#Disillusions Book 1: In the Beginning

[astheworldgoesonitswickedway]

Get ready for yet another analysis of Count Olaf's behavior. Every time I make one of these I feel like I have to explain that I'm not justifying his actions but there's just so much complexity to him. Especially for someone who hides behind so much shenanigans. And honestly, the man is a psychopath, right, and he's one of the most chaotic fictional characters i can think of. The reason he is so interesting is because a character so chaotic and careless of his own well-being, doesn't usually last long enough to allow us a deep analysis of their unhinged behavior. Speaking of, let's talk about the way Olaf repeatedly tries to murder the Baudelaire children in drastically horrific ways such as decapitation, only to occasionally try to preserve their lives and keep them. Ok so, we know he needed at least one for the fortune, but that excuse doesn't explain all his behavior. Especially considering how rich Esme was, he didn't even need the fortune. There's definitely an element of being obsessed with the chase, he thrives on it sure. But how about his attempts at making them his henchpeople? I offer two reasons for this contradiction and he's so messed up, maybe both apply. I propose that 1. He believes corrupting them and making them his slaves is the best way to get revenge on their parents/corrupting them would make it easier to convince himself that becoming a monster wasn't really his fault. And 2. in a manner of speaking, he becomes attached. As far as corrupting them goes, he accepted their "help" without hesitation in the Penultimate Peril because it made sense to him they would be as disillusioned as he was and want to lash out. He thinks they HAVE been corrupted, and he's pleased. Yet, just before this, in the books, the children use their skills for him for once, and he is openly impressed by the things he previously mocked them for. I think he was secretly impressed the whole time, always wondering how they pulled off these unlikely escapes. They lost their parents, just like he did and he knows what that feels like. Its not confirmed whether it was by Olaf's hands but i hold to the idea that he was at least involved. Maybe a small part of him feels responsible for making them feel the way he felt. They've experienced horrible things, definitely by his hands, but they stuck to their principles. Sure this is part of why he hates them, it frightens him. If he recognizes they are right, its the same as recognizing he is wrong. It means in a way, they are stronger than him and he desperately wants to prove they are wrong and he is stronger. But I think a tiny piece of him can't help but admire them too. Later, in The End, he accepts them as his henchpeople strangely quick, and constantly repeats that offer despite their disinterest. Yes, he no longer has any henchpeople, but the Baudelaires have never been conformable to his wishes, it doesn't make sense to try so hard to keep them just because he needs new "employees." The harpoon incident is a good example of his attachment to them. Its slightly different between the book and show because the book indicates Olaf would have forced himself to go through with it and in the show he stands down. When finally given the opportunity to kill them easily and all at once, he struggles and cannot do it. Proving that at some point, he changes his viewpoint and doesn't REALLY want to kill them. He was relieved when they turned out to be alive in the Slippery Slope, even if he tried to play it off as being about the fortune. Which I know, its about THAT fortune, on "principle" but still. By the end of the show, he has changed his priorities from killing the children to keeping them. Don't get me wrong, he would have been horrible to them. But I think his plan was to do to them what his mentors did to him. As a side note, I love that as Olaf begins to associate himself with them, it works vice versa. They wonder if they ARE becoming as bad as him. Which is kinda sad to read/watch, because, of course they aren't. Don't you just want to reassure them?

[sensualnoiree]

astro notes: daily transits 9/21

Saturday, September 21, 2024, presents a mixed bag of communication challenges, emotional sensitivities, and transformative energy. The day begins with a Mercury–Jupiter square, bringing an urge to resolve yesterday’s issues, though we may find ourselves being overly verbose or excessive in our attempts to fix things. As the day progresses, communication improves thanks to a Moon–Mercury trine, but a Venus–Neptune quincunx adds a layer of mistrust or disillusionment. In the evening, a Mercury–Chiron quincunx heightens our sensitivity to criticism, while a Moon–Uranus conjunction encourages breaking free from old patterns. The day culminates with a powerful Sun–Pluto trine, offering the determination and insight needed to implement lasting change.

Key Influences

Mercury Square Jupiter:Overly Ambitious Problem-Solving: The day starts with a Mercury–Jupiter square (20°48' Virgo–Gemini), which can amplify the desire to communicate and solve problems. While this aspect encourages intellectual expansion, it often leads to over-explaining or making things more complicated than necessary. In an attempt to "unsnarl" the tangled energies of yesterday, we might go overboard, offering too much information or trying too hard to fix things. This square can create a tendency to overpromise or exaggerate, so it's important to keep communication clear and concise. Less is more in this case, even if the urge is to overdo it.

Moon Trine Mercury:Improved Communication: By 1:30 p.m., the Taurus Moon forms a harmonious trine with Mercury in Virgo, helping conversations flow more smoothly. This aspect supports practical, grounded communication, making it easier to express ideas clearly and to be heard. It’s an ideal time to revisit earlier discussions or misunderstandings, as this lunar influence encourages patience and the ability to listen carefully. However, the beneficial effects of this trine are somewhat tempered by the other aspects at play, which continue to stir up trust and sensitivity issues.

Venus Quincunx Neptune:Disillusionment in Relationships: Around the same time as the Moon–Mercury trine, a Venus–Neptune quincunx (25°14' Libra–Pisces) exacts, creating an undercurrent of mistrust or disillusionment in relationships. This aspect can blur boundaries, making it difficult to see things clearly in matters of love, value, or aesthetics. The quincunx between Venus and Neptune can lead to confusion about intentions, with one person idealizing the other or being disillusioned when reality doesn’t match up to expectations. Be mindful of any tendencies to avoid or escape issues, as this aspect can cloud judgment and lead to further confusion if not addressed honestly.

Mercury Quincunx Chiron:Sensitivity to Criticism: As the evening approaches, Mercury forms an awkward quincunx with Chiron (20°53' Virgo–Aries), highlighting sensitivities around communication. With Mercury in a fault-finding mode in Virgo and Chiron representing our wounds in Aries, we may feel more vulnerable to criticism or react defensively to others’ comments. This aspect brings out insecurities, especially around how we communicate and express our ideas. It’s important to be mindful of the impact of words during this time, as what may seem like a minor critique could feel like a deep wound to someone else.

Moon Conjunction Uranus:Breaking Free from Old Patterns: At 10:28 p.m., the Moon aligns with Uranus in Taurus, sparking a desire to break free from emotional or habitual patterns that no longer serve us. This conjunction encourages innovation and a willingness to shake things up, especially in areas where we’ve felt stuck or stagnant. While the Taurus Moon typically seeks comfort and stability, Uranus brings an unpredictable energy, urging us to take risks or make unconventional choices. It’s a time to throw out the old rule book and embrace new ways of thinking or being, especially in relation to emotional security.

Sun Trine Pluto:Empowered Transformation: The day ends on a powerful note with a transformative Sun–Pluto trine (exact at 11:11 p.m. at 28°13' Virgo–Capricorn). This aspect empowers us to make lasting changes, providing the insight and willpower needed to tackle complex problems and implement practical solutions. The Sun in Virgo aligns harmoniously with Pluto in Capricorn, blending Virgo’s attention to detail with Pluto’s capacity for deep transformation. This trine enables us to harness our inner strength and focus it toward meaningful goals, making it an ideal time to take decisive action in areas where we seek personal or collective growth.

Integrating the Influences

Resist the Urge to Over-Communicate:Mercury Square Jupiter: While the Mercury–Jupiter square can make us eager to explain or fix things, it’s important to resist the urge to overdo it. Keep communication concise and focused, and avoid making promises you may not be able to keep. Use the Moon–Mercury trine later in the day to refine your message and speak from a place of practicality and clarity.

Manage Disillusionment in Relationships:Venus Quincunx Neptune: If trust issues or disillusionment arise in relationships, take a step back and assess the situation from a more grounded perspective. This is not the time to idealize or ignore problems; instead, focus on clear, compassionate communication and avoid making assumptions. Be patient with yourself and others as you navigate these confusing energies.

Be Gentle with Criticism:Mercury Quincunx Chiron: With heightened sensitivity to criticism, it’s important to be mindful of how you communicate feedback. Offer constructive criticism in a supportive manner, and be aware that others may be more reactive than usual. Likewise, if you feel criticized, take a moment to reflect before responding defensively — this is a time to heal communication wounds rather than exacerbate them.

Embrace Emotional Liberation:Moon Conjunction Uranus: The Moon–Uranus conjunction invites you to break free from old emotional patterns or routines that have become restrictive. This is an ideal time to explore new ways of expressing your emotions or seek out experiences that challenge your comfort zone. Be open to unconventional approaches, especially when it comes to finding emotional or financial security.

Harness Transformative Energy for Practical Change:Sun Trine Pluto: The Sun–Pluto trine provides the drive and insight needed to make meaningful, long-lasting changes. This is a potent aspect for transformation, particularly in areas where practical solutions are required. Use this energy to focus on personal growth, strategic planning, or any project that requires focus and determination. It’s a time to step into your power and commit to the changes you want to see in your life.

follow for more astro insights like this and head on over to @quenysefields or my etsy --> sensualnoiree to grab my new astrology guidebook on reading your own natal chart :)

[aleksanderscult]

Sorry bad manip it's me !

It's that one ! That damn video I told you about ! I was literally disillusioned when I heard his review review ! But girl ? Did your brain regress as you got older or something ? From what I remember she really said things that made me hallucinate. (Oh and definitely don't take a look at the comments under this video, most of it is stupid. We are still entitled to the enigma of if Alina was not a summoner of light the Darkling would never have wanted to her. This argument annoys me because in fact, one could outright say that there will be no story and probably never a trigger for Mal to "open his eyes" to his "so-called" feelings for Alina. Because I remember that he proudly fucks everything that moves at the beginning of the book and clearly speaks about it to Alina while letting their friendship gradually deteriorate and also letting his friends call Alina stick...)

https://youtu.be/ml-mUwK-zX0?si=Sjm-R81nrhUJCkGA

That girl: "Maybe I am toxic"

Me: "I don't know maybe you are toxic."

Also she really bought the whole "Mal has changed in R&R" bullshit that Leigh presented, huh?

Honestly, I never cease to be surprised from the amount of people that swallow whatever an author, actor, director is giving them. We have really put famous people on pedestals.

Okay so, according to that girl and her beliefs:

1) We must believe that Alina found happiness after she lost her powers because the narrative told us to.

2) We must believe that Mal changed for the better with zero development because the narrative told us to.

3) We must believe that Malina is a healthy ship because the narrative told us to.

4) And we must believe that these books are the best YA books that exist out there because....NY Times said so?? I don't know.

It's one thing to love, enjoy the books and still acknowledge their big flaws and another to love the books and think they're perfect.

[the-nexverse]

hiii @writingamongther0ses! happy STS!

well, you hit me right on my weak spot: naming things! it took me YEARS of brainstorming and undecisiveness to find a name for only two of my stories, so coming up with multiple names for different parts of my stories?? you're completely crazy. a madman /gn. fuck yea i'm doing it

i have conveniently separated Todo Lo Que Sube (TLQS in the future)'s story into different arcs already, so i'll be only doing TLQS and will be basing myself on those arcs to name the movements

possible song names related to TLQS:

Prologue -> uhhh idk ¯\_( :/ )_/¯ it's just their childhood, not much to go on about

Arc 1: Roots -> Beginnings and Endings vibes: dissatisfaction, distrust, finding something that's worth fighting for, first spark of hope

Arc 2: The Golden Age -> Fly High, Icarus // Reaching for the Stars // In the Palm of your Hand // Todo Lo Que Sube... vibes: energetic, powerful, hopeful, "this is really happening", "we're gonna make it happen", obsession/devotion towards the mission

Arc 3: Decadence -> Fall Free, Icarus // The Bottom of Pandora's Box // ...Tiene Que Caer vibes: denial, rage, desperation, disillusion, distorted view of oneself, not letting go of the past, giving up on the past, moving on without having healed

Arc 4: Dead Phoenix -> fine as is vibes: REVENGE. REVENGE. REVENGE. letting one's emotions drown everything else, not listening to anything or anyone around you. obsession with your objective, uphill battle, internal conflict between emotions and rationality

Arc 5: Purpose (or lack thereof) -> fine as is vibes: "okay, what now." loss of motivation, loss of will, existential dread, accepting what you currently are, fighting against lack of self-worth, creating a new identity, being reborn

Epilogue -> uhhh idk ¯\_( :/ )_/¯ they move out of the country and get therapy. honestly that'd give me enough to talk about for a full book...

as for the genres... i'm not sure? i don't know enough about musicals or theatre or any of that, so i can't really say much about that, oops "^^

thanks for the ask!! this was really hard to do and i'm happy i managed to come up with ideas for all of the parts. really really happy with the results!! :DDD

Storyteller Saturday asks are on!

[bldrdsh]

While I work on a bio for her, basic details of AU glinda for me:

I'll be taking a LITTLE bit of inspo from the book, in the sense that she DOES actually possess magic but not to the degree of Elphaba and that she becomes the witch tied to the south rather than the north. That being said, Glinda doesn't really figure out how to actually tap into her magic until she & Elphaba escape to Kiamo Ko.

Perhaps the MOST important change is my Glinda DOES leave with Elphaba during Defying Gravity and they both wind up in Kiamo Ko, and seeing as she refuses to side with Morrible & the Wizard, she actually becomes the Wicked Witch of the South or Glinda the Guileful as Morrible & the Wizard spin her as a LIAR & a FRAUD where as Elphaba is leaned into more as the evil one

Life in Kiamo Ko for the first couple years is––ROUGH for Glinda and she and Elphaba fight a lot during this time if for no other reason than she's completely out of her depth.

The events of Act 2/The second movie, Glinda & Elphaba are still fugitives and all of Oz has them painted as villains with Glinda being viewed as a deceiver and Elphaba being viewed as wicked & evil. By this time Glinda winds up taking her own castle in the south so she & Elphaba don't wind up being taken down together if the Gale Force ever figures out where they live––that being said Glinda being a natural politician is actually able to convince the southern country to stand by her and Elphaba despite Oz at large viewing her & Elphaba as wicked witches.

In this instance the ACTUAL good witch of the north Locasta is the one who sends Dorothy to the Emerald City. By this time Oz is in something of a civil war since Glinda & Elphaba working together has actually created a LARGER problem for Morrible & the Wizard than just Elphaba.

Glinda DOES become significantly hardened by the entire experience of the events of Act 1, however seeing as for the MAJORITY of the first part of the time spent after leaving the Emerald City she spends with Elphaba, the two of them grow even closer as Glinda begins to TRULY be able to empathize with the ostracizing Elphaba faced. This actually draws out more of Glinda's goodness but also disillusions her to what life is really like for people in Oz who are deemed different.

[uufellowshipburlia]

UPDATED - UUFB Summer Schedule

June 1 - No services at the Meeting House this Sunday

June 8 - We begin a discussion of the book "Finding Your Religion," by Rev. Scotty McLennan. "Tufts University Chaplain Scotty McLennan (the inspiration for Doonesbury's Reverend Scot Sloan) offers an indispensable guidebook to those seeking a new spiritual path or wishing to reconnect to the religion of their youth. He reassures anyone at a spiritual crossroads--those who have become disillusioned with or even abandoned the religion of their youth--that finding a relevant and fulfilling spirituality is a process of understanding one's place in any of six universal stages of faith: Magic, Reality, Dependence, Independence, Interdependence, and Unity. He offers signposts and checklists for determining where readers are own their own spiritual journey, and for helping them grow and develop. By recognizing a progression of steps toward a faith of one's own choosing, McLennan explains, one can more fully open one's soul to its spiritual destiny."  Copies of the book are available through any local bookseller or you may contact the church for information on obtaining a copy. 

June 15 - No services at the Meeting House this Sunday due to Snake Alley Art Fair.

June 22 - We continue our discussion of the book "Finding Your Religion," by Rev. Scotty McLennan. Copies of the book are available through any local bookseller or you may contact the church for information on obtaining a copy. 

June 29 - Our Meeting House will be open for coffee and discussion on any topic you wish to bring. Those who wish may bring finger food or snacks to share.

July 6 - We finish our discussion of the book "Finding Your Religion," by Rev. Scotty McLennan. Later in the month we will take up the book "The Art of Living," a new translation of Epictetus' work by Sharen Lebell. Copies of the book are available through any local bookseller or you may contact the church for information on obtaining a copy.

July 13 - Our Meeting House will be open for coffee and discussion on any topic you wish to bring. Those who wish may bring finger food or snacks to share.

July 20 - We begin our discussion of the book "The Art of Living," a new translation of Epictetus' work by Sharen Lebell. "Epictetus is brought back to life in this stunning translation by Sharon Lebell, a philosophical writer and musician. A beloved teacher of Stoic Philosophy, Epictetus observed that although everyday life is fraught with difficulty, a life of virtue is within reach. He dedicated his life to outlining the simple ways to happiness, fulfillment, and tranquility, and that advice comes to live in this brief, yet deeply impactful, book." Copies of the book are available through any local bookseller or you may contact the church for information on obtaining a copy.

July 27 - Our Meeting House will be open for coffee and discussion on any topic you wish to bring. Those who wish may bring finger food or snacks to share.

August 3 - We continue our discussion of the book "The Art of Living," a new translation of Epictetus' work by Sharen Lebell. Copies of the book are available through any local bookseller or you may contact the church for information on obtaining a copy.

August 10 - Our Meeting House will be open for coffee and discussion on any topic you wish to bring. Those who wish may bring finger food or snacks to share.

August 17 - We conclude our discussion of the book "The Art of Living," a new translation of Epictetus' work by Sharen Lebell.

August 24 - Our Meeting House will be open for coffee and discussion on any topic you wish to bring. Those who wish may bring finger food or snacks to share.

[disciplemakingchurches]

What is an Acts based Church, And How it Impact Living in Brisbane?

Lately, in the Christian community, a quiet and powerful movement has been growing, and this movement is growing within the acts based churches brisbane. These biblical models rooted communities found in the Book of Acts emphasize simplicity, deep fellowship, and missional living. With the evolution of traditional church models, many believers are turning toward house churches and smaller gatherings that reflect the early Church's structure and spirit. But the question arises, what is an Acts based church, and how is it transforming Christian life in Brisbane? 

Understanding an Acts-Based Church

An Acts-based church patterned its practices after the Church in the Book of Acts. Following the ascension of Jesus, Christ's earliest followers established intimate groups committed to teaching, prayer, fellowship (breaking bread together), and sharing all they had (Acts 2:42-47). These were organic meetings, frequently in homes, and highly relational rather than institutional.

Features of an Acts-based church are:

House gatherings instead of big buildings

Participatory teaching and worship

Spiritual gifts and shared leadership

Intentional community living and discipleship

Evangelism focus and multiplication

Each believer is encouraged to own their faith journey and actively contribute to the group's spiritual life under this model.

The Rise of the House Church Movement in Brisbane

Over the decade, Brisbane has experienced an increasing interest in house churches. Growing urbanization, hectic lifestyles, and a desire for real relationships, Christians are finding themselves struggling for spiritual spaces. 

A house church in Brisbane will tend to gather in an individual's living room, backyard, or rented community room. It operates less as a Sunday function and more as a spiritual family. Members eat together, read the Scriptures aloud together, pray for each other, and have open conversation instead of listening to one pastor preach.

This simplicity has become particularly attractive to younger generations and those who are disillusioned with the formality or materialism of contemporary church culture. Brisbane is seeing in many ways a quiet revival—not through megachurches or large events, but through plain believers worshiping faithfully in small venues.

Impact on Daily Living in Brisbane

The influence of Acts-based churches in Brisbane is having a real-life effect on how to live, work, and relate to the general public.

1. Stronger Community Bonding: In a world where people face loneliness and isolation, the act-based churches offer rich and authentic relationships. Each person is recognised by their name, and their lives are interconnected beyond Sunday mornings. The members believe in helping each other in navigating life transitions, career changes, and personal challenges, providing a sense of belonging and family. 

2. Missional Living: Acts-based churches focus on living the Gospel every day. It implies that faith is not segmented into religious services but becomes a part of daily life. Whether serving a neighbor, beginning a workplace prayer group, or assisting someone in need, members are encouraged to be the church wherever they are.

3. Empowered Discipleship: In comparison to the classical models of centralized leadership, Acts-based churches in Brisbane tend to encourage shared leadership. This creates room for each believer to develop their spiritual gifts, assume responsibilities, and disciple others. It's an organic, deliberate movement where the development of leaders occurs.

4. Cultural Relevance: Brisbane is a dynamic and multicultural city. House churches can change rapidly to meet the needs of a diversity of communities, providing culturally relevant outreach and building inclusive settings for persons from diverse backgrounds. The homeowners' format enables these communities to be nimble and to be responsive to local concerns.

Conclusion- Is an Acts Based Church Right for You?

If you are seeking a deeper and more relational expression of your faith, exploring a house church might be worth your consideration. Be it being a long-term believer or a fresh spiritual explorer, an Acts based house church brisbane offers a welcoming space where faith is lived out with sincerity, humility, and purpose. 

[powerpulsemag]

This Week's Must-Reads at Power Pulse:

1. "Baked and Confused" Ebook by Asia Michael:

Meet Max, the owner of Cloud 9½, a weed shop in a town where everyone knows everyone – and the mayor wears many hats, including Santa's. Business is humming, and life is pretty straightforward. There's just one tiny complication: Max's best friend, Derek Mulrooney, is an FBI agent. Yes, that FBI. Dive into this quirky tale of unconventional friendship and small-town charm where things are anything but simple.

2. "Midnight Rounds" by Kate Morrison:

Step into the chaotic corridors of a once-prestigious hospital, now battling underfunding and relentless pressure. "Midnight Rounds" weaves together the lives of its dedicated staff and weary patients over 21 intense days. Amidst daily medical crises, inexplicable and bizarre events begin to unfold: patients foresee their own deaths, staff experience unsettling connections with those they treat, vital surgical tools vanish into thin air, and a mysterious figure haunts the trauma rooms during life's most critical moments. At the center is Dr. Elara Quinn, a trauma surgeon grappling with personal demons and leading a team pushed to its limits by shared hallucinations and strange emotional crossovers. Discover a world where the line between medicine and mystery blurs.

3. "Espresso Yourself" by Michael Decker | THO Publishing and Management:

Get ready for a hilarious and heartfelt brew of comedic tales from behind the counter of a bustling urban coffee shop. Michael Decker serves up "Espresso Yourself," a laugh-out-loud collection capturing outrageous customer encounters, the antics of quirky co-workers, and all the steamy behind-the-scenes drama. With sharp wit and a genuine love for coffee culture, Decker spills the beans on the chaos, charm, and caffeine-fueled confessions that make every cup memorable. Whether you're a seasoned barista, a loyal regular, or just craving a good story with your latte, this comedy memoir is a bold blend of humor and heart, proving that sometimes the daily grind makes life all the sweeter.

4. "Hallway Confessions: Fresh Hell":

Four years, four best friends, and a million secrets, scandals, and schoolyard shocks. Journey with Skylar, Tiana, Brielle, and Jade from the wide-eyed wonder of freshman year to the seasoned cool of senior year. Each installment in this series captures their evolving lives, culminating in their signature after-school ritual: dishing out the craziest, funniest, or most emotional "Hallway Confession" of the day. Get ready for a dose of fresh drama and unforgettable friendship.

5. "Mic Check" by Kevin J. Nelson:

Five comedians. One stage. Zero chill. "Mic Check" drops you right into a fictional stand-up comedy club for a night of raw, unfiltered hilarity. Each chapter features a full, side-splitting set from one of five original comedians, showcasing their unique voices, styles, and laugh-out-loud life experiences. Written as if you're in the audience – complete with crowd work and callbacks – this book delivers an authentic and uproarious comedy experience.

6. "The Unseen World" Ebook by Bianca Webb:

Jaden, a man of rigid ideals, saw society's customs as elaborate fictions. Scarlett, disillusioned by the world's pretenses, found a fierce clarity in his truth-telling. Together, they vanished, seeking an unfiltered existence in a hidden wilderness cabin, severing all ties to a world they believed had lost its soul.

But their sanctuary soon becomes a crucible. Isolation twists shared ideals into delusions, and certainty into paranoia. When a devastating wildfire forces them to flee their self-made world, Jaden and Scarlett must confront the civilization they rejected, navigating the blurred lines of truth, illusion, and identity. "The Unseen World" is a chilling exploration of the mind's fragility and the dangerous power of belief in isolation.

[adogonstilts]

In the Shadow of Forgiveness

So I've started a new series before finishing my old one, as per usual. This one is based of off Hogwarts Legacy, because the Sallows deserved better and the game just leaves way too many stones unturned. I don't expect all the chapters to be this long, but the first two are. I might restructure them later but for now, I need to get it out of the vacuum in my head and into the world. If you prefer, you can check it out here on AO3!

Also, as this is Harry Potter related, I want to state that while I like the HP series and I really enjoyed the game, I am extremely disillusioned with J.K.R. as an individual. Her books gave her an enormous platform that she repeatedly uses to spread hate and transphobia, while also trying to gain brownie points by throwing in her character's sexual orientation as an afterthought. Her actions have hurt many people who may want nothing to do with the HP series for that reason. I completely understand this. Please do not engage with this fic if you do not feel comfortable. I simply wanted to write about a piece of media that I enjoyed, and I truly believe that the series has evolved and outgrown the bigoted views of it's creator.

With that, please enjoy the first chapter.

Chapter 1 - Harlow's Last Stand

Max has just stepped out from Olivander’s when Natty’s letter arrives.  

Meet me near Manor Cape after nightfall. I received an interesting owl from Johanna Bickle about Harlow. 

- Natty 

Max frowns, Natty’s owl perched on her arm. Manor Cape is a fair distance away – whatever lead Natty has must be big. Though, she wouldn't be surprised if someone had managed to catch Harlow with his trousers down; they'd been disrupting Ashwinder operations left and right, and Rookwood and Harlow had yet to deal a solid blow in return. She would've expected the two of them to be tearing up the countryside, looking for leads or people to extort, but they'd been oddly scarce. 

The owl flies off with a flap of mottled brown wings. Max tucks the letter into her pocket and starts down the street, heading for the nearest floo flame. She'll meet Natty at the cape tonight – something tells her Rookwood doesn't plan to stay quiet for much longer.   

•°•°•

“Lil’ Natsai Onai, isn’t it?” he rumbles, voice rougher than gravel. His eyes slide to Max, and his nose wrinkles like she's something on the bottom of his shoe. “And her excruciatingly loyal mutt, Maxine Masters.” 

The letter didn't come from Mrs. Bickle. Obviously. Max and Natty figure that much out before they go walking into a trap. In typical Gryffindor fashion, they decide the best course of action is to rush headfirst into it anyways– though Natty has the good sense to send an owl to Officer Singer first. 

A light rain has started, warm with spring but still wet, soaking into the ground and dampening their clothes as Max follows Natty up the muddy trek to the manor. While undoubtedly quite lavish in its time, it's clear that no one has lived here in years. Large sections of the walls and roof have caved in, and the front grounds, enclosed by tall ramparts, are overgrown with weeds and wildflowers. Despite the rain – or more likely, due to some enchantment – the braziers lining the walkways are all lit, and the manor's dilapidated windows glow with soft yellow light. 

Unsurprisingly, Harlow is the one waiting for them, perched on the landing leading up to the manor entrance. He regards them idly as they approach, rain dripping off the brim of his atrocious green bowler.

Max flicks him the fingers, heartbeat quickening in her chest. The fact that it's just Harlow is somehow worse than if the place had been crawling with Ashwinders. Her hand moves to the wand at her hip.

Natty glares up at him, chin raised. “I was beginning to think we had scared you off,” she snaps back. “How brave of you to finally show your face.” 

“Pleasure’s all mine,” Harlow says, mouth curling smugly. “After all, you two have done quite a bit of damage to my business interests. What was once a mere annoyance has become… remarkably problematic.” He chuckles, casually holding up his wand – a gnarled, bone-white thing. “Fortunately, I pride myself on my… problem solving skills.” 

Max takes note of the debris scattered about the yard – some crates, a few barrels. A solid-looking anvil, poking out of the weeds. More than enough to throw around with ancient magic. “I’m curious, Harlow,” she begins conversationally, “what ‘damaged your business interests’ more? When we freed those hippogriffs? Or was it when you lost your hideout in Hogsmeade?” 

The humor slides off Harlow's face. He snarls, showing the gaps in his too-small teeth. “I've not forgotten your escapades, Maxine. Mark my words, you'll regret crossing us  – ”

Natty takes a fiery step forward, drawing her wand. “You are going to regret what you did to Mr. Bickle.”

“And what you tried to do to Archie!” Max bristles. 

“Oh, for the love of – ” Harlow groans, pinching the bridge of his crooked nose. “This is why I can't stand children. Always banging on with your altruistic grandstanding. D’ya have any idea what it takes to run an empire?” 

Max scoffs. “Run it into the ground, maybe.” From what she's seen, Harlow’s about as much of a businessman as Headmaster Black is an educator. Three nifflers in a trenchcoat would be more efficient at their jobs. 

Harlow leans over the railing so he can better sneer at her. “I suppose this is all just a bit of fun to you, isn't it?” he asks snidely. “Wonder if you'll still be laughing when the whole fuckin’ world is run by goblins – ”

“Enough.” Natty cuts him off. She brandishes her wand. “I have been waiting a long time for this, Mr. Harlow. Let us settle things now.” 

Max braces herself, hand on her own wand. A tense moment of silence passes, during which Harlow glares at them like he wants nothing more than to eviscerate them for sport. But he doesn't attack. 

“Oh, come now, Natsai,” a new, gratingly familiar voice says. “Surely there's no need for such theatrics.” 

A stone drops in Max's stomach as Victor Rookwood steps to the front of the landing, silhouetted by his ridiculous top-hat and embroidered mauve coat. Natty makes a disgusted sound, and Max couldn't agree more – just looking at the pompous little slimeball is enough to make her nauseous.  

“We’re all wizards here, after all.” Rookwood gives them what he clearly thinks to be a charming smile as he saunters down the landing staircase, Harlow trailing behind him like a large, lumbering shadow. “In light of what Ranrok now knows, you must agree that our interests are… aligned.” 

Max blinks at him, baffled. There's no way he's doing this. She saw how quickly he turned on Ranrok in the mines. She pulls her wand from its sheath and points it at him. “Our interests will never be aligned.”

Rookwood’s brow creases. “You would let goblins take what is rightfully ours? The repository belongs to wizardkind.” He stops at the bottom of the stairs, smile turning strained. “We would be fools not to work together.” 

Natty shoots her a questioning look, probably wondering what the hell he's on about. That's a conversation to be had later. If this was Rookwood's genius plan, then she and Natty will have no choice but to fight. 

“We didn't come here to listen to your sales pitch,” – Max jabs the point of her wand at him, glaring – “We’re here to put an end to you.”

“Sales pitch?” Rookwood seethes, composure suddenly withering. “That repository is my birthright!”  

“Charles Rookwood wouldn't have wanted you near it!” 

Rookwood stares at her, nostrils flaring. He taps his wand against his palm, clearly trying to reign his temper in. “I should've known better than to try to reason with a child,” he spits, venom dripping from every word. “It's like I've always said; children should be seen and not heard.” 

Max pauses, wand lowering. She's heard that before. Where –

Her heart stops in her throat. Anne. Anne had heard those words, right before she was cursed. The Sallows had always assumed it was Ranrok’s Loyalists, but…

Max looks at Rookwood, and she knows. 

It was you. 

Her rage mounts, swelling like an angry tide. All this time, he was right here. Anne has been suffering pointlessly. Sebastian has been watching his sister die, chasing after goblins and useless relics, and Rookwood was right here –  

“Bombarda!” She fires straight for Rookwood’s head. A look of surprise flash across his face before he throws up a shield charm, but it shatters under the force of her spell, knocking him back against the stairs. With a burst of ancient magic, Max rips the anvil from the ground, swinging it behind her head in a deadly arc. 

In the edge of her vision, she sees Harlow, wand pointed at her. Max grits her teeth. She’ll take it, she doesn't care – 

“Depulso!” Natty’s shout comes  from beside her, and Harlow goes rocketing backwards into one of the ramparts. The anvil slams down just as Rookwood vanishes, smashing into the stairs hard enough to crack stone. Max curses. Damn apparition. 

“Thanks for the save,” Max says. Natty moves to stand behind her. 

“I have your back.” She bumps her elbow against Max’s ribs, almost playfully. “You handle Rookwood, and I will handle Harlow.” 

Max feels a surge of gratitude – and grim determination. She owes Natty a long explanation of everything, after this is over. 

The Ashwinders are upon them then, emerging from around the sides of the manor. A dozen, at least, clad in dark robes, their faces covered by an assortment of animalistic masks. Max spots Rookwood on the other side of the grounds, safely out of basting range. If she had to guess, Harlow is probably up by now, too.  

She presses against Natty’s back, blood rushing in her ears. It doesn't matter. Rookwood can hide behind as many bodies as he likes – sooner or later, every last one of them will fall. 

•°•°•

For what feels like the millionth time since this awful fight started, Max raises her wand arm, voice raw in her throat. “Confringo!” 

The Ashwinder doesn't react fast enough; a fiery bolt from the blasting curse throws him back against the gateside wall. He slumps to the ground and doesn't get back up. 

Max drops her arm to her side, chest heaving. Wet strands of hair hang in her face. Her robes are slick and heavy with mud. This is ridiculous. Where does Rookwood find these people? He can't possibly be paying them enough for this. She turns to see who's left, how many more they have to go, but she doesn't spot any more Ashwinders. 

What she does see is Natty, going blow for blow with Harlow in front of the manor, and her heart jumps to her throat.

Natty’s face is hard as she casts spell after spell, sparks flying in the air between them. “Why so quiet, Mr. Harlow?” she goads, nastier than Max has ever heard her. “You had so much to say when you had your men to hide behind!” 

One of her casts strikes Harlow on the shoulder, and the look he gives her in return is positively murderous. “Tenacious, aren't we?” he snarls. “It'll be a shame to see all that potential go to waste.” 

Oh, absolutely not. Max levels her wand at him. “Confrin – ” 

The hair on the back of her neck stands up, and some primal instinct has her rolling out of the way before she fully knows what's happening. There's a flash of light as something hits the ground where she'd been, splattering chunks of mud into the air. Max springs to her feet, looking for where the blast had come from  – 

“Ah-ah,” Rookwood tuts from a few paces away. The tip of his wand glows hot with magic. “It's rude to interrupt. Didn’t your mother teach you manners?” 

“Didn’t yours ever tell you she loved you?” Max hisses back – at least he's saved her the trouble of finding him. She steps into her dueling stance. “Fine, then. I'll deal with you first.” 

They both strike at the same time, their spells glancing off each other in mid-air. Max gives a frustrated yell and slashes at him with the severing charm, but Rookwood diverts it with a swipe of his wand. She tries again, casting several times in rapid succession. All of them bounce harmlessly off of Protego, and she only barely manages to sidestep the stunning spell he counters with.

Anger roils in her stomach. The rapid beating of her heart is so loud that she almost can’t hear anything else. “Confringo!” she shouts, wand etching frenzied patterns in the air. “Depulso! Bombarda! Descendo!” 

Rookwood, slippery eel that he is, slides out of the way of each attack. “You know,” he drawls in his slimy, disgusting voice, “for such a major thorn in my side, I thought you’d be more trouble.”

Max glares at him, breathing heavily. Every muscle in her body is taut as a bowstring. “Don’t worry,” she says, lifting a nearby crate with a flick of her wand. “I’m just getting started.” 

She raises her arm to throw, but Rookwood is quicker. A streak of light hurtles towards her, and Max can’t get herself to move in time. It hits her in the chest, knocking the air from her lungs. She lands hard on her shoulder – the left one, thankfully – her head smacking against the ground. Stars burst across her vision, and Max sucks in a breath. Merlin's bloody balls – 

Cold, wet mud seeps into her hair. Max sits up, wincing at the sharp ache in her shoulder. Her temple throbs. Distantly, she hears Rookwood laugh. 

“I had no idea you were so pathetic,” he says, sounding vaguely amused. “I was a fool to think we could work together.” 

Max digs her fingers into the mud, wand gripped tightly in her hand. “At least we can agree on that,” she spits, getting to her feet. 

You’re no help to anyone if you die being an idiot, she reminds herself. Fight smarter. For Anne.

Rookwood casts again. Max steadies herself, blocking with Protego. They go back and forth, spells flying in the air between them. Max weaves around Rookwoods attacks as she looks for openings, managing to slip a few spells past his defenses before retreating backwards. She can feel herself tiring, her movements becoming sluggish as she blocks and dodges around spells. The earlier fight with the Ashwinders had taken more out of her than she’d thought.

At some point, she becomes aware of Natty close behind her, vigorously shouting incantations as she battles with Harlow. Max backs up until they're almost touching. “Natty,” she pants in between attacks, breath scraping harshly down her throat. “How are you faring?” 

“Tired,” Natty says, and she sounds as much. Max hears the crackle of something hitting her shield. “But I am not done yet. We must finish what we started.” 

“We will,” Max promises. They don't have much of a choice. 

A spark of light races towards them, and Max barely gets a shield up in time. Rookwood glowers at her, face twisted up in anger. 

“What are you scheming over there? Have time to chat and fight, do we?” His voice grates against her ears, and Max can feel herself getting more irritated with every word. Rookwood raises his wand again. “You arrogant little – ” 

“Piss off!” Max launches a barrel at him. It must catch him off guard, because he doesn’t even try to block it – it knocks him off his feet with a hollow-sounding thunk and sends him skidding backwards across the mud.

“Arresto Momentum!” Natty shouts behind her, and Max can only trust that it stops Harlow. She winds up for another strike at Rookwood when Natty’s arm suddenly bars her shoulders. Max looks back at her, startled. 

“What are you – ”

“We are both letting our emotions get the best of us,” Natty says. She pushes Max towards Harlow, who is currently moving with all the terrifying speed of a glacier. “Time for a change.” 

She’s gone before Max can get a word in, diving after Rookwood like a hawk swooping in for the kill. Max leaves her to it, turning to face Harlow just as the slowing charm wears off. 

“Seems we're switching partners,” Max informs him politely. “Lucky for you, isn't it? Natty was giving you a proper arse-kicking.” 

Harlow looks past her, where Natty had run off to. Then his eyes settle back on her, and he scowls. “I'll show you an arse-kickin’.”

Max winces, and it's only partly for show. “Oof. May want to stick to your business interests, Harlow.”

He goes after her with a shout, but with her head back on her shoulders, she has no problem blocking and dodging around his spells. Which is good, because what Harlow lacks in finesse, he makes up for in sheer strength – she can feel the weight of his attacks as they crash against her shield, pushing her heels further into the mud. 

Harlow laughs in between slinging spells like a madman. “You fight like a Muggle,” he jeers.

Max breathes a snort as she deflects again, and the impact reverberates up her entire arm. “Then why are you having so much trouble?” 

“I'm not having trouble, you little – ” Harlow cuts himself off with an aggravated sound, sending a bolt of fire streaking towards her – and though he'd cast nonverbally, Max would recognize Confringo anywhere. She darts out of the way, biting back a smile. So easy. 

“Are you sure?” she asks. “Because it seems like you're having trouble. I can't tell if you're trying to kill me or if you just want to dance.” Max punctuates the last word by casting at him, mostly just to be irritating. Harlow deflects it with a little too much force.

“I can get serious if you want,” he says, “but I don't want to hear no whinin’.” 

Harlow flicks his wand in a jagged motion, followed by a shout of “Crucio!” A shock of red lightning arcs towards her, like deadly, grasping fingers. Max skirts to the side, using a burst of ancient magic to speed up her movement. Crucio. How crass. The memory of the Scriptorium has faded some, but that pain is something she'll never forget. Getting hit by that would mean the end of the fight for sure.

Another crackle of red light reaches towards her. She dodges, this time in the opposite direction. Harlow doesn't bother to hide his irritation. “Are you just gonna flash around the whole time?” 

Nope. Their fight has driven them back towards the staircase, where they first started. Max points her wand. “Accio!” 

Harlow’s shield comes up, but the summoning charm whizzes right past him. A look of surprise flashes across his face, quickly replaced by amusement. He turns to her with a triumphant guffaw, shield evaporating. “You missed, you fuckin’ – ”

His mouth is forcibly shut when the anvil she'd thrown at Rookwood earlier collides with the back of his head. Harlow staggers, but he doesn't fall. In one fluid motion, Max swings the anvil around her head, finishing its orbit by slamming it into his side, sending him crashing against the columns beneath the landing. 

Max regards him coldly as he rolls into his hands and knees, heaving. “Missed, did I?” 

Harlow glares up at her, looking royally pissed. “Don't get so full of yourself, you daft bint. You think you're the first to try and bring me to Azkaban?” He clambers to his feet, swaying slightly. A slow trail of blood runs from his forehead down the side of his face. “Prissy lil’ Hogwarts snobs… always stickin’ your noses where they don't belong. But you're in over your head with this one. Should’ve stayed in school.” 

Above them, thunder rolls in the darkened clouds.

Max raises her wand to the sky, magic buzzing beneath her skin. “You forget, Harlow,” she says, “on top of being a Hogwarts snob, I’m also an excruciatingly loyal mutt.”

She brings her arm down like a gavel. A bolt of lighting descends from the sky, tearing through Harlow’s body. The sound is explosive, like a cannon firing. Harlow’s back bows, mouth open in a silent scream as it arcs through him. The lightning fizzles out, and Harlow crumples to the ground, wand rolling out of his hand. 

Max slumps forward, all the energy rushing out of her. That had definitely been too much. She steps towards him, intending to finish the fight, when Rookwood staggers into her peripheral. 

A jolt of panic shoots through her. She goes to raise a shield, but he seems to be preoccupied with surviving Natty, who's onslaught of attacks has pushed him back against the manor. He's so covered in mud that his coat has completely changed color, and he's also – notably – hattless, which feels a bit like seeing someone without glasses for the first time. 

“I see now why you wear that ugly thing,” Natty says, cutting. She halts her attack and moves closer to Max, though her wand never leaves Rookwood. Max turns her wand on him as well, the sound of her breath harsh against her ears. Natty catches her eye, and Max nods. All good.

Natty gives her a small smile before her attention returns to Rookwood. “It's over,” she tells him. “You cannot win against us both.” 

Rookwood's eyes flick between them, then down to Harlow, clearly weighing his options. “Unfortunately, I suspect you're right. This has turned out to be far more trouble than it's worth.” 

“Do not get any ideas,” Natty says. “The two of you are going away to Azkaban for a long time.” 

Azkaban. That's right; Natty had sent for Officer Singer. She could arrive any second now. Rookwood has answers, and if Max doesn't get them now, she may not have another chance. No time like the present, then.

“Natty, wait,” Max interjects, and they both look at her – Natty with surprise and Rookwood with blatant disdain. Max returns his glare. “A year or two ago, you were part of a raid on Feldcroft with Ranrok's loyalists. But someone saw you, so you cursed her. Is that right?”

An unsettling expression crosses Rookwood's face. He hums blithely. “I'm afraid I don't recall. There were many raids on Feldcroft.” 

“Then you'd better think!” Max shouts, louder than she'd meant to. “You can't have cursed that many people, it happened by the estate – ” 

“Oh.” Rookwood draws out the word like he's had an epiphany. “That girl.” He looks her up and down, a slight smile curling his lips. “Yes, she probably would be around your age, wouldn't she?” 

Max's blood runs cold. She fighters her grip on her wand. “How do you break the curse?” 

“Personally, I'm surprised she's still kicking. Usually they don't last a year. How is she?” 

Max is going to kill him. She's going to rip him apart with her bare hands. She takes a breath. “Rookwood, tell me how – ”

“Is she still fighting?” he asks, and there's something manic in his tone. “Or has she given up?” 

It's a trap, more obvious than the letter Harlow had sent. Max knows this – he's trying to rile her up. But the thing is, he's done an incredible job of it. 

“Confringo!” A bolt of fire flies from her wand, but Rookwood has vanished before she's finished casting. He reappears a few yards away and looks at her with a grimace. 

“I think you need to work on your aim.” 

Max bares her teeth, taking a step towards him. “I'll kill you,” she snarls. 

Rookwood huffs, amused. “That so? I suppose you'll have to catch me, first. But in the meantime, you might want to keep your wits about you.” 

He's looking at something behind her, and that same chill ripples up Max's spine. She turns and is met with Harlow, on his knees, wand pointed straight at her. His eyes are dark and angry as he says, “Crucio.” 

There's a flash of red light. Before Max can think to lift her wand, to dodge, to do anything, Natty is already moving. Her body shifts into something larger, different, and it's the graceful form of Natty’s gazelle animagus that leaps to shield Max. 

“No!” Max shrieks. Natty, still in the form of a gazelle, drops to the ground, twitching. She makes an awful, guttural sound, and Max realizes with horror that she's screaming. She turns on Harlow. “Expelliarmus!” 

Harlow's wand goes flying out of his hand, but it's too late. Natty’s body shifts back to human form, her eyes rolled back into her head. Max rushes over to her, ducking under a spell from Rookwood before firing back. She doesn't see if it hits before she drops to her knees, pulling Natty's head into her lap. 

“Natty,” she hisses. Her pulse roars in her ears. “Natty.” 

Natty's eyelids flicker, but they don't open. Max squeezes her shoulder and wishes, for the first time, that she’d taken Sebastian up on any of his offers to teach her the Unforgivables. She points her wand at Harlow. “Incarcerous!” 

Golden chains lash around Harlow’s body, binding his arms to his side. He topples over into the mud, cursing. Max whips around, intent on doing the same to Rookwood, when her wand is suddenly knocked from her hand. It goes flying, landing somewhere she doesn't see. 

“So close,” says Rookwood. The scowl on his face is harshly shadowed by the dim light of the braziers. “And yet, you seem to have an unfortunate habit of coming up just short.” 

Max leans protectively over Natty, heart racing. This isn't good; she's no idea how to use wandless magic, and her apparitional ability is shaky at the best of times. “You'll never beat Ranrok to the repository,” she says, vying for some sort of leverage. “Not on your own.” 

“Perhaps not.” Rookwood shrugs like it couldn't matter less. “But I very much doubt you'll tell me where it is, either.” 

He raises his wand, green light sparking at the tip. Max's mind races for a way to save both herself and Natty, but she can't think fast enough, there's nothing she can – 

“Natsai!” 

The sudden wail makes Rookwood halt. Max turns to look, and standing at the gate to the estate is Professor Onai, closely tailed by Officer Singer. At the sight of Rookwood standing over them, both women draw their wands, and Professor Onai charges towards them with a vengeful roar. 

Harlow’s head, the only part of him that's not restrained, snaps to Rookwood, eyes wide. “Victor – ” 

Rookwood sighs heavily. “Apologies, Theopholis.” He flicks his wand. Max flinches, but he only summons his hat into his open hand, placing it back on his head with no sense of urgency. “It's nothing personal.”

The space he's occupying starts to fold in on itself. Panic rises in Max's chest. No. Can't let him get away. But she can't chase him – she's got no wand, and she can't leave Natty – 

“Reducto!” 

The shout comes from Professor Onai, who has all but closed the distance between them. Her spell flies into the apparitional swirl – disappearing along with Rookwood. 

Then it's over. He's gone. 

An odd haze settles over her – Max is distantly aware of Officer Singer moving to stand over Harlow, her face stricken. She's also aware of Professor Onai kneeling down beside her, gently prying Natty from her arms. I'm sorry, she wants to say, but her voice is stuck in her throat. She hadn't stopped him. She hadn't gotten answers for Anne, and Natty had been hurt. Capturing Harlow feels a small consolation in comparison – he’s only one head of an enormous hydra, after all. 

“We are going back to the school,” Professor Onai says. Her voice is firm, only trembling at the edges, and Max feels another stab of guilt. Something is shoved into her hands, and Max realizes it's her wand. 

Professor Onai takes hold of Max’s shoulder, her other arm still cradling her daughter. The world warps dizzyingly, the sound of the rain coalescing into incoherent noise. Even as the twist of apparition makes her stomach flip, Max finds she can't look away from Natty’s face. 

The last thought she has before they disappear from the manor is that the next time she and Victor Rookwood meet, it will be the last.

[bookeysnewsletter]

The Book 1984: A Dystopian Tale of Oppression

Chapter 1 What's The Book 1984 by George Orwell

"1984" by George Orwell is a dystopian novel that explores the dangers of totalitarianism and government control. Set in a future society where the government, led by the oppressive Party, surveils and suppresses its citizens through propaganda and thought control. The protagonist, Winston Smith, rebels against the Party's oppressive regime and falls in love with Julia, despite the Party's strict laws against personal relationships. The novel delves into themes of censorship, surveillance, and the manipulation of truth, making it a haunting and thought-provoking read that continues to be relevant in today's political climate.

Chapter 2 Is The Book 1984 A Good Book

Yes, "1984" by George Orwell is considered to be a classic and thought-provoking novel. It explores themes of surveillance, government control, and the power of language, and it continues to be relevant in today's society. Many readers find it to be a gripping and unsettling portrayal of a dystopian future.

Chapter 3 The Book 1984 by George Orwell Summary

"1984" is a dystopian novel by George Orwell published in 1949. The story is set in a totalitarian society ruled by the Party, led by the enigmatic figure known as Big Brother. The novel follows the protagonist, Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the Party who secretly rebels against the oppressive regime.

Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he alters historical records to align with the Party's propaganda. He becomes disillusioned with the Party's control over every aspect of life and begins to question the reality of the world around him. Winston meets Julia, a fellow Party member, and they begin a forbidden love affair.

As Winston and Julia's relationship deepens, they are eventually caught by the Thought Police, the Party's secret police force. They are arrested and subjected to torture and brainwashing in the infamous Ministry of Love. Winston is ultimately broken and comes to love Big Brother, betraying Julia in the process.

The novel ends with Winston's complete submission to the Party, as he realizes that he can never escape the oppressive regime. "1984" explores themes of surveillance, government control, and the loss of personal freedom. It serves as a warning about the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of individual freedom and critical thinking.

Chapter 4 The Book 1984 Author

George Orwell, whose real name was Eric Arthur Blair, was an English novelist, essayist, journalist, and critic known for his literary works critiquing authoritarianism and totalitarianism. He was born in India in 1903 and died in London in 1950.

Orwell released his most famous novel, "Nineteen Eighty-Four" (commonly referred to as "1984"), in 1949. The book is a dystopian novel set in a totalitarian regime where individualism and independent thinking are suppressed. It explores themes of surveillance, propaganda, and government control. "1984" has had a significant impact on popular culture and political thought, and phrases from the book, such as "Big Brother is watching you" and "thoughtcrime," have become part of the lexicon.

Apart from "1984," some of Orwell's other notable works include "Animal Farm," "Down and Out in Paris and London," "Homage to Catalonia," and "Shooting an Elephant." "Animal Farm" is another dystopian novel, which is an allegory of the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism.

In terms of editions, the best-known editions of Orwell's works are typically published by major publishing houses like Penguin Books or Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Several deluxe editions of Orwell's works have been released over the years, which include new introductions, annotations, and supplementary material. "1984" has been translated into numerous languages and remains a popular and influential work of literature.

Chapter 5 The Book 1984 Meaning & Theme

The Book 1984 Meaning

"1984" by George Orwell is a dystopian novel that explores themes of totalitarianism, censorship, surveillance, and the loss of individual freedom. The story is set in a fictional oppressive regime known as Oceania, where the government, led by the all-powerful figure Big Brother, controls every aspect of its citizens' lives.

The novel follows the protagonist, Winston Smith, as he rebels against the Party and tries to maintain his individuality in a society where independent thinking is punished. Through Winston's experiences, Orwell raises important questions about the nature of power, the pervasiveness of propaganda, and the dangers of a society that prioritizes control over personal liberties.

Overall, "1984" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked government authority and the importance of defending individual freedom and truth. It is a powerful critique of authoritarianism and serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of a society that sacrifices freedom for security.

The Book 1984 Theme

One of the main themes in George Orwell's 1984 is the dangers of totalitarianism and the abuse of power by a government. In the novel, the Party, led by Big Brother, has complete control over every aspect of society, using propaganda, surveillance, and manipulation to maintain their power. This theme serves as a warning about the potential consequences of a government that has unchecked authority and is able to oppress and control its citizens.

Another key theme in the novel is the importance of truth and reality. In the world of 1984, the Party manipulates information and history to suit their own agenda, creating a fictional version of reality that they force upon the people. This theme underscores the idea that seeking and defending the truth is crucial for preserving freedom and individual autonomy.

Additionally, Orwell explores the theme of individuality and the struggle to maintain one's sense of self in a society that seeks to erase individuality and independent thought. The protagonist, Winston Smith, rebels against the Party by starting a secret relationship with Julia and questioning the Party's control over his mind. His resistance represents the human desire for freedom and individual expression, even in the face of overwhelming oppression.

Overall, 1984 is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of power, control, truth, and individuality, offering a cautionary tale about the dangers of a totalitarian society.

Chapter 6 Other Accessible Resources

1. "1984" by George Orwell: A Study Guide - SparkNotes

2. "1984" by George Orwell: Summary, Characters, Themes, Analysis - CliffsNotes

3. 1984 by George Orwell - Goodreads

4. "1984" by George Orwell: Book Review - The New York Times

5. The Orwell Society - official website dedicated to George Orwell and his works

6. "1984" by George Orwell: Literary Analysis - Shmoop

7. The Legacy of "1984" by George Orwell - BBC Culture

8. "1984": A Dystopian Classic - The Guardian

9. "1984" by George Orwell: Discussion Questions - LitLovers

10. "1984" by George Orwell: Historical Context - History.com

Chapter 7 Quotes of The Book 1984

The Book 1984 quotes as follows:

1. "War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength."

2. "Big Brother is watching you."

3. "Thoughtcrime does not entail death: thoughtcrime IS death."

4. "Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows."

5. "The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power."

6. "Power is not a means; it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship."

7. "If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself."

8. "Orthodoxy means not thinking--not needing to think. Orthodoxy is unconsciousness."

9. "But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought."

10. "In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act."

Chapter 8 Similar Books Like The Book 1984

1. "Pedro Paramo" by Juan Rulfo - After reading "Pedro Paramo" by Juan Rulfo, I recommend exploring more Latin American literature. Rulfo's haunting and poetic exploration of the afterlife makes me think of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's magical realism in his masterpiece "One Hundred Years of Solitude."

2. "The House of the Spirits" by Isabel Allende - This epic family saga weaves together political turmoil and magical elements, reminiscent of the themes found in "Pedro Paramo." Allende's rich storytelling and lyrical prose will captivate readers who enjoyed Rulfo's novel.

3. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez - This classic novel is a must-read for fans of Latin American literature. Marquez's tale of the Buendia family in the fictional town of Macondo is filled with magical realism and explores themes of isolation and legacy, similar to those found in "Pedro Paramo."

4. "The Death of Artemio Cruz" by Carlos Fuentes - Fuentes is another iconic Mexican author whose work delves into the complexities of Mexican society and history. "The Death of Artemio Cruz" follows the life of a wealthy and corrupt man on his deathbed, offering a powerful exploration of power, politics, and morality.

5. "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolpho Anaya - Set in rural New Mexico, this coming-of-age novel combines elements of magical realism with the harsh realities of life in a multicultural community. Anaya's lyrical prose and exploration of spirituality make this a compelling read for fans of "Pedro Paramo" seeking more literature with a magical touch.

Book https://www.bookey.app/book/1984

Author https://www.bookey.app/quote-author/george-orwell

Quotes https://www.bookey.app/quote-book/1984

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1kXkGjoluY

Amazom https://www.amazon.com/1984-Signet-Classics-George-Orwell/dp/0451524934

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61439040-1984?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=htpJRlEJ5W&rank=1

[yvesoclore]

CHARACTER INTRO SHEETS:

AMERA

(this was supposed to be an actual rundown of her carachter, but it turned into a summary of book 1 from amera's perspective. either way- yayyyy finally making their story (somewhat) accesible to people who arent living in my brain)

Amera is a jedi born on pantora in 37 BBY. brought to the temple too young to have any lasting memories, she was given her pantoran tattoos by jedi order member and fellow pantoran Joan. she became Andromache Ilan’s padawan in 24 BBY.

amera is extroverted and friendly, and has many friends within the temple. her closest jedi friends are kyo and barriss, and they keep their friendship as they graduate from younglings to padawans. they consider each other to be siblings.

amera also has a friend outside the temple- Tomilan. andromache notices this, and opts to teach amera ways to both abide by the code and to keep healthy relationships in their different forms. (she dies before she can finish this.)

amera wants to work in the creche, and though she has a kyber crystal, she wears it as a necklace and does not make a lightsaber. her strengths in the force lie mostly in empathy and emotions, but she eventually (think wayyyyy later) harnesses the force and becomes a formidable sniper.

by the start of the war in 22 BBY, amera still does not have a lightsaber. she spends the first year of the war with the 707 (the scorpions), before their death alongside andromache save for one squad member.

after her masters death, she becomes the padawan of Lunain Quinn, the former padawan of Andromache. Lunain’s own padawan, Kyo (Amera’s friend) has recently died in the war as well.

Lunain has always been jealous of Andromache’s treatment of Amera and her place at Andromache’s side. additionally, she blames amera for her death.

they’re both grieving Kyo and Andromache, and their master padawan relationship is… bad.

on her return to coruscant from the field after andromache’s death, amera has also entered into a romantic relationship with tomilan.

when it’s time for her to return to the front, she finally builds her first lightsaber. she also becomes close friends with the clone trooper Star. their relationship only becomes stronger as a result of Lunain's general mistreatment of them.

as the war goes on, her and tomilan’s relationship becomes strained. (its a result of a lot of things, and I won't go too in depth here.) they eventually break up. (this is around a year later)

amera lacks a lot of combat skills, and due to her general dislike of even having a lightsaber, is generally pretty bad at fighting with it. her recent breakup with tomilan causes her to become reckless on the battlefield, worrying star. she also begins drinking pretty heavily at this point. the breakup is the straw that breaks the camel's back, but its generally a result of the fact that she's been fighting in a war, and all the things that come with that.

around the same time, barriss is becoming increasingly disillusioned with the jedi. she joins what she believes is a group petitioning for peace, who are all too happy to have a jedi joining their ranks.

barriss convinces amera to come with her to a meeting. they get involved in a plan to stage a protest within the temple. their access to the temple makes them uniquely suited for the job. (you all know where this is going).

barriss plants what she believes is a device that will play a video petitioning against the war. she hides it well within the temple. amera is tasked with wiping the footage, and has been given a device to plug into the security system that will do so.

the day it's meant to happen, she realizes something is wrong. barriss isn't answering her calls, and she can't go to lunain. she runs into the temple seconds too late and is caught in the edge of the blast, losing her arm.

when she wakes up, barriss is gone, having left the order (with ahsoka). tomilan is there, and they mend their relationship.

her and lunain reach a relative impasse during this period, where lunain mostly leaves her alone and amera and star mostly try to ignore her. they do have one explosive fight during this period, but it simmers down and makes their interactions even more frosty as opposed to like, changing anything.

order 66 happens, and amera, bug, tomilan and lyra escape together.

there is more to this but it would get unimaginably long so, here.

[mediamixs]

10 best horror movies about the demon

1)The Exorcist (1973)

Regarded as a classic in the horror genre, "The Exorcist" follows the possession of a young girl named Regan and the subsequent exorcism performed by two priests. It's known for its chilling atmosphere, groundbreaking special effects, and intense performances.

2) The Conjuring (2013)

Based on true events, "The Conjuring" explores the case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they help a family plagued by a malevolent presence in their farmhouse. The film's tension-building and effective scares make it a standout in demon-themed horror.

3) Insidious (2010)

Directed by James Wan, "Insidious" tells the story of a family whose son falls into a mysterious coma and becomes a vessel for malevolent entities from another realm. The film's blend of psychological horror and supernatural elements, particularly its depiction of the demon known as "The Lipstick-Face Demon," earns it a place among the best.

4) Hereditary (2018)

"Hereditary" delves into the dark secrets of a family haunted by ancestral demons. As the family unravels, they uncover horrifying truths about their lineage and the sinister forces at work. Known for its disturbing imagery and psychological terror, this film leaves a lasting impression.

5) Paranormal Activity (2007)

Shot in found-footage style, "Paranormal Activity" follows a couple as they attempt to document the demonic presence haunting their home. The film's minimalist approach and escalating tension create a sense of dread, making it a standout in the supernatural horror genre.

6) The Babadook (2014)

"The Babadook" centers on a mother and son who are terrorized by a sinister entity from a mysterious children's book. As the presence of the Babadook grows stronger, the family's sanity begins to unravel. The film's exploration of grief, trauma, and psychological horror sets it apart.

7) Drag Me to Hell (2009)

Directed by Sam Raimi, "Drag Me to Hell" follows a loan officer who becomes cursed by a malevolent demon after denying an elderly woman an extension on her mortgage. The film balances horror and humor while delivering inventive scares and a sense of impending doom.

8) The Omen (1976)

"The Omen" revolves around an American diplomat who gradually realizes that his adopted son may be the Antichrist. As mysterious deaths and sinister events occur, he races to uncover the truth and prevent the apocalypse. This classic horror film remains influential in the demon subgenre.

9) The Devil's Advocate (1997)

In "The Devil's Advocate," a young lawyer is recruited by a powerful law firm led by a charismatic and enigmatic figure who may be more than he seems. As the lawyer's life spirals out of control, he confronts the demonic forces at play. The film blends legal drama with supernatural horror.

10) The Last Exorcism (2010) - Presented in a found-footage style, "The Last Exorcism" follows a disillusioned minister who agrees to perform one last exorcism on a young girl in rural Louisiana. As he confronts the evil within her, he discovers a conspiracy that shakes his beliefs to the core. The film offers a fresh take on the exorcism subgenre with its blend of realism and supernatural terror.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

The Captain’s Old Love by Mary Lancaster

One Night in Blackhaven #1

Introduction to a new series that has the potential for nine books or more just based on the siblings of one family. This was an easy, quick, somewhat predictable, feel-good, second chance romance that provides a happily ever after for the main characters.

What I liked:

* Antonia: widow, lady’s companion, loving mother to six-year-old Edward, never stopped loving Julius though she was upset he jilted her

* Julius: retired naval captain, war hero, scarred, loving brother, intelligent, knows the area, has brought his family together and is settling in, never stopped loving Antonia but hurt and wonders why Antonia jilted him

* Edward: young, precocious, bright, fun, active, likes Julius

* Julius’s siblings: there are eight of them that I won’t name but I have a feeling they will each have a book of their own

* Lord Linfield and his sister Miss Talbot:  he is a diplomat that knew Julius’s father and she travels with him

* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing

* That it was an easy read without any major insurmountable obstacles

What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like

* Thinking about what Antonia put up with from her parents, husband, brother-in-law and Dunnet

Did I like this book? It was okay

Would I read more in the series? Maybe

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

BLURB 

His dashing days are behind him – until an old flame dances back into his life. A hero of Trafalgar and many battle since, Captain Julius Vale, has retired from the Royal Navy and moved himself and all his siblings back to the family home near Blackhaven. Here, wounded and disillusioned, he seeks peace for himself, and happiness for his troubled brothers and sisters. He does not expect to encounter the woman who broke his heart ten years ago, and he certainly does not mean to make the mistake of falling for her again. Antonia, now an impoverished widow and mother, is the paid companion of eccentric spinster, Miss Talbot, who is taking a course of the Blackhaven waters. Meeting Julius again is a shock. So is the fact that he clearly blames her for their parting when it was he who sailed away without a word of goodbye. And yet after only one dance, she begins to feel alive … Amidst the tangle of anger, hurt and reigniting passion, they gradually realize the truth. But it seems that the same forces that parted them ten years ago are determined to do so again. Unless they are strong enough this time to trust in each other.

[modularelevatormanufacturing]

Ghosts of Christmas Elevators

Ghosts of Christmas Elevators - With this Thanksgiving being one of the weirdest in holiday history, I felt moving right into Christmas was a great idea. By the way, be patient I will get to elevators. One of my favorite collections of holiday movies comes from the time tested Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. Whether it is Bill Murray in Scrooged, George C. Scott, Reginald Owen or Scrooge McDuck it is a great story. It tells of a bitter, greedy and disillusioned Ebenezer Scrooge and the four apparitions that visit him. The ghosts are charged with the last ditch effort to reclaim Ebenezer's soul from an eternal, tortuous walk in chains around the earth as penance. It is a story of hope and reclamation. “I am here to-night to warn you that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate." Marley said. But would Scrooge heed the words of the mercurial spirits that came to sway his life decisions? Can You Change? We all would like to think that we have the ability to change our minds or reform our thinking. However, part of the appeal of Scrooge is it hits closer to home that we would like to acknowledge. Ultimately, we all tend towards intransigence in our lives. Unfortunately, much like the lead character of the book. We walk the same paths, and make the same decisions over and over. In other words, we start doing something a certain way and there we are, stuck in the mud just like good ol' Ebenezer. Change? Bah-humbug! In my shortened version of the "movie" in this blog, I get to play the part of Marley. There I am wandering about with an over-sized ring of elevator keys jangling from my waist as I materialize in your presence. "You will be visited by elevator consultants of the past, present and future at the stroke of one, two and three." I moan with my mouth agape. Unlike in the classic you get to decide whether you will change your mind or perspective on the past, present and future of the elevator industry, and thank goodness not the fate of your potentially wandering soul. And so it begins. The Clock Strikes 1 As the clock strikes one, you feel a nervous sweat drenching your brow. What will the early morning hold for you and your visitors or was the first visit all a dream just brought on by a bit of "undigested beef, a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese or a fragment of an underdone potato"? Could it all be true? But then with great fanfare enters the Ghost of Elevator Consultants Past. This jovial spirit reminds you of the elevators of years ago and how you were once filled with joy at the prospect of considering new and exciting technology in the industry. Thinking outside of the box was a delight. Now it seems the business is the same old, same old, cut and paste and you are part of it. The life of exploring a better technology and improved methods was not something to hide from just a few years ago; it was something to embrace leading to newer and better. You are then shown through the spirit, that the old-fashioned conventional elevator model as a broken down relic of times past and a new faster, safer, greener and less expensive alternative, off the building project's critical path is available if you are willing and able. You are reminded that elevators have not changed in how they are built since the 1860's...or have they? 2 AM - Ghost Number 2 At the strike of two the Ghost of Elevator Consultant Present takes you by the hand and whisks you away to elevator projects in the midst of the building process where unsafe conditions of heavy lifting, scaffolding in hoistways and open shaft entrances make for unnecessary injuries. On that conventional job-site the sounds of drama and argument fills the air as bickering constantly exists between various trades. They squabble over pit ladders, electrical runs and limited site storage. But, then in a flash, you see with your own eyes a complete elevator set in place (hoistway and all the components installed inside) in a couple hours, up and running in a couple of days. No arguing, no waste and no unsafe conditions. You can't help but shed a tear over the waste of time, materials, general costs and resources when you compare one with the other. Last But Certainly Not Least Finally, at the strike of three the third ghost appears. He quietly points a bony finger to the factory where modular elevators are manufactured. You effortlessly glide overhead to see there is less waste and more efficiency. The team on the factory floor work together in harmony on the production line with jigs, templates and quality control measures that ensures a plumb and square hoistway every time and easy installation of components. The only heavy-lifting is done by cranes and forklifts making everything safe and easy. Time then passes forward in a blur revealing the elevator being trucked to a job site and swung into place. The process is done in a flash; safer, faster, greener and less expensive. Is this future just a dream? As you and the apparition drift weightlessly over the job site and back towards the factory, you see smiling faces of the elevator technicians, the building owner, the architect the project manager, and GC. They have seen all the benefits of the high-quality commercial elevator made in a most unconventional way. Modular elevators have changed their lives for the better. It is a reality. You release the robe of the last phantom and realize it is again the present day and now you recognize where he has placed you, at the door of MEM the most experienced and best modular elevator manufacturer in the world. Now the choice is yours, do you reject the past and embrace the future of building today? It is not too late! You still have time! Merry Christmas! And if you choose modular as it says in the Christmas Carol (with my changes), "some people may laugh to see the alteration in your thinking, but let them laugh, and heed them little; for you were wise enough to know that nothing ever happened on this globe, for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter in the outset." But in the long run they and others as well will come to know that for any low or mid-rise building a modular elevator is the absolute best choice. If you are curious, but don't want me to show up in your bedroom with three ghosts or if you are ready for a change feel free to contact us for more information. And for a Fast Track budget number click the button below. Hope you liked the story! - Happy Holidays from your MEM - Quality elevators taking you to a higher level. Request a FAST TRACK QUOTE Read the full article

[anipwrites]

For the wrapped I’m thinking 1,2,7,35,87! And give me your thoughts on each because I love giving you homework lol.

Jokes on you I love talking about the music I like! Fair warning, this might get long

Song number 1 is 'everything is quiet now' by Elijah Who! I forget how I first heard this song, whether it was introduced by my friend Gilly or Dips or if it was just a Spotify Weekly. Apparently I heard it for the first time on February 24th so it's probably a Spotify Weekly song. It's a 2 minute 38 second cozy sounding song. It's got everything. Ukelele. Gentle drums. Snaps. Lil twinkly noises from like... a xylophone or some shit. Soft feedback from the microphone adding white noise. Absolutely no words, no humming, just straight up tunes. You can literally hear Elijah Who getting into position to play at the beginning of the song. It's great for when I'm feeling a lil melancholy. It's great for when I'm gardening. It's great for when I'm writing. It's great for just looking up at the night sky staring at the moon. It reminds me of my OC Alana, it feels like her vibe. The vibes are potent here.

Song number 2 is Space Ghost Coast to Coast by Glass Animals! This one was definitely from a Spotify Daily Mix. I like a good handful of Glass Animals songs, but I hadn't listened to much off the Dreamland album, and I basically got hooked on this song for a solid three week span. When I say I looped it endlessly for days? I looped it endlessly for days. I think it was during my capstone project, so I was looping anything that gave me serotonin until I wrung the juices out to keep me focused. It kinda goes hard imo. I also like the stripped version a lot. In this house we listen to swear words we aint cowards.

Song number 7 is Death of an Executioner by Pierce the Veil! I haven't listened to much Pierce the Veil because I'm a coward I don't know where to start, but my friend Miles showed me this song one time while I was in the car with him and I loved it!!! Saved it to listen to later and its still amazing!!! A great song to come on when I'm driving at night. I still haven't learned all the lyrics fully--I'm kinda close, I think, but I still mess up--but its amazing nevertheless!!

Song number 35 is Sunflower by Zach Farache! This is one I definitely heard from either Gilly or Dips that I saved for later and fell in love with! There's not really words (well there's a handful near the end but I can't really dechipher them because its kinda layered under the guitar and ukelele and all) so its mostly just vibes. I don't think it quite counts as lofi? But it's a nice sunny feeling song that's good for gardening and writing, and its 2 minutes 3 seconds, so I can definitely see how I would wind up looping it so much it got on the list. This is a curse I tend to bear--last year my top song was a 1 minute 13 second acoustic cover of a song that I didn't even feel like I listened to all that much, but apparently looping it while pulling an all nighter on a senior project was enough to displace anything else I listened to that year.

And song number 87! This one is Taikutsu by Hideki Taniuchi, from the Death Note OST! Melancholy and depression. Thank you for coming to my tedtalk. No but in all seriousness this is a good vibe to loop when I'm writing sad parts of Disillusions. If Ken is being depressed in the book there's a decent chance I was listening to this. Otherwise... yeah its in my melancholy for when I wanna wallow in feelings for a bit.

This was fun!

spotify wrapped is HERE! send me a number 1-100 and I’ll tell you the song it corresponds with on my top 100 playlist

[graphicpolicy]

Weekly Preview! Graphic novels! Lots of manga!

Weekly Preview! Graphic novels! Lots of manga! See what's coming to GPTV! #comics #manga #graphicnovel

There are a lot of comics coming out every week to be covered. Check out some of what we’ll be reviewing and this is only the beginning! This week’s reviews include: Assorted Entanglements Vol. 3 (Yen Press) Deer King Vol. 1 (Yen Press) Disillusioned Adventurers Save the World Vol. 3 (Yen Press) Enlightened (Atheneum Books for Young Readers) Ephemeral Scenes of Setsunas Journey Vol. 1 (Yen…