#THESE ARE FANTASTIC AHHHHHHHH

[2000sfm]

JUST  ANNOUNCED  🎬  !  @2000sgossip  published  the  official  cast  for  twilight,  the  vampire  diaries,  gossip  girl  &  the  oc  -  everyone  wonders  if  they  will  be  just  as  good  as  the  original.  their  publicist  just  needs  to  make  sure  they  follow  the  hollywood 101 rules  &  if  they  launch  their  social  media  account  within  24  hours,  they  will  take  over  the  trends.

evangaline  "evie"  sutton  hannah  dodd  as  esme  cullen

aimee  archer  fivel  stewart  as  georgina  sparks

dinah  clarke  antonia  gentry  as  alice  cullen

sebastian  "bash"  guerra  froy  gutierrez  as  ryan  atwood

charlie  ahmadi  yara  shahidi  as  rebekah  mikaelson

(  hannah dodd,  cis woman,  she/her  )  —  🎬  just  announced,  EVANGALINE “ EVIE “ SUTTON  is  casted  as  ESME CULLEN  in  upcoming  TWILIGHT reboot.  the  twenty-eight  year  old  is  trending  as  people  are  debating  if  the  pink cigarettes stashed in a louis vuitton purse, the downpour off a english coast’s shoreline, heart shaped sunglasses shielding a hungover gaze, placing roses wherever one goes that  they  are  known  for  is  enough  to  make  them  as  good  as  original.  a  quick  google  search  shows  that  their  fans  call  them  beguiling,  but  internet  trolls  think  they’re  more  unsteady.  i  guess  their  newest  interview  for  variety  where  they  talk  about  coming back into the spotlight after a minor hiatus  will  let  people  to  know  them  better.  (  lis,  30,  pst,  she/her, gun violence  )

(  fivel stewart,  cis woman,  she/her  )  —  🎬  just  announced,  aimee archer  is  casted  as  georgina sparks  in  upcoming  gossip girl  reboot.  the  twenty six  year  old  is  trending  as  people  are  debating  if  the  baby blue french tips, interacting with fans like they're best friends, baking on instagram live at 2 am, never-ending supply of santal 33, selfies with no makeup on  that  they  are  known  for  is  enough  to  make  them  as  good  as  original.  a  quick  google  search  shows  that  their  fans  call  them  congenial,  but  internet  trolls  think  they’re  more  tactless.  i  guess  their  newest  interview  for  variety  where  they  talk  about  one of her many on-set blunders  will  let  people  to  know  them  better.  (  rie,  20,  gmt+8,  they/them, needles/lizards/vomit  )

(  antonia gentry,  cis woman,  she/her  )  —  🎬  just  announced,  DINAH CLARKE  is  casted  as  ALICE CULLEN  in  upcoming  TWILIGHT  reboot.  the  twenty five  year  old  is  trending  as  people  are  debating  if  the  lingering whiff of lavender following her everywhere she goes , shelves of methodically categorized books , long hair pulled into a braid , sipping mug after mug of coffee at all hours of the day    that  they  are  known  for  is  enough  to  make  them  as  good  as  original.  a  quick  google  search  shows  that  their  fans  call  them  incorruptible,  but  internet  trolls  think  they’re  more  harebrained.  i  guess  their  newest  interview  for  variety  where  they  talk  about  how she spents her free nights knitting sweaters for her three cats  will  let  people  to  know  them  better.  (  meg,  twenty six,  est,  she / her, n/a  +  optional  filming  process  of  the  show  !  )

(  froy gutierrez,  cis man,  he/him/his )  —  🎬  just  announced,  sebastian 'bash' guerra  is  casted  as  ryan atwood  in  the oc  reboot.  the  twenty three  year  old  is  trending  as  people  are  debating  if  the  family dinners around the table, being the knight in shining armor, picking sunflowers, movie scripts, and always having sunscreen  that  they  are  known  for  is  enough  to  make  them  as  good  as  original.  a  quick  google  search  shows  that  their  fans  call  them  nurturing,  but  internet  trolls  think  they’re  more  irresolute.  i  guess  their  newest  interview  for  variety  where  they  talk  about  how he rescued his dog  will  let  people  to  know  them  better.  (  ooc  diana,  27,  est.,  she/her/hers, drunk driving !  )

(  yara shahidi,  cis woman,  she/her  )  —  🎬  just  announced,  CHARLIE AHMADI is  casted  as  REBEKAH MIKAELSON  in  upcoming  THE VAMPIRE DIARIES reboot.  the  twenty-five  year  old  is  trending  as  people  are  debating  if  the  adolescence spent under the burning lights of hollywood, dying flowers placed within braids on the crown of one’s head, sneaking out of a limo in the dead of night, sunset hues of pink and gold as a storm of turbulence approaches that  they  are  known  for  is  enough  to  make  them  as  good  as  original.  a  quick  google  search  shows  that  their  fans  call  them  vehement,  but  internet  trolls  think  they’re  more  preoccupied.  i  guess  their  newest  interview  for  variety  where  they  talk  about  the yearning for more mature roles  will  let  people  to  know  them  better.  (  lis,  30,  pst,  she/her, gun violence  ) *ziggy’s wc

[maddymoreau]

(⸝⸝⸝> ·̮ <)◞♥︎ Courier Six icon drawn by @alecrawing

Commission Info: https://vgen.co/Alecrawing

[fenderjess]

podfeels tomorrow ahhHHHHHH

[lepetitfruit]

Oh my god I'm never doubting the power of binding again this is the strongest bout of euphoria I have EVER had!!!!!

[fancycolours]

OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! WOULD YA LOOK AT THIS! 😍🖤

[eternalevecho]

When you see a 10/10 beautiful animatic to a song you like, but the song is actually a trash quality cover 😔

[pomminine]

THE BATMAN 2 AND JOKER 2 CONFIRMED. IT'S GONNA BE A GRAND OLD TIME

[infamous-if]

AMY- AMY I JUST FINISHED THE DEMO AND SUBBED TO THE PATREON AND I AM AHHHHHH- AHHHHHHHH- IN SHAMBLES.

You are a fantastic writer. Like a beautiful writer and you know how to write tone so well I found myself getting pissed or letting out random screeches of I-dont-know-what.

Getting into the mind of the characters is so GOOD and replaying the demo while knowing how they felt during the scene is so good!!!

You're amazing. I'm replaying. Drink water and rest

Thank you!!! :,))) ahhhh <3 that’s my main goal: getting people as emotionally invested as possible ! lololol

[angry-geno-is-score]

this is like my tenth post of the day and I feel like i'm spamming at this point but i had to get this out: I am SHOCKED to learn that tim stutzle? is? 6 feet tall????

Like EVERY video I've ever seen of him has included him Falling Over somehow (I've heard he's affectionately called a cooked spaghetti noodle which is fantastic) and he just seems so Pathetic (affectionate). He ACTS like he's a little baby guy. like he's 5'9", MAYBE 5'8". He acts like he's Caufield size. "I'm so small and cute, look at me, you don't want to check me into the boards. Oh no, I fell down anyway, oops. Maybe my Enormous Manbaby-Faced Captain will come save me."

But he's SIX. FEET. TALL. AND ALMOST 200 POUNDS. THAT IS NOT A SMALL HUMAN BEING. AHHHHHHHH.

Anyway, I found that funny. Sens fans, I apologize for this randomness. I don't go here, obvs. Just saying a casual hello and also laughing (non-maliciously I swear) at one of your Silly Little Guys.

[holdinbacksecrets]

hii lovely, do you have any fic recs?

actually while we’re at it, your writings and the things you reblog are just beautiful, do you have any book recs too?

i have so many! and thank you for sharing kind words 🖤

my bts side blog is @sayeuphoria and my fic rec tags are ‘sticky feelings’ and ‘sweet like honey’

i’ll also make a little list of my favorite fics and ones i go back to regularly. the majority of these are 18+. mdni

also, please interact with fics you love. reblog them! reblog them with tags! reblog them with comments! send an ask or message to the author! but please reblog. you know how good it feels to take yourself out for a little treat? that’s how reblogs feel, and they make writers want to keep writing. it warms the hearts of writers to know someone was touched by our work, and a part of a piece that we’re really proud of ended up being someone’s favorite part of the fic. plus, don’t you want others to read your favorite pieces?? reblog to help people find them 🖤 it’s a potluck, and if you aren’t bringing a dish (which is totally fine), at least be willing to slice and serve some cake!

Rattled by @gukslut i first read this series over the summer of 2021, and i think about it on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. i reread it every six months. it’s an absolute gem, impeccably written. one of my favorite jungkook’s i’ve ever read

My feet to follow, and my heart to hold by @daechwitatamic i read this series as it was being posted last year, and i used to wake up so excited on the morning of a new chapter. this namjoon unleashed something in me, and i’ve been left craving love more than i used to. i love the presence of poetry too.

Guarded by @xjoonchildx this series was the first mafia au story i read and fucking loved. i’ve gone back to it so many times. i love the way hoseok’s perception of oc changes as the story progresses. oh so good and satisfying.

these blurbs by @darlingjoon tore me in half and stitched me back together

i’m a sucker for angst, and i love all the angst my lovely friend @taetaespeaches writes, especially for yoongi. perfection, but i’m going to drop some of my favorite titles of her fantastic, beautifully written work:

“i thought you left.” yoongi

“You know that I would ruin myself over and over again for you.” yoongi

“I didn’t think you’d care if I came back.” yoongi

“You’ve been my future since we were teenagers.” taehyung

“Let me hold you. Let me take care of you.” taehyung

“I may or may not have met someone.” taehyung

“You think I’d leave you if you falter?” jungkook

my @here2bbtstrash favorites:

deep end namjoon. this fic changed my life.

the shape of your body jimin

the spins jungkook

Love cafe by @chocosvt this jeonghan piece!!!!! AHHHHHHHH! the whole piece is amazing, but there were some scenes that were especially sweet and endearing. i remember sending a friend screenshots of dialogue freaking out.

i was so excited to share @by-moonflower-deactivated202401 bc their writing is incredible, piercing, and feels so nostalgic, but oh shit 😭😭 just learned they deactivated ☹️

book recs:

i’ve read almost everything by taylor jenkins reid, and i’ll recommend her books forever.

last year i read the book of azrael by amber v nicole and loved it. it’s a dark fantasy romance. i haven’t read the sequel yet.

this year, so far, i’ve read days at the morisaki bookshop. it’s a quick read but very sweet and comforting, with life lessons just beneath the surface. i’ve also read heavenly bodies by imani erriu. it had me screaming and kicking my feet. i posted about it here a few days ago. i’m reading the sequel right now.

dub finding ceremony by alexis pauline gumbs is a book i read my senior year of college, and it inspired a lot of writing for my independent studies prose class. braiding sweetgrass by robin wall kimmerer is another beautiful read.

[starrysnowdrop]

Reactions to Days Gone By, Days Yet to Come

Here are my reactions and thoughts about the encore side story from Tales From The Dawn, which you can read HERE before proceeding under the cut. Beware: MAJOR Endwalker spoilers ahead! Keep in mind that I’ll be discussing my own headcanons with my Azem, so if you don’t care about that, feel free to move along.

So I want to just say that this was the absolute best side story they’ve ever written so far! And because it’s also the one that the community voted on, it makes it even more special. I’ve re-read it twice already and I’m so beyond happy to have read this. I’m still crying from reading it and processing it all. In fact, they gave us so many little details about all our favorite Ancients that I’m eating it up!!

First of all, I LOVE that this is all from Hyth’s POV. It’s fantastic. Anyways, next we get a detail about Azem talking to Hyth about the fourteenth in a series of concepts helping with travel, and I NEED to know more!! What is it?? I have many questions about this one thing in particular. Then we have a brief appearance from Byregot himself in the form of Hyth’s secretary trying to stop him from leaving but I giggled at the fact that Hyth just ignores him and goes to do his own thing. This has such gremlin energy that is so perfect for Hyth, but I also giggle at the fact that this is exactly what Urania would do as well. The sibling vibes are over the top here and I love it.

Then we get a huge lore drop that I wasn’t expecting at all: Mitron is a woman!! Which means that Mitron and Loghrif are both women and with the tons of hint drops we have throughout the canon, I’m here to say I’m celebrating the lesbians today! In my head this is Mitron x Loghrif as confirmed as a lesbian couple as we are ever going to get, and I’m soooooo happy.

Next we get another lore drop, this time with Lahabrea and Igeyorhm, and we have confirmation that they are cousins! This makes so much sense now, as we already knew about them working closely with one another and then they joined together in their fight against WoL in Azys La. I was never a Lahabrea x Igeyorhm shipper, so having them be cousins makes way more sense to me. Nice to see someone scolding Lahabrea for all of his Pandaemonium shenanigans.

Then we get Elidibus and I just know all the Elidibus shippers are screaming with joy. Whether you are a Themis x Erich or a Themis x WoL shipper, you’ve been fed, and I’m happy for you all.

Skipping over the part where I’ll blab about forever (ahem Hermes and his existential dread ahem), we get yet another Emet smile as Azem departs on their journey!! Ahhhhhhhh my heart!!! I am so full of emotions with how Hyth talks about Emet here, and in the parts following this scene. No matter if you read Hyth x Hades x Azem as platonic or romantic, or if you romantically ship only one part of them or none at all, you can just feel how deeply Hyth, Hades, and Azem all love each other. I can feel the love coming out of the words and it’s absolutely tragic and beautiful. Especially when you find out that Emet was the one holding out till the last minute to not summon Zodiark until they received word from Azem. God my heart just shattered right there.

And we also get confirmation that Azem left the convocation in order to find the cause of the Final Days and to stop it without the sacrifice to Zodiark. This was my headcanon and it’s probably a headcanon many of you shared, so to see this confirmed as canon sparks joy. It’s absolutely perfect for Urania, although with the new information about Emet trying to have the Convocation wait until they heard from Azem, I will have to reconsider her departure from Amaurot and her feelings towards Hades and Hermes now that we have this new information.

Another tiny piece of detail also confirmed a headcanon I’ve held for years: Hyth and Hades are childhood friends! I’m so happy to see this be confirmed as canon.

Alright, I think I’ve held off long enough. It’s time to talk about Hermes.

So, overall I’m so goddamn happy that we got to have more Hermes in this short scene. Every little bit of him I can get I will gladly take it. And I especially love that we are getting to see the man who lived through the Kairos mind wiping and what he was like after all of it went down. And yet… I feel completely devastated for him.

He looks like a wreck, he’s buried into his work, and he’s also deep in mourning with no one around to understand him. He thinks he has killed Meteion and says he “murdered her”, and it is so upsetting to see him like that. He also I believe is discovering the beginnings of the Final Days and I think he somehow knows that there’s something else wrong, something that he should know and doesn’t remember, and it’s tearing him up. But it’s even more tragic when Hyth mentions that he and everyone else talks about the Kairos incident and the “death of Meteion” as an “amusing anecdote”, and mentions that no one talks about familiars as people, so it truly shows how utterly alone Hermes really is. My heart broke when Hyth says that after the loss of Meteion, Hermes never made another flying creation ever again, and god I just want to cry.

I do like how Hyth is trying to be a friend and get Hermes to rest, and he’s doing what he thinks will help him. But even with Hyth’s caring soul, he just can’t understand what Hermes is going through. And it’s such a tragedy. It reinforces that even Azem couldn’t help Hermes in his time: it’s not until the WoL can offer the answer to Amon of “next time we will find the answers together” that he finds a true friend that understands him. And yet Amon is only the sundered reincarnation of Hermes, not Hermes himself. And I’m sobbing in my room on a Thursday morning over it all.

Now more than ever do I want to write more for Hermes. Not just in the tragic canonverse, but for the Modern AU that I have brainworms for, and quite possibly in a Happy Ending AU for him… with maybe Hali shipping with him??? It’s just a thought.

Anyways, I think I’ve rambled on long enough. If you’ve survived reading all of this, I commend you and thank you wholeheartedly for doing so! If you have any further questions for me about any of my reactions, feel free to send me an ask or a message!! 🥰💖

[silviakundera]

Joy of Life S1 Ep 42 liveblogging

watching for the 1st time, so don't tell me secrets ;)

Fan Xian seems really sure he's the emperor's son. Hmmmm Do I feel confident the emperor likes him, as much as a selfish schemer of his kind can like anyone? Sure. Do I feel confident at this point that the emperor thinks FX is his illegitimate kid? IDK because this could be another cover and he was actually helping her hide something. I'm just not at the place yet where I am taking that as an irrefutable fact.

The look on FX's face when Xiao En says as long as he knows he's a Xiao. Good acting! You can see the compassion FX has for him. He's not only ruthless and vicious.

"Don't bury me. I don't want to be underground anymore." 😢😔

"I am sorry I am not your grandson. Sit tight. You won't be bothered anymore." All of his dialogue in this scene is simple but full of sincere feeling. FX is not as wholly dark as he thinks he is. What a fantastic, complex character. I really like him.

That secret was indeed underwhelming for me but Xiao En had a fantastic arc.

Chen Pingping always has like 5 reasons for anything he does. Love that about him.

LMAO Chen Pingping even set up things so evil Princess' plot ended up giving FX a chivalrous bestie. (He reminds me a lot of Korn, the mafia kingpin from Kinnporsche. Can't predict everything but makes great bets based on all the variables he can control and his understanding of people's hearts. Willing to risk it all for the reward.)

Hi Gao Baokun! Ohhhhhhhh now FX is on the trail of Chen Pingping's 5th Reason. Teng Zijing was set up to be in that village! Hand selected to be positioned into FX's life. Just a pawn.

Gao Baokun is just a random loser who got dragged into the mud (but wait--we already knew he didn't try to kill Teng Xijing's fam in the end, and that part was the Bureau? Or at least I thought we knew that.)

It's touching that after all FX still trusts Teng Zijing. His one true friend! ❤

ahhhhhhhh Fan Xian is super pissed at his uncles. Guys you may have miscalculated this. Like my beloved Korn from Kinnporsche, Chen Pingping & Emperor want it all and are betting big that they can have their power AND their chosen people. Or at least the Emperor really wants both. Korn won the day in that drama (tho fandom keeps punishing him in fanfic). We'll see if FX can eventually forgive.

His Majesty is actually calling it out that they say to each other & perhaps even to themselves that they see Fan Xian as their baby boy and yet.... I like the emperor for his self awareness and inner conflict about his hypocrisy

Does Fan Jian truly think of FX wholeheartedly as his foster son? Are Chen Pingping and His Majesty actually having real trust issues..? Remains to be seen.

We're back with Yan Bingyuan and FX admitting this was a test for him.

Who's Xiao En's real grandson? Yan Bingyuan? ....... LMAO that took the drama like 3 min to answer. Yep it's probably him.

nah don't tell Bingyuan any disabling shit before you are out of the country 🙈 this man is already like an anxious chihuahua

I believe the emperor sees what I do: that a fealty to Qing & determination to make it the most powerful does not necessarily = fealty to the current emperor. Saying Chen Pingping is dedicated to the best for the country does NOT read like perfect loyalty to His Majesty. It's not that he's against the emperor or FX and doesn't gaf, it's just that his obsession for the bigger goal is what it is. A common fear that cdrama royalty has to grapple with. They both hunger for personal loyalty & can't trust it.

oh is it Shen sister? She's way more fun than her erstwhile boyfriend, let her in!

lol that's right Bingyuan, give us nothing

FX just watching the drama because Bingyuan is too obvious

So..... Now Fan Xian wants to be the Investigations Bureau head and a top official.... to find out how mom really died and get revenge? 🤔

[thedrunkenreadersreviews]

Review of "A Curse for True Love"

SPOILERS, BEWARE! 👻

For tonight's review, let's sip a little bit of some fine, spiked apple cider (it seemed incredibly fitting) and talk about this book.

*Sip, sip*

Now, let's start off with the previous two books in the Broken Heart trilogy by Stephanie Garber real quick.

*Sip, sip*

Going into the trilogy, I hated Jacks. Not for the reason you think. I hated Jacks because of how Garber depicted him in the Caraval trilogy---which is perfect! I had not come across a villain I enjoyed reading and loved to hate until I came across Jacks. It was amazing! And when I found out he was getting his own sequel trilogy I felt obliged to give it a try. So I picked up "Once Upon a Broken Heart" and read through it with a bit of drag until the crypt scene 😳. And then there was Ballad.

*Long sip, sip*

Ahhhhhhhh, "The Ballad of Never After." That was my guilty pleasure. My sweet symphony. The only time I felt Garber getting risqué with her writing and I ate. It. Up. Like I needed to stop so my cheeks would calm down. I felt the tension between Jacks and Eva, I felt the yearning, and then I felt the heartache. All without a single kiss between them. THAT is an accomplishment on Garber's part, so bravo to her! 👏 I typically don't cry when reading books. It takes a lot. While I did not cry at the end of Ballad, I did shed a tear and felt devastated.

"Time will take something of equal value from you."

"There is nothing of equal value to me."

And then *BOOM* memory gone! Eva is no longer yours yet again!

Well played, Garber.

*Sip, sip*

Now my anticipation for "A Curse for True Love" was over the moon. I hadn't been that excited for a book release since "The Queen of Nothing" by Holly Black. Now, did Curse live up to my expectations ...

*Sip, sip*

*Sip, sip*

...

*Sip, sip*

Unfortunately, no. BUT! I do not think it is nearly as bad as other people say it is nor do I believe it is beyond the possibilities of being redeemed in the future (more on that later).

Where did it glow?

The ending. Honestly, I agree with most reviewers that the last 20% of the book was top-tier. What the entire book should have been. How fantastic it could have been. In fact, the last 20% of the book is the reason why I do not believe it is as bad as people are saying. Do I wish the love confession was a bit more ... well, more? At least on Jacks' part, yes. I thought Eva's confession was beautiful and perfect and stunning in every way. I love how the first kiss happened and it made sense that she took charge of it given that Jacks was utterly terrified of her dying again. I was, for the first time, hoping Eva (the MFC) confessed first because I felt it was the boost that Jacks would need to trust himself to not only kiss her but believe that she actually loves him since he deems himself as unlovable and a villain, even in his own story.

I wish---so desperately wish---that Jacks had showered Eva's face in kisses when he realized she would not die from them. I wish it led to a scene that contained the heat (not spice, just heat) that a lot of the scenes from "Ballad" possessed. I think it would have just tied up their journey of falling in love and trusting each other, as well as themselves, nicely because moments like that do require an awful amount of trust. Scenes like that are not meant to just get the reader hot and bothered, especially not in YA books. No, us adults are mere visitors in the realm of YA and we must keep that in mind when it comes to these types of scenes. Moments like those are useful in storytelling if done properly and can be utilized as a form of character development and character relationship development, as it could have been done here. Was it necessary? No, but it could have added something to both the characters as individuals as well as their relationship with each other since a majority of that relationship was about trust and denial of feelings.

The rest of the ending though, was exceptional. Jacks punching Apollo was sooooooooo satisfying and I love how the countdown to this book's release included Apollo getting punched in the face by Jacks actually came into existence. Seeing the Valors and Jacks interact was incredible and I felt the familiarity between them (I mean Jacks is the only one with the ENORMOUS STONES to punch not one but two Valors and stab another). I love how Lala and Jacks have such a brother-sister relationship. I adore Jacks' disdain for Aurora and his utter devotion towards Eva.

*Sip, sip*

And another thing, I thought the characters WERE acting like themselves (for the most part). Eva was acting like herself before her memories returned and especially after. I thought Apollo was acting like himself and it was made very clear based on what Garber revealed in his POVs (which I did believe were essential for the plot). His actions made sense based on what he had gone through and what he endured. I do not sympathize with Apollo but I understood his actions. I also think we saw some growth from him in this book, specifically because of his POVs and I enjoyed that.

The only one who didn't seem to fully be acting like themselves in the beginning and the beginning only was Jacks---but THAT MADE SENSE.

*Sip, sip*

You see, at that point, Jacks was in love with Eva. He knew it. The North knew it. Time knew it. The Story Curse knew it. We knew it. The only person who didn't know it was Eva herself. Believing he had already met his true love, despite being in love with Eva, he was terrified that he would kill her. He had no idea Apollo took her memories, he thought Time did (which, it did, to be fair and I still believe that taking Eva's memories through Apollo was Time's way of taking Eva from Jacks even if she didn't die). However, so obsessed with her and in love with her was he that he couldn't just leave. He HAD to find excuses to stay because he wasn't ready to let go. I would have loved to see Jacks try to find a way to restore Eva's memories, kidnap her, bring her to the Hollow, try to convince her that he was the one she was supposed to be with. BUT I understand why Garber took the route of Jacks trying to step away from Eva.

One scene I was really hoping to see was something along the lines of Eva reading her letter, arguing with Jacks, trying to stay away from Jacks but Jacks not relenting and alone, preferably in the Hollow, Eva breaks and says something along the lines of "My mind and my words are telling me to hate you, to not trust you. Yet my heart yearns for you like it belongs to you. Like you're my home." Alas, we cannot have everything we desire.

*Sip, sip*

Oh, and yes, I love how Garber answered the apple question. We always suspected and I love how she made us into the Story Curse, wanting to know the answer to that one burning question that we have had ever since Legendary. That was beautifully done.

*Sip, sip*

Now, where does it sour?

*Sip, sip*

The first 80% of the book with the exception of a few scenes. Every scene with Jacks and Eva I thought was great. I still felt the tension and I enjoyed how Eva still had feelings for Jacks even when not having memories of him. Every scene Jacks was in was gold. I particularly enjoyed that midnight chat he had with Castor. You really get a sense of just how much Jacks and Castor have leaned on each other throughout the years. Which brings me to my greatest gripes with this book:

*Sip, sip, sip*

While the ending is not spelt out, I don't believe Jacks is a Fate anymore. It was established (like a lot of things) in the Caraval trilogy that immortal beings lose their immortality but not their powers when they fall in love. Jacks obviously falls in love with Eva as Legend fell in love with Tella, but it has to be a clear decision on the immortal's part to give in to their love and accept their mortal life with their mortal lover. So while Jacks is in love with Eva by the end of Ballad and obviously throughout Curse, he saw it as no good, that their love would not be enough to break his curse and he would kill her because she was not Tella so there was no chance nor point in him giving up his immortality (which he gained so Castor wouldn't be alone which like, awwwwwww sweet Jacks is a ride or die homie 🥺). However, he does give in to his love and chooses to stay with Eva when they are at the Phoenix Tree. So while he still possesses his powers, albeit not to the extent that he used to as evident from later events, he is no longer immortal, no longer a Fate as I think Garber hints at by calling him a "not-quite-human boy." Not quite human because he used to be a Fate and still possesses his powers. It is like calling Legend a not-quite-human boy because he still has his magic.

*Sip, sip*

But my biggest issue with the book, the thing that really disappoints me, its unforgivable sin, is the LACK of Eva and Jacks together. More time should have been dedicated to them as a couple, finding their way back to each other. Had the plot of the last 20% of the book been expanded into the majority plot of the book, MAN would this thing have blown me away.

Seeing evil Jacks again, reading how awful he could be reminded me of just how fantastic of a villain he was in Caraval and just how much I missed that evil side of him. Damn, I missed me some Prince of Hearts vileness. It was delicious! Ahhhhhh....

*Sip, sip*

But, there are also the many questions I still have and while having questions at the end is not always a bad thing, a reader shouldn't have more questions than answers. Some questions I feel I have been cheated out of the answers of are:

Who exactly was the first fox?

How did Jacks beat the Archer's Curse?

How did Jacks become a Fate?

Why the Prince of Hearts Fate?

Who the heck put the Valors in the arch?

What happened to the cuff?

Finally, while I do love tragic backstories and having Jacks' heart have been broken pretty much for his entire adult life to the point where he had lost all hope is exceptionally tragic, the whole twist on Jacks' lethal kiss curse was ... bad. That tragedy of Jacks constantly killing a potential happily ever after could have remained without his curse having been rewritten. I appreciate Aurora being the one to curse him with the Archer's Curse but for her to be responsible for the thing that essentially makes him the FATED Prince of Hearts took so much mysticism and magical whimsy out of his Fate status for me. Like, I would have loved it to be tied directly to his Fate status and Fate design, not something he entered Fate status already cursed with.

*Sip, sip, sip,sip*

Now, how can it be redeemed?

Well, I mentioned previously my anticipation for "The Queen of Nothing." And while I did enjoy that book, it didn't live up to my expectations either and I believe it is the weakest in the trilogy. That does NOT mean it's bad, it just isn't what it could have been much like this book. But it was redeemed with a simple novella.

And I believe the same could happen here. Should Garber answer some of those questions that we are still reeling over in a novella, I think it would appease a lot of the disappointed fans. A novella about Jacks becoming a Fate, of the whole debacle at Merrywood Manor, Jacks' time in the Hollow, befriending the Valors. Like, where did Jacks come from? A backstory on Jacks as we got a bit more depth on Cardan in his novella. Heck, Gabrer can even split it between past and present like Black did; give us domestic Jacks and Eva like we LOVED in Ballad while giving us a backstory on Jacks might just be able to save this book. Though, future Jacks and Eva, I do not foresee happening if we ever do return to this world considering the fact that there are three alternate endings out there.

*Sip, sip*

So, my dear readers and drinkers, is "A Curse for True Love" bad? No. Is it great? No. It is enjoyable, a nice ending to a heartbreaking love story, and satisfying. It wasn't exceptional, fantastic, or great, though it did have those moments within it. In essence, "Ballad" is exactly that; a sweet ballad, the shining star in this trilogy. My ranking of the books in order from best to weakest: Ballad, Once, Curse.

*Sip, sip*

And for all of you out there so horribly upset with this book, I do understand, but please, Ms. Garber does not deserve hatred. She is a kind-hearted human with a beautiful heart who just wants to write sweet love stories, and we should let her. I will always wish Eva and Jacks got a cataclysmic ending like they deserved upon a candle-lit dock with Lala and Castor and maybe even Luc being the only witnesses as they profess their love and promise to each other, but I am content knowing that they are at least together. Thank you, Stephanie Garber, for this beautiful trilogy. I hope that one day we get to return to this wonderful, magical realm.

Now with Halloween just around the corner, I raise my spiked apple cider to you and say this:

Happily live the Prince of Hearts, one of the only two blond-haired main male characters that I adore.

May peace always be with Eva, a fantastic female main character who wields not swords nor exceptional magic, but is just a hopeless romantic like the lot of us.

And goodnight to you, dear readers. Be well, and always, always keep it creepy and stay spooky, friends.

*Sip, sip*

[dianaraven]

NPMD AHHHHHHHH THAT ENDING!! GRACE!!!!! THE MUSIC!!! THE SCRIPT!!!! THE CAMEOS!!!! THIS IS POSSIBLY MY FAVORITE HATCHETVERSE SHOW OMG THE SUMMONING WAS FUCKING FANTASTIC

[emeraldtimethief]

Hi I just found your blog and aAAAAAAAA I LOVE IT ALL SO MUCH THE FUTURE SQUAD LOOKS SO AWESOME THE SKETCHES AND COLORS ALL LOOK SO AWESOME YOURE AWESOME I HOPE YOU DRINK WATER AND HAVE A GOOD DAY

ahhhHHHHH Thank you so much :') I'm so happy to be able to share this pmd brainrot with likeminded individuals hehe

Also shdgsajajs yeah water is my best friend right now i'm afraid xD Thank you for the nice message you have a fantastic day :3

[man-down-in-hatchet-town]

Celebrity Skin

AHHHHHHHH!

Spoilers for Episode 10 of The Case of the Greater Gatsby under the cut!

GUYS THIS WAS THE BEST EPISODE! I don’t think I’ve laughed out loud so consistently while listening to a podcast in years. Obviously, the Persauds should be proud of everything they’ve written, but they should be extra proud of this complete and utter gem of a farce.

But let’s start with the bad news. As much as No Cop, No Cop absolutely exceeded my expectations, I don’t think Ford felt the same. It might be awhile before we get him in on another caper. Also, ironically after what I wrote last week, Cliff has already blithely broken up with his contractor. Must be nice to have so much money that you can build all those bathrooms for nothing and then not even be upset about it. But while much poorer than Cliff, I too am resilient and apparently inconstant, because I’ve already jumped right on board the good ship Cliff/Rex (Riff? Callowhistle? Punchaway?) and am ready to sail!

Meanwhile, we can unsurprisingly cross Zelda off the murder suspect list and add Willie, Cliff, and Leery to the guest list at Mel’s party the night Fitzy died. And I’m pretty sure Ford and I are on the same page as to the location of the missing tapes (they HAVE to be behind Zelda’s painting at Sheila’s place, right?). Dash setting fire to Bixby's does feed into the plot thread of the bar's potential financial troubles (if those are even real), though whether the pyrotechnics will make the problems worse or the insurance will make them better remains to be seen. It would be kinda' hilarious if the answer to Bixby's money woes ends up being Dash-with-a-fan.

The part of me that is forever living in the opening performance of Eugene and Ramona Trousers' delightfully inane but extremely plot-relevant The History of Sleepy Hollow really wanted to scan this episode's improvised travesty for potential clues, but unless Fitzy's murderer got into his house by disguising themself as a chaise lounge (tragically unlikely), I really don't think there's anything there.

But it wouldn't be a Brooke-rambles-about-GG post without at least one bit of wild theorizing so we go: Eugene Punchwhistle is the Hinge Highway Man. I'm not saying I believe this, but I am saying that we have two completely tertiary mysteries, and it would be kinda' funny if they ended up simply answering each other. And I don't know who else Eugene could possibly be.

So yeah! What a fantastic episode! Grip Holdstuff might be my new favorite gag in all of Shipwrecked history! Clark Baxtresser's voice coming from a character that was just described as short might be my new favorite unintentional gag in all of Shipwrecked history! AND we got to hear Clark sing Cole Porter (😍😍😍😍😍😍😍)!! What a high-light! Good news, indeed!

Excited to hopefully get those tapes next episode. And when are we gonna check in on Donald Ogden Stewart?