#hello myst fandom (2 people)

[toasted-trek]

y'all know that one twitter meme

[mfackenthal]

Hello loves!  If you’re still following me, may I just say thank you for your patience.  I know it has been too long since I have created one of my review posts.  I can only apologize.  I love you all, but I needed a break.  So I was gone for a while.  When I came back – the fandom had changed.  Mostly, people just changed their names, actually.  But it took me a while to find everyone.  And, of course, new people had joined the fandom – or at least I was introduced to people – so they’re new to me.  

I’m going to organize this by book instead of by love interest because some authors are keeping the pairings a secret and I don’t want to ruin their surprise.

I don’t think I’m back up to reading 80 fics a week … but I do think I’ve read quite a few (too many?) fics this week.  Let’s find out how many, shall we?

A few quick reminders:

(1) If you want to find out what I specifically thought about each chapter, that can be found on my blog.  To more easily search my blog, search the phrase “mfackenthal reviews ________” and fill in the blank with the blog name.  IE “mfackenthal reviews maxattack-powell” to find the work I reblogged specifically by @maxattack-powell.

(2) In case it’s not obvious: I recommend ALL of these fics and ALL of these authors.  I cannot say enough about the fabulousness that is these authors. 

The Royal Romance

Second Wedding (http://mrswalkers-blog.tumblr.com/post/182240871361/book-the-royal-romance-summary-riley-looks) by @mrswalkers-blog Riley is about to walk down the aisle for a second time.  How did she get here?  This short story will help you reflect on your own relationships while warming you heart.

The Road Less Traveled (https://ao719.tumblr.com/post/182583348931/the-road-less-traveled-masterlist-summary-6) by @ao719 This delightful series will also warm you heart with its innocence and anticipation.  It’s made even more delightful by the fact that you get a chapter every day. 

Queen of My Heart (https://walkerismychoice.tumblr.com/post/173032059318/queen-of-my-heart-master-list) by @walkerismychoice This is not a new series by any means – but it’s not over either.  I got caught up because it’s an amazing series and I love it!  If you don’t know it already, this is a retelling of the story that has captured our heart but in a universe in which Liam is making his decision on reality TV.  Madeleine is still the villain and she’s about to get her comeuppance – or so I hope!  Catch up and see what happens next with me!

The Not So Royal Romance series (https://strangerofbraidwood.tumblr.com/post/182742931095/the-not-so-royal-romance-collection) by @strangerofbraidwood  What happens with Olivia and Hana after the events of the story as we know it?  Find out in this intriguing series.

 Something Unexpected (https://hopefulmoonobject.tumblr.com/post/182769220258/something-unexpected) series by @hopefulmoonobject This series follows Liam and Leo as they have fallen in love with two foreigners who don’t yet know they are dating the most powerful men in all of Cordonia.  Will this end in true love?  Or with the “lies by omission” become a problem?  I honestly don’t know yet and can’t wait to find out!  When these couples are romantic – they’re adorable. When they’re feisty, I love that too!

One Handsome Devil (https://onehandsomedevil-trr.tumblr.com/post/182558278027/one-handsome-devil-a-novel-by-katherine) by @onehandsomedevil-trr  Liam is named Nicholas in this series that is starting to hint at more turmoil to come – with Olivia.

Secrets Unwind (https://whenyourheartskipsabeat.tumblr.com/post/182550912733/the-royal-romance) by @whenyourheartskipsabeat  Liam lost Riley.  He has found her.  Everything seems to be falling in to place.  We know it won’t last – but the ride is exquisite!  Come join me in reading this series!

Learning to Love Again (https://likethetailofacomet.tumblr.com/post/178641518985/master-list) by @likethetailofacomet  If you follow me then you know that I binged this whole series this week.  That’s right – all 46 chapters of it!  This series GAVE ME LIFE!  It’s a beautiful telling of the story of Drake, Liam, and Claire (MC) where Liam is immediately supportive of Drake and Claire – like supportive before Drake can even really make a move. The characters in this story are pure, beautiful, supportive, strong, and loving.  I have fallen in love with Liam and with Bastien in this story – and I know with certainty that this wasn’t the author’s intention – but I also know she fully supports falling in love with these characters.  Of course, if you’re a Drake fan (as I am) this series will make you happy also.  It’s not a love triangle and yet I still felt so much of that drama that I love in these stories. This series is drama at it’s BEST.  The drama doesn’t come from misunderstandings but from the plot. It’s not over – but it will be soon.  So catch up!

Going deep into the ruins of Bastien and Annabelle (https://likethetailofacomet.tumblr.com/post/178641518985/master-list) by @likethetailofacomet  A little of how Bastien met the love of his life, Annabelle.  Come meet the woman who captures Bastien’s heart.

My Girl (https://tmarie82.tumblr.com/post/182792805128/pairing-drake-x-mc-emma-warner-walker-book-the) by @tmarie82  Drake and Emma are married, with children, and celebrating Valentine’s Day.  Sit back and enjoy some cuteness in this fluffy fic.

One Night Stand (https://kennaxval.tumblr.com/post/182792808423/one-night-stand-olivia-x-drake-nsfw) by @kennaxval  Olivia puts Drake in his place, saves Drake and others from a car accident, and gets a little something from Drake in the process.  As it turns out, Drake is a lucky guy.

Their First Valentine’s (Part 1) (https://drakewalkerwhipped.tumblr.com/post/182818195966/their-first-valentines-part-1-drake-x-mc-x) by @drakewalkerwhipped  If you haven’t met everyone’s favorite poly couple – you really should look them up as written by @drakewalkerwhipped.  This trio is so supportive of each other, so loving, so tender.  I call them #relationshipgoals.  It’s their first Valentine’s Day where they’re not in hiding and they’ve essentially got the kinks worked out.  This chapter is essentially fluff with a little heat – promising much more heat in whatever comes next.

Brave For You (series) (https://likethetailofacomet.tumblr.com/post/178641518985/master-list) by @likethetailofacomet As I understand it, this was written and helped inspire Learning to Love Again because fans demanded a story where Drake lives.  In this trilogy, Drake does not.  Riley has to learn to live without him.  

Perfect Match

Missing You (https://queerchoicesblog.tumblr.com/post/182657763715/missing-you-pm-alana-x-fmc) by @queerchoicesblog  Long distance relationships are hard, but sometimes the little things you do in such a relationship have deep meaning.  Read about how Alana might be in such a relationship.

The Elementalists

When I Taste Tequila (https://walkerismychoice.tumblr.com/post/182626500588/when-i-taste-tequila) by @walkerismychoice  A delightful A/U with Beckett.  His nerdiness shines and gets our MC to drop her defenses.  Kissing ensues and leaves you wanting more.  If you like The Elementalists and you like Gray’s Anatomy – you should read this fic.

Complicated Series (https://darley1101.tumblr.com/post/182575228193/complicated-part-3-it-couple) by @darley1101  In this series, Beckett and Tatiana (MC) start “dating” (quotes are important).  They date for show. But will they fall in love for real?  This series has a great story crossover, it delves into some difficult situations around bullying, and we’ve just learned that Beckett also has a “real girlfriend.”  I need more @darley1101!!!!  Quit writing the rest and give me more of this ;) 

A Courtesan in Rome

The Words that Went Unsaid (https://wughhumans.tumblr.com/post/182673414478/the-words-that-went-unsaid-marc-antony-x-mc) by @wughhumans  Anthony has enemies and that has disastrous consequences.  I don’t want to say more as it will give it away … so I’ll just say it’s not a fluffy read but it’s worth it and I can’t wait for more!

Warrior (https://tmarie82.tumblr.com/post/182744621008/pairing-mystery-pairing-mc-arin-book-a) by @tmarie82  A dark fic that gave us what many of us really wanted …

The Death of a Monster (https://wughhumans.tumblr.com/post/182774319428/the-death-of-a-monster-lysandra) by @wughhumans  Obviously, many people would like to see Legate Aquila die.  Here’s another fic to show how that could happen.  This one is even darker, more graphic, but amazingly well written!

The Heist: Monaco

Stress (https://mysteli.tumblr.com/post/182707625378/stress-fabien-x-mc) by @mysteli  A bit of an AU – but really just an extension of the story – if the MC took a little break from the masquerade party to join Fabien in the getaway car.  Learn a little more about Fabien in this hot fic!

America’s Most Eligible

Bad As Me (http://choicesfanfic.com/content/bad-as-me/) by @lizeboredom  I’m still shook by the fact that the MC in this story is not named Minah.  They’re all supposed to be named Minah!  (If you don’t know what I mean – read ALL of @lizeboredom’s work!) Despite the author being drunk when she wrote this fic and named her character the wrong name – this is a hot story about a much tougher Minah (Myrah) who is flirting with danger when she flirts with Vince.

Desire and Decorum

Only the First of Many (https://walkerismychoice.tumblr.com/post/182799720138/only-the-first-of-many-ernest-sinclaire-x-mc) by @walkerismychoice  As the author says – this is a retelling of the diamond scene from book 2 chapter 9 but from Ernest’s POV.  This is a sweet, hot, tender, and a beautiful rendition.  If you didn’t buy that chapter – this is a great way to read it. If you did – this is an even better way to relive it.

Red Carpet Diaries

Simply Between Us Series (http://angstymarshmallow.tumblr.com/post/182229096884/simply-between-us-part-6-thomas-hunt-x-mc) by @angstymarshmallow  Hunt and Tatum are just about to say “I love you” when Priya storms back in to Hunt’s life.  Is he truly over her?  What will Hunt do when he’s not the most mature one in his relationship with Tatum?  Come read this beautiful written story of love, heart ache, angst, poor decisions, traffic, and (I hope) love conquering all! 

Bloodbound

Against the Rules (http://choicesbyjade.tumblr.com/post/178304360927/bloodbound-fanfiction) by @choicesbyjade  Adrian is flirting with his own rules.  This drives both Samantha (MC) and himself to some sexual acts.  Will there be consequences?  Read to find out!

Artwork Drake by @maxattack-powell

https://maxattack-powell.tumblr.com/post/182780797714/he-wanted-to-surprise-you-when-you-woke-up-did

Adrian by @maxattack-powell

https://maxattack-powell.tumblr.com/post/182815538556/he-says-youre-all-the-sunshine-he-needs

Oh shit!  I read 89 fics this week!  Granted 46 of them were one series, but I still!  I commented and reblogged 89 fics.  I guess I have to say – I’m back baby!

But seriously – I probably will not be able to maintain this pace.  I have to actually read a book next week.  LOL 

Also, this time around if I read a series – I didn’t include a link to each chapter – I included a link to a masterlist.  I included the masterlist link as often as I could.  If I couldn’t find one, I linked to the last chapter.

I hope you found something you hadn’t read yet.  This community is amazingly talented. 

If you know someone I should be reading – send them my way!  I’m always looking for new authors to highlight while I continue to read everyone I’ve already learned to love.  I’m still behind and catching up with many who I have highlighted in the past – but hit me up if there is something you want me to read ASAP.

So much love to all of you!

~MFack~

PS. Even though she’s not here anymore, big thanks to @drivenbyfantasy for creating the graphic.  

PPS. Last, but not least, on the off chance that I missed a fic that you know I reblogged, my apologies! It was unintentional and is not a reflection on you, but upon my inability to maintain my own blog.  Also, if a link or a tag doesn’t work - I am sorry!

[missdreawrites]

Hello, friend! There's a steam sale going on and I was wondering if you had any games you would recommend?

Hello there, friend! I do! I’ll even break it down by game type, in case you’re looking for a specific genre. I play a lot of games, so it can get overwhelming when you suddenly get 50 emails from Steam like “YOU HAVE 1q8347348957 GAMES ON YOUR WISHLIST ON SALE”. Yes, thank you Steam, I know.

Oh boy this got long, okay putting the list under a cut. Yikes.

RPGS:Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is 33% off. I paid full price and I’m quite enjoying it, so I don’t regret it it at all, but Getting a 60$ game for 40$ is great.

Fallout 4, GOTY: Okay yes, I know, a lot of people didn’t like Fallout, and it has a lot of mixed reviews, and it’s fairshare of problems but I loved the game play and characters. It’s also 60% off, making it less than 25$.NieR:Automata: This game broke my heart. I dumped 90 hours into it and I still didn’t manage to complete it one hundred percent. It’s also 50% off, making it only 30$, and no, you don’t need to have played NieR:Gestalt first.Witcher 3 The Wild Hunt: This is 60% off, making it 20$ and considering that I had to beat it twice and sank over 250 hours into the game to complete it, it’s well worth it. The characters are amazing, the graphics are perfect, and the music is bonkers. The whole thing is so good.

Fallout New Vegas, Ultimate Edition: This one is also 50% off, dropping it down to under 10$, and honestly this is the Fallout game that made me fall in love with the franchise. Rise of the Tomb Raider: This is the second game in the series, and it’s 80% off, making this normally 60$ game only 12$. While it too suffered from some storytelling problems, I bought it for full price and played the hell out of it. Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice: This game. Oh man, this game. I’m really glad it’s on the list, because this game is so good. The music is so good, the graphics are amazing, and the story is heartwrenching. It blends Nordic mythos and paganism with deep lore storytelling, the fighting is realistic and it’s just... so good. [However, the main character is schizophrenic, and if that is at all triggering for you, I’d be remiss in not warning you. It is done accurately, however, as I have it on good authority from someone who played my copy and is schizophrenic. They highly recommend this game to everyone as well.) It’s 50% off, so it’s only 15$.

Final Fantasy XV: This game is deceptive, in that you think it’s one thing and then it breaks you. I’ll admit that I didn’t play this all the way through - I wanted to but I was really, really bad at the controller. I did however watch someone else play and for 50% off, it’s pretty worth it to try now that it’s on PC.DOOM: (This is the remake). Doom is 25% off, making it only 15$ and this game is SO MUCH FUN. The music is bad ass, the graphics are killer, and you get to shoot the hell out of demons and run around flying through the air. There is literally nothing not to like about this.Far Cry 4: This one is 75% off, making it only 7.49$, and oh my god, anon. This game. This game changed my life. I love this game, SO much. The characters are amazing, Naveen Andrews voices one of them and Pagan Min is pretty much my biggest fandom crush of all time. I will never not recommend this game.BioShock, the Collection: These are older games, I know but BioShock 1 is still the game I go to when I want shock and horror. The collection is 75% off, so it’s 15$ for all three games (1, 2, and Infinite). Definitely play them in order.

Pillars of Eternity, Definitive Edition: This one is a little more on the expensive side, but it is 25% off, making it 30$. This game is very much like Dragon Age: Origins in play style - you can tactically pause and give your squad orders and such. The game definitely wants you to follow the story though so if you wander off into the wilderness (as I did) you might probably definitely die from high leveled enemies.

Far Cry 3: Like Far Cry 4, this game changed my life. My other fandom crush is one of the villains of this one, and ho boy. Hoooo boy. It’s 66% off, so it’s less than 7$ and it’s just. I love this game so much. Far Cry 3 and 4 really nail it on the RPG level.

Puzzle Games:

Portal 1 & 2: These are both 80% off, so they’re 2$, and Portal 2 is like RPG meets puzzle meets feels. I absolutely recommend this game to everyone, because it’s so much fun, and it’s so quotable.

Firewatch: This one is 75% off, making it 5$, and it’s the story of a guy who needs to run away from his life for a while. He goes to a national park to live in a Firetower in order to watch out for fires (obviously, duh) and his only human contact is a single woman at HQ to talk to him on the walkie talkie. There’s a lot of running around and searching/puzzling out how to get places and putting clues together to solve a mystery. And your responses are chosen, so how you navigate this single-human relationship is up to you.

Bastion, Transistor, Pyre: These are three separate games all done by Supergiant, and I’m putting them together because I feel like you should play all three. Bastion is 75% off, and only 3.75$, and the music is amazing, while the play is fun and the story is wrenching. Transitior is also 75% off, and the music is even MORE amazing, and the story is heart breaking. Pyre is 60% off, the music has only improved, and the story is so moving and you really feel attached to these characters. Each game is very different though, however, the backgrounds of all three are all handpainted and Supergiant Games deserves about a million kudos for how much detail they put in.

Life is Strange: This game is as heartbreaking as some of the others I’ve put on here. You can get the complete season 1 (episodes 1-5) for 80% off, so all five episodes are 4$. This game brings up a lot of hard hitting themes and the whole fan base is pretty divided on the ending (and if you play, do let me know what you choose ;)) but I highly recommend it, just from a puzzle game point of view.

The Eyes of Ara: This game is point and click, and it’s 60% off, making it 6 bucks. This game makes me feel so stupid sometimes. There was a lot of me wandering about clicking randomly and hoping I found something. But like it’s spiritual predecessor (the Myst games), there’s a lot of storytelling through journals and notes and I love the aesthetic.

Myst: So of course I had to put this on here - all the Myst games are currently 40% off, and they’ve all been optimized to run on a Windows 10 system now. So no more needing a seriously ancient and defunct QuickTime version (1.3, wince wince wince) to run the animations. I grew up on these games, in fact, Myst Masterpiece Edition is the very first video game I ever played, when I was - here I go, dating myself - seven years old. Survival Games:

The Long Dark: Technically, this game still has episodes coming out. I think we’re at 3, now, and there’s like... 2 more still to come. However, you can play the episodes, and also play in the Sandbox version of the game. I started playing it like, three years ago and I managed to sink over 60 hours JUST playing the sandbox during Early Access. It’s 75% off, so it’s less than 8$.

Outlast: Yes, this is survival horror and it’s currently 80% off. It definitely can be a bit. Rough. But for 4 dollars, I’d give it a chance. (I’m not actually a huge fan of survival horror on it’s own because I don’t like the concept that the only thing you can do is turn and run and hide. Honestly, if I were put in a situation where something was going to attack me, I’d hit it back.) But Outlast was a lot of fun.

Hope this helps, anon! Enjoy your gaming!