#i just ordered the chalice of the gods book

[cringengl]

My stranger things obsession has completely gone so I'm gonna change my blog, idk what too tho bcus I've been in between old fandoms for months now

[sadgirlautumn]

Every time I decide to reread a book my mom asks me if I ran out of new books in a very concerned way and it’s kinda sweet

[tending-the-hearth]

favorite "chalice of the gods" moments, in no particular order

spoilers below!!!

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percy and annabeth having the same setup for iris messaging, and having cute little sign-offs when they say goodbye to each other

grover going to percy's swim meets 😭😭😭

annabeth and sally's relationship, they adore each other so much

PAUL AND ANNABETH'S RELATIONSHIP LIKE YES GIVE THAT GIRL A SUPPORTIVE AND PRESENT FATHER FIGURE

just... annabeth being a jackson-blofis even before percy proposes

annabeth not making and blue desserts because it's percy and sally's thing and she sees that as something sacred!!!

percy being bitter about the recommendation letters!! let him be a bit of a bitch!!!

percy, annabeth, and grover having a regular smoothie place that they go to 😭 they're best friends your honor

i kind of wish we got more of the trio as eight-year-olds, like those are babies and i need to see more of grover trying to play-fight with percy

grover admitting that he's scared of percy and annabeth going to california!! he doesn't want to lose them!! y'all mind if i sob?????

50% of percy's internal monologue being about how cool and amazing annabeth is

the way the trio just trusts and supports one another???

annabeth hanging out with juniper, idk why, i like thinking about the two couples going on double date picnics <3

percy embracing old age 😭😭😭😭 and seeing himself growing old with his two best friends 😭😭😭 the way i was bawling my eyes out

annabeth being worried about percy's reaction to sally being pregnant because of her own bad experiences with her half-brothers and her dad and percy knowing exactly where her mind was going like YES PLEASE give me more percabeth reading each other's minds

percy talking about how he could never see himself with anyone other than annabeth because they've known each other for so long but also because they're bonded in a way no one else understands 😭

annabeth never saying luke's name after the Titan War and the trio still struggling to talk about him, my beloveds 😭 give them therapy please

the mention of jason talking about wanting to have kids with piper and grow old with her... how dare?????

the sheer amount of percy and grover moments... i missed them so much... they're platonic soulmates!!!!

idk i said it before but the way this book just felt like "the lightning thief"? the trio being all sarcastic with each other, joking and teasing one another, being comfortable with each other in a way no one else understands?

ALSO PERCY CANONICALLY CONFIRMED AS THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOKS IN-UNIVERSE THANK YOUUUUUU

in conclusion i love this book so very very much

[cynthiav06]

As toxic as Percabeth is, they’re still teenagers and there’s a chance that they could grow past that and Annabeth would overcome it. Heroes of Olympus makes that feel unlikely though.

I hold that belief because my relationship with my spouse started out unhealthy- I was extremely codependent due to not having many friends growing up and never quite getting the emotional support I needed from my family. But we grew past that and 11 years later, we’re approaching our 7 year marriage anniversary with our biggest goals as a couple (besides raising our kids) is to always communicate and it’s working well for us.

Annabeth in particular never maturing and growing past it doesn’t have to be what happens. They’re still teenagers, she could grow past it.

Unfortunately, she doesn’t seem like she’s going to grow and so many people act like the toxic relationship they have is normal and I’m just like…. No. Never mind, I don’t want to read Percabeth. Maybe I’ll ship Percy with Apollo or no one then.

I also thought of it that way. Annabeth would mature and come to understand the error of her ways, and since Percy means so much to her, she would reflect on all the things she says and does and change her ways in order to pursue a more healthier and long lasting relationship.

Then I read the Chalice of God and Read.Riordan. entries, and lost all hope. Annabeth is a character that you think cannot devolve more, and she surprises you in the worst possible way.

I have completely given up on Percabeth, and I will be reading any incoming books just for Percy as I always do.

Perpollo is a new but great ship that has so much potential but I am not really too in it yet but at least due to Apollo, Percy might ascend to godhood which is something I think is inevitable for someone of Percy's stature and power.

Right now, I think I am all for Perachel only. It's the best possible ship for Percy and for Rachel, and if you are interested, you should check out those posts.

But seriously, between their shared prophetic abilities, creative quick thinking minds, fun and easy going personality, and a deep care and affection for each other, Percy and Rachel are literally meant to be.

The Spirit of Delphi is extremely ancient and free and given Oracle of Delphi was once in Poseidon's domain, she could change alliances and freely date Percy, but my favorite headcanon is that Percy becomes a God and Rachel decides to swear allegiance to him instead.

Also, if you have any Perpollo recommendations or posts to share, please do.

[gem-de-lune]

HOW RIIZE FEEL ABOUT OT6 VS OT7 BRIIZE

Tarot Reading

Disclaimers: I am pretty confident in my readings, but I am not God- so please take everything with a grain of salt :)

Tarot Deck Used: Book of Shadows Vol 2.

(Btw in case anyone is wondering why I be using tf out of this deck for these Riize readings, it is partly bc the vibes are right and partly bc I just so happen to have pics of every card in this deck that way I can provide them for your viewing experience bc I am too lazy/busy to take pics of my other decks rn)

TW// THE ROACHES GO FIRST

OT6 🤢🤮🤡💩👹

General Feelings-

Strength, Queen of Swords, 3 of Pentacles

They are being very mature about how they feel. Idk if it's because they are idols, but they seem to have a sympathetic understanding as a collective. They see the OT6 as people supporting them together fighting for their own truth. They understand that regardless of the situation, these "fans" were with them for a long time (It physically pains me to say this personally, but i get it ig 🙄). But they also think the fans themselves have words that have cut like a knife and a lack of empathy/understanding themselves. This is a bit frustrating to them.

Further Clarification -

4 of Chalices, The Tower, The Fool

They really do not agree with their behavior. They are actively ignoring these fans and not receiving their feelings. They feel as though these feelings have proved to be damaging and extremely unnecessary. They also don't feel good about acting like it didn't happen, but they obviously cannot address it publicly due to backlash.

The consensus here is that their feelings are being stifled. I thought it felt really really strange that the cards came out in the order they did at first. And I think it's because they really have been trained interpersonally to not take negative things fans say and do too personally and to always empathize. They are able to empathize, but they are also not happy about it. So the most they can do is ignore OT6 and their feelings.

What does this mean for the relationship between OT6 Briize and Riize?

The Moon

This makes the relationship very unclear and uncertain for the future. I do not think Riize trusts them anymore due to this ordeal, and they just feel like it's getting too complicated and too much. But they are also confused and sad about how this all transpired and progressed. As time goes on, they will empathize less and less if things keep going this route. It will be harder to be outwardly understanding.

OT7😛😘💁‍♀️👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩🫦

First and foremost- this is so so cute. If you were concerned about how they felt about OT6 before because of the empathy, you need not worry.

General Feelings-

9 of Wands + The Lovers + Knight of Swords

Idk yall I think they are in love with us 😝🥹❤️‍🔥

The words "you light a fire in me" popped out (crazy ik). They see us as ressilient and standing our ground. I think because they have clearly witnessed how serious we are about this issue and how persisyent we have been, how much we care and our determination to continue. They think we are pretty cool for this, and they love and respect this.

The Knight of Swords in particular shows they think we are hardworking and they are willing to take a risk to stand with us (the Lovers) and build a future together. There is just a lot of passionate respect and adoration/admiration in these 3 cards together.

Further Clarification (not really necessary, but i did it for OT6 goblins so I'll do it here too)

Strength + Knave of Swords

Crazy yall, they said "Briize will make Riize rize" 😭😭😭😭😭 they think we are so strong and so amazing. On an fundemental level they share OT7's sentiments and opinions on the matter at hand.

Similar to OT6 they see us as defenders of our own truth. But the difference here is that instead of the 4 of Chalices energy in relation to this empathy (ignoring, not accepting) we have the Knave of Swords, which means they think we are more ethical and pragmatic (smarter) and take a lot more into consideration.

Overall, they really really respect and love OT7 fans.

What does this mean for the relationship between Riize and OT7 fans?

4 of Swords

Just honestly an extremely satisfying and rejuvitating/healing relationship dynamic. In contrast with OT6, they really trust OT7 and have a mutual understanding, support, and rapport with each other. I actually was not sure abt this card at first bc it popped out before i even asked the question- but Universe confirmed by popping her out once again to let me know they were frfr.

Riize sees OT7 as their safe place, where they can relax and be themselves without worries or stress. They want OT7 to also not worry or stress. They want to be that comfort and escape for each other.

Final Notes:

So I think it is important to know that Riize are being as mature about the situation in regards to having so many OT6 stans as they can. But this doesn't mean they support them- more like they understand they are just afting on their feelings. They find this daunting and don't agree, so they avoid confronting the fact and withdrawing.

With OT7 they are extremely comfortable, and there's a stark contrast in comparison. Almost completely opposite- the only similarity is that they also understand OT7's feelings, but they feel like OT7 is simply right and their actions and plans are proper and just. So they just respect and love us a lot more (Hehehehe).

They are really nice boys, OT6 should be grateful they are so kind to just ignore their antics....bc they shouldn't be imo.

I hope this was insightful!

Also, just in case you forgot:

RIIZE IS 7!!

They are on our side. Do not give up. Do not lose hope. Do not be deterred. GO!

[iamnotadumbdonut]

some observations about the changes in Percy's personality in the chalice of the gods because im a fucking dumb fuck

if you've read chalice of the gods, (and if you haven't then just go and read it PLZ), it's pretty obvious that Percy's personality has become more "bby girl" sassy than his original "angsty skater boi" sassy. now i know I'm probably making excuses for rick's writing still, which changed considerably after writing 5 whole books from apollo's perspective, who is the canon bby girl btw, but some of his sass has transferred into Percy's personality. this could also be because of the natural change in Percy tho. for starters, he's growing up now. leaving the angsty angry teen years behind. obviously, his emotions are more in control. in chalice of the gods, it is indirectly stated he keeps his cool more than he did before. in the tower of Nero, he seems more amiable than he ever was, which just proves my boi has become a well rounded individual on the way to adulthood who has learnt to not be angry and childish. good for him.

another reason he's a lot happier than before, and i could be wrong, but i most definitely am not, is that Percy was pretty angry and snarky before he went into Tartarus, right up till MoA. and boom, in house of hades, he falls into Tartarus, gets hella traumatized, broken af and just fucking destroyed, and then he enters the mortal world again, all sappy and shit. most people think that he's all happy and so he's dumbed down in the blood of olympus in order to raise all the others to the pedestal, but isn't that how anyone will react after going to hell and back??? sure he was dark and all scary at first, but when that boy healed (almost completely, after all PTSD never really leaves you ) he was just so full of joy. because that's the rational way to go about it. compared to all the shit in Tartarus, any problem in the world was next to fucking NOTHING. no problem was too big because he has been to literal hell, and hence all his anger has died down and is just a little spark now, and so just pointing it out old Percy= snark/ impertinence (close enough eh) Percy in Tartarus= fucking broken lmao new Percy= lost most of his anger, a lot happier, nothing else. and hence a new equation is formed snark-anger=sass so now all that's left is sass it's also given in the dictionary that while sass is just playfully feisty, snark is supposed to rude. that's all. Percy hasn't been dumbed down. he's just happier and more carefree (again pointing out, not the same as careless, which Percy was before) wait wait wait yes

old Percy= careless new Percy=carefree careless + more responsible + more considerate - anxious =carefree

boom bitches im the psychological mathematician. ciao muahahhhhaahahaha

[slytherindaughterofhadesposts]

So after the show was released, I was curious about how many times they actually use each other's nicknames, so I went through the books to check and here's what I got....

It is in chronological order, since that better shows their pattern in using it.

The Lightning Thief

Seaweed Brain : 5 by Annabeth, 1 by dream Thalia?

Wise Girl : 3

The Sea of Monsters

Seaweed Brain : 4 times by Annabeth, and once by dream Thalia.

Wise Girl : once by Clarisse

The Titans Curse

Seaweed Brain : 2 times by Annabeth, and once by Thalia again.

Wise Girl : nonexistent

The Battle of the Labyrinth

Seaweed Brain : 5 times by Annabeth

Wise Girl : zero

The Last Olympian

Seaweed Brain : 6 times by Annabeth

Wise Girl : zilch

The Lost Hero

Seaweed Brain :

Wise Girl :

The Son of Neptune

Seaweed Brain :

Wise Girl :

The Mark of Athena

Seaweed Brain : 7

Wise Girl :

The House of Hades

Seaweed Brain : 3

Wise Girl :

The Blood of Olympus

Seaweed Brain : 1

Wise Girl : 1 (but it was such a bloody good 1!!)

The Chalice of the Gods

Seaweed Brain : 5 times by Annabeth in dialogue, 4 times by Percy referencing Annabeth? ( you'll understand what I mean if you look it up)

Wise Girl : 3 times

What was the point of this? No clue, probably just an excuse to reread all the books again instead of studying.

So in case anyone else was also curious, know you know¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

[misterbardman]

I’m just gonna use this tumblr account to ramble about percy jackson stuff but specifically Trials of Apollo. Some stuff I’ll put here:

•I’ve read The Hidden Oracle four times, it’s my comfort book I read when I’m stressed out.

•Read through TOA once in about four days, then read Sun and Star, then Chalice of the Gods in that order

•I read the main books years ago, like back in 2015-2016? Obviously I got Trials of Apollo after and I read that, then read Dark Prophecy up until about chapter 10ish.

•I don’t remember everything that happened in PJO or HoO but I just love rereading TOA.

•I am trying to read Magnus Chase but I’m pretty uninterested, I’m fairly early on though where Magnus is first in the Hotel.

Anyway, now that stuff is out of the way, I’m using this account to talk about my favorite scenes, haiku’s, fun facts, and headcanons.

I have also made a playlist on Spotify for TOA called ‘Falling from Olympus’ if anyone is interested.

[ming-sik]

Finished my proof of concept art for the Devouring grays! In my AU Devouring children are taken as grays at their baptism while in the temple children are tested for it at birth, so all four of them get to experience some circumstances and I thought it'd be neat to work out some symbols associated with them and the gods in the process!

Extensive symbolism rambling under the cut

GENERAL:

Ehrenfest is in Ewigeliebe's domain, a region in northern YS known for its harsh winters and natural salt deposits. Salt and snow are both considered Ewigeliebe's symbols, as is the specific magic circle serving as a halo for all four of our priests. Ewigeliebe is also the patron of our resident High Priest, so their halos signify their living under his jurisdiction.

The Devouring is caused by a spirit of winter, and a certain type of the Devouring leading to frostbite-like symptoms means that red lines on the nose are a symbol of those suffering from it since the nose is one of the first places it appears. It's Geduldh's blood red because mana is a blessing from her to Ewigeliebe's creations in the first place which has turned to a curse in her anger at being betrayed by him. These are an artistic flourish, but the red lines embroidered on their cuffs serve to mark Devouring priests apart from the manaless grays in-universe.

The Goddess of Order shares the golden star pattern on the gray priests' cuffs(that's a star pattern, we all knew it was a star pattern when we saw it). It symbolically represents schtappe-sealing bracelets, as those in the temple have no right to use noble magic. The golden sashes are more directly alluding to the Godess of Light, who is also the goddess of piety. This specific shade is from a plant that's abundant and easy to process native to Ehrenfest, which is also why it's the duchy's signature color.

MYNE:

Myne is turned away from the camera, looking back suspiciously over her shoulder. She has a lot to hide and isn't being fully honest with anyone, keeping her heart well away from view. Although she's nearer to books than ever, she's unable to fully express her desire and they're just out of her grasp. Her lantern is a symbol of Leidenschaft, as she's guided by the fire of her passion and her memories of her family, who are all in some way strong with Leidenschaft and summer.

Her headscarf is a hand-me-down from Tuuli who was handed it down from her mother. Spring's green is common in young children's clothing in the hopes that it will give them a happy youth and bless their new life. Schutzaria's symbols run along the border, with her blessing bringing the wearer good health and defending them from evil spirits. Leidenschaft's symbols are just above them, hopefully ushering the child from spring to summer and encouraging them to grow up well. As she's the only Devouring gray to come from the lower city, she's the only one with a family heirloom, so it's fitting that it's a blessing for a happy youth that the rest of them were denied.

FRAN:

As the High Priest's favored Devouring gray, Fran bears several extra symbols of Ewigeliebe. In his mind, Ferdinand saved him from his abuse under the orphanage director, patching over the damage to his heart, although now his heart is fully within Ewigeliebe's control. He offers Schlaftraum's blessings of comfort, and as Geduldh, offers support to Ewigeliebe. Geduldh's chalice is filled with a different god's symbol depending on which season she's in, as well as directly alluding to figures associated with certain gods as it is here with salt. He's blinded by his devotion, unable to see Greifenchan's tears of unluckiness.

DELIA:

Like Fran, Delia is strong with Geduldh in winter and holds both her chalice as an offering and has Schlaftraum's flowers visible. Unlike him, she holds her offerings close to her chest, without exposing her heart, viewing them as these only as necessary sacrifices for her to one day escape the temple. Despite this, she too is blinded, unable to see the truth of her exploitation by the High Bishop.

GIL:

Gil is bound by his desperation for change and a new life, Flutrane's vines tying his hands, and Leidenschaft's spear trapped behind his back. He's unable to fulfill his role as a Devouring priest due to his bindings, hiding the embroidery showing his status from view. Unlike Fran and Delia, he's able to see clearly. Unlike Myne and Delia, his heart is exposed, although unlike Fran it belongs to nothing in particular, making him the odd one out all around.

[jerzwriter]

A Different Fate... Part 3 - It's been a long time.

Book: Open Heart (Post Series)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (past) feat. Tobias Carrick

Rating: Teen

Words: 2.2 k

Category: Short-Series/AU/Lost Love

Summary: Kaycee is both excited and anxious as she prepares for dinner, not sure of what it will uncover.

A/N: This was supposed to be a one-and-done, y'all. lol Instead, it's a little AU series of its own. It will be a total of four parts, so one more to go after this. I hope you enjoy it! @choiceschallenge-may2023 | Seeing an old friend/love @choicesflashfics Prompt in bold

Series Masterlist Ethan x Kaycee Masterlist Full Masterlist

There is something special about springtime in New York. Kaycee insists everyone should experience it at least once. She was now living through her eighth and found it every bit as magical as her first. Perhaps that's why her eyes were fixed on the window as she patiently waited, perched anxiously on the edge of her chair. There was so much to keep her mind occupied. Children in fancy prep-school uniforms skipped beside their harried nannies, who scolded them not to run ahead. Tourists, with perpetually lost expressions, had their cameras at the ready, and who could blame them? There wasn't a thing surrounding them that anyone would want to forget. Then there were the young lovers, strolling hand in hand, so enraptured with each other that they never even stopped to marvel at the blooming fields that turned Central Park into a masterpiece that no artist could ever replicate. Yes, New York in the spring delivered pure magic, and she never took that for granted.

She was relieved when she received his text earlier that day. Work was more chaotic than usual. Knowing he was running even later than her brought her a little relief. Just a little. 

I called Gabriel's they're still holding our reservation. When you get there, order a bottle of wine. You always had exquisite taste, so I trust you. And it's on me, don't spare me any expense.  

She watched closely as the well-bedecked waiter poured her glass of Vérité La Muse Merlot, a crafty smile tugging at her lips. He hadn't arrived yet, but she could already hear him….

I said spare no expense, but I didn't think you'd bleed me dry!

She'd tease that their next bottle would be the Château Lafite Rothschild Pauillac Bordeaux, three times the price. But maybe not... knowing him? He'd order it on the spot.  

She mindlessly swirled the garnet liquor in its decadent crystal chalice, enjoying its fragrant aroma before eagerly welcoming the glass to her lips. The tension left her shoulders as the smile on her face grew.

"I take it meets your approval," the waiter beamed.

"More than," Kaycee replied, suddenly grateful he had picked the venue. It seemed like overkill when he mentioned it. After all, she was more of a burger and beer at The Perfect Pint woman herself, but right now… she hadn't a single complaint.

She heard his voice before she saw him, and she downed her remaining wine in a most unladylike manner. Her stomach was in knots, though she couldn't say why, especially after she turned and saw that once-familiar smile light up the room. It was funny how time and distance could melt away with one glance.

"MacClennan!" Tobias gushed. "Get the hell over here and give me a hug!"

"Oh my God, look at you!" She beamed, clenching him in a warm embrace. "I swear you haven't changed a bit!"

"Well, you have!" He insisted, dramatically walking around her for effect. "How is it you get younger with every passing year?"

"You know, those pathetic lines may work on most women, Tobias…."

"But you've never been most women," he laughed.

The two old friends took to their seats and began chatting away like old times. It had been a good six years since they exchanged more than a brief greeting on their birthdays and a card at Christmastime, and though there was much to catch up on, it was as if they didn't miss a beat.

"I hear you were seeing someone!"

"Yes, was… past tense."

"I heard you got married?"

"And divorced… but you already knew that, didn't you?"

"Of course I did!"

"I read your research on genetically engineering cells… it was brilliant!"

"I’d love to say I was surprised with how you’ve made your team world-renowned, but that would be a lie.”

The conversation flowed so freely, so pleasantly... it felt like home, and Kaycee wondered why she was ever apprehensive about the evening. She questioned her choice to keep Tobias at arms-length some six years before. But as the evening moved on and the topics of conversation dwindled, the reason was clear. The eight-thousand-pound elephant in the room that the two had eloquently managed to sidestep was suddenly standing before them, demanding to be seen. It was Kaycee who relented first.

“So, how is Ethan?” She asked softly, a tone so low Tobias may have missed it if he hadn't been waiting for her to ask all night.

“He’s good,” Tobias assured, preparing to recite the canned reply he planned just for this occasion. “He’s doing just….”

But the evening had been too pleasant, his joy at seeing his old friend too genuine to mar the night with a lie.

“He’s Ethan… Kaycee. He’s Ethan.”

Her lip twitched, and she quickly grabbed her wine, a quick reflex that would provide a cover until she could think of more to say.

“I… I was hoping maybe he’d join you. Is he in town as well?”

“No, no… I’m the only one representing the team. He decided to sit this one out.”

“Oh,” she replied sadly. “Well, I’m not surprised. Pediatrics isn’t his field. In fact, I was surprised you were attending.”

“Well, unfortunately, we’re seeing more and more young patients, and we need to expand our knowledge. We hope to add two pediatric specialists to the team by year's end, but it never hurts to learn more.”

“Oh, I might know someone by the name of Dr. Trinh who would make a marvelous addition to the team, not that I’m trying to influence you!”

“Trust me, I’ve already floated her name. We all know she’d be perfect, except….”

He tried to stop that last word, but it came a second too late.

“Except?” Kaycee arched her brow, already knowing the answer she'd receive.

Tobias leaned back with a sigh and ran a hand down his face.

“It’s still hard for him to be around… people or things… that he associates with you. I know it may sound ridiculous, but....”

“No,” Kaycee said, pouring the remaining wine into her glass. “It doesn’t sound ridiculous at all. Of course, some of us had to learn to live with it because… everything reminds me of him….” she trailed. “But that’s unimportant. I don’t think he’d be foolish enough to let the best doctor for the position go or to deny her the opportunity… just because of... me.”

Tobias studied Kaycee carefully, and while she did a better job hiding it than his best friend back in Boston, he could still see that familiar pain in her eyes.

“No. When push comes to shove, he will always do what’s best for the team. But, it won’t be easy.”

For the first time that night, an uncomfortable silence fell between them, and he gave her the time she needed. Her eyes were fixed on the silverware she was fidgeting with, and Tobias was already composing the tongue-lashing he intended to give Ethan in his mind.

“You know… I owe you an apology,” she finally spoke.

“Me?” He marveled. “What for?”

“For blowing you off,” she faltered. “You know, not in the way most women blow you off,” she teased, desperate for any form of levity. “But… seriously… how can I criticize Ethan for doing the very things I’ve done. I limited our friendship to the occasional nicety because… it was just too hard to be around you. It reminded me of a different time, a wonderful time, but… whoever said ‘time heals’ is a liar."

“Kaycee,” whispered. “I’ll never understand how the two of you have allowed so much time to linger... so much pain… when it’s unnecessary.”

“Is it, though?” She asked defensively. “Is it? When I think back to when my residency was ending… Tobias, there was nothing I wouldn’t have given for him. I loved him… I loved him so much… I would have done anything to stay together, but he, he wasn't willing to give anything at all. What choice did I have? And I’ve tried… I’ve tried to move on. I’ve built a phenomenal career, and I have a good life here. I love New York, and I’m happy. But when it comes to love… everyone is still second to him. They’re second to a ghost, so in time we both end up hurt, and it’s not fair. When my last relationship ended, I decided not to even try anymore. It was three years, Tobias… three intoxicating, extraordinary, tumultuous years. We've lived almost three times that amount since I left Boston, and still… I can’t let go. I’ve just accepted that this is how it will always be.”

Tobias tossed his napkin on the table with a sigh. “Ah, Kaycee… You know… you deserve more. You really do.”

“We both do,” she smiled sadly.

“Have you ever tried reaching out to him? At all?”

“I ran into him at a convention or two. We exchanged polite greetings after we failed at doing our best to avoid each other, but nothing more than that.”

“Why don’t you try?”

“Tobias. Did you ask him to come to this conference with you? And don’t lie to me. I can tell when you lie.”

“No, you can’t,” he smirked.

“Try me.”

“Yes. I asked him.”

“And he declined... he declined because he didn’t want to risk seeing me. In a city of eight million people, the risk of running into me was too great… so he declined. Am I right?”

“You are,” he whispered with a sad smile.

“Trust me, Tobias. Any man who goes to those lengths to avoid me doesn’t want my call.”

Tobias reached over and gave her hand a supportive squeeze as they tried to move the conversation along. Despite the melancholy mood the evening had taken on, they were still happy to have spent time together. Tobias walked Kaycee to her door and shared a long hug before bidding her good night.

“I can’t tell you what to do, but I’d love it if we didn’t let another six years slip by before doing this again.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” she grinned. “So, you’ll just have to come to New York…”

“… or you can come o Boston….”

"Oh, Tobias," Kaycee said, gently touching his cheek. "You know damn well that Boston only has around 650,000 people... and it's the scene of the crime."

"Then I’ll just have to make a point of coming to New York more often,” he grinned. “It was great seeing you.”

“It was great seeing you, too.”

Without any place to go, Tobias lingered in front of Kaycee’s building, his eyes trailing her until she stepped through the elevator doors. Then he started on the five-block walk to his hotel. He wasn’t one to believe in love… not often anyway… but when it was real... when it was true... he couldn't understand how two people could let it go. He had watched his best friend live half a life for nearly a decade, and now that he knew Kaycee had been doing the same, he was filled with a sadness he didn't quite understand.

The lobby of his hotel was warm and inviting... mahogany walls, soft jazz, small groups of people engaged in convivial conversations and laughter. Given his state of mind, this was definitely more appealing than the solitary room waiting for him. He flopped back into one of the plush settees and ordered a stiff drink. He knew it was just another night for Ethan, but he felt the need to check on his friend. With a few sips of brandy under his belt, he reached into his pocket for his phone.

“Hey, Boss! How’s it going?”

“It’s going,” Ethan replied. “I should be asking you that.... how was the first day of the conference.”

“Good, it was good,” Tobias enthused. “Lots of information, and it left me confident of one thing.”

“Yeah, what’s that?”

“We need to bring on the pros. Sure, we should broaden our own knowledge, but I say we move ahead and hire some peds for our team. We’re getting too many kids lately, Ethan… and neither of us enjoys it when we fail them. I think it would improve our outcomes.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Ethan replied.

“Good! I say we put the search into high swing.”

“I’m a step ahead of you," Ethan countered. "I spent the night speaking with… with Dr. Trinh.”

“Oh,” Tobias’s eyes widened. “Did you? You know I’ve made no secret about it… she’d be the best person for the job.”

“You're right,” Ethan sighed. “And she can be quite persuasive, too.”

“That’s an understatement,” Tobias laughed. “So, did she convince you to let her be our new team member?”

“She did. I told her the job is hers if she wants it… and I think she wants it.”

“Excellent!” Tobias grinned, grateful that something left him feeling a little better. “If I had known she could be this persuasive, I would have utilized her sooner!”

“Yeah,” Ethan laughed. “You have no idea how persuasive she could be.”

“Oh, is there more?”

“There is.”

“OK, stop being so cryptic, buddy. You going to fill me in or what?”

“I could,” Ethan swallowed. “But it's not a conversation to have on the phone. Why don’t you come join me at the bar, and I’ll tell you the rest.”

“That would be great, Ethan… but in case you’ve forgotten, I’m an hour and a half plane ride away.”

“Tobias... turn around.”

Stupified, Tobias stood up and glanced around the room, his phone still at his ear when a goofy grin lit up his face. 

“So, you’re in New York?” He spoke into the mouthpiece. “Is it for the conference?”

Ethan shook his head with a smirk.

"Why don't you hang up and join me.”

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[ofliterarynature]

DECEMBER 2023 WRAP UP

[loved liked ok no thanks (reread) book club*]

Mixed Magics • Chalice • To Shape a Dragon's Breath • The Haunting Season • Hither Page • The Henchmen of Zenda • System Collapse • The Phantom of the Opera • An Unexpected Peril • A Minor Chorus* • The September House • (The Dream Thieves) • The Fragile Threads of Power • The Pinhoe Egg • (Network Effect) • Some Desperate Glory

total: 16 (audiobook: 12 / ebook: 4)

Happy New Year booklr! Here's to actually getting my last monthly wrap-up post of 2023 out in decent time for once.

Some Desperate Glory - I'm getting myself off to a bad start here because I don't actually remember much from the book and I didn't write a review at the time. oops. But I do remember that once things got going I was hooked, and I couldn't wait to pick the audiobook back up. Definitely some content warnings to look out for, but an incredible read. I definitely need to go back and check out the author's other work.

Network Effect - the last book of my Murderbot reread, still great, glad to have finally read this in a text format! Also better suited to be read *after* Fugitive Telemetry, I wish I'd known to read them in chronological order the first time.

The Pinhoe Egg - a nice wrap up to the main Chrestomanci series! Though if anyone can tell me why on eARTH the 'recommended' reading order is like *that*, please explain it to me. I'd forgotten so many things by the time we got back to Cat, if I ever reread I'm going chronologically.

The Fragile Threads of Power - lord help me, I could do a whole rant. A quick summary of my relationship to this series: loved Shades of Magic when it first came out, did not love/was very annoyed by most of it when I reread them in 2023. Also have not really liked any of Schwab's other work. BUT. I was under the impression that this spinoff would have new main characters, and the old ones would be present but not in the center. If I didn't just make this up, it was LIES. The original MC's still dominate probably at least 60% of the book, and you'd think 7 years in-book and more experience on behalf of the writer would mature them, but a) no, and b) so many goddamn flashbacks. And Kel's assasin-sona was so cringe I wanted to cry. I did actually like the new main character which really is the biggest shame of all. If you see me contemplating the next book please stop me.

The Dream Thieves - I don't know that I have much to add yet to my thoughts about TRB in my Nov post, but I've been having a very strange experience where when I'm actively reading these, I'm having an incredibly good time; when I'm not I completely forget I was reading it. lol?

The September House - this is possibly the closest to my ideal horror book that I've ever found??!!? I have a weird relationship with horror, wherein I am not uninterested, but I almost never enjoy the ones I read (I think it has to do with my irl anxiety, idk). But THIS one. It's such an INCREDIBLE blend of like, mundane horrors and dark humor? I loved it. The "you can live with the horrors if you just follow the rules" is very much my vibe, and the way the author chose to have it integrate with the main character's experiences of domestic abuse was very smart. Deeply enjoyed, but probably won't be a favorite.

A Minor Chorus - this month's book club pick! I really really wish I'd liked this, and I'm torn between "thank god it was short," and "oh I wish this was longer." It's about a queer Indigenous doctoral student in Canada who's somewhat lost his way on his dissertation and is instead writing a novel (maybe), inspired by the stories of people in his community. On one hand, the writing was sometimes very beautiful and the different stories were interesting! On the other, my academic-speak abilities are limited, and the narrator did not hold back. He even explicitly states at one point, oh I can't describe my book this way to [character] because he won't understand my academic language. And...yeah. My brain got a little overwhelmed and I skimmed a lot of those parts. The hopeful part of me thinks if that if the book had been longer maybe I would have had time to "get it," but idk.

An Unexpected Peril - Veronica Speedwell is as Veronica Speedwell does. Had a good time with this even though it's proving to not be the most memorable. Mostly I remember intensely panicking over whether or not V had practiced forging the princess's signature, lol.

The Phantom of the Opera - this was a last minute sub for my classics challenge; I've never seen any of the adaptations, but I happened to see the book on tumblr when I was scrambling for a replacement and thought it might be fun. And it was! Quite ridiculous and dramatic, and I had a good time reading it. I was surprised by the outsider POV on the story, but it was good, just a shame that it didn't allow Christine to tell her own story. If anyone has a Christine-centered retelling I should read, let me know! And are there any adaptations I should watch?

System Collapse - new Murderbot! I was so excited for this, I'm irritated that my brain and work schedule didn't want to cooperate and let me read my nice pretty hardcover; I ended up getting the audiobook from the library instead. I had an incredible time, because it's Murderbot, how could I not? But it's also interesting, because Network Effect felt quite cohesive and contained on its own, but this feels very much like an in-between story (almost like Fugitive Telemetry), rather than a continuation of the same thread. I'll be interested to see where Martha takes us from here.

The Henchmen of Zenda - my last KJ Charles of the year! I did mean to get through all of her books, but things slipped by me these last few months so I still have a couple, but managed to fit this standalone in! It's not the only time she's pulled characters from works of classic fiction, and I admit, I'm now very curious and kind of want to read the original Prisoner of Zenda? Definitely this version had an exciting plot that was fun to read, though I don't think it'll be my favorite of her works (yay for a non-traditional relationship structure tho :)

Hither, Page - I don't think I've read Cat Sebastian before, but I've had this one recommended and it sounds right up my ally - historical/cozy myster/spy shenanigans/gay romance! And it was an incredibly pleasant read, would recommend, but I do think it could have been better as both a mystery and a romance.

The Haunting Season - I almost picked this up in October for spooky season, but put if off for Dec since it's meant to be wintery ghost stories - and only just remembered it in time! I almost wish I hadn't. The first two stories were so meh for me that I almost DNF'd it, I just didn't want the fuss of having to find a new audiobook for work the last day before Christmas break. Luckily Natasha Pulley showed up next with a good story (I really ought to read her books) and there was a good run of 4 stories with another 2 meh to round things out. It wasn't a total loss, but I wouldn't really recommend.

To Shape a Dragon's Breath - If you've seen people singing the praises of this book, they're not wrong! It's a very good if sometimes heavy read, and this is definitely the closest I've gotten to liking a boarding school story since Protector of the Small (I got burned out on them very quickly, lol). It does sometimes read like the debut it is, it's not perfect (lots of infodump speeches, lord save me from the technicalities of alchemy/chemistry, and I would have liked to see more done in her relationship with her dragon), but it's also doing some incredible and unique things that really make me want to see more books in this series and whatever else the author writes.

Chalice - I've read Robin Mckinley before and I've found her work ok, but this one has been repeatedly recommended in the HOTE discord server - I figured it would be a good one to wrap up the year with! And surprise surprise, the fealty-coded discord loves a book about... fealty XD and good stewardship, and magic bees, etc. It's incredibly on brand, and I had a lovely time with this fairy-tale of a book.

Mixed Magics - a collection of Chrestomanci short stories; I actually read one of the stories a few months ago due to the recommended reading order (bleh), and thought it would be fairly simple to finish it off before the end of the year, now that I'd finished the rest of the series. All fun, if not equally interesting, and a nice end to the year. Now I just need to find a new Diana Wynne Jones series to try (not on audiobook, alas, my library is all out of those).

(I did almost consider then binging the Hither, Page sequel on new year's eve, just so I wouldn't split the series, but decided against it :D)

[l1ght-0f-y0ur-l1fe]

Okay, so im planning on reading all of the percy jackson books (reading Lightning Thief at the moment) and I have done extensive research on the chronological order and just wanted to share to make sure I got it correctly or if there are any books I have forgotten

Percy jackson and the lightning thief - (pjo book 1)

Percy jackson and the sea of monsters - (pjo book 2)

Percy jackson and the titans curse - (pjo book 3)

Percy jackson and the battle of the labyrinth - (pjo book 4)

The demigod files - (companion book)

Percy jackson and the last olympion- (pjo book 5)

Red pyramid - (kc book 1)

The throne of fire - (kc book 2)

The serpent's shadow - (kc book 3)

The lost hero - (hoo book 1)

The demigod diaries - (companion book)

The son of Neptune - (hoo book 2)

The mark of Athena - (hoo book 3)

The house of hades - (hoo book 4)

The blood of Olympus - (hoo book 5)

Percy jackson's greek gods - (companion book/standalone)

Percy jackson's greek heros - (companion book/standalone)

Demigods & magicians (the son of sobek, the staff of serapis, the Crown of ptolemy) - (pjo x kc crossover)

Brooklyn house magicians manual - (kc companion book)

Camp Jupiter classified - (companion book)

Percy jackson and the chalice of the gods (pjo book 6)

The sword of the summer - (mc book 1)

The hammer of thor - (mc book 2)

Guide to the norse worlds - (mc companion book)

The ship of the dead - (mc book 3)

9 from the nine worlds - (standalone?)

The hidden oracle - (toa book 1)

Camp half blood confidential - (companion book)

The dark prophecy - (toa book 2)

The burning maze - (toa book 3)

The tyrants tomb - (toa book 4)

The tower of Nero - (toa book 5)

The sun & the star

Please can the percy jackson fandom let me know if this is correct!

Thank you.

[ruegarding]

Hey, I read your post about your opinion on Chalice of the Gods and how you preferred it if Rick left it at TOA, so I was just wondering what your thoughts were on the series. Was there anything you disliked or enjoyed the most out of those books?

quick disclaimer: i haven't read toa cover-to-cover and i'm probably never going to. that being said, i think toa works much better as a standalone story than hoo, but still has the same issues when looking at it as an extension of pjo.

let's start w the good

the scene where apollo kills commodus lives in my head rent free. that was some of the most inspired shit rick has written ever tf

there are actual stakes and characters die for real (the bar is on the floor)

the comparisons of meg and nero vs apollo and zeus work well within this story

the general theme of a god connecting to humanity is cool and well done and consistent throughout the story

rick remembered grover exists

artemis helping her brother similar to how apollo helped percy and co w transportation in ttc

styx appearance was cool i love that wish something actually happened when gods broke their oaths

meg and apollo platonic relationship focus????????? woah

the bad

frank's curse...why are we allergic to narrative consequence

this might be an unpopular opinion but i dislike the power-scaling in hoo and toa. i love narrative consequence. i love when powers have drawbacks that dissuade reliance on them. i have a post that sorta talks abt it here.

my biggest issue is the bastardization of pjo (which is why i think toa works as a standalone and not as part of the universe). w every book rick writes the entirety of pjo matters less. every death achieved nothing bc toa ends w "but zeus will always be a big meanie and nothing will change." this is why i will probably never read toa bc what is the point when rick is so afraid of changing the status quo and ends up reducing zeus to an emotionless tyrant when that was not at all how he was characterized in pjo

like there are so many inconsistencies in the universe that u can have textual evidence to support wildly contradicting claims. i shouldn't have to turn my brain off in order to enjoy a series bc the author can't keep his own books consistent

this was an issue i had when i was the exact target age range for rick's books so the argument that "it's for kids" doesn't even work. however it is funny to think the critical thinking expansion pack is age-locked

mostly i just want the universe to close so that things can stop being retconned to death and ending w the defeatist "nothing changes" that's required to keep it going

[millylouedward]

24 Books in 2024

I noticed this prompt circulating and listen, I'm a bandwagon hopper. You don't have to ask me twice, or even once, to participate. So these are the 24 books I plan to prioritize in 2024. Books are in no particular order, just whichever came to me in whichever order.

Beach Read - Emily Henry

Shadowselves: Stories - Jason Ockert

Brutalities: A Love Story - Margo Steines

The Colony - Audrey Magee

Small Things Like These - Claire Keegan

Ariadne - Jennifer Saint

Margot - Wendell Steavenson

Hamnet - Maggie O'Farrell

Remarkably Bright Creatures - Shelby Van Pelt

Little Women - Louisa May Alcott

Funny Story - Emily Henry

Flight - Lynn Steger Strong

Study For Obedience - Sarah Bernstein

Teething and Other Tales from the American Dystopia - Stephen Nothum

Ripe - Sarah Rose Etter

My Husband - Maud Ventura

Chalice of the Gods - Rick Riordan

Briefly, A Delicious Life - Nell Stevens

The Pine Islands - Marion Poschmann

My Body - Emily Ratajkowski

Lessons In Chemistry - Bonnie Garmus

Murder on the Orient Express - Agatha Christie

The Wolf Den - Elodie Harper

The Cartographers - Peng Shepherd

The likelihood of me getting through all of this books is statistically very low considering the amount of books that get added to my TBR and never get read. But let's just pretend for a minute that I have some ounce of completionism in me. I'm really looking forward to all these books and will return at the end of 2024 to mark off all the ones I finished. Hope my list inspires some of you readers.

[rebel-ezra]

best books I read in 2023 + my ratings & reviews

because I just read an insanely good one and I love giving recs :) this is in order I read them in!

most of them are fantasy books!

the starless sea by erin morgenstern (my rating: 5/5) review: this book feels very personal and intimate to someone who reads a lot. it speaks to people who love stories and storytelling and who want to read stories exactly like the starless sea perfect for people who loved the night circus

magus chase and the sword of summer by rick riordan (magnus chase #1) (my rating: 4/5) review: this was a very nice read that I got through pretty quickly. having been interested with greek mythology for a while, it was nice to read about norse mythology for once perfect for people who loved percy jackson and six of crows

the girl who fell beneath the sea by axie oh (my rating: 5/5) review: I loved this book so much it was hard to put down. I loved the characters, writing style and locations a lot perfect for people who loved this woven kingdom

before the coffee gets cold by toshikazu kawaguchi (my rating: 5/5) review: this book is beautifully written. it's such a unique concept and I loved how at the end, you could see how everyone's story was intertwined with each other perfect for people who loved the midnight library

caraval by stephanie garber (caraval #1) (my rating: 4/5) review: this reminded me of a mixture of the night circus and hotel magnifique in the best way possible. i loved how there were so many plot twists but it never felt like it was too much perfect for people who loved motel magnifique and the night circus

percy jackson and the chalice of the gods by rick riordan (percy jackson #6) (my rating: 5/5) review: it was incredible to read about percy, grover and annabeth again. especially given the fact percy's going to college now and is my age. also loved how rick dedicated the book to walker, aryan and leah perfect for people who loved percy jackson (surprise)

house of roots and ruin by erin a craig (sisters of the salt #2) (my rating: 5/5) review: I could not put this book down. it's even better than the first one and has the perfect vibe to get you to keep reading, wanting to figure out what's going on. like a goth fantasy thriller perfect for people who loved house of salt and sorrows and these violent delights

what you are looking for is in the library by michiko aoyama (my rating: 5/5) review: similar setup as before the coffee gets cold. a very comforting book that has some beautiful lessons about life. I read this in one day perfect for people who loved before the coffee gets cold

🫶🏻🫶🏻 hope you liked it :) my goodreads

[jxrm]

book log - 2024 (so far)

diva by daisy goodwin

the heiress by rachel hawkins

only if you’re lucky by stacy willingham

the chateau by jaclyn goldis

just stay away by tony wirt

the other mothers by katherine faulker

middle of the night by riley sager

the disappearance of astrid bricard by natasha lester

every time i go in vacation, someone dies by catherine mack

the last caretaker by jessica strawser

just for the summer by abby jimenez

house of glass by sarah pekkanen

the mayor of maxwell street by avery cunningham

first lie wins by ashley elston

the phoenix crown by kate quinn

murder road by simone st. james

the fury by alex michaelides

happiness falls by angie kim

the house of last resort by christopher golden

run rose run by dolly parton

the chalice of the gods by rick riordan

there should have been right by nalini singh

the mysterious case of the alperton angels by janice hallet

darling girls by sally hepworth

the pieces around us by leigh fields

love, theoretically by ali hazelwood

the teacher by frieda mcfadden

x by jack croxell

iron flame by rebecca yarros

the only suspect by louise candlish

throwback by maurene goo

the housemaid is watching by frieda mcfadden

zara hossain is here by sabina khan

slice by angie caedis

the ways of the dead by neely tucker

orphan train by christina baker

a court of silver flames by sarah j. mass

come and get it by kiley reid

the drowning woman by robyn harding

when i bleed: poems about endometriosis by maggie bowyer

the house in the pines by ana reyes

only say good things by crystal hefner

the mother-in-law by sally hepworth

daughter of mine by megan miranda

lore olympus: volume four by rachel smythe

this time it’s real by ann liang

anna o by matthew blake

the girl with the louding voice by abi dare

where the forest meets the stars by glendy vanderah

a friend in the dark by samantha m. bailey

the wife app by carolyn mackler

howl’s moving castle by diana wynne jones

the spanish love deception by elena armas

divide by jessa russo

lies and weddings by kevin kwan

the foxhole victory tour by amy lynn green

dying to tell by keri beevis

my father, the panda killer by jamie jo hoang

the wedding party by l.r. jones

girl gone mad by avery bishop

starter wife by bethany lopez

the queens of new york by e.l. shen

theater lovers by ciara blume

once upon a broken heart by stephanie garber

the surrogate mother by frieda mcfadden

crying in h mart by michelle zauner

don’t forget to write by sara goldman confino

the next girl by carla kovach

the paradise problem by christina lauren

ivy league liars by grace costello

every summer after by carley fortune

the ballad of never after by stephanie garber

a curse of true love by stephanie garber

the devil’s storybooks by natalie babbit

expiration dates by rebecca serle

the murmur of bees by sofia segovia

growing up hadley by dana harp

the vacation by john marrs

rum punch regrets by anna kemp

the five-star weekend by elin hilderbrand

people to follow by olivia worley

the treasure hunters club by tom ryan

you shouldn’t be here by lauren thoman

trophy wife by bethany lopez

seven summers by paige toon

veridian sterling fakes it by jennifer gooch

the friendship club by robyn carr

women of good fortune by sophie wan

the smuggler’s apprentice of guatemala by lachlan page

this summer will be different by carley fortune

natural selection by elin hilderbrand

the passengers by john marrs

asap by axie oh

island of shadows by christopher kvintus

swan song by elin hilderbrand

lore olympus: volume five by rachel smythe

blue hawaiian by carla luna

the villain edit by laurie devore

hermione granger and the order of the phoenix by sara baines-miller

the hotel nantucket by elin hilderbrand

bummer camp by ann garvin

pink glass houses by asha elias

cut and thirst by margaret atwood

the exception to the rule by christina lauren

#crimetime by jeneva rose

incidents around the house by josh malerman

the mistress by valerie keogh

kiki’s delivery service by eiko kadono

when we were friends by jane green

the honey-don’t list by christina lauren

worst wingman ever by abby jimenez

the perfect couple by elin hilderbrand

home is where the bodies are by jeneva rose

the only good indians by stephen graham jones

roar by cecelia ahern

the wedding people by alison espach

look in the mirror by catherine steadman

fit to die by daniel kalla

uglies by scott westerfield

hideaway by nicole lundrigan

the fortune teller by natasha boydell

crazy rich asians by kevin kwan

the wish by nicholas sparks

how the penguins saved veronica by hazel prior

the plus one by s. c. lalli

the haters by robyn harding

china rich girlfriend by kevin kwan

rich people problems by kevin kwan

the haunting of moscow house by olesya salnikova gilmore

the lonely hearts book club by lucy gilmore

the measure by nikki erlick

somewhere beyond the sea by tj klume

adam and evie’s matchmaking tour by nora nguyen

i was a teenage slasher by stephen graham jones

here one moment by liane moriarity

badass bonita by kim guerra

zetas till we die by amber and danielle brown

shred sisters by betsy learner

one of the girls by lucy clarke

society of lies by lauren ling brown

the radius of us by marie marquardt

fantasticland by mike bockoven

sheets by brenna thummler

the boyfriend by frieda mcfadden

delicates by brenna thummler

no one will know by rose carlyle

lights by brenna thummler

counting miracles by nicholas sparks

the night we lost him by laura dave

ghost stories by ron ripley

the hitchcock hotel by stephanie wrobel

for better or cursed by kate williams

the last one at the wedding by jason rekulak

creation lake by rachel kushner

like mother, like daughter by kimberly mccreight

libby lost and found by stephanie booth

the nosy neighbour by nita prose

needy little things by channelle desamours