#tor gift guide

[torpublishinggroup]

Do you hear that??

It’s the sweet, sweet sound of gifts and the necessity of buying them for all of the humans, animals, and unidentified entities in your life. That’s a lot of pressure, but don’t sweat, because we’ve got your back, and more importantly, we’ve got a ton of increasingly niche book recommendations to get you through the holiday season! Check them out here and let us know which ones you’re grabbing in the comments. 

by Rachel Taylor and a cat

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree is for the treasured party member who’s saved your character’s life many times on TTRPG night

We all have That One Amazing Player who has pulled our butts out of the fictional fire on D&D night, and what better way to show your endless appreciation than with the gift of LITERATURE?! High fantasy, secondhand books, and first love–what more could you ask for?

━━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━━━━━━━

Masters of Death by Olivie Blake is for the angsty goth who still wishes it was Halloween

So they’re in denial that it’s not Halloween anymore, but guess what?! In the unbroken face of eternity, time has no meaning! Every day is Halloween!

━━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━━━━━━━

In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune is for the plucky traveler who’s got the whole world to see

There are many ways to see new and exciting worlds, and TJ Klune always provides queer and cozy adventures that you only need to pick up a book to explore. Consider picking up his latest venture for that friend who’s been bit by the travel bug!

━━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━━━━━━━

Ebony Gate by Julia Vee & Ken Bebelle is for the action movie fanatic who owns a cardboard cutout of John Wick

Assassins, dragon magic, and Chinese diaspora urban fantasy set in contemporary San Francisco.

━━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━━━━━━━

Book of Night by Holly Black is for the insatiable reader who has way more books to read than hands to hold them

And if you order and submit your receipt before 12/15, you can receive a Book of Night tote bag! Even Charlie Hall needs a safe sling to carry her contraband. Who’s Charlie Hall? A professional thief / bartender who pilfers shadow magic secrets! Read the book!

━━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━━━━━━━

T. L. Huchu’s Edinburgh Nights series is for the Supernatural fan who’s looking to expand their fandom across the pond

Ropa dropped out of school to become a ghostalker, but she’s not just carrying messages anymore. You talk to one ghost and suddenly you’re spending late nights in the occult library, solving murders, and following trails of huskified children to their sinister spectral source.

━━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━━━━━━━

The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz is for the science-enjoyer in your life who’s looking for environmentally-conscious fiction

This sweeping, uplifting, and illuminating exploration of the future from a science fiction visionary is the perfect gift to give your non-fiction loving, environmentally aware bestie who wants to dip their toe into a more fictional space.

━━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━━━━━━━

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson is for fans looking for The Princess Bride vibes but just haven’t quite found them yet

Do you have a Princess Bride superfan in your life? They don’t need another fandom-y Etsy gift this year–they need a book that gives them the same emotional rush they got the first time they laid eyes on the fairytale-inspired glory that is their favorite 1987 classic.

━━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━━━━━━━

Everfair by Nisi Shawl is for the history buff in your life who can’t stop thinking about other paths the world might have taken

After being purchased back from the Congo Free State’s colonizer, Everfair becomes a land of fantastic technologies—of spying cats and gulls, nuclear dirigibles buoyed by barkcloth balloons, and silent pistols that shoot poison knives. What happens when these technological advances are brought to bear against Belgian tyrant Leopold II?

That’s Everfair, and then you can read Kinning (on sale 1/23/24) for the continuation of this expansive alternate history.

━━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━━━━━━━

The Fragile Threads of Power by V. E. Schwab is for people looking to put a different kind of magic into their holidays

Let’s put the magic into the holidays, shall we? V. E. Schwab returns to The Shades of Magic universe with a whole new series, perfect for readers who loved the original and new fans who want to explore magical alternate universes from in front of a cozy fireplace.

━━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━━━━━━━

Shelley Parker-Chan’s Radiant Emperor Duology is for the unhinged danmei consumer who’s looking for their next great read

Do you have someone in your life that consumes danmei like candy? Are they tired of waiting for their new favorite series to be translated so they can add it to their shelves? Do we have the series for you. She Who Became the Sun and He Who Drowned the World explore a stunning reinvention of the Ming Dynasty’s founding emperor. It’s queer, it’s fantastical, and it’s complete! Snag both books in the duology for them now.

━━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━━━━━━━

Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher is for the friend with an ill-advised yet much-beloved Shrek 2 tattoo

“Better out than in” on the inside of the wrist, Thornhedge open in hand.

━━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━━━━━━━

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow is for anyone who has never been disappointed by the combo of Mike Flanagan and a Scary House

Home is where the heart is, and really puts you in a vulnerable position when your house HATES you.

━━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━━━━━━━

Starter Villain by John Scalzi is for Megamind

If you’re not Megamind, keep scrolling. Just kidding—this book is also for cat lovers and fans of Despicable Me and The Venture Brothers.

━━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━━━━━━━

The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan is for people who loved Season 2 of The Wheel of Time on Amazon Prime

If you have someone in your life that got sucked into the masterpiece that was The Wheel of Time Season 2, don’t worry, you can help them relive the fun with The Great Hunt, the inspiration for the show and the second book in The Wheel of Time series!

[rayrayor]

@gallavichthings Thank you for hosting the gift exchange

I totally did yet another fan girl geek out to be able to gift @whatthebodygraspsnot a story. It was double the fun as bottom Ian is a guilty pleasure of mine too.

I hope all the notes hit just right and it is a yummy little gift 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶

Told from Mickey’s POV

Prompt/idea

Ian is feeling submissive and husband mickey takes very good, attentive care of him (ex. gently guiding him through a task doing something for him/talking sweetly to him) before gently domming him in their home (bottom Ian would be lovely, but tor Ian works too!) little extras to consider: sweet pet names, fingers in ian's mouth , fingers in ian's hair, mickey praising him, literally anything physically gentle/borderline babying <3 (not age piay ino). Ian can either be pouty or a perfect angel -

[nogenderbee]

♡˗ˏ✎*ೃ˚ 𝔹𝕒𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞 ₊˚ˑ༄

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ not a request

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ Happy Birthday to my best bass player <3

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ pure fluff

You were panicking, Shiho could be here any second and cupcakes you baked for her still weren't done!!

You already managed to get her sister, Shizuku to hold her at home tor a bit longer. But just few minutes ago, you got a text from her saying how her little sister went out. But after that she sent one more text...

"<And also... I'm deeply sorry!!>"

You were about to ask her what she meant but you met with 2 interruptions. 1 - cupcakes were ready to be taken out if the oven, and 2 - someone rang on the door bell.

So you swiftly took out cupcakes and places them on table to cool down a bit. You went to open the door and saw there someone who was supposed to arrive lot later... your girlfriend.

"So you ARE stressing yourself out over here."

"Huh? How did you know? Hold on, did Shizuku..."

"She only mentioned the cupcakes. But I know what perfectionist you are and figured you'd be stressing yourself out."

This girl certainly knows you well... it was indeed your second batch as you wanted to make cupcakes of many flavors and toppings!

Just then, she started gently sniffling the air, probably even not realizing it that much.

"But judging from the smell... you got nothing to worry about."

"Well I'd still rather to keep it a surprise for you..."

"Alright. I brought few of our favorite bands albums so I can play it while you do your thing."

"That'd be great! Thank you, Shiho!"

"Don't mention it. And it you'd actually need help... just tell me. I don't have problem helping out even if it's supposedly my gift."

You nodded and guided her to sofa, assuring her you'll manage. And once she day down, you rushed to the kitchen and were now determinated more than anytime to make somethinf special!

Seconds passed... then minutes... then hours... and Shiho was honestly getting worried. She wasn't just impatient for her gift but more like worried that you might be overdoing it again!

So she got up from the sofa and slowly made her way towards the kitchen.

"Hey Y/N? You good there? You haven't-"

Before she could even continue you shoved a cupcake into her hand. A vanilla cupcake with green hearts as topping and "Happy Birthday" Written on it with candle on it.

"You didn't wanted a cake since you already had one, so I figured out you may at least like one additional wish from me~"

Green eyed girl smiled and your gesture and seemed to honestly think ot her wish before blowing the candle.

"Thank you. I already can see this day will be unforgettable for me."

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

@bleachtheidiot @prsk-krow - come get your dedicated bass player!

Affiliation with @virtualbookstore

[raayllum]

Behold, another coincidence I wrote off months ago that I am now circling back to with my tinfoil hat on, which is to say: Sir Sparklepuff guiding the mage fam squad to Callum, rather than Rex Igneous. This is for a few (crackpot) reasons: 

1) Sir Sparklepuff takes them to Umber Tor. While at first glance this is to get information from Rex Igneous, the great dragon’s chambers are also where Callum and co. are at the exact time Claudia arrives. This is likely for plot reasons (and reveal reasons) but it is a weird coincidence.

2) Upon entering the chamber, Callum is the one who provides answers about what information Rex must have, and Claudia’s line even lampshades this. “The one who has answers” can equally refer to Callum and to Rex in this situation.

3) Callum, like Rex, has a bitter grudge against Avizandum, but can also feel sympathy for the former dragon king. Callum, like Rex, is tired of gifts (specifically the ones framed as such from Rayla in her letter: “I have one more gift for you”). Callum, like Rex, has a nasty and deplorable temper. 

And, as Callum says, “having knowledge isn’t the same as knowing knowledge” and he has the Key of Aaravos in his possession (something the immediate episode prior emphasizes) that was a gift from his father, rescued by Rayla, and he doesn’t know what it does. He has knowledge, but he doesn’t know it. 

[t440]

https://www.tumblr.com/torpublishinggroup/768946515097026560/get-bookt-the-bookening-2-electric-boogaloo

you would have to pay me so much money to read any of these. what has booktok wrought

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Abortion Mobile Privacy Settings Quick Guide

https://digitaldefensefund.org/ddf-guides/abortion-privacy/

[Image ID:

How your phone documents your abortion experience and what to do about it! By: the Digital Defense Fund

Risk: receipt for payment for your abortion and/or travel in your inbox Alternative: Make an email account just for this purpose, then delete it after

Risk: period tracking app shares your data Alternative: Use a privacy-driven period tracker like Euki App

Risk: search history saved in your phone's browser, and with your ISP (internet service provider) Alternatives:  - Use a privacy-driven search engine, ex: DuckDuckGo - Install a paid VPN to hide websites you visit from your ISP - Browse with Tor or Firefox  - Use a private browsing window, or delete your browser history

Risk: payment history for your abortion in a banking or payments app Alternative: use cash or pre-paid gift cards where possible

Risk: ad tracking & location tracking from apps, browser history, & social media activity Alternative: in your phone settings turn off location tracking & mobile ad ID

Risk: sensitive text messages about your abortion experience are kept forever Alternative: use an encrypted chat app, ex: Signal or Wire, with disappearing messages turned on (important!)

For detailed instructions for each of the above tips, visit: https://digitaldefensefund.org/abortion-privacy]

[floralcyanide]

Kinktober Day Seven

Bondage - Elvis Presley

hiiii welcome to day seven! it's been a week of kinktober so far and it's been super fun writing everyday for it! be mindful when reading this part as there is bondage, and not everyone is down for that. mind the warnings as always. I hope you all enjoy this and make sure tor reblog/ like if you do! p.s. please be mindful if you ever partake in the activity in this fic, make sure you research thoroughly beforehand and make sure everything is safe and secure!

(F/C: favorite color)

pairing: Elvis Presley x Reader

warnings: smut, nipple play (I know, I know), oral (f receiving), overstimulation, bondage, use of rope, multiple orgasms, aftercare, unprotected sex

word count: 1577

masterlist || add yourself to the taglist HERE! || kinktober prompt list HERE!

ᴅᴏ ɴᴏᴛ ᴄᴏᴘʏ, ʀᴇᴘʀᴏᴅᴜᴄᴇ, ᴏʀ ᴄʟᴀɪᴍ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋ ᴀs ʏᴏᴜʀs ᴏ�� ᴛᴜᴍʙʟʀ, ᴀᴏ3, ᴡᴀᴛᴛᴘᴀᴅ, ᴏʀ ᴀɴʏ ᴡᴇʙsɪᴛᴇ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴏ ɴᴏᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴍɪssɪᴏɴ ᴛᴏ ᴜsᴇ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋs ɪɴ ᴀɪ ɢᴇɴᴇʀᴀᴛᴏʀs ᴏʀ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀʀᴛɪғɪᴄɪᴀʟ ɪɴᴛᴇʟʟɪɢᴇɴᴄᴇ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴍᴀʏ ɴᴏᴛ ᴜsᴇ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋs ᴛᴏ sᴇʟʟ ғᴏʀ ᴀs ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴏᴡɴ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛɪᴏɴ

It’s your birthday, and you’re excited to see what Elvis has gotten you as a gift since he’s been hyping up whatever it is a lot lately. Today your coworkers all signed a card for you and let you have a longer break than usual. When you arrive home and enter the bedroom, you have the card in hand. You spot a shiny gold robe box on the bed with a giant bow on top of it. Elvis is nowhere to be seen yet, but Graceland is so huge, he could literally be anywhere. You look around to see if you missed him somewhere in the bedroom, but upon the last glance, you decide to go ahead and open the gift without him. You pull off the top to reveal a bundle of F/C rope along with a F/C lingerie set. There’s a note taped to the underside of the gift box lid.

Y/N,

Happy birthday, sweetheart. Get dressed in the set I got you, and I’ll be there soon. I love you.

Elvis

You gently remove the set and rope from the box and put the note back inside of it, then replace the lid. You hurry to the ensuite bathroom to get changed and spritz a little perfume while you’re at it. Taking a moment to fluff up your hair in the mirror, you wonder what the rope is for. There are a few ideas in your head, but nothing ringing a bell particularly. Elvis is clever, so it could be for something you haven’t even thought of. You take a spot on the bed, crossing your leg over the other as you play with the lace edge of your bra. A few minutes pass before you hear footsteps in the hallway, getting closer to the bedroom. Your heartbeat picks up in excitement and nervousness. Elvis appears in the doorway before walking into the room with a grin.

“Happy birthday, darlin’,” he says, sinking a knee into the bed and leaning over to give you a simple kiss.

“Thank you, baby,” you smile as you pull away from the kiss, “What’s the rope for?”

“You’ll see,” Elvis smirks, tucking hair behind your ear gently before he rids himself of his shirt.

He pulls you up from the bed and twirls you in a circle, admiring the F/C lingerie on your body. He tuts, shaking his head as his eyes drink you in.

“Beautiful. Absolutely stunning,” Elvis flashes you a smile when you’re facing him.

He pulls you to him, capturing your lips as he runs his hands along your sides. You melt into the kiss as Elvis deepens it, running his tongue along your bottom lip before slipping it inside your mouth. You fight for dominance but ultimately give up, letting him take over. Elvis’ large hand moves to the back of your neck as the other one grabs your hip. He pushes you back onto the bed again, hovering over you without breaking the kiss. You start toying with the zipper of his pants before guiding them down his legs, where he kicks them onto the floor. Elvis starts to rub your clit through your lacy F/C underwear, the texture adding more friction and sending chills up your spine. You moan into the now open-mouthed and desperate kiss. He doesn’t let up on rubbing you as he palms your breasts, squeezing them through the lace. He reaches behind your back to swiftly remove the garment before slinging it into the floor with the rest of the clothes. Elvis pulls away from the kiss, a string of saliva between you. He starts to lick and suck your nipples, playing with the edge of your underwear before he moves it to the side. Elvis then gathers your slick with two fingers before slowly pushing them inside you, a gasp leaving your lips at the feeling. He steadily pumps his fingers in and out as he thumbs your clit, circling it teasingly. He’s going at a slower pace, so you can fully enjoy the feeling. Usually, sex between you two is either fast or rough, or sometimes both at once. But it’s your birthday, and Elvis wants you to feel special. So he’s gonna take his time.

Elvis pulls away from your breasts, “Are you ready for the main birthday gift, babydoll?”

You bite your lip to hold back a smile, “Yeah.”

Elvis pulls his fingers from you and sits on his heels, grabbing the rope you had left on the edge of the bed. He stands on the mattress and begins to tie the rope to a large loop hanging from the ceiling that you hadn’t noticed before. Elvis offers a hand for you to take, and you begin the process of being tied up and suspended from the ceiling. It takes a little while, but Elvis appears to know what he's doing, so you trust him and are patient. Pretty soon, you’re fully naked and hogtied, freely hanging from the loop. It feels odd to be entirely at Elvis’ mercy and unable to be grounded in any form. Still, excitement is coursing through your veins, and you’re unbelievably turned on.

“Everything feels okay?” Elvis asks, inspecting you carefully to ensure the rope isn’t too tight.

“Yes sir,” you say, knowing the use of “sir” will stir him up.

Elvis grabs hold of your face, kissing you again before pinching both your nipples, causing you to whine into his lips. He pulls away and looks over you one last time before removing his underwear. You can no longer see him from where you’re facing. It makes you a little nervous, but you’re still more excited than anything. You’re hanging low enough for Elvis to be able to fuck you without issue. He grabs your knees, spreading them further open than the rope had them. He leans down and licks a fat stripe up your folds before flicking his tongue over your clit. Unable to move at all, you’re at his mercy, and everything feels heightened. You’re a moaning mess over just his tongue, and you can’t imagine how it will feel when he’s inside you.

“Fuck me,” you say boldly, and Elvis ignores you.

“Gonna make you cum all night, baby,” he says matter-of-factly.

You whimper as he sucks your clit into his mouth, lightly rolling it between his teeth. Elvis sneaks two fingers inside you again and curls them into the spongy spot that drives you insane. You can’t help but be incredibly loud. His mouth leaves your clit, and his fingers pound as deep as they can. Elvis adds a third, your arousal making obscene noises in the room over the sound of your moans. 

“Gonna cum for me?” Elvis rasps.

“Yes sir,” you gasp as he repeatedly rubs his fingers over your g spot.

You tip over the edge, the knot in your stomach coming undone as an intense orgasm floods over your tied-up body. Elvis doesn’t give you time to recover before he repeatedly attaches his mouth to your clit, sucking harshly. You cry out at the overstimulation, feeling the familiar warmth bubbling in your abdomen again. His tongue laps up your cum, spreading it around your clit as he moans against you. The vibration sends you into another orgasm, and you’re shaking in your binds. Elvis removes his mouth completely after licking you clean despite your barely noticeable jerky movements. 

“You’re doing so good, darlin’,” Elvis smooths his hand over your ass, which is slightly red from the rope pressing into it.

He spreads you open, lining himself up with your entrance. He has no trouble pushing inside from the two orgasms he just gave you. You’re nice and relaxed for him. Elvis’ pace starts out slow and almost agonizing. The feeling of the friction from his cock grazing against your sensitive clit is nearly enough to make you cum. Almost. Elvis grabs your breasts, twisting your nipples lightly as he quickens his thrusts. As he steadily becomes faster, he’ll twist them harder to the rhythm of his hips. You’re in pure ecstasy. You definitely are up for doing this form of bondage again sometime, special occasion or not.

Elvis is now fucking you as hard as he can, anchoring your body with his hands gripping your breasts. The feeling of your nipples being borderline tortured after the numerous orgasms is making tears brim your eyes. It feels euphoric, along with the sensation of being fucked into oblivion. You’re incoherent as you moan and mutter Elvis’ name over and over. It’s the only word you can think of right now. You can feel Elvis twitching inside you, and you purposefully clench around him with what little strength you have left. You milk him as he cums, the feeling of it filling you up causing you to have your third orgasm of the night. You’re so tired and fucked out you don’t really realize Elvis is untying you and helping you onto the bed.

“You alright, sweetheart?” Elvis runs his hands up your arms over the reddened rope imprints.

You nod wordlessly, and he guides you to the bathroom, where he runs a warm bath for you. The two of you climb in and relax into Elvis’ chest, fighting sleep. He runs his fingers through your hair before gently wiping you clean with a washcloth.

“Happy birthday, Y/N,” Elvis whispers in your ear before kissing it.

taglist:

@onxlymnsn @anangelwhodidntfall @butlersluvbot @austinbutler17 @mamaspresley @mirandastuckinthe80s @bobbykennedyfan @sodonebruh @lizzymizzy-blogg @defnotreadingfanfics12 @izzvoid @homebodybirkin2003 @thatonemoviefan @kittenlittle24 @tubble-wubble @kaycinema @annamarie16 @adoreyouusugar @amiets2 @mrs-butler @mesbouquins @ari-nicole @austin-butlers-gf @feral4austinbutler @inlovewithchrisevans @shynovelist @mommy-maia @karamelcoveredolicity @thtguyovrthere @starry-night-20 @coldonexx @hangmanswhorey @beautyofelvis @mavericksicybabe @coco-bitch @bobthefishiesworld @emmymaehereeeeee @myguiltypleasures21 @rainydayz101 @finelineskies @cryingabtab @kaitaesupremacy @ash-omalley @latenighttalking13 @tom-whore-dleston @presleylust @oh-kurva @cece05 @poppet05 @every-dayiwakeup 

[cobalt-knave]

Fandom Gift Exchange Etiquette

This is going to be a quick, friendly post to explain some Gift Exchange etiquette for those that may be new to the game. I will refer to “writing” but fanart is often included in gift exchanges.

What is a gift exchange?

A gift exchange is a challenge / event, usually (for the sake of this guide) run on Archive of Our Own. There will be a specific theme, structure, or fandom (ex. Yuletide for fandoms with fewer than 1000 fics on the archive, or The Original Works Opportunity for original work). People make offers for what they are willing to write and requests for what they want tor receive. People are assigned to write for someone else’s request based on what they offered.

What are the expectations when writing/creating?

Every exchange has different rules. These rules will be found on the Ao3 collection and/or the associated Dreamwidth or Tumblr account. Read through them.

You will find

- Word count minimums

- What you are required to write for a request

- Format limitation (ex. Is this for fic, fanart, fanvids, bookbinding, etc? Does fanart include or exclude photo manipulations?)

- Deadlines

- Instructions for treating and pinch hitting

You are expected to read and understand the rules upon sign up. You can always ask clarifying questions, and mods are generally happy to answer them.

You must respect your recipient’s Do Not Wants, but you don’t have to follow their prompts in the optional details. If they have a “Dear Author” letter, you are welcome to but technically Not Required to read it.

Additionally, defaulting is ok! (Defaulting is having to drop out of an exchange after sign ups have closed. You will usually still receive a gift if you were not out for a pinch hit, but your assignment will go out for a pinch hit to be written by someone else.) This being said, if you know you need to default, DO IT EARLY. Give as much time as possible for a pinch hitter to write for this assignment to prevent adding stress to the moderators, pinch hitter, and potentially delay the reveal of the exchange. Try not to make a habit of defaulting, but do not feel guilty if that is what you have to do.

What are the expectations for receiving your gift work?

Ah the inspiration for making this guide.

Upon receiving a gift work in an exchange, you must leave a comment. Regardless of whether it turns out to be the best work you have ever read, regardless or whether it is right at the word minimum or is ten times the length, regardless of whether you believe the characterization is accurate, you must leave a nice comment for your author.

Comments on gift works are often (though not required) longer and more detailed, expanding on details you enjoyed from the work.

A big part of an exchange is the opportunity for engagement. Especially in small fandoms and original work, participating in exchanges is really nice to guarantee at least one comment on a work that would otherwise get very few hits and few if any comments.

I hope this helps a bit!

[likeawildthing]

Digital Privacy

Abortion Data Privacy (2/?) -- Digital Defense Fund - Entire Series Link

The digital defense fund has a comprehensive page on abortion privacy including:

This page is organized into different security-related threats. You can jump to the ones that most concern you. Along with each scenario is a list of digital security tips to neutralize the threat!These are possible concerns you might have:

Seeing advertisements related to pregnancy/abortion

Tech companies like Facebook and Google storing information about your pregnancy/abortion

That the person who pays your phone bill can see your texts

That someone who can access, steal, or demand your phone will see your messages or your browsing history

Your phone company keeps copies of your browsing history or texts about your abortion

Protestors outside the clinic may violate your privacy

Their new Privacy Settings Quick Guide:

Image Alt text:

How your phone documents your abortion experience and what to do about it! By: the Digital Defense Fund

Risk: receipt for payment for your abortion and/or travel in your inbox Alternative: Make an email account just for this purpose, then delete it after

Risk: period tracking app shares your data Alternative: Use a privacy-driven period tracker like Euki App

Risk: search history saved in your phone's browser, and with your ISP (internet service provider) Alternatives:  - Use a privacy-driven search engine, ex: DuckDuckGo - Install a paid VPN to hide websites you visit from your ISP - Browse with Tor or Firefox  - Use a private browsing window, or delete your browser history

Risk: payment history for your abortion in a banking or payments app Alternative: use cash or pre-paid gift cards where possible

Risk: ad tracking & location tracking from apps, browser history, & social media activity Alternative: in your phone settings turn off location tracking & mobile ad ID

Risk: sensitive text messages about your abortion experience are kept forever Alternative: use an encrypted chat app, ex: Signal or Wire, with disappearing messages turned on (important!)

For detailed instructions for each of the above tips, visit: https://digitaldefensefund.org/abortion-privacy

Notes:

Thank you to @natfee​​ for this one! If you have any resources that should be shared, shoot me a message and I will look into them.

[peonybookblog]

I did say I was going to try to make book club guides, so behold! Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree, available for purchase via affiliate link here. It was initially self-published, but Tor is re-releasing it in December. Text of each slide below the cut.

Cover slide: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree. This guide contains minor spoilers.

About: Legends & Lattes is a short cozy fantasy novel about an orc adventurer named Viv. She wants to retire to open a coffee shop. It's fast-paced, cute, and happy, with plenty of baked goods and DnD vibes. Best read with a cup of coffee and a pastry on hand.

Archetype Subversion: The book opens with Viv ripping a monster apart in pursuit of her goals. She's a barbarian, and has spent her life fighting and killing. How does she work to escape the role she's been pigeon-holed into? Would she have been successful under different circumstances?

Cozy Content: Legends & Lattes states right on the cover that the stakes in the story are low. There's little in the way of violence or sexual content, and problems seem to solve themselves most of the time. What do you enjoy about "cozy" stories?

Gaslamp Fantasy: Legends & Lattes has been described as gaslamp fantasy, which is fantasy with an almost steampunk aesthetic but a bigger focus on magic. Do you think that's accurate? If not, what subgenre of fantasy would you classify it as? Ignoring that it was necessary for the existence of a coffee shop, did you like the presence of almost-modern technology?

Making Your Own Luck: In your opinion, was the Stone lucky? Would Viv have been successful without it? How much power did it really have? Was it magic, or was Viv adaptable, resilient, and good at reading people after a lifetime of adventuring?

Happily Ever After: Viv doesn't seek revenge for the destruction of her shop, which is the biggest indication to readers that she has settled in and committed to her new life. However, Fennus is still punished. Do you think Amity's actions support the "violence isn't the answer" moral within the story? Or do they detract from it because readers find Fennus's fate satisfying?

More Information: You can follow the author @TravisBaldree on Twitter. In addition to gifting us with Legends & Lattes, he's also a game developer and audiobook narrator. If you, like me, are obsessed with the cover art, you can find the cover artist on Twitter as well @EmberWickArt.

[torpublishinggroup]

Tor Publishing Group is BACK with a guide of books to gift the people in your life…and yourself!

For the friends who love a good scare all year round…

Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle

Evil in Me by Brom

━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━

Escape with fantastical folklore…

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

When Among Crows by Veronica Roth

Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi

━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━

Forbidden romance to keep you warm…

Swordcrossed by Freya Marske

The Stars Are Dying by Chloe C. Peñaranda

━ ˖°˖ ☾☆☽ ˖°˖ ━

Beloved bestselling authors to add to your TBR… 

Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson

In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

Not enough books? Don’t worry, we have another GET BOOKT: THE BOOKENING guide to help you out!

[celesterunewhisper]

Day 11 - Watch

Tik. Tik. Tik. The slow sounds of an unseen grandfather clock audibly marked the choking silence that engulfed the elaborate living room. On any other day, the room might have felt comforting, perhaps even welcoming; however, the tension that wove itself with that damn ticking almost made sitting in the room unbearable. In the center of the den, two large couches—red and gold in hue, as was the rest of the decor—were set facing each other with an elegant coffee table between them. Next to the couches, an oversized chair sat to meet the entire room, sitting there like a throne; the fireplace flickering behind the high-back chair only served to cast a menacing shadow over any who sat in it. Compared to the rest of the furniture, it was clear the chair was moved deliberately into the room for whatever purpose the mysterious gathering served. The rest of the decorations of artwork and statues were purely there to display the wealth of the Crimsonburn family. Sitting in the throne chair, a middle-aged Quel'dorei man gazed out at the crowd of three with his beady, contemplating blue eyes. His complexion was lined with not only age but experience in the thralls of stressful politics. He wore elaborate robes of red and maroon and had his white-blond hair slicked back for the occasion. Lord Norath Crimsonburn glanced to the two men on the couch to his left. The elder of the two—looking not too much older than Norath—had long straight black hair, partially braided to keep his bangs from his face sporting robes of violet and slate-gray. A younger man sported the same hues in attire and hair; however, he had his short and slicked back similar to the Lord of the house. “You have met my wife, Lady Larae Crimsonburn, Lord Velvetlight?” Norath then glanced to the woman on the opposite couch who was meek in appearance with short, curly red hair and gorgeous robes of crimson. He smirked when her matching blue eyes locked with his, only for her to look to the table with discomfort seconds later. It thrilled him to see her so obediently in her place. The raven-haired gentleman raised a dark brow at the Lord of the house. “Indeed. A fetching catch. However, it is your daughter, my son, and I wish to meet.”

“Her tardiness is unorthodox, I assure you. Perhaps, she is nervous about being among such distinguished companies.” Norath replied, his voice icy and uncomfortably calm. Lord Velvetlight simply sighed before reaching forward towards the coffee table. An array of refreshments rested upon the wooden surface, including snacks, tea, coffee, and wine. The guest Lord helped himself to a glass of the latter. A superb Dalarn red; year 450K.C, much before the wondrous city made its floating charge to Northrend. An expensive taste with the delicate bite of a lingering arcanic crisp. Not enough to quell Lord Velvetlight's patience, unfortunately. As if the swelling distaste was the perfect queue, a young elven woman was politely escorted into the room by a servant of the manor. Her short hair matched both the curliness of her mother's and the pale blonde hues of her father's, and just like her parents, the Crimsonburn colours painted her corsetted, victorian gown. The servant didn't stay long and left the young woman to linger awkwardly at the door; her blue eyes glanced to her father's with an apologetic expression. Norath smiled, yet no humour or kindness touched his eyes. “My daughter; Lady Celeste Crimsonburn. What a pleasure for you to have finally indulged us with your presence.” Celeste winced, immediately curtseying before Norath, with her head low, “My apologies, father,” she spoke carefully, turning her attention to the two guests in their home. “I thank you for your patience, my Lords.” Her politeness was useless at this point; she had already disappointed Norath to irreparable levels that night. But, she still had a role in maintaining, lest she made it worse for herself. “Take a seat, Celeste,” Norath instructed cooly. “You remember Lord Velvetlight, don't you?” Truthfully, Celeste did not. However, she forced herself to dig through her memories in an effort not to embarrass herself further. She took a shot in the dark. “You...were a guest speaker at Sunstrider University. You taught a lecture for my Introduction to Political Theory class.” As she spoke, attempting to sound confident in her answer, she sat beside her silent mother. “Ah, so you do remember. Excellent.” Lord Velvetlight looked pleased. “I also met you in your adolescent years, but I do not expect you to remember something eighty years ago.” There was a momentary pause as the Lord took a sip of his wine. “I would like to introduce to you my son, Lord Zan Velvetlight. A proud Magister of Quel'thalas and Scryer under the ranks of Astalor Bloodsworn's trusted Arcanists.” Zan stood to his feet to bow towards Celeste, “A pleasure, my Lady.” Instinctively, Celeste held her hand towards the expecting man, to which he took and placed a gentlemanly kiss upon it. She was used to such gestures with her family's position in the noble hierarchy; however, she could never bring herself to enjoy that flavour of attention. It took everything in her power not to grimace as Zan retook his seat. “The pleasure is mine, Lord Zan.” “Celeste, why don't you elaborate for Lord Velvetlight more about your education,” Norath commented in a thinly veiled order. “Yes, indeed,” Lord Velvetlight began, “I am very interested in hearing more about the daughter Lord Crimsonburn has been raving about.” Celeste rose a brow at the strangeness of the conversation, and she couldn't help but glance at her mother for answers. However, when Larae met her daughter's gaze, her bright eyes glazed over with sadness. For some reason, the woman could not bring herself to speak out of turn and left her daughter to the thralls of confusion. “Right,” Celeste breathed, now looking to Lord Velvetlight—vividly aware of her father's icy gaze boring down on her while she spoke. “I have been studying the economics of the country primarily. Provincial stabilization, governance, representation through the monarchy, and the delicate balance of power and influence.” She took a deep breath, “I hope to follow in my father's footsteps of becoming a member of King Sunstrider's advocates.” This, of course, was an utter lie. “Ah, such high expectations. So much in common with my son.” Lord Velvetlight hummed with satisfaction. Zan spoke to provide context to his father's statement. “I hope to enlist within the Kirin Tor eventually. Put more experience under my belt to either rise further with the Magisters of Quel'thalas or, perhaps, a cozy seat on the council of the Magus Senate.” Arrogance coated his tongue as he spoke a matter of factly. Celeste forced an interested smile to her face and spoke with perfunctory attentiveness. “How do you not burn yourself out from such strenuous tasks?” Zan's ego predictably inflated as he smirked with bottomless pride towards Celeste. “Because I am superior. Other low-lives let opportunities pass them by, while intellectual men must rise to guide this wayward Kingdom. I intend to learn all I can to do so.” Celeste felt her blood run cold as her smile faltered. “Ah—your...father is right about...sharing high ambitions, then. I suppose.” Another lie. She wanted nothing more than to leave both the conversation and company. Norath spoke up once more, “It is as I said, Lord Velvetlight. It would be a flawless arrangement that will benefit both sides of the political spectrum. We must act upon the traditions of the monarchy's system before the ambitious Prince threatens to change the whole thing. What with that Theron whispering in his ear.” “Father, what are you talking about—” Celeste began. “You will speak when you are spoken to.” Norath snapped. Then turning back to Lord Velvetlight, he continued as if the outburst never happened. “What say you?” “Zan?” Lord Velvetlight glanced to his son, asking a vague question Celeste still did not understand the context of. The younger lord gave Celeste a once-over before smirking. “I find it both an excellent strategy and a rather lovely match. I agree to Lord Crimsonburn's proposition if you are inclined to act upon it, father.” Lord Velvetlight smiled. “Then our deal has been settled. The ceremony will be scheduled for the end of the month as planned.” “Perfect.” Norath grinned. “I have already arranged for their housing, as well. A gift for the new family, hm?” Lord Velvetlight chuckled, “So generous, my Lord.” Zan bowed his head, “I generously accept, Lord Crimsonburn.” Norath stood to his feet, and the other two lords followed suit. “A rather short meeting, but I understand you and your son are rather busy this evening.” “It has been a pleasure, Lord Crimsonburn. Till the ceremony, then.” And soon, Celeste was alone in the den with her father. Her mother couldn't bear to be in the room any longer, and she still didn't understand why. Norath gestured his hand silently towards Celeste, allowing her to speak freely. “What was that all about, father?” “We plan on uniting our causes together, Lord Velvetlight and I. The details are none of your concern, but we came up with an ideal way to permanently seal our partnership. A bargaining chip, if you must.” Norath responded as if Celeste's question was foolish. “What was the bargaining chip?” she asked hesitantly. “You, my dear,” Norath said. “You are.” The silence was almost deafening if it wasn't for that rhythmic ticking. “I beg your pardon?” Her voice was almost inaudible. Norath sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Ignorant girl. You are to wed Lord Zan. What did you think I meant when I said 'ceremony'?” His blue eyes narrowed at his daughter. Celeste's jaw nearly dropped to the floor; however, she closed it quickly before her father sneered. “Wait,” she breathed, “I just met him. I don't even know him!” “Frankly, my dear, I couldn't care less if you loved him or hated him. This is out of your control.” “You can't make me marry a stranger!” she shouted, standing to her feet. Norath was swifter than Celeste anticipated, and as he stood to his feet as well, the back of his ringed hand made contact with his daughter's cheek with an audible slap. Her face jerked to the side from the force, and her hands immediately went to cup the welt with a shaking whimper. “I can.” Norath towered over his trembling daughter. “Just watch.”

@daily-writing-challenge​ @howlingowl-wra​

[spinchip]

Void,,,,18,, 🥺👉👈 FJCNCNCN I’m sorry I’m so annoying

Not annoying :] I like them! Nindroid are always a weakness of mine (but i’ve also never written cryptor so please forgive my mistakes lol) Warnings for fake gore (theyre in a haunted house)

18. things you said when you were scared

Cryptor had been the general of the overlords army, he’d faced Garmadon as Mr. E, and braved the wrath of the ninja for his redemption. He’d fought actual monsters and men who fit the part, he’d faced his own death more time than he cares to think about. Cryptor is strong, he is fearless, he is brave, he is most certainly not afraid of some teenage boy in face paint speaking butchered latin!

“If you’re scared,” Cole says in one of the quiet stretches of the campy haunted house, where the actors hid behind doors at the very end but otherwise left the hall alone, “We can go home.”

“I’m fine” Cryptor says through grit teeth, tense as they approach the end of the hall, where he’s almost certain that someone is going to pop out of with a horrible scream- he’s never hated being right more. The actor pops out with grease paint caked across her face, special effects makeup made to look like her face is sewn on sloppily applied, and it still startles him enough to nearly book it through the very wall and keep running until he’s certain she won’t pop up behind him.

It startles him, not scares him. he is not scared. nope.

They circle through a room that looks like bodies wrapped and strung up that leaves Cryptor on the edge of his seat with anticipation of the next scare, before a door appears before him... that leads... outside... it’s quite obvious that the haunted house leads out into the grass and swamp-land specially made for this halloween attraction. Right outside the door is the step up to a covered wooden bridge taken over by thick vines over murky water, and it’s impossible to see whats out there.

“Oh, no.” He shakes his heads, backpedalling, “There’s an outside? How long is this thing?”

Cole smiles symapthetically, “It’s okay, we don’t have to do this part. I think the guide said there’s a path to the left that leads to the end if we get too scared.” There’s no judgement or goading in his voice as he turns to scout out their escape route, but Cryptors eyes twitches anyway.

He is not scared!

“That won’t be necessary.” He says firmly, striding out onto the wooden bridge like it didn’t turn his knees to jelly, summoning all his bravado. Cole makes a surprised sound and has to jog to catch up, trailing after him as a heavy stillness descends upon them. Even the air holds it’s breath, the creaking of their steps the only sound... the water stretches around them... the ivy crawling up the sides of the bridge to the roof over it obscuring lines of sight... Cryptor falters just barely, waiting for it... he knows the scare is coming-!

He’s still not ready. Above him comes and unearthly howl before a cacophany of stomping, something running on the roof above them!! towards them, screaming the entire way.

Cryptor screams, he can’t help it, and leaps into Coles arms. The moment the threat passes above their heads he’s back on his feet, he grabs Cole’s hand and drags them across the bridge at break-neck pace, booking it until they crash through a doorway covered by a bead curtain... directly into the haunted house gift shop.

They land in a heap and a few of the customers startle, jumping away from the two. The cashier at the register looks unphased.

Cryptor pants through his adrenaline and Cole laughs a little, “Oh man, that was a good one!” He beams, before softening at the look on Cryptors face, “You okay? That really got you.”

“Not scared.” He tries to maintain, using a rack of t’shirts to drag himself to his feet.

“Cry, you leapt into my arms.” Cole points out.

“Not because i was scared!” He insists, “I did that because I have a huge crush on you.” he says without thinking.

They both freeze, Cryptors processors pouinding for a completely different reason now.

“Is that... you’re being honest?” Cole asks, reaching up to rub the back of his neck, bashful.

“Uh,” Cryptor swallows, “Yeah. I really like you, as more than friends. It’s why I agreed to go with you to this.”

Cole grins, “Aw, Tor. I really like you too, i’ve had a huge crush on you for a long time.”

“Really?” Cryptor says, straightening up.

Cole opens his mouth to respond but before he can, a man dressed up in a werewolf costume bursts through the bead curtain and roars, making a show of gnashing his fangs and flashing his claws.

by the time he’s done, Cryptor has vanished, the door leading to the parking lot wide open. Cole can nearly imagine the looney tunes-esque dust cloud he would have left behind at that quick escape.

“Dude,” Cole says to the actor, “We were having a moment.”

“Sorry.” He says, voice muffled through his snout.

[sleepystarsiri]

AfterDeath for @undertaletrashlun! An early birthday gift for my friend ♡♡

————

SFW, Fluff

————

Reaper launched himself at Geno, scooping him up and twirling them through the emptiness of the Save Screen. The sudden action caused Geno to scream before he laughed, smacking at Reaper, trying to get him to set Geno down.

“Reaper!! What the hell? But me down!!” Geno cried, laughing, and Reaper laughed as he gently set the smaller down.

“Tor and I were working on something and we finished it today!” He exclaimed and produced a choker from his cloak.

“A... Choker?” Geno sounded confused, his head tilting.

“A choker infused with Tor's life magic! If you wear this, you can leave the Save Screen with me!” Reaper exclaimed, holding the choker out to him. His normally empty sockets held brilliantly glowing midnight blue eyelights.

Geno stared at the choker with shock. He slowly reached out, taking the choker. He examined it before he lowered his scarf. His face flushed red and blue, lifting his gaze to Reaper.

“H-help me put it on?” Geno asked shyly and Reaper gently took the choker, floating behind Geno. He carefully placed it on Geno, making sure it wasn't too tight or too loose.

“It looks stunning, Gen.” Reaper murmured, leaning down to kiss Geno's cheek, gently adjusting his scarf.

“Th-thank you, Reap...” Geno murmured, looking up at the god, who smiled down at him.

The god was smitten with the undying glitch, which was oh-so clear in the affectionate smile and gaze he gave Geno. He circled around to stand in front of the smaller skeleton, offering him his hand.

“Would you like to test it by getting lunch with me, love?” He asked sweetly and Geno flushed, but nodded and gently placed his hand onto Reaper's.

“Y-yeah... Where are w-we going?” Geno asked and Reaper smiled.

“A nice little family-run diner.” He replied, gently tugging the smaller to his chest. He summoned his scythe, keeping Geno's head in his chest so he didn't see it.

He slashed open a portal before guiding Geno through, making his scythe and the portal disappear once they stood in an empty alleyway.

Geno shielded his socket from the bright light, blinking and trying to get his vision to focus and stop blurring. Reaper chuckled, leaning down to kiss Geno's head.

“Give it a few moments, love.” Reaper hummed before nuzzling his head and cooing softly. Geno blinked a few more times before lowering his hand and looking around. He smiled and Reaper grinned, gently guiding the smaller out of the alley.

He held Geno's hand, the couple walking down the street. Reaper pointed things out to Geno, who looked at them in awe.

They were in an AU where the monsters never got sealed UnderGround, so they weren't getting strange or hateful looks. Curious looks, yes, as skeleton monsters were rare, but not strange or hateful ones.

Reaper didn't mind, but Geno looked uncomfortable. Reaper pulled the smaller close to his side, rubbing his arm comfortingly.

“It's okay, the diner won't be that busy, don't worry.” He soothed the glitch, guiding him to the diner. He held the door open for Geno, smiling at the jingle of the door bell.

Geno flinched a bit before giggling at himself. The two skeletons were greeted by a waitress, who easily led them to a booth and left them with two menus.

“There's so much...” Geno breathed, looking down at the menu.

“It's okay, Gen. Do you just want to get the same thing as me?” Reaper soothed and Geno nodded meekly. Reaper reached out to take his hand, rubbing his thumb over the glitch's knuckles. “How about we get some coffee, chocolate milkshakes, and a burger and fries?”

Geno hesitated before nodding and smiling faintly, his cheeks flushing.

“Thank you, Reap... I'm sorry I'm so nervous.” Geno apologized meekly and Reaper lifted Geno's hand, kissing his knuckles soothingly.

“It's okay, love. It's okay. I knew your first outing would be filled with nerves... Which is why I suggested lunch instead of something like a concert or a movie.” Reaper explained and Geno flushed, looking away as he hid his face in his scarf.

“Y-you spoil me...” Geno whispered and Reaper grinned.

“You deserve to be spoiled, my sweet glitch~” The god cooed before looking at the waitress as she returned. He ordered their drinks and food, thanking the waitress as she left to place the order.

He focused back on Geno, who was looking at him with awe and love. He blushed at being caught while Reaper chuckled.

“I love you.” He stated and Geno's blush deepened, beginning to glow.

“I-I love you too, Reap...” Geno whispered before flinching as the waitress set down their coffee, creamer, sugar, spoons, and a coffee pot so they could refill their cups themselves.

She smiled at the couple, then left, cooing over their cuteness.

“Thank you, Reaper... Really... This means a lot...” Geno said, his eyelight a hazy heart.

“I know... You're welcome, Geno. I wanted to make your first outing comfortable and sweet.” Reaper said, lifting Geno's hand to kiss his knuckles again.

The rest of their date was spent talking casually and being affectionate, their hands remaining clasped over the table the whole time.

[barbasbodaciousbeard]

If You Love Someone, Let Them Go: Part 7

Summary: Since starting with SVU, Sonny hadn’t kept much terribly close to the chest. The squad knew about his family, growing up on Staten Island, the classes at Fordam. What was hidden was why he didn’t date. Sonny Carisi was also separated from his childhood sweetheart, a separation neither ever took to divorce. They had the same haunts. They’d grown up neighbors. Their paths crossed every few months, and divorce talks would turn into reminiscing would turn into a night spent together, sometimes sex sometimes just talking until the early morning. It always ended with one of them waking up alone however. How will that change when the squad finds out?

Pairings: Sonny Carisi x Original Character

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

May 2015

“Dominick, where’s the box with my shoes?” Victoria called, stepping over the piles in the apartment they’d consolidated into over the last month and a half. Both their leases were ending, so they decided to go ahead and overlap their leases with a new place for a month. They needed to start fresh, and neither of them wanted to do that in the solitary spaces they’d inhabited without the other. She was nervous now, however, because Olivia had extended Carisi’s invitation to celebrate Noah’s adoption to her as well. It struck her that she was the only SVU spouse, so it might just be the group that spent every day and lots of long nights together and her, someone suddenly thrust into their world. That meant she was exceptionally nervous as she got ready; meeting them on their turf felt more serious than being at Bella’s wedding. Everyone had dispersed within hours there.

“Kitchen counter. Got mixed up for the pots and pans in our room somehow,” he called, and she could tell he was brushing his teeth. She stepped over the not yet assembled shelves she’d gotten, digging each chunky heel from the cardboard box. The wedding heels had been hard on her because the brides wanted stilettos. These she could walk in all day, and she liked reaching Sonny’s shoulder. She went to the bathroom, leaning on the door frame as she watched him style his hair, the tip of his tongue between his front teeth. He caught her eye on the mirror, and his mouth shifted to a grin as he shot her a wink.

“Lookin’ hot, Mrs. Carisi.”

“Why thank you,” she grinned, striking a playful pose. “You look pretty hot yourself.”

“You just like these shirts on me.”

“And your ass in those khakis.” 

She felt triumphant as his cheeks turned pink, grabbing her purse and fixing her lipstick. Soon enough, they were knocking on Olivia’s door, and Sonny pressed a kiss by her ear. 

“You’ll be fine,” he whispered, straightening up as Olivia opened the door.

“Carisi, Victoria, come on in,” she smiled, and Victoria couldn’t help but grin at the sight of the little boy on her hip, putting the gift bag on the counter. 

“It’s so great to see you again. We brought a present for you two. Wine for mama and a toy for Noah.”

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“It’s a celebration,” she smiled, and Sonny watched fondly as Victoria made faces at Noah, who squealed with delight. 

“Carisi,” Barba nodded, scotch in hand as the detective opened a beer. “Things seem to be good?”

“Yeah. We’re unpacking the new place.”

“I’m sure it’s a delight.”

“Tor’s back home. Of course it is.”

“Can I give you one piece of advice, if you still want to be an attorney?”

“If you’re going to say ‘don’t’ again-”

“I’m feeling sentimental on this, the celebration of Noah’s adoption.”

“Go on then.”

“You’ve expressed an interest in the DA’s office. Prosecution. It’s all the pain from SVU, plus you have to be the bad guy and demand proof. You’ve hated my guts more than a few times, no?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t fuck up again. You’ll need that anchor. I have had two opportunities. One ended up with the friend. The other I drove away trying to keep secrets and seem tough.”

“Liv rat me out?”

“On accident at the wedding. But only because she knew I’d understand. Being able to talk to her will be what keeps you sane during some of those trials.”

“You know, cousin Tony is a real good listener and seemed real into you.”

“He is quite the listener and is quite into me. Now, shut up before you ruin my good mood.”

“There’s the Barba I’m used to.” A roll of the attorney’s eyes told him whatever sentimentality he was going to be at the receiving end of was over, and Sonny felt confident that when he asked to shadow him later, Barba wouldn’t be as put out as he pretended. When he looked back to Olivia, Victoria was chatting happily with a glass of wine in hand. He was excited he still got to make an introduction between Fin and Victoria. It was nice to be able to say This is my wife, Victoria without having to eventually explain they didn’t live together. When he heard a knock, he moved to her side, anticipating his entrance. Once he’d greeted Olivia and Noah, Sonny was pleased with the look on his face. As the detective who’d been there the longest, Sonny found himself caring what Fin thought, and Fin seemed to be forming his opinion.

“Fin! I want ya t’meet my wife, Victoria,” he said happily, arm slung over her shoulder. She extended a hand, which Fin shook gladly.

“It’s nice to meet you! I’ve heard so much!”

“Nice to meet you too. Your husband ain’t shut up about you in weeks. Once he started-”

“He’s pretty sappy?”

“So you been putting up with him a decade?”

“I mean technically my whole life. We grew up next door to each other.”

“I hear I gotta come to a bakery in Brooklyn now.”

“Oh yeah. You got any favorites? Tell me, and I’ll send a preview with Dom next week.”

“I’m pretty traditional.”

“You want brownies, cookies, or cake?”

“Cookies.”

“Deal. Sonny’ll have you a batch Monday.”

“I like her, Carisi,” Fin said, clapping a hand on the younger detective’s shoulder before going to get his drink and greet Barba.

“It’s not fair. You can make cookies and everyone instantly likes you.”

“You seen your goofy grin? You don’t even have to talk to be likable.”

She was rewarded with a kiss to the temple and the aforementioned grin. Soon enough, Amaro and Rollins were there, and Barba poured the pricey champagne he’d brought to toast. Everyone finally got comfortable after that, Sonny settled on the arm of the couch beside Victoria, and Noah was teetering around the coffee table. Victoria was happy to babble to him, and he could see she felt proud when Noah decided to climb onto her lap. God, she was going to be a good mom if they ever stabilized. Couples therapy would start soon. They’d always said when he finished school, and that would actually be happening the next year. Maybe if they were doing well they could have their own baby. All of his sisters were pregnant or already had kids, and fatherhood had been Sonny’s dream.

 As Noah leaned into Victoria, he looked up at Sonny, who was happy to wave down at him. It seemed Lucy liked getting a break to talk to the adults, and he could see the look on Olivia’s face watching Noah. She liked seeing the boy bond with the family she’d made through work. He probably owed a lot of the growth that got him Victoria back to her. The squad was a family with Olivia as their matriarch, and he’d felt safe enough to verbalize his feelings in the first days with her team, when he still had the moustache Victoria had recently informed him really was awful when he tried to defend it. 

“I can take him if you need me to, Victoria. He’s out,” she said from her spot beside Barba. 

“It’s fine. He’s so cuddly.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yeah. Long as Sonny doesn’t mind getting me a glass of wine.”

“On it, doll,” he grinned, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. Victoria had always loved when their nieces fell asleep on her like this when they were babies. Mia had been the first one, and they took to each other quickly, even if Victoria had been the neighbor kid at the time. They hadn’t broached kids again, and frankly she was afraid of the prospect, but she’d wanted to have kids with Sonny since they got married. Logically, she knew they had to wait until the time was right. Originally, that was just when he finished school, but now they had to play it by ear again. Either way, she was going to savor the smell of baby as Noah slept with his cheek pressed against her shoulder. She wasn’t as good at the play as Sonny was; every child he encountered bonded with him easily, something that had to be helpful in his job. Victoria was good at cuddling and nurturing though. When the first members of the team trickled out, she settled Noah in his mother’s arms and gave her the best hug she could. 

“Thanks for including me. I’m so happy for you, Olivia.”

“Thanks for coming. Noah loves you. Mind being added to the babysitter list?”

“I am honored.” Sonny led her out, hand on the small of her back and a crooked smile plastered across his face. Everyone loved her, like he knew they would. How could someone not? It was near dinner, so without checking, he led the way to a sushi bar near Olivia’s. As he guided her in, she looked up at him with her brow furrowed.

“Dinner date?” He was proud to see her cheeks turn pink.

“I’d like that. You been spoiling me lately.”

“I just been acting like I should. You been pretty damn good to me too.”

“Wanna get saki?”

“Are trying to get me drunk?”

“You only have to go in tomorrow if there’s an emergency.”

“Saki it is.” 

“I was thinking I might plan us a trip in November.”

“Yeah? Could be fun.”

“Any place you wanna go? You’ll be who we’re celebrating.”

“Oh?” he asked, brow lifted as he smiled at her. 

“Dirty thirty.” 

“Dirty thirty? Really Tor?”

“It’ll be fun.”

“I was thinking about New Orleans next year. Could be fun near the holidays instead. Do something bigger for our anniversary.”

“I like the way you think. Plus, July is hot as hell. I’ll tell you the dates when I know.”

“I can’t wait. I’m glad we’ll be together over the holidays.”

“I’m glad we’ll be together on our anniversary. We missed two.”

“One,” he said, puzzled before he winced. “Wait no, you’re right. I was being a bad husband.”

“Nah, you weren’t doing well,” she assured him, hand on his thigh. 

“Ninth, we’re staying here. Tenth, we’re going big.”

“Deal. I love you, Tor.”

“And I love you.”

“You were real good with Noah.”

“He’s such a cuddly boy.”

“I told Lieu I gotta hang out with him sometimes. The girl gene runs real strong with the Carisis. Four nieces, no nephews? And then non Carisi niece on her way from Rollins.”

“Only two have been born. Mom thought I was going to be a boy.”

“True. Fingers crossed. Or maybe we’ll have a boy.”

“Dom-”

“I ain’t saying tomorrow. I’m just saying therapy is going good, we’re doing good, couples therapy is soon, and I bet we have a kid in before I’m forty.” She laughed, kissing him softly. “I think it’ll be sooner than that. Maybe in like three?”

“Even better. I can’t wait to feel our baby kick one day. Know they’re there. It’ll happen when we’re ready. Not a minute sooner. God’s got a plan.” 

“We just gotta be careful, okay? I want to try to not get pregnant for a while.”

“I know, Tor.”

“Don’t get testy. I wanna make sure we’re ready.”

“I know. Just- seeing you with Noah and Jessie? Set off the ‘I want kids’ bell stronger than last time.”

“Me too. Every time I see you hold the kids.”

“We gotta baby sit more to tide me over.”

“I got a feeling I’ll be getting calls from Liv. You make that clear to Amanda. Then soon enough? Gina’s almost due. Then Bella.”

“True,” he smiled softly. “If we wait they get to be the only Carisi baby that year. Even more attention.”

“You’ll spoil them rotten.”

“That’s my job.”

“We get the day tomorrow, unless somethin’ happens.”

“We do. I gotta go to the bakery for a couple hours at least to help train the newest hire. Margy picked good, but they’re taking weekends for me.”

“I’m really excited about that. I think it’ll be good now that it’s an option.”

“Me too. We both get to be in case of emergency for the most part.”

“Yeah. Liv will rotate all of us taking a Saturday.”

“I guess I’ll just have to find somebody’s baby to play with,” she teased, poking his side and he grinned. 

“Y��know, I think we ought to start practicin’ when we go home, doll.”

“Read my mind, Sonny.”

Tag List: @cycat4077​ @fear-less-write-more​

[mediaeval-muse]

Book Review

Ring Shout. By P. Djèlí Clark. New York: Tor Dot Com, 2020.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Genre: horror, historical fantasy, novella

Part of a Series? No.

Summary: D. W. Griffith is a sorcerer, and The Birth of a Nation is a spell that drew upon the darkest thoughts and wishes from the heart of America. Now, rising in power and prominence, the Klan has a plot to unleash Hell on Earth. Luckily, Maryse Boudreaux has a magic sword and a head full of tales. When she's not running bootleg whiskey through Prohibition Georgia, she's fighting monsters she calls "Ku Kluxes." She's damn good at it, too. But to confront this ongoing evil, she must journey between worlds to face nightmares made flesh--and her own demons. Together with a foul-mouthed sharpshooter and a Harlem Hellfighter, Maryse sets out to save a world from the hate that would consume it.

***Full review under the cut.***

Content/Trigger Warnings: violence, blood, body horror, torture, sexual content, racism, lynching

Overview: I forget exactly how this book fell under my radar, but the premise intrigued me, so I bought it pretty shortly after it came out. The blend of historical fiction and horror - especially through the eyes of a Black woman with a magic sword - was enough to get me hooked, and I was eager to get my hands on a copy. As I was reading, I definitely encountered things I enjoyed; Clark has a talent for horror, and his descriptions of the monsters were some of the best parts of the book. I also liked the climax of the narrative, when Maryse (our protagonist) faces the Big Bad. Unfortunately, I couldn’t give Ring Shout a full four or five stars because I felt a lot of the elements were underutilized, and the first person narration made the story feel clunky at times (not a fault of Clark specifically - this is a complaint I have of all first person). Still, I liked the monster fights, so this book gets a 3.5 from me.

Writing: Ring Shout is written in first person from Maryse’s point of view. On top of that, it’s also written in African American Vernacular English (or something close to it - I apologize if my terminology is wrong). While I did like the AAVE and it was a good choice for a story told through the eyes of a Black woman, the first person narration made the descriptions of some things feel clunky. As I mentioned earlier, this complaint is one I have of all first person POVs - in first person, characters have to articulate things that people usually aren’t conscious of, or else don’t process in a way that a reader could follow. First person always feels very unnatural to me unless it’s being framed as a witness testimony or reflection - something where a character is relating events after they happened to another person in the form of a written statement or something where it’s self-consciously shaped to make narrative sense (I’m thinking like A Conspiracy of Truths or The Magnus Archives). Clark falls into this trap, making Maryse state something about her emotions or surroundings in a way that felt unnatural, but I can hardly blame him for something that exists across all first person narratives.

I also think Clark could have done more with his prose to make emotional moments feel weightier. Often, the pace of a scene would be so fast that something which was supposed to have an emotional impact felt rushed, and sometimes, the language around the moment felt straightforward to the point where it bordered on telling over showing. I would have liked to see more showing in these moments, creating a more visceral response in the reader.

Plot: The majority of this book follows Maryse and her companions as they prepare to fight a great evil unleashed by the Ku Klux Klan. We learn that Maryse is a “chosen one,” gifted with a magical sword by three otherworldly figures called “Aunties,” and she must use the sword to battle demonic monsters known as “Ku Kluxes,” which feed off the hate generated by the Klansmen. Overall, I found this premise intriguing, and I really liked the way the final showdown between Maryse and the Big Bad touched on themes of hate versus justice.

However, I don’t think Clark did enough to make each scene build on each other, which made the narrative as a whole feel disjointed. Most of the scenes leading up to the final Boss Fight consisted of Maryse talking to people - her companions, the Aunties, a figure named Butcher Clyde - which mainly seemed to be how Clark communicated worldbuilding information. I didn’t get the sense that Maryse was uncovering a grand plot; instead, it felt like I was floating from scene to scene, gathering info that would inform my interpretation of the big showdown.

I also think Clark could have woven his themes into his narrative a bit better. There seem to be running themes of hate vs justice, the power of stories, and others running through his book, but not much is done with them until the final showdown. I would have liked to see more scenes touch on these themes more explicitly, rather than conversations about the N-word or the ethics of socialism, which were important, but not integral to the plot. For example, in the scene where she and her companions go to Frenchy’s (a bar/inn), I would have liked to see Maryse’s interactions with Frenchy (the owner and her love interest) reveal a bit more about her mental state. Maybe they could have talked about how she refuses to open up about her past, or they have a conversation about Maryse’s feelings about white people. Those small changes, I think, could have made the twist in the big showdown feel more weighty. Additionally, I think these changes could have made her strategy with the Night Doctors (another type of otherworldly figure) more interesting.

Characters: Maryse, our protagonist, is likeable in that she’s strong-willed and highly motivated to take on a threat. I liked that she cared about the people around her, and I liked that she had some vulnerability in the form of her traumatic past and the voice of her deceased brother in her head.

Maryse’s companions were also fun. Sadie, a sharpshooter, was full of life and spirit, always wanting to enjoy herself whether she was eating, dancing, or having romantic liaisons. Chef, a former soldier and explosives expert, was also interesting in that a lot of her actions and attitudes are informed by her experience in the war.

Other supporting characters were less well-developed, from the German socialists that seemed to only be present to provoke conversations about politics, to Frenchy, who does little besides be a love interest in danger. Nana Jean, an elderly “Gullah woman” who does magic, could have been more interesting if Maryse’s bootlegging was more consequential to the story, and though I found her dialect hard to understand, I don’t think that’s a knock on Clark (more a knock on me for being less well-read than I should be). The Aunties, while a creative twist on the “three crones” trope, also felt a little useless in that they never gave Maryse direct information that was particularly helpful (or that she couldn’t have gotten on her own). Even Butcher Clyde and Dr. Bisset, two threatening supernatural figures, seemed to be devoid of charisma and were less intimidating than annoyingly chatty. They talked and made threats, more than anything, and while they were appealing visually (or, as visual as you can get in a written work), they didn’t seem to do much other than monologue.

But even so, I think Clark has a real talent for creating monsters that get under the readers’ skin. For all their faults as characters, Butcher Clyde, the Ku Kluxes, Dr. Bisset, the Night Doctors, and the Grand Cyclops were genuinely creepy, and I loved the images that Clark’s prose evoked.

Other: I personally found Clark’s worldbuilding something of a mixed bag. On the one hand, I loved the historical setting; historical horror is a genre I adore, and I love it when authors take on an era other than the Victorian period. I also really liked the idea of Maryse’s magic sword, which derives its power from the memory of the pain of enslaved Black people. On the other hand, I don’t think the way the supernatural world was organized made a lot of coherent sense. While we are told that  D. W. Griffith is a sorcerer and The Birth of a Nation is a spell, neither the man nor the film were really present, and I felt like they could have been removed without much change to the story. To make them feel more integral, I would have liked to see some commentary, perhaps, of the ability of movies or visual media to communicate ideas, and how the mass spread of racism or hate through visual media poses some danger.

I also thought the Aunties were useless, and they, too, could have been removed or their role expanded. Their main purpose seemed to be to drop bits of lore and background information, and they do little to actually help besides tell Maryse to look in her book of folktales. I also found their rationales for things kind of flimsy (”we couldn’t talk to you before because the veil was so thick” and “you can do X by wanting it enough”), and I wish they were more omnipresent, guiding voices than just figures who popped in and out at convenient moments.

TL;DR: Ring Shout is a novella with an intriguing premise and a host of creepy monsters that is sure to satisfy horror-lovers, even if it falls a little flat in narrative construction.