were cute, but getting more of Banagher hanging out with Mineva when they aren't being actively chased is nice. It's also just a smartly economical use of time. I do think the change makes Banagher feel meaningfully different, though.

I was fond of him being a little more conflicted and moody, but there's also something really funny about a guy who so single-mindedly barrels into situations. He really does seem supernaturally compelled.

Just a laser guided missile of a boy. Hyperfocus: maximum.

Knowing a bit less about characters like Audrey and Marida works very well. We know about as much as Banagher.

Audrey is obviously someone important, but they don't even say the word "princess" until the VERY end-- like four minutes left on the runtime. They never drop her real name. We get all that through narration long before this in the novels (as well as a lot more direct discussion of the Sleeves and Zeon in general).

We get ZERO interiority or backstory for Riddhe in this first one. His first introduction is saving Audrey and Banagher's friends. They pointedly show you his little airplane charm with a special sound effect for like, two seconds maybe, so quickly you can barely process what it is. Very interesting.

We also know less about Banagher's mom… not necessarily a LOT less, but enough to feel like she's being kept a mystery.

Trust the process, Banagher.

This whole scene-- especially the face journey Banagher goes through-- is lovely.

Marida's civilian disguise is better in this version. Like, in-universe, I mean. She's serious and imposing at a glance in this coat look, which is important when we don't get to see her terrorize and physically overpower Banagher. Probably the right choice to redesign the look, but I did like the novel's gag of her being dressed like sharp-dressed secretary except conspicuously wearing sports shoes so she can still run and fight.

Very fun framing here of Cardeas' dramatic lore dump about newtypes, where it's being told over cool mech combat for the audience, but then they cut back to Zinnerman, who is already sick to bastard death of this guy. Stop expositing, old man, I'm here for a business transaction.

I always love when characters see a Gundam and just say "Gundam". It's good every time.

Gundam.

[perplexingly]

im thrilled thank u for such a thorough review!!! ill pick it up from my local!

special thanks for adding the other diversity angles as well as what i asked about- i feel like im already so happy when things clear a relatively low bar in terms of being progressive, that it feels like a huge win that this is gorgeous AND decent to women and POC lol

Yay I hope you enjoy! : D

Yes I thought it was a good idea to mention all that other info to give the series justice, thank you for reading that wall of text!

[wandaluvstacos]

Chapter 39 of Good Investment is now up on my Patreon!

Good Investment is available at the $5/month tier. People who pledge $5 a month have access to not only Good Investment but The Sponsors series (ongoing), Pretty Things (complete), May the Blood Run Pure (complete), and Kept Man (complete), along with the $1/month tier books, the Reflections trilogy (ongoing) and The Halfwife (ongoing).

Adri Schvaneveldt has always felt split between two worlds. In one world, they are the adopted child of a large and conservative Mormon family. In another, she is the CEO of a burgeoning fashion empire that pushes boundaries. But in order to be the latter, Adri first has to find the funding. After gaining a hefty following as a social media influencer/model, Adri has the potential customers– if they can get a reliable production model pounded out. And that means a bit of groveling at the feet of investors, most of who have never even heard the term “non-binary”.

But Adri lucks out with Gideon Snow, whose youth and open mind bring much needed funds to make Adri’s dream of diverse, accessible fashion a reality. Of course, lifting a newborn company to its feet is no small task, and late nights drive Adri to occasional stays at Gideon’s nearby house, where their relationship begins stretching beyond business. Adri knows they can’t put an entire business venture at risk for the turbulent whims of their heart. But reason doesn’t always win out.

Excerpt:

“Gideon was the first person I came out to,” Tiffany muttered after finishing off one piece of toast. “Did he tell you that?”  “No.”

“He knew pretty much nothing about transgender people at the time. It was so off his radar it didn’t register. But I trusted him. I’m not saying he handled it great in the beginning because he was so clueless, but afterward he took it upon himself to be a scholar about it. He educated himself, to the point he started to know more about it than I did.” Tiffany’s lips tweaked upward in an affectionate smile. “He’s a good guy, you know. As much shit as I give him, we’ve been through it all together, and he’s stuck by me.”

I love him, Adri wanted to say but couldn’t. It felt too intimate a thought to share with this person Adri had only met yesterday. So she only nodded in agreement.

“I’m so happy you two got together. I learned about you through Instagram a few years ago, and I always thought you had incredible business smarts. You were always, like, super poised, like you had media training as a child. So it’s great Gideon saw that in you, too, even if the money sorta complicates your situation. Truly, though, if anyone was going to get Gideon on the trans train, it was going to be you. Not to be a huge lesbian or whatever, but you’re one of the most gorgeous people I’ve ever met.”

Adri felt herself flush. “Oh, uh, thank you.”

“Just make sure Gideon knows you’re doing him a favor by fucking him, that’s all I’m saying. Never let him take you for granted.”

“I’ll do my best.”

[triviareads]

ARC Review of The Rebel King by Kennedy Ryan

Summary:

Maxim Cade and Lennix Moon Hunter are finally together after over a decade of near-misses. However, their relationship is tested by a kidnapping, then further tragedy that leads to a political situation that will have long-lasting implications for them, their loved ones, and the entire country.

My Review:

I finally got a chance to read the Kingmaker series leading up to its rerelease and I'm so glad I did. It really is a gorgeous series— very grand and sweeping in a way modern romances very rarely are: You have your Kennedy-esque family (no seriously, the way I SCREAMED when Max invoked Bobby Kennedy at the point in time he did) except Old Oil Money instead of New England patricians, you have two characters that should basically be mortal enemies because of what his family did to hers and yet they can't help falling in love, then you have this decades-long love story, the heroine is nicknamed the Kingmaker (which I am personally obsessed with; I love reading about a good kingmaker personality— both in real life and in fiction), and now the hero who is the Rebel King (the origin story is that his middle name is Kingsmen and his mom used to call him and his brother by saying "All the king's men" which.... if that isn't a reference to the book All The King's Men, I don't know what it is).

I deeply appreciate Kennedy Ryan's dedication to portraying Lennix's Native American heritage in a respectful manner— Kennedy consulted members of the Yavapai-Apache Nation and members of other tribes while writing these books. And Lennix's culture isn't just some background thing; it impacts how she lives, her ideals, and her politics.

Speaking of politics, I think regardless of your personal views, the political aspect of this novel is written in a fairly simple, approachable way that doesn't get too technical, and Kennedy seamlessly intertwines it with the romance. Do I think a lot of it was unrealistic? Yes, but the extraordinary political situation Kennedy sets up calls for an extraordinary solution so I rolled with it.

As for Lennix and Max's relationship, I am a fan of the overall trajectory in this book; a lot of authors tend to get lost somewhere along the way after the main characters get together, but Kennedy Ryan did a great job by not injecting petty drama or whatever, but rather, the turn the plot takes means there are lots of tough questions they need to answer about their future sooner rather than later. Also, reading them as a couple (which we don't see much of in the previous book) also reveals some interesting aspects to their relationship: Maxim is a lot more possessive over Lennix in this book than I thought be would be (and I feel like this goes beyond just as a response to the situation in the beginning of this book), and outside of the relationship, he becomes a lot more maverick-y, if that makes sense. Actually, in hindsight, Lennix is fairly steady in comparison.

The sex:

The sex scenes in this book were seamless and really fit into the plot well, especially considering the insane span of emotions both Lennix and Max (especially Max) go through during the course of this book. And who said sex in a committed relationship gets boring? Not these two. Standout moments in this book for me include a very emotional sex scene after a very tragic incident (which would probably constitute as a spoiler), a scene in their kitchen where Max is full-on sucking Lennix's nipples through her sweatshirt and the noises the make gets everyone in the apartment hot and bothered lolol, and of course, the rare contemporary romance butt stuff (for both of them!).

Overall:

Honestly, I'd recommend this book to anyone and everyone: romance readers in general, fans of political dramas, anyone looking for a diverse romance... you name it, I genuinely think this book has it.

Thank you to Bloom Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.