A Look At Stuff You Probably Never Heard Of: Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga
I’ve been busy yet again; a lot of stuff as happened in my life, so I wasn’t able to get this out when I wanted to, but hey, better late than never. As you’ve already surmised by the title, we’re taking a look at game that’s a part of the Shin Megami Tensei series, thus making it related to the Persona series. Today, we’ll be taking a look at... Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga!
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga, often shortened to “Digital Devil Saga” or just “DDS”, is an M-rated action RPG developed by Atlus. It was released for the Playstation 2 on July 15th, 2004 in Japan, April 5th, 2005 in North America, and July 21st, 2006 in Europe. The game was also produced and directed by Katsura Hashino, the same man who worked on several SMT games from If onward, as well as the Persona series from 3 onward.
Taking place in an area known only as the Junkyard, various factions of soldiers, known as “Tribes” are engaged in constant warfare, but none of the 6 tribes have been able to gain an upper hand, all of them locked in a stalemate. During one particular skirmish, the soldiers of Embryon; consisting of Serph, Heat, Argilla, Cielo, and Gale, are fighting against the Vanguards with a mysterious egg-like object being in the middle of the warzone. As the two sides fight, an explosion of light erupts from the egg, causing everyone amongst the tribes to find themselves turned into demons before they devour anyone and everyone until they’re satisfied and calm down.
Once Embryon regain their senses, they find a girl sleeping in the crater left behind from where the egg once stood, where Embryon take her in. The following day, the ruling body of the Junkyard, the Karma Temple, calls the leaders of the tribes together and explains that everyone has been granted the power of “Atma”, which allows them to transform into demons. Those same powers can finally end the stalemate, but the soldiers will be faced with a strong sense of hunger that can only be momentarily quelled upon devouring others. If not, they enter a frenzied rage until either their hunter is satiated or they’re killed. It is also explained that one tribe will emerge victorious within the war and whichever tribe devours the others will be permitted to climb the temple and reach Nirvana. However, that tribe must also have the girl with them.
With the new laws in place, the tribes go their separate ways to strategize with two goals in mind; conquer the other tribes and find the girl. Or in the case of the Embryon, protect the girl.
Like other RPG games, gameplay is divided into two styles; exploration and battle. In the overworld, the player can explore various areas, solve puzzles, and collect items, while occasionally running into random encounters. Battle plays similar to SMT: Nocturne, having the Press Turn system that increases depending how many party members are active, with a maximum of 4 with all 3 party members active.
Performing any actions costs a Press Turn, but exploiting a weakness or landing a critical hit will cause a Press Turn to glow, which signifies a “Half Press Turn”. However, missing an attack will consume 2 Press Turns while if an attack is reflected or absorbed, all Press Turns will be consumed. Whatever rules the player follows regarding Press Turns, the enemies have to follow as well. Under the right circumstances, it’s possible to turn 4 Press Turns with 4 actions available, to 8 actions.
At the end of battle, along with being given money (Macca) and occasionally items, the player is also given Karma, which acts as typical EXP, as well as Atma Points (AP).
However, there is also the Hunt abilities, which are Physical skills, but if they kill a target, the character will consume them and gain bonus AP after the battle, but devouring too many foes in a short span of time will give the character a stomachache, rendering them unable to get any AP until cured, even if they get a stomachache at the end of battle.
Hunting itself does decent damage, but if an enemy is “Scared”, Hunt skills do even more damage. An enemy can become scared if their attack is reflected, absorbed, or nullified, or if the player exploits a weakness on them. Hunting a scared enemy deals very hefty damage. Later in the game, Fatal Hunt skills become available, which have a very low chance of instantly killing a target, unless they’re scared, then the chances jump up to 100%.
AP itself is used to master Mantra, which refers to a “package” of 1 to 4 skills that are gained upon mastering it, allowing the character to add more skills to their repetoire, such as stronger offensive magic, better healing magic, buffs and debuff skills, or even elemental resistances/immunities and increases to their HP and MP.
Characters can also fight in their human forms, either by willingly changing back or when ambushed. However, while they become immune to Expel and Death abilities (Hama and Mudo), they’re unable to use abilities of their own. Most they can do is use their firearms to attack, which does weak damage, but certain enemies are weak to.
And so, I give you my Final Recommendation:
Never Let Go Of It||Get It||Hold Onto It||Try It||Consider It||Stay Away From It
Of course, the battle is going to be fun. It helps that it’s both similar and different from the mainline SMT games, so people don’t get confused. And the story is very interesting, too. It has a sequel, which is a continuation of where the first game left off. And no, it’s just a duology; the story ends at Digital Devil Saga 2.
I also want to mention that unlike Persona or even SMT, the game is much more serious. That isn’t to say it’s completely devoid of comedy, but don’t expect laughs like from the other games. Most you’ll get are minor chuckles or moments that are fairly humorous. And this was all by design.
And if it wasn’t obvious already, the game pulls very heavily from Hinduism; Atma, Karma, and even many of the major Atma Avatars; such as Agni, Varna/Varuna, Ravana, Hayagriva, and Prithivi. And there are a number of locations; such as Muladhara, Anahata, and the Samsara Tunnels.
I also wasn’t sure how to place this in any of the sections above, so I’ll talk about it here. At the start, characters have no emotions. Like, that’s actually a thing; they have no emotions whatsoever until some sort of “trigger” causes them to awaken. This can easily be seen with their eyes; they’re dull and grey with no pupils, but when awakening to their emotions, their eye color changes and they gain pupils, not to mention they start emoting. Heat becomes more aggressive and temperamental and Cielo becomes laid-back.
Also, one of the laws of the Junkyard is that whenever a Tribe conquers another (which is done by killing/devouring their leader), the soldiers are absorbed into the victorious tribe and fight on their behalf.
All-in-all, if you can get your hands on it, I highly recommend it. Also, the game infamously lets you fight the Demi-Fiend from Nocturne as an optional Superboss, and he’s regarded as one of the hardest superbosses in the series. I also want to mention that you can migrate your save file from DDS1 to DDS2. What that means is depending on actions taken, choices made, and even what optional bosses you defeat, you can transfer the completed save file to DDS2 to get special rewards. It’s even possible to affect your party at a specific point in DDS2 depending on the decisions made across both games.
And so, I’ll see you guys next month!
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Name: "Gaucho Gathering"
Top 10 Cards:
"Asado Arcanjo" - Legendary Creature (Angel)
"La Estancia Eterna" - Legendary Land
"Matanza de la Pampa" - Sorcery
"La Leyenda del Bife" - Legendary Creature (Gaucho)
"La Danza de los Gauchos" - Enchantment
"El Criollo Cabalgante" - Creature (Horseman)
"El Condor de los Cielos" - Creature (Bird)
"La Tempestad del Pampas" - Instant
"La Huerta del Gaucho" - Land
"La Marucha del Campo" - Creature (Ox)
describe a game of gaucho gathering
In "Gaucho Gathering," each player takes on the role of a gaucho summoning creatures, casting spells, and deploying enchantments to defeat their opponent. The goal of the game is to reduce your opponent's life total from 20 to 0.
At the start of the game, each player shuffles their deck and draws seven cards. They can then play lands to generate mana, which is used to cast spells and summon creatures. Each turn, players draw a card and can play lands and cast spells. Creatures can attack and block to deal damage to the opponent.
Players can also use spells and abilities to manipulate the battlefield, disrupt their opponent's strategy, and gain advantages. The game ends when one player reduces their opponent's life total to 0, or if a player cannot draw a card from their deck (referred to as "decking out").
Strategy and decision-making play a crucial role in "Gaucho Gathering," as players must determine the best use of their resources each turn to ultimately defeat their opponent.
explain the exclusive feature of gaucho gathering, the chimarrao
"Chimarrao" is a unique mechanic in "Gaucho Gathering" that represents the traditional South American tea made from yerba mate leaves and hot water.
In the game, players can use "Chimarrao" as a resource to boost the power of their creatures, spells, and abilities. For example, a player may cast a spell that requires "Chimarrao" as an additional cost, making it more powerful than it would be without the "Chimarrao." Additionally, creatures with the "Chimarrao" ability can receive bonuses, such as increased power and toughness, when "Chimarrao" is in play.
The "Chimarrao" mechanic not only adds a unique flavor to "Gaucho Gathering," but also provides players with new strategic options and the ability to turn the tide of the game with a well-timed "Chimarrao" play. The use of "Chimarrao" can also lead to some tense moments as players race to control this limited resource.
after 15 years gaucho gathering is the most played game in the world, tell in details how was the final match in the world championship of that year.
The final match of the 2038 World Championship of "Gaucho Gathering" was a showdown between two skilled players, Juan Martinez and Maria Gomez. The atmosphere was electric as thousands of spectators filled the arena to witness the ultimate test of their abilities.
Juan, playing a white and green deck, focused on summoning powerful creatures and using enchantments to protect them. Maria, playing a blue and black deck, relied on spells to control the battlefield and disrupt Juan's strategy.
The match was fast-paced and intense, with both players using their mastery of the game's mechanics to gain an advantage. Early on, Juan summoned a "La Leyenda del Bife," a legendary gaucho creature with impressive power and toughness, but Maria quickly countered with a spell that returned it to Juan's hand.
As the match progressed, Juan played "La Danza de los Gauchos," an enchantment that granted his creatures extra attack power. But Maria responded with a powerful spell that destroyed all of Juan's enchantments, leaving him vulnerable to her relentless assault.
Despite being on the back foot, Juan refused to give up and used "Chimarrao" to boost the power of his creatures and mount a comeback. With the help of "Chimarrao," Juan managed to land a series of powerful attacks, reducing Maria's life total to just a few points.
In a last-ditch effort, Maria cast a powerful spell that created a horde of zombie creatures, but Juan was ready. He summoned his final creature, a massive angel named "Asado Arcanjo," and used it to destroy Maria's zombies and secure the victory.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Juan raised his arms in triumph, crowned the 2038 World Champion of "Gaucho Gathering." It was a memorable match that showcased the depth and excitement of the game, solidifying its position as the world's most popular card game.
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MITRA, ur babey
CHROLLO, ur even more babey hhhh
you’re gonna make me blush sO hard i might pass out🥺🤍✨✨✨
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EZEKIEL ‘EZ’ REYES W/ DAUGHTER ⨟ HEADCANON
@wrcn9fvlcver asked: Hello hello! First of all i loveeee your writing and i was wondering if u would be up for some daddy ez I absolutely love the idea of ez with a little girl and maybe some tio angel action?
Word Count: 1.1k
Thanks to my lovely beta reader @starrynite7114 💖
Author comments: Sorry it took me soooo long ✨ I hope you all enjoy. Gif isn't mine, credits to the author.
Tag list: @starrynite7114 @chibsytelford @dazzledamazon @mara-mpou @sammskellington @gemini0410 @1-800-imagines @briana-mishell24 @sassymox @whyisgmora @aquamento @sadeyesgf @viviansafizada @samcrobae @jade770 @witchy-wish @rebel-without-cause-x @xx--day-dreamer--xx @spiced-reads @tita127 @ifoundmyhappythought @enamouravecleslivresetlechocolat @angelxshiba @destynelseclipsa @sheeshgivemeabreak @abbiesthings ✨ (if you wanna be tagged, send me a message!)
Ez loves to spend the whole day with your daughter. He loves Lola more than anything in this world.
Every time you tell him that he has to pick her up from school, he falls into the ‘sweetest daddy mood’. He wears one of Lola's favorites shirt of the collection he has. He also sprays some of that Hugo Boss cologne you bought for him, that EZ uses only in special occasions.
He usually rides to school ten minutes before her classes are done, enough time to buy her some flowers. He's a charming prince.
“God, your dad is fucking hot”.
Sometimes you can't understand how a thirteen year old girl can talk like that. Your daughter raised an eyebrow somewhat confused, looking at her friends because of the comment. You never warn Lola when EZ is going to pick her up, because your husband loves to surprise your little girl. The youngest Reyes is sitting sideways on his black Harley, cross-armed, holding the half-dozen of white roses and that smile that can burn down the world just in a second because of the over cuteness.
“Gid, yir did is fickin' hit”. She replies somewhat upset with a singing voice, rolling her eyes.
Grabbing her bag with a hand in the handle, she runs fast to her dad who is already walking towards her when their eyes finally meet again. EZ hugs her tightly with an arm, leaving some kisses on her cheek, before taking the bag to give her daughter the roses.
“Did you have a good day, pequeña?”
“Sí, papá. Solo… un poco largo”. (Yes, dad, just a little bit long). She says shrugging her shoulders, holding his free hand with her own to reach the motorbike.
“Ok, we're going to the clubhouse. Chucky is cooking quesadillas for you”. EZ helps her to put on the helmet, before keeping the bag in one of the leather's one at a side of the bike. “The crew is already waiting”.
“Leti is there too? I wanna show her something”. Lola asks sitting by his father back, holding somewhat better her flowers. She's a good rider, it's in her veins, and she doesn't need to wrap EZ's waist when he turns the motorcycle on.
Coco and Angel usually fight on who gets to hug her first. Both are her tíos. Lola spend a lot of time at Coco's house, because Leti usually helps her with homework. But Angel is her original tío. He understands that his brother is her father, he respect that. But he is extremely jealous with other guys. Even with women. Vicki can't hug her, because Angel is already doing it. Lola is his most precious thing in world. He took care of her since she was born, turning himself into a fucking mix of pitbull, doberman and rottweiler whenever EZ or you aren't close. His niece is a baby he must protect at all fucking cost. No matter if she was fifty years old. A. Baby. He. Must. Protect. At. All. Fucking. Cost. You understand it?
“DON'T FUCKING TOUCH HER, MAN”.
Angel is holding your daughter between his strong arms, while she's laughing so hard she almost drowns herself with her own saliva, turning over his feet to avoid everybody presence close of them. Creeper and Gilly are trying to play with her, but your brother-in-law is needy of showing Lola how precious she is. Like a fucking diamond surrounded by trash.
“IT'S MY FUCKING TURN.”
“C'MON! YOU'RE HOGGING HER, BROTHER!” Coco complains too, so furious he wants to punch Angel's face.
“WELL, SHE'S LOLA REYES. NOT LOLA CRUZ. NOT LOLA VARGAS. NOT LOLA LOPEZ. REYES. YOU FUCKIN' HEAR ME? LOLA FUCKIN' REYES. GO FIND YOUR FUCKIN' OWN NIECE”.
“Tío Angel!”
“'Amma fuckin' wrong, beautiful and precious baby, love of my life, my one and only, my princess, luz de mi vida?”
“EH, SHE'S MY DAUGHTER. BLOW ME, BITCH!”
EZ comes from nowhere, taking his daughter as if she actually is a baby. For god's sake. But she's having a lot of fun seeing how her father always wins every single battle.
Bishop only ask your husband for help when Lola is doing something with the guys, so he can be with his daughter all the time possible.
Everybody is totally in love with her. But what EZ feels for her escapes the limits of understanding. His daughter. His family. A piece of himself and a piece of the love of his life, all in one. You've been together for almost fourteen years, and she wasn't something planned: but the best gift you two could ever have.
His favorite thing to do together is lie down on the sofa, after having some delicious homemade dinner, to read her Federico Garcia Lorca's poetry. EZ has been doing it since the first time she slept at home, so small, so cute, so tiny. He has never read her fairy tales, but spanish poems. As Felipe does when they're together.
“... Se dejó el balcón abierto, y el alba por el balcón desembocó todo el cielo. ¡Ay, que vestida con mantos negros”.
EZ has a hand caressing her back, with the small book raised on air in the other one, reciting each poem with passion.
“Dad.”
“Ah?”
“When I leave to the university, I'll call you every night so you can read me another poem.”
“Ok, mi amor, I promise.” He replies kissing her head before continuing.
Your husband also taught her spanish as soon as she started to talk, and you couldn't feel more proud of his daddy skills since ever, as if he had a lot of children before Lola.
He wants his little girl to run the world.
Lola knows how to fight and defend herself. She speaks english, spanish, apache (because Taza said it would be amazing) and italian. She's the smartest girl you ever knew. She's polite, gentle, loving, responsible… And you know why? Because of your husband. Yeah, you do your ‘mom work’ pretty well. But, let's be sincere, every time you see EZ being the best dad ever, you fall more for him.
EZ cries when he listens your daughter telling you how much she loves him, or asking you once and again how you two met, or comparing her dad with their friends', without knowing he's hearing her. And he also does it when you reply how much you love him, how lucky you're for finding him in life, and how much you get melted every time you find them sleeping together in the sofa after a long day waiting for you to come from the hospital.
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James Augustine Aloysius Joyce was born on February 2, 1882. He was an Irish novelist, short story writer, poet, teacher, and literary critic. He contributed to the modernist avant-garde movement and is regarded as one of the most influential and important writers of the 20th century. Joyce is best known for Ulysses (1922), a landmark work in which the episodes of Homer's Odyssey are paralleled in a variety of literary styles, most famously stream of consciousness. Other well-known works are the short-story collection Dubliners (1914), and the novels A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1916) and Finnegans Wake (1939). His other writings include three books of poetry, a play, his published letters and occasional journalism.
Joyce was born in Dublin into a middle-class family. A brilliant student, he briefly attended the Christian Brothers-run O'Connell School before excelling at the Jesuit schools Clongowes and Belvedere, despite the chaotic family life imposed by his father's unpredictable finances. He went on to attend University College Dublin.
In 1904, in his early 20s, Joyce emigrated to continental Europe with his partner (and later wife) Nora Barnacle. They lived in Trieste, Paris, and Zürich. Although most of his adult life was spent abroad, Joyce's fictional universe centres on Dublin and is populated largely by characters who closely resemble family members, enemies, and friends from his time there. Ulysses in particular is set with precision in the streets and alleyways of the city. Shortly after the publication of Ulysses, he elucidated this preoccupation somewhat, saying, "For myself, I always write about Dublin, because if I can get to the heart of Dublin I can get to the heart of all the cities of the world. In the particular is contained the universal."
Joyce's work has been an important influence on writers and scholars such as Samuel Beckett, Seán Ó Ríordáin, Jorge Luis Borges, Flann O'Brien, Salman Rushdie, Robert Anton Wilson, John Updike, David Lodge, Cormac McCarthy, and Joseph Campbell. Ulysses has been called "a demonstration and summation of the entire [Modernist] movement". The Bulgarian-French literary theorist Julia Kristeva characterised Joyce's novel writing as "polyphonic" and a hallmark of postmodernity alongside the poets Mallarmé and Rimbaud.
Some scholars, notably Vladimir Nabokov, have reservations, often championing some of his fiction while condemning other works. In Nabokov's opinion, Ulysses was brilliant, while Finnegans Wake was horrible.
Joyce's influence is also evident in fields other than literature. The sentence "Three quarks for Muster Mark!" in Joyce's Finnegans Wake is the source of the word "quark", the name of one of the elementary particles proposed by physicist Murray Gell-Mann in 1963.
The work and life of Joyce is celebrated annually on 16 June, known as Bloomsday, in Dublin and in an increasing number of cities worldwide, and critical studies in scholarly publications, such as the James Joyce Quarterly, continue. Both popular and academic uses of Joyce's work were hampered by restrictions imposed by Stephen J. Joyce, Joyce's grandson, and executor of his literary estate until his 2020 death. On 1 January 2012, those restrictions were lessened by the expiry of copyright protection of much of the published work of James Joyce.
In April 2013, the Central Bank of Ireland issued a silver €10 commemorative coin in honour of Joyce that misquoted a famous line from Ulysses.
Bibliography
Prose
Dubliners (short-story collection, 1914)
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (novel, 1916)
Ulysses (novel, 1922)
Finnegans Wake (1939, restored 2012)
Poetry collections
Chamber Music (poems, Elkin Mathews, 1907)
Giacomo Joyce (written 1907, published by Faber and Faber, 1968)
Pomes Penyeach (poems, Shakespeare and Company, 1927)
Collected Poems (poems, Black Sun Press, 1936, which includes Chamber Music, Pomes Penyeach and other previously published works)
Play
Exiles (play, 1918)
Posthumous publications and drafts
Fiction
Stephen Hero (precursor to A Portrait; written 1904–06, published 1944)
The Cat and the Devil (London: Faber and Faber, 1965)
The Cats of Copenhagen (Ithys Press, 2012)
Finn's Hotel (Ithys Press, 2013)
Non-Fiction
The Critical Writings of James Joyce (Eds. Ellsworth Mason and Richard Ellmann, 1959)
Letters of James Joyce Vol. 1 (Ed. Stuart Gilbert, 1957)
Letters of James Joyce Vol. 2 (Ed. Richard Ellmann, 1966)
Letters of James Joyce Vol. 3 (Ed. Richard Ellmann, 1966)
Selected Letters of James Joyce (Ed. Richard Ellmann, 1975)
On 11 January 1941, Joyce underwent surgery in Zürich for a perforated duodenal ulcer. He fell into a coma the following day. He awoke at 2 am on 13 January 1941, and asked a nurse to call his wife and son, before losing consciousness again. They were en route when he died 15 minutes later. Joyce was less than a month short of his 59th birthday.
His body was buried in the Fluntern Cemetery, Zürich. Swiss tenor Max Meili sang "Addio terra, addio cielo" from Monteverdi's L'Orfeo at the burial service. Although two senior Irish diplomats were in Switzerland at the time, neither attended Joyce's funeral, and the Irish government later declined Nora's offer to permit the repatriation of Joyce's remains. When Joseph Walshe, secretary at the Department of External Affairs in Dublin, was informed of Joyce's death by Frank Cremins, chargé d'affaires at Bern, Walshe responded "Please wire details of Joyce's death. If possible find out did he die a Catholic? Express sympathy with Mrs Joyce and explain inability to attend funeral". Buried originally in an ordinary grave, Joyce was moved in 1966 to a more prominent "honour grave", with a seated portrait statue by American artist Milton Hebald nearby. Nora, whom he had married in 1931, survived him by 10 years. She is buried by his side, as is their son Giorgio, who died in 1976.
In October 2019, a motion was put to Dublin City Council to plan and budget for the costs of the exhumations and reburials of Joyce and his family somewhere in Dublin, subject to his family's wishes. The proposal immediately became controversial, with the Irish Times commenting: "...it is hard not to suspect that there is a calculating, even mercantile, aspect to contemporary Ireland's relationship to its great writers, whom we are often more keen to 'celebrate', and if possible monetise, than read".
Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at http://justforbooks.tumblr.com
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Jojo’s Bizarre Fantasy Lore Masterpost
Locations:
Kimyonah- Name of the Pangea-esque continent where the majority of people live excluding small island populations and populations beneath the oceans.
Cities:
Bohken- A relatively centrally located city-state. A central hub for trading of all kinds and neutral ground for diplomatic meetings. It hosts the Council of Races, a collection of representatives from a handful of Kimyonah's races who wish to view policies as a collaborative effort.
Orinoco- An underwater city of the Moringua people. Their ruling city. It is the only settlement of the Moringua Empire that is partially above water. This part is the hall where the king receives foreign dignitaries, diplomats, guests, etc.
Nalion- A small, peaceful kingdom open to all, regardless of past or race. Was founded by a man named Erikson, but is currently lead by his son. Though officially labeled as a kingdom, Nalion functions more like a closely knit town. Its western border is lined by the coast, and its northern, southern, and eastern borders are lined by forest.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Vyliesi- A western kingdom that is mainly populated by humans. It's customs are fairly old-fashioned, though the current king is trying to change this. It is said that this land is home to pegasi, and its terrain is fairly mountainous.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Hilonia- A desert kingdom that not much is known about. It is said that the inhabitants are all 'wild animals', and most who try and travel there never return for one reason or another.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Ashen Grounds- A medium sized, recently discovered place that resides within a decrepit forest. The kingdom got that name because when it was discovered, the whole chunk of it had seemingly no live fauna, making it hard to breath, the ground permanently stained with ash, there are barely any buildings except for the jagged pikes of stone, and large castle of obsidian. The only “living” things inhabiting there are the king himself and these sentient constructs made out of ash and fire magic.
(by kalos-absurd-crusade)
Riposo: A fortress city that was originally used as a strategic point to intercept other nation invasions.. Now though it houses many adventures and their respective guilds. A place that is always bustling with people with requests for adventurers. With requests being as simple as gathering herbs, to battling the most fearsome of monsters.
(by asknerdizzy)
Cielo: A city in the clouds that is mostly populated by avian like species. It is a city that rarely ever lets anyone enter. The residents who choose to leave can’t enter again unless on urgent business with a seal of approval from a ruler. This is all due to a massacre that happened when someone brought in an unknown individual who seemed to know the city’s layout beforehand without them ever entering it. It was suspected that one of their own was behind it, so this rule was set in place. It’s highly guarded, with mages working around the clock casting anti-intelligence magic. The city is filled with high class individuals, and relics of the Gods that most be protected at all costs.
(by asknerdizzy)
Villages:
Morven- A small village located in the Kaldae Mountains inhabited by humans. Winters can be rough, but it is sustained by snow runoff in the warmer months, which allows the villagers to store enough food for these winters. Due to it's isolation, they rarely trade. Malik-Kei is worshiped as a guardian of the village who protects it’s inhabitants through the tough winters. A shrine to her resides on the south side of the village. It houses her stone.
Aether- Tree bound village of the Gruidae people. Due to a near genocide that only halted 30 years ago, Aether was established as a magically protected city for Gruidaes.The main temple of Crah-Dia is located in it’s center, and there are several members of the Fellowship of Everyday Miracles who live within Aether who serve to protect it.
Wasamond- A small village under the lake of Bridgegar Thicket for merfolk, it's mainly women and children but there are mermen. It's a place to avoid the unstable conflict of the seas.
(by moriohs-little-demon)
Rootwood- A small village built and inhabited by the Elzen people.
(by dio-of-shadows)
Landmarks:
Kaldae Mountains- A large mountain rage in the north-east of Kimyonah. It contains the isolated village of Morven. Morven is located on one of the lower peaks, Malik-Kei, named by the people of Morven for their guardian spirit of the same name.
Bridgegar Thicket- A forest with a large lake in the middle. The forest is bordered by nigh impenetrable thick, thorny brush. Due to being unable to see past it, most creatures write the forest off as nothing of value. Openings to the forest are only passable by taurfolk and nature spirits.
(by moriohs-little-demon)
Thalai's Grove: named after a rumored dragon that was laid to rest there, the grove is home to a large lake with an under ground cave system. In the caves, there is a shrine to the god of health, Taymos, where Elves would pray for good health and leave gifts of food, wine and gold.
(by hold-my-flowercrown)
Eternity Graveyard - A desolate wasteland was a battlefield where warriors from several different nations clashed for supremacy. It now serves as the home base of The Brotherhood of Eternity, and has been the sight where many adventurers meet their end.
(by dio-of-shadows)
Battaglia: An underground Coliseum lays under the city of Riposo. It was once, and still is, used as a shelter to the people in times when the city is under siege. The Coliseum itself is protected with many Magic runes lining its walls that makes it difficult to destroy from most magic. When the city is not under attack the Colosseum is used to advertised adventures and their skills. Usually battling other adventures or caught monsters in the ring. Some common folk come down to watch the spars for entertainment, some watch to find new people to join their groups, and some bet on the battles. These bets are what largely helps with the financial upkeep of the Colosseum. The inner hallways of the Colosseum are filled with many stalls for blacksmiths to advertise their wears to the people. The more powerful weapons are bought here.
(by asknerdizzy)
---------------
Races:
Humans:
Humans are as the name implies. However, they can possess varying levels of magical ability.
Witches- Humans who have above average magical abilities. White and black witches exist. White witches may form guilds in order to train others and to more effectively do good, but it's not uncommon to encounter lone white witches.
Black witches tend to chose to be alone, although rumors of a guild exist. Black witches may not actively seek to do harm, but what sets them apart from white witches is a desire to grow their power whether that be through deals with demons, rituals, etc.
Half Bloods:
Demons- Half demons are typically the result of a masculine demon and a feminine mortal creature (usually humanoid). Half demons tend to possess some level of dark magic and horns of some kind, although these horns tend to be smaller in size compared to a full demon. Other indications may include odd body markings, animal body parts such as legs or paws, and, very rarely, extra eyes or wings.
Half-Demons are considered to be rare. They also often gather a following from cults, and they can become immortal and maintain this immortality if they consume the souls of the damned at an extremely high rate.
(added by dio-of-the-shadows)
Dragons-
Humanoids:
Arisen- A blanket term for any creature brought back to life by necromancy. Typically, an Arisen was human, but most humanoids can be subjected to the process. An Arisen will maintain their personality and memories without additional spells being applied. An Arisen cannot heal themself when injured and has no need for sleep or for food. If an Arisen is taken too far from who resurrected them, they will begin to decay.��
Their creation is frowned upon, if not outright banned and/or punishable by execution, by most settlements and races.
Gruidae- Tall humanoids who can take the form of a crane. In their humanoid form, they have small feathery tufts resembling small wings where other humanoids would have ears.
Over the past few centuries, they were nearly wiped out entirely for their feathers and blood, both of which were widely used in potion crafting.
The remaining population resides almost entirely in Aether, and allow themselves to be governed by the Council of Races, of which they have a member in. Whoever is elected for the Council also serves as Aether's governor.
Akumaoni- A race that is considered to be the guardians of the afterlife. They are humanoid in appearance, though they typically have horns, sharp teeth, and their pupils are always little more than a slit. They are said to work beside the gods, and even are considered a part of the Renian Pantheon, and their numbers are few.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Komoriberi- Humanoids with the ability to transform into bats. While in humanoid form, they retain thier wings, fangs, and have bat-like ears. Their diet mainly consists of fruit and small animals, and though they are often mistaken for vampires the sun has no more affect on them than it does on a normal human.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Dragons- Humanoids that have the ability to transform into a... well a dragon. The exact type of dragon can vary (as can size), and most have some sort of elemental affinity. While in their humanoid form they will not have access to many of their abilities, though they will usually have horms and some may have wings as well.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Divine Dragons- Similar to dragons, but have an extended lifespan and divine powers as they are considered to be gods. It is possible for a dragon to only be half divine if only one of their parents is of the divine lineage, in which case they will have little divine powers if any at all.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Dryads- An all female species of spirits that reside in the forests. They punish trespassers and keep peace in their forest by any means necessary. While they aren't immortal, they do have a very extended life expectancy compared to humans, about triple that of the average healthy adult human male.
(by moriohs-little-demon)
Angels: A Humanoid race that has the only avian trait of wings sprouting on their backs. They are more adapt with the magic affinity of light and fire than some species and have a longer life span than humans.
(by asknerdizzy)
Okami- A race of wolf folks. They keep themselves away in the woods and the outlands of the continent. Being canines, they are actually omnivorous, and hold no ill will towards other species. However, during full blood moons, they become irrational and feral, attacking anything in sight
(by moriohs-little-demon)
Werewolves- Infected creatures who take on the tails, ears, and rough warm furlike hair of the Okami. However, they keep most of their original race's appearance during the daytime. They experience feral instincts more often as they are not raised to overcome the animal instinct to hunt, happening every full moon.
(by moriohs-little-demon)
Elves:
Elzen- Elves recognizable by their pointed ears and mastery of magic. Once every 100 years there is an Elzen oracle who is able to look into the future.
(by dio-of-the-shadows)
Merpeople:
Moringua- An entirely male race of eel mermen who live in temperate oceans. They are immortal, but not invulnerable (weapons kill them, but time won't). They are known for their bloodthirsty, warmongering natures. Due to this, they are governed by both a King and a General. The General overseeing military plans, training of forces, and the overall making sure the other elected officials are doing their jobs. King serves to handle diplomatic affairs with other races and to oversee reproduction.
Reproduction is a closely guarded secret. Several theories exist on the subject, but no definitive answers have been given by the Moringas.
---------------
Factions:
Paladins and Soldiers:
Order of Hamon- A paladin order who work out of Bohken. They modeled themselves after folk heroes of human lore such as Jonathan Joestar. They resolve themselves to uphold the laws of the land and to protect innocents without question. This does lead to some of their members making lawful stupid choices. Their patron deity is Sol, the God of the sun.
White Lily Platoon- A small army hailing from Vyliesi, lead by the royal knight Sir Jacain. The lord that this platoon serves is unknown, as is their current objective.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
The Bladed Roses- A small traveling group of do-gooders, lead by a knight named Taiana. The group is quite odd-ball in terms of composition, but is almost always accepting new members.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Clerics:
The Fellowship of Everyday Miracles- A cleric order who's main temple is located in Aether. They travel about, healing people where needed. They will often stick around a town for a few weeks, accepting shelter and food in return for healing, before leaving again. Some may chose to travel with questing groups if they come across them, or if asked by said group.
Their patron deity is Crah-Dia, the God of healing.
Assassins:
Bloodwater Assassins guild- A small group of assassins that has been known to do even the dirtiest of jobs. However, it is rumored that a few members have been committing traitorous actions as of late.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Bandits:
The Brotherhood of Eternity- A cult of bandits that worship the one true ruler of hell and earth. They are known for stealing from various kingdoms and pitting other countries against one another so they can collect the spoils.
(by dio-of-the-shadows)
---------------
Deities:
Gods and Goddesses:
Sol- The God of the sun. He is associated with the sun and shining light on hidden things. This last aspect is what the Order of Hamon focuses on: Bringing what is in the dark into the light. Certain mortals are said to be blessed by Sol, and this gift is known as Hamon: The ability to deliver the sun's energy through their hands.
Taymos- A God of health.
(by hold-my-flowercrown)
Crah-Dia- A God of healing. He is associated with healing through magic as opposed to medicine. His temple is located inside of a large, hollow tree in Aether where a spring with healing properties resides.
The World Serpent (Deceased)- A deity of the abyss of the unknowable night and proclaimed Father of monsters; this foul snake sought to swallow the world in order to propagate - claiming that in its bowels it’s followers would be eternal and emerge in the new world as saints. When slain by a band of unspoken heroes, this dark god cursed the cowards and weaklings who did not fall upon the invading blades to save their god and master. What has become of this cult remains mostly unknown…
(by BD-Handystand)
Renian Pantheon- A group made up of many of the Nalionian and Vyliesian gods, many of which are considered to be divine dragons. The main gods names are as follows: Shoza, Naoto, Fionei, Kaisho, Aiota, Aogei, Juniji, Synia, Altitha, and Yomeinu.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Shoza- The original divine dragon, he is known as a god of the skies. However, he turned his back on mortals long ago, and now has little involvement in their affairs despite still being a major religious figure.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Hina (deceased)- A divine dragon known as the goddess of love, she gave her life to avert a great tragedy. She was wed to Shoza, and many speculate that her death lead him to become bitter and cold.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Naoto- The son of Shoza and heir to the divine throne, though little is actually written of him in religious texts. He is said to wield a divine lance, and to travel the world in an attempt to bring peace.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Fionei- A dragon whom ascended to godhood upon marrying Naoto, and is said to bring good fortune to those who practice the arts. As she was not born a god, she has no true divine abilities.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Kaisho- Son of Naoto who inherited all the powers of the divine. He is a god of knowledge who is believed to have rejected godhood.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Aiota- One of two twin gods, who is also the daughter of Naoto and considered the goddess of rebellion. It is said that she only inherited one divine ability, but little else is known besides that and her name.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Aogei- The other twin god, who is also the son of Naoto and considered a god of nature. It is said he can heal others and control the growth of plants, but not much else besides that and his name is known.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Juniji- A fell god said to be Shoza's brother. Supposedly had only one divine ability, and the power he gained from it drove him mad. Little else is known.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Synia- An Akumaoni goddess who rules the afterlife, though she often more-so acts as the guardian to its gate. Is said to take on a role similar to the Enma.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Altitha- A human who ascended to become the goddess of strength and vengeance after losing someone to Juniji.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Yomeinu (deceased)- Former god with the power to raise the dead. His species was unknown, but many feared him due to his powers. In reality, he only ever used them to hold a yearly festival in which families could give their loved ones a final send off.
(by daily-rubbersoul-redux)
Mylia- A worshiped deity of the Dryad race. She is said to be the creator of the Bridgegar Thicket to protect the bounty of nature from the likes of war, pestilence, and death. When prayed to, one may expect health, luck, and bountiful hunt in their future, so long as they do not waste the gift life has brought them.
(by moriohs-little-demon)
Demons and Spirits:
Cake- A minor demon of wrath.
Malik-Kei- The alleged spirit of a young woman who died in the cold waiting for her fiance to return. According to the legend, her body turned to stone and her spirit remained as a guardian of the mountain.
A sacrificial ceremony that involves a mock wedding to the Malik-Kei stone is preformed by the village of Morven during years of unsatisfactory snowfall. An unmarried man between 16 and 30 is chosen by lottery to be sacrificed. The "groom" is then dressed in traditional wedding garb (which is very light as weddings are traditionally done only in summer). The sacrifice is tied to the stone so that he is kneeling next to the stone, and a wedding ceremony is held. The sacrifice is then left out with the belief being that if he is frozen to death overnight that the sacrifice was accepted.
Black Mages- Considered to be great wielders of magic in the mortal realm, and are extremely well known for diving into the darker arts. They are only known to be demons and half demons.
(by dio-of-the-shadows)
Corrupted Spirit: Spirits generally are apparitions of elements, such as nature. Several of them have some form of sentience. However a corrupted spirit is one that was tampered with either by magic, great tragedy, or the desire of the spirit. Turning it into a physical manifestation based on the intent of the spirit, magic or tragedy. The spirit can be corrupted by a cleric or paladin.
(by asknerdizzy)
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Watching The Pacific and Band of Brothers with Momo @cielo-chii and she comes up with some accurate and hilarious nicknames (in Italian) for the characters:
Gene Sledge is Soffio (blow, mostly because we translate ‘heart murmur’ with ‘soffio al cuore’ and the fact that he had an heart condition apparently made Momo worry about him all through the series)
John Basilone is Giovanni (OF COURSE. He Italian.)
Dick Winters is Lampo (flash, for the ‘flash!’ ‘thunder!’ scene in ep 2) but he’s also Marito (husband) when Altro Marito (other husband, Lewis Nixon) is involved
Albert Blithe is Nuvola (cloud, he literally is introduced looking at clouds)
Easy Company is Pulcini (chicks or ducklings, ‘cause they’re numerous and they’re small and must be protected at all costs)
Babe Heffron is Ed or Eduardo (I have no explanations for the last one)
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KHR FANFIC REC LIST
Cuz i’ve been going through KHR phrase and fallen in love with khr again. Here’s rec list of fanfics that ive been reading~ i’ll try to update with more later on
Path of Gold by Adel Mortescryche (Mortescryche)
Summary: The one in which Tsuna and his friends consciously disperse to the four winds when they reach high school, and somehow, all of Tsuna's classmates manage to fall desperately for him before the end of their first year together. And have to find some way to deal with it, since life doesn't stop just because the most unremarkable guy in their year seemed to become irresistible overnight.The most popular defense in their arsenal? Is the phrase, "Sawada Tsunayoshi? Makes. No. Sense."(Or: All Tachibana Ren had wanted was to make a place for himself, away from Iwatobi and the protective hovering of his family. Nothing could have prepared him or the rest of his class for what getting through high school alongside one Sawada Tsunayoshi would mean for them in the long run.) ALL27
TIES THAT BIND by ravenromance27 (i LOVE this one)
Summary: AU. What would've happened if during that one incident when Nono came to visit the choices he made did more than just seal off Tsuna's flame? How would Sawada Tsunayoshi's life have changed if that one action triggered an entirely different path for the young would-be Decimo? And how would Reborn react to him then when he conceals a secret no one ever dreamed of?
shake the rust by sizhu
Summary: Tsuna had worried all of his guardians with his reckless plan. They insist on making sure he's really alive.
Even the Best Fall Down by sizhu - Pairing: 1827
Summary: Sawada Nana picks up her life, calls Reborn for help, and sets to work bettering herself and her son. If she has anything to say about it, everything is going to change. Besides, who better to call for help than the tall, handsome Italian who claimed to be a friend of her husband's, who offered to help her years ago at her wedding?She's had enough of the secrets and the lies, and she can sure as Hell take care of herself and Tsuna. After all, she's been doing it for years, why would an official divorce make any difference?
Body Parts by Machillusion
Summary: Tsuna made a mistake. Two mistakes, actually. One cost his life and the other his conscience. Haunted with the blunders of his past, he decided to keep trying again until he made it right. All while trying to fool Reborn, because if there was one person who he didn't want to know what happened, it would be him.Too bad both attempts are failing miserably. R27
Melodies of Sky by snowywing
Summary: Somehow, Tsuna was trapped in the body of his other self who just had committed suicide in a parallel world...Without his Family and his title as a future Mafia Boss, what would he choose between being a "normal" one and following the old path to claim his heirdom from his younger brother in this world? R27, Guardians x 27, hint all x 27.
Out of Time by LaniAhava
Summary: It was just one year after the Representative battle, then everything went out the time window for Tsuna. He would go through the past, meeting familiar faces and wonders how will he go home with a bazooka sending him through time without no set map. Yet he cannot help something is at work here and maybe the battles were not over after all...
Parallel to Your Heart by ilYamaTsuna7227li - Pairing: 8027
Summary: Tsuna woke up one day and found himself holding hands with Yamamoto. Later he realizes that he was transported to a parallel world thanks to the malfunctioned bazooka. Wait, there's more? In this world he and Yamamoto are actually a… COUPLE? Wait! WHAT?
The Forgotten Time by metamorcy
Summary: An incident with the 10-year bazooka leaves Tsuna stuck in the past… What's he gonna to do now? R27, hints of All27 and certain Arcobaleno27. COMPLETED
The Lost Memories of a Past Life By: x.Yuee.x
Summary: Due to a failed assassination attempt, Tsuna losses his memories. His Guardians have gathered to protect him. But no one thought Reborn would also help. He claims it's for the Family... Is it? Or is he lying to everyone and himself? R27
If It Stopped Raining by dw164
Summary: Life was back to normal now that the Varia left. But Tsuna felt uneased. The sky ring on his finger grows hot whenever Yamamoto is around. These weird feelings that aren't his, what is he suppose to do? Tsuna x Yamamoto mainly but slight Tsuna x Guardians
Cuore del Cielo J.C Jackals
Summary: AU. Tsuna was once quite happy and active, but that was before his Sky was sealed and he was crippled. Through trauma he awakens a secondary Flame that ultimately leads Reborn to tutoring a different Decimo. [Bisexual!StrongButMostlyClueless!27. ToughMotherBear!Nana. Slow Harem. Canon Deviation.]
To Make Something of Yourself by DreamingZombies
Summary: It is a miracle that Tsuna is able to cope with a broken family, a lousy social life and bullying without giving into his depression. But when he meets a strange baby, he is offered a chance to make something of himself. However, he's getting a lot more than he had bargained for.
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San Fernando Valley Plumbers - Why You Should Hire a Professional Drainage Company
There are a lot of things to do in the San Fernando Valley. You can drive down Golfe del Cielo and spend a day touring the golf courses. Or Candu Plumbing & Rooter can spend an afternoon walking along Windansea Beach Park and taking in the beautiful views of the coastline. If you have young children, you can take them to the Children's Paddle Wheel Water Park and let them get their exercise at the same time. Whatever you want to do, there is plenty to do in the San Fernando Valley.
Of course, one of the best places to go is to the many different plumbing companies. You can visit the local San Fernando Valley plumbers' office and speak with one about your drain problems. Since there are so many contractors in the area, you can get a good deal on both your water heating and water drainage needs.
Of course, the most important reason to contact a local San Fernando Valley plumbing company is for your plumbing services. If you have a drain cleaning or sewer repair emergency, you can count on a licensed San Fernando Valley plumber to come to your assistance. Since there are so many contractors in the area, you are also guaranteed to get high-quality plumbing services for reasonable prices. Talk to a contractor today and see what kind of help they can offer you.
If your sewer line needs to be repaired because of backed up pipes, a san filippo valley plumber can come to your aid. A backed up sewer line can cause damage to your home, costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. Most sewer pipes in the area have a video camera attached to them so that owners can be notified as to the status of their sewer lines. If a pipe becomes blocked, the camera will let the homeowner know. A qualified contractor can come out and take a look at the problem with a video camera in order to determine the best way to solve it.
Some homeowners have discovered that they need to perform some non-invasive pipe repairs instead of calling in a San Fernando valley plumber. For example, if your sewer line is leaking, you can dig a hole in the backyard and insert a new drain screen. This will keep your drains free of clogs, and it will help prevent the same thing from happening again. Not all home plumbers will agree to this method, but if it has become too much of a hassle for you, consider re-piping to a different part of the valley.
If your drainage problems are not too complicated, you may want to consider calling a San Fernando valley plumber to give your sewer inspection. These skilled technicians are experienced at inspecting sewer lines under homes and businesses. They will be able to determine if any leaks or clogs are slowing down your water flow or causing any damage to your walls or floors. They can also determine if there are any cracks in your sewer lines, which could allow more water to seep through and cause more damage.
There are many advantages to letting a professional plumbing company carry out a plumbing inspection. One of the main benefits is that these skilled contractors will be able to identify exactly what is wrong with your plumbing system. They are able to tell you if your drainage problems are the result of poor plumbing workmanship, or if there are serious issues that could threaten your home's foundation. When you call in a professional, the plumbing company can come to your home to take a visual look at your drains and sewer lines. This will ensure that there is no chance of costly plumbing repairs.
If your pipes are clogged, or your drains are leaking, it is very important that you call in a team of skilled professionals to repair the problem as soon as possible. Even the smallest of errors in your plumbing system can have severe consequences, especially if the water is not going out of your house. If you have a san fernando valley plumbers team come to your home and carry out a comprehensive inspection and repair of all your drains and sewer lines, you will be able to rest assured that your home and its walls will be protected. In addition, it will ensure that your plumbing system is working perfectly, so that you do not have to deal with drainage problems any time soon.
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if we were frogs, i would share a lilypad with you
oh magadddd cieloooo🥺🥺🤍✨
i would gladly share a lilypad with you too <3
we’re the cool frogs :3
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Torre nel Cielo
TOWER IN THE SKY
R: Everything was ready. Blankets, bottles, bassinets. Everything. Frederick had made lists of all the things he had read we would need and purchased the best of each. Everything was top of the line and very high quality. I was planning on breast feeding our baby but just in case there was an emergency Frederick had stockpiled some outrageously expensive organic baby formula. Frederick was a man of science and fact, but somehow he had been pulled into the world of alternative living. I blamed that magazine in the waiting room. Hip Mama, what a ridiculous name. My moods were becoming unpredictable and difficult to maintain. Frederick was ever so patient and kind, never once raising his voice when I raised mine and always kissing away the tears that would follow.
I accepted a position at a law firm in New York after they agreed to let me start a year from now. It was a big gamble to take on their part, but they were convinced I was worth the risky investment. Frederick was thrilled at the news and suggested we move there after the baby was a few months old. It was odd, both of us being out of work and around each other so often. We came to know each others quirks so well, even sometimes communicating silently by a series of hums or glances. We needed to get out more. So after convincing Frederick we both packed a large suitcase and drove to NYC to look at some apartments. He had been reluctant to leave our cozy nest, but both of us felt better knowing we were being proactive.
One of Frederick’s Harvard friends suggested a realtor for us and well, he was a bit much. The man was dressed to the nines in a very tight fitting three piece suit and his hair was gelled within an inch of it’s life. The Rolex he was wearing was worth at least $40,000. I knew this for a fact because Frederick owned a similar one, of course his was more expensive. This man’s name was James Cooper, he began our day together with a spiel about some of his other clients and how he was very discreet and could even hire armed guards to accompany us around town should we wish. Frederick raised an eyebrow at this but said nothing. James wanted to know what our “lifestyle” was like. It was my turn to raise an eyebrow. We exited the coffee house where we had met and Frederick and James helped me into the black Range Rover James had waiting outside. He instructed the driver to take us to 432 Park Avenue. I knew Park Avenue was an incredibly expensive area to live in so I was hesitant in trusting James to show us something reasonable.
Frederick and I had discussed our budget before we met James and had agreed on no more than 20 million. It was an insane amount of money, but Frederick had inherited quite a bit from his parents and made a good deal more in private practice before he took the Chief Administrator position at BSHCI. He had sold his house for 5 million almost immediately after he moved in with me. I felt sick thinking about the amount of money we might end up spending just so I might pursue my dream. The law firm had given me a signing bonus of 8 million with a promise of a starting bonus that would double my income. We were so incredibly blessed.
The views. My God the views. I had never seen such a beautiful view of New York City. My heart threatened to burst from my sternum as I stepped towards the massive windows on either side of the living room and pressed a hand to the glass in disbelief. Frederick followed suit, wrapping his arms around me protectively before resting his jaw on my shoulder. My eyes struggled to take in the etherial beauty that they were witnessing. We were so high up the view was more sky than city, and the clouds seemed only a reach away.
“What do you think my love?”
“Frederick, I…it’s beautiful.” I paused realizing the English language didn’t have any words for the feelings I was attempting to convey.
We gazed out the window for a while longer, forgetting James was only a few feet away admiring the view as well.
“Security here is impenetrable. No one is allowed into the building without explicit instruction from the resident. Besides, this high up…no one’s breaking in.” James’s voice echoed in the large room as he broke the peaceful silence we had been sheltered in.
Why was he so adamant about security? Had he somehow heard about Frederick’s assaults? Baltimore was hours away from New York, how could he?
“That is very important to us, especially with our first child.” Frederick spoke tensing and shifting behind me.
“Let me take you through all the amenities they offer here, there’s even housing for nannies and any other help you may require. This place is truly fantastic and very accommodating.” James nearly leapt out of his $20,000 leather shoes as he gestured for us to follow him into the kitchen.
There he went over all the extravagant services that were provided at no cost or at some cost depending on what it was that you required. What was this? This wasn’t me…was it? Everything was so excessive and it made me dizzy. I clutched Frederick’s forearm and looked up at him desperate for some kind of alleviation from this anxiety. His eyes widened in concern and he pulled me close to him where we sat at the kitchen bar.
James excused himself from the apartment so that we could tour it by ourselves. I didn’t want to move. I couldn’t wrap my mind around all of this. The city, our baby, the money, the lifestyle…it all seemed elusive.
“Do you want to look around darling?” Frederick’s voice brought me back to the present and I turned to him desperate to have him understand all I was thinking.
“We have a good life baby, a quiet life. I just worry that moving here, in a place like this…it will change that. I don’t need any of this. I just need you.”
“I know that. I love our life, and I love you. I want us protected…I…I asked James to show us the safest place he knew. The place with the most protection and security. This is it. I have to make you safe again.”
“Frederick you can’t be sure of that, I can’t stay up here all the time like some princess locked in a tower.” I insisted gesturing to the large window in front of us.
“You are my princess.” He chuckled at that and leaned towards me for a kiss but I was becoming frustrated with his lack of focus.
“I’m serious Frederick.”
“As am I.” His tone had changed and there was a hint of melancholy in his eyes despite only one of them being functional.
“We can afford it. The peace of mind, my love, I need it. I have barely slept since…I…I cannot live knowing my lack of action may cause you or…our child harm.” He reached a hand to my large stomach giving it a soft massage.
“Surely there is somewhere else you would feel just as safe. Somewhere with less…amenities.” I spoke the last word with a taste of mockery and exasperation.
He shook his head slowly and frowned slightly before speaking again.
“I have been looking ever since you took the bar exam. This is as safe as it gets my love.”
There was a pause for a few moments in which I traced his face with my gaze looking for any signs of deception on his part. He was so entirely honest, he had been for a long time now. I suppose there was nothing left for him to hide from me.
“Ok…ok.”
“If you truly hate it…” Frederick trailed off, obviously not wanting to complete the next part of his sentence.
“Baby, as long as you feel safe and happy…anywhere is fine with me. Just promise me this won’t change us.” I spoke slightly reluctant to agree so quickly.
He nodded quickly and his entire face lit up and lifted with my words. I smiled softly, still troubled by how plagued he was by all that had happened back in Baltimore.
“I promise.” His words were sure and firm.
We embraced each other before walking arm in arm through the vast spaces of the apartment. It was breathtaking. It truly was. But aesthetics and views were not my priority. They were. Our baby and Frederick. If this is what would make them safe…so be it. I would live in this tower in the sky and hold them both close, loving them with all that I had.
More fluff...sorry it has taken so long for me to update, the holiday season has been particularly busy for me this year.
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mmmMMMM danielle campbell and maia mitchell
Send me an FC and I’ll tell you my experience rping with them.
ok perO danielle campbell no me la podré imaginar con otro nombre que no sea el de ollie. bc of course que usted tenía que pegarle parte de su infinita belleza a sus personajes para hacer un pure angel venido del cielo ™. no sabes lo que sufrí con ella y la convo de penny, why are u so cruel ?? ? ? ? liek actual tears because she doesn’t deserve it : ( (( ( bebito. y que puedo decir de su relación con el profe fynn, im dead. qUERÍA CONTINUAR VIENDO COMO SE DESARROLLABA !! !! but srsly, con su escritura y la profundidad de sus personajes, se puede esperar que algo no enamoré ? ? ? ? ?
respecto a maia mitchell, tengo que mencionar a @wolvcsx y a su sienna de the foxes. aún recuerdo la canción que representaba a sienna y samara, la de mi gente, y cada vez que la escuchaba no podía evitar acordarme de ellas !!! !! ! ( liek still doing it ). eran y son bebitas preciosas y hermosas, aka diosas del perrreo. pero u know que amaba a su criaturita. igualmente mencionaré a @dcspertar y su sophie !! ! bc protect bebe sophie 2k18 at all cost. e igualmente alta shipper de sophie y santos *cr IES*
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JANUARY 2020 YA FANTASY + ROMANCE BOOK RELEASES
JANUARY 2020 YA FANTASY & ROMANCE BOOK RELEASES
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JANUARY 7TH RELEASES
Title: City of Stone and Silence (The Wells of Sorcery #2), Author: Django Wexler, Publisher: Tor Teen, Publish Date: January 7, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Fantasy, YA Fantasy, YA Sci-Fi Fantasy, Science Fiction
Synopsis: Django Wexler's City of Stone and Silence is the second book in the cinematic fantasy Wells of Sorcery Trilogy featuring a fierce young woman skilled in the art of combat magic on an epic mission to steal a ghost ship...
Title: Come Tumbling Down (Wayward Children #5), Author: Seanan McGuire, Publisher: Tor Books, Publish Date: January 7, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, YA Fantasy
Synopsis: The fifth installment in Seanan McGuire's award-winning, bestselling Wayward Children series, Come Tumbling Down picks up the threads left dangling by Every Heart a Doorway and Down Among the Sticks and Bones
When Jack left Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children she was carrying the body of her deliciously deranged sister--whom she had recently murdered in a fit of righteous justice--back to their home on the Moors.
But death in their adopted world isn't always as permanent as it is here, and when Jack is herself carried back into the school, it becomes clear that something has happened to her. Something terrible. Something of which only the maddest of scientists could conceive. Something only her friends are equipped to help her overcome.
Eleanor West's "No Quests" rule is about to be broken.
Title: A Heart So Fierce and Broken (Cursebreakers #2), Author: Brigid Kemmerer, Publisher: Bloomsbury YA, Publish Date: January 7, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Retellings, Romance, Beauty and the Beast, A Curse So Dark and Lonely
Synopsis: In the sequel to New York Times bestselling A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Brigid Kemmerer returns to the world of Emberfall in a lush fantasy where friends become foes and love blooms in the darkest of places.
Find the heir, win the crown.
The curse is finally broken, but Prince Rhen of Emberfall faces darker troubles still. Rumors circulate that he is not the true heir and that forbidden magic has been unleashed in Emberfall. Although Rhen has Harper by his side, his guardsman Grey is missing, leaving more questions than answers.
Win the crown, save the kingdom.
Rumored to be the heir, Grey has been on the run since he destroyed Lilith. He has no desire to challenge Rhen--until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother’s violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall?
The heart-pounding, compulsively readable saga continues as loyalties are tested and new love blooms in a kingdom on the brink of war.
Title: Nameless Queen, Author: Rebecca McLaughlin, Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers, Publish Date: January 7, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, High Fantasy
Synopsis: One girl must make a name for herself--or die trying --in this royal fantasy where an unknown peasant becomes the ultimate ruler. But how long can she keep the crown if everyone wants her dead? Perfect for fans of Furyborn, Red Queen, and Everless.
Everyone expected the king's daughter would inherit the throne. No one expected me.
It shouldn't even be possible. I'm Nameless, a class of citizens so disrespected, we don't even get names. Heck, dozens of us have been going missing for months and no one seems to care.
But there's no denying the tattoo emblazoned on my arm. I am queen. In a palace where the corridors are more dangerous the streets, though, how could I possibly rule? And what will become of the Nameless if I don't?
Title: The Night Country (The Hazel Wood #2), Author: Melissa Albert, Publisher: Flatiron Books, Publish Date: January 7, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, YA Fantasy
Synopsis: The highly anticipated sequel to Melissa Albert’s beloved, New York Times bestselling debut The Hazel Wood!
In The Night Country, Alice Proserpine dives back into a menacing, mesmerizing world of dark fairy tales and hidden doors. Follow her and Ellery Finch as they learn The Hazel Wood was just the beginning, and that worlds die not with a whimper, but a bang.
With Finch’s help, Alice escaped the Hinterland and her reclusive grandmother’s dark legacy. Now she and the rest of the dregs of the fairy tale world have washed up in New York City, where Alice is trying to make a new, unmagical life. But something is stalking the Hinterland’s survivors―and she suspects their deaths may have a darker purpose. Meanwhile, in the winking out world of the Hinterland, Finch seeks his own adventure, and―if he can find it―a way back home...
Title: Scavenge the Stars (Scavenge the Stars #1), Author: Tara Sim, Publisher: Disney Hyperion, Publish Date: January 7, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Retellings, The Count of Monte Cristo', LGBT, Gender Swapped, Gender Bent, Duology
Synopsis: When Amaya rescues a mysterious stranger from drowning, she fears her rash actions have earned her a longer sentence on the debtor ship where she’s been held captive for years. Instead, the man she saved offers her unimaginable riches and a new identity, setting Amaya on a perilous course through the coastal city-state of Moray, where old-world opulence and desperate gamblers collide. Amaya wants one thing: revenge against the man who ruined her family and stole the life she once had. But the more entangled she becomes in this game of deception—and as her path intertwines with the son of the man she’s plotting to bring down—the more she uncovers about the truth of her past. And the more she realizes she must trust no one…
Packed with high-stakes adventure, romance, and dueling identities, this gender-swapped retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo is the first novel in an epic YA fantasy duology, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Sabaa Tahir, and Leigh Bardugo.
Title: Shadowshaper Legacy (Shadowshaper #3), Author: Daniel Jose Older, Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books, Publish Date: January 7, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Synopsis: The epic conclusion to the acclaimed Shadowshaper Cypher series!
A house divided
Sierra and the shadowshapers have been split apart. Juan, Anthony, and Izzy are in jail, anxiously waiting to find out what will become of them. Back in Brooklyn, the other shadowshapers have been getting threatening messages from whisper wraiths, catching strangely shaped figures stalking them, and fending off random spirits. A war is brewing among the houses, and the very magic of the shadowshapers is at stake.
The fate of the worlds
Sierra is determined to protect her own in the coming conflict, even if that means keeping secrets from them. But a deal with Death by one of Sierra's ancestors has far-reaching consequences in the battles of the present, and as old fates tangle with new powers, Sierra will have to harness the Deck of Worlds and confront her family's past if she has any hope of saving the future and everyone she loves. Only doing so will mean following the magic to places the shadowshapers have never gone before . . . and may never return from.
New York Times bestselling author Daniel José Older spins a masterful conclusion to his evocative and captivating Shadowshaper Cypher series in a finale of searing rebellion, the power of fate, and a magic unlike anything you've ever imagined.
Title: The Storm of Life (The Brillian Death #2), Author: Amy Rose Capetta, Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers, Publish Date: January 7, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, LGBT, Queer, Gender Fluid, YA Fantasy, Duology
Synopsis: The sumptuous and powerful conclusion to the gender-fluid duet begun by The Brilliant Death, hailed by Kirkus as "a delicious and magical intrigue too tempting not to devour" (starred review).
Teodora diSangro and Cielo, the strega she loves, are on a mission to save their country of Vinalia from its manipulative leader, who wants to exploit streghe and use them as his weapons. But will marshaling a small but powerful band of streghe be enough to wrest power from a cunning dictator? And what if Teo's been setting her sights on the wrong enemy all along? This epic sequel to The Brilliant Death completes the Italian-inspired fantasy duology with shocking twists, steamy romance, and magic that will dazzle your imagination and make you wish Vinalia were a real place.
Title: When Stars Are Bright, Author: Amber R. Duell, Publisher: Crescent Sea Publishing, Publish Date: January 7, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Retellings, Historical Fiction, NY Vaudeville, Burlesque, Musical, Romance, Thumbelina
Synopsis: For Lina Holt, a Dutch seventeen-year-old with a flair for singing, 1930 is going to be her year. Her long-time boyfriend is about to propose and her mother will finally realize their relationship isn’t a passing phase. But when a stranger snatches her from her backyard, everything changes.
Lina is thrust into the spotlight of a New York vaudeville show where she’s paired with Nik, a mysterious pianist. The two bond during rehearsals and it doesn’t take long before Nik puts himself at risk to confess a hidden truth. Without Lina, the show is in its last season and there’s no way she’ll be allowed to slip through the owner’s fingers. Not when she carries fairy magic in her blood—an gift that turns her song into a dangerously addictive drug.
If Lina ever wants to return home, she must learn who to trust before she’s forced to remain a prisoner on stage forever.
WHEN STARS ARE BRIGHT is a historical Thumbelina retelling with a touch of magic.
Title: Woven in Moonlight, Author: Isabel Ibanez, Publisher: Page Street Books, Publish Date: January 7, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Cultural Diversity, Bolivian inspired
Synopsis: A lush tapestry of magic, romance, and revolución, drawing inspiration from Bolivian politics and history.
Ximena is the decoy Condesa, a stand-in for the last remaining Illustrian royal. Her people lost everything when the usurper, Atoc, used an ancient relic to summon ghosts and drive the Illustrians from La Ciudad. Now Ximena’s motivated by her insatiable thirst for revenge, and her rare ability to spin thread from moonlight.
When Atoc demands the real Condesa’s hand in marriage, it’s Ximena’s duty to go in her stead. She relishes the chance, as Illustrian spies have reported that Atoc’s no longer carrying his deadly relic. If Ximena can find it, she can return the true aristócrata to their rightful place.
She hunts for the relic, using her weaving ability to hide messages in tapestries for the resistance. But when a masked vigilante, a warm-hearted princess, and a thoughtful healer challenge Ximena, her mission becomes more complicated. There could be a way to overthrow the usurper without starting another war, but only if Ximena turns her back on revenge—and her Condesa.
JANUARY 14TH RELEASES
Title: The Conference of the Birds (Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children #5), Author: Ransom Riggs, Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers, Publish Date: January 14, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Horror, YA Fantasy
Synopsis: “Do you trust me?”
An instant bestseller, A Map of Days launched readers into the previously unexplored world of American peculiars, one bursting with new questions, new allies, and new adversaries.
Now, with enemies behind him and the unknown ahead, Jacob Portman’s story continues as he takes a brave leap forward into The Conference of the Birds, the next installment of the beloved, bestselling Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series.
Title: Dark and Deepest Red, Author: Anna-Marie McLemore, Publisher: Feiwel & Friends, Publish Date: January 14, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Retellings, Romance, LGBT
Synopsis: Summer, 1518. A strange sickness sweeps through Strasbourg: women dance in the streets, some until they fall down dead. As rumors of witchcraft spread, suspicion turns toward Lavinia and her family, and Lavinia may have to do the unimaginable to save herself and everyone she loves.
Five centuries later, a pair of red shoes seal to Rosella Oliva’s feet, making her dance uncontrollably. They draw her toward a boy who knows the dancing fever’s history better than anyone: Emil, whose family was blamed for the fever five hundred years ago. But there’s more to what happened in 1518 than even Emil knows, and discovering the truth may decide whether Rosella survives the red shoes.
With McLemore's signature lush prose, Dark and Deepest Red pairs the forbidding magic of a fairy tale with a modern story of passion and betrayal.
Title: Infinity Son (Infinity Cycle #1), Author: Adam Silvera, Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's UK, Publish Date: January 14, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, LGBT, Siblings
Synopsis: Balancing epic and intensely personal stakes, bestselling author Adam Silvera’s Infinity Son is a gritty, fast-paced adventure about two brothers caught up in a magical war generations in the making.
Growing up in New York, brothers Emil and Brighton always idolized the Spell Walkers—a vigilante group sworn to rid the world of specters. While the Spell Walkers and other celestials are born with powers, specters take them, violently stealing the essence of endangered magical creatures.
Brighton wishes he had a power so he could join the fray. Emil just wants the fighting to stop. The cycle of violence has taken a toll, making it harder for anyone with a power to live peacefully and openly. In this climate of fear, a gang of specters has been growing bolder by the day.
Then, in a brawl after a protest, Emil manifests a power of his own—one that puts him right at the heart of the conflict and sets him up to be the heroic Spell Walker Brighton always wanted to be.
Brotherhood, love, and loyalty will be put to the test, and no one will escape the fight unscathed.
Title: The King's Questioner, Author: Nikki Katz, Publisher: Swoon Reads, Publish Date: January 14, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
Synopsis: From the author of 'The Midnight Dance' comes an epic YA fantasy featuring royal drama, dark magic, and a secret that could topple a kingdom.
Kalen has been cursed with a gift: he’s a mental picklock, able to access a person’s memories and secrets by touch. His skills make him the perfect questioner to the king, and he spends his days interrogating prisoners of the crown.
JANUARY 21ST RELEASES
Title: Ashlords (Untitled Duology #1), Author: Scott Reintgen, Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers, Publish Date: January 21, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, YA Fantasy, If you like The Scorpio Races
Synopsis: Red Rising meets The Scorpio Races in this epic fantasy following three phoenix horse riders--skilled at alchemy--who must compete at The Races--the modern spectacle that has replaced warfare within their empire.
Every year since the Ashlords were gifted phoenix horses by their gods, they've raced them. First into battle, then on great hunts, and finally for the pure sport of seeing who rode the fastest. Centuries of blood and fire carved their competition into a more modern spectacle: The Races.
Over the course of a multi-day event, elite riders from clashing cultures vie to be crowned champion. But the modern version of the sport requires more than good riding. Competitors must be skilled at creating and controlling phoenix horses made of ash and alchemy, which are summoned back to life each sunrise with uniquely crafted powers to cover impossible distances and challenges before bursting into flames at sunset. But good alchemy only matters if a rider knows how to defend their phoenix horse at night. Murder is outlawed, but breaking bones and poisoning ashes? That's all legal and encouraged.
In this year's Races, eleven riders will compete, but three of them have more to lose than the rest--a champion's daughter, a scholarship entrant, and a revolutionary's son. Who will attain their own dream of glory? Or will they all flame out in defeat?
Title: The Circus Rose, Author: Betsy Cornwell, Publisher: Clarion Books, Publish Date: January 21, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Retellings, Romance, LGBT, Circus, Ringmaster
Synopsis: From a New York Times bestselling author, a queer retelling of “Snow White and Rose Red” in which teenage twins battle evil religious extremists to save their loves and their circus family. YA fantasy perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Mackenzi Lee, and Laini Taylor.
Twins Rosie and Ivory have grown up at their ringmaster mother’s knee, and after years on the road, they’re returning to Port End, the closest place to home they know. Yet something has changed in the bustling city: fundamentalist flyers paper the walls and preachers fill the squares, warning of shadows falling over the land. The circus prepares a triumphant homecoming show, full of lights and spectacle that could chase away even the darkest shadow. But during Rosie’s tightrope act, disaster strikes.
In this lush, sensuous novel interwoven with themes of social justice and found family, it’s up to Ivory and her magician love—with the help of a dancing bear—to track down an evil priest and save their circus family before it’s too late.
Title: Gone by Nightfall, Author: Dee Garretson, Publisher: Swoon Reads, Publish Date: January 21, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Historical Fiction, Romance, YA Historical Romance
Synopsis: A young woman is torn between her home and her dreams during the Russian Revolution.
It’s 1917, and Charlotte Mason is determined to make a life for herself in czarist Russia. When her mother dies, Charlotte is forced to put her plans to go to medical school aside to care for her unruly siblings. Then a handsome new tutor arrives. Charlotte has high hopes that he’ll stay, freeing her up to follow her dreams of becoming a doctor. But there’s more to Dmitri that meets the eye.
Just when she thinks she can get her life back, Russia descends into revolution and chaos. Now, not only does Charlotte need to leave Russia, she needs to get her siblings out too--and fast.
Can Charlotte flee Russia, keep her siblings safe, and uncover Dmitri’s many secrets before she runs out of time?
Title: The Iron Will of Genie Lo (The Epic Crush of Genie Lo #2), Author: F.C. Yee, Publisher: Amulet Books, Publish Date: January 21, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Angels, Demons
Synopsis: The fate of the heavens is at stake in this hilarious and highly-anticipated sequel to the The Epic Crush of Genie Lo
Genie Lo thought she was busy protecting the Bay Area from demons. But now, as a Heaven- appointed Guardian, even the well-being of demons is her responsibility—and their numbers are multiplying. Guanyin and Quentin are doing their best to help; but what they really need is for the Jade Emperor to get off his butt and deal with the crisis. While he’s AWOL, Genie nominates Guanyin to fill in his shoes, unaware that the role will go to the god who can defeat a mysterious threat to the supernatural order. Along with a few other contenders for the throne, including a former enemy, Genie and her friends embark on a Heavenly quest to an in-between world. But when faced with true danger, the group realizes that what will save the universe this time is sacrifice, not strength.
Title: Rogue Princess, Author: B.R. Myers, Publisher: Swoon Reads, Publish Date: January 21, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Fantasy, Science Fiction, Fairy Tale, Retellings, Romance, Cinderella, Gender Swapped, Gender Bent
Synopsis: A princess fleeing an arranged marriage teams up with a snarky commoner to foil a rebel plot in B. R. Myers' Rogue Princess, a gender-swapped sci-fi YA retelling of Cinderella.
Princess Delia knows her duty: She must choose a prince to marry in order to secure an alliance and save her failing planet. Yet she secretly dreams of true love, and feels there must be a better way. Determined to chart her own course, she steals a spaceship to avoid the marriage, only to discover a handsome stowaway.
All Aidan wanted was to “borrow” a few palace trinkets to help him get off the planet. Okay, so maybe escaping on a royal ship wasn’t the smartest plan, but he never expected to be kidnapped by a runaway princess!
Sparks fly as this headstrong princess and clever thief battle wits, but everything changes when they inadvertently uncover a rebel conspiracy that could destroy their planet forever.
Title: Spellhacker, Author: M.K. England, Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books, Publish Date: January 21, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, LGBT, YA Fantasy, Magic, Heist
Synopsis: From the author of The Disasters, this genre-bending YA fantasy heist story is perfect for fans of Marie Lu and Amie Kaufman.
In Kyrkarta, magic—known as maz—was once a freely available natural resource. Then an earthquake released a magical plague, killing thousands and opening the door for a greedy corporation to make maz a commodity that’s tightly controlled—and, of course, outrageously expensive.
Which is why Diz and her three best friends run a highly lucrative, highly illegal maz siphoning gig on the side. Their next job is supposed to be their last heist ever.
But when their plan turns up a powerful new strain of maz that (literally) blows up in their faces, they’re driven to unravel a conspiracy at the very center of the spellplague—and possibly save the world.
Title: Wardens of Eternity, Author: Courtney Allison Moulton, Publisher: Blink, Publish Date: January 21, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Historical Reimagining, Mythology, Egyptian, Germany, WWII, World War II, Nazis
Synopsis: Ziva Ellison has one memory of her parents, made the day they abandoned her on the streets of New York City when she was three years old. They left her with only a memory and a promise that she had a great and terrible destiny.
Fifteen years later, Ziva discovers that destiny includes powers that she doesn’t understand and can barely control. Her magic attracts vicious, otherworldly monsters, and eventually compatriots to help her fight them. Sayer and Nasira know the secrets Ziva doesn’t; that Ziva is descended from Egyptian royalty and in possession of ancient magic passed down from the time of the gods. They promise to teach Ziva to control her magic and to give her the family she’s always yearned for.
But trouble is brewing in the world around them; darkness is descending on Hitler’s Germany, threatening World War II. As the last heir of a revered Egyptian queen, Ziva is the only one with the power to prevent another costly global conflict. As Ziva navigates her newfound abilities and makes a connection with Anubis and other Egyptian gods, the Nazis are hunting for the ultimate weapon, and Ziva has caught their interest.
From Courtney Allison Moulton, author of the acclaimed Angelfire series, comes Wardens of Eternity, an action-packed page-turner that blends history, mythology, and magic, perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and Kiersten White.
JANUARY 28TH RELEASES
Title: Blood Countess (A Lady Slayers Novel), Author: Lana Popovic, Publisher: Amulet Books, Publish Date: January 28, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Horror, YA Historical Horror
Synopsis: A historical YA horror novel based on the infamous real-life inspiration for Countess Dracula
In 17th century Hungary, Anna Darvulia has just begun working as a scullery maid for the young and glamorous Countess Elizabeth Báthory. When Elizabeth takes a liking to Anna, she’s vaulted to the dream role of chambermaid, a far cry from the filthy servants’ quarters below. She receives wages generous enough to provide for her family, and the Countess begins to groom Anna as her friend and confidante. It’s not long before Anna falls completely under the Countess’s spell—and the Countess takes full advantage. Isolated from her former friends, family, and fiancé, Anna realizes she’s not a friend but a prisoner of the increasingly cruel Elizabeth. Then come the murders, and Anna knows it’s only a matter of time before the Blood Countess turns on her, too.
Title: Diamond City (Diamond City #1), Author: Francesca Flores, Publisher: Wednesday Books, Publish Date: January 28, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, YA Fantasy
Synopsis: Good things don't happen to girls who come from nothing...unless they risk everything.
Fierce and ambitious, Aina Solis is as sharp as her blade and as mysterious as the blood magic she protects. After the murder of her parents, Aina takes a job as an assassin to survive and finds a new family in those like her: the unwanted and forgotten.
Her boss is brutal and cold, with a questionable sense of morality, but he provides a place for people with nowhere else to go. And makes sure they stay there.
DIAMOND CITY: built by magic, ruled by tyrants, and in desperate need of saving. It is a world full of dark forces and hidden agendas, old rivalries and lethal new enemies.
To claim a future for herself in a world that doesn't want her to survive, Aina will have to win a game of murder and conspiracy—and risk losing everything.
Title: The Frost Eater, Author: Carol Beth Anderson, Publisher: Eliana Press, Publish Date: January 28, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Romance, YA Fantasy, YA Romance
Synopsis: A lonely princess.
A flying teen.
A kidnapped girl who only remembers what happens at night.
Seventeen-year-old Princess Nora is a frost eater who creates magical ice. Her royal life is luxurious but stifling.
Krey West has a rare magical talent: when he eats feathers, he can fly. His one goal is to find his missing girlfriend, Zeisha. He thinks someone in power abducted her.
Krey’s daring feats of magic earn him an invitation to the palace. Craving adventure and friendship, Nora offers to help him find Zeisha. He’s desperate enough to accept—though he hates the monarchy.
The truth is more terrible than they could imagine.
Every night, Zeisha wakes in a dark room full of sleeping people, unable to remember what she did in the light. Her dreams provide violent glimpses into her forgotten days.
If Krey and Nora can’t save her, Zeisha may lose herself forever.
Readers describe this post-apocalyptic fantasy novel as “magic-packed” with “action, romance, and intrigue” that’ll “pull you right into the pages.”
Sink your teeth into The Frost Eater today.
Title: Seven Deadly Shadows, Authors: Courtney Alameda & Valynne E. Maetani, Publisher: HarperCollins, Publish Date: January 28, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Horror, Urban Fantasy, Retellings, Seven Samurai, Paranormal, Mythology, Cultural Diversity, Asian, Demons, Kitsune
Synopsis: Kira Fujikawa has always been a girl on the fringe. Bullied by her peers and ignored by her parents, the only place Kira’s ever felt at home is at her grandfather’s Shinto shrine, where she trains to be a priestess.
But Kira’s life is shattered on the night her family’s shrine is attacked by a vicious band of yokai demons. With the help of Shiro—the shrine’s gorgeous half-fox, half-boy kitsune—Kira discovers that her shrine harbors an ancient artifact of great power . . . one the yokai and their demon lord, Shuten-doji, will use to bring down an everlasting darkness upon the world.
Unable to face the Shuten-doji and his minions on her own, Kira enlists the aid of seven ruthless shinigami—or death gods—to help stop the brutal destruction of humankind. But some of the death gods aren’t everything they initially seemed, nor as loyal to Kira’s cause as they first appeared.
With war drawing nearer by the day, Kira realizes that if this unlikely band of heroes is going to survive, they’re going to have to learn to work together, confront their demons, and rise as one to face an army of unimaginable evil.
Title: Tragedy of Me (Legend of Me #2), Author: Rebekah L. Purdy, Publisher: Month9Books, Publish Date: January 28, 2020; Genres + Tags: Young Adult, YA, Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Retellings, Beauty and the Beast, Romance, Paranormal
Synopsis: With the Curse of the Beast broken, Brielle Healer thought she’d left her bloody, gruesome past behind her. She thought she’d finally be able to have her happy ending with Raul, the gypsy who saved her life and she’s betrothed to. But when a new batch of dead bodies are discovered on her property, she doubts whether the curse was truly broken. Not to mention, Lord Kenrick’s brother, Daedric has shown up in town seeking information about his missing brother, who was last seen with Bri. He and other Knights of the Crowhurst Order want answers, answers that could very well endanger Bri’s life once more. But an encounter with Daedric has her wondering if perhaps Kenrick isn’t truly dead after all. That there might be a way to bring him back from wherever it is his spirit slipped into. However, as they delve deeper into research they discover an attempt to get Kenrick back will likely mean a trip through a hellish realm more powerful and dangerous than either can handle. But when tragedy strikes, Brielle knows she has nothing left to lose. And this might be her one chance to redeem herself for past failures and crimes.
Raul Tinker spent his whole life trying to outrun his past. But the darkness has finally caught up to him, in the form of his vengeful sister Yalena, who blames him for their family’s downfall amongst their gypsy clan. She wants to destroy everything he loves, starting with Brielle. Although trained in magic, he knows he’s no match for the evilness she’s dipped her fingers into. Yalena promises not to harm Brielle, if Raul agrees to do her bidding. Which means people will die and the world will be opened up to unimaginable horrors. Raul knows no matter what he chooses, he’ll lose a piece of himself. Because the only way to stop her would be to allow the same darkness that consumes Yalena to consume him as well… But he will do anything necessary to ensure Bri's safety. Anything.
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