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jawabear · 3 years

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Hi 😊

Could I request a one shot please with Alfie Solomons? Some fluff and angst, with these phrases from your prompt list:

"You owe me for this" "That's four favours now, right?"

"That's the first time you've said that"

"Seriously?" "Seriously"

You can make it as angsty or as fluffy as you like. Whatever you're in the writing mood for! Thank you ❤

Together (Alfie Solomons x Reader)

Not my GIF

A/N: hey. So. It’s been a little bit of a whole since I actually wrote something. Life sucks you know? But maybe I’m back. But I am so incredibly sorry about how late this is. Recently I’ve just had zero motivation to do anything. But I really hope you like this!! Sorry for any mistakes. Stay safe.

Genre: fluff

Warnings: fem!reader, fluffiness, little bit of angst at the end, I don’t think there’s anything else

Summary: Alfie isn’t the best when it comes to feelings, but he knows when to seize the opportunity

When asked, Alfie Solomons considers himself to be a well mannered man. Which is true enough. He certainly knows how to make a deal. Of course, most of the time it involves using a gun or some sort of violence. But taking away his gangster lifestyle, he was in fact a well mannered man.

But he never had much luck when it came to the ladies. He never really took much notice when it came to a potential partner. He was far more concerned with running a business. But he would take note when a particularly beautiful lady crossed his path.

And he knew the most beautiful one had walked into his life.

Befriending her wasn’t so difficult. She was a nice girl who was probably the complete opposite to him but somehow they got on like a house of fire. Opposites attract after all. Trying to ‘woo’ her was the difficult part. Alfie liked her a lot. He knew that. But because he had little to no experience with the world of dating, he was completely clueless about how to approach it. And he couldn’t ask for help. God forbid he ask anyone to help him ask a girl out on a date. It would crush his reputation completely.

So he had no choice but to go it alone. But luckily the perfect opportunity had arisen.

Being friends with her meant that it wasn’t unusual for him to drop by her house for tea. Most Wednesday afternoons were set aside for tea with her. Unintentionally of course, but they both seemed to make a habit of it. So that’s where he found himself now. Sat in her kitchen, a cup of perfectly made steaming tea before him and her sat in the chair opposite him. He figured now was as good a time as any to ask her his request.

“I know that you don’t like them” he began in an unusually hesitant voice. But it wasn’t completely unusual. He was never really himself around her. He wasn’t the confident man he claimed to be when he was in her presence. She looked up at him and set her tea on the table giving him her full attention. “but I’ve been invited to another charity even. And I...well I was gonna ask you to come along with me...”

“Again” She said holding back a laugh.

Alfie let out a soft laugh and scratched the back of his neck “again...you don’t have to come”

“It’s fine Alfie” she smiled “I’ll come with you. But you owe me for this”

“Yeah yeah” he nodded “I know. That’s four favours now, right?”

(Y/N) let out a laugh “more like four hundred. But yes. It seems that is the score”

The charity event now seemed to be in full swing. Alfie and (Y/N) had made their rounds, many people grovelling at his feet asking for payments and support. Alfie never exactly agreed to their offered but he managed to weave his words well to make it sound like her did. Although (Y/N) knew it was most likely that he wouldn’t follow through. But then again, it wasn’t like anyone there was going to follow him up on it. The wouldn’t risk the wrath of Alfie Solomons.

However, as the crowds grew (Y/N) began to feel a little dizzy. She never was one for large groups and the tight dress she was wearing certainly wasn’t helping.

At some point, she had lost track of Alfie, he had wandered off with some other men who looked to be quite young and very over excitable. She didn’t quite like the idea of having to mingle with snobbish people on her own for the remainder of the night so she managed to quickly slip through the crowds and out to the gardens of the large house where the event was being held.

It was the autumn months so the air outside was getting colder and it was especially cold due to the late time of day that it was. But despite the harsh bitterness, she relaxed in the fresh air feeling like she could actually breath again.

She wondered where Alfie was and if he was alright. There was always the threat of an enemy lurking around the corner. Alfie would probably flip out if he knew she had gone outside on her own, but she had her guard up. She knew Alfie could handle himself just fine but that didn’t stop her from worrying about him. Especially since she knew she was head over heals in love with him. She didn’t know exactly what it was about him, and to anyone in their right mind they would never think to fall in love with someone like him. A London gangster. But she couldn’t help it. She did love him.

So the longer she waited alone the more worried she became. She was tempted to go back inside and look for him but each time she turned around the crowd seemed to grow more and more. (Y/N) knew it would be difficult for her to find Alfie in such a crowd even with his distinctive looks. She thought that maybe she stood a better chance of finding him if she stayed where she was. Alfie did know that she didn’t like crowds, so he would figure out where she was quite quickly. If he was okay that was.

(Y/N) shook her head to rid herself of the though. He was okay. She knew he was. He wouldn’t let anything happen to him. Not in a place like this. And not while she was there waiting.

Thankfully her worrying was for nothing.

“It’s cold out here” came his rough voice from behind her.

“I know. But it’s far too hot in there” she answered him.

“In that case” she heard rustling from behind her but didn’t have time to look before he draped his large overcoat over her shoulders “take this to keep you warm”

She gave him a soft smile “thank you Alfie”

“It’s the least I could do. The beginning of payment for all the times I’ve dragged you to these things”

“Despite the extravagance of these, they are somewhat enjoyable” she said quietly before taking a sip of her drink.

“That’s the first time you’ve said that” he told her “but I’ve told you before that you are meant for these things. You fit right in”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously” he nodded “you’re always the most beautiful girl. No matter where you are. There ain’t no one in this world who can compare to you”

“Alfie...” she whispered, her cheeks flushing red. She looked away from him in embarrassment. She didn’t know what to say in response to him compliment. She was used to many things about Alfie, but not him being like this towards her. It was a little awkward but at the same time she didn’t want him to stop. It felt like a dream to be complimented by the man of her dreams.

“(Y/N), look right. We’ve been friends for...years now. And well, you mean more to be than that. I don’t want us to be friends any more. I ain’t never felt like this about any one before. You are something else. And I think that I...well...I love you”

Her head snapped back to look at him. Her eyes were wide and the drink nearly fell from her hand. She let out a shaky breath and just stared at him for an uncomfortable amount of time. “Y-You...can’t...”

“What?”

“You can’t...love me. That’s...that’s impossible”

“What are you going on about?” He asked taking a step forwards. She took a step back, her look of shock now turning to that of fear. “(Y/N)...”

“I don’t...want you to...”

“You don’t want me to? Why not?”

“I’ll hurt you”

“(Y/N), love, what are you taking about, eh?”

“I don’t know how to love someone. Anyone I’ve ever loved I’ve lost. And I don’t want to loose you because I’m incapable of loving someone the way they love me. You’re too important to me!”

“Hey,” He said as he took a long stride towards her, taking her face in between his large hands “I don’t know how to love anyone either. But we can learn. Together, yeah? You’d never loose me. I couldn’t live without you. So...let’s just try, yeah? Together...”

Her eyes flicked between his. She could feel herself tearing up at the overwhelming amount of emotion that was filling her body. But she managed a soft smile and let herself relax a little “together...” she whispered.

27/03/21

#Alfie Solomons #alfie solomons x reader #alfie solomons fanfic #peaky blinders #tom hardy #fluff #angst #fanfic

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fantasyandromancelover · 5 years

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The Tale of Tales Chapter 8

The palace ballroom was a magnificent display, decorated with crystal chandeliers and gold hangings, dazzled with a great silvery blaze of light. Exquisite music was played while ladies dressed in rich clothes of muslin and silk danced with distinguished gentlemen. Queen Minerva wore her finest and richest gown along with her rarest and most sparkling jewels. Many could not help but be taken with her appearance.

"Announcing the arrival of his royal highness, Prince Natsu of Alvarez!" Rogue announced.

When Prince Natsu entered the ballroom all bowed before him respectfully. He then approached the throne where Minerva sat.

"Queen Minerva I would like to thank you for allowing me the pleasure of visiting your lovely kingdom." He said politely.

"My, you're just as handsome as all they say." Minerva said. "Welcome to our kingdom. I hope that the you are pleased with the ball I have prepared in your honor."

"It's very nice but you really didn't have to go through all the trouble."

"Nonsense you are a royal guest therefore it is no trouble at all. Prince Natsu would you honor me with the first dance?"

"I would love to but I'm not much of a dancer and when it comes to these kind of functions I'm more in it for the free food so I'll just stand on the sidelines until it's time to eat."

Natsu knew he was here to meet the Princess Juvia and see if she would make a potential wife and he was all for it until he found out that he would be attending a ball. He always felt so uncomfortable and out of place at royal balls. He couldn't dance and he didn't know the first thing about talking to young ladies. Every time he tried to talk to a pretty girl he would get nervous and say the wrong things. How on Earth was he supposed to find a wife when he couldn't even speak properly to a princess?

Just then a hush fell over the crowd and all eyes turned to the entrance of the ballroom. Curious, Natsu followed everyone's gaze to see what had captured their attention. The young prince could not believe what his eyes beheld. Descending down the stairway was a charming woman dressed head to toe in gold with blonde hair that rivaled the sunshine. The guests were overwhelmed by her radiance but no one more so than Natsu. He had never seen a girl so wonderous and fair. For a moment he thought that she wasn't even human but instead a pretty fairy. Surely this woman must be the Princess Juvia he had heard so much about. But this woman was not Juvia, she was Lucy the palace scullery maid.

When music started to play Lucy stood on top of her toes and hovered gracefully about the room. Every motion displayed more and more the perfect symmetry and elegance of her figure. The expression in her brown eyes beamed and touched the hearts of the spectators. All present we're enchanted but especially Natsu. He immediately went to meet her and took her by the hand.

"Hello." He said.

"Hello." She said back.

"Princess Juvia I presume?"

"Oh no you are mistaken I am not a princess."

"Well then you most be a noblewoman."

"I am neither royal or noble your highness."

"Well royal, noble, or not I would be honored if you would join me in filling my stomach?"

"I beg your pardon sire?"

"No wait! That's not what I meant!" He said blushing. "I meant would you join me at the feast for the table? No! I mean would you join me at the table for the feast? I'm sorry it's just that seeing you has made me forget my words. You must think me very foolish."

"No I think it's cute and I would love to join at the table."

He offered his arm, she accepted it, and he led her over to the table where a fantastic feast was prepared. They along with the other guests dined on delicious food and drank fine wine while talking to one another though Natsu spoke only to Lucy and no one else much to Minerva's jealousy. After dinner the guests began to participate in games such as bowling and wickets.

"Have you ever bowled before?" Natsu asked Lucy.

"Can't say that I have."

"Here let me show you."

He put the ball in her hands while putting his own hands over hers and his arms around her waist. It made her gasp softly and tense up in surprise but then eased up. She had to admit, she never expected the prince to be so funny and sweet and familiar. She didn't know why but there was something about this voice and his face that seemed to tease her memory but she didn't what.

"Have we met before?" She asked him.

"I don't think so because I'm sure that I would remember meeting someone like you."

"You're probably right but still I can't shake the feeling that I've seen you somewhere."

The royal musicians began to play a romantic song, inviting couples to dance with each other.

"May I have this dance?" Natsu asked Lucy.

"It would be my honor." She replied.

Hand in hand they walked to the center of the ballroom. Her free hand went to rest on his shoulder while is went to her back. Without another moment of hesitation the two began to dance. They danced with only each other, never once switching partners. They didn't even look at anyone else and as they danced Natsu became very infatuated with Lucy.

From a distance Minerva watched them and she sneered and nashed her teeth in pure bitterness and envy. Just who was this mystery girl? And how dare she steal her prince. Due to the hazel tree's magic no one recognized Lucy not even Minerva however she did see something in Lucy that frightened her very much. She looked identical to Minerva's sister Layla causing her for a brief moment to fear that somehow the ghost of her dead sister had come back to haunt her. But then she noticed that this mystery woman was much younger than Layla was the last time she had seen her. But who was she? And why did she look like Layla? Suddenly she had another fear. What if this mystery woman's beauty had surpassed her own?

Queen Minerva could not bear the thought of any woman being more beautiful than her. You see while she and Layla were indeed twins they most certainly were not identical twins. Layla was born beautiful but she was born hideous. Their father doted on and favored Layla but he abused Minerva and despised her with every fiber of his being causing her to grow under the belief that if she was not beautiful then no one would ever love her. Imagine her joy when she discovered a magic mirror that had the power to grant her wish of becoming the most beautiful woman in Fiore. But aside from granting her desire for beauty the mirror also held all the knowledge in the world so everyday Minerva would ask it who the fairest woman in all the lands was and it would always answer that she was.

Forgetting her intention of wooing the prince entirely at the moment, she hurried back to her private room and asked the mirror the same question hoping and praying that the answer would not be what she thought it was and it wouldn't however she still wouldn't like it.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?"

And the mirror answered.

"I fear the wrath of your despair.

Were I to name one half so fair."

"There is someone else? Reveal her name!"

"Thou Queen art fair and beauteous to see.

But Juvia is lovelier far than thee!"

"The child?!" She shrieked in terror. "Is this some kind of joke?!"

"My Queen you know I do not jest.

Cheeks pink as the rose, hair blue as rain, skin white as snow.

Rags cannot hide her gentle grace and there is hope in that sweet face."

"How can this be?! How?!"

"If thou Queen cannot bear this fate.

Then perhaps Juvia's life she should take."

"You mean kill her? But I've known her since she was seven years old. I...I could never."

"My Queen you know what I say is true.

The girl is conspiring against you.

She plans to take the throne and make this kingdom her own."

"You're right." She said giving into it's manipulation. "I must be rid of her at once!"

#fairy tail #fairy tail au #fairy tales #lucy heartfilia #natsu dragneel #natsu x lucy #fairy tail nalu #nalu #brothers grimm #cinderella #snow white

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casscutting · 4 years

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2020 Most Anticipated Releases... So Far!

I know this week was supposed to be dedicated to TIP and Tricks but last week was a shit show for my family. Sometime in the early morning of the 20th, my mom’s sister passed away in her home then this past Saturday our only means of transportation stopped working and there’s nothing we can do to get it working again. So I needed something easy to post about. So here are my 2020 most anticipated releases thus far lol. I only put thus far because I don’t know EVERY book coming out in a given year so these are the ones I know about.

*NOTE if it is a sequel I won’t give a synopsis but each book is linked to Goodreads

My number 1 most anticipated may not be coming out this year but if it is it’s The Savior's Sister by Jenna Moreci

Come Tumbling Down (Wayward Children, #5) January 7th 2020 by Seanan McGuire

The Memory of Souls (A Chorus of Dragons, #3) August 25th 2020 by Jenn Lyons

The Unspoken Name (The Serpent Gates, #1) February 11th 2020 by A. K. Larkwood

What if you knew how and when you will die?

Csorwe does — she will climb the mountain, enter the Shrine of the Unspoken, and gain the most honored title: sacrifice.

But on the day of her foretold death, a powerful mage offers her a new fate. Leave with him, and live. Turn away from her destiny and her god to become a thief, a spy, an assassin—the wizard's loyal sword. Topple an empire, and help him reclaim his seat of power.

But Csorwe will soon learn – gods remember, and if you live long enough, all debts come due.

The Shadows Between Us February 25th 2020 by Tricia Levenseller

Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:

1) Woo the Shadow King. 2) Marry him. 3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.

No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.

But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?

The Gilded Ones (Deathless #1) May 26th 2020 by Namina Forna

Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs.

But on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the color of impurity--and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse than death.

Then a mysterious woman comes to her with a choice: stay in the village and submit to her fate, or leave to fight for the emperor in an army of girls just like her. They are called alaki--near-immortals with rare gifts. And they are the only ones who can stop the empire's greatest threat.

Knowing the dangers that lie ahead yet yearning for acceptance, Deka decides to leave the only life she's ever known. But as she journeys to the capital to train for the biggest battle of her life, she will discover that the great walled city holds many surprises. Nothing and no one are quite what they seem to be--not even Deka herself.

Scavenge the Stars (Scavenge the Stars #1) January 7th 2020 by Tara Sim

When Amaya rescues a mysterious stranger from drowning, she fears her rash actions have earned her a longer sentence on the debtor ship where she’s been held captive for years. Instead, the man she saved offers her unimaginable riches and a new identity, setting Amaya on a perilous course through the coastal city-state of Moray, where old-world opulence and desperate gamblers collide.

Amaya wants one thing: revenge against the man who ruined her family and stole the life she once had. But the more entangled she becomes in this game of deception—and as her path intertwines with the son of the man she’s plotting to bring down—the more she uncovers about the truth of her past. And the more she realizes she must trust no one…

Where Dreams Descend (Kingdom of Cards #1) June 2nd 2020 by Janella Angeles

In a city covered in ice and ruin, a group of magicians face off in a daring game of magical feats to find the next headliner of the Conquering Circus, only to find themselves under the threat of an unseen danger striking behind the scenes.

As each act becomes more and more risky and the number of missing magicians piles up, three are forced to reckon with their secrets before the darkness comes for them next.

The Star: Kallia, a powerful showgirl out to prove she’s the best no matter the cost

The Master: Jack, the enigmatic keeper of the club, and more than one lie told

The Magician: Demarco, the brooding judge with a dark past he can no longer hide

Where Dreams Descend is the startling and romantic first book in Janella Angeles’ debut Kingdom of Cards fantasy duology where magic is both celebrated and feared, and no heart is left unscathed.

The Kingdom of Back March 3rd 2020 by Marie Lu

Two siblings. Two brilliant talents. But only one Mozart.

Born with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish—to be remembered forever. But even as she delights audiences with her masterful playing, she has little hope she'll ever become the acclaimed composer she longs to be. She is a young woman in 18th century Europe, and that means composing is forbidden to her. She will perform only until she reaches a marriageable age—her tyrannical father has made that much clear.

And as Nannerl's hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. His brilliance begins to eclipse her own, until one day a mysterious stranger from a magical land appears with an irresistible offer. He has the power to make her wish come true—but his help may cost her everything.

Set Fire to the Gods (Set Fire to the Gods #1) August 4th 2020 by Sara Raasch

Ash is descended from a long line of gladiators, and she knows the brutal nature of war firsthand. But after her mother dies in an arena, she vows to avenge her by overthrowing her fire god, whose temper has stripped her country of its resources.

Madoc grew up fighting on the streets to pay his family's taxes. But he hides a dangerous secret: he doesn't have the earth god’s powers like his opponents. His elemental gift is something else—something that hasn't been seen in centuries.

When an attempted revenge plot goes dangerously wrong, Ash inadvertently throws the fire and earth gods into a conflict that can only be settled by deadly, lavish gladiator games. The fights put Madoc in Ash's path, and she realizes that his powers are the weapon her rebellion needs—but Madoc won’t jeopardize his family, regardless of how intrigued he is by the beautiful warrior.

But when the gods force Madoc’s hand, he and Ash uncover an ancient war that will threaten more than one immortal—it will unravel the world.

Goddess in the Machine (Goddess in the Machine #1) June 30th 2020 by Lora Beth Johnson

When Andra wakes up, she’s drowning.

Not only that, but she’s in a hot, dirty cave, it’s the year 3102, and everyone keeps calling her Goddess. When Andra went into a cryonic sleep for a trip across the galaxy, she expected to wake up in a hundred years, not a thousand. Worst of all, the rest of the colonists–including her family and friends–are dead. They died centuries ago, and for some reason, their descendants think Andra’s a deity. She knows she’s nothing special, but she’ll play along if it means she can figure out why she was left in stasis and how to get back to Earth.

Zhade, the exiled bastard prince of Eerensed, has other plans. Four years ago, the sleeping Goddess’s glass coffin disappeared from the palace, and Zhade devoted himself to finding it. Now he’s hoping the Goddess will be the key to taking his rightful place on the throne–if he can get her to play her part, that is. Because if his people realize she doesn’t actually have the power to save their dying planet, they’ll kill her.

With a vicious monarch on the throne and a city tearing apart at the seams, Zhade and Andra might never be able to unlock the mystery of her fate, let alone find a way to unseat the king, especially since Zhade hasn’t exactly been forthcoming with Andra. And a thousand years from home, is there any way of knowing that Earth is better than the planet she’s woken to?

Incendiary (Hollow Crown #1) April 28th 2020 by Zoraida Córdova

Renata Convida was only a child when she was kidnapped by the King's Justice and brought to the luxurious palace of Andalucia. As a Robari, the rarest and most feared of the magical Moria, Renata's ability to steal memories from royal enemies enabled the King's Wrath, a siege that resulted in the deaths of thousands of her own people.

Now Renata is one of the Whispers, rebel spies working against the crown and helping the remaining Moria escape the kingdom bent on their destruction. The Whispers may have rescued Renata from the palace years ago, but she cannot escape their mistrust and hatred--or the overpowering memories of the hundreds of souls she turned "hollow" during her time in the palace.

When Dez, the commander of her unit, is taken captive by the notorious Sangrado Prince, Renata will do anything to save the boy whose love makes her place among the Whispers bearable. But a disastrous rescue attempt means Renata must return to the palace under cover and complete Dez's top secret mission. Can Renata convince her former captors that she remains loyal, even as she burns for vengeance against the brutal, enigmatic prince? Her life and the fate of the Moria depend on it.

But returning to the palace stirs childhood memories long locked away. As Renata grows more deeply embedded in the politics of the royal court, she uncovers a secret in her past that could change the entire fate of the kingdom--and end the war that has cost her everything.

Red Hood February 25th 2020 by Elana K. Arnold

You are alone in the woods, seen only by the unblinking yellow moon. Your hands are empty. You are nearly naked.

And the wolf is angry.

Since her grandmother became her caretaker when she was four years old, Bisou Martel has lived a quiet life in a little house in Seattle. She’s kept mostly to herself. She’s been good. But then comes the night of homecoming, when she finds herself running for her life over roots and between trees, a fury of claws and teeth behind her. A wolf attacks. Bisou fights back. A new moon rises. And with it, questions. About the blood in Bisou’s past and on her hands as she stumbles home. About broken boys and vicious wolves. About girls lost in the woods—frightened, but not alone.

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin (A Song of Wraiths and Ruin #1) June 2nd 2020 by Roseanne A. Brown

The first in an immersive fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction—from debut author Roseanne A. Brown. Perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi, Renée Ahdieh, and Sabaa Tahir.

For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts Malik’s younger sister, Nadia, as payment into the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom.

But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition.

When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a heart-pounding course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death?

The Queen's Assassin (Queen's Secret #1) February 4th 2020 by Melissa de la Cruz

Caledon Holt is the Kingdom of Renovia's deadliest weapon. No one alive can best him in brawn or brains, which is why he's the Guild's most dangerous member and the Queen's one and only assassin. He's also bound to the Queen by an impossible vow--to find the missing Deian Scrolls, the fount of all magical history and knowledge, stolen years ago by a nefarious sect called the Aphrasians.

Shadow has been training all her life to follow in the footsteps of her mother and aunts--to become skilled enough to join the ranks of the Guild. Though magic has been forbidden since the Aphrasian uprising, Shadow has been learning to control her powers in secret, hoping that one day she'll become an assassin as feared and revered as Caledon Holt.

When a surprise attack brings Shadow and Cal together, they're forced to team up as assassin and apprentice to hunt down a new sinister threat to Renovia. But as Cal and Shadow grow closer, they'll uncover a shocking web of lies and secrets that may destroy everything they hold dear. With war on the horizon and true love at risk, they'll stop at nothing to protect each other and their kingdom in this stunning first novel in the Queen's Secret series.

Witches of Ash and Ruin March 3rd 2020 by E. Latimer

Seventeen-year-old Dayna Walsh is struggling to cope with her somatic OCD; the aftermath of being outed as bisexual in her conservative Irish town; and the return of her long-absent mother, who barely seems like a parent. But all that really matters to her is ascending and finally, finally becoming a full witch-plans that are complicated when another coven, rumored to have a sordid history with black magic, arrives in town with premonitions of death. Dayna immediately finds herself at odds with the bewitchingly frustrating Meiner King, the granddaughter of their coven leader.

And then a witch turns up murdered at a local sacred site, along with the blood symbol of the Butcher of Manchester-an infamous serial killer whose trail has long gone cold. The killer's motives are enmeshed in a complex web of witches and gods, and Dayna and Meiner soon find themselves at the center of it all. If they don't stop the Butcher, one of them will be next.

With razor-sharp prose and achingly real characters, E. Latimer crafts a sweeping, mesmerizing story of dark magic and brutal mythology set against a backdrop of contemporary Ireland that's impossible to put down.

All These Monsters (Monsters #1) July 7th 2020 by Amy Tintera

Seventeen-year-old Clara is ready to fight back. Fight back against her abusive father, fight back against the only life she’s ever known, and most of all, fight back against scrabs, the earth-dwelling monsters that are currently ravaging the world. So when an opportunity arises for Clara to join an international monster-fighting squad, she jumps at the chance.

When Clara starts training with her teammates, however, she realizes what fighting monsters really means: sore muscles, exhaustion, and worst of all, death. Scrabs are unpredictable, violent, and terrifying. But as Clara gains confidence in her battle skills, she starts to realize scrabs might not be the biggest evil. The true monsters are the ones you least expect.

Ghost Wood Song July 21st 2020 by Erica Waters

If I could have a fiddle made of Daddy’s bones, I’d play it. I’d learn all the secrets he kept.

Shady Grove inherited her father’s ability to call ghosts from the grave with his fiddle, but she also knows the fiddle’s tunes bring nothing but trouble and darkness.

But when her brother is accused of murder, she can’t let the dead keep their secrets.

In order to clear his name, she’s going to have to make those ghosts sing.

Family secrets, a gorgeously resonant LGBTQ love triangle, and just the right amount of creepiness make this young adult debut a haunting and hopeful story about facing everything that haunts us in the dark.

Cemetery Boys June 9th 2020 by Aiden Thomas

Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can’t get rid of him.

When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free.

However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school’s resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He’s determined to find out what happened and tie up some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave.

The Princess Will Save You (The Princess Will Save You #1) July 7th 2020 by Sarah Henning

A PRINCESS A STABLE BOY A QUEST

When her father dies, Princess Amarande is given an ultimatum: Marry the leader of one of the four neighboring kingdoms, or lose her crown—and possibly her life. And to force her hand, her beloved, the stable boy Luca, is kidnapped.

But Amarande was raised to be a warrior, not a sacrifice.

And nothing will stop her from saving her true love and rescuing her kingdom.

The acclaimed author of Sea Witch turns the classic damsel-in-distress tale on its head with this story of adventure, identity, and love.

House of Dragons (House of Dragons #1) May 12th 2020 by Jessica Cluess

Five royal houses will hear the call to compete in the Trial for the dragon throne. A liar, a soldier, a servant, a thief, and a murderer will answer it. Who will win? Think THREE DARK CROWNS meets THE BREAKFAST CLUB with DRAGONS.

When the Emperor dies, the five royal houses of Etrusia attend the Call, where one of their own will be selected to compete for the throne. It is always the oldest child, the one who has been preparing for years to compete in the Trial. But this year is different. This year, these five outcasts will answer the call....

THE LIAR: Emilia must hide her dark magic or be put to death.

THE SOLDIER: Lucian is a warrior who has sworn to never lift a sword again.

THE SERVANT: Vespir is a dragon trainer whose skills alone will keep her in the game.

THE THIEF: Ajax knows that nothing is free--he must take what he wants.

THE MURDERER: Hyperia was born to rule and will stop at nothing to take her throne.

Cinderella Is Dead July 7th 2020 by Kalynn Bayron

It’s 200 years after Cinderella found her prince, but the fairy tale is over. Teen girls are now required to appear at the Annual Ball, where the men of the kingdom select wives based on a girl’s display of finery. If a suitable match is not found, the girls not chosen are never heard from again.

Sixteen-year-old Sophia would much rather marry Erin, her childhood best friend, than parade in front of suitors. At the ball, Sophia makes the desperate decision to flee, and finds herself hiding in Cinderella’s mausoleum. There, she meets Constance, the last known descendant of Cinderella and her step sisters. Together they vow to bring down the king once and for all–and in the process, they learn that there’s more to Cinderella’s story than they ever knew . . .

This fresh take on a classic story will make readers question the tales they’ve been told, and root for girls to break down the constructs of the world around them.

Shielded (Shielded #1) July 21st 2020 by KayLynn Flanders

The kingdom of Hálendi is in trouble. It's losing the war at its borders, and rumors of a new, deadlier threat on the horizon have surfaced. Princess Jennesara knows her skills on the battlefield would make her an asset and wants to help, but her father has other plans.

As the second-born heir to the throne, Jenna lacks the firstborn's--her brother's--magical abilities, so the king promises her hand in marriage to the prince of neighboring Turia in exchange for resources Hálendi needs. Jenna must leave behind everything she has ever known if she is to give her people a chance at peace.

Only, on the journey to reach her betrothed and new home, the royal caravan is ambushed, and Jenna realizes the rumors were wrong--the new threat is worse than anyone imagined. Now Jenna must decide if revealing a dangerous secret is worth the cost before it's too late--for her and for her entire kingdom.

The Seventh Sun (The Age of the Seventh Sun #1) February 18th 2020 by Lani Forbes

Thrust into leadership upon the death of his emperor father, young Prince Ahkin feels completely unready for his new position. Though his royal blood controls the power of the sun, he's now responsible for the lives of all the Chicome people. And despite all Ahkin's efforts, the sun is fading--and the end of the world may be at hand.

For Mayana, the only daughter of the Chicome family whose blood controls the power of water, the old emperor's death may mean that she is next. Prince Ahkin must be married before he can ascend the throne, and Mayana is one of six noble daughters presented to him as a possible wife. Those who are not chosen will be sacrificed to the gods.

Only one girl can become Ahkin's bride. Mayana and Ahkin feel an immediate connection, but the gods themselves may be against them. Both recognize that the ancient rites of blood that keep the gods appeased may be harming the Chicome more than they help. As a bloodred comet and the fading sun bring a growing sense of dread, only two young people may hope to change their world.

Rich in imagination and romance, and based on the legends and history of the Aztec and Maya people, The Seventh Sun brings to vivid life a world on the edge of apocalyptic disaster.

Of Silver and Shadow May 26th 2020 by Jennifer Gruenke

Ren Kolins is a silver wielder—a dangerous thing to be in the kingdom of Erdis, where magic has been outlawed for a century. Ren is just trying to survive, sticking to a life of petty thievery, card games, and pit fighting to get by. But when a wealthy rebel leader discovers her secret, he offers her a fortune to join his revolution. The caveat: she won’t see a single coin until they overthrow the King.

Behind the castle walls, a brutal group of warriors known as the King’s Children is engaged in a competition: the first to find the rebel leader will be made King’s Fang, the right hand of the King of Erdis. And Adley Farre is hunting down the rebels one by one, torturing her way to Ren and the rebel leader, and the coveted King’s Fang title.

But time is running out for all of them, including the youngest Prince of Erdis, who finds himself pulled into the rebellion. Political tensions have reached a boiling point, and Ren and the rebels must take the throne before war breaks out.

Kingdom of the Wicked (Kingdom of the Wicked #1) September 15th 2020 by Kerri Maniscalco

Emilia and her twin sister Victoria are strega - witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Victoria misses dinner service at the family's renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin...desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to discover who did this, and to seek vengeance at any cost—even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, the outlier among the seven demon brethren, always choosing duty over pleasure. He’s been tasked by his master with investigating a series of women’s murders on the island. When Emilia and Wrath’s fates collide, it’s clear this disturbing mystery will take a bewitching turn...

The Frost Eater (The Magic Eaters Trilogy #1) January 28th 2020 by Carol Beth Anderson

A lonely princess. A flying teen. A kidnapped girl who only remembers what happens at night.

Seventeen-year-old Princess Nora is a frost eater who creates magical ice. Her royal life is luxurious but stifling.

Krey West has a rare magical talent: when he eats feathers, he can fly. His one goal is to find his missing girlfriend, Zeisha. He thinks someone in power abducted her.

Krey’s daring feats of magic earn him an invitation to the palace. Craving adventure and friendship, Nora offers to help him find Zeisha. He’s desperate enough to accept—though he hates the monarchy.

The truth is more terrible than they could imagine.

Every night, Zeisha wakes in a dark room full of sleeping people, unable to remember what she did in the light. Her dreams provide violent glimpses into her forgotten days.

If Krey and Nora can’t save her, Zeisha may lose herself forever.

A Wicked Magic July 28th 2020 by Sasha Laurens

Dan and Liss are witches. The Black Book granted them that power. Harnessing that power feels good, especially when everything in their lives makes them feel powerless.

During a spell gone wrong, Liss's boyfriend is snatched away by an evil entity and presumed dead. Dan and Liss's friendship dies that night, too. How can they practice magic after the darkness that they conjured?

Months later, Liss discovers that her boyfriend is alive, trapped underground in the grips of an ancient force. She must save him, and she needs Dan and the power of The Black Book to do so. Dan is quickly sucked back into Liss's orbit and pushes away her best friend, Alexa. But Alexa has some big secrets she's hiding and her own unique magical disaster to deal with.

When another teenager disappears, the girls know it's no coincidence. What greedy magic have they awakened? And what does it want with these teens it has stolen?

Set in the atmospheric wilds of California's northern coast, Sasha Laurens's thrilling debut novel is about the complications of friendship, how to take back power, and how to embrace the darkness that lives within us all.

Ink in the Blood (Ink in The Blood #1) February 11th 2020 by Kim Smejkal

Celia Sand and her best friend, Anya Burtoni, are inklings for the esteemed religion of Profeta. Using magic, they tattoo followers with beautiful images that represent the Divine’s will and guide the actions of the recipients. It’s considered a noble calling, but ten years into their servitude Celia and Anya know the truth: Profeta is built on lies, the tattooed orders strip away freedom, and the revered temple is actually a brutal, torturous prison.

Their opportunity to escape arrives with the Rabble Mob, a traveling theater troupe. Using their inkling abilities for performance instead of propaganda, Celia and Anya are content for the first time . . . until they realize who followed them. The Divine they never believed in is very real, very angry, and determined to use Celia, Anya, and the Rabble Mob’s now-infamous stage to spread her deceitful influence even further.

To protect their new family from the wrath of a malicious deity and the zealots who work in her name, Celia and Anya must unmask the biggest lie of all—Profeta itself.

#2020 books #2020 most anticipated releases #amreading

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nonsenseandstuff · 7 years

Text

So I saw this post about bridesmaids and best men a week or so ago and queued it up, but it wouldn’t leave my head. I had this image of a best man fencing with an evil spirit. It seemed epic enough to deserve a drawing or an epic poem.

So, I wrote a ballad. It’s not exactly what I wanted when I started it, being more comic and silly than epic and I didn’t even really get the sword fight in there, but I thought I’d post it anyway. Mainly to stop myself fiddling with it and to get it out of my head. It’s very long and doesn’t have a title, so if you think of one, feel free to put it in a reply or tag or message me.

It is a very special day,

A day of hope and joy,

The bride was dressed in all her best,

The groom, her special boy.

Outside the church a woman was,

Ancient and withered too,

She warned all those who crossed her path,

This day they would soon rue.

“Begone you hag”, the best man cried,

(The guests uneasy were)

“Today should be a happy day,

Our wrath you shall incur.”

“Upset,” she said, “is better than

What could occur instead,

You do not know what lurks out there,

That could soon see us dead.”

The bridesmaid laughed and shook her head,

“We don’t believe your lies,

As old and bitter as you are,

We won’t believe you’re wise.”

The woman gave a weary sigh,

“I know what you all say,

Believing only what you see,

And in the light of day.”

The groom was waiting in the church,

The doors were open wide,

The pews were packed with people full,

All waiting for the bride.

And in the shadows, something lurked,

Awaiting for his chance,

The last chance he would ever have,

To take her for a dance.

The bride and maids were dressed in white,

The priest was waiting too,

The wedding bells would soon ring out,

Ready to say I do?

The women walked in through the gate,

And into the churchyard,

It was the bride’s most special day,

She was not on her guard.

They’d barely started down the path,

They were not near the door,

When icy hands reached out and grasped,

The bridesmaid, there no more.

She screamed out loud as she was dragged,

Across the graves and mud,

She could not run, nor could she fight,

The grip that drew her blood.

The “man” was tall and he was pale,

The colour of old bone,

He held her close against his side,

As harsh and cold as stone.

“I have you now,” he cried, no, laughed,

One hand drew back her veil,

He snarled when he revealed her face,

“What is this dark betrayal?”

The woman there was not the bride,

But one of her two maids,

The decoys there to keep her safe,

And to help her tie her braids.

The monster threw the girl aside,

And reached again his hand,

He grabbed another dressed in white,

But not the one he planned.

The second maid spat in his face,

“You’ll never get her now,

Inside the church, she’s nice and safe!”

“And that will stop me how?”

He dropped the maid upon her friend,

And sauntered through the yard,

He walked along the crooked path,

But the big church doors were barred.

The best man, with his sharp sword drawn,

Stood in the creature’s path,

“You stop right there, you won’t get by,”

The creature had to laugh.

(It is the best man’s job you see,

To fight those who object,

Even foul creatures from beyond,

This marriage he’ll protect).

“You think you have a choice, my boy?

You think you can stop me?

I’ve ripped out hearts of better men,

I’ll eat you for my tea.

I’ve travelled long and travelled far,

From on the other side,

There is one here who I shall have,

Give me the blushing bride.”

The best man said, “you won’t get passed-“

He was knocked to the ground,

The creature stepped over the man,

(and neither made a sound).

The guests all cowered in the church,

The doors were open wide,

The pews were packed with fearful folk,

But where oh where’s the bride?

The creature stalked along the aisle,

Ignoring all the screams,

Where was the woman all in white,

The woman of his dreams?

The old priest stepped to bar the way,

The church was his domain,

“You have no business, creature, here,”

His voice cracked with the strain.

“I am not some petty spirit,

It’s not some petty game,

Bow down your head and stand aside,

And let me at the dame.”

The creature sauntered down the aisle,

The guests all shook in fear,

It was not good, it was not right,

To see the creature here.

The groom hid behind the altar,

He loved his bride to be,

He did not fight, he was not strong,

But his one true love was she.

The creature raised his sharp clawed hands,

And snarled and hissed and groaned,

He loomed over the humans there,

Whilst they all shook and moaned.

The bride she knew just what he was,

She’d seen him oft before,

And turned him down so many times,

She’d turn him down once more.

She was hidden from the creature,

Was hidden from his wrath,

Then she, with shaking hands, stepped out,

Into the middle of his path.

“I was never yours, foul creature,

I always told you no,

And you show up at my wedding?

You know where you can go!”

“You are,” he said, “the one I love,

I cannot let you go,

You have to see your vast mistake,

I know I’ve told you so.”

“So what if he’s not a hero?

Or magical like you?

He is kind and he is gentle,

I know he loves me too.”

The groom stepped up with shaking hands,

And stood at her left side,

“So I don’t know how to stop you,

I know I love my bride.”

“Then is that your final answer?

For me to fade away?

After all I would have given,

You will so rue this day.”

The old woman (you remember,

The one who sat outside),

She laughed and laughed and said to him,

“She will not be your bride.”

“This one,” she said, “is truly brave,

With true love too, I’d say,

So begone you wretched creature,

Give her her happy day.”

The creature frowned and stamped one foot,

Arms folded on his chest,

He pouted like a little child,

A spoiled brat, I attest.

“But I do so truly love her,

You just don’t understand,

The pain that I feel deep inside,

To see her take his hand.”

“You’ve loved before, you’ll love again,”

The withered woman said,

“Remember you live far longer,

You’ll blink and she’ll be dead.”

“What business is it then, of yours?”

The creature growled and hissed,

“A petty, jealous, ancient hag,

You surely won’t be missed.”

The creature raised his sharpened claws,

(the guests all gave a cry),

The hag stood tall and bared her throat,

“Go on, give it a try.”

“Onc, years ago, I went with you,

You ate up all my youth,

And now you’re back to try again,

Your love is never truth.

You take us far away from here,

Into some fairy glen,

Your interest soon it fades away,

Just like all other men.

The bride she is still young and strong,

Smarter, she is, than me,

And she is true and she’s in love,

So you just leave her be.”

“So you think that you can stop me,

Old woman that you are?

You’ve seen my powers and my land,

You’re bones I will soon char!”

“You may have gotten bored of me,”

The elder woman smiled,

“Your sister, on the other hand…

You’d better leave this child.”

The creature flinched and shook his head,

“You’re lying to me,” he cried,

“My sister would not get involved,”

“I’m confused,” said the bride.

“For all these months you have wooed me,

Despite my clear said no,

You said I was your one true love,

But her too, is that so?”

“You know to me she’s nothing,

You are the one I need,

Come with me and belong to me,

Or else I’ll see you bleed.”

“Oh no you won’t,” a voice rang out,

(A bright and warming sound)

“Little brother, what have you done?”

A second creature frowned.

She’s terrible but gorgeous too,

She stalked the crowded aisle,

“Mabel,” she said, “are you quite well?”

(Old woman gave a smile)

“Oh brother mine, what have you done?

You know that no means no,

I’m taking you back to our home,

Say sorry now, let’s go.”

“Sister you cannot understand,

It is true love this time!”

The bride cried out, strong and loud,

“I don’t love you, you slime!”

“You’ve heard it from the girl’s own mouth,

You’re not her one true love,

You need to leave now, come with me,

You too, Mabel, my dove.”

“I will not leave, I will not go!”

“Don’t make me get our dad!”

The creature flinched and quickly said,

“I’m sorry, don’t be mad!”

With that both creatures took their leave,

(and Mabel too, of course,)

And journeyed back to their home land,

By puff of smoke, not horse.

And as for those left in the church,

All of them gathered near,

They had one question left to ask:

“So what just happened here?”

The bride and groom, well, they were wed,

It really was true love,

As for the bridesmaids and best man,

None hurt, thank stars above.

The moral then, of this long tale,

It does not matter much,

It is a story told in fun,

And should be seen as such.

Hey, if you enjoyed this story, you can read more of my writing here.

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