#glory starter

[booksandchainmail]

Hugo Best Novel Finalists 2024

I've read all 6, so here's my impressions and loose ranking. The numerical ranking is only approximate for now, I'm going to pin it down once we get closer to voting closing. I could see the top two books switching places, or any rotation within books three, four, and five.

The Saint of Bright Doors, by Vajra Chandrasekera This was one of my top books of last year and one of my own nominations. It's a very strange book, twisty and creative, and left me with a lot of thoughts, particularly about how it handles government. I appreciated the mishmash of worldbuilding, all sorts of things that felt incongruous next to each other but somehow fit together. It also felt more literary than most sff novels? I am not normally deeply noticing of language, but I kept coming back to individual turns of phrase here. All books should have a 50-page chapter in the middle where the protagonist wanders through a neverending surrealist prison land.

Some Desperate Glory, by Emily Tesh Another of my nominations, this is a more straightforward exploration of, essentially, the deradicalization of someone raised in an authoritarian military camp. I respect how this book lets Kyr be awful, be completely convinced she is correct, and be defensive and lash out when confronted with her home's issues. I think the ending stumbles a bit, but really I mostly wanted this book to be much, much longer and have Kyr's character arc spread out more. Also, the choice of title and epigraph is excellent.

Translation State, by Ann Leckie Not much to say here, it's a new book in the Imperial Radch universe, I read it when I came out so don't remember detail. I liked the different intersecting plotlines, and particularly the Presger merge-and-devour adolescent instinct

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, by Shannon Chakraborty This one I hadn't read before but enjoyed. I don't know how deep I'd say it is, but it's fun, a good classic adventure story with a putting-the-crew-back-together plot common to heist narratives. It benefits a lot from its setting: my main takeaway was that the Indian Ocean in medieval times is a criminally underused setting for any kind of nautical/swashbuckling/adventure story.

Witch King, by Martha Wells I read this one when it came out, and remember liking it a lot. The two intertwined narratives, set centuries apart, worked well for me to let the backstory unfold to inform the main plot as it progressed. I think I preferred the backstory narrative? But that might be due to also having the present narrative, since my favorite part was seeing how the echoes of relationships are still going on centuries after we get to see them form

Starter Villain, by John Scalzi I did not like this. I had some criticism last year for Scalzi's Kaiju Preservation Society, on the grounds that it was fun but not substantive enough for an award. But at least with that one I enjoyed reading it! My main thought while reading Starter Villain was "Well, at least it's short." I think my main problem with this is tonal: it doesn't commit enough to the over-the-top goofiness of "guy inherits his uncle's supervillain empire" and keeps trying to ground it in what an actual secretive genius billionaire pulling strings behind the scenes for his own nefarious purposes might look like, but then any attempts to actually be serious with the grounded stakes and world established kept running into the fact that it also featured sentient cats and talking dolphins! Also, I couldn't stop noticing that the protagonist talks the same way as the major supporting characters, which is the same way the protagonist talked in KPS last year

[bennidraws]

doodle dump of some bg3 moments

[essentiamortis]

@caracarnn

she'd fallen into a routine with her traveling from between the surface and the underworld. it was becoming peaceful, welcoming almost. she has her duties in the underworld and a stable job working as a medical examiner. her job would be easier if she'd summon spirits but that would be crossing the line of balance. souls could haunt but she was limited to evidence at hand. injuries on the bodies, blood tests, toxicology reports, weapons used, medical history, samples taken from crime scenes, if they were found outside, decomposing with bugs or dirt nearby, she'd examine them as well. elizabeth combs through everything she can get her hands on, double back to check her own work.

she applies the same calculated skills to the same corpse lying upon the autopsy table. unidentified female, possible late twenties or early thirties based off bones. there wasn't much flesh left when she was discovered. from first glances, she could tell the body had to have been left out in the swelting summer sun for at minimum two or three weeks. further tests and examination would determine. petri dishes consisting of dirt and remains of bugs she'd gathered from the scene as well as off the body before transport sat on the table next to her.

she's continuing her examination of the visible wounds and overall condition of the body when she hears footsteps entering into her lab. "i do hope you are here to provide more evidence of value and not hounding me about an update like your fellow senior officers like to do."

[fullstcp]

"Glory Days" by Little Mix Sentence Starters

SHOUT OUT TO MY EX

"This is a shout out to my ex."

"Heard he's/she's/they're in love with some other chick/guy."

"That hurt me, I'll admit."

"Forget that, boy/girl, I'm over it."

"I hope he's/she's/they're getting better sex."

"I hope she/he/they ain't faking it like I did, babe."

"Took four long years to call it quits."

"Guess I should say thank you for the 'hate yous' and the tattoos."

"Ain't sure I loved you, anyway."

"You're really quite the man/woman."

"You made my heartbreak and that made me who I am."

"Hey, look at me now!"

"I'm all the way up, I swear you'll never bring me down."

"I deleted all your pics."

"I blocked your number from my phone."

"You took all you could get, but you ain't getting this love no more."

"I snapped right back, I'm so brand new."

"Read my lips, I'm over you."

TOUCH

"You and I and nobody else."

"I'm feeling feelings I've never felt."

"It's the way you got me under your spell."

"Don't you keep it all to yourself."

"Just a touch of your love is enough."

"I promise to keep this a secret, I'll never tell."

"And now my whole week is golden."

"I'm not afraid to fade into emotions."

"I know that this could be something real."

REGGAETÓN LENTO

"I know it's crazy."

"I feel like you could be the one that I've been chasing in my dreams."

"There's nobody in here that comes close to you."

"I wish that this could last forever."

"Every second by your side is heaven."

"Don't you know you're playing with fire tonight?"

F.U.

"All damn night, I was here waiting."

"I know you were with her/him/them."

"I know that you kissed her/him/them."

"Had my breakup speech ready, then you kiss my face."

"It's the way you persuade me."

"I hate you, really hate you."

"My momma said I shouldn't date you."

"I don't wanna be friends."

"Why am I such a fool when it comes to you?"

"All my friends say I'm a sucker."

"Can't explain, it's complicated."

"I wish you were dead till you take me to bed."

"I'll get my revenge, take my key to your Benz."

"Right before I say that it's the end, you sweet talk me again."

"I wanna say 'screw you'."

"I practice my lines in the mirror."

"Then you smile, that's my killer."

"So I say 'love you'."

"Cause you're drop dead gorgeous."

"Cupid ain't coming to warn us."

POWER

"You should know, I'm the one who's in control."

"I got the power."

"Hold up, my turn."

"Got you thinking that I'm all innocent."

"Just wait till I get you home."

NO MORE SAD SONGS

"I keep trying, nothing's working."

"I still wanna know if you're alone."

"I keep trying to put this behind me."

"I still wanna know who's taking you home."

"For tonight, I'm gonna get my mind off it."

"Don't care where I go."

"Just can't be alone."

"They'll never know me like you used to know me."

"I still got you on my mind."

"I will only hurt myself trying to hurt you."

OOPS

"You woke up in my bed."

"We broke up, we're better off as friends."

"Now I accidentally need you."

"I don't know what to do."

"Oops, baby, I love you."

"I messed around and got caught up with you."

"I've got these feelings like there's nothing new."

"Now I can't get enough of you."

"I don't know how long I can wait."

"This could be my greatest mistake."

"We had a good run."

"We messed around and had some good fun."

"Guess it turns out I lost a good one."

"Now I'm wishing every morning would come with you next to me."

"If it was up to me, I would take a time machine to the day I said goodbye."

"So can we try again?"

"No, don't you tell me goodbye."

YOU GOTTA NOT

"Is that what you call flirting?"

"I don't get paid to babysit no one."

"I'm out here looking for the one to love."

"And everybody warned me."

"But you're kinda hot, so I thought 'why not'?"

DOWN & DIRTY

"If we only got one night, forget about the world outside."

"I don't ask the mirror, I know I'm the fairest."

"I'm bringing the fire so call me Daenerys."

"They wanna know who I'm sneaking into my place."

"They don't need to know."

"No one's business how I play."

"I know you heard me."

"Everybody get down."

YOUR LOVE

"If I ain't got nothing, least I got you."

"Come and kiss me for the first time."

"That's what your love makes me feel like."

"Let's pack up and run away, just me and you."

"There ain't no heartache you can't undo."

"Take my hand, baby, please."

NOBODY LIKE YOU

"I'm alive, if living's just a beating heart."

"We won't admit we've taken it too far."

"I know it's love."

"I will always be the first to start making up excuses when it hurts."

"I'm alone again."

"All I want is to feel again."

"There's nobody like you."

"I've tried 'goodbye' a hundred times, not one of them true."

"I'm screaming 'i don't want you,' but you know that I do."

"You only see me when my guard is down."

"It's wrong, and I hate that it's the truth."

"I only like myself when I'm with you."

"All you left me with was scars."

"And that's the hardest part."

PRIVATE SHOW

"You got my adrenaline pumping when you stand so close."

"We don't need a reason."

"I got a feeling, that soon we'll be leaving."

"You had me at hello."

"You're the only one that's taking me home."

"Put your kisses on my lips."

"We ain't here for playing these games."

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS

"Sometimes, we take it too far going at the deep end."

"No matter what the deal, babe, you know that I'll be there."

"Can't let nobody's words be the why we ain't speaking."

"Too much is not enough."

"Nothing else matters like us."

"Nothing else matters like love."

"I don't wanna fight, not tonight."

"You just gotta believe if it leaves that it's coming back around."

"Look at us now, still you and me."

"We've come so far."

"So when you coming around?"

"I don't want nobody else."

"I got you all to myself."

IF I GET MY WAY

"I don't wanna talk about her/him/them."

"Tonight, I really wanna fix your heart."

"I can see it in your face, your heart is breaking."

"I don't wanna play her/his/their games."

"I really wanna be the one to take you home."

"Fed up of being the shoulder you cry on."

"I want to be the shoulder you lie on."

"I'll be fine, if you're mine."

"I want to be the one that you dream of."

"If I get my way, I'ma take care of you."

"I can take her/his/their place, let me get my way."

"I'm never letting go of you."

"I'ma put an end to all the waiting."

"Don't you know I try to forget about you at night?"

IS YOUR LOVE ENOUGH?

"Is your love enough?"

"It's getting late, but you don't mind it."

"One kiss, you're falling in love."

"Too much is never too much."

"Is it enough? I wanna know."

"Come on, make me believe it."

DEAR LOVER

"You look like home tonight."

"All you need is my love."

"That's all I'm asking of ya."

"I'm incapable of saving your heart this time."

"But if you wanna, I'll pretend to be you hero for just tonight."

"You've been believing there's more to this feeling. I swear, I wish there was."

"When the moment is over, we'll walk away closer."

"Maybe that's good enough."

FREAK

"You don't get these kisses for free."

"I can tell you think there's nothing wrong."

"Lipstick on your shirt, so don't make it worse lying to me."

"Now watch me set the tone."

"You'll be sleeping in the bed alone."

"You ain't making a fool of me."

"I got two sides of me."

"I ain't playing games no more."

"Listen to me, now it's critical."

"Get your story straight."

"I can wait all night for sure."

"I won't forgive you for your mistakes."

"Don't try to turn this around."

"It's too late."

"There's emotions you ain't seen."

"I can be your nightmare or your queen."

"Go ahead, bad boy, live your dream."

"Don't come crawling back to me."

[reflections-of-mobius]

"Get out of my way."

[heartfe1t]

open starter ( @indiestarter )

open to: f, mutuals & non-mutuals muse: quinn rosen, pro baseball pitcher, 22-24 connection: his best friend's younger sister, a girl he met at the after party (invited or maybe snuck in?)/hotel bar, a friend or teammate's ex who happens to be at the party maybe if we want to make it a little more spicy...

    ❝    what do you think, can i get you one more drink? i know everyone else has gone to bed, but- i could definitely enjoy your company a while longer...    ❞     quinn offers the idea of a drink to the other with a wink. he's a flirt, sure, but... he's enjoying flirting with her.

[royalreef]

"Let me be clear, there are two types of people: those whom have caught the Merkingdom's attention, and those who have not. Do not get it mixed up."

[bcrnking]

@habitualevil | Liked for a Small-ish Starter

The woods were dead quiet, void of sound and shadow. Almost as if the world had frozen in place. But life still moved, just inside the treelines. Dark amber eyes caught in the reflection of armor, if timed just right. The occasional bird could be heard flying out of the trees to safety. The hunt was underway, and it had grown uncomfortably still. Metal clanked, drawing the attention of the wulver, as it swung around. It's eyes moving in the darkness of the forest, searching for the one who hunted it. A deep voice, commanded it, rumbling across the trees.

And the creature let out a high pitched howl, before it ran straight toward the tall dark shadow that loomed in between the trees. Blood sprayed, as the blade connected into the creatures head, busting the skull wide open. The sickening crunch of bone could be heard, as Mjolnir penetrated the wulvers face. And a earth shattering roar could be heard, spilling from the dark shadow. Now moving forward a few steps, before blonde locks spilled past broad shoulders. Head snapping in the direction of someone Thor hadn't seen in quite a long time.

❝ Claire, what are you doing here? That wulver could have made you it's meal. Do you realize the danger in coming here? ❞

That voice, rich with a rough English accent, almost sounding Norwegian. His eyes softened , slightly as he moved towards her. Fingers collecting Mjolnir's handle as he passed the dead wulver. Concerned yet, still somewhat angry eyes connected with Claires. His footsteps carrying him quickly across the forest floor, until he stood before her. Placing his Hammer beside him, one finger sliding caressingly under her chin, as he lifted it slightly.

❝ Why are you here for? What is wrong? "

[sunnydalescoobiies]

THERE WAS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT TO GLORY THAN FINDING HER WAY BACK HOME. that might sound wholesome and sweet but the true meaning behind this goal was nothing short of horrifying. returning home for this god meant releasing absolute hell on earth. every and each portal imaginable, ranging from all sorts of unspeakable evil, would tear and bleed into this reality. doing this meant glory could take on her revenge against the other gods in her own world for banishing her from her realm. and what was life without something to look forward to? after losing to the pesky, mousy slayer in sunnyhell, she fled the city to recover and gather new and improved reinforcements that could successfully assist her in doing this terrifying endeavor. mystic falls is where her research has brought her to. this town had powerful supernatural energy that she was feeding off of and plenty of victims to go around. hopefully more promising henchmen would show their face and faith to her. after all, she was a god and not one to be trifled with.

WHEN GLORY PATROLLED THE BARS DOWNTOWN, SHE HAD SPOTTED SOMEONE THAT SEEMED TO BE STRONGER THAN THE OTHER IRRITATING ANT-LIKE HUMANS THAT INFESTED THIS TOWN. she seemed sure of herself and knowledgeable. after toturing the lowlife scum that dared called themselves the creatures of the night, all that information brought her to this woman. she was told she had powers unlike anyone else. if she couldn't fight for her, maybe she could point her in the right direction instead. she waited for her move before suddenly, in a flash, appearing in front of @salvatoreseer and not letting the poor girl have time to process the god's speed, she bombarded her with questions. glory tilts her head and lets a sly smirk tug subtly at the corner of her lips, “ hey beautiful. a little birdie told me you could help me out with a pesky problem that's been bothering me ” she started confidently. “ you got a minute ? not like you have much of a choice in the matter anyway but i'm tired of being the snot out of people. so, why don't you make this easy and just come with me ? i'll buy you a drink. ”

[foxespsu]

Location: The Foxhole Court Date: Wednesday, August 25th  Time: Afternoon, after practice (open)

It’s good to be back. Even better to have something like the scrimmage to look forward to. It’s a game, yes, but one without the usual pressure—doubly so when they’re debuting four new Foxes this Friday. Hopefully, all eyes will be on the freshmen, and Casey can just play. Win or lose, it’s just for fun. It’s been a long time since that was their focus in Exy. 

After a summer with minimal practice, the past few weeks have felt like bringing their body back online. Despite the aches and pains, it’s a relief to play again. On good days, Casey never feels as connected to their skin as they do when playing Exy. Of course, the reverse is true on bad days, especially when they’d pumped themself full of steroids and pain pills. That was easier to do when they leaned into that disconnect—not a disconnect with their body, necessarily, but with the way everyone else viewed it. 

In that respect, there are fewer bad days on the Foxes. This team wasn’t Casey’s first choice—Wymack was, quite literally, their last choice—but Charlie was right all those months ago. Casey’s adjusting. And with that, they can see that there’s something here, something special they wouldn’t have on other teams. Wymack didn’t know Casey at their best, only at their worst, and he offered them this space, anyway. 

Casey’s not sure if all that’s enough to make up for that humiliating string of losses last year, but it’s a start. And anyway, it’s a new year. As a team, they have another shot. Casey has another shot at proving themself. 

They’re still sweaty from practice, tired but smiling. “Are you looking forward to Friday?” Casey asks, reluctant to leave the court behind. All that’s waiting back in their dorm is homework, the proof that it isn’t only the Exy year that’s started again. “It should be fun, right?” 

[etgloria]

It's been a year here for Etgloria! So for this weekend (basically until the 16th) if you like or reblogd this post I will yeet a muse at you. For nearly everyone. I will stay a bit selective but I am currently more open! So if you wished to do with me but haven't had the time or anything like or reblogd this post to get a random muse into your inbox!

[multiicolor]

im getting my juices back after goofing around on rob.lox so uhhhhhh starter call for my dragon gals?

[manufactoredxbyxdesign]

That was quite enough.

It was almost offensive, just how many times they'd fumbled through their attempts. Without so much as a glance over one shoulder to add to the aggravation.

As if the loud bangs and echoing bursts of macheriny being tortured by incompetent hands weren't being plainly heard across the whole realm by everyone with a pair of ears.

He's used to this sort of arrogance by now. Over time it's become a little push and pull - a system that always resets in the end. Though every once in awhile he enjoys teaching them a lesson.

It's quick but effective. Insultingly so if you asked him. The way he simply walks up behind them, snatching them up off the machine by the back of their shirt and tossing them over one shoulder. As if they were nothing more than a sack of flour.

[essentiamortis]

@ofsnarkandmagic / starter call.

"apologies for my intrusion but do you happen to know if mellie is around? i have a gift for her." she inquires as she glances around the shop she'd been frequently visiting for the past few months.

[feathersofvibranium]

// hit the heart for a random starter from Captain America Sam Wilson

[reflections-of-mobius]

"You don't think I'm a monster, do you?"