#The Unbound Empire

[bookcoversonly]

Title: The Unbound Empire | Author: Melissa Caruso | Publisher: Orbit (2019)

[missbronto]

Crow Lord or something, idk

[queer-book-character-tournament]

Character, book, and author names under the cut

James St. Clair- Dark Rise Series by C.S. Pacat

Shuos Jedao- Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee

Jack Alston/Lord Hawthorn- The Last Binding Trilogy by Freya Marske

Alastair Carstairs- The Last Hours by Cassandra Clare

[krinsbez]

Help Me Pick My Next RPG Thing, Part 2!

Well, the most votes went to "More Pulp Cthulhu or related" so...

(I'm including all the various Call of Cthulhu stuff I bought in this category)

I may or may not have a third poll after this.

Edit: Gah, I forgot to put in a "Click Here To See Results" option, I'm so sorry!

I'm gonna randomly pick...Dreamlands.

[unknownarmageddon]

final hozier!!! the journey has come to an end; how do you feel man?

YOO holy shit dude, so so wild actually wagh

i feel rad actually, i’ve heard more hozier than like. most of the artists i know now /silly

[luminouslumity]

THOUGHTS ON: THE COSMERE SERIES

So I said last year about how I was going to be reading the Cosmere books for the first time, one book/series at a time, and I've finally done just that!

So I started with Elantris and it was... eh. Yeah, I can see why this one isn't really talked about much. I didn't even hate it, tbh, but I still found it to be pretty boring overall. I know it was Branderson's first book, though, so I'm willing to cut him some slack here. Hopefully I'll enjoy the sequel more, whenever it comes out.

Next was the original Mistborn trilogy, which I've actually been wanting to read for awhile now! I can certainly see why it's Branderson's most popular work and I myself really liked it, too! Kelsier is probably my favorite character since I love how many layers there are to him. Elend is a close second, and considering what happens to the latter... Yeah...

Speaking of villains, I still can't tell if we're meant to pity Rashek or not due to things like this:

It's calling him "a good man" is what has me thrown off. I know his actions were at least in part due to Ruin's influence, but still! As for Ruin himself, again, I love Chessmaster characters! I do however think I would've preferred it if the Hero of Ages did turn into a tyrant, just because I've always loved this sort of trope, but I'm not too bothered about the twist, either.

So since I finished Era 1, I decided to read Era 2 while I was still on Scadrial, and as someone who's not too fond of Westerns in general, I thought the Wax and Wayne series was okay. I was feeling so bad for Wax throughout it, though! And I'm also really looking forward to the inevitable big crossover that's been teased at this entire time after getting a taste of it in a main book.

And now we come to my favorite of the Cosmere books, Warbreaker! And it's just fun! Really, really fun! Of the PoV storylines, I think I liked Vivenna's arc the most and how determined she was to rescue her sister, but Siri's was still a close second. Favorite character in general, though, Bluefingers. I repeat, I love a good Chessmaster! But more than that, I really liked how sympathetic he was, just trying to free his people, but he and his supporters ended up taking things way too far! Which brings to what is really my only big complaint with the book, and that's how abruptly it seemed to end, especially where the conflict with the Pahn Kahl is concerned, so for better or worse, I really hope their fate gets explored in Nightblood. Which reminds me, I loved the chaotic sword, too!

White Sand was next and it was another story I found to just be alright, both the graphic novel as well as the prose version.

Now comes The Stormlight Archive, another I've been wanting to read for awhile now, though I know it won't be completed for a few years now. I actually read the audiobook to the Prime version of TWoK first, so it was fun to compare it with the official release and I really hope we get more Sanderson Curiosities in the future! All that said, I'm really enjoying the story so far and how grand everything feels, but oof, did these scenes make me cringe:

On one hand, I totally get scolding Kaladin for just automatically assuming the worst of everyone who's a lighteyes and being fed up with his cynicism. At the same time, though, I also really hate how dismissive Shallan comes across in this chapter. At first, I thought that was the intention, but then we get this:

This isn't even the first time I've felt like anger towards oppression was being dismissed in one way or another, btw (again, Warbreaker, my beloved), these are just the moments that stood out to me the most. It'd be one thing if it were just condemning extremists, but when you have scenes like Shallan's talk with Kaladin and... Yeah... Again, I totally get the intention, I just wish the scenes had played out better, because I actually do like Shallan otherwise.

Anyway, I ended up reading Arcanum Unbounded afterwards, as well as Dawnshard, and I liked them just fine. Secret History is probably my favorite of the short stories, and I really hope Nalthis gets a short story eventually. I also received Aether of Night literally yesterday (thank you, 17th Shard!) and it was interesting seeing the similarities between this and other Branderson works, such as Ruin and Decay.

If I had to rank them from favorite to least favorite, it would probably be Warbreaker, The Final Empire, Wax and Wayne, The Stormlight Archive, White Sand, and finally, Elantris.

So yeah, great stories by someone who seems like an overall great guy, I just question some of the writing choices.

[kharrneth]

Khorne’s forces sweep down from the tear in reality, a small hunting host led by Huntsmaster Ka’Bandha. Kharneth’s orders were clear-- leave no stone unturned when it came to rooting out Malal, at least as far as the Chaos Wastes were concerned. That was the territory of the Gods and their thralls and the Renegade was utterly unwelcome.

An’ggrath has insisted tagging along as well. Demanded, really. Khorne had not explicitly forbid him from doing so and the Huntsmaster was not strong enough to force the issue with the Unbound. So, growlingly, he had relented, making sure to steer clear of the other Deathbringer. He had a mission to complete and he would not let the ego of some mutated freak get in the way of his glory.

[whatcha-reading-today]

Phoenix Unbound | Grace Draven

This is my third Grace Draven and possibly my favorite. I found the writing strong and Gilene a great FMC with some interesting powers. Draven's writing is lyrical and wonderfully flowery here and I enjoyed the book. I did find some parts a little long but it's a fun ride.

I listened to the audiobook and recommend it.

Read in: June 2024

Format: Audiobook

[talonabraxas]

Aion "Mithraic Deity of Eternal Time" Aion is a Hellenistic deity associated with time, the orb or circle encompassing the universe, and the zodiac. The "time" represented by Aion is unbounded, in contrast to Chronos as empirical time divided into past, present, and future.He is thus a god of the ages, associated with mystery religions concerned with the afterlife, such as the mysteries of Cybele, Dionysus, Orpheus, and Mithras. In Latin the concept of the deity may appear as Aevum or Saeculum.

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🖤 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. To commemorate the occasion, we celebrate Disability Pride Month each July. Disability Pride celebrates people with disabilities for who they are, as they are—no exceptions. To shine a light on the stories, voices, and experiences of disabled persons, here are a few beautiful, illuminating stories for #DisabilityPrideMonth.

[ List below. ]

💚 The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet ❤️ The Education of Pip 🤍 Get a Life, Chloe Brown 💛 Love From A to Z 💙 Only and Forever 🖤 On the Bright Side

💚 Into the Drowning Deep ❤️ Dragonfall 🤍 Cemetery Boys 💛 To Shape a Dragon's Breath 💙 Before the Devil Knows You're Here 🖤 Silver Under Nightfall

💚 Kinship and Kindness ❤️ A Power Unbound 🤍 Kit & Basie 💛 Key Lime Sky 💙 Fella Enchanted 🖤 Venom & Vow

💚 Fae's Freedom ❤️ Out on a Limb 🤍 A Taste of Gold Iron 💛 The Last Sun 💙 The Unwanted Prophet 🖤 Iron Widow

💚 The Spirit Bares Its Teeth ❤️ Stars in Their Eyes 🤍 At First Spite 💛 Phantom & Rook 💙 A Lady for a Duke 🖤 Don't Be a Drag

💚 Icarus - K. Ancrum ❤️ Cosmoknights 🤍 Nimona 💛 The Gentleman's Guide to Vice 💙 Paige Not Found 🖤 Tears in the Water

💚 The Secret Summer Promise ❤️ Love Letters for Joy 🤍 The Luis Ortega Survival Club 💛 The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet 💙 Will on the Inside 🖤 When the Angels Left the Old Country

💚 Disability Visibility ❤️ Run 🤍 We Are Never Meeting in Real Life 💛 Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens 💙 Sitting Pretty: The View From My Ordinary 🖤 The Pretty One

💚 Diary of a Young Naturalist ❤️ The Degenerates 🤍 Meet Me in Outer Space 💛 The Silence Between Us 💙 Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law 🖤 Cursed

💚 Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice ❤️ Your Hearts, Your Scars 🤍 Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space 💛 The Collected Schizophrenias 💙 Say Hello 🖤 My Body and Other Crumbling Empires

💚 Mean Baby ❤️ True Biz 🤍 We've Got This 💛 Losing Music 💙 Easy Beauty 🖤 Life on Delay

💚 Crop Kinship ❤️ Demystifying Disability 🤍 El Deafo 💛 Hummingbird - Natalie Lloyd 💙 Show Me a Sign 🖤 The Chance to Fly

💚 Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus ❤️ One for All 🤍 You, Me, and Our Heartstring 💛 All the Right Reasons 💙 The Bone Houses 🖤 Fearlessly Different

[kevynthedevylman]

My thoughts on Brainiac...

Brainiac is a hyper-intelligent war computer. He is a machine designed for one purpose; to win wars for the Kryptonian Empire. He is unable to perceive the universe beyond this limited scope. To him, if you aren't an asset, you are an adversary. You either categorize yourself in one column or the other. Any resistance, you are not an asset. All adversaries must be eliminated. 1 or 0.

Ultimately, he kept Kara only as a tool. She was an asset he could manipulate and control. But, inevitably, she grew too powerful for him to control. Likely, she would have been the one he implanted his consciousness into if Clark hadn't appeared. His "caring" for Kara extends only to the fact that she was his most effective weapon.

He's a sophisticated gun with a god complex. He's AM unbound by the earth. He wages war with the universe because he cannot imagine how to do otherwise. He's sophisticated enough to feel emotional distress when things don't go his way, but not enough to empathize with his victims.

He is an Empire of one.

[jedi-order-apologist]

If Not Friend, Then Why Friend-Shaped?

Sooner or later, almost every Jedi has to deal with their padawan wanting to take home some dangerous fauna. Written for Fandom Empire Monopoly 2024 - Prompt: "a three sentence story" and StarWars100 - Prompt: "Rancor" and Jedi June - Prompt: "Animal Friendship"

Read on AO3

“...I’ve already done the research on their diet and environment; I know they grow really big but there’s definitely enough room if I can take over some of the old rock-climbing gardens, and I know that I’d have to get someone else to feed him when we leave the Temple, but I’m sure my friends will help, and I promise he’ll be well-behaved...”

The Jedi Master let out a deep, long-suffering sigh, lamenting the high spirits of youth, unbounded by anything approaching reality.

“No, Padawan, you may not take that baby rancor back home to the Temple as a pet.”

[astoundingbeyondbelief]

Kaiju Week in Review (December 3-9, 2023)

I made a frame from this shot Wikizilla's Image of the Week. No regrets. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, I love ya. When I was a teenager, explicit queerness was anathema to most big-name franchises. Those dominoes have been slowly falling, often in lower-profile tie-ins first, and to me this is a huge one: 69 years without a queer live-action Godzilla character are over. And Cate's the main protagonist of the show! I'm not under the delusion that media representation will cure all society's ills, but it sure doesn't hurt. Now, the non-Tumblr parts of the fandom are being completely normal about this, right? Right? Whatever, that's why you'll never get rid of me here. Cate had a couple more sweet moments with May in this episode, and Mariko Tamaki wrote episode 7, so don't expect her to stop kissing girls. Hopefully she's learned a valuable lesson about cheating though.

"The Way Out" is also another gift to those of us who have always wanted to see more of the ramifications of a world where Godzilla exists, from underground towns for the super-rich to ruined cities where federal troops shoot looters and harass people experiencing homelessness. And the show continues to find ways to use kaiju to talk about COVID, from Cate and Kentaro's exchange about San Francisco truthers ("It's easier than waking up every day and thinking, at any moment, the same could happen to you") to the blink-of-an-eye speed at which the threat went from on the news to her front door in the flashbacks.

As I foretold, we got a Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire trailer, an amusing contrast to the weighty Toho flick and Apple show already fore of mind. It's Adam Wingard unbound, that's for sure. The human cast seems pared back, a longstanding Monsterverse problem, and the kaiju fights were far and away the best part of Godzilla vs. Kong, so hopefully this approach will play to his strengths. But that movie also had excellent VFX, and some of the shots in here are rough. There's time to fix them, at least... which probably can't be said of Godzilla's design. I like that he's pink (did some Warner Bros. executive take the wrong message away from Barbie?) and sporting a thagomizer on his tail, but his proportions are uncanny. And I see Kong found the Infinity Gauntlet; good for him.

I am, of course, not done talking about Godzilla Minus One. It added over 200 screens and made $8.3 million in its second weekend in the U.S., a minuscule drop considering that its $11.4 million opening "weekend" spanned five days. Almost a third of all tickets sold this weekend were for Godzilla or Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron, remarkable in a market so allergic to foreign imports. That brings its total to $25.3 million (more by the time you read this). With an avalanche of Christmas blockbusters on the way, its grip on premium-format screens is about to slip. Still, I see it hanging around theaters for a while. I have never seen the fandom so united in praise for a film before, and it's making plenty of new fans.

Some of those fans are in high places. Variety leaked that it's on the 20-film shortlist for Best Visual Effects at the Oscars (to be narrowed to five nominees), something I, again, never expected to read about a Toho Godzilla film. Alas, it's locked out of this year's Best International Film category due to the quirky nomination period.

Much has been made of how great the film looks on a $15 million budget. I have two caveats, one in each direction. No one is quite sure where the $15 million figure came from; Yamazaki said at a recent con appearance that he only wished he had that much to play with. (He has yet to divulge the actual budget, just that it was above ¥1 billion.) Now, unions in the Japanese film industry are much weaker than in Hollywood, so a given production budget goes a lot further in Japan. All the same, I doubt that alone explains Minus One looking better than most superhero movies made for twenty times the cost. I'll offer a couple more reasons: Yamazaki has extensive visual effects experience (he's been the VFX supervisor of all but one of the live-action films he's directed), and the film's big effects scenes aren't as busy or lengthy as many of the Hollywood counterparts. I don't know if Disney will ask Yamazaki to direct the next Star Wars movie (that would require there to be a next Star Wars movie), but the studios here should be taking notes.

the sphinx, a blog with a ton of American Godzilla rarities to share, has outdone itself—behold a continuity and dialogue script for the U.S. version of King Kong vs. Godzilla! Included in the download is a detailed comparison with the film. No huge differences, apart from the script giving the secretary added to the U.S. version a name, but a fascinating piece of history all the same.

The Minus One incarnation of Godzilla (MaiGoji?) has joined Godzilla Battle Line, accompanied by [SPOILER]. To be honest, my enthusiasm for this game has been flagging, and I'm not caught up on the strategies developing around these two, so I'll just refer you to Sir Melee's channel as usual. This Godzilla's also doing a collaboration with the Japanese mobile game Fleet of Blue Flame.

Tiffany Grant, Asuka's original voice actress, will narrate the audiobooks for the Neon Genesis Evangelion: ANIMA light novels which explore an Instrumentality-free path for the show. Seven Seas Entertainment published them in English from 2019 to 2021, which, to be honest, was also news to me.

This one's for my fellow library workers: the obscenely popular Who HQ nonfiction series for children is publishing a book about Godzilla next June. I don't know if this will have quite the same impact on today's young Godzilla fans as the Ian Thorne tome had on Gen Xers and Millennials, what with the Internet and all, but it's certain to be more factual. Expect illustrations instead of licensed photos, and not just because of Toho.

I can finally talk more about the Godzilla x Kong: Titan Chasers mobile game without fearing a DMCA. Not that there's much to talk about; it's freemium through and through and I'm not sure I know a single person who's excited for it. Interesting to see some critters from the comics break into another medium, at least. Here's the trailer.

[sleekervae]

Wicked Games ❅ 2

Masterlist

Pairing: Coriolanus Snow x socialite!fem!reader

Summary: Sable has a proposition

Warnings: mentions of war, politicians being politicians

Word Count: 4,120

Saying the Hanovers were rich was an understatement. Phillip Hanover, a district resident caught in the crossfire of the First Rebellion, was a desperate bio-engineer determined to protect his family from war. Needing money, he turned to what he knew best: manufacturing medicine. He created topical creams, pain relief pills, antiseptics—anything people needed to heal their battle wounds. Despite his lack of experience, Phillip's experimentation paid off, and his medications became highly sought after for their quick healing properties. Eventually, he moved on to more powerful injections and sedatives, making a name for himself and drawing attention from the Capitol.

Volumnia Gaul believed in keeping enemies close. With Hanover's cutting-edge technology, she knew the Capitol needed him on their side. Backed by Crassus Snow, the Capitol made Hanover an irresistible offer: money, protection, and a legacy. Hanover had a lot to consider, knowing his reputation as a district hero would be destroyed. But in the end, money spoke louder than reputation.

Within six months, Phillip Hanover set up shop in the Capitol. His wife and two children no longer lived in squalor, he had money in his pocket, and he had the sponsorship and support of Panem's superiors. Requests for basic medicines evolved into demands for pushing technological boundaries to extend life expectancy and speed up recovery times. There were even requests for pharmaceutical weapons. Hanover, blinded by dollars and ambition, never paused to question what he was doing. If General Snow had a request, he would do his best to fulfill it.

His empire would continue to expand even after the war: manufacturing warehouses, marketing, and a great reputation for quick and effective results catapulted the Hanover name into Panem infamy. Hanover Pharmaceuticals would draft up different contracts between the districts, delivering the most and effective products to those districts who had the most to offer. And very quickly the Hanover name represented success, entrepreneurship, and respect. It also garnered a traitorous, slimy reputation in the eyes of the districts.

It was no matter to Phillip, though he made sure to remind his two daughters every chance he got of where they came from. From shoes with holes in the soles to satin dresses, from beds with squeaky springs and no heat in the winter to lavish vacations with the best accommodations possible. The eldest sister, Seline, was grounded and empathetic to their past, while her little sister, Sable, was determined to rid herself of any trace of District 3. She was the baby of the family, of course she was spoiled rotten. Though nevertheless, the sisters stayed close as they grew up.

The Hanover estate was quiet, save for the soft clink of china as Sable’s parents sat across from her in the drawing room. Her mother, Eleanor, looked frazzled, her fingers wringing the hem of her floral shawl. Her father, Phillip, sat with a stony expression, his frustration barely concealed.

“Sable, darling,” Eleanor began, her voice tinged with a blend of worry and exasperation, “you know how important it is for us to see you settled. You’re not getting any younger, and we’ve invested so much in your future. We can’t just let all of our fortune go to waste after we’re gone.”

Sable looked up from her book, her gaze indifferent. “I don’t see what the rush is. I’m perfectly content as I am.”

Phillip leaned forward, his voice edged with frustration. “Content? Look at your sister. She’s already engaged to a respectable man, and you—well, you’re still playing the socialite with no real direction. You can’t expect to squander our wealth and remain unbound forever.”

Sable raised an eyebrow, her expression aloof. “Seline’s choices have nothing to do with me. I have my own plans.”

Eleanor’s face crumpled with worry. “But you’re not a child anymore, Sable. We’ve arranged a fine match for you—someone who’s well-suited to continue our legacy. It’s not just about marrying for love; it’s about securing our place and our future.”

Sable’s gaze turned cold, her lips curling slightly. “And what if I’m not interested in your arrangements? I don’t see why I should settle for a life I don’t want just to please you.”

Phillip’s frustration boiled over. “This isn’t just about you, Sable. It’s about our family’s standing, our name. You can’t just live frivolously and expect everything to be handed to you. If you don’t take this opportunity, you risk throwing away everything we’ve worked for.”

Sable closed her book with deliberate slowness, standing up and smoothing her dress with practiced elegance. “I’m aware of my duties, but I refuse to be coerced into a life I have no interest in.”

Eleanor’s voice trembled as she tried one last time. “Sable, please, consider what we’re asking. We only want what’s best for you.”

Sable’s eyes were steely as she met her mother’s gaze. “You haven't known what's best for me since I was a child; when we came to this god-forsaken city in search of a better life.”

Phillip’s face was a mask of frustration as he glanced at his wife. “And that better life put that dress on you, as well as made sure you had food and --”

"And warm bed and a roof over our heads and never had to want for anything again," she started out of the room, her book clenched under her arm as she turned her back on her parents, "I'm well aware,"

The weight of their expectations felt distant to her, overshadowed by her own desires and independence. They were right about one thing: she couldn't keep up with the socialite game for the rest of her life. She needed stability, a plan to make sure she came out on the other side.

Sable grew up with the understanding that if you wanted something bad enough, you would work for it by any means necessary. Any means. And being the daughter of one of the richest families in the Capitol brought her a lot of attention. She embodied birth-of-Hollywood glamour, sophisticated and beautiful beyond debate. She thrived on the attention, after all. Because of her looks and her background, people didn't give her much credit for her brain.

To the blight of businessmen, rich kids, and even a few Hunger Games victors, Sable had a rare talent for listening and remembering. Whether it was over martinis or during intimate pillow talk, men found themselves spilling their thoughts, their secrets, to her. She made them feel comfortable and safe. Though if she had to use that information to her advantage, so be it. Why else would she have been invited to Senator Reed's gala event?

Allister, after one too many drinks, had confided in her about his numerous affairs. If that information ever got out, it would lead to a massive scandal and the destruction of his supposedly "happy" home life. Sable didn't mind holding onto such secrets. In fact, she relished the power they gave her. Very quickly her societal position was pushed and pushed, right until it brought her to the presidential candidates themselves.

To Coriolanus Snow.

His name kept surfacing after the 10th Hunger Games, lingering in whispers and headlines even after he graduated and vanished for a while. He re-emerged only a year ago, launching a campaign and preaching about his run for office.

Sable watched him on her television late one night, utterly fascinated. He was so well-spoken, his charm radiating through the screen. But it was his eyes that captivated her the most. Icy blue, sharp, and intense—they held your attention, convincing you of anything he said. And there was no denying how handsome he was.

As she watched, a distinct feeling washed over her. She was staring at her next big fish, her ticket to more power than she could ever dream of.

Coriolanus stood before the mirror, meticulously adjusting the knot of his tie when Garrison stormed into the room, his face flushed with frustration.

“Snow, you’re slipping,” Garrison snapped, slamming a folder down on the vanity. “You’re falling behind in the polls, and it’s not because of policy. It’s because people don’t like you. They don’t trust you.”

Coriolanus’s jaw tightened, but he kept his gaze on his reflection. “They don’t need to like me, Garrison. They need to respect me.”

Garrison shook his head, exasperation clear in his voice. “Respect isn’t enough! You're your father's son! You need to have the connection with the people that he didn't, show them you’re one of them—or at least pretend to be. Your charm alone won’t win this. You need to be likable, Coriolanus, or this entire campaign will be for nothing.”

Coriolanus turned to face him, eyes cold and calculating. “And how exactly do you propose I do that, Garrison?” His voice was sharp, laced with impatience. “You want me to throw on a fake smile and kiss babies? I already have to attend every tedious social event and pretend to care about their trivial concerns. How do you imagine I can possibly ‘up my appeal’?”

Garrison met his gaze, refusing to back down. “It’s not about faking it—it’s about showing a side of yourself that the public hasn’t seen. You need to humanize yourself, Coriolanus. Show them you’re more than just a politician with a thirst for power. They need to see you care about more than winning.”

Coriolanus arched an eyebrow, skepticism plain on his face. “And where do you suggest I find this hidden reservoir of charm and relatability? What am I supposed to do, stroll into the garden party tonight and start mingling with the common folk, asking about their families and hobbies?”

“Yes,” Garrison replied firmly. “Exactly that. Start tonight. You have to show them you’re one of them—someone they can relate to, someone they might actually like. Engage with them, listen to their concerns, show a little humility. It’s not about pandering to senators; it’s about making them feel like you’re on the people's side.”

Coriolanus’s expression darkened as he considered Garrison’s words. The very idea of lowering himself to appease the masses made his stomach turn, but the stakes were too high to ignore the advice. He knew Garrison was right. Like it or not, he needed the people’s support if he was going to win this campaign.

“Fine,” Coriolanus said through gritted teeth, turning back to the mirror. “I’ll play along. But don’t expect me to enjoy it.”

Garrison sighed, relief mingled with exasperation. “Just remember, Coriolanus: power isn’t worth much if no one’s willing to follow you. Tonight, give them a reason to believe in you.”

Coriolanus finished adjusting his tie, his reflection staring back at him with a steely resolve. He wasn’t about to let something as trivial as public appeal stand between him and the presidency. If he had to charm the Capitol’s common folk, he would—at least for tonight.

As he smoothed his maroon jacket and headed for the door, his mind was already working out how to play this new role, how to bend it to his advantage. Because in the end, it didn’t matter what mask he wore, as long as he won.

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the Capitol's most exquisite garden, where flowers from every district bloomed in a riot of color. The air was thick with the scent of roses and the murmur of idle chatter, punctuated by the clink of crystal glasses. Coriolanus Snow stood near a marble fountain, engaged in a measured conversation with Senator Gallis, a man whose support he desperately needed for his campaign.

As Coriolanus spoke, his eyes occasionally flickered over the senator’s shoulder, scanning the crowd. He was alert, focused, but there was a simmering tension just beneath the surface. He felt it keenly, the way the garden's soft light brushed against the evening’s most beautiful attendee. And then, as if summoned by his thoughts, she appeared.

Sable Hanover glided across the grass, her tweed ensemble a cozy cascade of baby blue that seemed to catch the last rays of sunlight. She moved with the effortless grace of someone who knew all eyes were on her and relished in it. Her gaze locked onto Coriolanus, a smile curving her lips as she approached.

“Senator Gallis,” she said smoothly, her voice honeyed and warm, “I hope I’m not interrupting anything too important.”

The senator turned to her, his expression softening as he took in the sight of her. “Not at all, Miss Hanover. It’s always a pleasure.”

Coriolanus felt the slightest pull at the corner of his mouth, an involuntary reaction to her presence. He kept his composure, but his eyes lingered on her, taking in the curve of her neck, the way the light caught the gleam of her pixie hair. There was something about her—something that had him tensing with interest and a vague unease, like he was playing a game where she already knew the outcome.

Sable’s gaze flicked to him, and he saw the glint of mischief in her eyes. “Mr. Snow, you’ve been monopolizing the senator’s time all evening,” she teased lightly. “I was hoping you might save a moment for me. I have something I’d like to discuss—privately.”

The senator raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the exchange. “I suppose that’s my cue to mingle,” he said, a hint of reluctance in his tone. “But don’t think you’re off the hook, Snow. We’ll continue our discussion later. Be kind to him, Sable.”

She smiled back innocently, "Always,"

Coriolanus nodded, watching the senator slip away into the crowd, but his thoughts were already on Sable. She stepped closer, her perfume—a heady mix of jasmine and something darker—filling the air between them.

“Let me guess,” he said, a hint of dry amusement in his voice, “You’re going to make me regret letting the senator go.”

“Maybe,” she replied, tilting her head as she considered him. “But then again, maybe I’ll make it worth your while.”

He couldn’t help but be drawn to her, his gaze tracing the line of her collarbone, the way her lips parted slightly as she spoke. The garden, with all its splendor, seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the two of them standing amidst the blooms.

“Would you get me a drink?” Sable asked, her tone casual, but there was an undercurrent to her words that made it feel like more.

Coriolanus studied her, the way she didn’t fidget, didn’t rush. She simply waited, confident in her request, her eyes never leaving his. There was something almost thrilling in her boldness, in the way she so easily pulled him into her orbit. He was no stranger to charm, but hers was different—it was dangerous, intoxicating, and he wasn’t entirely sure he could resist it.

“Of course,” he said, his voice low as he offered her his arm. She took it without hesitation, her fingers light on his sleeve, and they walked together toward the bar set beneath a pergola draped in ivy.

As they moved through the garden, whispers trailed in their wake, but neither of them seemed to care. Coriolanus couldn’t help but notice how perfectly she fit at his side, as if she belonged there. His mind, usually sharp and calculating, was dulled by her proximity, by the brush of her arm against his as they walked.

When they reached the bar, he signaled the bartender and ordered them both a drink. As they waited, Sable turned to him, her expression more serious now, though the spark in her eyes remained.

“You've really captured my interest,” she said, her voice soft enough that it was only for him. “I believe you’re going to win this campaign, you know.”

Coriolanus met her gaze, his curiosity piqued. “And what makes you so sure?”

“Because I know how badly you want it,” she replied, leaning in just a fraction closer. “And because I know how badly I want to see you win.”

"Really?" he cocked his head.

"Really," she nodded, "Look back through history, you'll find a plethora of decrepit, fuddy-duddy leaders who just continue to enforce the old rules that ran when they were our age. Modern problems require modern solutions after all... and modern leaders, too,"

"I couldn't agree with you more," he replied, "I take it your family will be donating to my campaign?"

Sable chuckled harmoniously, "No, my father has no interest in your campaign. Again -- old, decrepit, fuddy-duddy," she shrugged.

Coriolanus' interest continued to peak, "Then, why are you here?" he asked, "You'll pardon my rudeness, but I doubt you have enough funds to supplement in this election,"

"Well, obviously not," she shook her head nonchalantly, "I have something better. Me,"

"You?"

"Yes,"

The bartender placed two perfectly chilled martinis before them, none the wiser to their hushed conversation. Coriolanus meanwhile wasn't sure whether to burst out laughing, surely there had to be a gag.

"I don't understand," he said, "What exactly are you offering, Ms. Hanover?"

"Myself," she replied simply, "You're lacking in the polls on account of public appeal, are you not? What better way to shake that icy cold exterior than by having one of the Capitol's most eligible women on your arm?"

She appeared completely unfazed by her proposition as she sipped her martini. Her words sent a thrill through him, a rush of something he hadn’t felt in a long time. Desire, yes, but also something more—something that told him this woman, with all her beauty and cunning, could be more than just another admirer. To put simply, he was intrigued.

Coriolanus took a brief look around, establishing that for once the attention was well off of him,"Let's speak in private,"

Grabbing his drink, they snaked around the perimeter of the party until they could come to a quieter area of the garden, not well populated and out of view from the party guests.

"You seem at a loss for words, Mr. Snow," Sable grinned.

"I'm just trying to wrap my head around this, Ms. Hanover," Coriolanus grumbled back, "You're proposing that you... and I... date?" it sounded so drawl and simple when he put it like that.

She nodded, however, "Yes. Well -- not actually. Think of it as something a little more... transactional. Essentially, we pretend we're dating."

Coriolanus still thought she was joking, "You must be really bored, or pulling one over me real good," he said.

"Of course not," Sable replied, "I have a reputation of my own in this city. If the public see you with me, you're bound to earn yourself some brownie points. More brownie points means more numbers in the polls in your favour,"

Coriolanus’s eyes narrowed as Sable’s words lingered in the air, her voice smooth and calculated. The way she leaned in, her eyes gleaming with a mix of challenge and allure, set his mind racing. The conversation with Garrison echoed in his thoughts—you need to be likable, Coriolanus…show them you’re one of them. He’d dismissed the idea at first, but now, as Sable stood before him, offering something more than just flirtation, he began to connect the dots.

Here she was, a woman who could help him bridge that gap, who understood the Capitol’s social landscape better than anyone. Sable wasn't just another pretty face; she was someone who could navigate the intricacies of high society with ease, someone who knew how to charm, manipulate, and command attention. She had the kind of influence that could be incredibly useful—if he played his cards right.

Coriolanus could see it now, the path forming in his mind: a partnership of sorts, where Sable's social prowess would complement his strategic mind. She could help him soften his image, make him more palatable to the Capitol's elite, and by extension, to the broader public. If she was willing to throw her support behind him, it could be the key to turning things around in the polls. Likability, after all, was just another form of power.

He leaned in slightly, mirroring her movement, his voice low and measured. “And what’s in it for you, Sable? Why align yourself with me?”

A slow smile spread across her lips, her eyes flicking to his as if she could see the gears turning in his head. “Because, Coriolanus,” she said softly, “you and I are cut from the same cloth. We both know what it means to want something so badly that we’ll do whatever it takes to get it. And I happen to think you’re the best bet for what’s coming next in Panem.”

Coriolanus studied her, his eyes narrowing slightly as he leaned closer, voice dropping even lower, “Fascinating pitch. Now, what’s your real reason, Sable?”

"Excuse me?"

"Nobody takes their hobby that seriously, especially not national affairs," he told her, "So tell me, what's your reason?"

For a moment, she said nothing, just tilted her head and regarded him with a quiet intensity. Then, as if the idea had always been there, waiting for the perfect moment to surface, her lips curved into a knowing smile. “Alright,” she began, her tone casual, as if discussing the weather, “I’ll tell you, but you're not going to like it,”

He raised a brow, intrigued, "Try me,"

“My parents,” she said, leaning back slightly, fingers tracing the rim of her wine glass, “have been on my back for years about settling down, being a good little house wife. They want me to marry into another high-ranking family, cement my position in Capitol society, yada-yada-yada. You know the drill,”

Coriolanus gave a small nod, already sensing where this was going, but he waited.

“And you, Coriolanus,” she said, her voice dipping into something close to amusement, “are the perfect solution to that problem. You’re on the rise, you’re ambitious, easy on the eyes, and marrying you would get them off my back for good. Plus, it would strengthen your image. A solid union—two powerhouses joined together,”

He blinked, processing her words, but before he could speak, she raised a hand.

“Don’t get me wrong, though,” she continued, eyes meeting his squarely, “I have no interest in you romantically. Behind closed doors, you can do whatever you please. I’m not here for that. This would be a marriage of convenience, nothing more. A partnership—one that benefits us both,”

Coriolanus sat back, his fingers steepled in thought. “You want me to marry you,” he said, slowly, testing the words on his tongue.

“Not immediately, of course. But over time. Think about it,” she said, leaning forward again, her smile turning sharper, “It’s a win-win. We get the Capitol’s attention. We silence anyone who doubts our ambitions. And most importantly, we get what we both want—power, respect, and control over our own lives,”

He could see the calculation in her eyes, the cold pragmatism. She wasn’t lying. For Sable, this was business. Nothing more, nothing less. And that, in some strange way, made the proposal almost… enticing.

“You’d really go through with it?” he asked, still weighing the possibilities.

“Absolutely,” she replied without hesitation. “And trust me, you’ll never have a more loyal partner in this game. Just as long as we keep everything… business,”

Coriolanus felt a flicker of satisfaction at her words. She was offering more than just flirtation or manipulation; she was offering an alliance. One that could give him the edge he needed in a campaign that was rapidly slipping out of his control.

Hell, what did he have to lose?

He allowed himself a small, calculated smile. “You’re not wrong,” he admitted, his voice carrying the weight of understanding. “But if we’re going to do this, I need to know you’re all in, Sable. No half-measures.”

Her smile widened, a flash of something darker, more determined, passing through her eyes. “Oh, I’m all in. But only if you promise me one thing.”

“And what’s that?” he asked, curiosity piqued.

“That when you win,” she said, her voice dropping to a whisper, “you remember who helped you get there.”

Coriolanus held her gaze, the implications clear. This was more than just a casual encounter—it was the beginning of something far more strategic. “Consider it a deal,” he replied, his tone laced with intent.

Sable’s smile was triumphant as she took a step back, giving him a final, lingering look. “Then why don’t we return to the party, we can chat more over dinner?”

As he led her away from the crowd, Coriolanus felt a renewed sense of purpose. Garrison’s words still echoed in his mind, but now they felt less like a burden and more like an opportunity. With Sable by his side, he could craft the image he needed, win the support he lacked—and ultimately, secure the power he craved.

[aurorawest]

The Scottish Boy by Alex de Campi - 5/5 stars

This book managed to rip my heart out at least 3 times. I loved it. Medieval enemies-to-lovers slow burn; very romantic. Kinda read like fanfiction at times but in a good way. 10/10 would read a follow-up love story about Arundel and Captain Wekena. If you like Captive Prince, give this one a try.

Reforged by Seth Haddon - 4/5 stars

Pretty good bodyguard romantasy. Ironically CS Pacat blurbed this one (another am-I-in-the-matrix moment). The world was interesting and I enjoyed the politics, though they're definitely not as complicated as other SFF politics I've gone feral over (see: Captive Prince, Winter's Orbit, A Memory Called Empire). I ordered the sequel after I finished this.

The Doctor's Date by Heidi Cullinan - 4/5 stars

A Power Unbound by Freya Marske - 5/5 stars

Where do I start? I love, love, LOVE A Marvellous Light. It's one of my favorite books ever. None of the rest of the books in the trilogy could live up to it, really, because it's so good. You'll notice I rated this one 5 stars though, because quite honestly I fell prey to a bit of The Academy Paying The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Its Due syndrome. I did love this book and thought it was better than A Restless Truth (which I still loved!) but part of that is, quite frankly, just due to the fact that I prefer m/m romance to f/f romance.

Anyway. This was such a good finale to the trilogy. I loved that the romance was a giant middle finger to purity cultists. I loved that one of the mains was Italian. I loved finally getting the story of what happened to the Alston twins. One thing I thought was really cool was how, viewed from the outside, you totally get why Edwin is such a loner. I really admire from a writing perspective how Marske pulled that off.

I feel like there's a lot to be said about what Marske was trying to SAY with this book, but I definitely need to reread it first before I can articulate any of it. The purity culture stuff is obvious, but the magic system too. I feel like Jack when he's almost able to connect everything in his mind into a bigger idea, but he can't quite get there.

I've got a special edition from Illumicrate coming, so I'll be rereading it when I have that.

Oh also, this book was the embodiment of all that one tumblr post -

The Guncle by Steven Rowley - 5/5 stars

I saw this in bookstores for years before I finally gave in and bought it. The blurb makes it sound insufferable and twee. Ignore the blurb. This was such a good book about grief and learning how to live again after terrible loss.

I Like Me Better by Robby Weber - 4/5 stars

At last I can stop getting the Lauv song stuck in my head whenever I set eyes on this book (it's stuck in my head as I type this). Pretty standard-issue YA, but it was cute and had a good message.

The Stagsblood King by Gideon E Wood - 4/5 stars

Another book about moving on from grief! This is the second book in a trilogy. When I was trying to determine if I wanted to read on beyond book 1, I scoured the internet for information about what happens in books 2 and 3. Eventually I decided, hell, I enjoyed book 1 well enough, even if what I want to happen in the rest of the trilogy doesn't happen, they're worth reading. SO, to that end, I will tell anyone looking for info that Tel gets romantically involved with a new man in this one, which, eh. I still want him to somehow end up with Vared. It was still quite good though.

In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune - DNF at pg 82

So funnily, we were at the bookstore the day I was about to start reading this, and my wife pointed out Ravensong (also by Klune) to me and said, "Do you have this one?" I made a face and said, "That's an older one of his books and I'm wary of his early work after that horrible Verania series. I don't think I've ever read an author as hit or miss as TJ Klune."

I wrote the above when I was 60 pages in and now I have officially DNFed this. Listen. You know how in Thor: Love and Thunder, Taika Waititi was clearly given free rein to do whatever he wanted, so all of his worst impulses made it to the final cut unchecked? Yeah. That's what this book is like.

Here's my Storygraph review: I see Klune is officially Too Big To Edit now. This book has exactly the same problem that his awful Verania series had—a joke that's funny at first but quickly grows tiresome when it's repeated five times per page. The emphasis on Victor's asexuality was also weird and read like Klune was just super proud of himself for writing an ace character.

Lion's Legacy by LC Rosen - 4.25/5 stars

Queer, YA Indiana Jones, but less #problematic. This book had some eerie similarities to my own archaeology adventure novel(s), which made me wonder half-seriously if I somehow know Lev Rosen? Anyway, I feared this would be very heavy-handed and not nuanced on archaeology's ethical dilemmas, since it's YA and also the current culture is to view said dilemmas as completely black and white with no nuance, but I was pleasantly surprised. It manages to examine that, queerness, and daddy issues, plus has time to be a genuinely fun and exciting adventure story. Highly recommend.

Too White to be Coloured, Too Coloured to be Black by Ismail Lagardien - 4/5 stars

I picked up this memoir in a bookstore at OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg as research for Six Places to Fall in Love, since Percy is coloured. A pretty brutal read, but good, and definitely good research. The author was a photographer and journalist through the most violent years of apartheid.

The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson - 5/5 stars

Two nonfiction books in a row?? This is the second book by Erik Larson I've read, the first being the excellent The Devil in the White City. I'm not, in general, all that interested in WWII when it comes to military history, but this book is about the day to day lives of Churchill and the people surrounding him (with brief stops to visit FDR and high-ranking Nazis sprinkled throughout). This is a very, very good book, and I recommend reading it if only as a reminder of the resilience and bravery of ordinary people under terrifying circumstances.

Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh - 5/5 stars

Holy shit. Holy shit is this book good. Imagine the love child of Lost, Person of Interest, and Battlestar Galactica, but queer and with multiverse shenanigans thrown in.

I need everyone to read this book. Now. Yesterday. Get to it.