#imogen who was on the other side of that quote when she was wondering if ludinus maybe had a point

[bread-wizards]

I wonder if Dorian's views towards the gods could best be summed up as something like, "I wish my family didn't have to die for [their] brighter tomorrow."

[towards-toramunda]

Back on my BUT WHAT IF PREDATHOS IS A GOOD OR NEUTRAL ENTITY HUH????

WHAT THEN???????????

WHAT IF LUDINUS IS ONLY TRYING TO RELEASE PREDATHOS SO HE CAN USE HIS MORE ADVANCED HARNESS THAT HES HAD HUNDREDS OF YEARS TO DEVELOP TO EAT THE GOD EATER AND THEN HE’LL BE ABLE TO EAT THE GODS????????????????????????

WHAT IF THE BELL’S HELLS DISCOVER THAT PREDATHOS EATS GODS “NOT BECAUSE OF MALICE, NOT BECAUSE OF MURDEROUS INTENT, BUT BECAUSE SOME THINGS HAVE TO EAT AND SOME THINGS HAVE TO BE EATEN” (QUOTE FROM MATT MERCER IN EPISODE 71 WHEN THEY WERE IN THE SHATTERED TEETH THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO STOP THINKING ABOUT)??????????????????????

ALL CAMPAIGN WE’VE SEEN THE GOOD SIDE OF “BAD GUYS” LIKE WITH NANA MORRI OR THE NIGHTMARE KING OR BOR’DOR OR EVEN THE PCS THEMSELVES LIKE THEY’RE ALL TEXTBOOK VILLAIN NPCS (except orym thats my father right there)

WHAT IF THAT WAS ALL TO LEAD US TO PREDATHOS ACTUALLY BEING A FINE DUDE??????

Okay but all caps is hurting my eyes so lets discuss:

- we haven’t seen predathos and presumably they’re either asleep or in some sort of dormant state and have been since nearly the beginning of recorded history so there is no record of their form, true power, personality, etc. all we know is they (presumably, but lets be real yes they did) ate two gods

- Predathos was said to create “twisted life” but so far what we’ve seen from the life on Ruidius is just… *different* life. Red and spindly and alien, but not necessarily bad. Yes we’ve seen some reilorans siding with ludinus in the fight near the lava a few episodes back, but we also know that reliorans called by imogen have to do what she says so how do we actually know these ones were working on their own volition/weren’t misguided like bor’dor was?

- Quite a few times in this campaign we’ve been shown the theme that bad things are often not evil or malicious, (and evil things can be useful shoutout to Teven Klask). As mentioned earlier and by many people throughout this campaign: these PCs are easily the villain NPCs in any other dnd campaign

- When they went to the shattered teeth Matt said “You are uncertain who is who, but you get the sense that many innocent creatures have met their end in this land violently, not because of malice, not because of murderous intent, but because some things have to eat and some things have to be eaten.” And ever since I heard him say that I keep wondering if THAT is gonna be who predathos is! Because gods may meet their end to predathos violently, not because of malice, but because *some things have to eat and some things need to be eaten*

- And NOW with the introduction of ludi’s old harness and seeing just how powerful and dangerous it is I absolutely think that Ludinus has been working on a new one since he left molaesmyr and my *theory* is that he’s only trying to release predathos so he can suck in his power (maybe he’ll be the one controlling imogen’s powers then and YIKE) and have the ability to devour the gods/become one himself.

- Imagine how JUICY and INTERESTING it’d be if the hell’s realize that predathos is actually not a bad being, but a being who has been treated badly and then BAMB LUDINUS COMES IN WITH AN UPDATED HARNESS AND SUCKS HIS POWERS INTO HIMSELF?? HOW BATSHIT WOULD THAT BE?????? LIKE??????? COME ON

(This is all speculation I hate when I speculate on this hellsite and someone claims I’m trying to pretend I have a crystal ball that can see into the future with 100% certainty: I’m trying to have fun calm down)

[queerfanfiction]

Topic Of Study (Ch. 3)

Larissa Weems x PhDstudent!Reader

AO3 link

Smutty Spotify link

Going about your day after the almost-kiss was awful. Frustrating. Time was moving so slowly. You tried your best to study in the library that you found so charming, find books for your research that you adored, and seek out quotes that invigorated you. However, your gaze kept falling back to the bookcase you were pinned against by Larissa earlier.

Distracted, you decide to pack up your things and walk around Nevermore before eating lunch and returning to your living quarters. It felt like the hours would never pass, not when your main distraction retreated to her duties. You wanted to study her reaction; you were sure she would have a slightly frazzled and confused look as she considered her utter lust for someone almost 20 years her junior.

Finally it was time to get ready for Imogen to pick you up. You needed no doubt in the other woman’s mind of what the night would entail. You chose an oversized blazer with nothing underneath except a dangling gold, body chain and some fabric tape. If the open front wasn’t enough, its short sleeves hinted at the sides of your breasts. You were hoping for the security of not having the top move but the illusion that at any moment it could.

With such a statement on top, you opted for simple, tight and high waisted pants on the bottom. You finished off the look with black, heeled boots. You didn’t want lipstick to be a factor to consider throughout the night; rather, you were in need of easily accessible lips. You selected a graphic, blue cat eye that emphasized the negative space on your eyelid and went into your crease for eyeliner.

Imogen texted that they were pulling up now. Who exactly were ‘they’? Grabbing only a credit card, some cash, and your ID, you walked downstairs. Your outfit didn’t exactly beckon baggage. You wondered if you would be lucky enough to bump into Principal Weems on your way out. 

No such luck.

You were able to make it outside and to the car without seeing much of anyone. Imogen opened the rear door from the back and called out for you. Inside the beat up Toyota Corolla was were three other people you’d never met. Music is playing and the two up front seem to be in a somewhat heated discussion about the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This had the possibility of being a long night.

Imogen scoots over to the middle seat in the back to allow you entry. She doesn’t mention your outfit but eyes you hungrily as you get settled. It seems you didn’t misread her interest after all. She puts a hand on your thigh and keeps it there throughout the 35 minute drive.

You didn’t care she brought an audience. You didn’t care which places you patroned. You didn’t care what specifically you had to drink. You just wanted to feel the heat of her body moving against yours as music blared, threatening to blur out everything but that moment and the pleasure associated with it. Ever since that moment in the library earlier in the day, you’ve been wound tight. You wanted to unravel.

—

What was it about night clubs that prioritized pool tables and cheap neon strobe lights? Every club you've ever been to in a city less than 100,000 in population has been like this—dirty carpet, stale sweaty air, a D-list DJ. Then again, you suppose no one really seeks out nightclubs for the posh atmosphere.

Trying your hardest to get into the current beats playing throughout the space, you decide you’re going to have to request a few of your own songs if you’re going to let loose. You and Imogen slip in among the crowd, hands clasped, making a beeline for the bar.

Two whisky sours later and you have your hand on Imogen’s ass and your mouth at her ear letting her know that you expect her on the dance floor momentarily.

You traverse over to the DJ, requesting a few songs with the pleading, seductive eyes you’ve mastered by now. Once you’ve made it near the center off the dance floor, you spot Imogen with four shots, gesturing you over. You and her link arms to throw back the shots in succession. You’re not even sure what liquor was currently making its way down your throat, igniting warmth into your core.

With impeccable timing, your selected song begins as you two put down the now empty shot glasses. You begin to feel the music and the alcohol melt your nerves and relax your muscles. In only a moment you are moved like a puppet on strings by the beats and Imogen’s hands on your hips.

The ping-pong beat and the anthemic melody of “Untrust Us” by Crystal Castles plays on as you bring your lips to Imogen’s neck and lightly suck her pulse point. She moves her dark hair aside to give you better access while her hands roam your body—one at your hip and one settling into a grasp at the nape of your neck.

As you dance recklessly, the sweat begins to accumulate over your skin, not all of it yours. Imogen attempts to bring her mouth to your own skin, only to be shut down by you enforcing and focusing on your claim to her neck with fire in your eyes instead. Her hips rock into yours at almost the same pace as the music due to your assertive response.

The colorful strobe lights mask the fluidity of your movements, and you two seem to glitch on the dance floor. You take your time marking up and down Imogen’s neck, feeling how hot and humid the space surrounding you two is getting.

The next thing you know, you are being dragged out of the club in a frenzy by your upper arm like a rag doll. You immediately miss the vibrating bass and faint smell of weed wafting off of the other dancers. The quick jolt and change in scenery made your head dizzy. Disoriented, you attempt to focus your eyes to your new location, which was outside in the quiet night air with streetlights in the distance.

You recognize the two people in front of you—both Imogen’s friends from the drive here. One was the driver and the other was in the back with you. Rage marked their faces.

“Where’s Imogen?” you tried to articulate. It came out slightly garbled.

Everyone knows everyone in Jericho. You eventually found out that the people you came with were Imogen’s friends that she had known since she was little. 

“So you can drain her like the Fang you are? No way!” Something connected with your stomach. You weren’t sure what. The only thing you were sure of was the pain. It took you a moment to realize that you had been misinterpreted to be an outcast. Being picked up at Nevermore and mouthing Imogen’s neck were apparently the strikes against you, unless there was more. You didn’t understand the ins and outs of vampires yet. Your research was still honed on literature review.

You doubled over in pain while the two friends hurried away while you were distracted. Noticing a concrete parking block close by, you clamber to sit on it before your legs have a chance to give out.

Pulling out your phone, you text Imogen. You weren’t sure if she was part of the assault directly. By the way she was moaning in your ear only minutes ago, you would assume not. However, that means she didn’t explain anything about you to her companions and likely was not clued into what happened.

Outside. Where are you? you type out slowly. Damn your one bar of signal and 20% battery alert. Movies don’t get it all wrong. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong, no matter how far fetched it seems.

You wait 10 minutes with no response. Still sitting on the parking barrier, you stand and squint into the parking lot. You didn’t see the Toyota you all arrived in. Shit.

Willing your 18% phone battery to hold out long enough to secure an Uber, you close all your apps in the background and lower the brightness. Thankfully Burlington had a fair bit of drivers out tonight. You input the address to Nevermore and wait to get connected with a driver.

An alert lets you know that Brian with 4.83 stars is on the way and will arrive in 6 minutes. Minutes pass, and you see that Uber is loading, attempting to secure a new driver. Another profile pops up to escort you, arriving in 3 minutes.

You almost immediately receive a notification that there are no available drivers in your area, despite the fact you can see the moving vehicles on Uber’s real-time map. Irritated, you consider whether or not they realized your destination and canceled or if the possibility of a sober passenger was slim being picked up outside of a nightclub. Regardless, you’re fucked.

Before Uber can continue draining your battery, you close the app and try Lyft. When a similar experience occurs with Lyft, you Google taxis. With the influx of 1 and 2 star reviews regarding wait times, you decide to forgo that option with a heavy sigh.

At a loss for next steps, you consider the only number you could try at Nevermore—the main reception line. Besides Imogen who is curiously missing in action, you don’t have anyone else’s number around Jericho or Nevermore. You could at least try the number before your phone dies.

You press to call. It rings many, many times. Honestly, you’ve lost count with how dizzy you feel and how repetitive the rings were. You are about to accept defeat when you hear the receiver click and a concerned voice speaks.

“Hello?”

“You sound cute when you’re concerned,” you mumble smugly. Too smug for your own good right now.

“What are you doing calling the main office at a time like this?” The worry in Larissa’s voice turned into a reserved, controlled tone. She had heard the ringing from within her own office. No one used the main number for Nevermore unless they were reporters or prank callers, and reporters wouldn’t dare at this hour.

“Um, I’m in Burlington and don’t have a way back to Jericho or Nevermore.”Knowing she would exhaust every option, you continued, “The rideshares I have tried keep cancelling my request. Even though I have an amazing rating. Almost 5 stars. I tip very well. I guess they don’t want to go to Nevermore in the middle of the night.”

You could almost see her scrunched face through the phone weighing her options. “Oh, and my phone is about to die. But I can figure something out. No worries.”

Exasperated, she concedes, “Where are you?”

After you give her your location, she agrees to come right away and recites her cell phone number for you to have in case you need to contact her.

“You’ve been waiting to give me your number, haven’t you?” Knowing it was not the time to tease and push the older woman who was doing you a favor was different than being able to control doing so.

You were met with silence. You brought the phone away from your ear and saw that Larissa had hung up.

—

After waiting until your ass began to go numb, you finally glimpse the Nevermore van turning onto the street the nightclub is on.

Larissa spots you stand up and almost stalls the engine with her feet hitting both the accelerator and break at the same time due to being distracted by your outfit. With everything that happened, you forgot you looked like sex personified. An imminent smirk played at your lips.

You stumble towards the car’s passenger door. Once inside, you notice her own outfit—a silk robe and sleep bonnet, not unlike her exquisite headscarves. They were the color of amber honey and drew you in to wonder if there was anything under the soft, glistening robe.

Her voice interrupts your less than innocent thoughts, “What were you doing all the way out in Burlington in the first place?”

You gesture to the nightclub in front of the idling van. “I wasn’t alone. I couldn’t find Imogen.” The information sits heavy in the air between you.

Larissa sets her jaw rigid, but her eyes remain calm and concerned in your direction. You let yourself consider if she is jealous. It would explain her stiff demeanor.

Before she can take the car out of park, Larissa notices the bottom of a darkening bruise forming on your upper arm. Her fingers lift up the fabric of your sleeve to reveal skin changing color in the shape of a large handprint. Her red, manicured fingernails tickle your skin, raising goosebumps on your arm. Staying silent, you didn’t trust yourself to speak eloquently or to not make matters worse.

After gently turning in her seat, hands reach out to cup your face. “Are you okay?” The soft syllables come forward, waiting for a response. When none comes, Larissa resumes carefully, “You’re safe. Everything will be okay.”

Looking you over again with a protective eye, she observes your smudged eyeliner. Had you been crying?

“You look like a blue raccoon,” Larissa breathes, subconsciously finding herself licking her thumb to wipe away some of the eyeliner remnants on your face. The action makes you stare at her lips, distracted by her moist tongue’s appearance.

Almost overcome with protection and want for you, Larissa is cognizant of your longing gaze and your body buzzing to bring yourself closer to her. She doesn’t stop you or pull away when your hungry lips crash into hers.

Heat immediately rises between the two of you, and desire flares as your lips move against each other. Nearly pulling free your fabric tape, Larissa’s hands grip and pull your lapels to lessen the distance between your bodies. You crawl into the older woman’s lap, straddling her with a leg on each side of her thighs.

She tastes faintly of sweet, spearmint toothpaste, and you’re regretful that her fresh mint breath is mingling with the robust, smoky notes of oak from your earlier whiskey. 

Your fingers progress to the area behind her ears near the nape of her neck and at the edge of her silk head wrap. You tighten your grip on her neck, your knuckles nearly becoming white, as you roll your hips over hers needily. With a guttural moan into your own mouth, Larissa places one hand on your ass to continue its motion. Her other hand palms your breast over your blazer, about to pull back the fabric to expose more of your skin.

Larissa probably would have continued if your behind didn’t hit the horn, scaring you both as you tried to grind into her with more enthusiasm.

Realizing the gravity of what was occurring, Larissa breaks away from your mouth and puts her hands gingerly on your upper arms, careful not to press against your bruising. You both pant heavily, your chests heaving for oxygen.

Panic, shame, and guilt ambush Larissa after breaking you two apart. She can’t encourage this behavior while you are under the influence; she could taste the alcohol on your breath. Besides, you were a graduate student under her care! You were the first ever graduate student Nevermore had as part of a proposed pilot program. And a normie, for fucks sake. She could imagine the normie headlines now, reporting that this great beast had seduced and preyed upon you.

Most of all, Larissa dreaded having her hand forced, feeling as if there were no satisfactory conclusions. She hated mistakes—hated not being in control. Finally, she hated the ease in which you could be with Imogen, a fellow normie. No obligations to maintain a certain appearance.

You were confused and startled at the abrupt end between you. You shift back into the passenger seat and study Larissa.

“Seatbelt,” she quips in a dry tone, her voice hoarse.

The ride back to Nevermore is essentially noiseless. Only the road sounds and blinkers permeated the uncomfortable atmosphere.

Days go by without seeing each other. You wondered whether or not Larissa was hiding from you or if she was busy orchestrating your departure. You worried about your placement at the school. Could it be revoked?

The next morning after having this intrusive thought, you are approached by Mrs. Cunningham, the stout woman who interrupted you in the library. Larissa had requested your presence. Once seated alone in her office, Larissa warns from behind her desk, “Nevermore’s board did not select you over many other qualified candidates for you to waste this opportunity.”

Ah, so the board may be involved now. You wince. Behind the upright and stern façade, you caught a glimpse of hurt and fear. In denial of or recompense for her past actions, Larissa was acting as if she were turned to stone by a gorgon. Unyielding.

“I understand. I will pack my steamer trunks,” you surrendered, barely able to look at the principal.

Her eyebrows twitch only for a moment. A moment hidden from you. “That is hardly necessary, even though your actions have put me and the school in an impossible position.”

Larissa stands, smooths her dress, and walks to the front of her desk in front of you. “No more infractions,” she warns. You nod with a lump in your throat while your eyes meet. You each hold the gaze longer than needed. She enunciates decisively, “You’re dismissed.”

—

Tagging: @readingtheentrails, @justcallmelittleone. Not sure if anyone else wanted tagged for updates. Let me know if so! <3

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🦇 Perfect on Paper Book Review 🦇

❓ #QOTD What's the best advice you've ever received or given? ❓ 🦇 High school junior Darcy Phillips has a secret identity as the relationship advice expert behind Locker 89. Leave a letter along with $10 and she'll provide the perfect solution to your relationship woes. So far, she hasn't been caught...that is, until Alexander Brougham catches her collecting letters. He'll keep her secret...if she can fix his relationship post-break-up, that is. Can Darcy help Brougham win his girlfriend back (without strangling the entitled, rich, yummy-Australian-accent-slinging swimmer) in the process?

💜 Perfect on Paper was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award (Best Young Adult Fiction - 2021) and it's no wonder. This was the exact book bisexual baby me needed a decade ago. Though I've read a multitude of books featuring bisexual FMCs, Sophie Gonzales is the first to capture the authenticity of internalized biphobia. I'll admit I was sheltered enough that it took me a while to realize bi was even an option for me. Bisexual erasure didn't help; once I self-identified, I was given the oh-so-cliche, "that's not real," and "it's just a phase." Bitch, I'm a moon goddess; I'm in a new phase every day of my life. ANYWAY. Darcy is authentic in her concern that a crush over a guy invalidates her bi-ness. The Queer & Questioning Club scene where Darcy's community validates her was everything (and truly got me misty-eyed).

💜 The advice column aspect of the story was brilliant. Darcy's letters are written in a tone that's patient and empathetic yet informative and encouraging. She'd obviously done her research and it shows, but you see her mentally unravel the moment there's personal bias and it's BEAUTIFUL. Darcy isn't perfect. She's a high schooler, still figuring herself out. Yes, she's flawed, but she's also self-aware, willing to grow and change and take her own advice (or the advice she gets from her AMAZING trans big sister, who I adored).

💜 While this is a queer YA romance, there are so many layers beyond that. There's a mixed bag of diversity and personal trauma (and with that, potential for growth) to explore.

💙 The story DID take a minute to pick up speed, so the beginning left me waiting for a catalyst for momentum. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm no a fan of the miscommunication trope. HOWEVER, it does fit here, and proves how easily a tiny moment of misunderstanding can completely alter the course of a friendship. I did have to put the book down at one point, when Darcy's best friend outs her (I was super frustrated on Darcy's behalf because that betrayal was intense). I was disappointed that no one stepped forward and THANKED Darcy for her advice when she was getting attacked as the person behind Locker 89. People were upset BEFORE their letters were taken, but no one thanked Darcy until LONG after the situation cooled. Given Darcy's self-proclaimed success rate (was there a mention of HOW she knew she was successful, beyond the lack of refunds?), I expected a lot more praise for her abilities beyond one person.

🦇 Recommended to fans of Leah on the Offbeat and Imogen, Obviously, with a hint of To All the Boys I've Loved Before and Netflix's Sex Education.

✨ The Vibes ✨ 💌 Bisexual FMC (w/ Internalized Biphobia) 💌 Queer Young Adult Rom-Com 💌 Lots of Rep 💌 Hate-to-Love 💌 Friends to Lovers 💌 POC Sapphic Side Ship

💬 Quotes ❝ "Do you think there’s a chance that [...] you’re intellectualizing things so you don’t have to, you know, feel them?" ❞ ❝ I was sitting in the space between a sound and its echo. Brougham had asked a question, and I had to answer it. It was that, or keep dreaming about love, and working toward helping others find it, while never letting myself risk it. ❞ ❝ In some ways, we mirrored each other. We shared cracks in complementary places. ❞ ❝ Bi people are part of the queer community, and their identity does not change depending on who, if anyone, they happen to have feelings for or date at any given moment. ❞

[palmettofoxesthings]

… so. about that "Cicero was gay for Pompey" bit.

Yes. That bit. Ok.

I went for a trip up to my loft for my A-level notes for this bit because the idea of searching for all the quotes I want to back me up was frightening when I knew I had it all written down somewhere already.

in the 50s BC Cicero was exiled! Bye bye Cicero, no one likes you- the whole reason for his exile is kinda long but basically he was a political block at this point and he needed to go (I say this as someone who has had to translate his writing and honestly when he drags a sentence on for 10 lines you get a little murder-y). In response to this we have writing from Plutarch on the whole situation. At this point Cicero wasn’t exiled, but it was definitely not a good situation for him and it was either meet Clodius with an army and fight or flee.

Importantly these quotes:‘Cicero appealed to Pompey for help, but Pompey had purposefully got out of the way and was staying at his country house in the Alban hills’- now I dont know about you but that does not seem like something someone would do if they were just friends. this seems like far too guilt driven of a move for that.Cicero then sent his son in law to appeal for help and Pompey ‘could not face seeing him. He was bitterly ashamed when he remembered how in the past Cicero had fought his battles on many important occasions and had often taken a particular line in politics for his sake’- JUST BROS BEING DUDES YA KNOW

Then Plutarch describes how Cicero behaved in his exile (away from Pompey)‘he remained, for the most part, miserable and disconsolate, keeping his eyes fixed, like a distressed lover, on Italy; his spirit was not great enough to rise above his misfortunes, and he became more dejected than one would have thought possible’But, Imogen, I hear you cry, he could have just been sad about leaving his home. This is true. But ‘distressed lover’ just seems awfully well picked here.

But now we move on for more evidence of why Cicero was gay for Pompey to Cicero’s recall in 57BC. So at this point this Clodius dude has kinda taken over and he’s just not nice and the nobility do not like him. And we get this wonderful line from Plutarch again‘Pompey bitterly reproached himself for the way he had abandoned Cicero… he did everything he could to have Cicero recalled’As did the senate and others who were also being terrorised so it is a lot about self preservation I will admit. I just think it’s interesting that Plutarch singled out Pompey so much when you also had Caesar and Crassus floating around at the time.

Furthermore, while Cicero was exiled and people were talking badly about Pompey, something that never really happened before, supposedly ‘the senate were delighted to see him being insulted in this way, regarding it as nothing more than he deserved for betraying Cicero’- Again, why single him out Plutarch? Hmmm?? Hmmm?? And just the line as well sounds like a group of friends taking a side in a break up. And it wasn’t until Cicero was back that he ‘reconciled’ Pompey and the senate and Pompey ended up ‘virtually the master of all Roman possessions by sea and land’- this seems like supportive, and very forgiving, bf stuff to me.

In addition to this, we have Cicero’s known dislike of Caesar and I’m pretty sure it was mutual. Cicero in his own letters blames Caesar for Pompey abandoning him, essentially saying he has been dripping poison in his ear because his Pompey would never do such a thing without that. or that might just be a sense I get from them.

Also from Cicero’s own letters, this one written to Atticum after his recall, he writes that he ‘named me as the chief and said I should be his alter ego in all things’ (this is after Pompey takes charge of the grain supply due to shortage and demand for it).

My favourite bit of evidence for this comes from another letter Cicero wrote to Atticum in which he writes:‘Pompeius, my hero, has brought about his own ruin, a fact that causes me great pain.’ He continues to disagree with everyone Caesar and Pompey are doing to Roman politics at the time but says ‘But I do not oppose it there cause because of my friendship with [Pompey]’. And even though Cicero does not agree with what Pompey is doing and reminisces of old times where Pompey was applauded for his actions, he still says ‘Pompeius shows considerable favour towards me; he declares Clodius will not say one word against me’

Another letter Cicero writes about Pompey during the dislike of him. ‘Our dear friend Pompey… now a physically disfigured and mental wreck… I could not hold back my tears when I saw him on the 25th July addressing a meeting of the people about the edicts of Bibulus. What a sight! Crassus alone enjoyed it… He had fallen from the stars… it was with deep sorrow that I, who had painted and perfected this man with all the colours of my art now suddenly saw him disfigured. Though none thought that I should be his friend on account of the business with Clodius (the whole exile thing), such was my affection for him that no injury could exhaust it… they [the edicts against Pompey] are excessively cruel to one for whom I have always felt affection’

Cicero even quotes Pompey in one of his letters to Atticum! And also just reading his letters you get a sense of Cicero trying to absolve Pompey of any blame for the republic falling. 

Until you get nearer the end when Cicero is very obviously mad at Pompey for disregarding his counsel and bolstering Caesar’s career. BUT he does write ‘all this I will pass over’ as if to say, oh well it’s been done, I still love him, until he says that is because he departure from Rome was even more shameful and irrational than anything else he’d done. BUT HE IS STILL TRYING TO REACH POMPEY! ‘Where shall I find safety until I can reach Pompey?’ so even though he is angry at Pompey for bolstering this man who is destroying the republic he still wants to go to him. It also seems to be that although Cicero is mad at Pompey for going head to head with Caesar to gain control of Rome, he is angrier still at the people who are betraying Pompey.

And there ya go. I am sure I could find more evidence and quotes if I was so inclined, however, ya girl can only read so much of Cicero in one day before she wants to tear her eyes out. So. In conclusion. Cicero gay for Pompey, and possibly vice versa.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Making Up by Helena Hunting

Shacking Up #4

Cosy Felton is a college student working in an adult toy shop to make ends meet. When Griffin Mills stops by the store to buy a list of items for a bachelor party Cosy makes a less than fun shopping trip a lot less embarrassing. As Griffin is drawn to Cosy he returns later to ask her on a date...and though she says no they do eventually go out. For awhile the eleven year age difference seems it might be a stumbling block but not for long...nope...soon other things seem to pop up that cause problems. There are ups and downs in their relationship but throughout the story it is impossible NOT to see them together.

What I liked:

* Griffin: WONDERFUL book boyfriend!

* Cosy: a nice balance to Griffin and his soul mate

* The meet cute

* The way the two usually ended up talking things out rather than giving up

* The steamy scenes

* Griffin’s family

* Knowing how the characters were feeling and what they were thinking – first person dual points of view

* How it all worked out

What I did not like: * Imogen – Griffin’s Ex-fiance

* Armstrong – Griffin’s cousin

* The drama of the ups and downs though they did allow for a lot of making up

* All the comments about the age difference although there were times Cosy seemed younger than 22

Did I like this book? Yes

Will I read more in the series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars

Synopsis:

A new standalone, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting.

Cosy Felton is great at her job—she knows just how to handle the awkwardness that comes with working at an adult toy store. So when the hottest guy she’s ever seen walks into the shop looking completely overwhelmed, she’s more than happy to turn on the charm and help him purchase all of the items on his list.

Griffin Mills is using his business trip in Las Vegas as a chance to escape the broken pieces of his life in New York City. The last thing he wants is to be put in charge of buying gag gifts for his friend’s bachelor party. Despite being totally out of his element, and mortified by the whole experience, Griffin is pleasantly surprised when he finds himself attracted to the sales girl that helped him.

As skeptical as Cosy may be of Griffin’s motivations, there’s something about him that intrigues her. But sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas and when real life gets in the way, all bets are off. Filled with hilariously awkward situations and enough sexual chemistry to power Sin City, Making Up is the next standalone in the Shacking Up world.

Excerpt

We’re a couple of minutes away from my apartment, which also means we’re almost at the end of our date. End-of-date protocol often means a goodnight kiss.

And I’ve eaten onions. Lots of them. What the hell was I thinking? I feel around in my shorts pocket, hoping I have a random stick of gum. I find a tiny square packet and pull it out, along with an old tissue. I shove that back in my pocket and sigh with relief as I carefully open the Listerine Pocketpak. There’s one strip left. I pop it in my mouth, wishing I had water since my mouth is dry and I’m suddenly super nervous.

Griffin pulls up in front of my apartment building. I swallow a bunch of times, trying to get the strip to dissolve on my tongue and glance out the tinted window, seeing it from his perspective. I don’t live in a bad part of town, but I sure as hell wouldn’t leave this car sitting out here for any length of time unless I wanted it keyed or stripped down.

Griffin shifts into park and turns to me, one hand resting on the back of my seat near the headrest. “I had a great time, Cosy.”

“Me too, thanks for dinner.” I tried to fork over my share, but he was quick on the credit card draw.

“It was my pleasure.” He leans in the tiniest bit, a nonverbal cue that he’s going in for a kiss.

I mirror the movement, giving him the go ahead. My stomach flutters in anticipation. I exhale slowly through my nose. Even though the Listerine strip should be doing its job to mask the onions, I don’t want to ruin the moment by breathing that in his face.

His fingertips skim my jaw, and I close my eyes. And then his lips brush my cheek. I wait for them to move a couple of inches to the right, but after what feels like a lot of seconds—and is probably only a few—I crack a lid.

Griffin is still close, a wry smile on his lips and a smolder in his eyes.

“Seriously, that’s it? A kiss on the cheek?”

His smile widens, making his eyes crinkle at the corners. He’s nothing like the guys I usually end up on dates with. College boys don’t take things slow. If I were out with one of the guys from school, I’d be sitting in a beat-up Civic with some stupid music playing, and he’d be all over me with his tongue halfway down my throat, copping a feel.

“I thought all the onions you ate were the equivalent to garlic for vampires.” Griffin fingers my hair near my shoulder. I’d really like him to finger something else. Wait. I mean I’d like to feel his hands on me. Not in my pants. Okay, maybe I’d like them in my pants, but not after date number one.

“I wasn’t thinking, and I really like onions. A lot. In hindsight, it’s not a great date food. I feel kinda dumb. And I guess at first I wasn’t so sure about you. How was I supposed to know you’d actually be kind of normalish?”

“Normalish?”

“Well, you drink club soda on purpose, so you can’t be all there.” I tap his temple.

Griffin circles my wrist with his fingers and drops his head, lips brushing over my knuckle. “We can’t all be perfect, now, can we?”

“I suppose not, and perfect is boring.”

“That it is.” He hums against my skin, and I feel it through my entire body. “I would like to try that kiss again, if you’re still interested.”

Buy-Book Link: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250253378

Author Bio:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

Helena Hunting Blog Tour Q&A 

What inspired you to write Making Up?

I’d introduced Griffin in the previous Shacking Up Series novels, Shacking Up and Hooking Up—he was a bit of a mystery for readers because he was talked about, but not really present. I had a very clear picture in my mind of who he was, and the kind of woman who would end up being the perfect fit for him, and it was not his fiancé from the previous books.  

Introduce us to your main characters!

Griffin Mills is the oldest of the three Mills brothers. At thirty-three he’s had several very long term relationships and was formerly engaged, but that relationship went up in flames. He’s gorgeous, smart, loves the numbers side of the family business he’s part of—a chain of hotels he’s set to inherit with his brothers. Also, he’s a little awkward, which I love, because there’s nothing quite like a hot guy who doesn’t have all the lines and fumbles a bit when he’s dealing with someone he’s attracted to. It makes for some hilarious banter with his love interest, Cosy Felton. Our heroine is a twenty-two year old who has been a bit of a nomad for most of her life, but is finally finishing school and happens to work at an Adult Toy Store part time. It’s definitely not her favourite job, but it pays the bills. She’s sassy, not much of a planner and definitely more than Griffin bargained for.

Lots of aspiring authors out there. Any advice for them?

Just keep writing. Every day put words on the page and surround yourself with positive people who are there to support you. Ask questions, join book groups, be an avid reader and an observer.

How is Making Up different from your other books?

Making Up has a trope I’ve never really explored or played around with before, so it was a lot of fun to write. While I’ve written age gaps before, it hasn’t been a key part of the storyline, or had a significant impact on how the characters perceive the relationship. Griffin and Cosy are from two very different worlds and balancing their expectations and insecurities was one of my favourite parts of writing their story. Making Up has my signature quirky, sassy heroines and I love writing heroes that are sexy, yet a little awkward. While it’s a light read, there’s some drama, and some heavy baggage, which I think grounds the story and balances out the hilarity.

I know asking someone’s all-time favorite book is a loaded question so what’s your current favorite read?

I’ve been so lucky to read so many amazing books this year but I’m going to go with Broken Knight by LJ Shen which releases this August. I love YA/NA romance and angst, and she knows how to deliver both flawlessly.

Alright, the ultimate question: why should we read your book?

We all need a little escape from our own realities once in a while and Making Up is a fun, sexy romance that’s perfect for the summer. Also, Griffin is hot, and not particularly suave at times. I think we can all appreciate a guy who doesn’t have all the lines, especially if he looks like he should.

A famous movie producer wants to make your books into movies and they want you to cast your characters from Making Up. Which actors/actresses make the cut?

This is always a fun question and I’ll be 100% honest, I never actually look at actors prior to writing a story because I generally have a picture of the character in my head. But, I went on a Pinterest mission and Alex Morgan (she’s a soccer player, not an actress) would make a fabulous Cosy if she suddenly switched career paths. Hailee Steinfeld (Bumblebee) is super sassy, and could definitely play up the humor in this story, so she would be a legitimate actress choice. Gabriel Macht has a great smolder and can rock a seriously sexy suit, so I think he’d be great as Griffin.

Favorite quote or scene you wrote in Making Up?

Making Up is definitely a rom-com with some incredibly hilarious moments, but Griffin has some heavy baggage, which means there are also serious moments, and this is one of my favourites: “Talk to me. Fall apart on me. Show me your weakness so I can give you my strength.”

What inspired you to become a writer?

I’ve always loved to write, but finding time was a challenge during university and then afterward I was building a career and we renovated a house down to the studs—which takes up a lot of time and doesn’t leave much of an opportunity for putting down words (but it was an amazing experience). When I gave birth to my daughter she struggled to sleep—or rather stay asleep—and that meant I spent a lot of time awake in the middle of the night. So I started writing again during those late nights, and finally penned my first full novel.

What is a typical writing day like?

I usually start with a run and then copious amounts of coffee while I manage the administrative side of things��ie emails, social media posts etc. But when I sit down to write I have a playlist I put on repeat, more coffee, sparking water (so I can stay hydrated) and my cat Pumpkin generally lies on top of my closed laptop and supervises me for the day.

Do you have any interesting writing quirks or habits?

I listen to the same playlist while I write a novel. So if it takes me two months, then I listen to the same set of songs for two full months. I’ve destroyed A LOT of albums for my husband over the past several years. I just need the background noise, and listening to the radio or unfamiliar songs can be distracting.

What has been one of the most surprising things you’ve learned as a published author?

I’ve only been in the industry for five years and there has been so much change, learning to adjust and adapt and just staying true to your personal goal is really the most important thing I’ve learned. I think when you start out there are just so many unknowns, and taking risks can be scary, but if you don’t take those risks, it’s hard to grow as an author.

Can you tell us about what’s coming up next after this for you writing wise?

I have one more book in The Shacking Up Series, HANDLE WITH CARE, which releases at the end of August! Griffin’s cousin and best friend, Lincoln Moorehead, is the hero and if you didn’t know, he is also Armstrong’s brother. Lincoln is the polar opposite of Armstrong so it was so fun to write. I can’t wait for people to meet Griffin and Cosy and Lincoln and Wren.

How can readers connect with you online?

They can connect with me all over social media! (add links)

Website→  http://www.helenahunting.com/

Amazon → http://amzn.to/1y6OBB7

Twitter → http://bit.ly/HelenaHTwitter

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/helena.hunting69/

Pinterest → http://bit.ly/1oQYRVN

Instagram → http://instagram.com/helenahunting Goodreads→ http://bit.ly/GoodReadsHH NEWSLETTER → http://bit.ly/HelenaHnewsletter

Bookbub → http://bit.ly/BookBubHH

Facebook Reader Group  → http://bit.ly/TheBeaverDenHH

[snarktheater]

Shadowhunters — Episode 2x12

You know, the more I delve into this show, the less I feel like it even deserves the snark treatment. I mean, look at this episode. It's…okay. Spoiler warning? Nah, it's just a statement of my opinion, I guess it's fine.

But yeah. This episode…it's fine. And in hindsight, while the show is flawed, it's…fine. It's not great, but definitely not bad enough to be worth this. So sometimes I'm like…why even bother? I mean, I can't even claim that snarking it is the only way I'll take the time to watch, since…you know. It's been a few months and season 3 is almost upon us. Again. Oops.

Existential crisis in the intro of my own posts aside, I'm going to finish this season at least, but I will have to do some soul searching eventually regarding season 3. And maybe it's just because this episode was all right and I'm just second-guessing myself for no good reason. That is very possible.

We left off our heroes with Magnus and Valentine having been body-swapped by the Greater Demon Azazel. That's not just to fuck with the heroes, mind you: Azazel wants the Mortal Cup too, and he wants Valentine to get it for him, which he can't do from a cell at the Institute.

Valentine, meanwhile, is freaking out about being in the body of a warlock, because racism, and if you think this won't actually impact the plot beyond one scene at the start…well, you're right. I guess hypocrisy is already part of his character, since he uses demons and magic even as he despises them, but this is on a whole new level, considering he's flinging spells like he's been doing it his whole life by the end of the episode. As you do, I guess.

But for now he's struggling to even Portal, let alone get the Cup. I mean, he also says the Cup is protected and he couldn't get to it as a Downworlder, but I'm not sure if he's lying to Azazel or genuine about that. Mostly because it never comes to that.

That's enough about Valentine for now. Let's check on our heroes. By which I mean Clary and Simon in bed, which is totally a visual I needed. Thanks, show. I'll skip over the banter and cut to the chase: Clary hasn't told Simon that Jace isn't her brother, while Simon hasn't told her that Raphael is blackmailing him for being a Daylighter. So, you know, healthy relationship stuff right there!

Clary's called away to deal with Azazel, and Simon…well, he's mostly stuck in his subplot this episode, as he tends to do for a surprisingly huge part of this show, now that I think about it. I wonder if someone, somewhere, is making a Simon-less cut of this show, and how much of the central plot would actually change, but I'd wager it's not that much.

Regardless, I'll get to his subplot first, because it's shorter that way. Isabelle's come back from the depths of addiction with Sebastian's help (of course), and so he asks her for help dealing with Raphael.

"I heard you guys were kinda seeing each other and I was wondering if you wouldn't mind helping me out doing that thing you're really good at, you know, making a man bend to your every will."

One: that's a really fucked-up thing to say. I mean, it's horribly reductive of Isabelle's character and strength, especially since she hasn't really manipulated many people with sex in the show, all things considered. Plus, it erases Raphael's asexuality, which I'll remind you is textual in the show. I guess you could say Simon doesn't know, but Isabelle does and doesn't react.

Two: that also sounds like Simon wants to use sex to manipulate Raphael himself, and you know what? Why not.

Anyway, Isabelle tells him about the venom addiction, but she has another plan: to go visit Rosa Santiago, Raphael's sister (and therefore an old lady in a retirement home). Isabelle has Simon take a picture of her as counter-blackmail, because here's no way this could go wrong, right?

So it goes wrong, and Raphael Portals to the Jade Wolf (where Simon and Isabelle are celebrating victory) in the middle of the day to kill him. Because Raphael's also incredibly stupid, I guess. Sure, Luke's pack is a little understaffed right now, but again: broad daylight, and Raphael came with two vampires and a warlock. So he's easily chased off, but not before the other vampires see Simon in sunlight and figure out he's a Daylighter. On the plus side, that means things are actually moving there, so…yay?

Oh, also, before the attack, Isabelle told Simon about Jace and Clary not being related, so of course, at the end of the episode he confronts her. It doesn't go anywhere, but it does give us a moment of Simon being pissy about the whole thing (and I don't mean about her hiding it, that's a legit problem; I mean he's instantly jealous again), in case I'd forgotten why I don't like Simon.

I will also mention that Isabelle and Simon get another scene, where they're out at night after the whole debacle. And if you thought they'd run into vampires and we'd find out word has already spread about Simon…well, no, it's here mostly for ship tease, because Rosa thought they were a couple.

"Hey don't worry about Jace not being Clary's brother. Rosa's right, you're a catch."

Subtle.

But I still like this scene, because Simon tells her his mom's also recovering from addiction (I think alcoholism?) and tells her she should go to meetings, and she agrees to do it. I mean, this addiction subplot has been…a problem, but I'll take the silver lining. And the acknowledgment that she's not 100% back to normal.

Okay, with that bit of pointlessness out of the way, back to the actual plot. For once in their lives, our heroes did the right thing and warned everyone that Azazel was loose, and Imogen Herondale is even smart enough to wait until the crisis is over before considering punishment for even summoning him in the first place.

"To catch the Greater Demon you summoned to the Institute, defying all protocol—and common sense?"

I mean, she does get a rightful amount of sass, but still. I like her much better than her season 1 incarnation—or her book counterpart. If/when she dies I might feel sad about it, too.

Isabelle, who as I already mentioned is much better regarding her addiction, convinced Sebastian to come along to the Institute (or…"convinced", I guess I should say, because…come on, of course he wanted to become part of the group). And since he just so happens to be an expert in Greater Demons, he provides them with all the information they need on Azazel's weakpoint. Which is just…a spot on his spine, while in human form. If you think this is boring, you're right. If you think this means the show's already tired of Azazel, you're also right.

See, Alec doesn't fully trust Sebastian (and rightfully so, but we're not supposed to know that, guys). So he goes to Magnus for help tracking down Azazel. Of course, it's actually Valentine, and also, Azazel's actually there to force Valentine to give him the Cup, so Alec shoots him…right in the weak spot, banishing him back to whatever Hell dimension he's from. That's…maybe ten minutes into the episode, by the way.

So what's the rest of our plot about? Well, the body-swapping issue. See, Valentine did apparently trust Azazel to return him to his body (or at least a Shadowhunter body, Azazel's wording seemed to hint at the latter) and even tried to stop Alec from banishing him. But now that he's gone…well, we gotta find another solution. And to compound the whole issue, Magnus (in Valentine's body) is being tortured for information he doesn't have, no one believes his claim to be Magnus Bane, and Imogen decides partway through the episode to have him executed because she'll never manage to get the Cup's location out of him.

And I don't know how I feel about that last part. I mean, it's probably her prerogative as Inquisitor, but you'd think the Clave would want someone as high profile as Valentine to at least show up in Alicante as a prisoner, if only for the optics of it? Plus, it seems she acknowledges that torture won't work (and therefore, that she's aware it doesn't always work), but then…why torture him at all? And why skip straight to execution? If you know torture is unreliable, why not use other methods?

Sadly, these are all ethical issues the show will not address today.

Well, anyway. Magnus does manage to tell Alec stuff about their offscreen relationship history that makes Alec wonder if he might be telling the truth. If you think this will matter, you are wrong, by the way.

Because meanwhile, Valentine has Dorothea teach him magic, claiming to have lost his memories during the fight with Azazel. Dorothea sounds dubious of it, and even notices that he sounds and acts like Valentine, but she still teaches him, so…chuck that up as another weird point that won't be addressed, I guess.

With magic, Valentine takes Jace hostage, and offers to trade him for his freedom (and his body back). So, as I said, Alec realizing Magnus is really Valentine and vice versa goes nowhere, because he plays along the Inquisitor's plan until the very last minute, and even then, he only changes his mind because Valentine makes his move, not…you know, because of love or trust in Magnus or anything silly like that.

Before I proceed, I guess I should mention the other subplot in this episode. Remember how Clary's sun rune failed against Azazel? Yeah, apparently this is a thing and she can't use her fancy special runes anymore. So when, post-Alec banishing Azazel, Imogen asks to test Jace and Clary's abilities, she agrees, going against Jace's advice to never trust the Clace. That test, by the way, is pointless, safe for this eventually-ironic exchange between Jace and Clary:

"Can't be easy being a Herondale." "Oh, yeah. Must be tough being like Shadowhunter royalty. All this power, prestige."

What is relevant is that after that (and Clary still failing to use her runes), Sebastian comes for a one-on-one with Clary, telling her her problem might be emotional, since she lost her mother and then "lost" her brother when it turned out Jace isn't her brother, and therefore she has no family left. It's…a weird statement, but it's made by a villain, so I'm going to assume he's correct and manipulating Clary.

Okay, now that you're caught up on that, back to our hostage situation. One, Imogen agrees to a rescue, because Valentine reveals that Jace is her grandson, which he proves by…showing her he took the Herondale family ring off of Céline Herondale's corpse. Who was…only a Herondale by marriage, and doesn't really prove that Jace is her son, but whatever, we'll roll with it because we all know he's telling the truth, for a change.

So they let Magnus (in Valentine's body) go to Magnus's flat, where the real Valentine is waiting with Jace. Alec, Clary and Sebastian are secretly following—Sebastian being there at Clary's insistance, because I guess the Institute had no other Shadowhunter to spare and all these extras we keep seeing are just the maintenance crew or something.

Anyway, Valentine (still in Magnus's body and with Magnus's magic) turns on the wards that protect Magnus's flat, so they can't get in to capture him / prevent him to escape / get Magnus and Jace back. So it's up to Clary and her special runes to break through…which she only manages after Sebastian pushes her to embrace her feeling of grief over her mom's death and "losing" Jace. Which…I guess is something she really did feel grief over? She literally starts crying, then angry-drawing her rune, and it works.

And it's…a weird moment. What is Sebastian's point here? Is this some kind of Dark Side of the Force, "embrace your emotions to be stronger" deal? Is there some other plan going on, like he's trying to make her feel grief over having no family left so that she'll love him more once he reveals he's her brother? I don't know.

Meanwhile, Magnus and Valentine trade bodies again with a spell in Latin that's…close, but still wrong.

"Relite animus nostrus in earum corpora."

"animus nostrus" is singular, and I'm not entirely sure how Latin handles the distributive, but I would have used he plural. And even if the singular is correct here, then "corpora" is plural and you need to change that. Either way, one of them is wrong.

"Relite" feels like it should be a verb based on "ire" to mean "to go back", but…no, you were thinking of redire, which in the imperative should be "redite". Of course the imperative is also wrong, since imperative doesn't work with the third person, so you should have gone with the subjunctive (this is even what happens in English, by the way, you wouldn't say "our souls, go back to our own bodies", you'd say "let our souls go back to our own bodies"), so…redeat/redeant? Depending on whether it is singular or plural.

"Earum" means, literally "of these [people, feminine]". So for starters, you wanted to go "eorum" since they're men. Unless Harry Shum was botching the pronunciation, I mean. Then there's the fact that it's badly used. Yes, using the demonstrative in the genitive case as a third person possessive is, when the possessor is not the subject of the sentence, is the right way to go (so instead of saying "his/her/their", you say "of him/her/them"). The problem here is that…the possessor is not third person. I mean, it's right there, two words earlier: "nostrus". Our. Because you're the ones speaking this, and also the ones who own the bodies. Now, I guess they were going for something along the lines of "our own", which I'm honestly not sure how to express in Latin, but am certain this isn't it.

Yes, I just did that. I'm that petty. And bored. Cut me some slack. You should know what to expect on this blog by now.

Anyway, they get their bodies back, the gang comes in before Valentine can escape, and Valentine is locked up again. This episode does feel pretty pointless when you look at it like that: all it did was undo the cliffhanger from the last episode. And get Sebastian into the Institute, which is non-negligible.

I will say that I appreciate the wrap-up this episode features, though. Alec apologizes to Magnus for the torture he underwent. I don't think Alec did any of it himself—the worst he got was yelling at Magnus for…saying he was Magnus—but since Alec did almost stand by while he was executed, an apology is the least Magnus deserves.

And I've gotta wonder why it is that this season keeps putting Alec in the bad spot here. Because it does. And I guess it's progress to making Magnus do tons of shitty things to Alec, but this…isn't really an improvement for their relationship as a singular entity.

Speaking of apologies, Sebastian also apologizes if he upset Clary by making her embrace grief and whatnot. She's fine with it, because it restored her rune ability and she was feeling pointless without it. No, really, she said that earlier. He also asks her out to dinner, and so for the first time in my life, I'm glad that Clary is currently dating Simon, because that means she turns him down. Dodged that bullet. For now.

And finally, we end the episode on Imogen accepting Jace as her grandson.

"Now I know where that bold defiance of yours comes from. You're just like your father."

The guy who betrayed everything you and your family stood for and joined an extremist cult where he was killed? Yeah, that's not as big a compliment as the show seems to think.

But yeah, she tells him he has a family now, and a pretty noble one at that. So, again, we'll ignore Stephen and also Imogen herself, who I'm pretty sure tried to kill Isabelle last season and now almost killed Magnus. Not to mention, wanted to kill Valentine, because fuck due process or even letting others try to get valuable intelligence out of him.

"Now, my boy, you are about to find out what it means to be a Herondale."

Well, when you put it like that, it almost sounds ominous.

And that's the episode. And yeah, I've ranted a lot more than I thought myself capable, but I still stand by my stance from earlier.

Sure, it didn't accomplish much, although we did get progress on the Simon front. And it didn't fall for obvious pitfalls with the bodyswapping plot (I was especially worried they'd have some kind of sexual interaction between Alec and not-Magnus, which thankfully didn't happen), so I'll call that a win? Or at least, not a loss.

Also: special shout-out to Harry Shum Jr, who was absolutely spectacular as Valentine in Magnus's body. Because I'm sure my opinion matters a lot to him.

[ramajmedia]

Carnival Row: 10 Questions That Need To Be Resolved In Season 2

Everyone is talking about Carnival Row right now, and with good reason. Amazon's latest original series is a dark neo-noir fantasy involving fairies, faun, and more magical creatures all vying for refuge and respite from the hatred of humankind. All eight episodes dropped over Labor Day weekend, and most of us finished binge-watching the series within a day or two. It's incredibly addicting.

RELATED: Jack Ryan: 6 Things We Hope Are Resolved In Season 2 (& 4 Things That Most Likely Will Remain A Mystery)

Luckily for us, Amazon has already given Carnival Row a season two order that we can't help but be excited for. That's a good thing since the short eight-episode season left us with plenty of questions that we'll hopefully get some answers to when the series returns.

10 What Happened to the Kobolds?

We meet Runyan Millworthy early on in the season. He was a dear friend of the first murder victim, Aisling. Mr. Millworthy is a performer and carts his wares around the Burgue, putting on performances with his kobold friends. Kobolds are small, adorable, goblin-like creatures. Millworthy is shown to be very fond of them. He even has names for each of them.

At one point, the kobolds are taken from him because he doesn't have a proper permit — the last we see of them, they're being deported on a ship out to sea. The season spent a great deal of time showing Millworthy doing plays with the kobolds, but never follows up on their storyline. Hopefully, we find out where they went in season two.

9 Where are Imogen and Mr. Agreus Headed?

By season's end, Imogen and Mr. Agreus have begun a romance. When Imogen's brother finds out, he's horrified. He attempts to murder Mr. Agreus. Imogen and the faun barely escape with their lives. They board one of Mr. Agreus's ships and set sail.

RELATED: The Boys: 7 Things Amazon's Show Does Better (And 3 Things The Comic Does Better)

Their destination is left unknown. When the captain asks where they would like to go, the only thing Imogen tells him is to ensure they're taken somewhere far away from the Burgue. Season two will establish the greater world of the series. It'll be exciting to see where they wind up.

8 What will happen to Darius?

Darius is one of Philo's oldest friends. He is bitten by a werewolf during the war and turns into one. At present, he lives out his days in a cell in the Burgue police department. Philo regularly visits him. He claims the only reason he is being kept alive is because of Philo. Now that the truth about Philo's true nature has been revealed, what will happen to Darius?

There is a strong possibility he will be killed or, at the very least, shoved into exile. The last thing the fae need is a wild werewolf on the loose but hopefully, Philo and Darius can reunite and find a solution.

7 What Is The Pact, And What Do They Want?

The Pact is mentioned multiple times throughout the first season of Carnival Row. They appear to be a universal threat with both humans and fae terrified of them. The problem is, we never find out precisely what the Pact is or who controls them or what they want. It seems like the Pact is a group of werewolves that use a special serum to force their change at will.

RELATED: 10 Things Hawkeye Would Buy From Jeremy Renner’s Amazon Store

We know they were part of the war that forced the fae to flee from Tirnanoc but beyond that, we don't get many specifics about them. It's hard to understand their villainous nature without more backstory.

6 What Happened To The Ravens?

After being forced out of the Spurnrose residence, Vignette has to find a new place to go in the Burgue. Tourmaline turns her on to a vigilante group of fae known as the Ravens. Initially, it appears the Ravens and their fierce leader, Dahlia, will be an essential part of the season. But once Vignette kills the mole in the operation, we don't see them again.

Dropping this plotline felt strange and unfinished. It would be nice to see them return in season two. Perhaps they could even become allies in the dire circumstances, especially once they learn Philo is half-fae and not a groundling.

5 What Was The Deal With The Lots?

As part of Vignette's consignment in the Ravens, she is put in charge of lots. It was Hamlyn's job before his death. But we never learn what exactly the lots are, what the purpose is, or what they win. We can guess they're a type of lottery system, we see many faes take part in it, but then it's never spoken of again.

RELATED: 10 Best Quotes From The Tick

Carnival Row is a vibrant and layered world. It's clear the writers had lots of content to add in and sometimes the smaller bits got muddled. Season two will give them a chance to explore some in greater detail.

4 Who is the Hidden God?

Towards the end of the season, a side-story begins about a cult consisting of fauns. They self-flagellate themselves while walking through the streets of the Burgue and worship a mysterious Hidden God. It doesn't appear that Piety's Darkasher was their god, which means they are worshiping something we haven't met yet.

The cult proves itself a threat by the finale when one of them brutally attacks the Chancellor. It looks like the cult is shaping up to be a much bigger storyline in the second season of the series.

3 What Happened To Portia?

At the beginning of the series, Philo and Portia were something of a couple. They were sleeping together despite Philo being one of the tenants in Portia's inn. Eventually, Philo decides he might move on from Vignette with Portia. He opens up to her about his secret, but she betrays him.

However, Portia ultimately feels guilty and says she made up the entire half-fae thing out of anger. After that, we don't see her again. Was she merely in the show to act as a plot device? If so, it seems strange she had a few character development scenes outside of Philo's world. We do wonder if we'll see her again.

2 Will We See More Magical Creatures In Season Two?

Season one primarily focuses on fauns and fairies in terms of the members of fae that exist in the Carnival Row universe. However, we see other creatures around such as the kobolds as mentioned earlier, centaurs, and even witches. We never met an actual centaur character, and it's implied there are even more creatures out there.

Trows are mentioned multiple times, but we don't meet one in the first eight episodes. The writers intend to expand the world even more in season two, so we should see more creatures too.

1 What Are Sophie and Jonah Planning To Do Now?

One of the most surprising characters in Carnival Row is Sophie Longerbane. She comes from out of nowhere midseason and steals the show. We find out she was the one who put the entire series into action by sending the original blackmail letter to the Chancellor that lead Piety to find out about Philo's existence.

It's not unlike how Lady Arryn's letter started the Game of Thrones plot. But now Jonah is Chancellor, he and Sophie are in a weird incestuous relationship and the opposition is united. What are they planning for the Row and the Brugue next?

NEXT: Game of Thrones: The 10 Craziest Things The Targaryens Ever Did

source https://screenrant.com/carnival-row-unanswered-questions/

[unnursvanablog]

The books I read in the first half of the year.

The Gentleman’s Guide to Getting Lucky – Mackenzi Lee: ☆☆☆☆ Short, funny, and sweet is the best way to describe this novella. Just some good times with some characters you like and their awkward romance adventure. Really enjoyable read.

Pendragon – James Wilde: ☆☆☆ I liked the Arthurian legend bits; I just wish it had not been as vague or so few and far between. I understand why the author decided to not go full force on the Arthurian legends, but I just didn’t find the plot gripping enough on its own. Everything else was just sort of okay-ish to me. I did feel a bit like the guy was trying to make this Game of Thrones-esque to me without much of the depth of Martins writing, none of the characters really stood out to me and the plot became really repetitive after a while and I really had to push through to finish it in the end. Chasing Merlin – Sarah White: ☆☆ This was not the story I was expecting out of this book for some reason. I thought I was going to get some cool, modern retelling of Merlin, but instead I just got some romance book where most of the characters were just annoying (including Merlin, how dare you!) and the romance just wasn’t doing it for me. I liked some of the references to the myth, but I was not super into the execution of it. The main character was just so dense, even if she LOVED the myth.

The Witcher 2 & 3 – Andrzej Sapkowski: ☆☆☆, ☆☆☆ I am not as into this book series as I thought I would be, or I hoped I would be. I like the dark fairytale elements; I like some of the characters even if I do not find them as deep or far from fantasy-clichés as I had been told a lot of them were. But I just have not been super into where the plot is going for the most part.

The Poppy War 1 & 2 – R.F. Kuang: ☆☆☆☆, ☆☆☆ Fantasy like I have never read it before! Really interesting mix of historical and fantasy and the worldbuilding is neat. I find each character interesting in their own way and I like how I never truly know where they will take me or what they will do. I sometimes find it a bit too gritty and violent, but I can understand why the author chose to write it like that as we explore the devastation of war. I completely fell for the first book, while the second one had a bit of of a second-book syndrome for me as it was trying to bridge the gap between the first and the third one, while also trying to tell it’s own story. But quite a fascinating read and I can’t wait to get my hands on the third one!

The Starless Sea – Erin Morgenstern: ☆☆ Absolutely NOTHING happened in this book. At first, I was quite enjoying myself and the beautiful writing and the slow pacing. I had read the Night Circus; I thought the plot would just slowly reveal itself. But there was barely a plot to be found there. Just the character aimlessly wondering around some rooms, talking about keys and books, and saying some pretty quotes. So little happened and I got so frustrated by it towards the end. I would have traded at least a half of those beautifully written sentences for some actually plot that hooks you in and takes you on a journey, because this was a beautiful bore. And the characters were not even that well fleshed out. Emma – Jane Austen: ☆☆☆ I like the stories Jane Austen writes, but I am not that into reading them. Her style just kinda doesn’t hook me in, so I don’t often pick up her books. The Witches of New York – Ami McKay:☆☆☆☆ I loved the atmosphere, the ambiance, and the aesthetic that this book had and how everything was painted by the author of these witches in New York who operate a tea shop. I mean… I am just a simple girl who lies tea and witches. That and the characters hook me more than the story itself, which was rather slow. The actually story on the back of the book took over 200 pages to arrive and was resolved quite quickly, but I didn’t find myself too bothered by that because I enjoyed the atmosphere, the buildup to those events and the character quite a bit.

Villueyjar – Ragnhildur Hólmgeirsdóttir: ☆☆☆ I liked this more than Koparborgin by the same author. The characters, the world and the story hook me more from the beginning. But it’s the ending that just sort of misses the mark for me, just like her other book. This one just felt too abrupt after all that buildup.

Daisy Jones & The Six – Taylor Jenkins Reid: ☆☆ I hated pretty much every character in this story. A lot of them may have suppose to be unlikable but still fascinating, but I just found myself annoyed by most of the things they were talking about. I just kind of did not really care. It only gets two stars because the very last part of the story made me cry. When everyone was just talking about their lives after the band ended and got all sentimental. That somehow got to me. The rest I hated. The Voyage of the Basilisk – Marie Brennan: ☆☆☆ An incredibly good blend of fantasy and the historical, even if it’s not really historical at all. But you can sense the work and the thought that went into this world, so it feels like I am reading a historical fiction. I feel like I am in a very well-crafted historical drama while reading it. I love the adventure side of this story and the characters. When the story goes to deep into the anatomy of dragons and the naturalist aspect of the journey it does loose me a bit for some reason. And I tend to like the beginning of these books more than the end for some reason. But it’s a fun adventure.

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing – Hank Green: ☆☆ Sci-fi such as this one is supposed to suspend your disbelief as you read about all these impossible events. And I had no trouble with the sci-fi elements in that regard, but I did however find the more humane aspect of the story quite unbelievable; like how all of these characters acted and the social media and internet fame aspect. It just all felt bit too unrealistic at times, or even just pretentious. And I hated how we are left with a cliff-hanger, just like the had decided to just cut the story in two for the sake of it (or more money). Seven Surrenders – Ada Palmer: ☆☆☆☆ I had a much easier time with this one than the first one. I understood the world and the characters a lot better, I had an easier time getting settled into the story and understand what was going on, which character was which and so on. So, it was just a much more enjoyable time and I really enjoyed the story and all its twists and turns that it threw at me.

The Priory of the Orange Tree – Samantha Shannon: ☆☆☆ Well-crafted and written female-centric fantasy story, but I sometimes felt like the over descriptive nature of the story pulled me out of the story a bit. It took me some time to get used to it. The story does drag a bit towards the middle and I had expected a bit of a stronger ending after all of this set-up and world-building. But I liked the world and the characters and all of that. I was expecting it to wow me, which it did not, but I enjoyed myself for the most part reading it.   Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 – Cho Nam Joo: ☆☆☆☆ This story did all it set out to do and it did it in a very short amount of time. The text does feel very dry to read and it maybe it does a bit too much of tell but now show. But I found myself really hooked and interested in what it had to say, and it did that beautifully and in a impactful way. It really touches you, and it made me cry at least and get teary-eyed a few times, as we explore everyday sexism in Korea (but you can also see glimpses of it in your society) and how it’s just seeps in and out of everything. The Library Book - Susan Orlean: ☆☆☆ There were some interesting, moving parts within this book. I love this ode to libraries, but it certainly did not need to tell me that libraries are essential to the society and our culture, because I already knew that. The book is a fun read, but sometimes it does meander a bit and goes on side-quest almost that have nothing to do with the fire that burned down the library or anything, which I wasn’t always as invested in.

The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock – Imogen Hermes Gowar: ☆☆ It felt pretty to read. The writing was pretty, but I did have some trouble connecting to it and the character in it as they didn’t seem to matter all that much to the main story, and for a while the story isn’t really about anything as the plot had very little focus, and I had some trouble remembering who was who for a while. I felt like the romance of Mrs. Hancock sort of came out of nowhere and I did not feel much chemistry between them. I was also just really disappointed by the lack of actual mermaid within the story. I wanted more of that. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes – Suzanne Collins: ☆☆☆ I personally wanted to see more how power and ambition made Snow as the character we know from the original trilogy, and I understand why some people find the ending a bit abrupt as they wanted more from that aspect of the story. But I also understand why Collins did what she did with this this one and why Snows ambitious clime from the poor situation of the Snow family to where is ended up a bit more quieter than I thought it would be. He is just so complicit in this all. He understands the system, he even criticizes it, but he does not do much do put an end to it since he knows what he can gain from it and after all that is what trumps everything. I found that to be really well done and it made Snow a really interesting, yet unlikeable character. And feel a bit more realistic.

There is a bit of a pacing problem at times, and I did feel like we could have gotten more out of those last few chapters than we did and I don’t think it capture the highest highs of the Hunger Games trilogy. But overall, I quite enjoyed this.

The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams: ☆☆☆ I have not read a lot of books like this one. It truly feels one of a kind. It’s a really fun and easy read, but after a while it does feel quite repetitive, both the humor and the plot - and I truly expected it to be funnier from all the talk I had heard about this book for years and years. I found it sometimes go a bit too slow, sometimes a bit too fast and yeah, just a bit too repetitive. I got a bit bored of it after a while and switched to audiobook to try to get through it a bit faster.

Washington Black – Esi Edugyan: ☆☆☆☆ This was such an interesting story, quite easy to read and fast-paced at the beginning which really hooks you in. I did sometimes feel like how it was written (or maybe how it was translated) take me out of the story or the style not always meshing with me and it did have some pacing problems towards the end or certain parts of the story didn’t capture my attention quite as much. But the characters were really interesting and deep.