#sailing by carina's star

[aroaessidhe]

faves of 2023: ace & aro books

of the 101 aspec books I read this year, this is some I enjoyed a lot

Just Lizzie

The Siren, the Song, and the Spy

Wren Martin Ruins It All

The Spider and her Demons

The Story of the Hundred Promises

The Meister of Decimen City

Is Love The Answer?

The Tale That Twines

The Stones Stay Silent

Natural Outlaws and Fractured Sovereignty

The Hummingbird Killer

Odd Blood

The Dragon of Ynys

Small Joys

Sailing By Carina’s Star

[kcrabb88]

Are you looking for a queer nautical read this Pride month (or any time?) Do you like queer pirates??? Stories about found family and finding home and fighting empires?? Historical adventure fiction??

You might want to check out Sailing by Orion's Star and Sailing by Carina's Star, the first two books in The Constellation Trilogy! Orion is out in paperback, ebook, and audio, and Carina is out in paperback and ebook. Gemini, the third installment, will release in 2024!

We've got aromantics and asexuals and bisexuals and lesbians and gays oh my! And they're on ships! Sometimes they have swords and ruminate on the oppressive nature of colonialism (or they don't! Which is a problem!)

(There might also be a QPP in it for you! Who can say?)

[phoenixflames12]

Now that the light is better I can take a photo of Sailing by Carina’s Star in print by the wonderfully talented @kcrabb88! I still can’t believe that I get to have them both on my bookshelf and I can’t wait to start reading!

[lachica50]

I finally got my hands on Sailing by Carina’s Star by @kcrabb88 , and I’m very excited to read it. I enjoyed the first book very much, and I will probably do a review of both of those books combined once I finish this in a few weeks.

[gellavonhamster]

Book review: Sailing by Carina’s Star by Katie Crabb

Something fearful and feral scorches the center of his chest. Something old. Something that belonged to the man he was long ago. The man he tamped down and buried. He thought that man was ash, burned away by the miracle of his new life.

I don’t usually keep track of when one book or another comes out, but one of the 2023 releases I was really looking forward to is part two of The Constellation Trilogy by @kcrabb88 - and having now finished it, I can say it was certainly worth the wait. 

The story picks up several years after the events of Sailing by Orion’s Star, the fates of the characters introduced in part one now firmly interwoven, with René, Frantz, and Auden all grown up and on the crew of Danso and Abeni, and Jerome realizing that his separate searches for René and Danso are merging into one. More characters are joining the main cast, and those who remember the fic this book once was or simply enjoy Les Mis can expect to see more vaguely familiar faces (and I definitely was happy to meet all of them!). I’m saying “vaguely” because all the characters who originated in Les Mis, while still retaining enough features of their prototypes for this book to feel like a tribute - but not a retelling - are very much their own, without any knowledge of what inspired them needed to appreciate them. The original characters also remain compelling - Astra Delacroix, this unbreakable lady of many secrets, continues to own my heart - and there is a number of cameos by real historical figures, most notably Blackbeard (needs no introduction) and Sam Bellamy, another pirate likened to Robin Hood.

Speaking of the characters, all of them can be roughly divided into two generations, with Jerome at the edge of both the older generation and the younger, similarly to how he’s tied both to the law and the piracy. What the older generation is preoccupied with the most in this book is protection of the younger generation - some are trying to keep their children safe without robbing them of their freedom, while some are failing to see that the kind of protection they’re ready to offer is a danger in itself. Meanwhile, the younger generation is dealing with the legacy of the older one - preserving and expanding it in some cases, trying to disentangle themselves from it in other. Family, both biological and chosen, is ever at the core of this trilogy, which I appreciate as someone who enjoys complex, troubled familial dynamics in fiction. And, of course, there’s plenty of sailing, spying, sword-fighting, daring escapes, true friendship, and the most torturous cliffhanger I’ve come across in a while. The ending of part one was like, well, I’m leaving these characters on a good note, see you later, while the ending of part two makes me wish to read part three right now, preferably in one sitting, because damn, I need to know what happens next! 

All in all, this continues to be a wonderful journey, and I’m excited for whatever appears on the horizon next.

[kcrabb88]

Ahhh I love this photo!!!!! (Hi, Marcus <3)

Sailing by Carina's Star is here! Bonus Marcus included

@kcrabb88

[starsmapped]

updating my tags (again)

[justafairytailofinnocence]

What it would be like if Barbossa was in love with you 🏴‍☠️🌊🌌❤️

It was unplanned. He hadn't expected you, nor did he expect to react too hardly. You had arrived with Captain Jack Sparrow on the black Pearl with Henry and Carina, under the guise of Captain Jack Sparrow on board the dying gull. Then—under Hector Barbossa's authority on the Queen Anne's Revenge and finally on the Black Pearl.

As time drifted on, he found himself staring at you. Whether it would be through his brass spyglass or as he's on top of the helm.

He didn't acknowledge his feelings. He was baffled by what they were and chose to ignore it. Despite this, it still lingered, creeping up on him. His thoughts, ambitions, and goals came in the way, though. They soon ceased as he would once more stare at you at the prow.

If you caught on or glanced back, he would take it out on any of his crew mates—Mutogg and Mullroy—to furiously get you off his track. Albiet, whether it would be to keep a closer eye or to trim the main and gib sails.

His thoughts would silence as he stared at you like a hopeless school boy with a crush. It was baffling and embarrassing. Once before, in his past, he would've taken the opportunity to intimidate you into giving him what he wanted. For his own personal gain and ambition.

When he would try to talk to you, he would only hobble a few feet with his crutch, but even then, he would hesitate. He wouldn't move. Perhaps it was better to settle on one's goals. He's never been in this state before. It's addle. He felt like a sappy love sick fool chasing something he would've laughed at and tossed to the side.

When he did try to speak to you, it was often short, straight to the point. Even then, he would let you go about your business or mock you for your absent knowledge on ships. Or the stars.

One day, at the helm, he stood overlooking the stars guiding him when he saw you at the prow. Seeing your hair billow in the wind, looking at the moon. You were to be a prisoner. You should've been tied to the mast.

He snatched Jack's compass he "burrowed" earlier as a way to find the triton. Opening the lid, he held the compass in the air as the arrow spun—think of triton, the triton, the triton!—the arrow stopped. His eyes trailed from the tip of the arrow's red point to you. It didn't lie. What his heart desired most was right in front of him.

His weathered face furrowed with denial as his chapped lips slightly parted. How was this possible—it can't be—he'd never felt this way before—was it even possible?—he was three times your age—is it worth the risk? To risk his position and life of piracy for a chance with you—no. No, it's not.

With an exhale of annoyance, he hoisted himself on his crutch, hobbling further to try and distract himself. He needed to find that triton and smartly before El Matador Del Mar catches fast winds to their stern, and they were all doomed.

When alone, even with the grand gourmet feast, he would find himself gazing at the food with little to no interest. He would day dream, imagining a life with you, marriage was more so at the weighted end yet—he thought of your soft skin, your silky hair, and your smile. The memories that played back in his mind when you spoke or complimented you, he would genuinely smile—like an addled fool. He would lift his finger, tracing it along the outline of the table. Envisioning as though it were you glinting your eyes with a smile, touching your chin. Following from the outer table, his finger landed on the fabric of just the edge of his waistcoat. He touched your smile, then your shoulder. He shouldn't be thinking of this. Then, finally, the lower layer of your clothing, your lips parted with joy. This dream turned to you leaning in. The scent of you lingering. He could only ever envision your smile. This was so wrong—or was it?

He wasn't an ill-desperate man, rather, a romantic at heart. But—this was love.

Though these dreams would soon be interrupted with a knock at the door. He would often become either annoyed at himself or feel like a fool. There's no way he should be dreaming about such things at his age. At this point, he might as well pick up a strumpet from a brothel in Tortuga. Though, he had standards and often his ambition did lead him to become quite a lady's man.

Anyway, continuing on from when he was at the mast. He heard a familiar voice—a voice he did not need to hear—

"Keeping a weathering over the horizon, eh hector. You know the stars are bright tonight, but I couldn't help notice. There's one in particular I presume you're absolutely fascinated by." It was Jack sparrow.

Jack, as the bounded rope, restricted his movements. He pointed his finger to the prow. Clearly indicating you.

In that moment, Hector froze with not realising Jack of all people had caught on. He should've known Sparrow knew him better than most.

Jack glanced at Hector, astounded by his shift in expression, emotion.

"What do you want, sparrah." He said with annoyance.

"Well, clearly, since you oh so unkindly commandeered my ship. Twice mind you. I'm willing to offer an accord, an ultimatem of sorts." Jack said in spite, he was not over Hector stealing his ship, leaving him on that spit of land and leaving him in tortuga. Though he did steal Sao Fangs charts.

Barbossa, appearing more intimidating, slammed his hand against the mast with an expression that would have Jack dead if he slipped one more word from his tongue.

"Firstly, I want my ship." Jack gestured with his hands. Hector snapped "No deal" with a sarcastic gaze.

"I mean, she is a fetching creature, but I have to admit, you are very, very ugly, so how do you think she'll come about when she realises an old sea dog that's what—eighty—eighty-nine stares at her day by day." Jack pointed out. This infuriated Hector, and he knew it.

Jack could tell Hector's face, becoming redder and redder every minute he yabbered on. He just didn't want to admit it, that he was in love. To Jack, he would've thought it would be different, to sweep a lass like that off her feet.

"Tell you what, drinks all around if there's a wedding, after all, I always knew you'd settle down eventually."

Hector scoffed, seeing how Jack's words reflected from when he reunited with Jack—at a wedding. Ironic.

"I wonder what her name is, I'll remember it. She's the one who yabbers on about stars or something." Jack cocked his head. "Oh, what was it, it's on the tip of me tongue?" he stuck his tongue out.

Hector, having enough hoisted the sword of triton from his scabbard. "Do you wanna lose that tongue!"

"The lass is notin' but a simple-minded fool who dwells in nonsense. After all, do you really think a feebled doe would give a thought to a swine?".

He hobbled off, using his crutch. He really didn't need to hear Jack speak of his reality. Oh yes, she'll fall for a swinish blaggard. That'll be believable.

The one moment he truly showed emotion for was when you approached him in his quarters. He was imposing. He threatened you in a sarcastic manner; mocking you.

The moment he allowed his real emotions to take over was when you grabbed the locks of his wig, pulling it off. If this were anyone else, he would've shot them but—

He was more baffled than anything.

Allowing you to see the real him. And he smiled like a fool when you said, "It's you."

As demise comes tragedy. He only ever kissed you once. That was when Salazar was pursuing the black pearl, and he needed to rescue Jack, Carina, and Henry.

He told his coxswain to man the helm only for a minuet. He rushed to you hobbling as you were pulling the halyard for the main sail to maintain speed.

As you reached them when the sea split. You dashed to the bow where the anchor was, leaning over the guardrail. As he commanded to drop anchor. He pulled you back. His hand on your shoulder. Your eyes stared at him in worry.

Without a second thought, knowing this was his last voyage. He pulled you in and pressed his chapped lips against yours. As you were in confusion, he muttered, "You're the brightest star that's guided my fate."

"I love you, y/n." He said in a hoarse voice.

Unfortunately, that was the only time he confessed for—he died—after saving Carina Smyth. Your heart sank, not only losing a fine captain—but only to realise he was in love with you this whole time.

[just--space]

NGC 3572 and the Southern Tadpoles : This cosmic skyscape features glowing gas and dark dust clouds along side the young stars of NGC 3572. A beautiful emission nebula and star cluster it sails far southern skies within the nautical constellation Carina. Stars from NGC 3572 are toward top center in the telescopic frame that would measure about 100 light-years across at the cluster's estimated distance of 9,000 light-years. The visible interstellar gas and dust is part of the star cluster's natal molecular cloud. Dense streamers of material within the nebula, eroded by stellar winds and radiation, clearly trail away from the energetic young stars. They are likely sites of ongoing star formation with shapes reminiscent of the Tadpoles of IC 410 better known to northern skygazers. In the coming tens to hundreds of millions of years, gas and stars in the cluster will be dispersed though, by gravitational tides and by violent supernova explosions that end the short lives of the massive cluster stars. via NASA

[thatlesbeanjew]

Fun Fact bc I cannot let things be

Azmidi is a star that exists as part of the constellation Puppis!

Puppis (“puhp-pis”) is one of the several constellations that make up the constellation Argo Navis!! Yes! Argo as in our homie Jason and his Argonauts! Puppis made up the stern, while Carina and Vela made up the keel and sails!

After a bit of quick reading, it looks like mid-18th century astronomers split up big constellations, like Argo Navis, to make them easier for astronomers to find! (go-astronomy.com)

[aroaessidhe]

2023 ACE & ARO books - part 1

TWO CAN PLAY THAT GAME - Jan 31 - demi MC

HAMLET, PRINCE OF ROBOTS - Jan 31 - aroace, ace MCs

CITY OF EXILE - Feb 22 - many ace & aro characters, sequel

SAILING BY CARINA’S STAR - Mar 7 - aroace MCs, sequel

TELL ME HOW IT ENDS - April 9 - ace MC

YOU DON’T HAVE A SHOT - May 9 - ace MC

THE HUMMINGBIRD KILLER - May 11 - aroace MC , sequel

BLEEDING HEART  - May 11 - ace & aro MCs , sequel

PAINTED DEVILS - May 16 - demi MCs , sequel

part 2 / part 3 / part 4

[librarianladyx]

Here's my new project--a love letter to one of my favorite characters of The Constellation Trilogy, Astra Delacroix! I saw LittleStitcherShop's Grace O'Malley cross stitch pattern on Etsy, and I just couldn't get the thought of Astra as a pirate out of my mind. So, with a few color changes to the pattern and some self-charted fonts, here she is! The phrase, "Astra Delacroix is no delicate flower, however much time she spends in her garden," is from Sailing by Carina's Star, Book 2 of the series, which is out now. If you want to know more about who says it and why, here's your reminder to pick it up! :)

Happy (early) Birthday, Katie!

[kcrabb88]

It’s Talk Like A Pirate Day, so I would be remiss not to mention that that first two books in my queer, historical pirate trilogy are out in the world (the third will be out next year!)

Pirates have a fascinating, revolutionary history, so I always recommend reading more about them! My favorite historian is Marcus Rediker, if you're looking for a rec!

You can find all the info here! Sailing by Orion's Star and Sailing by Carina's Star are around at most major retailers!

[phoenixflames12]

Now that I’ve had a few hours to recover from it and am incredibly bored at work, I can say that I finished Sailing by Carina’s Star (#2 in the Constellation Trilogy) by the incomparable and wonderful @kcrabb88 this morning.

I have so many feelings about these books, particularly seeing how they’ve grown and expanded from the fic that I vividly remember reading avidly all of those years ago.

There’s something wonderfully comforting about linking up the original characters with their Les Miserables counterparts and yet the sheer amount of research and world building that’s happened to make this story feel real and true is just breathtaking.

Brava, sweet friend. Brava.

[tealmagicmoon]

Imfo about the star sign Carian from the wiki

Carian is located in the southern sky, it's name is Latin for the kneel of a ship. It is 1 of 3 parts of a larger constillation called Argo Navis (the ship Argo) the other two piece are called Puppis (the poop deck) and Vela ( the sails of the ship).

The myth

Carina was once part of Argo Navis, the great ship of mythical Jason and the Argonauts who searched for the golden fleece. (The story fo the golden fleece is FULL of war because the fleece is a sign of authority and kingship so that's the war connection I found).

That's about all I could find not a lot but it's not a well known constillation from what I saw.

[gellavonhamster]

monthly media recap: september 2024

who forgot? me? I don't know what you're talking about

read:

Weaveworld by Clive Barker - despite being an adult dark fantasy novel with sex and horror, spiritually this is every children's book about kids in a magical land. Be warned about some poorly aged descriptions, but overall, it's a wonderful love letter to the power of imagination.

The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke - my friend lent it to me (unprompted - "I'm bringing you a book I liked very much, I think you'll like it too), and I can see why she loved it. Very gripping despite the answer to the main mystery being very easy to guess. Or probably because of that - you know but the characters don't, which increases the tragedy of it all

Sailing by Gemini’s Star by Katie Crabb - a great conclusion to a great trilogy <3 I cried more than once. Wrote more about it here

watched:

The Phantom (1996) - a fun silly adventure romp. They really don't make them like that anymore, which is both for the better and for the worse. Catherine Zeta-Jones is breathtakingly beautiful, but what else is new

One Piece Film: Gold (2016) - actually a lot of fun, didn't expect it to be a proper heist movie. Nami and Carina... I know what you are

One Piece: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island (2005) - oh this one is insanely good. The high stakes, the funny moments, the HORROR (I won't be surprised if I see that flower thing in my nightmares at some point). The animation is also very cool.

Barbe Bleue (2009) - I expected it to go the way of the girl being somewhat as monstrous as Bluebeard, but I did not expect that framing narrative about two little girls reading the tale to end like that. Much to think about.

La belle et la bête (1946) - cinema!!! Art!!!! Panna a netvor (1979) stays unmatched to me, but this one is also amazing, and I adore how the living statues/invisible servants were done.

The Cursed (2021) - I'm always torn between "having people of oppressed ethnicity curse their oppressors perpetuates harmful stereotypes" and "yeah they deserve to curse them actually". This issue aside, it's a solid werewolf-but-not-quite-werewolf horror movie.