#i'm really interested to see how her story compares with jude's

[livebloggingkidshows]

Made the mistake of watching the video introducing the new cast member for next season right before dinner last night and literally couldn't sit still for like an hour.

I finished eating and immediately got up and basically just did toe presses/raises on my mom's thick foam standing desk pad and stimmed until all the excited energy finally passed. (also bounced my leg under the table the entire time I had to be seated)

[gayuu-the-necromancer]

SPOILERS ALERT! (Obviously!)

I haven't actually finished. Just one more chapter left. But its fine. I'm done with the major plot anyways. Let's start!

How do I feel about Elbert's route?

All in all, it was kinda....meh. I wasn't entirely bad nor it was good. It's just...I'm so dissatisfied.

How was the story?

It was half boring and half good. I chose the Madness route and let me just say, for how dark Elbert's story is, the ending is just so disappointing. Now this is just the Madness route, maybe in the Blind route is much better (I hope it is).

El's story mainly contains two stories - 1. Main story that reveals El's past and his curse and 2. Bernard&Co. I'll be honest... I don't care about Bernard and his company! Nor do I care about Gabriel and his kinky stuff nor Daisy and her blue poppies. It really has nothing to do with El's past. It's just boring side story that just keeps getting in the way of the main storyline and it cannot be avoided. I honestly didn't pay any attention to Bernard&Co story because I was bored and I'm more interested in getting to know El.

On the other hand, I was quite interested in El's past. Yes! It's one of the most tragic ones I've heard. I love how dark it is and the writers did a good job in making me actually hate EVERYONE related to El. I also loved how they showed the scene where Al tells Kate about El's past in a library where they first met and at the same time, El was having a dream where he sees his whole childhood. It's a nice transition. They keep switching between Kate's pov to El's pov from time to time. Good job! I liked that.

The writers did keep me interested in the story because to be honest, I was really looking forward on how El finally comes out from his tragic past and faces his true nemesis. But they went and ruined it in the end so much so that it WASN'T WORTH SPENDING 1500 DIAMONDS and 25 story tickets!!! Yes! I did use my diamonds, which I've been saving for Jude, on story tickets.....because I was so hooked! I couldn't wait 10 days and I couldn't sleep until I found out what's going to be Jeffery's ending.

What happens to Jeffery?

By this time, you must know that, Jeffery is the true main villain in El's route. Not Gabriel Bernard. If you don't know, Jeffery was the chief butler of the Greetia house. He and the other servants SA-ed El everyday since he was 9-year-old. Not only this, let me list out all the crimes he has committed:

SA-ed a minor everyday.

Brainwashed and manipulated that same child.

Bribed a guy to kidnapped Kate and also told him to sell her, because you know, she was preventing him from SA-ing El.

Tried to kill Kate.

And also being completely delusional in thinking that the reason why El was trying to kill him because Kate brainwashed him and not because...all of the above.

Yeah. So you'd think, a monster like that would get painful death, right? But no. El just shows up, says hi and stabs him with his sword. That's it.

I was really disappointed, because I thought, El was going to make him suffer for what he has done and killing him as painfully as possible, because he deserves it. For some reason, the writers just made it anticlimactic. If I compare this ending with William and Harrison, their ending is much more exciting. Especially William's...I'll translate that as soon as my exam is over...so please be patient, it's on Sep 8th. Okay?

But yeah, that's it. I don't how El kills him in the other ending. Someone told me that El poisons him. Poison apple I guess. I'll see that when I play the other ending, but not anytime soon.

What is El's tragic ending?

El's tragic ending according to Victor is to die while being unsatisfied. We see El trying to collect the most beautiful thing in the world, but El's tragic end is, he will die without getting that most beautiful thing.

What about Al?

I still don't understand why Al kissed Kate. It still confuses me and Yes! Kate does tell El that Al kissed her and El was like--

Kate: "Well....Mr. Alphonse.....kissed me on the lip--"

El kisses her before she could finish her sentence.

El: "Tell me Kate, who is your daddy?"

Kate: *blushes* "It's Lord Elbert...."

El: *smiling* "Good."

El: "If it's Al, I don't mind..."

Kate: "You're....n-not going to kill him, right?"

El: "If it was someone else, I would have.......I'd rather you not, but if you want to kiss someone else besides me, it should be only Al."

Kate: *jealous* "I don't want to kiss someone else. I only want to kiss you..."

Yeah, that's El's reaction. He was surprisingly calm about it. Al on the other hand is starting to grow on me. He's like the Mitsuhide of this game, so mysterious that you can't tell if he's on good side or bad side. El seems to trust Al very much. Yes, he is jealous about Kate spending time with another man, but he also trusts Al and knows that no matter what, Al will keep her safe. Al on the other hand dislikes the fact that both Kate and El trusts him so much. I don't know if Al even likes El as friend. Sometimes he acts like friend and sometimes he doesn't. It's so confusing, so I'm really looking forward for his route.

Kate and El

Honestly, these two are made for each other. Both are jealous possessive types that keeps asking each other if they were thinking about each other while they were apart. There are only some cute moments here and there, like El staring at Kate so he could get into her heart and also making sure that she only looks at him and only thinks about him and also grabs her face and makes it turn to look at him and also asking to look only at him lol. It's a funny scene I liked it. But most of his route is full of sadness and sadness and .....lots of sadness. You get my point.

Final thoughts

This post is really short but there is not much to talk about because I already spoiled you guys about El's past which is the major part of the story.

I wish the story was bit more exciting, at least the writers could have improved the ending of Jeffery after making me hate him so much. All in all it was a pretty meh experience. I still think Harry's route is the best one so far.

[nicosraf]

I have to ask how you came up on the idea to write ABM? I just wanna know your thought process because I'm wildly intrigued. I'd love to know how you'd feel about a lesbian story between Lilith (Adam's first wife) and Eve which is what my story is about.

Hello! So usually I'm pretty secretive about all the stuff behind Angels Before Man and why it's like That, but I recently saw a tweet that wrongly assumed the motivations behind the book, and it upset me a bit, so I should probably finally go into detail about ABM's deal. Sorry if this answer is way too long.

1. Personal reasons: in 2016, I came out to my parents during a very rough period for my mental illness. It went very bad, and I ended up going to a therapist for a few month for, well, conversion therapy. This involved using a lot of Christian manipulation tactics ("God would not make you this way") and EMDR techniques that have done quite a bit of psychological damage to me. In 2021, while working with a new therapist, I had a "died and met God" nightmare, then developed an unhealthy obsession with the Bible as I processed what happened during conversion therapy. Another thing I need to mention is that my family are immigrants from an epicenter of the Mexican drug war, which exposed me to a lot of violence very young, and traumatized me in its own right; how I think about the violence we perpetuate on the people we love is something I just really wanted to write about, also. All this to say that ABM is just a convoluted allegory for trauma.

2. Theological reasons: during my obsession, I read the Bible in its entirety a couple times, and I developed a lot of questions about it, especially regarding angels and this Lucifer guy:

Why did Lucifer/Satan become evil? Ezekiel 28 is usually the passage people refer to that explains it (others argue this section isn't about Lucifer/Satan but let's assume for the sake of argument that it is). What's interesting about this section is the emphasis on the cherub's "blamelessness" (innocence! Lucifer's young innocence isn't talked about enough) and his beauty. In fact, his corruption is entirely linked to his beauty.

But what does beauty mean? To God? What is beauty before humanity? What is the purpose of it? How can you become corrupted by beauty? (For this, I looked at Ezekiel 16, where Jerusalem is corrupted by her beauty; this inspired quite a bit of the story of ABM as a whole, particularly regarding God's wrath)

What are angels for? What do they do? I asked a couple friends this and usually they answered that it was fighting demons and protecting humans, but there was a time before demons and before humans. (There was an "angels before man" if you will haha). This seemed to stump everyone I asked. Did they just worship? All the time???

Why does the Bible compare angels' submission to God to a wife's submission to her husband? (Well, that's a least an interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:10). This is related to Jesus explicitly stating later that angels can't marry. Why not? It's especially weird, at this point, given the matrimonial relationship between Jesus and the Church, and God's own somewhat matrimonial relationship with Mary. So everyone can have a romantic/sexual/spousal union except the angels? Why can't angels love?

This isn't a question but it really strikes me that Michael's only line of dialogue in the entire Bible is in the book of Jude and just as a reference to a time when he allegedly argued with Satan and said "Lord rebuke you." Ah. Michael. That brings me to the last major question I'll mention.

What was Michael and Lucifer's relationship? Something really cute is that everyone I harassed with my questions seemed to have this idea that they were best friends, that they really loved each other once. There's no scriptural evidence for it, and we only ever see them fighting, but it just seems like it makes sense, doesn't it? Strong, golden-hearted Michael and the beautiful, doomed Lucifer...

And of course the duality of God as both jealous and loving fascinates me. Even more so I'm fascinated by the concept of a lonely God. Jealousy, to me, only makes sense when you're insecure about love. How could an all-knowing God be insecure about love then? Maybe because he loves different than you, and he'll never have anyone who can love him the way he understands love (no matter how much he wishes, because he's a lone god)

Somehow all these questions came together and formed a story while I was outlining.

3. Technical reasons: I've been wanting to write a full novel that didn't follow the 5-act structure for a while. I wanted to write a novel that had no source of tension for a majority of the narrative (the source of tension early in ABM is just from the reader; you know what's gonna happen, but the book doesn't allude to it until about Chapter 11, and even then it's vague). I wanted to write a book that's radically differently paced in the second half. And I wanted to be a bit experimental stylistically (inspired by the Latin American Boom authors). Angels Before Man gave me all the opportunities to do this, I'm afraid.

Ultimately, Angels Before Man is really weird!! I'm both very happy and very shocked that people have enjoyed and understood it. I'm incredibly grateful when someone lets me know that my little self-published gay Satan book has been healing or cathartic to them. That's all I can really ask for tbh! Again, sorry for such a long answer, but I'm riled up about my intentions being misrepresented.

And finally, Lilith x Eve sounds really interesting!!! I have a lot of thoughts on the double creation of the sexes in Genesis (so, so, so many). I'd be ecstatic to see your take on it <3333 :)

[bloodmaarked]

where sleeping girls lie // faridah àbíké-íyímídé

first published: 2024 [to be released 14 march] read: 17 january 2024 – 24 january 2024 pages: 576 format: ebook [ARC]

genres: fiction, young adult, mystery, light romance (lesbian) favourite character(s): elizabeth least favourite character(s): baz (sorry!)

rating: 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑 thoughts: so. i read ace of spades as an ARC back in 2021 and i can't really explain the way i was truly obsessed with this book (you can read my original review here). i read it in four days, bought a physical copy when it came out, talked about it to other people, etc. it was one of my favourite reads that year and it put faridah very firmly on my list of authors to watch. imagine my excitement when i was offered a chance to read her sophomore book early.

well. where sleeping girls lie just didn't hit the same. it's hard not to compare to her debut because there are a lot of shared elements and themes between the two, but i couldn't help noticing that WSGL lacked the spark, the excitement, and the punch of AOS.

one of the major faults is just how uneventful it was. the pacing felt so slow and only by around 80% in did i find myself thinking "oh, something's actually happening now". threads are picked up and then dropped for so long that by the time they came back around, i didn't care anymore. or things went unexplained for so long that i feel they became largely irrelevant to the plot. i wasn't necessarily bored but i did feel like i was in a perpetual state of waiting for the story to pick up. the overall plot was not as groundbreaking or exciting as the one in AOS, but i appreciated what it wanted to say.

the characters were also a little lacklustre. chiamaka and devon from AOS felt well-written, they were relatable in ways, and they had personality. sade, as the main character in WSIG, didn't really have much personality outside of her trauma. who was she, as a person? i don't really know. the side characters were okay, although i will say that i really liked the sense of intrigue and duplicity written into the male characters like august and jude. this will probably be an unpopular opinion but i didn't care for baz as the best friend at all; his manic pixie dream boy schtick got tired real quick.

i'm not so sure about how good the writing was in general. the whole book felt like it could have done with another thorough edit, and definitely a cut down in length by at least 100 pages. some of the dialogue also felt stilted and clunky. the story ultimately had an interesting and relevant message but i struggled to feel much depth from the writing.

i didn't dislike this book, i think i just had very high expectations following AOS and with the similarities between the two i wasn't expecting quite so many differences in quality. i would absolutely still go ahead and read more books by faridah (i've still got four eids and a funeral on my reading list) and would love to see her branch out to stories perhaps with an older cast, set outside of high school, or not focused on elite teens.

massive thanks to Usborne Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

[getyouhoylake]

The Fascinating History of "Those Were The Days"

In 1995, the lovely Cynthia Lennon recorded her own version of the popular 1968 song, "Those Were The Days". Performed by Mary Hopkin, Paul McCartney recorded and produced the song. It became one of the biggest hits that Apple Redords ever made at the time. It even manage to land a spot on Billboard Hot 100, alongside The Beatles smash hit, "Hey Jude". But the story of this song goes way back then just 1968. And when I mean "way back", I'm not talking 1950's or 40's. I'm talking 1920's!

It all begins with two men named Boris Fomin and Konstantin Podrevskyi. Fomin was a composer of romance music, while Podrevskyi was poet and lyricist. Together, they wrote a romantic piece titled "Dorogoi Dlinnoiu" (By the Long Road). A hit when first released, the song centered around the beautiful, sweet, yet sad, nostalgic feeling of love. Yep, the famous 1968 hit

Although the year of the songs creation is up for debate, many have concluded that it was written no later than 1924, since the earliest recording of it was done in 1925. Singer, Tamara Tsereteli, interpreted the earliest version of the song. Whats striking about this recording is how different the melody is from the one we are so familiar with today. Yet, Tsereteli's interpretation is magnificent, and an intriguing one when comparing it to the version we know and love.

In 1926, another recording of "Dorogoi Dlinnoiu" was done. This time, famous cabaret artist and poet, Alexander Vertinsky, sang the song. This version is much more dramatic, made apparent by the brisk violins that play throughout the song. It's faster and daring, and Vertinsky really gives each word a weightiness. Even if you don't speak Russian, you can still get the meaning from how he sings it.

So when and how did the song get translated? Well during the early 1960's, Gene Raskin and his wife, Francesca, were touring New York, playing folk music. Raskin grew up listening to "Dorogoi Dlinnoiu" and wanted to write a translation. Once he did, he renamed the song "Those Were The Days", and copyrighted the lyrics and music under his name. The first group to popularize the song in English was a trio known as The Limeliters, who performed the song in 1962. When listening to The Limeliters version, you can hear how the song was changed to better appeal to the American audience, yet it still respects the spirit of the original. They also play around with the tempo, especially during the chorus.

Now here is where dear Paul comes in. When he first heard the song, he was immediately taken by it. He wanted to have the song recorded by other artist for years, but for some reason or another, it never happened. However, once Apple Records was formed, Paul finally had the chance to record the song. Young folk singer, Mary Hopkin, was chosen to sing the song. At the time, Hopkin was an up and coming artist of the music industry, and this song would ultimately be her breakout hit.

https://youtu.be/QptZ8tYZAkE

Outside of the song being distributed by Apple Records, I think the reason why Hopkin's version is the most well known is because of Hopkin's herself. Her voice is so fragile and innocent, that it really gives the song this air of sincerity. Also, considering that the lyrics are referring to an old love that has long since past, her youthful voice I think makes the song all the more striking. To hear about a love so old through the voice of one that sounds so young, I think is very poignant.

But of course, the version That many Beatle fans love is the one done by Cynthia. Recorded in 1995, “Those Were The Days” was one of two songs she recorded (the other being “Walking In The Rain”). What makes her version stand out is the opening, which is very different from all the previous incarnations of the song. It’s has profound effect, as it grabs a hold of the listeners attention the second it begins. But once Cynthia begins to sing, it becomes calm and gentle. What I find amazing is that she was in her 50′s when she recorded this, but her voice sounds like that of a 30 year old. She truly did have a lovely voice and it would have been great to have heard her sing more songs. I can only imagine how her singing voice sounded at age 20.

https://youtu.be/dRzHPmilqEQ

Considering the theme of the song, it’s no wonder why Cynthia decided to interpret it. In many ways, it does resemble her relationship with John. There was beauty, but also sadness. And seeing how she was older by the time she recorded this, it gives the song this special quality of honesty, because you know she had to deal with feelings like the ones expressed in the song.

https://youtu.be/8-UqATqYVAc

Since it’s creation "Dorogoi Dlinnoiu"/“Those Were The Days” has been recorded by several artists, not including the ones just mentioned. There’s one Russian version done by Nani Bregvadze, which I highly recommend. She has a beautiful voice and her version is the closest in its resemblance to the English melody. Bing Crosby did his own version in 1968, which I actually like a little more than Hopkin’s version. Very jazzy and upbeat. Dolly Parton did a version in the 2000′s. She brings the country side to it, and her unique Dolly Parton vocals. There’s this very interesting version done by Bad Boys Blues. Not my favorite version, but worth checking out if your interested. And the last and noteworthy recording of the song was in 2013, sung by Australian singer, Nia Robertson.

Regardless, I think Hopkin’s and Cynthia’s version will always be the ones that resonate the most with people. Although Hopkin didn’t enjoy the world of the music industry like many, she’s never stopped singing and recording. It’s nice to know that she’s still remembered for this song. And Cynthia’s version I think strongly identifies her, as well as many other women. Who knows how many people have experienced a love like Cynthia did. I think that’s why this song is still so popular. So many can relate to the message of the song, young or old. Seeing how the song is still be sang today, I have no doubt that it will continue stay for many more years.

Thanks for reading and God bless you all.

(Note: If you guys are curios about reading the original Russian lyrics, here’s a link to a website that has it and it’s rough English translation. https://spinditty.com/industry/Those-Were-the-Days-How-One-Russian-Song-Was-Adopted-by-the-World)