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davidmann95 · 4 years ago

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*sighs* Modern times are weird. Thoughts on *that* Morrison announcement today?

Anonymous said: Thoughts on Superman and The Authority by Morrison, Janin and Bellaire? Its in the Penguin Random House catalogue as a hardcover coming in November this year

Anonymous said: Thoughts on the news about Morrison doing Superman and the Authority?

Anonymous said: So uhhh, Morrison is doing a surprise Superman & Authority book?

Anonymous said: how do you feel about the upcoming Grant Morrison-penned Superman and the Authority

Anonymous said: Morrison writing Superman & The Authority?!?!? MORRISON WRITING MANCHESTER BLACK?!?!?! Fuck yes, now you’ll have to admit Manchester Black is awesome.

Anonymous said: Superman and the Authority???

Anonymous said: Authority/Superman book being written by Morrison?

jcogginsa said: So Grant Morrison's not done with Superman it seems.

Anonymous said: So, Superman and the Authority? Thoughts on Morrison staying at DC?

Anonymous said: You’ve probably already been asked by thoughts on the Superman and The Authority announcement?

adudewholikescomicsandotherstuff said: So, there’s a new grant Morrison Superman comic. Thoughts?

oh look someone took a video of me this morning

...actually not really, because I was tipped off a couple weeks ago as to this being a rumor in certain non-public circles, so I was left to mull on the notion in private for awhile. I had in fact assumed that it wasn’t real, and that while Superman & The Authority was in fact happening it had probably only been offered to Morrison as a courtesy and really someone else would be doing it.

Lots of thoughts between what I had on my own and from talking with Ritesh Babu/seeing his own responses, let’s get to it. Obviously the main reason this is happening is because Jim Lee wants it to be happening - he can’t let his baby die on the vine with Ellis, and he needs a BIG name to wash the taste out of everyone’s mouth. The question then is why Morrison would go for it when The Green Lantern and Wonder Woman: Earth One were such pointed goodbyes to Big Two comics, Klaus remains as an outlet for any cape stories they want to tell, and they’re making TV money now. I’d say the answer is that while Wonder Woman is a tale about clearing away the old ways of things to make room for the new, and Green Lantern is about what’s cleared away getting one last bow...Clark Kent can’t gracefully exit stage left the way Hal Jordan can. Even if most of the rest of pop culture will be supplanted by the tide of time we’re not going to stop getting Superman stories anytime soon. But while in Batman and The Just the big question was “What son could ever live up to the eternal, glorious father who will never fade?”, now the question is “Oh shit, wait, Jon Kent is on the CW and probably taking over the Superman book proper, and that Coates/Abrams movie might not even be about Clark one way or another. What’s the *old* guy supposed to do if he’s gonna keep hanging around?” That’s why it has to be a ‘proper’ DC book - it asks whether the old things we won’t shake can ever truly be new again, or at least find a new role for themselves. And that role involves the team from the last moment mainstream superhero comics really felt like the future to Morrison, the team that represented the next step past their own breakout work in JLA and that their onetime protege’s career would later springboard off of, that was the template for 21st century superhero aesthetics in general. I want the first words of the first interview for this to be “I swear to god this time I’m really done afterwards”, but however crassly commercial the origins, I can see how Morrison would be convinced to do this as a trilogy-capper conclusion to their post-Multiversity DC work (especially with how Pax Americana and Wonder Woman were both in conversation with that whole Mills/Ellis/Ennis/Millar mode of superhero comics). What role can the old archetypes serve in a brave new world?

Additional thoughts:

* According to the Penguin listing this while filling out a 139 page trade will only be two issues, so it seems they’ll both be massively oversized (wonder if there’ll be backups?) and released as a whole pretty much immediately. In line with the Klaus format, and pretty close to the original plan for Superman Beyond.

* Guess Morrison was consulting on the Superman stuff in Future State as more than a gesture of goodwill. This does seem to potentially be set in that period given Clark’s graying at the temples, and since Superman & The Authority was a 5G rumor from way back (notably the same month as the Ellis allegations coming out) there’s an additional question of how long ago this was written. Not long enough ago or standalone enough that they put it in Future State itself, but even so.

* Really glad Janin’s here - not only is he a perfect choice and tied into Superman right now, he’s the guy who drew Midnighter in Grayson, out of which we got Orlando and ACO’s Midnighter, so he’s at the root of the Wildstorm resurgence. Also curious to see how far Morrison can push him.

* Ritesh pointed this out: Clark’s fully Tom Strong. The hair, the short sleeves, the gloves, the science hero vibe. And a thread of PKJ’s run is Superman’s power is beginning to fade, so he’ll probably be in that territory physically too and therefore needing to rely on help from other heavy-hitters.

* The roster mostly makes sense: Midnighter and Apollo are the givens, a new speedster (Lightray?), they like Steel so Natasha Irons being here isn’t surprising, and of course they’d include OMAC. But Manchester? And a Manchester who looks like Peter Capaldi? A Manchester who as you note I’ll be forced to like now? Wild. And...Enchantress? Okay?

* As far as cameos go I’m curious if we’ll see Jon, since he’s the guy who needs to have replaced Superman for the story to make thematic sense as I’m assuming it is, or the Superman Squad for similar reasons + then this can be an avenue for Morrison to tell that big Squad story they had in mind.

* It’s curious that the cover isn’t on a surface level aggressively provocative, because there’s so much about this that is. Not even the obvious fact of a Superman & The Authority book with Manchester Black on it (itself a hilarious fuck you to What’s So Funny), but that it’s the Superman shield from Kingdom Come - the iconography of that version of that guy hanging out with the 90s ass-kicker team in excelsis isn’t inconsequential. And while Action Comics and its socialist strongman was playing as nice as it could with its New 52 surroundings, this as a Grant Morrison future for Superman that isn’t All-Star is itself a pretty plain statement of intent that hey, THIS is what they think about what Superman's potential now, not what they did 15 years ago. Will that be a condemnation alongside Blackstars and the Hyperman story in TGL, or a testament to Superman’s ability to change with the times and continue serving as the man of tomorrow? If this is being collected in November, I imagine we’ll see this summer.

#Superman and The Authority #Grant Morrison #Mikel Janin #Jordie Bellaire #Superman #The Authority #Tom Strong #Opinion

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contre-qui · 3 years ago

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Tag 9 people to learn about their interests.

I was tagged by: @just-a-cup-of-anxietea (I'm sure you already knew, but this just really highlights how indecisive I am!)

MUSIC

Fave genre? Pop rock/pop punk usually (but a little bit of everything)

Fave artist? It's hard to pick one but I really love Patrick Wolf and Dolly Parton

Fave song? Again so hard to pick but probably "The Magic Position" by Patrick Wolf

Most listened song recently? "Coming Home" by Leon Bridges

Song currently stuck in your head? "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac and "Vengo Dalla Luna" by Måneskin

5 fave lyrics? (Why is this so hard???)

Hear the Salvation Army band./Down by the riverside/Bound to be a better ride/Than what/you've got planned./Carry your gun in your hand./Look around,/Leaves are brown,/And the sky is a hazy shade of winter. ("Hazy Shade of Winter" - yes the Gerard Way/Ray Toro version from Umbrella Academy let me live)

I hear her voice in the mornin' hour, she calls me/The radio reminds me of my home far away/Drivin' down the road, I get a feelin'/That I should've been home yesterday ("Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver)

If the children don't grow up,/Our bodies get bigger but our hearts get torn up./We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turnin' every good thing to/Rust.I guess we'll just have to adjust ("Wake Up" by Arcade Fire)

Just beyond your limits/Find the new frontier/I live in the darkness/It's dark in here ("Dark In Here" by The Mountain Goats)

BOOKS

Fav book genre? Sci fi/fantasy

Fave writer? Neil Gaiman, Audre Lorde, Ray Bradbury, Lev Grossman, Markus Zusak, Mary Shelley, and probably more but that would take a long list

Fave book? I simply cannot pick a favorite. But a selection includes: Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde, American Gods by Neil Gaiman, The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury, The Magicians by Lev Grossman, Wicked by Gregory Maguire, An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon, and the list goes on and on and on

Fave book series? The Magicians Trilogy by Lev Grossman

Comfort book? The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Rainy day book? Probably poetry actually

Fave characters? Julia Wicker from The Magicians, Elphaba Thropp from Wicked, Crowley from Good Omens... Probably some others but I don't really imprint on book characters as much as I do on the books themselves.

5 quotes from your fave books?

"Aye. You gender-malcontent. You otherling," she said [...]. "Me too. I am a boy and a girl and a witch all wrapped into one strange, flimsy, indecisive body. Do you think my body couldn't decide what it wanted to be?"

"I think it doesn't matter because we get to decide what our bodies are or are not, " he answered.

[...] "Is that so? Then I am magic. I say it, therefore it is true," she said. (An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon)

[...] for each of us encounters the Lady on the Grey at the end of our days, and there is no forgetting her. (The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman)

Most people are blind to magic. They move through a blank and empty world. They’re bored with their lives, and there’s nothing they can do about it. They’re eaten alive by longing, and they’re dead before they die. (The Magicians by Lev Grossman)

He lingered at the door, and said, "The Lion wants courage, the Tin Man a heart, and the Scarecrow brains. Dorothy wants to go home. What do you want?" [...]

She couldn't say forgiveness, not to Liir. She started to say "a soldier," to make fun of his mooning affections over the guys in uniform. But realizing even as she said it that he would be hurt, she caught herself halfway, and in the end what came out of her mouth surprised them both.

She said, "A soul-" (Wicked by Gregory Maguire)

Night after night we had talked until dawn in this room about language and poetry and love and the good conduct of living. Yet we were strangers. (Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde)

TV AND MOVIES

Fave tv/movie genre? Sci fi/fantasy and comedy

Fave movie? Lord of the Rings or Terry Pratchett's The Hogfather

Comfort movie? The Dark Crystal, The Parent Trap (1998), The Neverending Story, Legally Blonde, The Princess Diaries, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Last Unicorn

Movie you watch every year? Hocus Pocus, The Hogfather, Lord of the Rings (the whole trilogy), and The Muppets' A Christmas Carol

Fave tv show? Doctor Who (earlier reboot seasons specifically)

Comfort tv show? The IT Crowd

Most rewatched tv show? Doctor Who

5 fave characters? Donna Noble (Doctor Who), Chidi Anagonye (The Good Place), Maurice Moss (IT Crowd), Eliot Waugh (The Magicians [the show]), and Susan (The Hogfather)

Tagging (no pressure!): @nr-studies @mymessystudyblr @magnusacademia and anyone else who'd like to do this!

#contrespeaks #about me #tag 9 people #tag games #grace*#friends #bookblr #book recs #personal

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realisaonum · 3 years ago

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book meme

thank you, jen @det395 !! i feel like this meme got away from me a bit, but no shame! i love talking about books and writing so onward ~under the cut~

1- how many books are too many books in a series?

mhmmmmm i guess it depends on the objective of the series, right? is the plan to have x number of books in the series and if so, when we finally get to the end will it be satisfying considering all the books we’ve read leading up to it? OR is the objective of the premise / characters just to exist doing whatever? both can be done well. i would say a lot rides on how much i trust the author.

2- what do you think about cliffhangers?

so this is meant for cliffhangers in a series like between books? i don’t really care if there’s a cliffhanger as long as i have the next book sitting right next to me. otherwise uh, only if the wait between books is tolerable, because at that point you need to know that the author can clear this mess up, right? there’s this other thing, like you know how if the entire series was already written, then they might release the books a month apart or a quarter apart - that could be alright too. but years in between? not especially a fan. is anyone a fan?

3- hardback or paperback?

jen, you and me are complete opposites here. paperbacks stress me out. i will go out of my way to buy a used hardcover if given the choice. of course, there are some publications i don’t mind in paperback —thinking poetry and super indie books that don’t have a hardcover release OR books where the spines are thin enough they won’t break and i won’t be holding them long enough for them to wear. hardcovers are sturdy and i don’t have to worry i’ll accidentally bend the cover in some damaging way. I am invested in keeping my books nice to the point that i create covers for my books out of kraft paper or brown grocery bags while i am reading them. this is something i started when i was in college and didn’t want these books i was hoping to probably resell get thrashed coming in and out of my bag for all these classes. My home library is probs more half and half paperback/hardcover but if given a choice usually it’s hardcover.

4- least favourite book?

i think it’s good to at least attempt to meet a book on its level. there are lots of books i didn’t like, but i wasn’t meeting them on their level and i know that so we’re ignoring those. i do however have a shelf on my goodreads dedicated to books that i have beef with so i’ll just go off on two of them.....

tana french’s the likeness for being plagiaristic shit. it is essentially poorly concealed alternate universe OC insert fic of the secret history. you’ve got french’s dublin murder squad folks and then this group they are investigating who bear a STRIKING resemblance to the greek students in tsh 🤔. this would be one thing. it is pretty well acknowledged that nothing is original and there are enough changes to The Likeness that MAYBE i could let it slide if not for this other thing: french’s book, the likeness, has lines that are just basically reworded quotes from the secret history and french positions these lines so they are said by the counterpart (essentially same!) character that gave them original life in tsh. i cannot stress this enough: you can HEAR how similar the sentences are and their core intent is always the same. it’s thinly veiled theft! it astounds me that French hasn’t been sued frankly. it is one thing to want to capture some of the genius that tartt’s debut novel holds, but it is completely lazy and disgusting theft to go about it in the way French did with this book. and YES the secret history was published before french’s book. if i could stomach how fucking goddamn boring the likeness was to read it a second time and cite every one of these offenses i would, but that’s yet a third strike against it—it’s too boring to be worth it.

T. Kingfisher’s second book of the Clocktuar War duology : The Wonder Engine. this is a book that i feel violated the contract between writer and reader. the first book feels almost like a YA book. the stakes while described as very high are treated, as actions unfold, as very low. nothing truly irreparable happens until the climax of the second book and the fallout of that action is so off-tone of everything that came before i felt deeply betrayed. no, like, completely betrayed as in it ruined the rest of my afternoon, i am still viscerally angry eight months later, and i will never trust this author again. sure, maybe none of those actions that led to the climax were out-of-character, but there was nothing NOTHING in the proceeding action that even came close to that level of consequence. it’s a pity because right up till that point i was having a really good time. the entire vibe of the rising action to the climax of book one all the way through the rising action of book two was just a quippy fun version of roadtrip/quest - it felt like a comfort read. the abrupt tone shift had all the subtlety of dropping a graphically, brutal murder into Blue’s Clues. you don’t do that - this is a basic tenet of a writer / reader relationship. i’m not touching this bitch’s shit again.

5- Love Triangle, yes or no?

not so much. i like jen before me will scream ‘just be poly.’ love triangles that lead into poly relationships? yes, awesome will be glad i read. but i am at a stage in my life where your standard will-they-won’t-they-love-triangle is just fucking pointlessly frustrating to me. an example: i read a Nic Stone’s book Odd One Out a couple years ago and something about the synopsis or the hype made me think that it would resolve the love triangle that way, so when that did not happen i was incredibly frustrated and immediately wanted to resell the book. it’s the potential of the thing. stone’s book could have been the perfect vehicle for opening up the concept of polyamory to a ya audience but instead just really squandered that potential with weak floundering — in my opinion!

6- the most recent book you just couldn’t finish

uhhhhh i’ve got two and i’m not sure i’ve entirely given up quite yet buuuuuuuut

fucking dune. i got really pissed off with this book. So just…setting aside the whole vaguing at a pedophilically inclined queer coded villain - it’s done so poorly, that it's almost funny? like it doesn’t (as of half way through) actually have any consequence on…anything at all and is tacked on like an afterthought to the end of his scenes. honestly it all could just be cut out entirely with no recourse to the larger story. So my actual beef with this book is the pacing is ATROCIOUS. like yo, not only do you expect me to give a shit about these Atreides cunts, when we just met them and we spend the same amount of time with them IF NOT MORE with the antagonist? but you also expect me to believe Paul was able to just convince the leader of the Arrakis people —the leader of an entire planet!!— with a single fucking sentence??? yeah, not so much. it was not set up for me to believe that Paul could do that! maybe if Kynes hadn’t died immediately after—or at least not died at that moment? baring the fact I thought he was by far the most interesting character, IF he had been convinced by Paul in that scene, it would have been great to see some actual work done around that - with a transfer or a liaise of power between Kynes and Paul and the Fremen. By not having any substantive scene that does it - it begs the question of what the fuck was the point of the character in the first place? unplumbed potential!!! over all there seem to be some key scenes missing to get the reader to where the narrative expects us to be? but the choices made of the characters we spend time with and the moments we see with them, the benefit to the larger story…is not always there. hey herbert, these words you have written aren’t doing what you want them to?? i feel like i should finish it but i reaaaaallly don’t want to :) the only thing i can say is it looks like from the trailer, villeneueve is giving space to these moments so that the viewer can foster a genuine connection with the characters? radical concept.

our lady of perpetual hunger - i started this one optimistically bc i like chef memoirs, but i am at the point where she has just given birth to her son and honestly DON’T CARE. i still haven’t officially given up on it yet since i actually fucking bought it like a dope. i certainly would not have if i knew how much NOT about working the line this was gonna be

7- book you are currently reading

Aside from the failures mentioned above, I am working on the second book in B. Catling’s Vorrh trilogy, The Erstwhile. Also very close to finally finishing Iain Sinclair’s The Last London - there’s a review of his work from the LA Times that goes “One of Sinclair’s greatest skills has always been his ability to take diverse if not chaotic source material and refashion it in a way that sometimes seems downright alchemical” which captures some of the wonder I experience when reading his work. His style and how he creates atmosphere and setting is just unique and astounding.

8- last book you recommended to someone

The Secret History by Donna Tartt. Before that I told my brother to read Eat a Peach, as we both love Anthony Bourdain and David Chang talks about him a bit here, plus it’s just a fucking great book. any book that gives insight into Chang’s methodology and paradigm is worth a shot.

9- oldest book you read

I think it might have to be Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (which apparently according to wiki premiered on the stage a whole four months before Hamlet so that’s what we’re going with) and if plays don’t count, I don’t care. I think they count and that’s what we’re going with.

10- the most recent book you read ?

Given the previous question, the most recently published book, right? It’s gotta be the one I just finished: The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock Critic - Revised and Expanded edt., which like just came out this summer. I watched Jessica Hopper’s promo zoom, curtesy of my local indie bookstore, and went ahead and bought it. This was a great decision! It was just what I needed to read these last couple of weeks. i love there’s lots of short pieces that made the read quick and the fact that it’s non-fiction so there was no pressure of a plot or the emotional weight of character investment when I had a lot of big stressors dragging me down irl -it was such a relief. Hopper’s criticism is fun to read and there’s some real art in her appreciation of music here.

11- favourite author?

These are the top in a kind of order but not really: Donna Tartt, Jeff VanderMeer, Megan Whalen Turner, Flannery O’Conner, Chuck Palahniuk, Anthony Bourdain

Other faves very much worth mentioning: Emily O’Neill, Richard Siken, Brandon Sanderson, Warren Ellis, Nathan Englander, Stephen King, Eddie Huang, Carl Hiaassen, Anne Carson, and Iain Sinclair.

12- buying books or borrowing books?

Depends on if my library has it, of course! I nearly always see if my library has a copy first if i have never read it or the author before. If i’ve read the book before or trust the author, I’ll buy it. Like I’ll straight out buy new stuff from Jeff VanderMeer even though with him it’s either this-hits-exactly-and-is-my-new-fave or i-really-disliked-this-but-admire-the-boundaries-you’re-pushing-my-dude - so it’s always a gamble but a worthy one.

12- a book you dislike that everyone else seems to love

a little life (just bc it's torture porn elevated to art doesn’t negate the fact that it’s torture porn. Yanagihara’s project here is repugnant and the fact that this book is lauded as moving lgbt fiction makes my skin crawl)

sharp objects (good writing, compelling story, BUT typographical scarification doesn't work like that - i am not going to get into it but i know from first hand experience how Flynn described it is not accurate)

nesbø’s the snowman (what kinda dumbass detective would think THAT when a woman finds her missing father’s corpse? absolute idiocy - so obviously reverse engineered with that end in mind)

the raven cycle (fuck ronan lynch to start and then fuck him to end as well - there’s some other stuff but mostly he’s a total CUNT and if i don’t say that once a day i have probably died)

14 - bookmarks or dogears?

Bookmarks and sticky notes. Then I can place it pointing directly to the paragraph I last stopped on.

15- The book you can always reread?

This is my question because I reread all the time. ALL THE TIME. Books I reread often: The Secret History, Medium Raw (especially chapter 17 The Fury), Crooked Kingdom, The Violent Bear It Away, and The Goldfinch. Every year like clockwork (since it came out apparently) I will reread Stephen King’s The Outsider.

Other books I feel the urge to reread: VanderMeer’s Acceptance, Englander’s Dinner at the Center of the Earth, Frazier’s Nightwoods, Fresh Off the Boat, the Mr. Mercedes trilogy, the Peter Grant Series (which is queued up for another go here soon I think), any of the stories from A Good Man is Hard to Find, Sanderson’s Wax and Wayne Mistborn books, simon vs the homosapiens’ agenda, and there are two of Alan Morinis’ books on Mussar that I am technically always revisiting—when i need a reminder, i’ll jump around and read specific sections to get centered again.

16- can you read while listening to music?

Yes, but only ambient or near ambient (only usually one track on repeat) or a soundtrack I am extremely familiar with. No new music. I do usually need some audio stimulation or my mind will wander terribly.

17- one POV or multi POV?

Multi pov can certainly be done well (looking at the soc duaology and VanderMeer’s Acceptance) but working a multi-pov means there are more plates spinning, it’s more of a challenge, and some authors pull it off better than others.

18- do you read book in one sitting or in multiple days?

I don’t really do this anymore. that might have something to do with me picking up thicker books? but also i have a full time job now and let’s be real the book has to be hella good if i don’t want to put it down. the last book i attempted to shotgun was the final installment of my favorite series and it still took me two days so....i can get through a lot of books but none of them are ever in one sitting anymore.

19- who to tag:

@sybilius @mouth-rainboy @iwonderifthatisart @phereinnike @magnificentmoose @wambsgangs @moriarteaparty and anyone else if you feel so inclined!

Bonus Question: What’s on your to-read shelf?

As for me, I am excited about one i just picked up, Danforth’s Plain Bad Heroines, which i might start tomorrow and I will be taking Paul Madonna’s Come to Light on my trip to see my brother this coming weekend.

#this took a while but was fun #thanks again jen #very excited to read other folks responses #also like a general content warning? i mention/refer to things in the books but nothing's unpacked here #still to be cautious reference to mature themes #the narrator feeling posthumous

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0x1-home · 3 years ago

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Tag 9 people to learn more about their interests!

Lovely @whaleharry tagged me, thx sweetheart, sending hugs 💗

Thanks loves @farawaytatmybeloved and @tanktop-lou for tagging me too 😚💞

MUSIC

Fav genre? Pop, soft rock.

Fav artist? Louis Tomlinson, 5sos.

Fav song? Brutal by Olivia Rodrigo. WDBHG by One Direction. No Shame by 5sos. Happiness by Little Mix. Lonely by Noah Cyrus.

Most listened song recently? How You Like That by BLACKPINK.

Song currently stuck in your head? Kill This Love by BLACKPINK.

5 fav lyrics?

'Don't you let it kill you, even when it hurts like hell, oh whatever tears you apart, don't let it break your heart' -DLIBYH, Louis Tomlinson.

'This time I'm ready to run, Escape from the city and follow the sun 'Cause I wanna be yours, don't you wanna be mine? I don't wanna get lost in the dark of the night' -Ready To Run, One Direction.

'Now we're saying goodbye, waving to the hard times, yeah, it's going to be alright' - We Made It, Louis Tomlinson.

'And everyone's dying, So I keep on trying, To make them proud before they are gone, Oh, can't someone help me, Oh, please someone help me, I don't care anyone, anything, 'Cause I'm so sick of being so lonely, Miss all my family, Oh, I don't care, anyone, anything, 'Cause I'm so sick of being so lonely' - Lonely, Noah Cyrus.

'All the lights couldn't put out the dark, running through my heart, lights up and they know who you are, know who you are, do you know who you are? ' - Lights Up, Harry Styles.

BOOKS

Fav book genre? Rn mystery and romance.

Fav writer? John Green probably.

Fav book? Paper Cities by John Green.

Fav book series? A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron.

Comfort book? Wonder by R. J. Palacio.

Perfect book to read on rainy days? The Night When Everything Changed by

Fav characters? Quentin Jacobs probably.

5 quotes from your fave book that you know by heart? Just two: 'His threads broke inside' Paper Cities by John Green. 'Every person deserves to have a stood up ovation' - Wonder, R. J. Palacio.

TV AND MOVIES

Fav tv/movie genre? Comedy. Drama.

Fav movie? The Greatest Showman. Or any MCU movie.

Comfort movie? Spiderman Homecoming. Frozen. Moana.

Movie you watch every year? High School Musical (trilogy) and Twilight (Saga).

Fav tv show? Modern Family & FRIENDS.

Comfort TV show? FRIENDS.

Most rewatched TV show? Idk if Grey's Anatomy counts but yeah.

Ultimate OTP? Mondler.

5 fav characters?

Chandler Bing, FRIENDS.

Lexie Grey, Grey's Anatomy.

Loki, Loki/Thor movies.

Mitchell Pritchett, Modern Family.

Gloria Pritchett, Modern Family.

EDIT:

I actually can't believe I forgot to tag people! Ajsjabsjajd, anyways, if you want: @ladychlo @purpleflicker @skyfulloflarry @bitnotgood28 @loulovehome

#Love this #Ask games #Tag games #Li✨

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brightbeautifulthings · 3 years ago

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Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo

"Because I am greedy for the sight of you. Because the prospect of facing this war, this loss, without you fills me with fear. Because I find I don't want to fight for a future if I can't find a way to make a future with you."

Year Read: 2021

Rating: 3/5

About: There are spoilers ahead for the Grisha trilogy, the Six of Crows duology, and King of Scars. Ravka is threatened on all sides by war from Fjerda and Shu Han, and from the inside by the return of the Darkling and the piece of his demon that King Nikolai holds inside him. He and his general, Zoya, are scrambling to save their country while Nina works deep undercover in Fjerda to change minds and hearts against the Grisha. If they fail to avert an outright war, Ravka will fall and there will be no safe place left in the world for Grisha. Trigger warnings: character death, war, explosions, violence, guns, severe injury, racism, sexism, hate crimes, threats, grief.

Thoughts: Why are all fantasy books one to two hundred pages longer than I want to commit to? This hardcover practically crushes me while I'm reading in bed, and it took half the novel for me to get into the story. I think I'm going to take a step back from fantasy after this because I'm tired of wars and magic and defending or overthrowing thrones, which is precisely why I never warmed to the Grisha trilogy as much as Six of Crows. As much as I like Nikolai, Zoya, and Nina, I'm not interested in the politics of three different countries or who gets to rule over them. My favorite parts of this book were the cameos from all the Dregs (and the very last line, of course).

The point of view switches are just as jarring in this book as they are in King of Scars. Nikolai and Zoya's provide some continuity, since they're usually together or working toward the same ends, but Nina's story continues to evolve mostly apart from the rest. That's to say nothing of including Makhi's or Mayu's perspectives, which I couldn't bring myself to care about. (Why not Tamar, if it's totally necessary for the story?) I've always found the Darkling a boring villain, and having his POV chapters did not change my mind. Every time I started to get invested in one of the plots, we're yanked out of it to visit another character.

Maybe it's just me, but both of Nina's plot twists felt extremely obvious from a long way off. (It's hard for me to pretend that Matthias never died when I have to go through Nina's grieving process, which is another reason I'm not that fond of this duology.) The second half of the novel is more compelling than the first though, and I finally started enjoying it instead of dragging myself through it. I ultimately like where everything ends up, and while I'm on board for a third Six of Crows book, I might be done with the rest of this universe. I'm starting to accept that fantasy just isn't my genre.

#book review #rule of wolves #leigh bardugo #grishaverse #fantasy #3/5 stars #rating: 3/5 #2021

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brelione · 4 years ago

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Sarah Taking You Shopping HC

Shes so pretty it hurts omg

You see,Sarah had always told you how amazing you were even before you started dating

Now that you were dating whenever you’d look at yourself in her long mirror and she’d come up behind you,wrapping her arms around your bare waist and kissing your neck

“Imagine how beautiful you’d look in a nice dress.”You blushed,looking at her.She tapped the tip of your nose. “Will you let me take you shopping on the main land?”She had asked you.You frowned,telling her you didnt have money for that.

“Dont worry,Flower,I’ll sugar mama you.”

On a warm saturday morning you woke up to her sitting on your stomach,her hair in a messy bun and a big smile on her face

“Are you ready to go?” “Noooooo” “It’ll be fun!”

She had literally picked you up and thrown you over her shoulder,carrying you downstairs

She didnt look it but that girl was hella strong

You had made eggos,getting dressed in a baggy t shirt and jeans

You two got on a ferry and you had fallen asleep on her shoulder

She woke you up when you got to the main land and bought you an iced coffee

You entered a high end shop,your eyes wide as you looked at the prices

An older woman came up to you guys.She was dressed in clean,fancy attire with a name tag on her shirt.

“What can I do for you ladies today?”She had asked

Sarah smiled,dimples popping as she wrapped an arm around you

“My girlfriend here needs a dress for a party.”She grinned.You had sighed,sipping your coffee.

“We have lots of nice dresses,whats the dress code for this party?” “Kind of a formal but casual,leaning towards the formal side.” “I see,right this way.”

So there was a whole ass room of dresses

“Do we have a specific color or style that we’re looking for today?”The woman asked.

Sarah licked her lips,looking you up and down

“Im thinking about something flowy that’s tight in the right places,you know what i mean?”

“Yes,of course.”So this woman goes and picks out a good ten dresses

Sarah had looked through them,making you set down your coffee

“What are you thinking,Flower?” “Im thinking that these would all look better on you.” “(Y/N)!You’re so stunning,look at this one!The color would look great with your hair!Go try it on for me!”

You took a red dress,a blue dress and a white dress

“Are we thinking about shoes or jewelry today?”The woman had asked Sarah while you went into the dressing room. “I think we’ll have to find the perfect dress first and then build off of that.” “Magnificent.I’ll go find some options for each of the three.”

“You okay in there?”Sarah had asked.You didnt reply so she straight up opened the door and saw you taking a mirror picture.She smiled. “Look how pretty!”She exclaimed.

You shrugged,pinching the white fabric

She took off her ‘S’ necklace,draping it across your neck and securing it.

“Look at how lovely you are...im so lucky.”She grinned,kissing your shoulder.

You smiled,kissing her gently.

You stripped out of the red dress,putting your t shirt and jeans back on

The woman had taken the red dress to go package it properly for the ferry ride

You ended up also getting a pair of sandals

And then Sarah saw a hoodie with your favorite animal and decided that you needed it

You bought her a small panda plushie because she likes pandas

After getting the dress and the hoodie and the sandals she had paid and dragged you to a really nice book store

She bought you a fairytale trilogy that had hardcovers and gold painted edges

When you got back to the house she asked you to put the dress back on so she could take a picture with her polaroid camera

The next day that polaroid was hanging on her happy wall with dozens of other pictures of you,the pictures forming a heart

You gave her the panda plushie and she literally almost cried because you were just so amazing

None of her exes ever remembered her favorite animal but you had and that was just so special to her

She was literally blushing the whole party because she couldnt stop staring at you

#sarah cameron #sarah cameron x reader #sarah cameron imagine #obx sarah #sarah cameron x you #sarah cameron headcannon #madelyn cline #kiara carrera #obx #rafe cameron #jj maybank #pope heyward #john b

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recentanimenews · 4 years ago

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Manga the Week of 4/21/21

SEAN: The end of April, and the daffodils are blooming. What manga do we have?

Airship gives us a print version of the 10th Mushoku Tensei novel and digital versions of The Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter 4 and PENGUINDRUM 3 (the final volume).

ASH: I still need to read PENGUINDRUM.

SEAN: J-Novel Club has new digital volumes, as we get Full Metal Panic! 11, The Great Cleric 2, The Master of Ragnarok & Blesser of Einherjar 15, and My Friend’s Little Sister Has It In for Me 2.

In print… theoretically… Kodansha Manga has the 7th volume of My Boy, a former Vertical title. It’s nowhere on their website, but all the major outlets list it.

The digital debut is The Honey-blood Beauty & Her Vampire (Mitsugetsuhime to Vampire), a shoujo title from Palcy about a vampire and his charge, a girl whose blood tastes amazing. This comes with the usual “lead guy is pervert and sadist” warning that a lot of these shoujo titles do. I’m sure he will get better, it’s only 4 volumes.

MICHELLE: I’ll be passing on this one.

ANNA: Me too.

MELINDA: Ugh.

SEAN: There’s also Blue Lock 2, Dr. Ramune -Mysterious Disease Specialist- 4, A Girl & Her Guard Dog 3, Orient 11, We’re New at This 5, and Will It Be the World or Her? 4.

The big debut for Seven Seas is SUPER SENTAI: Himitsu Sentai Gorenger. This manga ran in Weekly Shonen Sunday in the mid-1970s, and almost every sentai series since owes a debt to it. You may recognize the author from Cyborg 009 or Kamen Rider. It’s in one big deluxe hardcover, containing the whole manga.

ANNA: Sounds cool, I’m glad that we’re getting more retro manga!

ASH: I really enjoyed what we got of Cyborg 009, and I’m likewise excited to see older titles being licensed!

MELINDA: Same here!

SEAN: The other debut also involves heroics, but in a more yuri way. Superwomen in Love! Honey Trap and Rapid Rabbit (Hero-san to Moto Onna Kanbu-san) is a Yuri Hime title about a villainess who can’t defeat her arch-nemesis… as she finally sees her face and is in love! Cast out of her villain society, she ends up moving in with the hero. I’ve heard very good things about this.

ASH: I’m not particularly interested in superheroics, but my curiosity is piqued.

MELINDA: I’m intrigued!

SEAN: Digitally we get Alice in the Country of Joker: The Nightmare Trilogy, which as you might guess is three volumes.

There’s also the 4th Arifureta Zero manga, Blue Giant Omnibus 3-4, Magika Swordsman and Summoner 14, PENGUINDRUM 4 (the manga this time), and Tamamo-chan’s a Fox! 2.

ANNA: I still have the fist volume of Blue Giant sitting on my bookshelf unread but I’m looking forward to reading it!

ASH: I actually have read the first omnibus and am definitely looking forward to reading more of Blue Giant.

SEAN: Tokyopop has three debuts. I Was Reincarnated as the Villainess in an Otome Game but the Boys Love Me Anyway! (Akuyaku Reijou Desu ga, Kouyaku Taishou no Yousu ga Ijou Sugiru) is from TO Books’ Corona Comics, is based on a light novel, and the plot you can probably guess. That said, it’s surprisingly serious-minded.

Laughing Under the Clouds (Donten ni Warau) is a new shoujo series from Mag Garden’s Comic Avarus. This historical tragedy has spawned many sequels, and deals with three brothers hired to bring criminals to a prison.

The last debut is Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide (Bokura no Chikyuu no Arukikata), another Mag Garden title about two men taking a vacation around the world before they marry each other. The vacation is the point of the manga.

MICHELLE: Huh. That might be interesting.

MELINDA: This does sound interesting.

SEAN: The debut for Viz is a new Junji Ito story collection, this one called Lovesickness. it’s a 400-page hardcover of more of the author’s scariest works.

ASH: I’m always here for Junji Ito manga.

MELINDA: Count me in!

SEAN: Also coming out: Asadora 2, the 3rd and final novel for Bleach: Can’t Fear Your Own World, Blue Flag 7, Golden Kamuy 21, and Ultraman 15.

ANNA: I need to get caught up on Blue Flag.

ASH: I just recently caught up on it myself; it’s good!

SEAN: Yen On has reprints of Haruhi Suzumiya 7 & 8, the third and final volume of A Mysterious Job Called Oda Nobunaga, and Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World 6.

Yen Press debuts Hana and the Shape of the World (Hana-chan to, Sekai no Katachi), a one-shot collection revolving around a young girl exploring her town. This ran in Comic Beam.

ASH: I’m expecting this one to be good – it was one of the jury selections from last year’s Japan Media Arts Festival.

MELINDA: This sounds lovely.

SEAN: There’s also a 2nd Cirque du Freak omnibus, The Dark History of the Reincarnated Villainess 2, Mint Chocolate 2, Plunderer 7, RaW Hero 4, Sasaki and Miyano 2, So I’m a Spider, So What? 9, and Yowamushi Pedal 17.

Vampires? Sentai? Villainesses? Vacationing gay men? What holds your interest the most?

By: Sean Gaffney

#Anime #News #Manga Bookshelf

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aion-rsa · 4 years ago

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Holiday Gift Guide 2020: Books for Geeks

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The holiday season is probably going to look very different this year, but there’s one thing that hasn’t changed: the sacred ritual of gift-giving. While we might not be able to gather in the same way for the 2020 holiday season, we can still let the people in our lives know how much they mean to us with the perfect gift (and maybe get ourselves something nice while we’re at it—we deserve it).

We here at Den of Geek believe there is no better gift than a good book and, with nerd culture still very much mainstream culture, there is no shortage of geeky books to get the nerd in your life. From Star Wars and Star Trek to Outlander and Wheel of Time to those speculative fiction books that broke into the zeitgeist this year without a franchise to support them, here’s a list of books we recommend for every kind of geek…

Editor’s note: Den of Geek may receive a small commission from items purchased through the links in this story.

The Eye of the World 30th Anniversary Edition by Robert Jordan

For the “Wheel of Time” fan in your life.

We’re all excited about the forthcoming Amazon Prime adaptation of the Wheel of Time series, especially long-time fans of Jordan’s fantasy epic. It’s been 30 years since the series launched, and this special 30th Anniversary Edition of the first book in the series, The Eye of the World, helps capture all the magic of reading the book for the first time. This edition features a new introduction by Brandon Sanderson, a hardcover stamp of the snake-wheel symbol so important to the series, redesigned jacket art, and a ribbon bookmark. Whether you want to give this to a longtime fan or whether you’re hoping to hook an epic fantasy reader on the series, the high production value on this special edition makes for a great gift.

Buy The Eye of the World 30th Anniversary Edition by Robert Jordan

The Wintertime Paradox: Festive Stories from the World of Doctor Who by Dave Rudden

For the Doctor Who fan in your life.

This spin on Doctor Who features twelve stories in the “Whoverse” all set on or around Christmas. While the holiday doesn’t play an important feature in many of the stories, visions of the Doctor’s Christmas Past, Present, and Future are sure to entertain. Though most likely to appeal to fans of the series, this is also a collection marketed toward children, which makes it possible to share your love of the series with a young person in your life.

Buy The Wintertime Paradox: Festive Stories from the World of Doctor Who by Dave Rudden

Heroes’ Feast: The Official Dungeons and Dragons Cookbook

For the gamer in your life.

While cooking these recipes isn’t as simple as casting the titular spell, it does contain eighty recipes for fantasy inspired feasts. In addition to the recipes—some of which may be a little challenging for beginners, as they start from scratch rather than premade ingredients—the foods come with lore about the foods from the familiar Dungeons and Dragons cultures. Included are recipes for Feywild Eggs, “Orc” Bacon, Dwarven Mulled Wine, and Halfling Heartland’s Rose Apple and Blackberry Pie. Making some of these for game night might be a challenge, but Halfling-style Melted Cheeses with Chunky Tomato Broth sounds so good, your giftee won’t even mind if some spills on their character sheet.

Buy Heroes’ Feast: The Official Dungeons and Dragons Cookbook

Rebel Sisters by Tochi Onyebuchi

For the anti-war, YA fan in your life.

It’s been a big year for Onyebuchi, with this second book in his “War Girls” series and his first adult novel, Riot Baby, hitting the shelves. Onyebuchi’s Afrofuturist YA features nineteen year old Ify as a respected medical officer on the Space Colonies, and Uzo, a synth who’s working to preserve the memories and history of wartorn Nigeria. When a virus hits the Space Colonies, Ify must return to Nigeria for answers—even though she’d pledged to leave her homeland behind. For readers who love strong Black girls leading the action in a space-bound future, this is a fantastic pick.

Buy Rebel Sisters by Tochi Onyebuchi

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

For the Eragon and space opera fan.

Fantasy readers remember Christopher Paolini from ��The Inheritance Cycle,” published for YA readers, which were filled with dragons and magic. But Paolini’s first adult novel heads into space, introducing the Fractalverse setting, and focusing on a xenobiologist whose encounter with an ancient, alien artifact sends her across the galaxy, where the fate of humanity rests on her shoulders. This is a great choice for fans who grew up on Paolini’s YA novels, or for readers who like doorstopper sci fi.

Buy To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

The Hollow Ones by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

For fans of The Strain.

The Strain had four seasons on FX, and the horror drama procedural won fans and awards. The show was based on a trilogy of novels from master of horror Guillermo del Toro and literary heavyweight Chuck Hogan, who have now reunited on a fresh series. The Hollow Ones follows a young FBI agent who discovers an otherworldly evil when it takes over her partner—and forces her to kill him in self defense. For fans who love their procedurals with a heavy dose of horror, this is sure to keep their spines tingling.

Buy The Hollow Ones by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian by Phil Szostak

For fans of Baby Yoda.

The Mandalorian has clearly been a breakout show for Disney+, putting new life into the Star Wars universe, and featuring everyone’s favorite new character, The Child (aka Baby Yoda). The end of each episode features concept art designed for the show, and for viewers who love seeing where the ideas germinated, The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian is a fantastic way to dig into the details of the first season.

Buy The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian by Phil Szostak

Cemetery Boys by Aidan Thomas

For queer paranormal romance lovers.

Yadriel is determined to prove himself as a brujo—even though his family hasn’t accepted him as a boy. But when he raises the wrong spirit while trying to solve the mystery of his cousin’s death, everything gets more complicated. In our review, we praised the book for its groundbreaking depiction of trans identity in Latinx culture and called it “a riveting, romantic read filled with paranormal wonder.” Fans who loved the queer romance reveal in She-Ra won’t be able to stop turning pages.

Buy Cemetery Boys by Aidan Thomas

Seven of Infinities by Aliette de Bodard

For the lover of science fiction sleuths.

This latest in de Bodard’s Xuya universe features an unlikely pair of detectives teaming up to solve a murder. Vân is a poor scholar hiding her possession of an illegal implant. Sunless Woods is a mindship who is also a thief and master of disguise. The pair have to work together to solve a murder—and unravel their own secrets. For readers who enjoyed de Bodard’s previous The Tea Master and the Detective or enjoy a good detective tale in space, this is a sure hit.

Buy Seven of Infinities by Aliette de Bodard

Super Mario: Manga Mania by Yukio Sawada

For the NES nostalgic.

It’s the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros! This is the first Super Mario manga ever available in English, and for classic NES fans nostalgic for the good old days of their vintage system, the zany adventures contained in this volume hit all the right notes.

Buy Super Mario: Manga Mania by Yukio Sawada

Sal and Gabi Break / Fix the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

For the young reader in your life.

The Sal and Gabi duology (Sal and Gabi Break the Universe and Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe) are ostensibly about a boy who can reach through the multiverse and bring things through to his part of reality—but they’re also about friendship, finding common ground, being your best self, and sentient AI. Most middle grade books depict middle school as an evil horrible place, as much an antagonist as the book’s real villain. The Sal and Gabi books do away with all of that. Not only is Culeco Academy the coolest middle school ever, the series manages to ramp up all the tension and drama needed without having an actual villain. (Even the people who seem villainous at first turn out to be different from expected.) These are a delight for adult readers who love middle grade fiction, but they’re even more important for middle schoolers, who deserve to see kids their age saving the multiverse in communities full of hope and love.

Buy Sal and Gabi Break / Fix the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

Outlander Knitting: The Official Book of 20 Knits Inspired by the Hit Series by Kate Atherley

For the crafter in your life.

For fans of either Diana Gabaldon’s time-travel romance novel series or the hit Starz adaptation, this collection of patterns inspired by the show will transport your crafting friend into the Scottish Highlands. Featured among the projects are clothing, accessories, and decorations for the home.

Buy Outlander Knitting: The Official Book of 20 Knits Inspired by the Hit Series by Kate Atherley

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

For horror fans.

Compared favorably to horror-master Stephen King’s It, this classic revenge horror seamlessly combines elements of social commentary and drama. The story follows for American Indian men who, as childhood friends, experienced a disturbing event together. Now, the past has come back with a vengeance, and there’s no avoiding the violence they tried to leave behind. Jones is making his mark in the world of horror, and this is a not-to-be-missed thriller.

Buy The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

Teen Titans: Raven and Beast Boy box set by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo

For DC fans.

Garcia and Picolo’s Raven and Beast Boy origin stories reinvent the characters for an audience who may have already met them in kid-friendly Teen Titans Go! or adult-aimed Titans. While the comic versions presented here draw on those previous incarnations, the stories are self-contained, giving readers both familiar and new to the DC series a chance to experience them for the first time. This hardcover box set gives the books an extra gift-worthy feeling.

Buy Teen Titans: Raven and Beast Boy box set by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo

Thorn by Intisar Khanani

For the friend who needs a fresh fairy tale.

In this retelling of “The Goose Girl,” reluctant Princess Alyrra is happy to have escaped royal life. But when she learns of a plot against the prince, she must decide whether to reclaim the heritage she wanted to leave behind, or let the kingdom fall. This beautiful hardcover edition also features an additional short story set in the same world.

Buy Thorn by Intisar Khanani

Dinosaurs: The Grand Tour, Second Edition: Everything Worth Knowing about Dinosaurs from Aardonyx to Zuniceratops by Keiron Pim

For Jurassic World and other dinosaur fans.

While the 2020 entry into the Jurassic World franchise, Camp Cretaceous, was geared toward younger viewers, plenty of adults never grow out of their love of dinosaurs. And why should they? These prehistoric terrors continue to be amazing—and modern scientists continue to make new discoveries on an almost weekly basis. This huge guide to dinosaur species offers references for more than 300 species full of colorful illustrations that show these titans in all their (feathery!) glory.

Buy Dinosaurs—The Grand Tour, Second Edition: Everything Worth Knowing about Dinosaurs from Aardonyx to Zuniceratops by Keiron Pim

The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin

For the SFF connoisseur.

This series starter is set in a contemporary New York—but the city is coming to life. But a city killer is trying to stop New York from evolving, and the city’s mortal avatars are the target of its plans. It’s not uncommon to hear people considering N. K. Jemisin the best modern writer of speculative fiction, bar none, so picking up The City We Became, her most recent novel, is a no brainer if you’re buying for someone who likes smart, quality SFF.

Buy The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin

Cyber Shogun Revolution by Peter Tieryas

For the mecha enthusiast.

This triumphant conclusion to Tieryas’s United States of Japan trilogy, which can be read as a stand-alone, takes place in an alternate reality where Japan and Germany won World War II and divided the United States between them. An assassin known as Bloody Mary is determined to eliminate corruption from within the United States of Japan, regardless of the cost. It’s up to a secret police agent and a star mecha pilot to stop her, but determining enemies from friends is almost impossible. Tieryas balances the super cool world of mecha battles and spy action with searing social commentary and ethical questions, making this a challenging but imminently worthwhile read for fans of Pacific Rim.

Buy Cyber Shogun Revolution by Peter Tieryas

Star Trek: The Wisdom of Picard by Chip Carter

For the Star Trek fan in your life.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard has always been quotably wise. In this collection, Chip Carter pulls together some of the greatest lines, featuring Picard’s thoughts on leadership, justice, and space exploration. The quotes are accompanied by photography from iconic scenes of The Next Generation, making this a perfect gift for the Star Trek fan who already has everything.

Buy Star Trek: The Wisdom of Picard by Chip Carter

Axiom’s End by Lindsay Ellis

For fans of Arrival and Stranger Things.

This first contact story from Hugo-nominated video-essayist Ellis is set in an alternate 2007. In the world of the novel, Cora’s father has blown the whistle on the first contact cover up. Cora herself wants nothing to do with aliens, but when one of the aliens decides Cora is the only human he’ll talk to, she’s stuck in the middle of everything. For lovers of aliens and conspiracy theories, this is one to pick up.

Buy Axiom’s End by Lindsay Ellis

Court of Lions by Somaiya Daud

For lovers of YA court intrigue.

In this sequel to Daud’s Mirage, Amani, who has been forced to serve as the body double for Princess Maram, is on her last chance. The princess discovered Amani’s connection to the rebellion, and now Maram is suspicious of anything Amani does. Yet Amani is dedicated to the cause of seeing her people free, which means she has to make a choice: continue to work from within the palace and risk her life, or flee and risk her people. For a female-centered plot that deals with consequences of colonialism, this series conclusion and its predecessor are a sure hit.

Buy Court of Lions by Somaiya Daud

Star Wars From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back

For the Star Wars fan.

Called “one of the best Star Wars books released this year” in our Den of Geek review, this anthology is packed with stories from authors both well-known and unfamiliar, whose works delve into the lives of central and side characters from The Empire Strikes Back. While some explore relationships between key characters (Luke, Leia, Obi-wan), others tackle the points of view of previously unnamed creatures (Sy-O, the space slug that swallows the Millenium Falcon). The stories are sometimes delightfully weird, other times grim or tender, and all a good gift choice for the Star Wars fan whose favorite film is still Empire.

Buy Star Wars From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back

Remina by Junji Ito

For the manga fan.

This science fiction horror story centers on Dr. Oguro, who discovers a planet that has emerged from a wormhole and names it after his daughter, Remina. But as the girl Remina rises to fame, the planet shifts its course, threatening all life on Earth. Could Remina herself be the cause? This chilling story is a classic from Eisner-winner Junji Ito newly released for an English-reading audience.

Buy Remina by Junji Ito

Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee by Shannon Lee

For the martial arts enthusiast.

For friends who like a little more grounded, real-world take, this exploration of Bruce Lee’s philosophies, written by his daughter, offer insight into the legendary martial artist. Although this title offers no martial arts tips, it is full of philosophy, untold stories, and inspirational takes from the cultural icon.

Buy Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee by Shannon Lee

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

For the lover of gothic horror.

When her cousin begs her to come rescue her from a mysterious doom, Noemí heads to a house in the Mexican countryside. As she looks into the secrets of both the house and her newly-wed cousin’s husband, Noemí finds that there’s more danger—real and supernatural—than she ever imagined. Set in the 1950s, this supernatural horror blends elements of Rebecca and science fiction for a chilling novel perfect for lovers of classic gothics.

Buy Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Marvel Greatest Comics: 100 Comics That Built a Universe

For the Marvel fan.

In a collection that spans the entire history of Marvel comics, characters like the Human Torch, Spider-Man, the Avengers, and the Guardians of the Galaxy show their historical origins. If you have a fan who’s waiting impatiently for the next MCU offering, this collection of some of Marvel’s defining comics from the company’s history may be just what they need to tide them over.

Buy Marvel Greatest Comics: 100 Comics that Built a Universe

Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar

For lovers of mythology and fairy tales.

Billed as Neil Gaiman’s Stardust meets Hindi mythology, this debut novel centers on the daughter of a star and a mortal. Sheetal tries to be normal, but when her starfire accidentally hurts her mortal father, she must travel to the celestial court in order to save him. The combination of court intrigue, mythology, and a fairy-tale like tone is perfect for YA lovers.

Buy Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar

Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews

For the romantic who needs a great stocking stuffer.

Although better known for the popular Kate Daniels series, the Ilona Andrews team (husband and wife Ilona and Gordon) has knocked it out of the park with the most recent installment in their “Hidden Legacy” series. There are now five novels and a novella in the series, with Emerald Blaze as the second book of a second arc, but while the book is most likely to resonate with readers already introduced to the character, it’s also a stand-alone magic-spy-action-adventure-romance. Despite that blend of genres, Team Andrews melds it all together in a world with both super cool magic and an alternate-reality Instagram, featuring characters you want to hang out with regardless of the stakes. The mass-market size also makes it perfect to slip into a stocking!

Buy Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews

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rpgsandbox · 5 years ago

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Welcome to a brave new age of promise or peril...

Age of Ambition is a fantasy roleplaying game set in a world rapidly leaving the traditional fantasy milieu behind. It's the game of forward-facing fantasy! Where the heroes help guide the world into a brave new era of promise or peril.

What makes Age of Ambition different?

We’re at a moment where fantasy, as a literary genre, has realized that societies change, grow and evolve, even if fantasy gaming has lagged behind, mired in static worlds, with no significant technological, magical or social progress.

Age of Ambition changes that. It presents a world in a state of rapid flux, where magical and technological advancements are challenging the long-standing social order. It’s a world that’s grown beyond medieval fantasy to become something new.

Furthermore, Age of Ambition casts the heroes as agents of social change. They are inventors and agitators, spies and civic leaders, who help guide the world into a brave and uncertain future.

Age of Ambition will be a hardcover full-color book estimated at about 280 pages. Its features include:

A lifepath-style character creation system, including birth omens, life events and careers that connect each character to the changing world.

A fully-realized fantasy setting, including social dynamics, history, magic, politics and plot hooks galore! Discover a world rapidly leaving the medieval behind and entering a new era of hope and trepidation.

Support for a wide spectrum of power and influence, from peasant revolutionaries to the leaders of nations.

Systems for personal ambitions, social change, inventions, trading goods, leading organizations, magic, combat, social status and more!

We have a proven track record of delivering Kickstarter rewards on time or early. The core rulebook is 100% written and it has received extensive playtesting, including several rounds of open playtests.

Age of Ambition is inspired by a variety of fantasy fiction, including: Joe Abercrombie's First Law series, Terry Pratchett's Discworld, Scott Lynch's Gentleman Bastard series and Brian McClellan's Powder Mage trilogies.

It takes place in the fantasy world of Trystell, home to a number of different peoples—from humans and minotaurs, to ogres and gnomes. It is also the moon of a gas giant, with a hostile sister moon that once tried to colonize the world.

Socially and culturally, Trystell is rapidly advancing from its equivalent of Earth’s Middle Ages, into what might be called the Early Modern era. This is giving rise to new ways of thinking, and to advances in both magic and technology.

Most of all, Trystell is a world that’s facing its future. It’s beholden to shades of gray and intrigue. No one knows what this new era will bring, but with it comes great peril and great promise.

So strap on your breastplate and pick up your pistol. There are discoveries to make, wrongs to right, tyrants to overthrow and new social orders to trial.

“Love the Saga Machine system... Going to adapt the system to other RPGs!” —James C., DriveThruRPG

Age of Ambition is a new take on the fantasy genre. The core system, Saga Machine, has been in use for over a decade, including publication in our other roleplaying games, Shadows Over Sol, Against the Dark Yogi and Dime Adventures.

This version of the rules has been entirely revised and streamlined. In the playtest and elsewhere it has received widespread praise. We have 4.9 out of 5 stars on DriveThruRPG!

Want to know more?

All backers can access the complete draft text of Age of Ambition today! Even a $1 pledge gets you access to the text. Simply follow the link from our first backer-only update!

A Quick-Start is also available on DriveThruRPG.

Kickstarter campaign ends: Thu, February 20 2020 2:59 PM UTC +00:00

Website: Tab Creations

#RPG #kickstarter #Age of Ambition #Tab Creations

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avatar-news · 6 years ago

Photo

It’s a really good time to be an Avatar fan right now, with a LOT of content coming our way soon. So much that it’s hard to keep track of...

So here’s a classic korranews masterpost with everything you need to know.

⛰️🔥🌪️🌊 The Road Ahead: an Avatar mega update

— September 2018

First up, in case you missed it, the following recent-ish stuff is already out!

All three parts of The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars graphic novel trilogy

The Legend of Korra: Pro-bending Arena, a super cool table top game with detailed figurines of a bunch of the characters

Secrets of Elvendale, a fantasy series on Netflix animated by Studio Mir

Pins!!! Check their online store because there’s about a million new ones (I need to make a whole masterpost just for that...)

The trailer for The Dragon Prince, a new animated fantasy series from the head writer of ATLA

The 2018 Korra FCBD comic

ATLA in true 1080p HD on Blu-ray and digital download!!!!!

And coming soon...

Imbalance

A new ATLA graphic novel trilogy, with a brand new writer and artist! The story covers a burgeoning bender-nonbender conflict in an industrial town, a very intriguing potential first link to the founding of Republic City and bridging the seventy-year gap to TLOK.

Part 1 comes out this year, on December 12th. Part 2 follows on April 16th 2019, with Part 3 expected in approximately August next year as well.

See all the detailed info we have so far, and keep up-to-date, with our #imbalance tag.

Team Avatar Tales

An anthology of comics following Team Avatar on various never-before-seen adventures! We don’t know a lot yet but this should be a very nice collection of stories.

This anthology hits shelves on January 2nd, 2019.

#team avatar tales

Turf Wars library edition

If the ATLA trilogies’ library editions are anything to go on, this volume collecting all three parts of Turf Wars should be a stunning hardcover with plenty of cool behind the scenes info, art, and extras.

You can get it on March 26th, 2019.

#turf wars

An Avatar’s Chronicle

This scrapbook-type release dealing with Korra looking back on her journey so far is going to be filled with gorgeous, full illustrations and posters, in-universe letters, inserts, mementos, keepsakes, photos, and more. It should also have some new stories and moments with the characters. Sounds cool!!

It comes out on May 21st, 2019.

#an avatar’s chronicle

The Rise of Kyoshi

This one technically isn’t ATLA or TLOK... we’re venturing into new territory?!?!

A big surprise we very happily got hit with recently, The Rise of Kyoshi is an upcoming epic YA novel series about the origins of Avatar Kyoshi from a humble corner of the Earth Kingdom, starting her journey to legendary greatness.

It’s going to be two books, with the first hitting shelves on July 16th, 2019. When Book 2 comes is anybody’s guess, but a year later in summer 2020 is a potential ballpark.

#the rise of kyoshi

The next Korra trilogy

This is the one we know least about, but what’s exciting is that we know it exists at all! Korra’s story isn’t over yet: we have confirmation that a new graphic novel trilogy is happening. The rumor mill says we might finally be seeing the Fire Nation, but only time will tell...

We can hopefully expect some concrete information about this at NYCC in October. As for a release date, expect at least a few months between the end of Imbalance and the start of this, so late 2019 at the earliest, but probably 2020.

#korra comics

Oh, and one last thing...

FUNKO POPS ARE COMING

That is all.

— ⛰️🔥🌪️🌊

So there you have it, the full slate! Novels, graphic novels, comics, merch, books of all kinds... yep, it’s a good time to be an Avatar fan. (Next week in particular might have a lil something in store for you... 👀)

Who knows what else is just around the corner?! Whatever it is, it’s clear that this franchise is still going strong and won’t be stopping any time soon. Good news for us!!

#masterpost #hope you guys find this useful!#imbalance #team avatar tales #korra comics #turf wars #an avatar's chronicle #kyoshi series #the rise of kyoshi #funko #chronicles of the avatar #merch

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jason-redhood · 6 years ago

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Hiya!! For the book ask, 1, 2, 3, 8, 16, 17, 27, 29, 39, 48, and 50! I know it's a lot, I apologize. 🙈

Not all heroes wear capes! Thank you for coming through, lovely! ❣️

1. What book did you last finish? When was that?

I finished reading A Gathering of Shadows by V. E. Schwab two days ago.

2. What are you currently reading?

The Wicked King by Holly Black

3. What book are you planning to read next?

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo

8. Paperback or Hardcover? Why?

I used to prefer hardcover, they’re nice and sturdy (better to smack people with), but lately, I feel myself gravitating towards paperbacks. They’re lighter, easier to travel with, and less expensive. Ultimately, it depends on the cover design, ngl.

16. If you could bring three books to a deserted island, which would you bring and why?

Realistically, survival handbooks of some sort. If we’re only counting books I’ve read, I would take the Hunger Games trilogy. It’s been a while but there’s gotta be some helpful tips in there, right??? (I’m going to die.)

17. If you owned a bookshop what would you call it?

Bound Worlds. Or something punny. Or use a cool sounding French word. (Chevalier’s Books is an actual bookstore somewhere in Los Angeles and it means Knight in French!)

27. If you could change one thing about mainstream literature what would you change? (i.e. more diversity, better writing, better plot, etc.)

Good question! For the longest time in the YA genre, you’d pick up a book and it’s about a white girl who doesn’t know how beautiful she is, saving the world while finding herself in the midst of a love triangle. That’s so overdone and doesn’t have any kind of representation. We’re definitely seeing more intriguing plots now, but since I can only change one thing, it would be diversity. Representation is so important. Being able to connect and relate with a character and see yourself in them is truly magical. It’s something everyone should get to experience.

29. How do you sort your shelves?

I don’t have shelves. I have a one drawer nightstand and the space below it is where I stack my books, usually by favorites and color.

39. Name one of your favorite childhood books.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

48. Where is your favorite place to read?

My local library. They have this cool iridescent window tint on the second floor that paints the library in rainbow hues in the late afternoon.

50. Why do you love to read?

It’s the greatest form of escapism that I know, and by far my healthiest coping mechanism.

#court intrigue is all the rage right now so thats what my to-read list consists of #thank you for sending this ask! ily!#asks #long post #in case the read more link doesn't work #ask games

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eternallyimaginative · 6 years ago

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Oblivion (a Nevermore novel) by Kelly Craigh

Book: Oblivion (a Nevermore novel)

Author: Kelly Craigh

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Release Date: July 28th, 2015

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 448

Started Reading: March 29, 2019

Finished Reading: April 1, 2019

Summary (supplied from GoodReads): This electrifying conclusion to the Nevermore trilogy takes one last trip to the dream world of Edgar Allan Poe to reveal the intertwined fates of Isobel and Varen. The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins? —Edgar Allan Poe The fine line between life and death blurred long ago for Isobel Lanley. After a deadly confrontation with Varen in the dreamworld, she’s terrified to return to that desolate and dangerous place. But when her nightmares resume, bleeding into reality, she is left with no choice. Varen’s darkness is catching up to her. To everything. Threatening to devour it all. Isobel fears for her world. For her sanity and Varen’s—especially after a fresh and devastating loss. To make matters worse, the ghostly demon Lilith wants Varen for her own, and she will do anything to keep him in her grasp—anything. Can Isobel ever find her happy ending? Worlds collide and fates are sealed in this breathtaking finale to the Nevermore trilogy.

My Thoughts: Could this story melt whatever heard and soul I have more? This book...is right up there with Nevermore on the same pedistal. So beautiful it was.

That Pinfeathers think I mentioned in the last book review? Yeah...I had an emotional connection to him by this book. I see why he went the way he did, but I kind of wished we saw him a bit longer in the book. But, then again if he was still hanging around Varen wouldn’t have come to his senses the way that he did.

Varen...oh you were the one that melted my soul the most. Even though we didn’t read through your perspective and through Isobel’s...oh how it was heartbreakign to see that you still thought se was dead...Why am I listening the Marianas Trench while reading this book and reviewing it?! First time I’ve heard this album by the band...and I’m on the Ghost song...oh good lord and lady (*coughs* sorry the Wiccan in me) this song goes so well with him...it makes me upset now....And I though Rhythm of Your Heart did...What is my life anymore?!

I wish that we saw more Gwen and Danny, but again I understand why we didn’t. In a way I think this book was making up for the last one in regards to giving us more time with Varen, and also with Isobel being so close to reaching him since it is the last novel of the trilogy.

I still think the best scene in this one was when Varen finally realized that she wasn’t a dream, though he still though she was dead and he morphed the surroundings to like that beach scene that resembled the Poe Poem...

I actually liked seeing Varen interacting more with the Dream world, and not just him in his gloom state. Especially when he did want to get out of there and out of Lilith’s grasp on his mind.

Speaking of Lilith...I feel like through out the story now that I think about it....as much as she terrified me...we could have been spending more time on her lore, and the like. But, then again we were probably only told what we as the audience needed to hear. I don’t it was just a thought regarding the world building...

Reynolds....Kelly I have to say it...as much as I love Isobel, Varen, Gwen, and Danny....I honestly think Reynolds was the best character in the whole story. The twists you put us through involving him were unreal. He’s the Snape of this series. Like you want to dislike him...truly dislike him at times...but then by the end of the book you truly love him... Though I do wish that were was a bit more time to explore him. But, again its probably that we the audience didn’t have to know. After all we were only told what Isobel was told, and even she by the end of the story was still a little puzzled.

The end of the book.....a very love/hate relationship with the end of the book. I found it bittersweet...Its almost like the story wasn’t COMPLETELY ended. Especially with the epilogue. I mean we’re told a bit of why Varen had initially gone into his own mentality the way that he did. I’m feeling from all of the hints that his mother was the catalyst for this...he went to meet her 2 years after all this stuff happened....and yet...he couldn’t bring himself to approach her. I mean I get it...this happens in real life more often than not...but considering the paranormal/horror stuff that the series revolved around....I would have kind of liked to know why his mother left Mr. Nethers, but most of all leaving Varen too...Like did she know some of this stuff? She was just hinted at so much...like Varen’s attachment was a core element to the story lore...but there was nothing at the end...

Verdict: A very bitter sweet ending to this wonderful trilogy. You really do need to have patience with it. But, if you can supply that patience you will greatly be rewarded with this enriching story. Take note though that you should listen to Rythm of Your Heart when reading the scene of the Grim Facade in Nevermore, and Ghost while reading this book. Both songs are by Marianas Trench.

youtube

#book #book review #nevermore #oblivion #isobel #isobel lanley #varen #varen nethers #kelly craigh #marianas trench #ghost #41/2 stars out of 5 #reynolds #edgar allen poe

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silvershanica · 6 years ago

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Book Review: Grey Sister, Book 2 of the Ancestor Trilogy, by Mark Lawrence

So I finished this one a week ago, but got busy and forgot to post up my review. However, in the spirit of better late than never, here it is!

I loved Red Sister. The first book of the Ancestor series, it was a fantastic epic grimdark fantasy. It left me wanting more and so I couldn’t be more excited when Grey Sister finally came out in mass market and I could get my copy (I have a thing about books in series being in the same format...you know what I’m talking about). But with the second book of any trilogy, there is always the fear of the “saggy middle”. We’ve all seen it with books, and with movies, where the action drops off and the book seems like a slog because we’re being set up for all the big things that will happen in number 3.

I am thrilled to say that Grey Sister more than lives up to it’s predecessor! The story had me hooked back in right away, and I did not want to have to stop reading (sadly one must do things like work, eat and sleep...) because I just wanted to know what happened next. I was thrilled to get into the head of more characters in the story, along with following Nona’s journey. It was great to see the curtains pulled back and learn more about the backgrounds of some of the most important and influential characters, getting hints about what is coming next without having anything given away. Its been a while since I’ve been dragged into and held with a story the way the Book of the Ancestor series has grabbed me. Mark Lawrence is a master storyteller and does not disappoint.

I am so excited for Holy Sister to come out that I have done something I generally hate doing for book series I love - I’ve put the hardcover on hold at the library so I don’t have to wait so long to read it! I desperately want to own it, of course, but until the mass market comes out to keep the shelves looking pretty... I was actually shocked (and I really don’t know why, the series is just so good) that I was the 12th! person to put a hold on Holy Sister, despite the book not even being out yet. All I can hope is that the 11 people before me are fast readers...

If you haven’t seen it yet, you can read my review of Red Sister HERE. And if you haven’t yet begun to read the story of a young girl named Nona and her quest toward becoming the most amazingly ferocious fighting nun you’ve ever heard of, you need to start now!

#GreySister #Grey Sister #Book of the Ancestor #BookOfTheAncestor #Mark Lawrence #MarkLawrence #Red Sister #RedSister #am reading #amreading #book review #bookreview #fantasy #fantasy fiction #fantasyfiction #grimdark #epic fantasy

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dragoneye01 · 7 years ago

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Snake King

Snake Charmer Part 3 of 3

Snake Charmer Part 2 of 3

Snake Charmer Part 1 of 3

Sweet Pea x Reader

Summary: North and South side collide as Archie Andrews wrongs the Serpents in more ways in one. How will you react when you’re thrown in to the middle?

Word Count: 4,600

Tagging: @ju-gg , @ladymormontlyanna, @lovingirwinandbarnes

Notes: Last part of the Trilogy! I hope you enjoy! I love seeing comments if you have any.

Even though you had your own Serpents jacket, you still stole Sweet Pea’s every now and then. It was bigger than yours and normally warmer. You were cold and wrapped up in his jacket as you curled on your bed with a book. It was mandatory for your English class and you had gotten a couple chapters behind.

“I want my jacket back, you snake.” Sweet Pea said, leaning against your bed as you both read. He was reading “A Clockwork Orange”, while you read “Frankenstein”. Two very different books.

“How can you even read that book? The writing is so weird.” You said, looking over his shoulder, taking the jacket off.

“Frankenstein is weird. It’s all old writing.” Sweet Pea shook his head and scoffed.

“Fuck off.” You laughed.

“Make me.” Sweet Pea smirked.

“You wish.” You pinched his ear, handing him his jacket.

“Get up already. We already missed the first two periods of the day. You at least need to go to school.” He said, putting on his jacket.

“Wow, you care a lot about school all of a sudden.” You commented, pulling a sweater on and then throwing your books in your bag.

“I don’t. I care about you, asshole.” Sweet Pea rolled his eyes, picking up your bag and his.

“Well, I care about you, too. Can you give me a ride? I rather not walk.” You said.

“Let’s go, then.” Sweet Pea pulled on your hand and you followed him out of your house.

“By the way, you know that new kid, Jughead?” You brought up.

“I’m aware of him.” Sweet Pea clicked his teeth.

“Toni and I were going to do homework with him and his friends tonight. I thought I’d tell you.” You warned him.

“I don’t like him. He’s flaky.” Sweet Pea huffed, obviously disliking him.

“Well, Toni will be there and between us we could take all those northsiders.” You said, livid. “It’ll be fine, Sweets. I’ll tell you about it when I get back, ok?” You watched Sweet Pea start up his bike.

“Ok.” He nodded, kissing you before getting on. “As long as Toni’s there.” He said, handing you your helmet.

“As long as Toni’s there.” You nodded, getting on after him and going to school. You had met Jughead his first day of school. Toni had introduced the two of you when she was giving him the grand tour of South Side High. Jughead was a bit strange, but everyone was strange at this school. Hell, you hung out with a rattlesnake at a bar when you and Sweet Pea had an argument. It was the surest way he couldn’t come near you without being bit. Extreme? Maybe. But he also threw your notebook into a fire when you sketched an unflattering picture of him. You didn’t blame him for that one.

“Hey, Jughead.” You had a math class with him. “For studying today, are we studying or studying?” You tried your best to wink. It took Jughead a couple minutes to understand what you mean, but then nodded.

“Both.” He nodded his head. “Do you know any good books about. . . our topic?” He asked, his voice low.

“You really need to ask?” You grinned, but remembered you both just met. “I mean, yeah, a lot. Where are we meeting? I can bring my books by.” You offered.

“My friends house. Since my other friends are going to be there, it might get crowded for the trailer. Here, I can give you his address.” Jughead took one of your notebooks and started to scribble on the back of it. You stared at the address, realizing it was in the north side. You kinda figured, but still.

“Ok. I’ll be a little late, but I’ll be there. Toni will be with you, right? Sweet Pea. . . doesn’t like you too much.” You admitted.

“I noticed.” Jughead grumbled.

“I know he can be an ass sometimes, but he’s good. Loyal. And he doesn’t like us hanging out without Toni. Even though we’re both dating people, he can be a bit jealous.” You explained.

“Well, you’re not my type so you don’t have to worry.” Jughead smiled.

“You aren’t either. I’m more likely to date Toni than you.” You laughed. “I’ll see you after school, though. Your friends place.” You said before actually taking a look at the work laid out in front of you. Mmmmm, polynomials.

You went to your house after school, grabbing as many books as you could find on serial killers, which was scarily a lot. You’d have to thank your mom’s obsession with true crime later. You decided to walk to the north side, even though it was a long way. Your backpack was heavy on your shoulders as you made your way down the street, earning looks from a lot of people who were scared of the snake on your back. You found the address and knocked on the door, checking out the large house. The door opened and you came face to face with an attractive young red-head.

“Are you. . . a friend of Jugs?” He asked, looking you up and down.

“(Y/n). You must be Jughead’s friend. What’s your name, so I don’t have to keep calling you “Jughead’s friend” the rest of the night?” You asked, smiling kindly.

“Archie.” He smiled back. “Archie Andrews. Come in. Everybody’s already here.” He opened the door wider and let you in.

“Thanks. Sorry I came late. I was picking up a few books for Jughead’s hunt.” You explained, following Archie into the livingroom. Everyone was already sitting in a circle, making room as you and Archie came in.

“I brought those books for you.” You told Jughead, pulling out four hardcover books on serial killers.

“Thanks. This is my girlfriend, Betty.” He introduced and you smiled, shaking her hand.

“Nice to meet you. I’m (Y/n).” You said.

“I’ve heard about you.” She nodded, shaking your hand. “This is Kevin, by the way.” You looked over to the other boy hanging out between Betty and Toni.

“Big fan of you and you’re. . .” Kevin gestured to your whole being and you just smiled at him.

“Well, I’m honored. Wait, you dated Joaquin, didn’t you?” You exclaimed. Toni looked up, curiously. Kevin blushed a little and nodded.

“Any friend of his is a friend of mine. That extends to all of you, by the way.” You said, sitting down beside Archie.

“Bookworm?” He asked, seeing all the textbooks and others you had in your bag.

“Just a bit.” You laughed. “My house is basically a library. Your place seems nice, too, though. Very. . . roomy.”

“It’s not too bad. I like having friends over, especially when my dad works late.” He explained.

“Ah. My mom works really late, too. What does your dad do?” You asked.

“Construction. Your mom?”

“Automotives. I know a bit, too. Over the summer I’m basically her second hand.” You laughed.

“Really? I work for my dad over the summer, too.” He said. Archie was nice and he was keenly interested in your life on the south side. Just as much as you were interested in life on the north side. You wondered if he knew you and Toni were serpents but decided you didn’t care. Archie was helping you on some of your history work (since Sweet Pea kept distracting you in class) when you decided you were hungry.

“Got any food around here?” You asked as a couple people were leaving.

“Yeah, follow me.” Archie got up, walking to his kitchen. Toni had been watching you and didn’t like the way Archie was looking at you. He was getting a bit too friendly. In the kitchen, Archie started making you a sandwich, which you thought was very sweet.

“I was just feeling snacky. No need to make me a whole meal.” You teased, bumping your hip against his as he put turkey on the bread.

“Well, it’s past dinner time, so I expect you wanted a little something more than chips.” He smiled, looking sideways at you. You were leaning on the countertop, arms crossed, watching Archi move.

“What’s it like being the golden boy of the north side?” You asked, leaning over to get a good look at the sandwich. Archie scoffed.

“What’s it like being a gang member?” He asked.

“Not as interesting as it seems.” You laughed as Archie looked up at you. “I get to play with snakes and babysit a dog. Yeah, there’s some drug and violence, but you get over it. I’m like a rose. I got my thorns.” You winked. Before you knew what was happening, Archie had leaned forward to kiss you. You were frozen in your place from surprise. When Archie moved to cup your face, you shoved him back.

“What the fuck, man?” You hissed, wiping at your mouth.

“I. . . I just thought-”

“I have a boyfriend. Who would kill you if he found out you kissed me.” You said.

“(Y/n), wait. Please. I didn’t mean. . . I did, but-” He was fumbling with his words, walking towards you.

“Stop.” You put your hand on his chest. “I need to go.” You left the kitchen and went in the living room, grabbing your textbook and backpack.

“(Y/n), are you ok?” Toni looked up in concern.

“Yeah, yeah. I was just supposed to be home an hour ago. Thanks for having me over.” You said quickly, slinging your bag over your back and leaving the house before anyone could say anything. It was dark outside as you walked down the streets, your backpack hanging off one shoulder. It was cold and you zipped your leather jacket up to keep warm. Your feet started to hurt once you got halfway to south side and a black car slowed down beside you. Your hand touched the knife in your pocket, heart racing in case it was some creep. The window rolled down to show two familiar men.

“Malachai, what the fuck, you scared me.” You sighed, letting go of your knife. You hated Ghoulies as much as the next person, but Malachai was one of your mom’s usuals. He wasn’t that bad when you got to know him.

“Lonely out here, kid. Need a ride?” He offered across his dark friend. You looked out at the road, back to Malachai and felt the soreness in your shoulders.

“Yeah, I’ll take a ride. No detours, though. I want to go straight home.” You said, getting into the back of the black car.

“So, when’d you become a Serpent?” Malachai asked as he got the car back on the road. “I always thought I could get you on our side.” He grinned.

“After your guy tried killing me? No way. I haven’t been a Serpent long, but I’m dating another one.” You told him.

“Really? Must run in your family to spread your legs for snakes.” Malachai looked into the mirror. You rolled your eyes.

“Yeah, it’s genetic. I got it from my two gay moms who totally gave birth to me.” You said, sarcastically.

“Watch that tongue of yours, girl. My favorite part of you, but it’s like a knife.” He said, turning to glance at you before looking back at the road. Him and his friend were wearing metal studded jackets and chains and silver rings. The classic Ghoulie look.

“Thanks. I personally think your hair is your best feature. I don’t know anyway with better hair.” You told him, leaning back in the seat.

“You flatter me, too much, girl. Here’s your house.” He pulled up, coming to a stop. You were surprised to see Sweet Pea sitting out on your porch, waiting for you.

“Thanks for the ride. I owe you one.” You opened up the door.

“Really?”

“No.” You slammed the door and let the two Ghoulies drive off in the night. Sweet Pea had his brows furrowed, obviously not happy.

“I’ve been texting you all night.” He said, standing up from where he was sitting.

“I was a bit busy.” You said in return.

“You let those Ghoulies give you a ride home? Why didn’t you call me?” Sweet Pea asked, arms crossed. He was definitely not happy, especially after getting a text from Toni telling him that you stormed out in a hurry.

“I was. . .” You felt your cheeks heat up.

“You know that ginger of Jughead’s?” You asked, walking up to the steps. Sweet Pea narrowed his eyes further, lips tight.

“He pulled a gun on me when we caught him spray painting on our terf.” He said, tensely.

“He what?!” You exclaimed. “Tonight, he fucking kissed me.”

“What?!” Sweet Pea yelled, anger seething from his voice. He looked like he was going to kill someone.

“I pushed him off when he did. I walked home because I couldn’t face you after that. I don’t want you to think I’m a cheater or something because I’m not.” You started to speak really fast. Sweet pea put his hands on your shoulders, looking down at you.

“I’m going to beat his ass into the pavement. You hear me? No one touches my girl and gets away with it.” He hissed.

“Sweets, he pointed a gun at you! You know what’ll happen if you hurt him? You’ll get arrested!” You exclaimed, grabbing Sweet Pea’s arm. “Those police officers don’t care about people like us! They look at Archie and see a golden boy who had a mental break! They look at us see thugs and people who belong behind bars. I can’t. . . I can’t lose you to this system.” You said, desperately. Sweet Pea stared at you and pulled you against his chest, holding you.

“I need to take care of this.” He said, which you understood. You couldn’t control what he did; only manage it in a way.

“Whatever you do. . .” You looked up at him. “I want to be there.”

“No, you’ll just get hurt.” Sweets shook his head.

“I don’t get hurt.” You told him, jaw clenched. Sweet Pea sighed, trying to keep the smile off his face.

“I’m going to fight Archie one way or another. Whatever happens, I’ll give you a place and a time.” He told you.

“Ok.” You nodded. “Agreed.” You squeezed his arm. “Do you. . . want to come in?” You asked him. Sweet Pea looked at your house, then back at you.

“Actually, I have some Serpent stuff to do. I just wanted to make sure you were ok.” Sweet Pea said, taking a step back.

“Ok. I’ll see you tomorrow morning, ok?” You asked, worried.

“‘Course.” He nodded, kissing your cheek before getting on his bike and leaving. Your head hurt when you got in your house, going directly towards your room. You barely got any work done because of Archie distracting you and you had homework due tomorrow. In an act of annoyance, you fell asleep with several notebooks out.

You woke up to the sound of pebbles hitting your windowsill. It was light out and you weren’t wearing any pants as you walked over to your window. You opened it right when a pebble came up and hit your shoulder. Sweet Pea was standing below.

“Why don’t you just come up instead of throwing rocks at me?” You called down.

“Doors locked.” He shrugged. You groaned, telling him it’d be just a sec as you pulled your clothes on and went downstairs.

“Morning to you, too.” You said, opening up the doors. Sweet Pea just stood there.

“Are you ready to go or. . ?” He trailed off, hands in his pockets. You nodded, grabbing your bag and keys to lock up.

“I must’ve slept in. Sorry about that.” You shook your head. Sweet Pea looked you up and down.

“Still shaken up?” He asked.

“A bit. I just. . . still feel awful.” You admitted, walking over to his bike.

“Don’t.” Sweet Pea wrapped an arm around your shoulders. You sighed, leaning into his side.

At school, you had to stop Sweet pea from hitting Jughead right away, since he thought it was partially his fault. You apologized to both sides, explaining that Jughead had nothing to do with it.

“Geez, control your boyfriend.” Jughead commented in your math class when you sat with him.

“Control your Archie. Did he tell you what he did?” You asked him, seriously.

“Did what? What’d Archie do?” Jughead asked, crinkling his nose and furrowing his eyebrows.

“Sweet Pea’s pissed off because Archie kissed me in his kitchen.” You explained.

“You told Sweet Pea?” Jughead leaned across the table. “Shit, that explains a lot.” He leaned back and ran his hands over his face.

“Explains what?” You asked, feeling worried now.

“Sweet Pea and the Serpents want to pick a fight with the Red Circle tonight.” Jughead told you.

“He’s picking a fight and he didn’t tell me?!” You exclaimed. “He’s going to get a piece of my mind.” You growled, taking out your phone and starting to type angrily.

When are you fighting Archie?

SP: Stay home.

I will not!

SP: You’re going to get hurt.

You promised you’d take me with.

SP: I’ll pick you up, but you stay out of the fight.

Deal.

SP: Deal.

“What a fucking idiot.” You grumbled, still typing on your phone.

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Jughead rolled his eyes.

“I’m serious. Like hell I’m just going to sit around on my ass while he’s making a jerk of himself. I mean, it’s totally reasonable, but still.” You huffed, crossing your arms.

“What are you going to do?” Jughead rose a brow.

“I’m joining this fight, that’s what.” You decided.

Sweet Pea was nowhere to be found after school. Usually, you hung out or he gave you a ride home, so not seeing him was weird. You groaned, walking home to drop off your bag before going to the Whyte Wyrm to look for your boyfriend. What you saw when you got home wasn’t what you were expecting. Sweet Pea was leaning against his motorcycle with five other guys, including Fangs. They were all over your porch, backpacks resting on the steps.

“What. . . is this?” You asked, curiously.

“You wanted to come with. We were just waiting for you.” Sweet Pea said, nodding his head towards the other boys.

“My one rule.” You declared, looking at each guy there. “You let me talk to him first. And. . . please put your backpacks under the porch because I heard it’s going to rain and Tall Boy will literally beat your ass if your grades get any worse.” You said, feeling like the mom in the group.

“Sounds good. You heard her, boys.” Sweet Pea nodded. Each boy picked up his backpack and let you put it on your porch instead of the stairs, so if it rained it wouldn’t get wet. Sweet Pea grabbed your hand and pulled you over to his bike.

“You have a plan on what you’re going to say to that rat bastard?” Sweet Pea whispered.

“Yeah, I do. Just a warning. I don’t want to get in the middle of this fight.” You told him, taking the helmet that was yours. “Can you do me one thing, though?”

“Anything.” Sweet Pea squeezed your hand.

“If there’s a gun, you run.” You said, seriously.

“If there’s a gun, we run.” He promised, starting up his bike. You got on the back, wrapping your hands around his waist as he rode off to the north side. The sun was setting and you could feel the electricity in the air. It was the calm before the storm. You could smell the chemicals in the air meaning it was going to rain soon. Always a pleasant smell, but today your stomach was in knots and it was not helping. There were cars outside of Archie’s house and you were worried. That meant people could be over. It didn’t matter if they were friends of his or maybe friends of his dad’s, It meant trouble.

As the sun fell behind the houses, the Serpents parked their bikes in the streets, looking up at the crackling sky. Sweet Pea adjusted his jacket, hanging his helmet on the handlebars of his bike.

“You wanted to talk to him first.” Sweet Pea said, letting you walk in front of the formation of gang members. You felt powerful. Like Sweet Pea was the king and you were his queen. You knocked on the door, not even having to wait that long for someone to answer.

“(Y/n)?” Archie said in utter astonishment, looking behind you at the dark, leather clad gang members.

“Let’s be civil.” You started, digging your hands in your jacket pockets. “You can’t come in to the south side and tag stuff that isn’t yours. That’s asking to start a fight.” You explained.

“Yeah, stay on your own side of the tracks, dipshit. You think you can come to my turf and wave a fucking gun around without consequences?” Sweet Pea stood by your side, making you seem a lot smaller. Archie looked between the two of you and how your stances were in sync.

“Wait. . . this is your boyfriend?” Archie scoffed. Out of nowhere, jocks started to appear behind Archie. “You’re dating this douche?”

“Watch your mouth.” Both you and Sweet Pea said at the same time.

“Oh ho ho, this is the serpent slut you scored with?” A tall boy wrapped an arm around Archie’s shoulder. Archie winced, about to argue with that, but Sweet Pea got to it first.

“You talk about my girl like that?!” He yelled, lunging forward to attack. You stood in his way, trying to block them from fighting in the doorway. “You’re a sad piece of chickenshit, Andrews. Why don’t you go fuck that broad whose parents have been hiring us?” Sweet Pea spat.

“Don’t talk about Veronica like that!” Archie fumed.

“Both of you, stop-” You threw yourself right in the way as Archie threw a punch, catching your cheek. The hit surprised you and you lost balance, falling back against Sweet Pea’s chest. You hissed in pain and Archie’s face fell, apologies spilling out of Archie’s mouth. Sweet Pea was about to pull out his knife when you pushed yourself up and hit Archie as hard as you could. The rings on your finger made a good size cut along Archie’s cheekbone.

“No weapons.” You looked over to see a very pretty, dark-haired girl. Someone who was way out of Archie’s league and you’d totally hit on her if you weren’t taken. “You fight clean or not at all.” She announced and both groups seemed to agree. A light sprinkle was starting and street lights turned on.

“Come out and fight unless you’re a bitch.” Sweet Pea spat, pulling you to his side and walking down the steps to the street. His face was close to yours and you heard him whisper. “Stay by the bikes.” He said.

“I want to fight.” You hissed back.

“We need someone to keep an eye out for cops and I trust you the most. Please.” He was pleading with you now. You swallowed your pride and kissed his cheek.

“Knock him down, Sweets.” You said against his cheek as you walked over to the bikes. The rain was getting harder as you watched the boys line up. Archie was the first one to throw a hit and you had to close your eyes when Sweet Pea fell down. The boys screamed and ran at each other, throwing fists, elbows, knees and feet. It was a war zone. People were crumpling down, soaking wet. Sweet Pea had overtaken Archie, driving his foot into his ribs, water dripping down his face.

Your eyes widened when you saw a knife. One of those stupid north side boys. You were about to scream when a gunshot was heard. Your heart stopped, seeing Archie’s girlfriend with a gun in the air.

“Get out of there!” You screamed, running into the crowd of fighting boys. You started pulling Serpents up left and right, pushing them towards their bikes. You were hanging off of Fangs’ jacket when Sweet Pea grabbed your arm, running to the bike. His grip hurt and you could practically hear his thundering heartbeat as you got on the bike. The rain hit hard and you didn’t look back as the bike started. Your arms were anchored around Sweet Pea’s waist as he rode off. All the Serpents split up and went in different directions, planning on meeting up the next day. Your eyes were held shut and you didn’t even notice when the bike slowed down. You were shaking.

“(Y/n). . .” You heard his voice over the rain. “C’mon, get off. We have to get inside. Text your mom and tell her we’re at the Whyte Wyrm.”Sweet Pea said, wrapping an arm around you in an attempt to shield you from the rain. You weren’t at your house. You were at his trailer. You noticed the limp Sweet Pea had, probably from taking a hit in the leg. He opened the door, no one home as usual. He peeled the wet jackets off, throwing them to the floor. Your red t-shirt was practically see through now and your hair stuck to your neck.

“Hey, wake up.” Sweet Pea snapped his fingers in front of your face, making you fall back into your body.

“Are you ok?” You asked, suddenly, reaching up to cup his face. “Baby, your face. . . that dick. . . let me go get an ice pack.” You said, jogging into the kitchen and going through the freezer. You grabbed a bag of frozen peas and walked back, seeing Sweet Pea pulling his wet shirt off and setting a towel on the couch. You sat next to him, pressing the peas against his eye. He hissed in pain, holding it there himself. He looked at the bruise forming on your cheek.

“I should’ve killed him for hitting you. . .” Sweet Pea growled, cupping your face. You sighed, standing up.

“Can I change?” You whispered.

“Of course. You know where my clothes are.” Sweet Pea nodded, watching you get up to walk to his room. Your wet clothes laid in the shower and you changed into a green shirt and a pair of boxers. When you came back out Sweet Pea was leaning back against the couch.

“God, why do you have to look so hot after all this?” Sweet Pea teased, lifting up his arm and letting you lean into his side. You ran your fingers through his wet hair.

“Watching you kick the shit of Andrews was pretty hot, too.” You told him, intertwining your fingers.

“You left a pretty good mark on his face. My queen. . .” He whispered, kissing the corner of your mouth as he laid down, bringing you with him. You laid on his chest, moving his hair out of his face.

“If I’m the queen, then you’re the snake king.” You laughed, putting your hand on his chest. You liked the way it rose and fell with each breath. The sign that he was alive and well. Mostly.

“I can get behind that.” Sweet Pea chuckled deeply, his hand falling on your head. “You’re going to get a bruise in the morning.” He muttered.

“And you’ll have a black eye. Keep those veggies on it.” You said.

“Deja vu, right?” Sweet Pea smirked, seeing the label on the package.

“Deja vu.” You nodded, resting easily with Sweet Pea, worries of tomorrow absent from your mind. You’d deal with that tomorrow.

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