#might as well provide a recommendation to balance out the snark so

[tvwolfsnake]

sometimes it feels like people on this site don’t know there are movies that are a) more than ten years old, b) not in english, or c) more than ten years old and not in english

[maximumphilosopheranchor]

Have you read 'Elizabeth: The Fogotten Years' by John Guy? I've heard nothing but bad things about him, but is he really so unreliable? I've seen a reasonably cheap copy that I might get for my birthday, but it depends on your opinion. Thank you.

Yes, I have read it. I really appreciate the trust you put in me - thank you so much! - but if you want to buy it, I will not dissuade you. I can only share my thoughts on the book.

I didn’t like it but not because John Guy would be incompetent. On the contrary, he is one of the most highly regarded Tudor historians working today. Unlike Allison Weir, for example, he knows his stuff. I don’t question his academical credentials. However, precisely because of his vast knowledge in the field and academical credentials and the fact that his word bears weight the more is expected and demanded from him than Alison Weir. So if I see him leaving out things from his narrative that may change the picture he paints naturally it’s not because he is ill-informed - again, he is not Alison Weir or Philippa Gregory, he knows his stuff. Why then? My answer is because they don’t fit in his thesis but since he maintains that his version is the true one thus, in my opinion, indirectly discrediting the work of his colleagues which doesn’t match his vision he comes across as a hypocrite.

My major complaints are:

He is very biased against Elizabeth. Can’t help but think that his attitude has something to do with the fact that Elizabeth executed his favourite Mary Queen of Scots and it was Elizabeth who survived and not Mary. He tries to spin every fact to Elizabeth’s disfavour. Even more, he manages to spin facts that seem to speak well of Elizabeth to her disfavour! In this respect very characteristic is his treatment of John Harrington’s quote about Elizabeth as sunshine and thunder where he completely ignores the sunshine part. Elizabeth is stripped of all her charm and kindness in this book. Consequently he refuses to those close around her like Cecil and Dudley any sincere affection towards Elizabeth, every gesture, every sign of it is attributed to flattery to get what they wanted from her. She is constantly called ‘childless/barren spinster’ throughout the book as if her childless state were distasteful to Guy, and, of course, his take as fits for a true hagiographer of Mary Queen of Scots is that she envied and was jealous of other women’s beauty and motherhood, naturally he doesn’t bother to prove it with evidence. He doesn’t bother to provide evidence for his claim that Elizabeth abandoned Mary Sidney either. Speaking of politics, Guy marginalizes Elizabeth and overstates Cecil’s role in government. He even goes so far to suggest that until the mid-1580s it was Cecil who ruled the country and Elizabeth was a little more than a figurehead. And frankly I detected misogynist vibes in his portrayal of Elizabeth. Overall, as one reviewer aptly put it, he portrays Elizabeth as less than she was.

Too much significance is attributed to Mary’s execution on Elizabeth’s life. But again nothing else can be expected of him given his partiality to Mary.

The problems of the 1590s are exaggerated, consequently the successes of the Elizabethan regime are downplayed.

He often contradicts himself. Thus, on the one hand, he puts a big emphasis and importance on the manuscript sources, contemporary sources and dismiss calendars of state papers which is a fair stance. On the other hand, if Elizabeth should be shown in a bad light, calendars of state papers and the 17th century sources suddenly will do well. Simon Adams reviewing his biography hagiography of Mary Queen of Scots pointed out ‘Guy’s curiously casual handling of evidence’ and I can’t help but suspect that something like that is going here as well.    

Did I say he consciously leaves out things that don’t suit his agenda? This applies to his discourse of Elizabeth’s historiography in the preface. He briefly discusses a few works of older historians and authors the newest of which is John Neale’s biography of Elizabeth firstly published in the 1930s and sharply attacks Neale’s view of Elizabeth for being too positive but completely withholds the mention of existence of revisionism in Elizabeth’s historiography since the 1980s and doesn’t discuss recent historiography on her, the works of his colleagues, that he himself amply uses in this book as can be seen from his footnotes and references. But my hardback copy contains no bibliographical list of these works, only a list of primary sources. It’s cheating. The result is that Guy makes a reader to believe that he is like the only modern historian criticizing Elizabeth, that until his book no one, except for Froude, has done it and that his take of Elizabeth’s personality is the new one. Which is patently false. Likewise, it’s not true that the 1590s are the ‘forgotten’ years, there are much research done of them in last decades. He is withholding crucially important information thus manipulating his reader and I really really don’t like it.    

Speaking of Guy trashing Neale. I found it funny that Guy so much snarks about Neale loving Elizabeth, while Guy himself doesn’t shy away from loving Mary Queen of Scots, writing a hagiographical account of her life that, in my opinion, supersedes in its sympathy Neale’s work on Elizabeth, and simultaneously insisting that what he writes is the true life of Mary. Double standards.

I also didn’t like Guy’s writing style and narrative tone - it’s overly snarky, cynical, even aggressive.

If you look for a balanced account of Elizabeth’s personality and her reign, this is not the right book. Notwithstanding the author’s loud claims, it doesn’t represent ‘the real’ Elizabeth, it’s not a definite biography of her and I certainly don’t recommend it as a first read about Elizabeth not least because it covers only the part - from the mid-1580s to 1603- of her long reign. But keeping in mind that one should not take Guy’s word as gospel, especially concerning feelings of historical figures, he is very good when he doesn’t allow his bias to rule him and there were parts I liked and found very informative. For example, his analysis of Elizabeth’s clothing in the audience she gave to the French envoy De Maisse.  And I can’t deny that bigger work than many popular history authors manage is put into the book.

[ariaadagio]

Aria’s Long List of Lucifer & Deckerstar Fic Recs - Part 3

Hello, all!  Since I completed writing Castaway earlier in September, I’ve finally had a chance to start catching up on my reading list.  I still have tons left to read, but I think I’ve hit critical mass on fics I liked enough to recommend, so I’m back with another round of recs!

These recs are organized by author name and category (for the most part), and the list order is not meant to imply an order of preference.  All recommendations are completed fics unless otherwise noted.  If anyone knows the @ tumblr names for any of the authors I missed tagging, or if I got anything wrong, please let me know.

You can find my other recs posts here (part 1), here (part 2), here (part 4), here (Part 5), and here (part 6).

S3E24 Aftermath Fics

Some Kind of Mysterious by Autumn Rayne

~2300 words

This is a lovely little peek into Chloe’s reaction.  She’s somewhat thrown for a loop and initially pulls back, but as she slowly regains her footing in this new reality, the repeated refrain of “she does not miss Lucifer” becomes increasingly full of denial.  Charming!

It would be for this by Dreamline

~4600 words

Heaven and hell were words to me by nosecoffee ( @nose-coffee )

~2600 words

I’m listing these two stories together because they’re a series of sorts.  The first story is told from Trixie’s POV, which is a great use of dramatic irony.  Because of how the story is constructed, the reader knows far more about what’s going on that Trixie does, which prompts a bit of puzzle solving on the part of the reader, and the result is lovely.  The second story is told from Lucifer’s POV, waking up in the aftermath.  The last few lines in particular are heart-wrenching and perfect.  

Beautiful man with a beautiful face, who was not a man at all by an_earl

~8800 words

An_earl has a lovely, lyrical style of writing that’s captivating.  I enjoyed reading about Chloe, now in the know, considering past events in a new light.  Also, delicious angst so thick you could cut it with a knife.  

Carry On by IceQueen1 ( @disappearinginq )

~5000k words

Chloe reacts.  Lucifer misunderstands said reaction.  Some lovely heartfelt drama ensues.  Perfect all around.

heart to heart (soul to soul) by Lesza ( @spiacooczna )

~3000 words

This story starts with Chloe and Lucifer at odds, but the ice is gradually broken via the use of text messages, which is something I can intimately relate with because I’ve lived it (not the Devil reveal, obviously, but social anxiety that was resolved in a similar way).  This was the first story I read in my current “binge,” and I was captivated from start to finish.  Lovely angst, and the ending will make your heart soar.  

Simpatico by pixelbypixel ( @pixelbypixelfanfic)

~3100 words

For a funny, more off-the-wall approach to post S3, a distraught Lucifer commiserates with Deadpool.  This made me laugh and smile so much, which was something I sorely needed when I read it.

Aftershocks by Subsequent ( @inclines )

~19400 words

A lovely, more light-hearted approach to the “aftershocks” of S3E24.  Chloe deals with being “in the know,” and the gang deals with fixing the mess left behind by Cain.  Lots of humorous touches and great lines, to include everybody quickly being brought into the Lucifer is Lucifer loop. 

 Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by @spirantization

~31,000 words

A series, currently of three works.  I haven’t yet had the opportunity to read the third piece, but the first two are a delight.  Poor Chloe is trying desperately to keep up with her new reality, and failing woefully at every turn.  Meanwhile, in the second story, Lucifer and Maze perpetrate some of the most hysterical sniping and snark at each other that I’ve ever read.  And, of course, there’s M.V.P. Linda, a perennial presence in both stories, trying to referee this whole mess.  I have so much love for this series!

Other Great Reads:

Remedy by IceQueen1 ( @disappearinginq )

~1500 words

Haunting, horrifying, engrossing look at what might happen to Lucifer if someone realized angel feathers could cure human ailments.

Paradiso by @theleafpile

~60000 words

I normally don’t read AUs, particularly not “all human” ones, but this story was basically a giant, “Oh, really?” that proved me wrong at every turn.  I loved this.  Theleafpile has a lyrical, poetic, enchanting writing style that will suck you right in and refuse to let you go, and even with the setting so vastly altered, all of the canonical characters were instantly recognizable and believable in their new incarnations.  Beautiful angst.  Creative storytelling.  Do pay attention to the tags, but absolutely worth a read (or nine).  

That’s How You Know by @notonelineff

~7000 words

A gorgeous established-relationship fic.  Lucifer hasn’t said those big three words, yet, and Chloe is starting to agonize over why that might be.  All of her friends provide her with examples that show, while Lucifer might not say it, he feels it.  Perfect use of ensemble.  Great balance of fluff and angst.  If pining is your happy-place trope, this fic is so for you.

They Who Fight Monsters by @obliobla

~3500 words

Suuuper dark, haunting look at Lucifer as a punisher, which also puts Chloe in an interesting light as she gets sucked into enabling Lucifer’s eye-for-an-eye form of justice.  

Your Smile Makes My Soul Shine by @obliobla

~9500 words

As you all have probably figured out, I am a complete sucker for Lucifer characterizations that fully incorporate the idea that he’s about … a zillion million years old, and has Seen Some Shit (™).  Set in a nebulous time period where Chloe knows the truth, Chloe and Lucifer make a go at dating, and the results are enchanting to read.  Angsty, humorous, heartwarming, sad, lovely, all in one fic, all in perfect balance.  

What Dreams May Come by @pellaaearien

~1000 words

In which Trixie has a nightmare, and Lucifer makes it better.  Just a quick little shot of wingfic fluff that was adorable :)  Guaranteed to make you smile!

Stars by @tarysande

~2300 words

A beautiful, heart-wrenching, heartwarming, sweet, sad character piece that examines Lucifer through Trixie’s eyes.  Deals with Lucifer’s more mythic aspects, namely that he created the stars, with a perfect ending.  Tarysande’s writing style is so easy-to-read and lyrical; I only wish I could replicate it.  

(Don’t) Put Your Arms Around Me by SomeoneAsGoodAsYou (the_wanlorn)

~9500 words.

Another Lucifer & Trixie centric piece that I just love, in which Lucifer disdainfully asks of Linda: “What’s the point of ... hugging?”  Beautifully written look at Lucifer warming up a bit to “the offspring,” and to some of the more touchy-feely quirks of humanity in general.  Lovely Deckerstar moments as well.  The_wanlorn’s characterization of Lucifer (and everyone really) is perfect, and your heart will be so full by the end of this one.  

WIPs worth a mention:

After by Apparition ( @devilish-apparition )

~21000 words

Previously recommended as a one-shot.  The author has since opted to expand into a compelling post S3E24 narrative with some promising, surprising new myth-expansion elements.

City of Fallen Angels by Endelda & NostalgiaKick

~17000 words

A quirky crossover between Lois & Clark: the New Adventures of Superman, and Lucifer.  Set near the end of S1 in Lois & Clark, and near the end of S3 in Lucifer.  The author draws some really interesting parallels between the characters of both shows in this charming, thoughtful piece.  Technically not a WIP, as it is finished, but it is being posted episodically.  

Endless by Destany_Mitchell

~10000 words

If you like Lucifer & Ella friendship, and want to read more world building a la ATWL, this might be a read for you!  The author has chosen to bring in some elements from the comics that are, thus far, super intriguing.  My interest is piqued!

Falling to Fly by FluffyGlitterPantsDragon ( @fluffydragon84 )

~23000 words

This fic!  I have yet to see a more gripping, thoughtful, atmospheric examination of the S3E24 aftermath -- this story delves into the forensics of the crime scene, and the FBI investigation into Cain’s murder.  NOTE: This fic is Lucifer/Dan as the primary ship, so exclusive Deckerstar fans beware, but even if Lucifer/Dan isn’t really your jam, I highly recommend this story for the main plot elements alone.  Sincerely, read this.  It’s worth it.