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twopoppies · 3 years

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Hi! I hope it’s not too annoying of a request but I was wondering if you or your followers can think of any fics that are kinda inspiring academically, especially regarding British literature, if that makes sense? I just finished rereading Come As You Are and every time I read it, it motivates me to read more and practice my writing because I want to be more like Harry from that fic hahaha and I’m looking for more fics which evoke this feeling since I’m starting my masters in October and I need all the help I can get. Thank you so much! (I absolutely love your master post and its my go to couple times a week!)

Hi sweetheart. Hmmm... I just reblogged my Dark Academia fic rec, but other than that I think it would be fics where one or the other are writers/poets etc. Not all of these are heavy on the writing/poetry, but they're all great fics.

Make Your Words A Weapon by @helloamhere (E, 36K) I recently read this a second time and it’s even better than I remembered. I love everything this author writes. This one just really hit me hard for whatever reason. Maybe it’s the way they explore Louis’ anxiety and coping mechanisms and pain and the way he pushes people away and protects himself, but also wants someone to push back just a bit and love him despite all of that. And the way Harry is the perfect foil for all of it, while also feeling like a fully developed character himself. Yeah, it’s probably all of that. Plus soul marks! (Musician Harry/Music Journalist Louis)

Our Lives, Non Fiction by @indiaalphawhiskey (E, 114K) this is, quite literally, the best fic I’ve read in years. It’s so well written, clever, funny, emotional, and sexy. Its draw you in immediately and you’ll end up falling in love with these characters before you know it. Don’t miss this one. Harry and Louis are both authors.

An Invincible Summer by Brooklyn_Babylon / @twopoppies (E, 45K) this one is mine, I hope you like it:

Never content to stay in one place for long, a few months down south researching for his novel seemed like an idyllic, slow-paced summer to Louis. He wasn’t ready for the blistering heat, the backbreaking work of watermelon picking, or how stifling the attitudes in rural Georgia would feel. And he definitely hadn’t anticipated falling in love with the farmer’s son.

The summer of 1946 would turn out to be everything worth writing about. Farmer Harry / author Louis

Mine Would Be You by @crinkle-eyed-boo (E, 115K) Beautifully written, flawed characters and an emotionally engaging and ANGSTY plot. Super hot smut that made me cry like a fool. Banter, OT5 friendship, and the gritty realness of New York as a backdrop. Loved this one. Artist Harry / Author Louis

where your lips land by BriaMaria / @briannamarguerite (E, 12K) Ok, I’ve recommended this one a few times and I really do love it. Anyway, I love fics where the two of them are both artists of some sort (Louis is a poet in this one, Harry is a photographer) because it allows for another layer of understanding and connection and support. I particularly love the way Louis’ tattoos are woven into this story with layered meaning. And, as always, just beautiful writing.

you’re writing lines about me by snazzyasalways (T, 4K) This is gorgeously written on that Dreamy, poetic style I happen to love. Louis is a blind poet, Harry is a baker, Harry falls in love with Louis’ words, then with him.

another hazy may by deLILah (M, 41K) Another author who writes great fic after great fic. This one has that dreamy quality I love and there’s also something about it that, at times, reminds me of a little bit of a Raymond Chandler novel. I know that’s weird...but, yeah, it does. Anyway, I love this one. Such a good read.

I would name the stars for you (I would take you there) by orphan_account (M, 91K) This is just beautifully written. Angst. Mutual pining. Dumb boys. Beautiful descriptions of art and creativity and fame and beautiful poetry.

Little Technicolor Things by scary_crow (M, 72K) This is truly one of the most beautiful pieces of writing I have ever read and it is an absolutely travesty that it’s not being talked about every day. This fic is gorgeous and poetic and romantic and heartbreaking and an explosion of metaphoric images and everything I never knew I needed but now that I have it I want to read it over and over and over.

But If This Ends by nonsensedarling / @absoloutenonsense (E, 107K) This author referred to this fic as their “depressed vampire” fic while they were writing, and it is that. But it’s also a unique story with beautifully fleshed out characters, plot twists, and super hot smut. Go check it out! Vampire Harry / Writer Louis

24K Magic by @justalittlelouislove (E, 33K) FINALLY a category in which I can rec this author! I love everything they write, but this was the first one I’d read and it’s just great. Smooth dialogue, sexy smut, great description of character growth…just a really fun fic.

the best part of me (was always you) by @moonshinelouis-archive (E, 6K) Gorgeous writing. The descriptions of heartbreak and missing someone and still loving them were really well done. And I cried. Of course.

'Sup by MediaWhore (GA, 7K) Divorced, awkward Harry pining for silver fox Louis is a trope I never knew I needed, but I love it so much.

I Will Never Rust by stylez (E, 38K) I must have read this at least 5 years ago and I honestly don’t remember details, but my notes say “gorgeous, sad, sexy” so... I’m crossing my fingers that old me knew what she was talking about. It’s frat boy Harry so that could go either way. LOL! Student/Poet Harry.

Loyal Knight and True by rainbowninja167 / (E, 52K) Really original story, mystery and magic, great characterizations. All around a very good read!

Turning Page by purpledaisy (M, 68K) This author does a wonderful job with their characterizations which makes their fics such a pleasure to read. This one really has you rooting for curmudgeonly Louis and skittish/secretive Harry to figure their shit out and fall in love. If you like this one, make time to read this author’s fic, Walk That Mile – it’s one of my all time favorites. Sports journalist Louis.

Black with Autumn Rain by Whimsicule (T, 93K) This author is a favorite. If you like intense, creative stories, with complex characters and tight dialogue, you should read all of their fics. This one has the flavor of a Daphne du Maurier novel – dark, creepy, and moodily romantic. Plus a supernatural edge. It’s so good. Journalist Harry.

That Sounds Fake But Okay by dancingontheceiling (E, 113K) This one has a little bit of everything: Enemies to lovers, fake relationship, famous/not famous... plus, really good writing and some sexy smut scenes. Actor Louis / journalist Harry.

Sing When You're Winning by hazmesentir (NR, 91K) another one I read ages ago, but I always like this author’s writing and the premise of newly out footballer Louis and journalist intern Harry who somehow snags the interview, is such a fun one. And I don’t know why it has an NR rating, there’s plenty of smut.

feel the chemicals burn in my bloodstream by togetherwecouldbealright (M, 123K) I read this one so, so long ago that all I remember is that I loved it, that there’s some really romantic and sweet moments, and that my notes from way back when only say, “OMG this one is so good! And I’ve barely gotten to the smut!” HAHAHAHA! Journalist Harry/prince Louis (this fic has been deleted, so the link is to a download).

#writers and poets #my fic rec #larry fic rec

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puredramione · 3 years

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My 2020 Reading List - Dramione

This year, I’ve read way more dramione than I’ve ever read, and I’ve been reading it for 7 years now. I even read things, tropes, I had never bothered with before. 2020 may not have been a kind year, but in the dramione community it has been a wonderful year of reading for me. Please be aware I may spoil some plot lines to dramione fanfictions you haven’t read yet. I have tried not to as best as I can. But anyway below is 20 fics I’ve read this year that have been there for me when I needed them. No particular order. Just a lot of love for these fics.

Wait and Hope - by @mightbewriting - memory loss is one of my favourite tropes but this story. I have never cried over a couch before. But this story. From the moment she first awakes in St Mungo’s to that beautiful ending, I was hooked. I loved how the story left me with not really a care about whether or not Hermione got her memories back. Those bloody text messages 💔 a journey I’ll never forget.

The Unofficial Diary of an Omega - MrsRen - my first time reading anything omegaverse. It still isn’t my favourite trope. I much prefer Veela for some reason 🤷🏻‍♀️ but overall it was a good story, just not my thing.

Apple Pies and Other Amends by ToEatAPeach - I actually gave up on this story the first time I read it. Unsure as to why because the story as a whole is just amazing. Baking and dramione? Yes please! Also dealing with their psychological trauma after the war? Heck yes! The relationship in this story develops at a lovely pace. There were moments I was on edge, others I was smiling ear to ear whilst reading this. Definitely one of my favourites now.

In Search Of Sunrise - @indreamsink - actually just reread this and I still get that warm feeling in my chest. So turns out my break up hasn’t made me lose the ability to enjoy dramione falling for each other. Anyway, the story was so heartwarming, like if I were to describe it as anything I would describe it as a hug. The best non-date fic there is.

Sex and Occlumency - Graendoll - this was the start of my slippery slope into reading smut stories. Like I had read smut before, obviously but I didn’t pay it much attention, normally just swiped past 😂 but this one was a completely different story.

Manacled - @senlinyu - this is truly the most beautifully haunting story I’ve ever read. I remember when I first started reading it, I thought to myself, how the hell could I ever ship dramione in this world? Then those flashbacks. Fuck those flashback chapters were a punch in the gut. The way everything links and connects. I love it’s realistic ending. I often think of this story in the shower cause I had to force myself to go shower whilst I read this cause I honestly couldn’t put it down. And SPOILER, but I laughed so hard at a certain characters death even though I probably shouldn’t have but she was such a bitch. I get flashbacks myself of this story. I’ll be in the shower and I’ll remember a certain sentence, a certain scene in my head as if I truly walked with Hermione on this heart wrenching journey. But fuck manacled Harry, I hate that boy.

He Becomes by @abromaposts - I needed this story. This was the first thing I read after Manacled. Draco Malfoy looking after rabbits with the sole reason being to get close to Hermione, yes please. Rabbits are my favourite animals. It’s just so much fluff. And after Manacled I was grateful.

The Right Thing To Do - @lovesbitca8 - this was the bookshop, slow burn, fluffiness I needed in the summer. The start of a truly wonderful universe. Idiots in love, I’ve never went through so much second hand embarrassment. Every interaction between Hermione and Lucius was fantastic. Especially the final one! Every character was written to a way that I loved them so much. Plus this story makes you think (like the rest of the series) it doesn’t spoon fed you information.

All The Wrong Things - @lovesbitca8 - I never thought I’d be into first person POV. The last thing I read like that was The Hunger Games back in school, many years ago. But I truly felt as if Draco were telling me the story. I love how it filled in things we never seen in the first story. I love Draco’s characterisation. Unlike TRTTD, this feels more lighthearted. Could just be the horny Draco though and his dramatics?

The Auction - @lovesbitca8 - this story. where do I start? When I started reading this story I was in a completely different life. This story has seen me through a terrible time in my life. Honestly the last few chapters before the final chapter were a blur and I had to go and reread them cause my head was all over the place but the story. This story, on it’s own, I would say is better than any fiction I’ve ever read 🤷🏻‍♀️ it grips you, pulls you in. Every question you ask, you get answered with a ribbon and bow. I cannot express my love, for this story and for the hard work that has went into it. The characters in this world so vastly different yet similar to the ones we already learned to love. I could write a love letter to this story.

Hindsight by @floorcoaster - if you haven’t been following this year long, monthly updated story, then you’ve really missed out. Each chapter is a month of the year. The story starts with Hermione planning to trim down her calendar for the year ahead. Although it’s fiction it gave me a sense of hope for my future. I had started this year on a different note than Hermione, and I’m now ending it on a different note as well. I think this story does a good job of capturing the passage of time and just how quickly things can change. I also really love these adorable idiots in this story.

Bring Him To His Knees by @willhavetheirtrinkets (WIP) - the best co-worker, friends to lovers, fake relationship story I’ve read. No question. I sent @magicaltraveler3 a tearful voice memo after that last chapter that was posted (chapter 20). It isn’t the first time I’ve cried at a fanfic, but it is the first time that I predicted something bad would happen, but I didn’t expect the bad thing to be what it was. I can’t wait to see where this story goes. At this point I have completely forgot about the murder plot. I know it exists, and we’ll get back to the murder but I’d honestly read the characters in this story eating breakfast.

The Flat In Bath by @adaprix (WIP) - this was the first story I got into that ada has wrote. Instantly I was fascinated with the use of “flat” over “apartment”. Being Scottish I knew this was someone British. Anyway, a very interesting story and I can’t wait to see how the rest of it plays out.

Good by @lovesbitca8 - I am dying for the update of this story. As so many are, it is 🔥🔥🔥 all I can say. I can’t wait for the update!

The Erised Effect by @adaprix - When ada first told me she was thinking about writing a story about Pansy and Hermione working in a sex shop together. Telling me about having the idea of them meeting in the pub and how she “needed to get some filthy smut out of your system”. I didn’t think it would be my thing. Boy, did she prove me wrong!

The Cell by WrathOfMacy - I don’t know how I came to read this one. But damn, this was a good one (who am I kidding they’re all good ones). I’m still reading through it though. It’s a warfic in which Dramione end up locked in a cell together. The relationship builds nicely. I cannot wait to read more of it.

The Melody Of Touch by @magicaltraveler3 - I never knew I needed a dramione story like this story. I love that there is so much musical imagery incorporated into it. I haven’t read anything like it before. The story, the smut, the taxi and the freaking art work. It is everything!

Every Day, a Little Death by @lovesbitca8 - I’ll be honest with this one. I read the first chapter and the last chapter 🙈 BUT only cause everyone scared me so much. I plan to revisit. SPOILER. I may not care too much that Hermione cheated. Just me? Like yeah I hate cheating and she shouldn’t have done it, but like she admitted to it, and was very regretful for it. Anyway, the chapters I read were very interesting I look forward to revisiting it sometime.

Away by @indreamsink - written for the romcom fest and I got to say I think this one may be my favourite from the fest. Not only do you get dramione but you get the amazing side pairing of Harry/Pansy, which this year has really became my favourite side pairing. It’s like reading two love stories at once, I was interested in the dramione plot line obviously, but I was equally interested in the hansy/potts&pans plot line.

The Path Unexpected by @magicaltraveler3 - this story is a cute little domestic dramione fanfic. And I lived for it. It shows dramione going through the process of having a child and honestly, they’re so damn cute in this fic. The fanart is next level also!

#my 2020 reading list #personal #dramione #dhr #hermione x draco #draco and hermione #d/hr #draco x hermione #fanfiction #draco malfoy #hermione granger #hermione and draco #fanfics #dhr fanfics #2020 reads #reading list part 1 #2020 was crap but I had dramione #dramione writers are the best writers #my thoughts

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frozenspraycans · 3 years

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AWTWB rant-review: The Good, The Bad, and An Oddly Specific Amount of Focus on Penelope Bunce

Major spoilers ahead.

Rowell has always been my favourite author. I grew up with her books, and rode through the hype of Eleanor and Park, Fangirl, and the Simon Snow series in real time. I spent a lot of my high school days carrying around Carry On with the original 2015 cover – Simon and Baz in yellow and blue silhouettes, when they were faceless characters up to the imagination of the audience. Rowell remained the only author that stayed with me past my coming-of-age years, and into early adulthood (not kidding, the only fiction books on my shelf right now are the ones that belong to the Simon Snow series). Admittedly, the most important feature of a story to me are the characters – and Rowell has exceptional talent in that department. I truly believe Rowell’s books have the best written characters in contemporary culture.

Like most, I fell in love with Carry On because of the beautifully written enemies-to-lovers trope portrayed by Simon and Baz. I read Carry On at the height of my teenage years – when I was 14/15, and when you’re young the most spectacular thing a story can give you is a heartfelt romance. It’s sweet and lovely and meets every expectation a lovesick teenager could have. I think this is why the sequel didn’t translate well to the majority of readers, when suddenly the one thing that was so sure in the previous book – Simon and Baz’s relationship – fell apart.

On the first read, I was aggrieved by the length of Wayward Son and the loss of the most prominent part of the stories – where were the sweet moments between Simon and Baz? The solace I found in the dramatic revelation of their love for each other? I finished Wayward Son, closed the book, and shelved it.

But then I came back to it after a few months, after going through a series of unfortunate events that led to a very harrowing wakeup call faced by many early twenty-somethings, and upon rereading I started really appreciating how . . . broken every character in Wayward Son was.

I believe one of the many reasons why Wayward Son wasn’t greatly received is because people read to escape. And that’s a perfectly good reason – but Wayward Son wasn’t meant to be a smooth-sailing read. I think it was supposed to be an emotionally-wrenching, agitating read, where it dangled a lot of fulfilling prospects only to snatch them away – and that it had successfully completed its objective. You weren’t supposed to escape from the angst and sadness and brokenness faced by all the characters, you were supposed to sit and bask and make peace with it, accepting for what it was instead of what it could be.

To me, Wayward Son felt like Rowell boldly trying something new, ignoring the cries and opinions of its fawning community, deciding to just put her foot down and do her own thing. It made me like her writing even more – that she didn’t care what the audience wanted, with millions begging for Simon and Baz to just be together, for everything to turn out okay and right and happily ever after. That personally set up super high expectations for AWTWB. I was excited for what AWTWB brings, and excited for Rowell to experimentally subvert my expectations once again.

Well . . .

Now, a quick numbered list because oh boy, there’s so much to get through:

The good:

1. The first few chapters of Simon and Baz — the screaming, anguish, and the breaking up. The entire chapter where Baz was just sending unread messages to Simon. How do you describe something as the total opposite of a continuity error? It felt continuously right, and put us right where Wayward Son left off. I love when Rowell uses these kinds of non-traditional formats – it had the similar vibe in Wayward Son when Baz was listing off a bunch of things he hated at the moment. The realisation that Simon and Baz couldn’t figure it out, and that it was better to just let go of each other for a while – it felt like they were running out of the building in flames before it collapsed, and the dramatic urgency surrounding it was very, very thrillingly good.

2. Fiona – on the motherfuckin’ roll! Always liked her, and humanising her using the grief from Natasha’s death was really fulfilling to her character. Did not like how she was paired off with Nico, though the weird amount of effort put into ensuring almost every other character ended up with a romantic partner is another topic that’s gonna be unpacked later.

3. The moment when the gang – Simon, Baz, Penelope, Shepard – met up again to save Pippa and take down Smith-Richards. It was highly reminiscent of them being on the road in varying degrees of danger in America – Rowell has a spectacular knack for writing character dynamics in group settings. Wonder why she didn’t use it much this time round. Will expand this further too. I enjoyed the callback to Pippa too, though I wish we could spend more time with her.

4. I didn’t mind that the plot moves on from America. I was worried at first because I read tons of reviews about this point, but no, the characters didn’t completely forget about America. The topic and memories made its way to almost every conversation and fleeting thought that the characters had, and them dropping the case had a good enough reason to me – and this is coming from a massive Wayward Son fan. In addition, it pairs very well with Agatha mentioning how selfish and awful magicians are – only protecting and looking out for themselves in the World of Mages. (The actual plot, however –)

5. I notice many people criticising the pacing of AWTWB, but I’ve always liked that feature in Rowell’s books. It goes however fast and slow it wants, disregarding traditional pacing rules. I didn’t mind that the major Smith-Richards plot kicked in way too many chapters later (Carry On had a similar format with Baz showing up at the middle of the book). It makes it special.

6. The final unpopular opinion: I liked the epilogue. I don’t necessarily like where Agatha ended up, but I like that it was Agatha that had the final say, and I like that it was short. It felt like a bittersweet goodbye, and I’m satisfied that it ended that abruptly. But this is more of a personal opinion, because I greatly prefer short, snappy, open endings that leave readers on their seat wanting more over longer-winding “conclusive” endings where you know what each character is up to. I made peace with this send-off. It’s good.

Now . . . onto the bad:

1. The separate subplots divided between Simon and Baz, Penny and Shepard, Agatha and Niamh. Again – Rowell’s strength lies in group settings and dynamics, which was why Wayward Son stood out with the characters having to work together throughout the book, the high stakes of the troubling situations were loosened up by the constant chatter in the air. In AWTWB, every conversation between the pairings felt a bit stiff, like the two characters were held at gunpoint while being forced to carry out a scene together. The easygoing spirit was absent despite the threats not being as big as the previous books – it didn’t feel as fluent or natural at all, and it made me deeply miss just seeing the kids hang out with no full obligation to keep the conversation going, each of them being able to bounce off each other in delivering comedic wit whenever they want. Even with Agatha, the character who was prominently running solo for most of the series, had the most breathable scenes goat herding with Simon and Baz.

This isn't to say I wanted AWTWB to be 100% pure joy, the opposite actually: Wayward Son showcased how the jarring flip between this sitcom-like backdrop of warm group chat banter and the serious moments made the latter more prominent and gut-wrenching – the small pockets of moments between Simon and Baz in the firefly field and the truck, Baz being trashed after his 'date' with Lamb, confronting the NowNext vampires, etc. The group interactions are solid groundwork for where the more serious moments can shine even better. This book made me STARVED for them, grimacing at the awkward conversations each pairing were dragging on their suffering with. It felt like everyone just fell away from each other, despite just going through hell and back together in the book before.

2. Agatha not being the one to uncover Lucy’s mystery. Carry On had implicitly given this mission to Agatha, all with her keeping Lucy’s old picture and the similar parallels of being women kept by the side of prominent figures in the World of Mages, and trying to escape from being deeply entrenched by them before it swallowed them whole. History repeating itself, and Agatha being the one that managed to get away. I am conflicted with her return to the UK, but her little goat subplot, away from the other characters’ bullshit, was super satisfying to read through in typical Agatha-style – however I can’t figure out what makes her important enough to stick around in AWTWB. I wish there was more clarification to Agatha’s importance to the Simon Snow series.

3. Shepard being out of his element. I mean, it’s kind of expected with him out of America where Rowell is definitely more familiar with – but damn, I did miss how suave and “Don’t worry, I got this” he was back in America, when he had the advantage of his extensive magickal friendship networks and knowing where everything was in its place, which enabled him to make the calls and offer wisdom in finalising decisions within the group. He also played a super vital role in contributing to the lightheartedness of the atmosphere, which was left with the otherwise exhausted-from-America gang. Shepard seemed to have lost his spark the moment he landed in the UK, and was reduced down to just being a curious tag-along dragged around in AWTWB. I miss you king.

4. Smith-Richards was . . . alright. The whole Chosen One plot was just alright. Nothing as intimidating as the Mage or NowNext, but he did bring the group back together, and I guess I can thank him for that. (Side note: I really wanted one of them to be like: “The gang’s back!” when they finally met each other again and acknowledged how much being apart from each other sucks. Ugh.)

5. I wish Niamh had more time to talk about the student politics of Simon Snow being the Chosen One and his “popular” group of friends at their time in Watford. It was interesting to see a third party perspective outside the peripherals' of the main cast, and how it must be so annoying getting caught in the crossfire between Simon and the Humdrum – but whenever she started to expand on it, she got cut off.

And finally . . . the most deeply-entrenched problem of AWTWB.

6. Penelope, romance, and other misfortunes in the department of friendships

Oh man. As the character that was with Simon since the very start, she deserves way better than how AWTWB treated her.

Penelope became my favourite character after Wayward Son. Fresh from her breakup from Micah, she seemed to solidify her identity with the hurt, so I was disappointed to see that she just went back to square one.

Majorly under-utilised. Penelope felt a little too all over the place and complacent all at once. Shepard just replaced Simon in the magickal boy that her whole plot revolved around with. People might say that that’s her job as the designated self-declared sidekick, but in Wayward Son she had shown a lot of independence with making her own decisions, and she became a side character whose focus on character development matched up to Simon’s level.

However, in AWTWB she was back to being under another boy’s thumb, which was an incredible disservice to her. If she was going to be separated from the group, she deserved a subplot structure similar to Agatha’s. Not solving other people’s problems, but her own – processing the breakup, finding her own identity outside of playing the role of Simon’s devoted loyal caretaker-sidekick and best friend who he could apparently unaffectedly dump any time (oh boy, is THIS gonna be angrily unpacked later). When Simon asked for her help with Smith-Richards, she texted back saying that they shouldn’t continue to investigate magickal problems, while she was DOING EXACTLY THAT WITH SHEPARD? HUH?!

The dilution of Simon and Penelope’s friendship was the most tragic thing to come out of AWTWB. It was upsetting to see that the friendship that had been once so solid from the beginning start to slowly disintegrate into an increasingly one-sided mess. Penelope was way more shaken up by the breakup of their friendship than Simon ever was. Many people kept pointing out how weird it was for Penelope to be seen separated from Simon – meanwhile no one ever talked to Simon about his friendship with Penelope in the same demeaning way. Simon’s apology for the breakup was off-screen (AAAAAA I HATE THOSE! It feels so insincere! Especially now that we know Penelope went through a massive depressive episode because of it!). Penelope wasn’t there when Simon uncovered his family lineage, and what made it worse was that he was going to keep it from her for a while.

When Lady Ruth saw Baz holding Simon’s hand, she thought: “I’m glad he’s not alone in this. That he has someone to take his hand.” It made me enraged! Simon was never alone! What an insult to his lifelong friendship with Penelope, who had been loyally by his side for years during the whole Mage disaster timeline, which Baz only came in at the very END (I give credit where it’s due, but c’mon now – Penelope was the one holding Simon’s hand during the peak of the Watford-Humdrum-Mage fiasco over the years).

“I envy what he has with Bunce. They act like this is their tenth tour of duty together. It makes me realise that Simon had a whole life I didn’t know back in school.”

One of my favourite quotes from Baz among many in Wayward Son that proved Penelope to be more than a side character cheering in the sidelines. Simon and Penelope were a duo with a bond that even Baz, Simon’s lover that should supposedly be prioritised over everyone else, acknowledged as something that was really important to Simon. That is one of the VERY rare things I see well-established in YA romance genre novels. The “best friend sidekick” character trope is always present, but never emphasised as well or crucial as Simon and Penelope’s friendship.

This, contrasted with “It’s not like we were going to spend our whole lives in each other’s pockets” when Penelope’s dad asked about Simon’s whereabouts, absolutely killed me, especially considering before Baz came into the picture, they WERE going to (Penelope talking about her future plans with Simon back in Carry On).

Romantic love has really adversely affected Simon’s other important relationships – as if those two things can’t mutually co-exist. This particular point was so difficult to stomach, all with Simon’s mental health being at its lowest points, where he needed a solid support system the most. Yes, there may be times when Penelope may be overbearing to Simon, and their friendship breakup served a good purpose as well – but the reconciliation and payoff weren’t well-handled at all. Just because it’s a platonic friendship doesn’t mean it should get any lesser priority and screen time to Simon and Baz’s romantic relationship – it just weakens the bonds the characters have with each other.

Not a big fan of her ending up romantically involved with Shepard. There were many lines that could be interpreted as Penelope not having a romantic endgame, and proudly so. She has mentioned tons of times that she dated Micah because it ‘made sense’; in contrast to Simon and Baz’s grand love story, Penelope always treated romance like a checklist rather than something to indulge in – get married to a boy she met in Watford, someone that fits in the equation – just like her parents. I was eagerly waiting for the moment for Penelope to pause, look at how deeply in love Simon and Baz was, and realise: “Huh. Maybe I don’t like guys. Or girls. Maybe I don’t have to be with anyone. Maybe I don’t want to be with anyone”. It would fit with her independent character development learnt from the mistake that was dating Micah out of convenience, continuing to kick ass as she remained best friends with Shephard, being another great example that M/F platonic soulmate friendships can continue to exist with everlasting resilience with no romantic motive.

I know that both she and Agatha are often headcanoned as aroace – I'm not pushing the fact that they should have those labels, but it would have just been so cool to have someone that objected and didn’t desire a love story similar to Simon’s. Ugh, speaking of, there were no interactions between the two main girls – I miss seeing Penelope interact enthusiastically with an otherwise unwilling Agatha. They were carrying comedy gold.

Admittedly, this distressing rant might have derived from where my preferences in favourite characters and relationships changed overtime. When I was a lovesick teenager, I was exclusively fixated by the charm that is Simon and Baz’s romance – but now as an adult, I appreciated and preferred the fun, platonic banter between the characters. Doesn’t matter which ones, any interaction between non-romantic relationships was such a strong point in Carry On and Wayward Son – ugh, I just miss it all so much.

All in all, trailing after the dilution of Simon and Penelope’s friendship, I was disappointed that AWTWB didn’t continue with the found family group dynamic that Wayward Son built up. At least in Carry on, Penelope, Simon, and Baz were a solid trio. Now it feels too aired out, with everyone broken in tinier pieces. Like outside their own pairings, instead of being lifelong best friends bonded through the highs and lows of growing up in Watford and a wild ass trip slaying vampires in America, they became co-workers who couldn’t stand to be around each other for too long.

This story just seemed like an ending to all endings in terms of who-romantically-ends-up-with-who. Even god damn Fiona! (I don’t think anyone was wondering who she ended up with!)

I expected AWTWB to have gone down a route similar to The Good Place – a bunch of friends, with some ending up with a lifelong romantic partner and soulmate, and others living equally fulfilling lives without such. The Simon Snow series had always stood out with its character relationships outside romance, but now it just feels like a super stale story with what-it-says-on-the-can.

All in all, I wish I could give it above 2/5 stars. I wanted to enjoy this so bad, because this series has stayed and meant so much to me for so long. But everything just feels so bleak, riding on its past waves and references, reminiscent of the time when this series used to be so full of life.

Reading this had felt like walking into an abandoned church past its glory days.

I hope you’ll find a good therapist. Goodbye, Simon Snow.

#simon snow #carry on #wayward son #any way the wind blows #awtwb spoilers #awtwb meta #awtwb rant #awtwb review #thoughts #snowbaz #penelope bunce #agatha wellbelove #basilton pitch #shepard love #can i get (back) the found family dynamic... can i PLEASE–#70% just ranting about the concept of romantic endgames and how weirdly sidelined penny was #mine

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gerrydelano · 3 years

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I was just wondering— Do you have any favorite fiction books? What about non fiction?

i wish i had an answer for you! i haven't done a lot of reading in recent times, but some favorites that are going to be in my heart forever are:

where the moon isn't by nathan filer

stone butch blues by leslie feinberg

the underland chronicles by suzanne collins

01. where the moon isn't - fiction, written by a mental health nurse! it’s about a schizophrenic man coping with the death of his disabled brother in their childhood, spanning three timelines simultaneously, and it’s dazzling in its mundanity and bittersweetness and how real the narration feels.

the book was published in the US under that name, but it was published elsewhere as "the shock of the fall" which kills me so much because that's one of my favorite lines from the story. it's beautiful, has interactive formatting, and some of the most startlingly beautiful Sentences i've read in a long time. i picked it up because i fell in love with the cover at first sight, and it did NOT disappoint me, even though it took me a long time to get around to reading it. cannot recommend it enough, it has made me laugh aloud and made me really cry when i was reading it aloud to ren to show them some quotes i thought would serve as inspiration, but the most impressive thing is that it made ren cry. (they don't have tear ducts.)

02. stone butch blues - technically fiction but inspired by real experiences, obviously very attached to this one & it made me cry so much. i've waxed poetic about it enough on here that people already get the gist!

03. the underland chronicles - fiction, once again suzanne knocks it out of the PARK with being the Only person allowed to write child soldiers. lesser known than the hunger games but even more formative to me personally, i read the first book in this series in 6th grade for an assignment and immediately devoured the next four. one of my most vivid memories of being that age was lying in my cousin’s bunk bed reading the fifth book and absolutely bawling over a character i truly estimate that i’ll adore forever.

it’s demonstrably written for a younger audience, yeah, but it’s powerful and my mom also read it when i did, cried JUST as much as me. i actually just told her i was talking about it here and she said she just mailed it to a friend and he’s taking it on vacation. like. it lives in my fucking brain, and honestly probably has inspired some of my own writing focus, too. it’s harder to stomach in places because the cast is even younger than the THG cast, the protagonist is 11 at the start and his younger sisters (2 and 8) play a big role in literally saving the world. definitely be prepared for that, some obvious violence and seriously heavy themes, but g-d. g-d! means THE world to me, and no one knows about it! i’d love knowing if more people were as captivated by it as i was, even as an adult i know i’d love it just as much as the first time i read it.

you can read them online here!

i don’t really have more in me than this, i know there’ve been other books i loved a lot but my instinct is ALWAYS to recommend these because they really impacted me so much.

asking ren for recommendations, their gut instinct was to suggest sarah’s key by tatiana de rosnay! heavy read, but hearing them talk about it right now, it sounds incredibly good. big shoah warning on that one, but i believe it’s handled beautifully.

#asks #raven-dreaming #book rec

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therefugeofbooks · 3 years

Text

I read some amazing books in August, but I was in a weird mood for most of it. So at the beginning of this month, I gave myself a break to rethink my priorities. I think I've been facing reading as a daily chore, and with all the other things in my life, I feel tired. I'm working through a way to be here on Tumblr (that makes me want to read more and more) and my enjoyment for reading.

Anyway, talking about all the books I read in August under the cut!

In reading order:

Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden

It's a super interesting thriller set in an Indian reservation and dealing with violence, drugs, corruption, and what justice means. I liked all the twists of the story, although the pacing felt a little bit off in the middle.

Read if you want: short thrillers, vigilante stories.

The Ancestors by Tananarive Due, Brandon Massey and L.A Banks

There are three novellas in this book, and I enjoyed Tananarives's story about ghosts and ancestors. It was spooky and tense, and it lived up to my expectations. Brandon Massey's one had cool elements, but it never really got suspenseful. And L. A Banks's story was not for me.

Felix After Ever by Kacen Callender (x) (x)

I loved this book so much! It deals with painful topics, but the problems and teenagers are so realistic! I laughed, got mad, and cried, and it made me feel so many things and go back to my teenage years. In the end, this is a beautiful story with a message about loving yourself, being open to constantly discover more about yourself, and accepting that we deserve love, an easy and comfortable love.

Read if you want: realistic ya, trans characters, characters questioning their identity, ya about art.

Championess by Tarun Shanker, Kelly Zekas and Amanda Perez Puentes

It's a fun and short graphic novel! See my review here.

Read if you want: historical fiction with non-white protagonists, women challenging gender norms, action graphic novels.

In Deeper Waters by F. T. Lukens

I don't usually go for romance with fantasy, but the blurb mentioned Pirates of the Caribbean, and I got excited! I thought the prince was a bit annoying and naive, but Athlen's story is cool. The resolution of the problem at the end was a bit off for me, but at least it was a happy ending.

Read if you want: lighthearted romance with fantasy.

The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

This story, unfortunately, fell flat for me. I didn't care for the characters and the magical aspect of it was so underused! I kept listening to the audiobook waiting for some interesting turn of events, but it never happened.

Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin

This book was so good!!! I think I loved the family aspects of it the most and the sense of community. I loved how family stories and secrets are a theme throughout the book! And Hana is such a lovely character, and I cheered for her all the time! I'm soft for stories with podcats, and I loved that she works in the radio industry!

Read if you want: family secrets and stories, enemy to lovers, stories dealing with food, podcast and radio shows.

When Tara met Farah by Tara Pammi

It also fell flat for me. It started with some embarrassing scenes, but at least I was laughing. But it became too cheesy, and the writing was not that good. I was excited about the cultural aspects, and although there are some entertaining themes regarding that, I had to push through the second half of it.

Sadie by Courtney Summers

This book is devastating! It touches on some heavy topics, like abuse, pedophilia, and rape. I knew from the beginning that there'd be some kind of abuse, but all the indications leading to the final revelation shocked me. I liked the structure of the narration, changing from the podcast to Sadie's narration. I loved Sadie as a character. Also, I liked the commentary about how this is a common and overseen story. It's a sad book but beautifully written.

Read if you want: ya thrillers, revenge stories.

The Summer of You by Nagisa Furuya

Read my review here.

The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim

It was an emotional and very slow-paced story. It deals with complicated feelings, family relationships, mother and daughter dynamics, immigrant life, and family secrets.

Read if you want: family secrets, complicated family dynamics, immigrant stories.

Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson

This book wrecked me emotionally. It deals with an abusive relationship and the dark side of the music industry. It's the second book by Tiffany D. Jackson that left me devastated, and she's becoming one of my favorite authors. Read the trigger warnings if you're interested.

Read if you want: the dark side of the music industry, ya thrillers/mysteries.

Now Entering Addamsville by Francesca Zappia

I chose to read this book because of the ace mc and the spooky vibes, and I liked Zora a lot. I don't know what exactly I didn't enjoy about the story, but I didn't care much for the other characters or the mystery.

Re-read:

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (x) (x) (x)

Disponíveis em Português (links para os meus reviews no skoob):

O Mar me Levou a Você de Pedro Rhuas (x)

Quem Matou Capitão Gancho? de Anna Anchieta (x)

A Mariana Errada de Julia Braga (x)

And feel free to talk to me about the books of this list :)

Read in: Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July

☆Book Photography ☆ Storygraph ☆ Scribd ☆

#booklr #monthly wrap-up #mine: original posts #the refuge of books

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soulofsalt · 3 years

Text

fanfiction recommendations

NONE OF THESE ARE MINE, THEY ARE SIMPLY FICS I’VE READ AND LOVED

Arthur Kirkland:

Something Old

TimeTraveler! Reader. Reader-insert. Complete (14 chapters). Kinda slow burn?

Deadass one of the best fics I’ve EVER read. It can be read as a romance novel, you don’t really have to know who Arthur Kirkland is. It could be considered an original work.

Bakugou Katsuki

Crimson Snow

Reader-insert. Fantasy AU + Fairy Tale AU. Complete (4 chapters).

We all know the story of Little Red Riding Hood. But all stories, especially ones passed through spoken word, can change with time. This is the true story of a girl who wandered into the forest, wearing a cloak white as snow, and left on the back of a beast with a crimson cape trailing behind her.(Shifter!Bakugou Katsuki x Reader)

Billy Hargrove:

Baby, You’re a Haunted House

Reader-insert. Set on Stranger Things season 2 and 3. Complete (11 chapters).

You grew up in the lab along with Kali and Jane. When Kali escapes the lab, you manage to escape with her. When Jane finds the two of you, you're not sure what to make of her. You think she's going to be like Kali, but Jane manages to surprise you. You decide to go back to Hawkins with her when she leaves to save her friends and manage to find your way to the kind of life you've wanted all along.

Dabi:

Favored by Fate

Dragon!Dabi x Gender-Neutral Water Sprite!Reader. Reader-insert. One shot. Modern Fantasy AU.

This one was SO GOOD. I love fantasy AUs and I love even more modern fantasy ones. I’d be willing to pay the author real money for more of this.

Your boss has a business meeting at the annual fall festival, and you’re lucky that he’s given you the night off to explore on your own. Running into a masked stranger was not part of your plans for the evening, but it turns out the two of you share a common goal, and you can work together to reach it. Maybe fate is on your side.

Dracula:

Distorted Lullabies

Reader-insert. Incomplete but ongoing (19 chapters). Slow burn. Really slow burn.

Literally the only fanfiction I’m really following. It’s simply amazing.

Count Dracula finds himself in the 21st century, 2020, after over a century of slumber. While still adapting to this new era, he meets Reader, a beautiful and witty lawyer working for Renfield's firm. While she seems resistant to his charms, the Count is adamant in winning her over. She just might make an excellent candidate as his bride. But will she withstand the change?

Eren Jaeger

Broken Bird

Reader-insert. Set on season 1. Complete (25 chapters). Slow Burn. Enemies to Friends to Lovers.

This was SO GOOD. I cried happy tears istg you NEED to read this. Everything about this fan fiction is amazing: the plot, the characters, the writing... Kudos to @larkspyrr

"You're more than just a thief. Promise me you'll see the stars. "You escaped from a life of crime in the Undercity and saw the worst that humanity has to offer. To keep an old promise, you join the military in the hopes of redeeming yourself and earning the life you've always wanted in the Military Police.But then you meet Eren Jaeger.

Light Yagami:

Ruling Child

Original Female Character. Incomplete but ongoing (18 chapters). Slow burn + Friends to lovers.

I’m not the biggest Light Yagami fan (let’s just say he’s not exactly my favorite character), but I’m really liking this fic so far.

Sienna Mason dies in a motorcycle accident, after the driver dies of an inexplicable heart attack. Wryly, she thinks of her favourite manga, Death Note, as her eyes close for the last time. While Sienna Mason's story ends there, Kimiko Yamada's is beginning—but how does she retain Sienna's memories? Kimiko realises that she's reborn into an alternate universe—and it's Death Note's.

Marley Trio (Annie, Reiner and Bertholdt)

It Takes a Lot out of You

Reader-insert. Incomplete but ongoing (11 chapters). Platonic relationships.

THIS IS AMAZING. I literally read it on a single day because of how beautifully written this is. I started reading thinking it was going to be about polyamory, but what I found was actually so much better. I’m not really someone into non-romance fanfiction, but this is one of the most beautiful things I’ve read, so my kudos to @invertedphantasmagoria

—living, that is.

Original Works

xenophobia: fear of unknown

Reader-insert. Complete (6 chapters). Monster/Human romance + Kinda Slow Burn(?)

I really liked this one and read it all in one sitting!! A warning though, chapters 5 and 6 have NSFW content, in case you’re not comfortable with it :)

family friends ask you to babysit their son, zach, but the night becomes increasingly disturbing from unnatural occurrences playing out by an imaginary friend he insists is real.

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harryisntstraight · 3 years

Note

I’m trying to get into reading again to avoid the boredom while on lockdown - is there any books you’d recommend? xx

omg yes! I’ve been reading a loooot recently so here are just some of my faves I’ve read in like the past year:

my year of rest and relaxation- Ottessa Moshfegh : I loved this so much and finished it in about a day, it’s funny, harrowing, relatable disturbing, you love and also hate the main character, has an ending that you might see coming but still kinda makes you sit back and stare into space for a few hours in contemplation of what you just read

Where the crawdads sing - delia Owens: this book is so immerseively written I couldn’t put it down. has the most beautiful descriptions of nature and the way the author talks about loneliness and heartbreak and betrayal and then blends it perfectly with the environment she sets the book in is *chefs kiss* it’s a very easy read and the style of writing is almost a bit reminiscent of YA novels but for an adult audience imo

Queenie - candice Carty-Williams : again another book I almost finished in one sitting. It’s literally impossible not to fall in love w the main character and ur rooting for her the whole way I felt like she was my best friend by the end of it. Talks about mental illness in such a refreshing and new way and it manages to be hilariously funny yet also heartbreakingly sad all at the same time

Rebecca - daphne du Maurier : if you haven’t read this before here is your sign to read it now! My all time favourite modern classic. It’s a gothic novel set in the 1930s but I have never felt so connected and related to a main character as much as I did w this book. It’s beautiful and tense and tragic and there were so many times when I wanted to jump into the pages and just give the characters a hug or a punch in the face lollll I love this book so much can’t recommend it enough but do NOT watch the Netflix adaptation it is genuinely trash and does not do the book the slightest bit of justice

My sister the serial killer - Oyinkan Braithwaite : I literally finished this in one sitting bc I couldn’t put it down. so face paced, so easy to read yet so fun and so original. Great concept and executed perfectly, loved it

Paul takes the form of a mortal girl - Andrea lower : honestly like no other queer coming of age novel I have read before. Has (a lot of) sex scenes that manage to be graphic without being cringey or uncomfortable to read which is a big ask imo. It’s a really funny and intelligent book yet it also feels super urgent and evocative and really plays into the quirkinesses of the 90s when it’s set without the pop culture references feeling forced or awkward

Eleanor oliphant is completely fine - Gail honeyman: I put off reading this for so long bc I hated the title but honestly I loved it so much. A super interesting and unusual main character who I started off hating and then absolutely fell in love with and was rooting for her at all costs. really truthfully and powerfully describes loneliness and trauma in a way that I haven’t seen a lot of similar books pull off

A little life - Hanya Yanagihara : literally just finished this yesterday but I don’t think I will be over it for a while. Possibly the most viscerally sad book I have ever read. Massive trigger warnings for self harm and sexual abuse like seriously be careful about this book if ur wary of triggers but aside from that it is so beautifully written and so intimate that by the time you finish you almost feel like you lived alongside these characters and know them as real people and feel their real pains and traumas. Seriously this book is fucked up and I think I cried at every chapter but there are still these gorgeous lighthearted moments scattered throughout that made me laugh and smile and it really genuinely felt like I was falling in and out of love alongside the characters. WHEW!

This is long enough already so I’ve only covered fiction here but I can also hit u up with some non fiction recs if that kinda thing takes ur fancy! Hope this helped a bit and let me know if u do decide to read any!! ❤️❤️

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whyiask · 3 years

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ALRIGHT. I know I've talked about it before, but I'm feeling nostalgic for Alex and Daria and I need to rant again about this amazing series.

THE PANDORAN NOVELS

I have literally never met another person who has read these. Never. The only person I know has read these or even HEARD OF them is @hekker2 (feel free to add onto this post btw)

Gaia's Secret is a wonderfully written book in a wonderfully written series, and EVERYONE should go read it.

A (Short) List of Reasons to Read the Pandoran Novels:

A wonderfully written, well crafted, competent and strong female lead.

Childhood friends to enemies to lovers

Adults who actually give a shit about their children and are present and capable and useful in their journey.

Beautifully described locations? The settings are actually so goddamn gorgeous and really described in a way that makes you feel like you're there.

Marvellously hidden twists and surprising revelations that are foreshadowed brilliantly and executed perfectly

A male lead love interest who IS NOT dark and broody. Instead he's open, compassionate, kind, brave, loyal, determined, serious yet playful. He has good morals and actually clicks with Daria really well.

power couple power couple pOWER COUPLE POWER COUPLE- Daria and Alex are literally made for each other, they compliment each other so well and work so well together and ahh. They listen to each other and support each other and it's amazing. Literally a power couple.

Hilarious family dynamics! The Del Conte fam is amazing and there are arguments but never too bad! Because they all respect each other!! And actually care about each other!! It's so refreshing to see a non-problematic family in fiction.

A goofy, carefree male main character! He isn't as main in book 1, but Thad is super important later and he is hilarious and goofy and roguishly handsome and he has my heart and deserves everything good in this world. He has a lot of backstory and his motivation is realistic and he has not a good family so he fits right into their Found Family ahhhhh!!!

Vera! That's all that I need to say on the matter 😳🔥😍

Have I mentioned how exceptional the world building is??

It has quite a few cliche tropes, but they are all written with an exceptional twist and a unique and different spin on them! Honestly- this series made me feel so many different things and emotions, it's written so well. I cried more than once and tbh it's just vvvvv good

Also Stefan- is hilarious and amazing and a dork and a beautiful human being who is a total cinnamon bun and needs a hug and some therapy 🥺 he's honestly so precious

I might also want to mention it's a little bit older. Daria is 18, but I still loved it sooooo much and it isn't adult content or anything. I think the most explicit it gets is making out aha. There is also some death and definitely a lot of feels so be warned before you go in. Also there is some non-consentual kisses in like, the third book or so, so be warned if that will trigger you.

Just. read it. please. it's so good. so, so good. and underappreciated. I mean come ON! IT'S GOT FREAKING FOUND FAMILY AND CHILDHOOD FRIENDS TO ENEMIES TO LOVERS!!

Honestly- just read it. You won't regret it.

#the pandoran novels #pandoran novels #gaia's secret #alexander del conte #alex del conte #daria regius #book recommendation #joy's book rants

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my-darling-boy · 4 years

Note

hello! i really want to learn more about ww1, i saw 1917 and it sparked something in me and ww1 specifically seems so complex and interesting, but it is has a lotttt of information, do u have any advice for any specific things to read/learn about first? or should i just dive in head first and learn about random stuff?

Good question! Also, I’m REALLY happy 1917 is bringing in a lot of new people wanting to learn more about WWI!

The good news is I find WWI is a subject that naturally allows you to branch out your knowledge no matter where you start. My best tip for learning more about the history: start out with ANY area that interests you, find a fact about it, and see where it takes you! I guarantee you’ll start out just wanting to know a little more about food served in the trenches and by the end of the week, you’ll be chest deep in a million other things you got caught up in learning!

For example, one of the first things that got me interested in WWI was a memoir (which I HIGHLY recommend) by Vera Brittain: Testament of Youth. From there, I researched her brother, Captain Edward Brittain and stumbled upon the story of his death and his homosexuality. It led me to Geoffrey Thurlow, a friend he showed clear evidence of having been in love with, and then the changes in male affection during the 1900s. It led me to learn of the “Edwardian Period” and delve into the social, political, and aesthetic aspects of the era. I started watching WWI films, reading academic articles, buying books, and one piece of information led to the next!

If 1917 is what got you into this, that’s a good sign! Cos I bet you were just as hurt as I was seeing depictions of that tragedy and were moved by that heartbreak! But while you’re learning about uniforms and trench foot and so on, I think a good chunk of time should also be dedicated to understanding why it’s simultaneously important to be critical of the war, and understand more about why people were very critical of it at the time, and the lasting impact it had on soldiers all the way up to young people today because it’s a HUGE theme throughout the conflict. I do a much more eloquent job explaining it in an ask someone sent me about my interest in studying, but like I said, VERY important to understand the extent of its effects and how what happened catalysed the modern lust for violence, and why a lot of mainstream remembrance efforts today end up exploiting this tragedy for nationalist-like agendas

I will say, even though it’s not filled with as many Insufferable White Boys as the ones found lurking in WWII forums, it’s war, so you still get your fair share of nationalist, white supremacist, imperialist, pro-war, sexist/misogynist pricks, so please do research with discretion and try to avoid these people (i.e. don’t even look at the comment sections on some websites) and watch out for those boasting about how “honourable” it is for boys to have joined up and died for their country at 15 and that there is something “glorious” to be had in war (because is the biggest lie men have invented for themselves and perpetuate the bs well into the 21st century unfortunately)

Some classic things I recommend reading/watching because they got me started on bits of my own research over time and one of them might be of some interest to you:

Testament of Youth, by Vera Brittain (Book)

This true memoir details how the war affected a young British university student and how the tragedies she witnessed led her to become a VAD nurse, feminist, and pacifist. If you are a more visual learner, it was made into a beautifully shot 2014 film (obviously with some inaccuracies and omitted details) and a more in depth BBC miniseries available for free on YouTube. You may also enjoy the books “Letters From a Lost Generation”, “Because You Died”, and “Vera Brittain and the First World War” which give even more information about the Brittains and the war written by the family’s historian

The Christmas Truce commercial everyone still cries over (video)

It’s a couple minutes long, perfectly sums up what draws me to keep studying the war and my love for learning about the unique changes in human connection during the war

All Quiet in the Western Front, by Erich Maria Remarque (Book)

Another classic example of anti-war literature a lot of people start out by reading from a German perspective. You can also watch the 1930 film adaptation of the book if you would like a visual (even if it has American actors)

They Shall Not Grow Old (Film)

AMAZING first hand accounts and original newly remastered footage from the First World War. It’s arguably neautral in its stance on various factors on the war, but it does a tremendous job showing what life was like at the front and giving voices to the soldiers that lived through it to share their stories.

Oh What a Lovely War! (Film)

Another solid (and entertaining) example of media showing high criticism for the war. This film was revolutionary for its time after roughly 50 years of societal silence about the consequences and negative impacts of WWI. It is incredibly condescending and an absolute anti-war gem

Great War Tommy: the British Soldier 1914-18 (Book)

If you’re a visual learner like me and want information about the kit of a British soldier and drill among other kit care details with LOTS of photos, this a GREAT book

British Uniforms and Equipment of the First World War (Book)

Like the above but has a VERY extensive library of photos for uniforms and equipment, and even shows niche patches and what some uniforms look like inside-out! It’s available for download through MLRS Books online

Valiant Hearts (Game)

From the French perspective. Very heartbreaking game about a French soldier produced in a very unique art style and has a wonderful soundtrack. Great if you like causal, story rich games

11:11 Memories Retold (Game)

This very artistic, stylised game tells the story of a Canadian photographer hired to take photos during the war as well as a German soldier looking for his son at the front. Again, superb soundtrack, and excellent if you love causal, story rich games

Shepard’s War, by James Campbell (Book)

A lovely compilation of original artwork and biographical details about E. H. Shepard during his time as an officer in WWI. If you don’t know, Shepard is the illustrator for Winnie the Pooh! Very intriguing to see his depictions of WWI soldiers as someone who was responsible for a childhood classic

Journey’s End, by R. C. Sherriff (Play)

This play tells the story of a trio of British officers on the frontline and how the effects of shellshock has greatly impacted one of the main characters. It was also made into a film in 2018 staring Asa Butterfield, Sam Claflin, and Paul Bettany

Not About Heroes, by Stephen MacDonald (Play)

A play which tells about the gay friendship between wartime poets and officers Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen

Blackadder: Blackadder Goes Forth (Show)

You might have grown up watching reruns of this show already, but in case you haven’t, it’s the fourth series of the BBC historical comedy show Blackadder and is about as condescending as Oh What a Lovely War, but much less Heavy, aside from the last episode that is. I’ve learned it’s kind of a staple in references made by some reenactment groups :P

YouTube also has TONS of WWI documentaries from every subject under the sun, ranging anywhere from 2 minutes to 2 hours. Obviously it will be a little harder to tell if the information given is without bias, misinformation, or has questionable undertones, but it’s usually a good way to teach yourself how to always be critical of any information you take in, and also a low-maitence way to keep learning. I find it’s nice to keep a balance between informative non-fiction and historical fiction when doing WWI research to keep variation in my study and also to test my ability to tell apart inaccuracies, or just to take a break from the crushing reality of it all!

In conclusion, the answer is jump right in! You’ll learn the ins and outs of WWI research as you go along! The more you learn, the more you’ll get the hang of it!

Happy researching!

#asks #wwi #long post

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twopoppies · 3 years

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you’re baackkkkk !!!!!!!! this might be a strange or hard to find fics for, but could you rec some fics where h and l come from different walks of life or learn or experience something from the other that changes how they view the world or their lives? preferably longer and/or with smut. it’s cool if you can’t find any or that many ! have a good day <3

Hi darling. Yes! I’m back! Yayyy! I hope these fics fit what you had in mind. There a mix of smutty and smut-free, but they’re all very good!

The Serpent and the Lion by louiseparker (E, 212K) Despite the fact that I have zero interest in Harry Potter, I was pulled into this immediately and read all 200+K in two days. The author does a wonderful job of creating a nuanced OT5 friendship, writes great dialogue, and draws a intricate picture of life at Hogwartz. Most of all, I loved the use of flashbacks to tell the story, the deeply layered characterization of Harry, and how wonderfully he and Louis fit together and brought out the best in each other. I’m so happy I found this one.

Collision by itjustkindahappened (NR, 225K) This fic is really unique and interesting. The characterizations are a bit OOC (in my opinion), but it’s such a cool story, that this didn’t get in my way of enjoying it. The author has written an epilogue since I read it, which might expand the ending, which felt a little abrupt at the time.

of the divine by @thedevilinmybrain (Mixed ratings, 2-part series, 104K) Oh my god. This series. I cried buckets. It’s so beautifully written. The sex scenes are so tender and sexy, but in such a pure way. Their relationship is so good… you can totally feel how much they love each other, the climactic scene OH MY GOD so intense. It’s also got great zouis friendship and a very sweet narry friendship. Tender punk Louis and guardian angel Harry. Read it.

Wear It Like A Crown by zarah5 (E, 141K) One of my favorites from this author. Really unique storyline, complex characters, great smut, great pacing. Link is to a download.

Wild and Unruly by 100percentsassy, gloria_andrews / @100percentsassy @gloriaandrews (E, 124K) One of the OG classics in this fandom. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out. It’s just a great, original story. Plus, cowboy Harry, city boy Louis, bad guys to hate, nail biting drama, hot af sexual chemistry and smut, and a super satisfying ending.

And down the long and silent street by whimsicule (M, 86K) Similar time period to Victorian Boy, although this one focuses much more on the class structure of Victorian England. The romance here is not only between two men, but between men of very different classes – which only adds to the tension of the already intense subplot. This author always writes with great depth and the detail of the setting feels spot on.

Young & Beautiful by velvetoscar (M, 227K) This fic is beautifully wordy and descriptive (which isn’t for everyone) and the characters are probably pretty OOC, but I just love everything about it. I know that doesn’t sound like a recommendation, but truly the writing is poetry, the characters are so well-developed, the visuals and setting have stuck with me for years –– there’s a reason this one is a classic.

Ever Since I Tried Your Way by flowercrownfemme / @lesbianiconharrystyles (E, 26K) I loved everything about this fic, from the setting to the characterizations to the slow way Harry discovers himself and how Louis supports everything about him. It’s just beautifully written and wonderfully moving.

Shake Me Down by AGreatPerhaps12 (NR, 209K) this fic will run you through the wringer, but it’s really a great read. I really like the way the author took the boys from enemies to friends to boyfriends, and how we got to see how protective and supportive Louis became towards Harry.

i can be the motor (you be the gasoline) by @kiwikero (E, 8K) As I said before, this author is always a great read. Loved the set up of this one and I could have happily read multiple chapters of these characters!

Glow by dolce_picante (M, 41K) lovely, bittersweet, and sexy. Plus... aliens!

You Drive Me Round The Bend by TheCellarDoor (M, 77K) This is another I read ages ago, so I can’t recall details except that I loved rich, spoiled brat Louis and struggling musician Harry and instant chemistry followed by instant dislike and misunderstandings. Followed, of course, by ultimately falling in love.

Landslide by aimmyarrowshigh, spibsy (lucy_and_ramona) (E, 143K) Set in the 1970s. Read the tags because this fic is a lot. There are pairings you may not enjoy, there’s a lot of period typical unpleasantness, cult psychology, violence, etc. etc. HOWEVER, it’s very well written and the exploration of Harry’s internalized homophobia is done very well, IMO.

In Dreams by dolce_piccante (M, 24K) This actually might be my favorite of this author’s fics, although I know it’s definitely not the most popular. It’s just soft and romantic and sweet and I’m a sucker for tattoo artist Louis winning over slightly uptight Harry.

These Constant Stars by stylinsoncity (M, 31K) Punk Harry/Fashion Designer Louis. This author has written so many great fics and this one is really lovely. I also always like when one of the boys is not what he seems to be on first glance.

Your Name Is Tattooed On My Heart my mcpofife (E, 87K) I reread this one recently and it's truly delightful. The characterizations are so well done. Harry is so endearing (I cried over his heartbreak). And the smut is both hot and really emotional. Love this one.

hope you guessed my name by juliusschmidt (E, 9K) Harry is a devil, Louis is human. I don’t know what it is about this fic, but I just adore it. It’s so moving and so beautifully written and yes, I cried over Harry being a lonely cryptid.

Take Me Home (Country Roads) by Awriterwrites / @a-writerwrites (E, 87K) Probably my favorite of this author’s many fics. Set in rural West Virginia, this hate to love fic is funny, touching, super sexy, painful and features big city doctor Louis vs country boy healer Harry.

Alien Roadtrip! by @helloamhere (E, 16K) You all know I love everything this author writes. This one is just chock full of quirkiness, beautiful writing, and lovely characterizations.

#opposites attract #Larry fic rec #my fic rec

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headachebrain · 3 years

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My Favourite Books of 2020

There was nothing to do in 2020 so I read 62 books. The only places I went this year were work, home and the library. Reading kept me busy, it kept me occupied on public transportation so I wouldn’t stress over how crowded it was or who wasn’t wearing their mask correctly. I learned new things, got inspired to write. I cried a lot. I laughed a lot. I listened to my first audiobook which was such an amazing experience and a highlight of this dark year. Out of 62, here are the 16 books that I loved the most in 2020. I’ve included my Goodreads reviews because they’re funny to me – you can tell I like a book very much when I say “I’m going to be thinking about this for a long time.”

Fiction I wish I wrote:

If I’m reading a novel and it makes me mad that I didn’t write it that means I loved it. Such a Fun Age, the debut novel by Kiley Reid actually made me angry at how good it was. It’s always been my dream to write a contemporary novel about a Black woman just living life. I haven’t been able to do that yet but Reid did it so well. I read a few romance novels this year but none of them hit me. Romance novel clichés don’t get to me like they did in my early twenties when I’d devour romance novels but The Bride Test by Helen Hoang kind of wrecked me. I’m so here for contemporary romance novels having diverse leads, not just in race but in gender identity, body size and mentally. This year I’ve read romance novels about a woman in a wheelchair, fat women, queer folks – it’s incredible. The Bride Test was the best of the bunch for me this year. My Goodreads review says it all. For the past three years an Elizabeth Acevedo book has been on my best of lists, she is incredible. Clap When You Land is another novel in verse about two Dominican sisters who find out about each other after their father passes away. It made me cry a lot. I know all too well the emotions that go with finding out you have half siblings that were hidden from you and Acevedo captured them so well.

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid Goodreads review: I loved this novel. It's the kind of novel I wish I wrote. It was funny, suspenseful and so painfully awkward at times I wanted to put it down. I could really identify with Emira trying to become an adult and find a job she cared about. There aren't a lot of novels where the Black girl main character can just BE - Emira could turn up with her girls and go to work and date and she felt like a full, well rounded human. I'm going to think about this book for a long time.

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang Goodreads review: What a treat.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo Goodreads review: As a Black girl that found out I have multiple half siblings, this book hit me HARD. It was sad, but hopeful and beautifully written. One of the best of 2020.

YA novels I wish were around when I was a kid:

I have vivid memories of searching my elementary school library for books with Black and brown faces on the cover. Even when I worked at a bookstore from 2006-2013 I’d have parents coming up to me asking for books that had characters that reflected their kids. I used to have a little list that I kept in my pocket so I’d be ready when I’d get asked. Now almost ten years after I left the bookstore, I go in and see so many different kinds of people on the covers of YA books. The diversity makes me emotional. Now so many kids can pick up books and see themselves no matter their body type, gender, sexuality or race. I’m not a kid any more but the teen novels I read this year that I loved were super diverse.

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson Goodreads review: Started off a bit shaky but about 50 pages in I was hooked. I wish I had this book when I was a kid. What a gorgeous cover. I loved the themes the novel covered, loved that Liz was queer, loved the sickle cell storyline, the grandma made me cry. Little Black girls are so lucky to have this.

Shine by Jessica Jung Goodreads review: I love K-pop so I loved this novel. The writing was really good, the style reminded me of the Sweet Valley High books I read as a kid. Really enjoyed it.

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender Goodreads review: Really cute. The writing could be tightened up a bit but I enjoyed the story. Also loved the BTS mentions

Memoir that gutted me:

I don’t usually read memoir but thanks to the library I read amazing memoirs by women of colour. In the Dream House and Know My Name focused on domestic abuse and sexual assault respectively that were so honest and heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting and hopeful. With both books I’d be reading and suddenly realize tears were streaming down my face. While Mariah’s memoir, that I listened to in audiobook format, made me laugh, cry and appreciate the living legend she is. She’s a miracle.

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado Goodreads review: Devastating

Know My Name by Chanel Miller Goodreads review: I had this book on hold at the library for a year. This memoir will stay with me for a long time. It's sad, heartbreaking, hopeful and beautifully written. So beautifully written. Everyone should read this book

The Meaning of Mariah Carey by Mariah Carey Goodreads review: I listened to the audiobook version of this memoir, the very first audiobook I've ever listened to and it was such a rich, enjoyable experience. I've always been a Mariah fan, but never a super fan. I was familiar with some of her struggles but I never knew how much she'd been through. Incredible writing and storytelling about an incredible woman that truly beat the odds. I kept thinking to myself "it is a miracle that she's still alive." Easily one of the best memoirs I've ever read.

Brilliant Essay collections:

Essay collections are really hit or miss. I love reading well crafted, interesting essays. Wow, No Thank You and White Negroes both focused on topics I’m interested in – humour, Black women issues, mental health and pop culture. I may only read essay collections by Black women from now on.

Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby Goodreads review: The only books that have made me actually laugh out loud were written by Samantha Irby. She's a writer that makes me feel seen, while also inspiring me to try to write essay (which I find so difficult). I enjoyed the majority of these essays, especially ones about trying to get her first book picked up as a TV show. As a fellow Black girl that doesn't do shit, I'm glad Samantha Irby is writing.

White Negroes by Lauren Michele Jackson Goodreads review: Excellent. I'll be thinking about these essays for a long time.

Non-fiction that changed my worldview:

I read The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson last year and it changed the way I looked at the world. Caste, also by Isabel Wilkerson, affected me the same way. Everyone should read it.

Caste by Isabel Wilkerson Goodreads review: a book everyone needs to read.

Well written fiction:

These novels were the ones I knew I’d never be able to write – they were just good stories about women. One about a Black woman scientist dealing with her mother’s mental illness, one about contemporary women living in Seoul and another about a woman who was sexually assaulted by her teacher. I read a lot of fiction this year but it was fiction by and about women that I really enjoyed.

Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi Goodreads review: whew. beautiful prose, devastatingly sad. I loved it.

If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha Goodreads review: Great writing and a fascinating look at the life of women in Korea.

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell Goodreads review: tough to read but so well written. I'll be thinking about this novel for a long time.

Honourable mentions: The Deep by Rivers Solomon Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas Turtles All The Way Down by John Green Good Talk by Mira Jacob Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

#books #Books and Literature #reading #2020 books #best of 2020 #writing #personal

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brynwrites · 4 years

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2019 READING RECAP:

BOOKS I READ THIS YEAR AND LOVED.

I read 45 books in 2019. (Well, technically I listened to most of them as audio-books. Dyslexia was a pain in the ass this year and I gave it a whopping middle finger.)

This is not a "Best Of" list. I didn't read all the books published in 2019, nor will all these books be from 2019 to begin with. They're just books I read this year and happened to enjoy. I hope some of you will enjoy them too.

Note: The little summaries in italics are written by me, not official blurbs. Click the links to see those!

In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan

This lovely slice-of-magical-life book tells the story of a sassy young man navigating a magical world and all the trials and romances it brings.

I fully recommend it to anyone who likes humorous mythology, beautiful deconstructions of social topics, snarky protagonists, and a romance with fantastic pinning and realistic relationships. This has a mlm endgame ship!

Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer

A biologist explores a dangerous piece of coastline contaminated by distinctly unnatural forces, which puts her relationship with her late husband into new light.

The slow revelation of and engulfment by the hauntingly peculiar yet breathe-taking world really hit me in the center of my soul. The Biologist felt incredibly real and personal, and by the end of the story, she seemed like a friend I knew and adored. Her relationship with her husband was one of the most stunning and accurate "romances" I've ever read.

Circe by Madeline Miller

A stunning showcase of the life of Circe, as seen from a new angle, highlighting both the flaws of humans and the beauty of mortality.

I've heard people describe this as a love letter to humanity and that's more accurate than anything I could write. Also I cried at the end.

The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty

A con woman with healing powers accidentally summons a djinn warrior and ends up whisked into a mythological world of elaborate politics.

This book gave me so many feels I don't know how to recover. Strap in for epic world building, suspenseful plot, wonderful (often morally grey) characters with complex biases.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The story of how a fictional Hollywood actress ends up marrying seven different men over the course of her life. Spoilers: She's in love with a woman.

This book portrays a stunning and realistic look at a queer woman's journey through Hollywood, with lovely takes on romance, sex, and sexuality, as well as a couple beautiful instances of queer non-traditional/polyamorous families. Endgame wlw!

The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie

With the god of the kingdom fading and the current ruler missing, the aid to the next ruler must meddle in the affairs of gods. But someone is watching him... and she's been around for a very, very long time.

The peculiar narrative choice of having a first person narrator speak of the main character in second person played well in the growing mystery, and the world building surrounding the gods was fantastic and unique, lending itself to the sort of story you read once in a lifetime. I would recommend this book for people who like unique and/or non-traditional story telling mechanisms, incredible world building, and thinking. The main character is a transman!

The Songbird's Refrain by Jillian Maria

When a girl who feels perpetually unseen is captured by a witch and forced to grow feathers, she must use her dreams to uncover the witch's motivations and escape.

This Young Adult book is a blast with a hint of creepy, a dose of suspense, and a nice dollop of fluffy romance. Overall, a wonderful fall read, with a heavy focus on healthy relationships, believing in one's self, and choosing love. The endgame is a wlw!

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

An episodic novella of the two most powerful time war opponents falling in love through letters exchanged in very particular ways.

This book made my eyes well and my throat catch and my mind linger over the pages with ecstasy and melancholy. It is lyrical and beautiful, with stunning world building built of metaphors. The endgame is a wlw!

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

Not your typical portal fantasy.

This was lovely. Everything from the slow beginnings ties beautifully back together in a fast paced second half. I ended up with so many feels about this dumb little wandering family.

A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine

The new ambassador to the largest colonizing empire in the galaxy must uncover the reasons for her predecessor's demise, which would be a bit easier of only the artificial version of him embedded in her brain would help out.

This was such a fantastic ride. Stunning world building, great characters, politics that doesn't feel bogged down, a plot that's constantly moving forward. I totally recommend for anyone who likes science fiction, quirky friend groups, and the analysis of colonization. Endgame wlw!

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Sometimes a family can be a nerdy dumb-ass with a sword, an arrogant snarky dumb-ass with a smirk, and their demon servant who nibbles on their live force and mothers them both to hell and back.

I had so much fun with this Young Adult book. The world building is lovely and the pacing keeps you on your toes without stressing you out and the main characters are fabulous. A good, solid read, with a beautiful ending. Also, I would die for Silas.

Some books I wanted to read in 2019 but didn't get around to:

The Fifth Season

The Priory of the Orange Tree

Jade City

Middlegame

Wilder Girls

Into the Drowning Deep

Rules for Vanishing

Which books did you guys enjoy this year? (Let me know so I can read them next year? ;)

#booklr #reading recap #Book Recommendations #book reccs #book list #lgbt books #(note that not all of these are lgbt BUT to my knowledge only Ten Thousand Doors and Circe don't have prominent lgbt characters)

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napoleon--bonaparte · 4 years

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i read @focsle‘s novel Lacrimore. this is my review. it is FULL OF SPOILERS.

rating: infinity/10. i just LOVED it!! it just ah!! it was so good!! i was totally and effortlessly swept up in the whole universe of Lacrimore. i was also completely 1000% invested in every character, including the house's staff (LOVED Fel omfg). i enjoyed every single second that i read this book. it was difficult to put down but because of the way that life is i had to at times and until i could get back to it, it was ALL i thought about. i thought that it was beautifully crafted and well and satisfyingly plotted. it was also extremely emotionally and thematically resonant with me. it just really hit me right where i live!!

i have all sorts of thoughts but they're kind of loosely assorted so bare with me

the house was AMAZING. i mean, W O W! "atmospheric" is the word that really comes to mind the strongest. the writing is not only beautiful but also incredibly effective and fresh. in a work like this, it is so important to get a sense of the house in a physical (well, as close to physical as you can get with this particular house) sense and SJ really just knocked it out of the park. i was blown away. not surprised, just totally delighted. in particular, the ballroom windows and the east wing captured my heart. the sense of history there just totally haunts me

i adored all of the characters. Sivre Sen was a great choice for protag, and such an interesting character in this universe. i found her internal struggles with her faith to be deeply compelling. i really felt for her and cared for her as things progressed. and. fkjda; sorry to keysmash like its 2011 here but. the whole ass climax !! INTENSE. ROOTING FOR HER SO HARD. and the close... when she lit that lantern... and starts calling spirits away.... what a beautiful, powerful culmination of her character arc and the book as a whole. i just. knocked on my ass. found dead, rip me she was so young

Vandorus. i. i love him. ALSO rooting for him so hard. number one, what a GREAT character. like, just conceptually within this universe. fascinating. number two. he stole every scene he was in. i mean, everything was well balanced and super well written. but he was just such a compelling, interesting dude with such a strong personality that it was hard not to be just totally taken with him wherever he went!! god. I JUST WANT HIM TO BE OKAY. when he and the house were getting buddy buddy i was like.... this is very sexy of you Vandorus, however as your mother i am concerned.

his relationships with Sivre and Lalichai were the touchstone of the whole book for me. i loved watching his relationship with Sivre evolve. it was exactly what i would want to happen between the two of them but i'm not used to getting that kind of satisfying turn in a lot of narratives... and when it happened, i was just beside myself. they have such an interesting dynamic. when he let her go... and then when she didn't leave him. i'm crying like a baby over here, its 1am, i'm scaring my dog.

ugh. IK THAT IT ENDS ON KIND OF AN AMBIGUOUS NOTE. WHICH I **LOVED** AND THOUGHT WAS PERFECT. so whether or not he fully survives this whole thing is kind of up in the air. the ambiguity. god, him telling Sivre that he knows he should have just put Lalichai out of his misery... tears. Van isn't a bad guy. i just. head in my hands. when Sivre tells him that the house would just use him, i'm like throwing shit into the air. like listen to her you beautiful salty dingus!!! I JUST WANT WHATS BEST FOR YOU

also. every time Sivre and Van have a scuffle this was me irl:

and Lalichai. smoothes shirt. i run a Lalichai stan blog now. i was NOT expecting at all to like him so much, just figured he'd be there, but he was JUST SO CHARMING and i am a SUCKER FOR THAT TYPE OF BOTH CHARACTER AND REAL LIFE INDIVIDUAL PERSON. and when he died, i wasn't expecting to see him again so like, to have a whole ass other scene with him was just a true delight. i just loved him to bits. here's something i wrote at some point for my notes for this review: "lalichai is SO my type as a character love that bitch GOALS except the evil house part but would totally also make that mistake so like i get it babe."

anyway. here's an assortment of moments that made me have a irl physical reaction:

i GASPED AUDIBLY and in doing so SCARED MYSELF when sivre found minah's bead

i had to stop reading and get up to take a little emotional walk every single time van's mom was brought up (i was literally like wow.. rip my heart out, thanks) and ALSO at that four lines of dialogue between lalichai and minah. i'm just. those lines are fucking haunting me

i cried throughout the entire climax and also at any point where minah showed up.

overall, in a broad sense i loved the whole narrative structure. i loved that it was on a bottle on the island. i thought that was very effective and well done. i also loved the broad thematic tanglings with legacy, death, ambition, struggling against authority, etc. this might sound odd but i'm still processing them, not that they were difficult to understand or not well crafted but i think they're just really hitting me very hard and i need some time to parse how the work is impacting me emotionally beyond my deep investment in the characters and universe. i will certainly be rereading this again.

i don't know a great deal about american spiritualism. but the influences on this work was such a rare treat. i haven't said a lot about the worldbuilding, but it was fascinating and effective. it just... all worked really, really well.

in conclusion: i really enjoyed the book. it has been a long time since a written, non-podcast work of fiction has grabbed me like this. i find it terribly gauche when fans rope creators into fandoms or try to talk about things like fanfiction with them. but i would be remiss if i did not share that, for me personally, it is rare that a work grabs my heart and imagination to the extent that i would want to read or produce any fanwork. it must be very special in a particular way for this to happen. and right now all i want to do is dive DEEP into a healthy lacrimore ao3 tag!!!

where's my vandorus & sivre "buddy cop" style sequel riffs. and at least one 6k fic where they go find his mom (IF SHE STILL ALIVE....) that makes me lose my mind.

#lacrimore #me #SPOILERS

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