#my fanfiction is a mix between the show & books

[halfhoursonearth-writes]

Can you recommend fanfiction that you personally really like?

Yes! Love this ask. I’ve never made a Zutara fic rec list partially because I’ve read so many wonderful stories over time that I find the prospect daunting! 

But there are absolutely certain stories that I have a personal soft spot for, that I return to again and again. And that’s my criteria for what’s included below. This is a sampling of fics that I find myself coming back to, in no particular order. I may come back and add more, because this list is so far from exhaustive. A mix of ratings (marked), so keep that in mind.

Wish I Was the Moon by Like a Dove (T), post-canon: There’s so much that I love about the way this one-shot explores Katara’s character and what she faces post-canon, how she frees herself, strikes out in the world and finds her way home. Her feelings for Zuko, and her inner-conflict around them, are rendered tangibly, both through scene and subtext. A really good example of how an author can show a character’s lack of/journey to self-knowledge without breaking voice.

Refraction by caroes3725 (E), post-canon: When I started reading Zutara fanfic (for me this was in 2020), this was the fic I was looking for—a deep, realistic-to-canon, in-character exploration of how Zutara could unfold after the events of ATLA in a way that gives Katara in particular the arc she deserves. Really well-done development of the Fire Nation court world, well-developed characters, shining dialogue. An amazingly well-worth-it slow burn.

Wildfire by rainstormdragon (E), post-canon: To me this story is kind of a steamy Zutara thesis. The characters are so spot on and alive, their flaws are on full display in a way that feels realistic, and their chemistry is powered by their compatibility—matched in passion and stubbornness, and also in what they want from life. And I think it really gets Aang, too, which is something that can be hard to find in ZK fic. Also really hot, but that's only part of what makes it really shine.

Partners in Learning by evergreenonthehorizon (T), Modern AU: One of the things I love in modern AUs is watching an author weave that invisible string between these characters. Sometimes, it’s by writing narrative arcs that parallel the series, and sometimes it’s by drawing out the personality traits that make the characters both lovable to readers and such a compelling match and watching that spark bloom into flame. This beautifully written story does that so, so well in a really compelling Modern AU setting. Zuko and Katara here are so wonderfully lovable, and it’s a joy to watch them fall for one another, too.

Journeys by Smediterranea (E), Modern AU: In real life, I want to see my friends in relationships with people who can recognize why they’re so particularly amazing. That potential, I think, part of the appeal of ZK as a ship, and that’s part of the special magic of this fic. Watching these two characters get to know one another—really see one another—and fall in love deliciously sweeps the reader up. Plus, really fun, in character cameos from the rest of the Gaang along the way.

Spark, set fire by marijayne (T), Modern AU: literary fanfic, and I mean that in the best way. This story is beautiful and bittersweet, the latter is not often something I seek out in fanfic (where I hide from life), but here it’s gorgeous and worth it. The world building here is really cool—allows the author to explore some of a set of cultural issues/interactions that both echo the ATLA world and ours. The characters are so tenderly drawn (dadko especially)—and the connection between them builds beautifully and tangibly—and the longing is…chef’s kiss. 

Wrong when it's right by nire (T), Book 1 Canon Divergence: Before I read this, I couldn't imagine wanting to read a Book 1 Zutara. After, I wanted more. Bickering, bed-roll sharing, shared heat, tenderness and common ground. A delight from start to finish.

Anyway, thanks for asking and happy reading! <3 And if you want more recs, let me know.

[agentrouka-blog]

What made you first interested in Jonsa? I really want to love Jonsa. Which may sound strange. But hear me out. I’ve read all the metas and from a metatextual level I really agree with and believe in Jonsa. But I have trouble actually enjoying it and I think maybe it’s because so much content seems to focus on Jon pining over Sansa. I’d much prefer to see things from Sansa’s perspective where she sees the hero in him and sees that maybe all the songs aren’t lies after all as opposed to him “winning her over.” I feel I have been inundated my whole life with stories of outcast men pining over beautiful women they see as out of their league and “winning them over” and I honestly find the trope tiring because it’s so male perspective focused and doesn’t give Sansa the agency of choosing her lover, instead, making her something to be won or earned. If you have any suggestions for Jonsa content that focuses heavily on Sansa’s point of view, on her falling for Jon first (or at least falling for each other at the same time without realizing it) I’d love to hear them! And I’d love to hear what makes Jonsa appeal to you on a personal non-meta level!

Hi there!

I too draw a difference between Jonsa as a theory and shipping it for entertainment.

I've drifted quite a bit away from what you describe as "content", which is fanworks, art and fanfiction. My tastes are very narrow and that puts me outside the target audience for a lot of what is being shared by creators. Plus, I get a great deal more personal enjoyment out of just interpreting the canon text. I enjoy what the couple represents in the narrative more than I necessarily enjoy immersing myself in different non-canonical variants.

And there's a lot of variants. You have two similar but also very different canon-sources (books and tv show) and within those two sources very different takes on the couple. For as many "Jon pines for higborn Sansa" approaches you get an equal amount of "Sansa jealously pines for her brother's oblivious best friend" modern au's. What we enjoy in recreational reading is extremely personal and subjective.

That said, for fear of disappointing you, I don't particular enjoy the "Sansa falls first" scenarios because what I like about the couple especially is the idea of Sansa finally being appreciated for who she is. Canon offers us plenty of examples of Sansa extending affection and crushes on other characters. They are never truly reciprocated, and they join in on a theme of Sansa going unappreciated for her qualities by the world around her. She is disregarded, mocked, criticized, belittled, humiliated. So much so that a large part of the fandom considers this to be justified and educational for her. She has given up on being loved for herself, but she will not sacrifice her values as a consequence. So someone falling in love with her is to me a very compelling and cathartic validation of Sansa as a person. Of course, this only works if the person falling for Sansa is actually attractive to her and embodies the things we know she has been looking for all this time. But specifically the idea that Sansa falls first fails my personal taste because it contains a sense of lacking reciprocation that we've already seen multiple times in her story. She's been not-loved-in-return a lot already.

I do enjoy the concept of Jon being loved by Sansa, too, because it validated aspects of him he usually keeps close to his chest. Things that touch on his specific mixed sense of identity as a nobly-raised bastard. He has soft sensibilities, a romantic disposition, pedestrian dreams of family and home, and highly idealistic and emotional ideals surrounding leadership that center on duty and honor. But he is generally not appreciated for those specific things. He is appreciated for his brains and his abilities, his bravery, his pragmatism, his loyalty to his friends and duties - but not for the boy who wants to be Lord of Winterfell with a lady wife and babies, who wants to be a hero from the songs, Florian the Fool, Ryam Redwyne. It's a lovely and very specific recognition of a very private part of Jon, to be loved for his secret soft self.

But it's not my primary focus because unlike Sansa, Jon still receives a lot of validation and love in the source material. It's just not the specific kind he wants. So that makes it comparatively less compelling to me.

That doesn't mean that Sansa primarily falling in love with Jon isn't an equally valid thing to enjoy! It's just that I can't make you any good recommendations on this subject specifically because it's not my specific favorite flavor of jonsa.

I wish you good luck though!

[loveisnotfinite]

As I said all in all, I loved this season very much, although after some reasoning on the Polin dynamic and on what to me felt “off” and “went amiss” I came to the conclusion that the show runners could have had it all winning the heart of the fandom just by adding a couple of things (minus a couple of threesome cause one was enough to get the idea and well, maybe they could save time avoiding Miolet in the drawing room). Anyhow, here’s what I have been thinking:

- After the Queen bursted in at the wedding breakfast, they could have had Polin go home and have a fight, quite similar to the one they have in the book, with the same mixed feelings on behalf of Colin (who had already had his confrontation with Pen in the street in the show so was halfway to “forgiving her” already. She had apologized, outburst of angst, making out against the door yada yada, they had gotten married, new emotional chapter): he could have been infuriated now because of the Queens’ alleged threat, worried about Pen, about her safety, just as in the book, she might have said something about him feeling ashamed of her. Looking hurt. That might have got him click somehow. Cause a shift, a change in his current feelings. And so through an argument, she might have said something along the lines of being clear that he had married her but didn’t want to be with her in that moment, for their wedding night, and then the “stay quote”. Lovemaking. Which would have been not a first time, but a new experience. Truly knowing one another at this point, mending things in the bedroom as well, admitting they can’t stay away from each other at this point, for better or for worse, as in a real relationship and marriage of love after all; Colin giving in to the impulse of wanting to hold her, torn b/w the “grudge” he was holding and the love and attraction and the urge to protect her he felt (however perhaps still disagreeing in the morning on the value of LW. Just they would have been speaking two different language at that point. Colin envious still unable to admit it yet. Pen thinking he was ashamed of her) New chapter. New menace. Cressida comes along. Yada yada, the rest works.

- At the end of the ball of bugs or whatever it’s called when he asks her to dance, she should have said she’d rather go home (as in the book, where it’s implied they go home to make love and lock themselves in for weeks). This would have given the show an opportunity for an alternate sequence: of people dancing at the ball and of the two of them making love at home with some parallelisms to the ball scene and a palpable difference between this love making and their first (or second time). IDK I imagine it slow and sweet, and exploring experience. Pen being “in charge” undressing him slowly, looking Colin in the eyes. Touching and kissing and being more mature, his equal. Both feeling deserving of one another. And then, just as in the show, they could have headed to the bed, still partially dressed, I don’t care for nudity, and make love, with Pen straddling him. But they should have shot the lovemaking to the end, with the alternate montage, with the two of them entangled, and at the end of it smiling to one another, and that for me might have done it.

I think, all in all, with these two adjustments, without departing so much from the book and yet adding some lovemaking (mind you, not sex, not spicy stuff, but some moments of true connection and growth happening into the bedroom) the season would have been close to perfection.

This being said, after my humble two cents on the matter of screenwriting and fanfictional alternate course of action… shall we apply for a partial remake? Should I find a Delorian? I’ll ask Sheldon. There must be a way to reset time and adjust a couple of things. I must have a time turner somewhere.

[crazykuroneko]

IWTV Fanfiction Recommendations 🫶

I think I have read enough IWTV fics now, so I will list the ones I've bookmarked. All Loustat unless stated otherwise. And since I limit the number of on-going fics I read, you will find mostly completed, one shots, or serialized one-shot fics here. ❤️ means personal favorite. (Also, I don't always remember the author's Tumblr username, so if you know the ones I didn't link, please tell me)

AMC IWTV-verse fics

on brûlera toutes les deux en enfer, mon ange by Tash_ka ❤️

An Episode 5 divergent AU where Lestat's protective side kicked in when he looked at Claudia when she came back. Perfect serotonin and great resolution. Read the sequel as well

outcast of all this night by @puentera

Armand/Daniel, after Daniel came home from Dubai. A must read for Devil's Minion enthusiasts imo. Love the travelling and Daniel's daughters. Check other titles under the series as well.

fear death by water (what the thunder said) by @lgbtiwtv

In which Louis decided not to go with Claudia after Ep 7 and tended to Lestat instead. Or "Louis Phantom Thread-ing Lestat" as I affectionately call it. Love the language and Louis' internal conflict.

The Unreleased Interviews of Louis de Pointe du Lac by @fablesdelightme

Aka "extra" interviews Louis did to accompany his interview in the show. Personally, it's hard for me to read first person POV, but author captures Louis' voice well. Nice to challenge your interpretation of the show. My personal favorite of the series is Light of My Life, or The Lullaby ❤️. I love the romanticism in the words. But overall, a very beautiful series. Not all is Loustat, so mind the tags.

Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same (modern loustat series) by @thefairylights ❤️

The modern rock star!Lestat AU we all need where Loustat (finally) see a therapist! A mix between show and book-verse' canon. A fun light read with the perfect amount of fluff and angst. My personal favorites from the series are There is an indentation in the shape of you, made your mark on me, a golden tattoo and Here lies a heart that feels touched by fire, howling at the moon for you.

The Right Regrets by @dreamofme9 ❤️

You want to cry while reading the longest most romantic sex scene ever? This is it. I mean, fr the internal conflict Louis is having and all the love he feels for both Lestat and Claudia is 🤌

Basically, all fics written by @amc-iwtv

She has my favorite "voice" for both Louis and Lestat it's insane. My favorites are Valentine Medley ❤️, Bed Death (Loumand, with Loustat in the shadow), Familiar Taste of Poison (this fic is basically half canon for me idc), Written In The Stars Above (a very hot '80s rock star Lestat AU) ❤️, God Complex (Crazy In Love) (that Ep 6 scene from Lestat's POV).

Is It Too Much? by @thatgothicgay ❤️

aka what if Louis didn't say yes at the church and Loustat somehow found a way to communicate better. Love how the series handle the show's conflicts. Has a lot of de Pointe du Lacs feels. The sequel is on-going and worth the wait.

My Companion Heart by @mythicaltzu ❤️

Vampiric modern AU with satisfying murder mystery. Love the ending and Louis' characterization here.

Let the Tale Seduce You by (again) @mythicaltzu

Very different and intriguing take on the "unreliable narrator".

All the Ashes in My Wake by jeremystollemyheart

In the spirit of erasing Talbot from the show 🫡, what if it's Louis who's there with Lestat during the TOTBT suicide attempt? Short, but beautiful

Whispers in my mind by @nalyra-dreaming

It's written for me but idc lol. Beautiful fic of Louis' internal conflict in trying to free himself from Lestat's shadow post-Rue Royale until he realizes everything crumbling down again

These devils of yours, they need love too by (again) @thefairylights

In which Louis finally asked Lestat to kill Antoinette for him when Claudia was still away but somehow found it didn't change anything for him. The angst towards the end 🤌

your mouth and madness by @brightfelon ❤️

A non-vampiric modern AU of four-way Lestat/Louis/Armand/Daniel polycule aka Thee Polycule fic. Idk how to describe it except (insert that Lady Gaga's talented, incredible, amazing etc etc gif here). I think we should pitch this fic to Rolin so he would produce a spin-off series based on this fr. Light read, fun, right amount of angst, yet still tackling the conflicts the characters face in the show

Book-verse fics

Begin Again by @licncourt

My first loustat fic I read. Good for show-audience who haven't read the books but want to know loustat's relationship in the book-verse. Set after QotD (3rd book)

Experimental Methods by @zisurru

Loustat experimenting with Fareed's invention and everything that comes with it 😏

A Collected History of The Vampire Lestat (1968-1978) by @mutantmouse

it's rare for me to read epistolary fic, but I enjoyed this. very unique, and Loustat is all over the place. A glam rock and non-vampiric, but not really human either AU

Questions at Midnight by @sofipitch

A canon compliant AU from Prince Lestat era. I have to admit I like the idea of Rose, and this explores that in relation to Loustat.

L' Interversion by @calipsan

An AU where Louis went to Paris after being turned into vampire by other, found Lestat, and turned him instead. You don't really need to know the book canon for this.

[beautifulsnake2162020]

We have it all (Hualian adopted daughter fanfic) Chapter 5

I used Fengqing Gifs because they are the ones fighting the enemies in the opening scene. Both gifs are by @linglynz

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction. I only do this for fun.

Premise: Not long after comforting a bullied girl named Meng Ai, Hua Cheng and Xie Lian find themselves adopting her and together they form a family they didn't know they had needed for awhile.

Story/Genre tags: Slice of life-ish (mainly), Family focused, Hua Cheng's houses finally become homes, there may be an overarching story but that's not the focus, Hualian being parents, Fengqing being uncles, Lang Qianqiu falling in love with someone who was raised by the Xianle squad, technically post-canon (though I haven't read the books so if there are some ooc moments please forgive me).

AO3 Link

Chapter 1, Chapter 2 , Chapter 3, Chapter 4

Follower tags: @anonimgato1507

AN: I did my best but I will be the first to admit that I'm not good at writing fight scenes. Having said that, I wanted to give Fengqing their flowers and hopefully show why they are given the position of generals (and Meng Ai's uncles). Hope you enjoy 😅😂

Chapter 5

The Jiangshi were among the first wave that made their way to the shrine. These weren't the typical Jiangshi that regular Taoist priests would animate for proper burial. These Jiangshi were puppets for the magicians who were controlling them. The fortunate thing about these puppets was that once they were slain and their ashes were burnt they were finished.

Then the next wave were demon dogs accompanied by malicious spirits who came into their area in the form of arrows. Arrows that were shot by mortal archers and the dark spirits emerged and rapidly multiplied in their midst.

"Make a circle of holy fire around the shrine!" Mu Qing shouts at Feng Xin as they quickly make a larger circumference around the barrier of protection. The fortunate thing was that these creatures stood no chance against the Holy fire they made and even then they had some of their best soldiers standing by in between the barrier and the fire.

Then another wave of Jiangshi came with large Xiangliu spitting venom everywhere and poisoning the soil. This time the Jiangshi were a mix of puppets and Jiangshi who were their own being. The puppets walked, the ones who weren't were hopping.

"We'll need to find the mages causing this!" Feng Xin says after slaying a hopping Jiangshi and blasting it with fire.

"What do you think I've been doing?!" Mu Qing replies as he blasts another Xiangliu away and scorches the area its venom had touched to mitigate its effects. Feng Xin uses his momentum to quickly get his arrows. Mu Qing quickly throws a flame on the arrowhead and Feng Xin shoots at the Xiangliu, just beneath it's nine heads. Nine voices screamed out in agony and it fell.

"One down!"

"Of many. Mortals are starting to join in." Mu Qing says as some of his soldiers managed to remove the cloaks of some of them.

"Stop this now!" One of Mu Qing's soldiers commanded.

"We don't answer to your king, we answer to gold!"

"Mercenaries"

"That explains everything."

Fu Dao was one of the wealthier kingdoms because of their position in the trade route. Soldiers bearing Fu Dao's crest would cause a scandal if they were found. But employing mercenaries had the added benefit of deniability if they were ever caught.

"Stay away from this fight and we'll give you gold."

"We've already been adequately paid!" Mu Qing easily blocks and deflects an attack.

"Everyone, don't kill the mortals but protect the Priestess and her child."

Feng Xin sends a mass telepathic message to all their soldiers who begin rounding up the mortals who have begun joining in the fight.

A swarm of arrows and poisoned needles came and everyone put up magical barriers to shield themselves.

The fight went on and little by little they were making progress as their soldiers manage to put magical shackles on the mage mercenaries and that lessened the presence of demonic creatures in the fight.

However one of the mortal mages managed to get past the fire.

Because he was cloaked in a protection spell.

No. They both thought.

Mu Qing and Feng Xin immediately teleported themselves in the temple grounds.

Their soldiers were dealing with the mortal mage.

Who was serving as a distraction.

Assassins cloaked in a similar protection spell soon came inside the barrier.

"Get in!" Feng Xin commands his soldiers as they begin fighting the mortals who have begun entering.

"I'll take them to Jingdezhen."

"Go, I'll follow."

Mu Qing enters the living quarters in the nick of time as he sees a poisoned needle begin to enter inside. He immediately stops it and puts magic shields on all possible openings in the living quarters.

"What's going on?"

"Get Meng Ai, we're going to Jingdezhen." He immediately slams the door shut as another poisoned needle flew inside. He quickly makes a teleportation portal as Jing Mei wears her satchel and carries a sleeping Meng Ai. Once it was completed he opens the portal and they find themselves just outside of Xiwangmu's temple.

"Oh thank goodness." Jing Mei sighs in relief.

"Here, let me carry her."

"Thank you. If anything we'll at least have decent accomodations tonight."

"Your rooms have already been prepared." The priest says as they approach the entrance of the temple. The feminine tone of his voice making it clear that it was Xiwangmu herself speaking to them.

"Oh thank you Great Mother." Jing Mei makes a bow as Xiwangmu through her priest leads them inside the temple grounds.

"You did well General Xuan Zhen, both you and General Nan Feng have my thanks."

"No problem Xiwangmu, besides I've been itching for a fight for awhile."

"Jing Mei? What happened?" A man rushed to Jing Mei's side. His blue eyes shone in the moonlight, his expression was filled with worry.

"Ji Huifan we were attacked at Puqi shrine, I don't know how they found out...we've been so careful -"

"They hired mercenaries." Mu Qing says with seriousness as he gave Meng Ai to her father.

"Let's discuss further details when we are inside. That you won't have to keep repeating yourself General Xuan Zhen." Xiwangmu says as she continues to lead everyone into the room Hua Cheng and Xie Lian were waiting. Once Meng Ai was placed in bed in the room where her parents stayed and once Feng Xin arrived they began their discussion.

"Mage mercenaries - that's a new low even for them."

"It's been awhile since we've had any contact with your family since we've fled. What I don't understand is how they managed to find out where we were."

"Given the right place to look for them and look for the ones with the right skill level and the right amount of desperation, I'm frankly not surprised that a blood thirsty family would employ them." Hua Cheng says as he leans back on his seat beside Xie Lian.

"Tracking and confirming their targets wouldn't be too difficult for them. Depending on the assignment, most of the preparation would be employing the proper tactics."

"And you know this because?" Hua Cheng raises his eyebrow at Feng Xin in a smug certainty.

"I've had my encounters with some of them. A lot of them lost to me in my gambling den, that's how I learned how they work. And when I'm feeling lazy I just out pay whomever their employer was."

"Do some of them work for you now?"

"Only the ones I consider worthy Gege. Most of them are just mages who have lost clients over time and are desperately looking for money. But considering all we know and considering who their client is, the group that was targetting Jing Mei and Xiao-Ai are an investment of Fu Dao's royal family."

"Why do you say that?" Mu Qing asks skeptically.

"Simple, they didn't care if they were seen or not."

"What do you mean? They attacked in the middle of the night." Feng Xin says arrogantly.

"A night with a full moon, using demonic creatures that would cause a ruckus had anyone other than you or their targets noticed. They also attacked them in Gege's shrine which means they necessarily needed to personally be present since only mortals could pass through magical barriers. They either didn't want to wait or could no longer wait for Jing Mei and Xiao-Ai to leave the safety of the shrine. Considering all of these things, it's obvious that they didn't care to be seen. Which means that they've had the resources to train and be better than most other mercenaries. Over time they have developed the arrogance that it wouldn't matter if they were seen or not."

"And what makes that different from a typical mercenary?"

"A mercenary knows how to keep things discreet. The most sought after ones whether they are a magician or not are the ones who could make things look like an accident or make it look like the death was from natural causes. Mage mercenaries who control demonic creatures use those creatures to kidnap or kill their targets without needing to be physically present."

"Hmm and the fact that there were waves of them headed towards the shrine means -"

"- that they knew." Mu Qing finishes Feng Xin's thought as everyone becomes uncomfortable with the realization.

"Another spy from heaven?!" Feng Xin cries in exasperation.

"No - given the right training and the right time to develop their skills, it's possible for a mortal to tell who is a God and who is a ghost. I'm sure you two have noticed how easily Aiai does it while you were with her." Xie Lian couldn't help but suppress a giggle as Mu Qing and Feng Xin become sheepish at Ji Huifan's comment.

"Either one of the mages my family has employed has that skill or a God with an oracle who has a similar skillset -"

"Wait - Huifan, didn't you say that you lost the ability to see a God's aura when you were cured?" The couple shares a look of realization.

"I didn't exactly lose it, it just wasn't as good as when I was...you know..."

"But that means-"

"- one or a few of my relatives are with them." Another air of discomfort fills the room.

"Does this mean we have to flee again?" Jing Mei asks with trepidation and exhaustion.

"No!" "Absolutely NOT!" "No way."

"You are my oracle and priestess. Your family will always be welcomed in my temples. And right now you may stay here for as long as you wish. And if Generals Nan Yang and Xuan Zhen could lend some of their followers for added protection-"

"No offense Xiwangmu but that wouldn't be enough." She raises her eyebrow at him as Jing Mei is shocked that someone would disrespect her and Ji Huifan's reaction was questioning Hua Cheng's decision to cut her off. She isn't as fickle as the other Gods. Hua Cheng's attitude was refreshing to her when most Gods and mortals would be dictated by their fear and reverence to her domain.

"San Lang."

"Ji Huifen, when you were still a cursed immortal could you still enter Xiwangmu's temples?" He then realized what Hua Cheng was pointing out and sighed a sad tone out.

"Yes, my family and I had no problems entering in any temple. We may not be able to do everything our abilities allow us to do, depending on the God who is worshipped in the temple-"

"But the point still stands that if the three of you remain here, someone could still enter and harm you. They just need to be either a mortal or someone from your family."

"And what do you propose Crimson Rain Sought Flower?" Hua Cheng's gaze meets Xie Lian's as they both smile.

"Xiao-Ai is still asleep right?"

______________________________________________________________

Red was the first color that she sees as she wakes up. This was definitely not Puqi shrine anymore she thought as she slowly began sitting up. It was then that Meng Ai realized that the bed she was waking up from was both softer and smoother than what she was used to.

"Hello Aiai."

"BABA!" She launches herself forward as she embraces Ji Huifan and kisses him on the cheek. He laughs as he brings her to his embrace.

"Thank you for sending them to help me."

"Baba please don't scare mama like that again." He gives her a sad smile knowing that whether it is sooner or later he and Jing Mei will have to let her go to Hua Cheng and Xie Lian.

"Sometimes I can't help it Aiai, everything I do for both you and your mama are out of love. Even if you can't see it right now." She doesn't like that tone he uses despite knowing what he said was true.

"Where are we? Where is mama?"

"She's in the kitchen trying to teach Xie Lian how to cook." He helps her down and outside her room Hua Cheng and Xie Lian were waiting.

"Hello Xiao-Ai, did you sleep well?" Xie Lian asks tenderly while patting her head.

"Yes, it was a long sleep. I don't know how I was able to sleep for that long."

"Hungry little one?" Hua Cheng asks as he kneels down so that their eyes would be at the same level.

"Yes, where are we San Lang?" He opens his hand and waits for her to take it. He couldn't help but smile as he sees she was wearing the necklace he gifted her with a silver butterfly pendant.

"We are in our house, welcome to Paradise Manor."

AN: And this is the start of more Slice of life moments that I had not yet sufficiently delivered 😅😂 I hope none of you were too disappointed with the fight scene.

[v3nusxsky]

You're safe with me

*Authors note~ I'm deathly scared of thunderstorms so I relate to reader. Reader is also of legal age and in her last year of her education. My OC Isadora is mentioned in this*

Warnings~ bullying?

Prompt~ reader is terrified of thunderstorms and somehow reader is left out in the storm terrified and alone. Lesso comes to the rescue comforting fluff.

The rain is hammering down on you showing you absolutely no mercy. The sky dark blue sky with angry rainclouds, showing you this wouldn't be passing anytime soon. It was almost curfew when you decided to leave the safety of the cosy library. Candle light providing the perfect atmosphere, you were able to finally relax. Legs curled up underneath your form as you settled in to finish your book. The book itself is beautifully written plot twists and turns captivating you. Fresh Cut Roses was most certainly addictive. (This is an amazing FanFiction on AO3 go check it out honestly made me cry) so addictive in fact that you spent all of your evening curled up reading.

Miss Isadora, school librarian who had become a close friend of yours gave you a gentle nudge when curfew was approaching. Not wanting you to be caught out your dorm and effectively end up in a trip to the doom room. You reluctantly placed your book mark into the book before closing it and standing slowly. Your back was stiff from how long you'd been sat against the bookshelf, however you slowly but steadily made your way to the door of the library. Bidding Isa a goodbye with a small smile you set on your familiar journey to your dormitory, book safely clutched to your chest.

You walked the dark and dingy halls, lit with a small amount of candles causing shadows to twist and bend in an almost terrifying dance in front of you. It was almost comforting, you'd lived at the school for four years now so you knew the halls like the back of your hand. So when the world suddenly went black and you could feel your body falling backwards you couldn't help the scream of pure terror. Not the good kind of terror that every Never loves, no this was the gut sinking kind. You continued to struggle against whatever had you captive but it was no use. It was too strong. All you could do is allow it to happen in hopes that you would be okay in the end.

It was the signature laugh of Hester that gave you your hint on what was happening. Earlier in the day you had your class with the one and only dean of evil Leonora Lesso. In said class you were paired with each other and encourage to spar. Lesso knew all of your abilities well, so it was no surprise that she'd paired you and Hester. In a small dash of luck you'd managed to win the sparring contest, ultimately causing Hester to wage a war between you and herself. Not a war that you actively wanted to participate in. Only when you heard the thick heavy doors slamming open and the two other voices did you realise. You were outnumbered. Your captors, Hester and her two wing women had dragged you out into the unrelenting rain. The cold droplets hitting your skin as you were yanked on to the ground and shackles added to your wrists and ankles.

The excruciatingly loud boom of thunder roared above your heads, electing a panicked gasp from you. Tugging against the restraints you begged your captors to help. Let you go. You hated how pathetic and desperate you sounded. It was absolutely terrifying to be tied up in the storm. Especially when the lightning crackled in the near distance. Your desperation soaked into your pleading. Instead of releasing you, you were met with the harsh ugly cackles of the girls as they fled the scene. Leaving you alone, scared and immobile. Powerless as the storm continued to rage onwards. It was in this moment that you regretted forgoing a coat. Tears soaked your cheeks mingling with the raindrops trailing down your cheeks. Shivers racked your body a mix of absolute terror and freezing cold temperature that surrounded you. Struggling against the restraints, you lost track of the time. How long had you been here?

The storm still raging on, you could feel your body shutting down. A fear response which you knew all to well. Panic bubbling away under the surface, tears streaming freely your throat too horse from the cold and the fear to make any noise. You had definitely missed curfew now. Your book lost in the transporting of your body. A comfort item, all the comfort you had was gone. That alongside the storm and your sore tired wrists and ankles you couldn't help feeling absolutely exhausted and pathetic. You were an Never. This isn't how you were suppose to be. But you weren't quite an Ever either. A perfect mess and a misfit of the first degree.

The familiar clicking of Lesso's cane normally could never be missed by you. But now as the storm raged and the cold was seeping through your bones you didn't hear it. Fear had you stiller than a statue. It was only when her perfectly manicured hand reached out for you that you noticed her presence. You recoiled from her pulling at the iron shackles you were instantly fearing the worst. You're wrists were red raw from the pulling and the cold, eyes protesting all the fear you felt and rapidly blinking trying to focus on the form in front of you.

"Pl- p - ease d-d-d-ont h-h-hhrt m-m-me" your plea stumbling out broken. You knew how pathetic you sounded. Chained to the floor you cowered away like a petrified child.

"Hey, hey, hey, little one. I won't hurt you. You're safe with me." She stated while assessing the quickest and easiest way to free you from the restraints. You blinked rapidly through the haze of tears and rain "L-L-es-s-s-o?" You attempted to whisper as your teeth chattered.

"That's right little one, let's get you out of these hmm?" The caring tone that was never normally present, already starting to sooth your emotional state. Although she hated to show it Lesso had the biggest heart and would do anything to help any of her Nevers. Using her own magic, Lesso freed you from the shackles, rubbing gently soothing the sore points on your wrists. You let out a small hiss in pain as she gently stroked the abused skin. Now you were less restricted in movements, shivers racked over your tiny body.

"Little one, you're absolutely soaked darling let's get you inside hmm? Can you stand?" Her gaze refused to move from you watching as you tried to stand but your frozen body giving out before you could get upright. Thankfully the storm had moved over you now and was just noise in the distance. You tensed as Lesso helped you to your feet and guided you back into the school. You kept your gaze downwards from embarrassment and fear. The dean of evil herself saw you in such a weak and pathetic state. You'd heard the rumours on what happened to weak Nevers. Not something you wanted to experience. You caught sight of the familiar hard cover of your book and willingly dropped to the floor to get it back in your arms. Only when you reached it a strangled cry left your lips after discovering it had been damaged. Pages ripped from the spine, bent corners of its usually pristine condition.

"Little one? What's this ?" You could hear the curiosity in her voice.

"M-m-y b-b-o-oo-ok" you cried out into the otherwise empty halls, fresh tears leaking from your eyes. "I-I-ts r-ru-I-nd "

"Oh y/n it's okay. It's okay come let's go somewhere warmer. You're going to freeze to death here. Bring the book darling we will see what we can do okay?"commanded, her tone lacking its usual bite.

Together you both made your way to Lady Lesso's office. This is how you found yourself settled in front of her fire shivering as your body soaked in any heat the fire would give. Limbs stinging as the heat meat cold flesh. "Little one, what happened? Why were you out there ?" She queried. You explained everything you knew from leaving the library to the storm to now. You only paused to take breaths in attempts to calm yourself.

"Oh darling, your okay it's just a silly storm, I'll see to it those girls get the punishment don't you fret. Little dove can I touch you?" Her voiced wavered slightly as if she was debating if it was the right thing to do. You nodded and flung yourself into your normally cold hearted deans arms. Immediately feeling her hands stroking over your hair. The extra body heat further helping you warm up. The beating of her heart under your ear, allowing you to focus on calming down fully. It was only now that you could fully process the events that occurred. The storm. Your book. Your eyes drifted to the latter that was resting next to you. Unknowingly to you Lesso caught the expression of deep sadness that flashed over your face.

"Little one? Tell me about this book? It's clearly important to you. I'll see if I can source another for you tomorrow." She whispered out into your hair.

"There's a character who can manipulate and produce plants, she falls in love with a principle but something happens causing her to sacrifice herself for the principle in an act of love. I was just at that point before I left the library." You could hear the emotion creeping back into your voice as you recalled the last chapter and how you were left unknowing if the character had bled out into her death or if she'd been saved somehow. You heard a small chuckle escape the older women. "You're quite the emotional little thing hmm? I'll have to read it seems you speak so highly of it."

A flush adorned your cheeks as you nuzzled into the hug finally feeling some kind of contentment for the first time since leaving the library. Basking in the fiery glow of the intricate dance the flames were doing. Here in Lesso's arms you finally felt safe.

Word count ~ 1757

*Authors note~ this was so cute to write*

[kaledya]

Hi.

What can I say? At being in front of an statue of Machiavelli in Italy was a message of the universe telling me: "Write the goddamn fanfic"

But now ignoring jokes, I have lots of concepts that I made:

First of all: The fanfic or Constantine will have a total of 15 chapters, 5 for each moment (in his Childhood, in his young adulthood, and in the current day), this to have an structure that I like.

Now, the Executioner himself

Who is Arzel?

You might have some old memories when I show you this picture

Yup, of course he will have a different design for this AU.

But if you want to know what to expect of him im his Villain Arc:

I took inspiration in Ultron (I like that villain) mainly because I think a Villain that wants to change everything in a more wicked way that the protagonist (Charlie) actually fits well, also I admit his hate to Constantine has that as one of it's inspirations.

Sauron (both Lord Of The Rings, Hobbit, and even other books that didn't got it's adaptation), but of course, I use sauron as a reference for him, and another character related to Evil and Eyes (I know Sauron in the Book isn't a giant eye in a tower), let's say Arzel is inspired in Sauron, but Roo is inspired in both Sauron and Morgoth.

Vergil (Devil May Cry), you might don't know this one, but the important thing is his Siblings-Rivalry to, he and Constantine aren't brothers, but let's say they get to be close, that before something I ain't gonna spoil because it's in the final act of the Young Adulthood of Constantine.

And here 2 Starwars characters that gave me an idea of it:

Vader, both his relationship with Palpatine and his fall to the darkness are taken note, but I won't copy paste it, do not worry 😅

General Grievous (2003, not the movies version), before this robot was an had asma, and covered his coughing, being a cyborg in a droids ship, he was an Jedi slayer that could handle various numbers of them (and he didn't used his 4 arms until the very own end)

But let's stop talking about my OC!

And let's talk about a the concept of the cult of Evil.

Let's say they're secretly hided, not even Heaven knows it's existence (plot armour? Nah they have magic or something (?)) and they mainly have the typical "Antichrist" role when some of them go to Earth for deals.

Basically in this concept Roo is the actual devil.

This is mainly because Lucifer isn't evil and does not try to take the soul of every human being.

Of course Roo won't appear and say "i'M tHe DeViL >:D"

It's just an similar concept and way of making it.

I'll probably both start with the Hazbin Hotel fanfic before I lose my ideas.

But also continue with Constantine's fanfic.

I hope I can mix both Action, Comedy, Drama and Musical parts in it.

Because I want to keep the essence of both your AU and the OG.

LMAO and Seriously your plan sounds like a great plan! You really divided the periods into chapters beautifully.

An yes! I remember This art! Good old days.

ULTRON!! I'm so glad to hear that ULTRON is one of my favorite villians He gave me Vibe, which reminded me of what would happen if Stark tried to find brutal answers to problems, and it was great that he was similar to Tony in personality.

And seriously, considering the contrast with Charlie, you've really chosen a great inspiration!

--

Sauron is also a great choice, he is a truly fearsome, powerful and intelligent enemy. It's seriously a good choice both visually and in character!

--

Virgil!! I Love devil May cry And I really loved those fights between Dante and Virgil, this is a great inspiration too!

--

Anakin skywalker the fallen Angel.. Darth is a great choice in the future, I think a villain inspired by such quality villains will be great.I can't wait to see it!

-Grevious is also a really good choice, he has always been a dangerous villain.

---

I think it really makes sense that you connect the concept of evil to Roo, it's a smart choice!

-I can't wait to see any fanfiction you write, I really think you're very creative and you'll do wonders!

I'm sure you will do it and I wish you good writing.

----

And if possible, could you describe Arzel to me with references (face, clothes, etc.)

[from-a-legends-pov]

Star Wars Legends Highlight of the Week: Razor’s Edge by Martha Wells

This is a new feature where a fan will share one thing they love from Star Wars Legends – a book, a comic, an author, a character, an event, or anything else they want to highlight – and tell us more about it.

If you, too, love Legends, follow @from-a-legends-pov and check out our upcoming Star Wars Legends fanfiction event, From a Legends Point of View, HERE. Signups open April 28 – please encourage your favorite Star Wars writers to participate!

Today’s highlight is Razor’s Edge (also known as Empire and Rebellion: Razor’s Edge) by Martha Wells (yes, that Martha Wells, for all you Murderbot fans out there), a 2013 Legends novel, and we’re talking with @lajulie24.

Tell us about your Legends highlight. What is it? What’s it about?

Razor’s Edge is a novel set between Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back centered on Leia Organa. Leia, Han, and a group of other Rebels are on a mission for the Alliance when they are attacked by Imperials (led to them by an Imperial in the Rebels’ ranks). They flee into pirate-controlled space, where they encounter a ship of Alderaanians who survived the disaster, became pirates, and are now severely in debt to the Lorrdian pirate leader, Viest. Basically Leia needs to figure out how to protect her surviving shipmates, complete her mission, help the Alderaanians (who have pretty mixed feelings about Leia and don’t particularly want to be helped or give up their pirate lifestyle), and keep from being killed or turned over to the Empire should Viest figure out her true identity. Oh, and there’s also the matter of her growing attraction to Han (who is in ride-or-die mode when it comes to Leia already, even though they are ostensibly just friends), her guilt and grief over Alderaan, and her internal conflict over her commitment to the Rebellion.

Why is this a Legends highlight for you? What do you love about it?

Leia has always been one of my favorite characters, and I love that she gets her own spotlight in this book. She’s also written very well – she’s smart, capable, devoted to her cause and to the people she cares about, and at the same time she makes mistakes, she fails, and she struggles with her loyalties to the Rebellion, to Alderaan, to her friends, and to herself. Like me, Martha Wells is a HanLeia shipper (and she’s a former HanLeia fanfiction writer), and many of the scenes in this book have a fanfiction-y flavor to them, such as a UST-filled strategy conversation they have in the ship’s ‘fresher. You can literally see Han and Leia falling in love with each other, see the friendship and trust they have with each other, but that’s happening in the background while the action of the plot is in the foreground – and it’s a fun, intricately designed story, with lots of schemes, betrayals, rescues, and action sequences. Han and the new original characters are also very well written. I also like that the fights and action sequences feel real, with real stakes; for instance, there’s an attack early on in the book and we see that several Rebels have died and Leia’s trying to help the others even though she has a concussion and a splitting headache and isn’t able to think very straight.

Favorite moment?

Hard to choose, but there’s a lovely quiet moment toward the end of the book, where Han and Leia are waiting together to see if their ally will accept Leia’s offer, and it’s not looking good. It brings together a bunch of the themes of the book and also shows their care for each other as well as for the cause.

And of course, there’s my favorite quotation from this book: “Good luck, crazy human lady. It was fun destroying things with you.”

To learn more….

If you’d like to read more about Razor’s Edge, you can check out its page on Wookieepedia or find the novel at your favorite library or used bookstore (it no longer seems to be in print for new copies, sadly).

And be sure to check out @from-a-legends-pov and our From a Legends Point of View fanfiction event; as another reminder, signups open April 28, 2024!

[serenityhime1]

White and brown for the ask game! For brown, how did you get into writing generally? 💖

White: I got asked this a few times, so I'm answering differently each time. Moar. Queer. Content. It can be inherently difficult to add queerness into stories, especially when your OTP is a straight-appearing couple, but damn if I'm not absolutely delighted when people add in queerness to their stories, even in an offhanded way. People are complex and nuanced and I want more of that in everything I read.

Brown: I was a voracious reader as a kid. I can't place exactly when I started writing, but it was pretty darn early. I know for sure that when I was around 9 I entered a writing competition at school and did well, but when it went beyond the district level people got mad because they didn't think a kid had written it without help. This was the same year that I dressed up as Polgara the Sorceress for a book report.

I think it was around the same time (maybe 8 or 9) that I decided to write a book the first time. It was about a warrior named Crystal Light. This was hysterical to my mom and grandmother, because while I thought it sounded cool it was also the name of my Grandmother's favorite tea/drink mix.

I've just enjoyed writing as long as I've enjoyed reading. I started writing fanfiction in high school, and I have no idea what triggered that except that I can only assume that I stumbled across it and realized I could just write whatever I wanted about shows that I loved (I'm sure you can guess my first fandom from my user name). I think I mostly stopped writing after college, except for some stories about LARP characters here and there.

Most recently I started writing fanfiction again when my wife got me to start watching DBZ Kai again and I realized I needed to know what happened between Bulma and Vegeta. I started reading fanfiction, and I realized I could write it, too. Stepping back into writing has been immensely fulfilling and it scratches the creative itch for me.

I'm also glad to have found an awesome community of artists and writers here on Tumblr that make me feel welcomed and slightly more normal for my unhinged ideas haha.

I do not apologize for this long-winded answer. I've done it before and I'll do it again.

[thisnightissparkling089]

Everything with an 8 or a 2, plus 50 😊

2. what's your favourite colour?

Purple!

8. would you rather watch a rom-com or a drama?

Depends on my mood, but I typically choose Rom-Com's. Though, honestly, (old lady thought coming on in 3...2...1...)I feel like they don't make rom-com's like they used to in the 2000's. There used to be like 2-3 a year. The last romcom I can remember seeing is Isn't it Romantic in 2019. But I did love that one!

12. i'm giving you a plane ticket, where are you going?

My husband and I have been looking into a trip to Germany, so I'm going to go with that.

18. cotton candy or ice cream?

Ice cream. I just had some the other night from our local shop that was vanilla ice cream with reeces peanut butter cups and pretzals mixed in...😳 sooo good!

20. biggest pet peeves?

Right now, people who choose to consume Fanfiction without interacting is the first thing coming to mind.

21. describe your style/aesthetic

Well, I work from home, so it's mostly sweats or yoga pants or pjs lol. But when I'm going out, I like casual but stylish. Dark wash jeans, blazers, nice tops. In the fall/winter I love pairing outfits with a scarf. In the spring/summer I like flowy tops. Idk that I really have any kind of 'set style'

22. what's your favourite thing about yourself?

My ability to perserve. When the cards are stacked against me and I'm in a shitty situation, I never just give in. I find a way to make things better and work my way to something better.

Also, my ability to find and surround myself with genuinely good people. I like to think I'm a very good judge of character.

23. what's your favourite day of the week and why?

Well, it used to be Friday's, but now it's Tuesday's. Tuesday's are Rookie days and we all get on her and go crazy together and I smile because it's the closest I'm going to ever get to us being in a living room together hanging out and watching our favorite show together.

24. morning or night person?

Night person. I have never been and never will be an early riser.

25. tea or coffee?

Coffee in the morning, tea at night.

26. you can only read one book for the rest of your life. what book is it?

Hmmm...I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy because it was so damn impactful.

27. you're stuck in a lift with your favourite tumblr account who is it?

Listen, it's a tie right now between @sisterofficerlucychen because we could entertain each other for hours and @queseraone because you'd make friendship bracelets, and we could talk Taylor Swift for hours.

28. do you have any siblings?

1 sister. I always wished I had more!

29. what's your biggest fear?

Dying, and the uncertainty of not knowing what's on the other side.

32. what is your comfort movie/tv show?

Aside from The Rookie, The Golden Girls. I used to watch it on Lifetime with my grandmother when I was growing up. I've seen every episode hundreds of times, and I still laugh like it's the first❤️

38. what is favourite gemstone?

Sapphire, such a stunning color!

42. favourite flavour of ice cream?

The aforementioned ice cream earlier in the post. But I also like Strawberry, Cheesecake, and Cookies and Cream.

48. what's your favourite fruit?

Mangos and Peaches

50. nothing. i just wanted to say that ily. ♡

😭😭 I love you too, you're the best, and I always smile when I see your handle on my page!

[somany-fandoms-solittle-time]

“What’s so Special About the Moon?”

Jamil Viper x MC(insert character Mac)

(Ch. 1) – Ch. 2 – Ch. 3 – Ch. 4 – Next – Previous

This was originally supposed to be, like, a single chapter hurt/comfort before my OC (Mac) and Jamil as a song fic where they berate him and then sing a song referencing the moon… but then I had feelings and it’s becoming a more in depth character study between the two. Don’t worry! By the end of this mini series, there will be song lyrics and more sappiness… it’s just now that I’ve finished both Book 4 and Book 5, I need to reorganize the events and specific and whatnot. Some quick housekeeping as always: I tried to make Jamil to encompass both his dark & mysterious villain persona ALONG WITH him practically being a fucking child so that’s why I wrote him like *this* so yeah… I’m moving around the timeline so that Yuu/MC (aka Mac) has the weekend to GET THEIR SHIT TOGETHER LOL, Mac is about 19-20 (haven’t decided yet) and uses mixed pronouns as a heads up, Ch. 2 has a 1st draft written put still needs to be typed up and edited. If you see a typo NO YOU DIDN’T!!! This one of my first times trying a different writing doc that isn’t Google (cuz fuck Google) and it’s a little weird to get used to and edit stuff. It’s beta-d in the sense that licking the spatula while your mom bakes cookies and claiming that you helped… literally only a few paragraphs were checked over y’all.

Quick shout-out to @krenenbaker and @twst-beam for inspiring my writing thus far (and sorry for taking so long to post this lol!)

I’ll be releasing some type of overview of my OC eventually, but take these snippets as they go while I fall back in love with writing. You’ll meet Mac in full when xey are good and ready… anyway, please enjoy Chapter 1 of my new fanfiction, “What’s So Special About the Moon?”

“Here. You can use this one,” Jamil directed towards the plain (compared to the rest of the dorm) laundry… mat? There were several industrial sized washer and dryers, a couple moderate-sized one’s that would fit a regular apartment complex, and a long wall designated area for hand washed items. Jamil was keeping the door prompt open with his hips; his slight frown of concentration and the flick of his Magic Pen were the only signs of the current spell he had going. Turning around, MC was slightly surprised by the massive piles of fabric that was being corralled in via multiple a massive sheet tied to multiple brooms. They still couldn’t fully grasp the concept (and power) of magic and seeing it so casually performed on a day-to-day basis was kinda daunting.

“Thanks again for letting us use the space along with showing me how to properly clean all these fancy duds and whatnot.” the Ramshackle Perfect awkwardly trailed off. Their focus was split between stealing peaks at the Scarabia Vice Warden, not wanting to bother the already busy Sophomore, and surveying over the dusty, damaged antique pieces the two stripped from the halls of the previously abandoned dorm. Rugs, carpets, curtains, furniture covers (in varying state of disrepair) dulled of their once rich and vibrant color. The patterns were a mix of stuffy academia and the quiet comfort of a grandparents cottage living room. Both extravagant, yet understated. It’s a style lost to time, but not quite a revived ancient aesthetic.

At this point MC was fully lost in thought; they desperately needed to clean, fix, organize and decorate the dorm in preparation to host so many guests. Even with his limited memories, they had a feeling they’d never hear the end of it from his parents.

“Don’t worry about it much.” Jamil said, interrupting their musings. “Honestly, I’m doing this as much for myself as I am helping you.

With a flick of his wrist, Jamil organized the seemingly random crumbled piles of fabric by condition, color and use. His movements while cleaning were quick, smart, and efficient-- all while patiently showing Mac which order to start in along with the best way to clean them.

“Ya’ know…” MC broke the relative quietness between the two workers, “Even with everything thing that happened over break, I understand why Kalim still trusts you; I almost can believe that you’re not that bad of a guy.” Jamil gave xem a startled (and exasperated) look, but they continued before he could respond: “I fail to see how helping the person who ruined your ‘world domination’ plans—”

“They were hardly World Domination level!” He quickly snapped. His embarrassment led to him tugging his hood further down his face, teeth slightly clenched, and dilated eyes as MC continued listing all the ways he’s “helped” them out.

The magic-less Perfect laughed to themselves the more conflicting emotions flew across Jamil’s face. Eventually those same emotions were compressed behind a cold, smooth mask. Limestone slabs and stiff mud brick walls were swiftly constructed between the two working-class students. Something about it didn’t sit right with Mac.

“Hey I’m not saying what you pulled wasn’t a dick move! But you’re also not the first overly-traumatized teen boy I’ve had to deal with… and between what you’ve said about yourself, plus thing’s I’ve heard and seen, I’m starting to think you’re not nearly as complicated as you think you are.” The longer they argued *to* him, the more Jamil’s mask began to crack; there were a few holes in his walls he didn’t account for. Xe’s a tad more observant than I remember, but weirdly just as persistent, Jamil internally rolled his eyes.

“I could still change my mind and send you back to deal with the Pomefiore Wrath(tm),” He mumbled while gracefully lugging the newly cleaned (and damp) furniture coverings into an empty drier. Despite his harsh threat, MC still remembered him assuring the other this laundry room was only ever used by him after Kalim’s parties.

The large machines and larger working space was specifically added for the servant to clean and repair any decor or Asim Family Treasures when Kalim’s recklessness caused a larger mess than usual. This meant that Mac and Grim (who was originally supposed to be helping… where the hell was he anyway?) could do as many loads needed without worry. On top of the borrowed space, the Housewarden himself had cheerily has assured them, his Oasis Maker would replace all the water used ten times over!

Mac’s thoughts were interrupted once again as Jamil relented, “I told you, I’m doing this to help me.” After receiving an unconvinced eyebrow raise, Jamil began to explain, “Kalim might’ve announced us as equals but I still have a job to do. If he got sick while spending Allah knows how long in a dusty, dirty, shabby condemned building like Ramshackle I’ll never hear the end of it.”

“It’s not nearly that bad anymore!” the sole-human resident of said dorm argued, but was quickly shut up with a tired gesture towards the untouched loads of laundry left to be done.

“On top of that,” Jamil smirked “Even a common peasant like myself wouldn’t sleep in a rundown garbage heap if I can help it.” His smirk slowly slide off his face from his face as the insulted Perfect almost ripped the handful of soapy doilies, that they were previously scrubbing by hand, as xey prepared a retaliation.

“OK, first of all! This whole Inferior-Superior shtick isn’t going to prove your point. If I’m being totally honest, I’m pretty used to the bratty, arrogant attitude of teenagers by now (even if I wasn’t Leona is a thousand times worse).” They turned their full body to face the 2nd year boy before continuing the assault. “Secondly, even just doing the bare minimum would’ve been fine, considering I’ve slowly been deep cleaning them place room by room. This is just last minute cleaning considering I wasn’t expected to host six extra people in two days.”

The shock of Mac’s care and attention to detail couldn’t win over Jamil’s newfound freedom to be right… and sassy while doing it. “Keep in mind you wouldn’t be the only one having to deal with Vil. His expectations are much higher than my personal standards—”

“Getting there!” MC interrupted again. “It’s not like Vil and whoever else couldn’t magic things better or get things done over at Pomefiore.” However, their fire started to die down with their obvious lack of understanding of magic. Not that Xeir level of intellect ever stopped them from talking out of their ass during debates… even if this wasn’t exactly shaping up to be anything like Debate Club back home.

“Not the point!” Mac built back their steam after thoughtlessly shaking off any internal distractions. “Third of all,” Jamil groaned not-so-quietly, “third of all, you didn’t have to show me how to do it. Nor did you have to continue helping me. There’s only so much I could pay you back in favors and it’s not like you’ll make back the time and energy spent. You’re obviously a bit of a piece of shit but I don’t totally blame…”

Jamil suddenly gave Mac his full attention. He smoothed any emotional tells from his face and readied himself to actively dissect what ever left xeir mouth and any messages in between the lines. The silence prompted Mac to drip extra sincerity as they begin to ramble without thinking.

“… I get why you did what you did. You’re not totally forgiven, but it’s not like I’ll hold a grudge over you forever. Whenever I joke about Winter Break I thought you knew it was just that: a joke.”

The two stared at one another for a few beats. Jamil betrayed nothing that he was thinking, but Mac could practically feel the exasperation flooding off of him in great waves. The disbelief pushing and pulling off of him, despite remaining stone cold to zeir admission. So, of course, they continued with slight for fever:

“Yeah, okay, you held us all prisoner, enslaved via hypnosis your entire dorm, and nearly killed multiple students. Twice.” Mac cringed at their own blunt statement, “… But why would you go as far as you did, if you didn’t care! What your parents, and more specifically your culture, put you through wasn’t fair—but you obviously still love and cherish them!”

At this, he seemed to get even more guarded. It felt patronizing to be hold how he supposedly felt or why he should feel a specific way. They hadn’t been there. They hadn’t grown up as a Viper in the Desert, constantly reminded by Kalim’s Mirage of wealth what he could never have. They didn’t know the FIRST thing about the Scalding Sands—!

“… How do you know anything about my parents? Did Kalim--?!” He choked out infuriated at the mere implication.

“Relax Viper! It’s all in the Secret of The Ooze™”

“What?”

“Never mind…”

The usual absurdity of MC’s references (much to xeir chagrin that no one seemed to understand them) Jamil allowed himself a shadow of a smirk. Right about now they’d drop what they were saying and instead empathize with him over terrible bosses. They’d both fall back into a familiar pattern of quiet understanding while making playful small talk; maybe Xe’d make a remark over how “hellish” the desert temperature is and moan about being “a poor Northern forced into the sun” before dragging them both off to grab an abominably sweet drink that Kalim would still put sugar in. Xe had always been could at mediating with the other students at NCR.

However, they didn’t drop it. They continued to push him… especially when they realized that he expected the conversation to have ended and started to relax. Xey pushed and pushed and pushed. Finally, they had circled back to him rebelling from his status.

“What? You think I’d be Happier staying a lowly servant?! I’d rather cut my own tongue out than remain bending to Kalim’s will for the rest of my days.” He huffed, still not stopping his assault on the pile of laundry in front of him.

A frustrated sigh left Mac as Xey tried to get their point across, “THAT’S NOT WHAT I’M SAYING!… Obviously, you don’t love being forced into child labor or having to pretend to be something you’re not, but that doesn’t mean you’re totally being honest with yourself either. Rebelling adolescents often do a complete 180 of who they once presented as in an extreme action to feel validated.”

Jamil scoffed in indignation at the impromptu therapy session he’d been forced into.

“Just because you were forced to lie sometimes as ‘Servant Jamil’ doesn’t mean those memories or feelings weren’t authentic!”

“My Childhood, my Pride, my ENTIRE LIFE was stolen from me before I could even open my eyes, Mac! Who could cherish that sort of future?”

“I’m not disputing that! I’m not trying, in any way, to imply that what you went through didn’t fucking suck. But just because you’ve started saying the quiet part out loud doesn’t mean you’re being totally honest either. Switching one mask for another just means nothing has changed but your ability to bitch about-it to the kid you literally Grew Up With, Jamil.” A tired resignation was growing in their eyes as they headed to the end of xeir rant.

It was clear MC was starting to speak in circles and xey weren’t going to be able to get through to them. A heavy weight sunk deep in their chest, slowly sliding to xeir stomach the more he misunderstood the magic-less student. I saw him drown in the depths of his own helplessness and self-pity, but even after he’s been pulled out it’s like he can’t help but dive back in for a swim. It was a suffocating thought while Mac watched as Jamil once again went stone-faced… Like what he was about to say would be his final shield before walking away. It’s a shame that the Ramshackle Resident had become too used to throwing bombs over walls and blowing verbal shields to smithereens after months of being stuck in Twisted Wonderland.

“I’m not sugarcoating or bowing down to anyone anymore. I won’t bite my tongue. I won’t put on a Happy Face to Kalim’s idiotic, half-thought out ideas again. I’m slowly gaining my freedom, something you clearly don’t understand. Just because you’re as blind as he is doesn’t mean anything! What more could you want from me?!” He hissed his final insult before finally stepping away from his station. Not leaving the room, he aggressively got himself a cup of water from one of the sink and gulped the unfiltered water down.

“Just because you’re not hiding your bitter, knee-jerk reaction from an unfair world doesn’t mean you aren’t still hiding away and lying about your more vulnerable emotions.” Mac whispered in an emotionless tone. “Cutting a part of your past off and pretending it was never there is doing yourself a disservice and lying to those that still care about you… And there sure-as-shit isn’t much that I hate more than a Fucking Liar.”

. . . . . .

The lacy doilies sat in a sudsy basin, left forgotten as the two students stood a mere paces from each other—both maintaining an uncomfortably intense eye contact. The sloshing thump of the washers and stirring hum of driers harmonizing were the only song to accompany the two’s stare down. A short hiccup as Mac took a drawn out breath was the only reaction between the two of them. The combined heat of Scarabia’s sun (barely past 10am) and the humidity of continued use of machinery didn’t help the suffocating air in the wide laundry room. Not to mention the loud, stifling silence to boot.

MC usually held back such honest commentary (not that they weren’t blunt) unless Xe deemed it necessary: think high stakes and a sense of urgent drama. But something about Jamil and Kalim’s situation reminded them of himself. The two’s intertwined dance of class, history, loyalty and betrayal, friendship and loss, and such overwhelming guilt reminded the dimension hoping stranger of home. Whatever that meant.

But this was no time to get lost in their own problems and Trauma’s. They’d went too far (again) and that means xey should be the bigger person (again) and deescalate the situation before he hated them (AGAIN). Which means, MC would be the one to break the silence and run away again.

“Ya’ know what? Grim’s probably burned the school down already. Don’t worry about,” Ze gestured blindly to the numerous stations they’d started, “this mess. I’ll rope my little Rat Gremlin and the Freshies into finishing this up. Hell, I could probably convince Rugs to pitch in for lunch or something. Bully the Music Club with helping in exchange of random sheet music I still remember from home.”

Their rambles became more spastic as they noticed Mr. Sugar, Spice and Not-So-Nice break out of his own trance and try to reply. “Seriously! Just enjoy the break… Not that it’s my place or responsibility to be butting in anyway. I will be back in, like, 10 minutes and from here-on-out minding my own damn business. Sorry. Whatever. See you sometime after Sunday, I guess?” Their entire monoluge Mac was slowly backing out of the room before turning around in xeir spot and just short of sprinting their way out of the dorm. A few passerby Scarabia students stopped to eavesdrop on xeir muttering… watch them leave.

Without getting a word in Jamil stood unmoving, watching the Ramshackle Perfect leave swifter than the desert wind shifting the dunes. Almost on auto-pilot, he simply left to go back to his room and do as he was told; enjoy his break. His day off. The day he could do what he liked and didn’t necessarily have to prioritize work. A day he spent working to help and assist the pitiful, magic-less loser that was dropped-kicked into another reality and forced to play nice with a University filled with overpowered and hormonal teenagers while having no way home… And in return was insulted, psychoanalyzed, and thrown aside before he could get a word in edgewise.

“Son of a STREET RAT!!!!!” It was clear he’d need a few hours to calm down before he could even think of trying to enjoy the rest of his Saturday off.

[joanna-lannister]

i was tagged by @damadisangue thank you so much for the tag bestie ❤️✨

When did you start writing?

I started writing back when I was a child (original stories and in my journals), but my first fanfic was written when I was around 11-12? I'm not sure precisely, but I know I was around those ages and I had no idea fanfictions were a thing. I found out way later fanfictions existed and that some people had the same brainrot as me lmao.

Are there different themes or genres you enjoy reading than what you write?

God, I love Thriller and Horror, but I don't think I'm capable of writing those kind of genres.

Is there a writer you want to emulate or get compared to often?

Gillian Flynn! I just love her writing style, how sharp and incisive it is. Also, Anaïs Nin. I haven't read her works yet, but I have seen way too many quotes around here, and I love what she was trying convey with her writing. And of course, I love Jeffrey Eugenides' writing style too (tho I haven't read The Marriage Plot yet, so I could be disappointed).

Can you tell me a bit about your writing space?

My tiny kitchen 😂😭 I sit on my chair with my phone (I know this is terrible, but I can't write on my laptop) near the open window, and I just write what's going on in my mind. Also, cigarettes. I need my cigarettes with me to and to smoke to focus on what I'm writing. A bad habit, I know, but everyone has their own vices, I guess?

What's your most effective way to muster up a muse?

Honestly, anything. Can be a song, a movie or a TV show, a book or a picture.

Are there any recurring themes in your writing? Do they surprise you?

Yes, childbirth and pregnancy are two of the main themes I love to explore because they touch me personally, so it comes as no surprise. Also, sibling incest between brother and sister obviously, and I love writing Jaime and Cersei being married which is kinda funny because I guess marriage is not for me? But yes, I love giving them that, what they couldn't have in canon.

What is your reason for writing?

Oooof, because I have too many ideas? And I like to explore the "What if?" that create endless possibilities. I also need to put my blorbos in situation lmao.

How do you want to be thought about by your readers?

Oh, I never thought about that question before. I would say as someone welcoming? Maybe charming and warm, who tries her best to feed her fandom?

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a writer?

I think I have the ability to create a cozy and heart-warming atmosphere. At least, that's what people compliment me about.

How do you feel about your own writing?

Uh, I hate it most of the time 😔 Sometimes, I'm impressing myself, like "Wow, I really wrote that!", but most of the time I hate my writing style (tho I've gained confidence over the years, someone claps). I wish it could be more poetic and less dull.

When you write, are you influenced by what others might enjoy reading, or do you write purely for yourself, or a mix of both?

For myself first and foremost, because as I said, I have too many ideas, and I need to put Jaime and Cersei in situations, but each comment fills me with joy. To know someone enjoyed what I had in my mind, and took the time to read it and leave a comment? There's no better feeling, but I don't think I'm influenced by what people wants to read (or otherwise I would write for a more popular ship LOL).

tagging: @musical-chick-13 @bellamyblakru @nepobabyeurydice and anyone else who wants to do it.

[hypnoneghoul]

Can you give advice on storywriting? I love the idea of it but I cant do it properly?

Struggling with wording and like how to make each character their own/how to make a well written character??

Aandd how do I know what information to keep and what to tell? I always rush to tell things and I struggle with "show dont tell"

And pacing lmao😭 I dont know how to pace my stories well

You seem to be really good and I read your book (I litterally.. tried to learn polish for the sake of reading it lmao;;; its so good) and a few of your stories too.. any tips would be appreciated

first of all, oh my gosh, I'm literally honoured hshshsh you tried to read my book??? gonna break down right here pleaseee thank you😭

okay I'll try to get to it as well as I can, I hope it'll help at least a bit. you can always message me or send more asks <3 under the cut because its long

making the character be good, have a personality that's actually theirs is probably the hardest thing in writing. it's a bit easier in fanfiction than original work because you see them acting on stage and you see the headcanons so you have a base for it, let's say. but it's still hard. id say there are three ways of approaching this. going off vibes, projection and careful scheming and planning.

going off vibes would be just "okay he does on stage that, so i think he'd act like that off stage", pretty simple, going mostly with your guts yk

projection can go a long way. two ways actually. you can write a character that similar to you or you can write a character that is something you're lacking. of course you can mix it all, but thats the best i can describe it. my rain is me, my dew is me, my swiss and mountain is what i wish i had. caeril is me, neithan is me, etc.

careful scheming and planning is also a good way but if done wrong the character is not gonna feel real, its gonna be dry and just fake. what i mean by that is finding a character sheet with physical characteristics as well as personality traits and thinking it all over, carefully planning what you want the character to be. i myself don't do that, it feels too... artificial for me. if used correctly, tho, it can really slay because then the character can be very well thought over

you gotta try different things, u dont have to write a big 10k word fic right away. you can if you want of course but id say start with one shots, make them your character sheets. do some character study, create them and then put them into a biger picture. it takes time and practice, as evereything

the thing with show dont tell is also a thing of practice. theres no rules as to what info you should keep and what is unneccessary. show dont tell doesnt mean just show, never tell. telling isn't wrong, but writing should put the reader's brain to work, they should be seeing what you saw when you were writing. the best way to do this is basing on the senses. when writing a sentence and you doubt if its necessarry, ask yourself "okay if i was a reader what does this sentence give me? does it give me anything? what senses does it influence? does it help me paint the scene in my brain?". gotta go with feeling and overtime youlll find the perfect balance between showing and telling descriptions and that'll be your style. i make my works pretty descriptive and easy to imagine for the readers because i started with tolkien. i aspired to be like him which is of course impossible but slivers of his writing style can be seen in mine. one of those slivers is rich descriptive imagery

pacing the stories is also really hard. main rule is to not make it boring, but how to achieve it? lmao its not that easy fr. if you do an oneshot you can keep a standard introduction-main part-conclusion structure. first paint the situation, paint the place where this is happening. main part should be the longest, this is what IS your work, the most important thing. conclusion can be slow and short. tell the reader how the main part of the text changed something from the introduction, just nicely close it out. of course you dont have to, we love open endings but this is the easiest thing, id say

with bigger fics, multichapter, go wild. introduction is important but you dont have to put in on the beginning. you can start mysteriously and explain what the fuck its about in te 3rd chapter or even at the very end. build some tension but also give the reader a moment to breathe. the longer the text the more possibilieties you have but overdoing it is not good either, plan it, sketch a storyline. as everything, its a thing of practice and finding your style

and doing all that never forget about the technical bits. good story that has a terrible formatting automatically becomes a worse story because its not nice to look at. learn the proper ways to format a dialogue, work on punctuation, dont forget to capitalize (says me without a single capitalized letter and the worst grammar punctuation and typos in this whole post lmao im trying to type it in quickly sorry). dont be afraid of clicking enter, make space. formatting can also be helful in building tension, short sentences do that. you can highight an information by putting the sentecne with it alone in a line. a lot of things, also style, but you still should keep to the actual rules. treat your work as something great, dont do it half assed. treat it like it'd be supposed to be published, yk?

okay im done this is so long ugh i hope anything here is at least a bit understandable sorry but also if u or anyone have any more questions feel free to hit the ask box/dms hehehe

[sweetestpopcorn]

Hi there Anon 😊 and once again so sorry for this delay!

Hum... I would say yes and no. And a big no to “yet all the time we see her in any of those matters, she performs as poorly as possible.”First, we do see examples of Rhaenyra being involved in Politics, we aren't just told. She attended Small Council meetings from the time she was seven, and when she was 16 she took possession of Dragonstone and ruled it for the next 16 years. During these 16 years we have no reports of anyone there complaining about Rhaenyra - which they would if she didn't know what she was doing.

In fact, Rhaenyra was quite popular amongst the people of King's Landing, Dragonstone, and Westeros. Certainly much more than her half-brothers, and like I already mentioned, the only ones who seemed to have an issue with her three eldest sons were the Greens (though their biggest issue remained the fact that Rhaenyra had no 🍆). Hells, when she takes King's Landing the people are happy in the beginning, "relieved" that they were free from Aegon and Aemond - who unlike Alicent, Helaena, and Daeron were not popular.

“Neither Aegon nor his brother, Aemond, had ever been much loved by the people of the city, and many Kingslanders had welcomed the queen's return... but love and hate are too faces of the same coin (...)" (Fire and Blood, pg. 466-467)

We do see other examples, especially in the beginning of her reign, of her actually displaying an ability to rule and making good decisions. For instance, more than once Daemon and Corlys are at odds with each other and suggest completely opposite things. Rhaenyra always takes a diplomatic approach and weights the argument of both men. In one example she finds a middle ground between her consort and her Hand, in another, she actually goes against Daemon's advice and follows Corlys’s advice.

"It was the fear of losing the support of such lords, Munkun asserts in True Telling, that led the queen to decide in favor of Lord Corlys rather than Prince Daemon.” (Fire and Blood, pg. 465)

"It fell to the queen herself to choose between her consort and her Hand. Rhaenyra decided to steer a middle course.” (Fire and Blood, pg. 479)

Note: You can read more about the particulars of both situations in the pages I just quoted. This is from the hardcover version of the book, the pages in the other edition change a little. 

Would you not agree that this is what a good ruler does? Hear both sides and try to weigh out each and come up with the best solution?

While we are later told - only later - that she was a terrible ruler, this is not accurate in the beginning of her reign. We see Rhaenyra hearing advisors and trying to do the best with what she was given - which was utter sh:t and I would love to hear experts say what they would have done so differently -> not by means of writing a fanfiction in my notes though thank you, especially showGrangreen fans who go between book and show for whatever tickles their dirties. Moreover, some of the taxes Celtigar imposed in the beginning were actually similar to those imposed at the start of Jaehaerys’s reign. And again, rather than decide herself, she called someone who supposedly knew about this. If they did a good job at it or not - answer is not - that is up for the question. What Rhaenyra did, though, was what her father had always done, and had gotten good results from it.

The thing about Rhaenyra’s reign, Rhaenyra herself, and much of what is written in Fire and Blood is that you have to actually read it carefully and make up your own mind with what is there.

People can write whatever meta they want, some even write fanfictions adding the Rogares into the mix as if this holds any ground in canon 😂, but unless they use actual proof from the books, it’s worth nothing. And, the danger of reading what others write as opposed to the actual books is that people a lot of times twist and turn their notions and do not back it up with actual book material. A lie told many times runs the risk of becoming the truth, and this is so frequent in this fandom. 

Now, to hit some on the old man, I will agree that he could have gone into much more detail of how Rhaenyra ruled Dragonstone, yes. He ought to have named concrete things she did, that she learned growing up. We are indeed left to read in between the lines in many cases and “guess”. Be that as it may, it is unfair to say that we are told and not shown and that the two do not match. We are shown things, but we only have to pay close attention otherwise we will miss much 😉

And just to clarify something else, the "show don't tell" approach is not something I have ever seen Turtle Man advocate for. This is just a general writing advice to make the read more engaging. I do argue, however, that Turtle Man has too many instances in Fire and Blood of just this: a tell instead of a show. He has many others when it is the contrary, however, he shows but doesn't tell, and I argue that is where his writing in Fire and Blood is more successful. However, he trusts his audience a bit too much at times and he should have added some little tell with the big show... then again in this fandom you can have sh:t black on white and still people question it. So... I don't know. Moreover, it’s also important to mention that the Dance was written with an end in sight. It was plot driven not character driven and as a consequence a lot of time the characters suffer from it. I have mentioned this before and I consider it one of the biggest flaws of George’s “fake history”, though I still absolutely love it 🥰

All the best to you 😺

PS: Everything I write concerns only the asoiaf canon and the books. Gangreen Redacted fans who use book and show for whatever idea they are trying to push are henceforth welcomed to go back to the trash can they came out of 🤗 there are two canons bestie, and you can't decide you want x for this and y for that. Take it all or don't take anything, but don't try to join book discussions.

[anistarrose]

I saw your(?) post (reblog?) on “underutiilzing” criticism and how it pertains to traditionally published literature (which yeah, it’s a whole different medium honestly, and should be treated as such!), and it made me think of a tangentially related question. In fanfiction— on ao3 specifically, but it might be in other places as well— it’s fairly common to have AU series works be a variation of short stories and longer stories. The series might be organized based on plot progression (there being a singular plot, theme, or set of character arcs that progress with each installment), or just works organized in thematic order that build off each other/reference past works in the series for events, characters, worldbuilding, etc. It’s something I really enjoy about AU series on ao3 because the author gets to explore exactly what they want to, and can skip around considerable amounts of chronological time in their own continuity to do so, even as they don’t have to cut themselves short OR add unnecessary scenes that could get in the way of the story they /want/ to tell just to hit a page/word count.

My question is: is there an analogue for this style in the traditional publishing world? One where you can mix short stories and straight up novels together in one linear continuity, and have them all be published in the same series (not like, as the “main” books and then a short story collection on the side)? I would love to read/write (one day!) a series where the first book is a traditional sorta book that sets up the characters, world, general plot, etc., with the rest being a mix between longer and shorter works that show off snapshots of the world the characters inhabit (and still continue with character arcs and the plot n the like). Or is this series structure only possible in the context of online fan spaces/ao3 and the like?

(Apologies if this is a complicated question— I know it’s a lot— but I’m interested in any thoughts you might have! Also FYI “like a song that won’t leave your head” is STILL making me emotional I am NOT over it and by the last two chapters you had me desperately hoping the Johann you wrote was gonna defy canon and then he didn’t but like it was so much better that way and every time I think about that last chapter I just lose it again, I WILL write a real comment at some point)

That's an interesting question, and I'm putting it out for my followers because I can't think of any examples other than the main story/short story collection. But I agree with you, it's a style of fic series I've really enjoyed. Someone who knows better than me about publishing could probably speak to whether this is something publishing companies would be skittish about (I wouldn't be shocked if this is just, like, something that book deals/contracts are never designed for). Which is a shame because yeah, it's very fun!

(also no rush with the comments but much love for everything you've said about that fic! as a character study enthusiast — who flexed those character study muscles hard all throughout that piece — I can think of no higher praise than the fact that working within canon was what made the ending stick!)

[queen-paladin]

My Books and other Media: April 2024 Wrap up!!!

Here is what I thought of these! As well as some video essays I LOVED because I eat those up!

The Time I Got Drunk and Saved A Demon by Lemming:

A hilarious romantasy adventure romp! Our Heroine, Cin, has to team up with a demon to go on an adventure when they find out that their goddess possesses demons to attack people and the only way to stop her is to destroy her sacred items. It's laugh-out-loud funny one minute and sweet, romantic, and very spicy the next. I would highly recommend it! 5/5

The Death of Jane Lawrence by Starling

In a Victorian AU world, Jane doesn't want to be stuck as a spinster figure of pity with her adopted family, so she agrees to be in a marriage of convenience with a surgeon named Augustine Lawrence. Things seem to be going great until on her wedding night, she is dropped off at the manor house he lives in...at the haunted manor house he lives in. Since Crimson Peak is one of my favorite movies and this book was inspired by it, I had to pick it up and I was not disappointed! Very much had the same vibes but is distinctly its own thing! I liked Jane and her practicality and I loved Augustine and how much of a pathetic meow meow and simping malewife he was for her. There is plenty of scary, gruesome imagery and I kept being so nervous, thinking "how is Jane gonna deal with this?" Plus there was a pretty darn good twist in the last third and I was genuinely surprised by the ending, without giving anything away The only thing is that sometimes the prose is so poetic that it becomes vague, especially one section right before the very end. But I loved it! 4/5

Bride

Okay, so in a nutshell, this is an arranged marriage story between the vampire Misery and the werewolf Lowe, since the vampires, werewolves, and humans have been in constant conflict. For what I liked, the book was really funny. I enjoyed Misery's sarcasm, snark, and badassery and the romance felt developed and real. This is infamous for the omegaverse elements in the smut, but it wasn't overwhelming for someone who hasn't read a lot and I heard it's TAME compared to fanfiction. I especially liked Misery's friend Serena and I ADORED her relationship with Lowe's kid sister, Ana, who is so adorable and funny. My only qualms are that the romance felt slow to start, there were a lot of bland, forgettable side characters to keep track of, and the climax felt rushed and unclear. 4/5.

Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries by Fawcett

My favorite book of the month! This tells of socially awkward, incredibly intelligent professor Emily Wilde in the early 1900's. She is a professor of Fairy studies and is off in a tiny Scandinavian village to study the fairies there. Who else should show up but her charming, rakish rival in academia, Wendell Bambleby. They realize how much the fairies have messed up the local villagers and plan to take action. Okay, I LOVE that the fairies and the fae feel so much like the fairy tales and folklore of yore. The author did her homework! These aren't the hot people with wings and six-packs of Sarah J Maas. They are inhuman, immensely powerful, and can bless you or curse you in a minute's notice if you take the wrong step. I adored Emily and she seemed very much coded as neurodivergent with her passion for fairies her fear of offending others by saying the wrong thing and her lack of reading into social cues. And WENDELL BAMBLEBY! My BambleBook Boyfriend. He is a mix of Prince Hal from The Henriad and Howl from Howl's Moving Castle. He is slutty, constantly inviting his Bambleby Booty Calls, and lazy, having his students do all the work, but he begins to genuinely fall for Emily and is as charming and sweet beneath it all as he can be with a subtle element of "touch her, and you die!" It's dryly hilarious and the third act was incredible. The characters were well-developed and flawed, but still compelling, relatable, and likable. I adored this to death and would HIGHLY recommend it! 5/5

Twisted Love by Huang

In a nutshell, this is a brother's friend and grumpy/sunshine romance. What I love about Ana Huang is that she always knows how to pace and develop a romance between two characters AND her spice is top tier. There are a few funny moments, as well as genuinely sweet ones. However, there are all sorts of elements that veneer into the silly to where I don't take it 100 percent seriously. Like, how our main girl just HAPPENS to be friends with a princess of another country at some public university. And that our main guy is 27 yet a billionaire CEO of a whole company...and he just hangs out with college kids! Like?!?!?!!? I say a good 4/5 just because I always like her.

My Throat an Open Grave by Bovalino

What I expected:

What I got:

Ok, so this teenage girl, Leah, is miserable living in her tiny, religious, conservative town. One night, she is sick of babysitting her baby brother and offers him accidentally to the Lord of the Wood and wouldn't you know it! The Lord of the Wood takes him! So the town tells her she has got to go and get him back, though no girl who runs to the forest for that ever returns. So she gets there and...it's this nice, open minded, cottagecore normal ass village. Other than the premise at the beginning, this isn't Labyrinth but a wholesome Midsomar for kids. Though I do like the middle finger to conservative, small town purity culture, it kind of dragged and wasn't that scary and the stakes weren't high. I expected a scary, folk horror journey, but just got kind of "eh, here's a nice cult that doesn't judge you. You know kid, are you sick of your tiny, repressive town? Here's the answer: join a cult!" There is a really good twist, a scene that got kind of spicy and pushed it for a YA book, and I appreciate that the Jareth in this is around her age instead of some grown ass man offering himself to a minor (sorry, but I am in the minority of Labyrinth who thinks Sarah was right. She made the right choice at the end), it felt like it wasn't the heroes journey I expected and got kind of bland. 3/5

Bonus, My Favorite Video Essays:

The Dark Romance Community is Mad at Me: Okay, this girl, A Model Who Reads, posted a TikTok showing her surprise that the publishing company she works for was releasing a book marked as a Serial Killer Sexual Assault Romance, the dark romance community ATTACKED her in the comments. Here, she explains the problems with it why she isnt' sorry, and her issues with dark romance in full. Insightful, and incredible, and she finally addresses the issue concerning this angry, self-righteous, and unempathetic culture that has emerged recently concerning trigger warnings in media.

Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Video Essay My man, Kyle Kallgren, has done it again! Here, he breaks down Anne Washburn's play Mr Burns, a Post Electric Play, a play that portrays a post-apocalyptic story of a group of survivors recalling a Simpsons episode which then said episode transforms to a staged play to an epic sung through morality opera by the group at the end. He discusses post-apocalyptic media, the evolution of humor, and how humanity always triumphs over adversity. It's funny, deeply human, and chilling and incredibly well researched, in the Kyle KAllgren fashion. Highly recommend it, his channel and all his videos!