#my review

[sarazanmai]

[blue-mint-winter]

Review: Conclave by Robert Harris

I finally read Conclave by Robert Harris. In short I recommend it, it's a fairly short book with a fast pacing. There weren't many changes in the movie adaptation, so reading the book was like getting the expanded edition of the overall story. It gives more context to the events, the background information about the Church and the characters. I really liked the small details like:

Lomeli being angry at the pope for not letting him resign.

Sister Shanumi's motivation (she was angry at Adeyemi).

Foreshadowing about Benitez.

How Lomeli learns to put God first, instead of the Church, and he begins to truly pray again.

That Lomeli thought that if he'd ever married, he'd like it to be to someone like sister Agnes (he liked her strength of character).

More background cardinals and the information about their regional divisions, how Benitez from the beginning would easily mingle with Africans and Asians, and how the cardinals came together overcoming those barriers.

More information about the terrorist attack and how it was a part of coordinated attacks in several locations in Europe, not just one in Rome, and there were many casualties. That put more weight to Tedesco's speech about Christianity being under attack, in the movie it felt like he was just fearmongering for votes, in the book his stance seems more justified and understandable.

When Lomeli voted for himself, I thought in the movie that the attack happened because he became arrogant and believed he was the best candidate. In the book it's explained that he committed a sin of perjury because he didn't truly believe he was the best candidate. When they voted they each had to swear that they voted for the candidate they believed should become the pope. So Lomeli's oath was false and that's when the explosion happened like a warning sign to him.

All in all, it was a blast of a book. The only thing it lacked was the turtles 🐢 :)

Conclave receives 9/10 from me.

[skarsjoy]

Eric LaRue is is on VOD today (watch list)

Alex was fantastic in the the movie! I believe I counted he was in 14 scenes and smiling in just about all of them. This is a heavy-topic movie, but honestly didn’t feel super heavy to me. I did feel for Janice (played incredibly by Judy Greer) throughout the film though. It seems odd to say I enjoyed the film but I did. Alex’s Ron reminded me a lot of his character Travis Stubbs in ‘On Becoming a God in Central Florida.’ Ron wasn’t so crazy though. And apparently does offer a lot of neck massages. 

📸 Magnolia Pictures/my screen cap of Alexander Skarsgård as Ron LaRue

[sweet-succubus03]

This book is a pretty cool exploration of personal freedom and empowerment through the lens of Satanism.

The book delves into the idea that true liberation comes from embracing one’s desires and rejecting societal norms. The authors challenge readers to break free from the constraints imposed by tradition and morality, advocating for self-discovery and personal sovereignty.

Through powerful rhetoric and compelling anecdotes, the book position Satan as a symbol of individualism and strength.

The book's philosophy promotes the idea that power lies within the self, urging followers to harness their inner potential to manifest their own destinies. The text is both a manifesto and a guide, encouraging a journey of introspection and rebellion against conformity.

Overall, "The Temple of Satan" is a thought-provoking read that inspires readers to confront their fears and embrace their authentic selves, making it a compelling addition to the discourse on personal empowerment.

[creelkobblelaufeyson69]

[howlingday]

So, I just read two manga that I'd like to share with y'all.

The first is GACHIAKUTA, which follows a pretty standard shounen plot with a hero who's ostracized by society. See, in this world, trash is thrown away and disposed of in a giant pit. However, there are two classes of people; those of the clean aristocratic, and the filthy slum. However, there's a third that's made up of those sentenced to "death by drop," in which people who commit crimes are treated as trash and thrown into the pit, like our protagonist, Rudo. However, once down there, he learns to us powers as a "Giver" as in he "gives" life to whatever he touches. He's asked to join the Cleaners, whose job is to destroy trash monsters.

Overall, I had a fun time. This has a solid start, even with all the information thrown at once.

This next one may be disturbing to read, so reader discretion is advised.

The other is FIRE PUNCH, which is all kinds of weird. See, the story follows Agni, who is a "Blessed" who has powers blessed by God after the Ice Witch sent the world into a polar apocalypse. His power is regeneration, but his life of survival (with his incestuous sister) comes to an end when his entire village is destroyed by Doma, a Blessed with fire powers. Doma is a member of the King's army for Behembourg, which is filled with pedophilic perverts who keep slaves and force them to fulfill their sickest desires, including but not limited to: forcing people to drink pee, forcing people to have sex with animals, rape, and God only knows what other horrible acts.

Honestly, haven't felt this sick to my stomach since reading the Night Angel trilogy. Would not recommend this to the faint of heart.

[dustedash]

i finally finished reading Mo Du and it's extras and that was an incredible read. I love how vivid priest story telling is, the way she describes a scene makes me feel like i was watching a drama. The last arc is soooo satisfying with all the twists and reveals. i saw someone said it's more of a mystery than romance story and i agree a bit, but luo wenzhou and fei du growing relationships with each other is important to see how they resolved the case. i ended up highlighting a lot of their interactions in the book cause a lot of them are actually small moments but it shows how they found comfort in each other and just how easy it is for them to take care of each other. my heart breaks a lot for a lot of the characters especially fei du :" but each of the characters will have their own moments that'll make you see their own humanity. THE CAT! THE CAT IS A NARRATIVE DEVICE, i feel like i have to write another post about luo yiguo because he's an important narative device please read Mo Du too if you want to read a story about loving someone even when you feel like you don't deserve to be loved

[nerdgatehobbit]

Ebon thinks that Rubberband Man now will have no choice but to join the Meta Breed after Rubberband Man supposedly did a jailbreak of the other members in "Bad Stretch".

Static arrives to explain that Ebon had used one of Rubberband Man's uniforms to frame him for the jailbreak, leading to another brawl. As Rubberband Man focuses on Ebon, Static decides to try his new technique that he had practiced at the gas station prior to going to the racetrack (something Richie had dismissed in favor of his own efforts, but Static makes good use of it here).

Ebon uses his powers to portal Static to nearly fall into a volcano, but Rubberband Man reaches into the portal to save the other hero.

I admittedly like the symbolism of showing them being literally intertwined as Rubberband Man spends this episode figuring out that he and Ebon need to become figuratively separate.

At the end of the episode, Adam does show up to find a way to make up with Sharon, which probably involves promising that he cares about her more than the fans. That part isn't shown, as the show's focus is understandably on Virgil welcoming Adam into the house as a "friend of Static" to show that he's accepted the other man is indeed doing his best to be a hero.

Overall, this was a good episode that touches on how Ebon and Rubberband Man have a shared history as well as on how people can have second chances but to be judicious about it.

[cherrycolaride]

I'm sorry but...

what even is 'kissin' cousins'?!!

i gotta tell you i've been through a lot of elvis movies already... and despite them having often enough poorly written scripts, displaying strange dynamics, sexualizing our boy etc... i still loved them all somehow (sorry e 🥹🕊️) and found them quite entertaining... besides e just looks extremely gorgeous in each of 'em what shall i say ✨

BUT this one... this one really drained me. i mean i thought it must be extra cheesy as e is playing his blonde cousin wearin that cheap wig and i saw some pics and videos from the movie... but DAMN i didn't expect it to be that bad! 😭

what's up with those screaming girls runnin around like crazy and jumpin on any male bein' that has legs?? fr the screamin' was so annyoing i had to turn down the volume on my TV 😂😂

plus every character including elvis' ones seems to have like 0 braincells... like zero zero

only good thing are the make out scenes with e and the girls and him lookin' like a dreamboat as always buttt...

yeah that's the first elvis movie i saw that really didn't do it for me... and i even loved HARUM SCARUM so this must mean something!!😂

sorry to anyone who loves it, maybe it's just me🥹

[hithertoundreamtof23]

I just finished watching Deadpool and Wolverine with my friends (yes, at 2 am despite having exams coming up)

It was actually pretty decent. I loved all the marvel references and fourth wall breaks about Fox and the Multiverse Saga.

Also, my boi got a name drop!!! (Yes, Stephen Strange). Of course it didn't do him justice (nothing ever does) but it gave me an idea for my TVA multi chapter I've been working on forever and lowkey almost scrapped!

PS. The dog is so cute!!!

[tigermousse]

Particles of reality: Obsession

genre: dark, yandere, otome, crime, supernatural, NSFW

Not all stories have happy endings…especially this one.

I have a feeling this visual novel has done some permanent damage to my mental health, but I'm not regretting reading it.

!Please note: This game is for mature audience only!

Particles of reality: obsession is dealing with very dark themes including gore, extreme violence, torture, sexual and mental abuse. It has graphic depiction of consensual and un-consensual sex (including sex between minors and sex between siblings). List of triggers for each path is enormous and it was pretty hard to read through some paths. There are options to hide some content, but even with "lower violence" filter it was gruesome enough. Like Monika, I hate the violence, but I was too interested in characters to skip everything.

Monica is studying medicine in college and working at the cafe Luna to pay her bills. She has two close friends and a bunch of phobias, since she is a traumatized young woman with a troubled past. Monika hoped to separate from her family by enrolling to a college. But now she's stuck on a dead-end job, feeling claustrophobic in a small crappy apartment, also failing her studies and doubting her choice to be a doctor.

This is the time when in her life appears a tall handsome man, who has a strange interest in her. But the story unraveled…

Particles of Reality is a macabre satire on dark romance, where relationship with violent people are romanticized, - and otome games, in which every character falls in love with a MC no matter how plain, or dull she is.

It is a splendid idea to show in visual novel that relationship with obsessive people can only cause you pain, but still overall it was a depressing experience for me. I can not recommend this game, but it has a highest rating from me, because it is unique and memorable. All the characters are either traumatized or just pleasurably insane.

You are warned from the beginning that there are no happy endings in this novel. In those few where main characters at least don't die, Monica is still can not be happy because she's feeling trapped.

It makes sense, because it shows that with the characters like these, who are obsessed (and sometimes possessed), there can be no happy ending. They're traumatized, violent and mentally unstable. It is said that in Obsession the characters are the worst possible versions of themselves.

After a while it is getting too frustrating that no matter what you do the game finds its way to punish you. The characters are making very stupid mistakes and decisions - and you can do nothing about it but watch. Also sometimes the game is forcing you to read a lot of information that you already learn from other routes. I can see why it was hard to avoid, but still it was too much unnecessary reading.

The structure of visual novel is unique - it has additional unlockable content for each character that helps to look further in their past or shows their point of view on the story. At some points the story is breaking the forth wall.

Nice touch that choices that doesn't affect the ending, are clearly marked.

Still after reading everything including the secret character routes, the story still has more questions then answers - and feels incomplete. The secret route was more confusing then revealing.

CHARACTERS

MC Monika Viotto (name changeable, but I don't see why someone would like to relate to this MC more, so I left it as it is)

My diagnosis: Post-traumatic stress disorder + Dependent personality disorder

For me, Monika is a bit annoying. She's is your our typical otome MC - she is kind, shy, not very smart with average looks (though I think that she looks pretty cute). Because she was abused and neglected at home since childhood, Monika developed some phobias like nyctophobia and claustrophobia.

She says that she hates violence, but in each route she's attracted to violent people - probably that is the route of all the problems. In some paths she even shows a violent streak that she probably has (probably that is why she resents violence - because she knows she can have it in her too). Her family is mafia and though she wants to get away from them so bad, the violence in her household probably couldn't left her intact. However usually Monika is absolutely oblivious to everything happening around her. Sometimes she can stand for herself, but these moments of clarity happen usually too late.

Who she is now is a result of her traumatized past, but also we can see that she's really passive and co-dependent since young age. She can't decide for herself (and when she is, she's deciding badly), she's not trying to learn something new, she doesn't understand her feelings and is not good with people. She's not good with anything really. Though she doesn't lack empathy and sincerely grieving loss of those who are close to her.

Sometimes she can be funny and snappy, but not often. She is more self-assured and interesting in some "what if" scenarios and in some branches in Brandon's route.

Love interests (SPOILER ALERT)

Which one do you have in mind?

None of the characters are mentally healthy. Some are aware of this fact, the others aren't. There is almost no romance, except maybe for the Sebastian route (which is my least favorite). There are some sex scenes though.

Each route starts differently and has slight time difference, but except for the Brandon's route, the circumstances in these are very similar.

Sebastian Dallarosa

My diagnosis: Narcissistic personality disorder (?) Also typical yandere

Sebastian is tall, rich and handsome. Probably smart too. He's meeting MC on the street, saving her life from a car accident, and then taking care for her when she is getting sick. But something is not right about him. Or is it?

He's in love with MC since they were children. It was love at first sight, and now he believes that Monika is his soulmate - and he wants her no matter what.

Dallarosa is a mafia family too, like Viotto, but several years ago Sebastian and his twin brother refused to take over the family business - and it seems that Sebastian put all his effort to get Monika Viotto, because it is the only thing that he wanted - ever.

Sebastian is probably the favorite character of the developer, because his route is longest, plus he's appearing in every other route and in most branches. He has the most CG's. And I really hate him. Either because he's triggering something from my past, or because he is so sure of himself. He is the only one with almost no regrets or remorse. He thinks that his "love" justifies everything he's doing. I hate how he doesn't give Monika a chance to decide for herself, how much he's suffocating her, how he manipulates her. He doesn't care at all what she thinks, for he has her image in his head for a long time, and he doesn't care what Monika is like for real. He shows in all the routes, and in each one he's madly in love with Monika.

When you start the game, Sebastian's route is the first you have to finish at least once, and for some time his route is pretty romantic. He says nice things to MC, dotting around her, telling her what she would like to hear. But when things unravel, he shows his true violent and/or manipulative self.

The best part of Sebastian's route was Alexander. He seems much more sane (Maybe that is because he doesn't has his own route yet)

Julian Andrei

My diagnosis: Dissociative identity disorder

Julian is working with Monika in a Cafe Luna. He seems rude at first, but otherwise he is funny and always ready to help a damsel in distress. Except he has a strange habit of vanishing for several days once a month. What does he hides?

In Julian's route Monika has a crush on him when they first meet, and in other routes it is other way around. Julian in his route is the most different from himself in other routes, except Brandon's DLC. Because in most routes he is just a friend and co-worker of Monika, and doesn't show his violent streak, also he's pretty weak and can't stand himself against other characters. However we know from his route that he should be experienced in killing people, so it is strange that he's always trying to rescue MC unprepared. (I guess it is one of frustrating features which lead MC to unavoidable bad ends).

Julian is in constant conflict with himself - because he has a split personality, which seems to have a mind of its own.

As for the core personality, and not the worst version of himself, I like Julian very much. He is funny, honest and noble in his own way - and trying to do his best. I don't mind his complaining and self-consciousness.

Quinn Deidre

My diagnosis: Borderline personality disorder

Quinn is gender-fluid non-binary person. And also they are the most normal character. They are a ball of sunshine. Funny, active, kind, caring, creative. But they're trying too hard to get attention that they are forgetting what is good for themselves. Quinn definitely have BPD, and it is pretty accurate portrait of this disorder. Given their traumatic past, it is not strange that Quinn has it. Their family is fundamentally religious and they always felt that they don't belong at home. So they're looking hard for the place where they belong.

Meeting Monika as a roommate, Quinn is falling in love with her non-judgemental attitude. But of course, they can't stand to her other suitors. (Brandon strangely accepts Quinn)

Quinn is really sweet. His bad ends are pretty sad, because they mostly end with him hurting himself.

Brandon Viotto (free DLC)

My diagnosis: Antisocial personality disorder (Psychopath)

Due to the themes of incest and underage sex (also extreme violence, but Steam is OK with it), Brandon's route is not accessible in the base game and can be downloaded as a free DLC (optionaly, because for some people this route can be too fucked up.)

Brandon's route is a history route: it begins when Monika was five, and all events in all branches are happening earlier than the beginning of Sebastian's, Julian's or Quinn's routes. You don't need to read through this route to finish the game and open secret character, but it is giving better view of Monika's personality in other routes, also after reading it, I hated Sebastian a tiny bit less.

Brandon is Monika's older brother. He's just a year older than she, but since the early childhood they were raised differently. Brandon was the favorite child, Mama's golden boy, he was given best teachers and was combat training to become the head of the family (Don). And Monika was neglected, harshly punished for all tiny mistakes, given little to no education. Most of the time their parents didn't pay any attention to her at all. Luciana Viotto is a powerful, cunning and cruel woman, and Antonio Viotto seems totally indifferent to everything that is happening in his family, until it becomes too late.

Things doesn't add up here - while Monika as a mafia princess was prepared to arranged marriage if nothing else, she probably had at least attend different social events to meet important people, but she didn't. Otherwise she would be just a disgrace of a mafia family (which she obviously become, when she went to a college, living in a worst district of a town and working for a minimal wedge)

Since tender age Brandon was trained to be a merciless killer. And while his first kills brought him tears and nightmares, later he started to enjoy killing and torturing people. Now he is hungry for power and control. And the only one he cares about is his sister. Monika.

Since they were children, Brandon always tried to defend Monika from their abusive mother. They grew very close, because they always had to depend onto each other and didn't have anyone else. Monika needed Brandon because he always came to her rescue and Brandon need his sister, because she appeals to what left of human in him. She is still his moral compass after years of killings.

When he was about 15 year of age, Brandon felt that he his feeling for Monika is not completely brotherly.

After some time of his doubts and regrets, they've became lovers, when Monika was still 14 y.o. They both knew that incest is wrong, depending on the branch, they're having more or less doubts about it.

In most scenarios revealed that when Monika was 16, she attended school, where she has met a boy and started dating him. But Brandon was furious and beat the guy so bad that he couldn't recover. Monica hasn't talked to Brandon since then, until she decided to go to college where she begins all other routes.

Brandon is the one who sees the best in Monika

I do not justify the incest, I've never understood it either. But given all the circumstances in this novel I think in Particles of Reality, Brandon is still the best choice for Monika. Maybe I'm prejudiced, because despite of everything , I liked him too much since demo. He's the only one who will never hurt her willingly, she can trust him completely and he's the one who accepts and understands her as she is.

The thing I like about Brandon the most is that he is the only one whose personality doesn't change a bit in all the routes and branches. I'm afraid that is because he's the least favorite boy for the developer, but still he doesn't pretend. Also he's the only one who is changing through his route - for worse, but still.

He is extremely violent, and doesn't hide that he is enjoying killing people, but it seems that he can have his doubts and regrets about everything that concerning Monika. (Nevertheless he still thought and done disgusting things)

He is also very smart, with a dark sense of humor, but I always felt that Monika can depend on him. With him she is safe, but he can go too far to secure her.

I can't rate any of the characters, since they're shown as the worst versions of themselves. As for their "core personality", I like Sebastian the least, because I can't find any of his personality outside of his obsession. As for secret character, his purpose in this novel seems only for breaking forth wall, so it is hard to say something about him for now.

Overall:

Visual: 4/5

Story: 4/5

Characters: 5/5

Romance: 2/5

Originality: 5/5

My Rating: 5/5

(I can't recommend it to anyone, since it is very dark and not for everyone, but also couldn't give it less than 5 stars, because I'm sure that this game has a powerful impact on every person who has read it)

You can get this visual novel by Arewar on Steam or on itch.io

[creepyinkbby]

My review of Nosferatu!

Letterboxd: creepyinkbby

[dc-x-marvel]

We're so back with Captain America: Brave New World!

It's been a while since I've participated in Marvel content. Last movie I saw was Deadpool & Wolverine. The only series I've touched were Wandavision and Ms. Marvel (cuz they're my faves and to understand their movies better). I didn't think I could get tired of superhero stuff, but I did: I felt the burnout.

I was dragged back in because of Sambucky. So much so, I watched The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series to see what Marvel would do and better understand this movie. Y'all, I may have initially been drawn in by Sambucky, but I stayed for Sam's storyline. I was apprehensive at first cuz I wasn't sure how they'd handle Sam as Captain America, but by the end of the series I was more comfortable with their approach. So, by the time the movie came out I was intrigued on what would happen next. I won't lie, the Sambucky scene also had me hooked.

There is no denying that Sam Wilson is Captain America. Anyone who says otherwise is clearly a liar who lies (🙄). He has all the badassery and kindness of Captain America. And he doesn't have the super serum!!! My jaw dropped at all his fight scenes and when I found out he was multilingual. Like yeah of course he is, duh! Man of the people! His counseling skills were so awesome. So kind and empathetic! That's why Steve gave him the shield!! Every time someone called him Cap I got a rush of joy. The burnout I felt just evaporated or melted away. I cannot wait to hear him say "Avengers Assemble!" It's probably gonna send chills down my spine.

Joaquin Torres was also fun to watch. He is so funny and relatable. The way he played the game on the old cell was funny and a mood. He is gonna be a great Falcon. I wonder what color his suit will be?

Isaiah Bradley's scenes were also great and made me cry. My man has been through too much. The scene with Sam and him at the prison hurt. I was weeping at the end of it. I panicked when the other prisoners were shot cuz I thought they got him too. I actually sighed in relief when I found out he was alright. I'm so glad he is out. I wonder what's next for him? Hope it's better than what he went through in this movie.

I kinda feel bad that I misjudged Ruth Bat-Seraph. Guess my biases were showing, but I'm glad for her assistance. I wonder if she can be seen in the background of the Black Widow movie? Probably not.

Now, about Sambucky. Sam was so glad he was there. They both closed their eyes when they hugged. Bucky gave him a powerful speech. Sure he may have had some help from writers, but it was still from his heart! Bucky said "I love you, buddy." Gahhhh! They're so good together. Did Sam inspire him to run for Congress? Congressman James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes? How will that play out in Thunderbolts*?

I don't have much to say about Thaddeus Ross. I'm glad he is working on himself. Shouldn't have kept Stern locked up, but baby steps I guess? It was awesome seeing Betty Ross again tho! Hope she sticks around.

Overall, a great movie. Very little issues I can think about right now. Lighting and dialogue were pretty good for once.

Rating: 9/10

[blue-mint-winter]

My top 10 stories by Edgar Allan Poe

As a second part of my reading classic horror project, I familiarized myself with the works of Edgar Allan Poe. His genre range was broader than horror, providing some interesting variety. The horror stories were lacking in terms of plot and seemed too repetitive (how many times can someone be buried alive?), but made up for it with pure vibes. On the other hand, I really enjoyed his detective and adventure stories. Here's my top 10 picks:

Masque of the Red Death - it's Poe's best horror story with an unique concept and an incredible climate. I adored the writing of this one.

The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall - a humourous tale of a man's journey to the moon in a... balloon! I really enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the balloon's ascent and how the change in pressure affected the traveller. The author based the story on what was known and assumed back then, so for example he thinks there's air in space (or ether).

The Mystery of Marie Rogêt - the second detective story, but my favourite one. The main character takes down the wild press theories about the murder by methodically exposing their biases and illogic. A very good read.

The Pit and the Pendulum - a man is tortured in a very unusual way and he desperately fights to save himself. The unique idea and the great descriptions of the character's emotions and plans made it a very memorable story.

The Purloined Letter - the third detective story was just very fun and simply deals with finding a hidden letter that police with all their resources and microscopes can't find.

The Murders in the Rue Morgue - the first detective story, even if it's last in my ranking, is still one of the best of Poe's works, introducing the character of Dupin, the amateur detective, and the mystery of some very unusual murder. I think the outlandish solution made it my least favourite of the 3 detective tales.

Hop-Frog - a dwarf jester helps a king plan a prank... but is it really just a prank? I enjoyed how different this story was, it stood out, as well as the ending. The king deserved it.

A Descent into the Maelström - a tale of a man that survived his ship being sucked into a whirlpool.

The Gold Bug - a man gets obssessed with a gold bug he found and takes his friends with him on a treasure hunt. Nice use and explanation of a cipher.

The Black Cat - another horror story that landed on this list deals with a man who mistreats his cat. The cat's ghost comes back for revenge.

[souporwholock]

Watching Renegade Nell. Is so. Frustrating. GIVE HER A BREAK!!!!!! WHAT DO YOU MEAN!! THE MAGISTRATE DIED AND SHES BLAMED AGAIN?!???!?? THE BROTHER OF THE KINDEST DOCTOR IN THE WORLD??????? LITERALLY THE FIRST NICE PERSON SO FAR???????????????? AND NOW HIS BROTHER IS DEAD. WHAT IF HE THINKS IT'S WAS NELL EVEN THOUGH HE BELIEVED HER AT FIRST?? GRRATAGAHGARRRRRRRRRTTTTRRRRRR!!!!!HHJGKHLHLJ:;:JKHLJ&_(KJFJDLK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I enjoy this show you should watch it too