#lol I mean it’s such a classic Jesper thing

[winnie-the-monster]

Lol I swear I’ll never be over the fact that Jesper only remembered Wylan bc he was on top of him

[boxoftheskyking]

It’s my birthday so I’m doing a fun thing

Stolen from @deputychairman​ bc it looks like a good time and I miss writing

List the first lines of your last 20 stories. See if there are any patterns and choose your favorite opening line!

(I’m not counting my little Tumblr fills)

There are bodies in the creek bed.  (Pick Up Every Piece, The Untamed, 2021 WIP)  I dig it. Economical, sets up the recurring image, sets up a question

It’s meant to be redemption, or at least a chance in that direction. (Something Good, The Untamed, 2020) A little clumsy, but I also tend to start with a series of short sentence so it’s better in context. Does set up the question.

He does still love life on the road, even after three years. (Something for Yourself, The Untamed, 2020) Pretty straightforward, not super hooky

Nina doesn’t expect to arrive on deck first. (Continue to Continue, Six of Crows, 2020, WIP) Man, I do have a pattern of short little establishing lines

On a typically cold early morning in October, Daryl talks to himself. (A Man Asks for Help, Letterkenny, 2018) I do like this one. It’s followed with an “Or, rather” which I slightly regret, but I do like this fic

PLEASE BE ADVISED, the notice on the door to the mess hall reads in clear red print. (The Mountains and Hills Before You, Star Wars, 2018) Good setup of a question, if not the central question

Steve, if pressed, would say that they are fine. (Fourth of July, Stranger Things, 2018) I like this bc it feels very evocative and also Steve is always pressed poor thing

Caleb would never hurt him. (Ye Shall Receive, Turn, 2017) aw I miss Caleb and Ben. I think there’s some good tension here. Again with the choppy little babies.

Ben comes back to see him off, which he appreciates. (The Sticking Place, Turn, 2017) I do so much “clause,” comma “which”—I gotta work on that 

“I don’t like it.” (Resurrection, Turn, 2017) I mean, typical.

“One month,” says Jesper, kissing Marya’s knuckles. (Delay, Six of Crows, 2016) I mean he’s a sweet lil boy, and it does set up a question

The guy who comes into the pub looks every inch like a potential client. (The One Where There’s a Kid, Leverage, 2016) This one I was trying to do as similar to an episode in my style, which was very to the point and script-like, not much emotion

Adam wakes up on Saturday morning in his own bed, which is the first disturbing thing. (Friday, Raven Cycle, 2016) Nice setup of a question and also a recurring image. Nice use of “disturbing” since that’s the overall tone of the piece lol

The crack of the bat is the first sound of summer. (Summertime, Teen Wolf, 2012-2016) Boom, bam, classic, doesn’t get better than that, ultimate my-style opening. THIS IS IT

It’s a Resistance-friendly bar, one that attracts all sorts but the fights are never too bad and the drinks are probably not poisonous. (Interlude: In Flashback, Star Wars, 2016) mehhhh too long and not hooky enough

Poe and Snap were gone a month longer than planned this time, narrowly avoiding capture on a sparsely populated planet hardly bigger than a moon. (An Old Song, 2016) It’s decent setup but I wish it gave more preview of the tone of the piece you’re about to read. 

“It’s not going to show us the actual future though, right?” Blue sounds more hesitant than Adam expected. (Impossible Things, Raven Cycle, 2015) This was so long ago! I so rarely actually start with dialogue, which is wild bc that’s like all I ever write.

Two weeks after the funeral, Calla sends everyone out of the house on various contrived errands. (Dissertation: in fragments, Raven Cycle, 2015) I kind of wished I’d started this with a line from the dissertation out of context to knock the reader a little off kilter

“No, no, no, no.” (A Thousand, Thousand Years, Raven Cycle, 2015) Suits this fic, actually, quite well.

"What's on the docket, Wonderboy?" (Wonderboy, Maze Runner, 2014) I think it’s classic, it works, it’s hooky, not overthought

[dontgetsalmonella]

¡Rating the Grishaverse couples/(crack-)ships!

Slight RoW spoilers!

P.S. This idea came to me in the middle of the literal SAT. Thanks, Ms. Bardugo. You cost me a 1600! lol 

1. Darklina: No one come for me, but I never really shipped them. I honestly think it’s boring. I don’t hate it and I don’t love it, so meh. 3/10

2. Malina: Same as Darklina. Boring. I don’t hate it and I don’t love it, so meh. 3/10

3. Nikolina: Same as the other two lol. I didn’t like her and Nik together. They’re too similar, so 3/10

4. Genyalina: I don’t hate it, but not my fav thing. 4/10

5. Zoyalina: literally the most chemistry out of all of these just from the way Alina describes Zoya (and Genya) but they’re too similar, they both need someone super sweet/sunny. 5/10

If you can’t tell, I never really shipped Alina with anyone! She was really young and I never though she really clicked with anyone. 

6. Genya/David: LOOOVE IT, even though Leigh made me cry. Genya and I have the same type: Nerds. 10/10

7. Zoya/Genya: I don’t hate it...not too much chemistry tho. Zoya needs someone snarky and Genya needs someone who’s sweet (in their own way, like David) 4/10

8. Helnik: I love it. Absolutely. The show made it even better lol. Classic enemies to lovers elements (”It’s cold, we need to snuggle!”) and I love literally everything about them together. Also, Matthais is underrated af! 100/10

9. Kanej: Unpopular opinion, but they aren’t my fav. I like them together and their backstories are great, but they’re a very slow burn/quiet couple which I can appreciate, but I just don’t have the patience for. Still love them tho! 9/10

10. Zoya x Aleksander: Ew. No. Zoya can do way better and the whole thing reminded me of a boss/secretary romance done wrong. I just hated it and the darkling creeped me out. 0/10

11. Zoyalai: YESSSS I LOVE THEM! Possibly my fav ship. Nikolai is a king as usual and Zoya is amazing. Also glad they got the ending they deserved so I can forever fantasise about the dragon and the demon flying around Ravka together! 100000/10

12. Darkolai: 5/10 Could be cute even though Nikolai was mr. Steal your girl (and demon). So maybe he will become mr. steal your heart. 

Ok, unpopular opinion, but the Darkling kinda did end up with Nikolai.  I mean, he turned Nik into one of his monsters and gave him a permanent shadow monster buddy, which leads me to...

13. Nikolai x the demon: ok, so the Demon is ALWAYS with Nikolai. And we now they talk. And I’m sure the demon get’s into it whenever him and Zoya are doin’ stuff and we know they’re good friends. I’m sure Zoya would be into it too. 

So maybe..Nikolai x The demon x Zoya...7/10!?

14. Fivan: no words needed, but them with cake wow! 10/10

15. Kaz x Jesper: ewwww I don’t hate it but no. 1/10

16. Nina x Inej: could be really cute. Wouldn’t hate it, especially with jealous Kaz/Matthais lol. 7/10

17. Wylan x Jesper: unpopular opinion, but I think this is another kinda boring one. I just never cared for Jesper or Wylan (both kinda annoying) oops 4/10

18. Mal x Darkling: Mr I am become a blade and the shadow man deserve each-other. Have at it. 7/10 [EDIT: They are related, I see that now. I dislike them both, so my new ship rating is 9/10! I’m from Kentucky, what do you expect.]

19. Alinej: I really like it... like too much. Omg when they speak Suli to eachother wow. 8/10 

20. Nadia x Tamar: vv cute. Love all their fanart, wish they got more mentions. 10/10 

21. Nina/Hanne: Never loved it. I didn’t read some of those parts of KoS/RoW anyways, so I think I might have missed out. I’ll reread soon and get back to ya! ?/10

PSA! Tolya, dear, if you’re bummed Tamar got hitched, my arms are open! Tolya x me is a great ship. 10/10!!! (I can’t wait for him to be on screen.) 

[sole-cuore-amore-e-droga]

Denmark brings the non-modern 80s sound to Rotterdam 2021

Filler review in between me doing a shit ton of things at the same time and saving two of the writeups I at least wanted to do before Semi 1 or so, plus there’s a Turquoise carpet underway. Lessgooooooo Denmark

ARTIST & ENTRY INFO

Fyr og Flamme is a collective of two men, singer Jesper Groth and instrumentalist Laurits Emanuel. Together they don’t have much history as they formed in the Ben & Tan year 2020, but they have a couple of succesful (and their only prior to Eurovision) singles under their belt already, like, their first one, titled “Menneskeforbruger”, reached number one on a Danish radio top list once. Prior to the DMGP lineup release, amidst a bunch of few song and talent show wonders, they were the only act I’ve heard of and coincidentally even liked their music somewhat.

Their song, titled “Øve os på hinanden”, is about dancing. Fitting because their entry, which is more of an 80s rehash than an 80s throwback (as in, 80s but with a little something modern a la Dua Lipa), is all about the groovy music that would probably come all out after disco decade became over. Moreso, dancing of two partners and practicing the dancing on each other, somewhat. Lyrics are in Danish - first time a Danish entry is fully in Danish since 1997! History right there! Most other acts would mostly translate their Danish song into English once the language rule went abolished, but not these guys, because why they need to do a TIX and make an English song in their 3 song discography anyway. Good ^^

REVIEW

Sounds like one of those songs this year that can elicit the “guilty pleasure” reactions. Like Poland, which is mine. But for me Denmark is an actual pleasure, in a way?

The instant intro of the first few seconds really makes it a good blast of energy, because who isn’t resisting towards a nice little 80s synth. I don’t really fancy the verses being in a major key but they still feel very 80s in nature. And the chorus is really catchy, and so is the bridge, which is kinda maybe the best part of the song alongside the instrumental super 80s bits. I don’t know if Jesper is able to emulate an 80s vocal sound with his voice, but the whole band at least looks their part, at the very least, for Eurovision?

It also incorporates clapping. Just for the edgy “I don’t clap along to Soldi but I will clap to this” crowds out there. I love me some Eurovision clap songs.

But Denmark is kinda too prone to sending throwbacks that don’t add much new? Like, we got this 70s-esque throwback song from 2015, it can be very well argued that Lighthouse X were throwbacks to early 2010s boyband music that wasn’t as loud as the one of One Direction, 2014 had shades of the classic Bruno Mars of the time who himself have upgraded to sound like smooth R’n’B man for the ladies who sings about getting it with the ladies... are people in Denmark a little too nostalgic for their own good sometimes? Let me go there one day when panini subsides and check if they have a spare DeLorean, just for the fun of it, and if they keep the Deloreans as their biggest prized possessions in a way.

Overall a pretty standard dance song to dance to, if I expected some other mood being projected throughout it I’d straight up look at Gjon’s Tears staging. *orchestral music* Tout l’univeeeeeers *proceeds to moves arms like he’s performing “Rap God” in a talent show*

Yeah I like it, but I absolutely love the orchestral version posted above?? The big gall of DMGP to include orchestra on their NF while Albania’s NF traded it for a while just to have artists perform in the freezing cold outside instead... of course everything sounds better with orchestra. Smh at those who think otherwise

This is how the studio version sounds like by the way. All that review was for this. How does the studio pale in comparison to the orchestra, do you think

Approval factor: Yeah, maybe there’s some of it in me for this one too! Follow-up factor: Another broadcaster being cunts to their former act. Public outcries have been done ever since DR revealed the DMGP lineup and made them realize there’s no Ben and Tan in it, eventhough they said they would not send an entry to the next DMGP, but yet they did because they felt like it, and it was revealed in an ultimate dickish move that Ben and Tan were never allowed to re-enter in the first place. :’) Some say it’s because of prompting sympathy votes (as if Aksel and The Mamas needed any to win their NFs, OH WAIT.), some might even say it was because DR was too scared to do well and Ben and Tan were just *that* awesome. Songwise, I like their both entries equally, and it’s a nice Danish marketing move to go from one background music to another (but in 80s style). So it’s a move to an interestingly straight decent line, I guess. Qualification factor: In semifinals like these, when there are just that many good songs that cannot miss out on a final spot, some of them actually do end up in that unfortunate position unless they don’t... Denmark has a little bit of a chance? From the possible hopeless bunch I can only see one of Austria, Portugal and Denmark making it. Poland, a fellow 80s-like Nordic song, is too comedic to be taken seriously by the up-and-coming televoting community. Georgia is too mellow. Denmark stands out with a fun way of their own 80s, Portugal and Austria have decent live performances and stagings at the same time, one of which Fyr og Flamme might lack lol, but that doesn’t mean housewives don’t vote for something that reminds them of their youth years, no?

NF CORNER

Thankfully that apart from Ben & Tan fiasco you’re not missing out on much.

DMGP chose a weird kind of way to reveal entries - during 3 separate radio shows in between two channels amidst all kinds of random world&Danish popular music. During which presumably both radio stations played the soon-to-be-winning Fyr og Flamme’s entry a second time after the premiere. Like if we don’t know who’s winning already, huh, huh???

Well, there are at least some above-the-par entries, and a couple of my favourites were Emma Nicoline (synthpop in Danish which in her case of victory would’ve likely been translated in English???? hopefully not so we could’ve had a win-win in case Fyr og Flamme didn’t win) and Mike Tramp (yeehaw in English, and much different than what he did in Eurovision 1978 with the group Mabel and yet another song about rhythm, enough to incorporate live drum playing from a band member itself during the performance... their own prop drum, mind you). They probably sound a whole lot better in orcestra than they are in these studio versions, so go check them out on Youtube as well, if you’re willing. Much cheers

Also the funny thing about them - Jesper is from a little barely heard of island called Ærø, who coincidentally shares a flag with Lithuania’s, but their colors are much brighter than ours. I bring it up that it’s barely heard of because some Danish viewers (and the international ones that could’ve gotten a hold of the stream) were confused as to why Fyr og Flamme waved “Lithuanian” flags in the DMGP greenroom. I’ve heard about that as well. I know a person from Ærø. I was confused too at first. I’ve been there. And it’s thanks to that person I’ve heard of Fyr og Flamme. Ærø supports Ærø, it seems

ANY LAST WORDS?

Honestly, if they qualify (and so does Portugal), I lowkey hope for their NF to have more songs in their native language? Leonora went on to start something when singing a piece of her song in Danish, Fyr og Flamme continued the iniciative, lord knows if it continues to continue and give them a fruitful outcome in the end.

As for why I mentioned Portugal and language variety, well... there can still be winners in the Portuguese language, just it would be an initiative to RTP to invite more English-singing Portuguese songwriters who’d otherwise not really participate in FdC if they were asked to only sing in Portuguese? I don’t know, really. But yeah. Maybe.

[bookscapadesblog]

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (SPOILERS)

Ok guys I have A LOT of feelings about these two books, so this is gonna be a long one. First let me start off by saying I initially read SoC right after it came out in 2015 and then of course had to buy CK immediately when it came out the following year. I also first read them without finishing the original Grisha Trilogy. 

That being said, even though my reread happened 5 years later, I remembered most of the big plot points from the story.

Let me say that except for appreciating the easter eggs that the books have, you can absolutely read SoC and CK without having read the other Grishaverse books.

Spoilers ahead now so stop if you haven't read or haven't finished them!

before we get into plot lemme talk about the six main characters 

Kaz

I have always in every book I read, been a sucker for the bad-boy so obviously I LOVE him

Honestly my favorite thing about him is that he doesn't have any redeeming qualities. He's not the “bad-boy with a heart of gold” trope. He is just bad and its awesome

Inej

I’m sorry but anyone that endures what she did and then can still keep their faith is a saint

I love that she's both soft and merciful but still could kill almost anyone. Balance is key in life right?

Nina

Nina’s confidence is just so amazing. She knows her worth and will not accept anyone treating her like she's less than she actually is.

Her constant desire to be eating is something I relate to on so many levels and I love her sarcasm and wit

Jesper

I literally love how he starts off as just some fuck-up gambling addict who’s only useful quality is being a sharpshooter. The character development is *kisses fingertips and makes that mwah sound*

His charming and easy going personality are so fun

Matthias

Ok another one that has FANTASTIC character development! Literally learns to question all his bias’s and becomes someone that can think for himself

big and broody type is another favorite classic character lol

Wylan

Honestly, Milo from Atlantis is a high quality comparison for Wylan (minus the reading bit). He’s just so smart and dorky and awkward and I love him

His growth from a scared ex-mercher’s son to a badass barrel thug is iconic.

PLOTTT

The relationships between all the characters at the beginning are so entertaining to read about

all of the characters have so much DEPTH like thank you Leigh Bardugo for gracing us with all these diverse and deep characters. They all come from different background and hardships and its so amazing to read about.

Kaz’s scheming ability is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever read about

Nina and Matthias and their hate-to-love-back-to-hate-then to love again relationship is beautiful

When Matthias tried to choke Nina when they were rescuing him I was like 😟

The fact that Wylan thought he was able to keep his identity a secret was hilarious

When they were trying to leave for the ice court and they're ambushed and INEJ GETS STABBED I was not having it 

and then Kaz shows up the carry her, tortures the guy that did it, and throws him off the boat 

I had totally forgotten Nina and Matthias’ whole backstory I just remembered that they hated each other and then they didn’t. That was a whole whirlwind

Also forgot about KAZ HAVING TO USE HIS DEAD BROTHER’S BODY AS A BOAT like no wonder you never want to touch anyone ever no matter how much you obviously love them (Inej).

When they get to the ice court and literally have to change their plans like 5 times, you would think it would have gotten ridiculous and I feel like 9/10 times I would have been like “ugh this is getting old” but NOPE I was walking around listening making stupid expressions 

Jesper and Wylan’s interactions are what my brother would call “A-1″ which just means amazing I think?

When they freed Kuwei and were on the boat back safe and sound everything was great

Kaz asking Inej to abandon her plan to hunt slaves and stay with him in Ketterdam had me like 

AND THEN SHE WAS LIKE LOL ALL OR NOTHING BRUH and it was both heartbreaking because I love them but badass because yes please get ALL THE LOVE YOU DESERVE IT

When Van Eck back stabbed them I remember being surprised the first time because they went through all that shit for nothing and I was MAD

And they I thought Wylan and Nina were both dead for a hot-sec and that was awful

Cherry on top of that ending was Inej being taken away. Like wow. Thanks for that