#and just overall a good retelling

[aroaessidhe]

2024 reads / storygraph

The Saint of Bright Doors

a surreal Sri Lankan fantasy about colonialism, revolution, mixing fantasy with the modern world

follows a man raised by his mother to kill his father, a god-like cult leader

but as an adult he puts aside his life of violence and moves to the city for a quiet life

he becomes fascinated with ‘bright doors’ around the city that never open and have no other side, and joins a group studying them to find out more

and a support group for those with divine heritage that becomes increasingly revolutionary, until the task he was made for reemerges and his life upends

#the Saint of Bright Doors #aroaessidhe 2024 reads #this is kind of hard to explain I dont know if I did a very good job here lol #it is weird and full of so many interesting elements. I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about it but?? I really liked it mostly??? #It starts pretty small scale focused on the MC & slowly unravels the wider worldbuilding and narrative elements in a really interesting way #The first chapter or two I assumed it was typical high fantasy but then it’s like. oh this is a modern city. with emails and stuff. #The pacing is a bit weird - it’s quite meandering and also pivots significantly in the second half. tbh I’m still ????? about the ending lm #but also I am happy to float through on vibes. #and there’s some elements (like the doors that become….not that relevant) that I want to know more about. (as an aside - I saw someone say #that it’s a very clear retelling about Buddha’s son? which idk enough about but probably could give a deeper context to a lot of it) #writing style is kinda detached from the MC but also there is a reason for this that makes sense with the twist near the end! #which is a kind of twist i LOVE. Maybe I wish it had been emphasised a bit more over the story though? unsure. #I thought his mother's story was interesting also - you think she's an terrible parent just there for background context at the start but #then when she tells her story it's like ohh there's more context here. #also I hesitate to just say ‘if you like the spear cuts-- you should read this’ because I think the elements that are similar are done in a #kinda different way and might disappoint you if you’re expecting it to be the same as spear….but regardless the sort of dreamy writing #rich world; narrative with fantasy but also modern day elements; some of the writing style; mlm MC (tho not a romance) #idk. it will definitely not work for everyone but I enjoyed it overall #also it is full of queerness #bisexual books

[kindlythevoid]

As promised. Memes:

And as promised, ranting:

Okay, so, real talk, I did not actually like everything in this book, but I still fucked with it SO HARD. Like, honestly, I picked up what this was putting down (a little heavy-handedly, but done so well imho???) and the WAY IT WAS WRITTEN????

Like, I did a course on the Aeneid. And obviously it was a Roman mythos, not Greek, but DAMN, CLAIRE NORTH. I could see my translations!!! Written in the vernacular of english!!! RiGHT THERE IN THE TEXXT!!!! I GOT SO FREAKING EXCITED!!! It's just, such little things. The phrasing of a certain line. The odd usage of certain similes or metaphors that go off about people or places. The strange diversions to explain events or people right in the middle of the text before jumping straight back into the story. IT WAS SO VERGIL GUYS I SWEAR.

(i haven't had to translate the greek myths sorry guys and I read the odyssey so many years ago in english many apologies am working off what I got)

And, like, as I said, it was very heavy-handed as it backhanded the greek poets for ignoring the women but, like, she was right??? It was insane guys. It was absolutely insane. And everyone was so nuanced and had personalities and hopes and dreams and backstories and at points I was worried she was going to sacrifice the guys to further the women??? Which, like, I understand the irony, and obv couldn't super fault her for it, but she ended up balancing everyone out so well??? Like the guys were in the background instead but they were still all unique and had different priorities and shit.

Just, this whole book was such a breath of fresh air. Damn.

#as a believer in odypen tho I am a little concerned with how the trilogy is gonna go #but i dont think i can blame her #and honestly i'm not a hundred percent sure if its bc it was thru hera's eyes and if there was a biased narrator #WHICH IS SUPER COOL IN AND OF ITSELF #and obv as a major pjo reader I was eyeing hera with hella suspicion #but obviously this is someone else's interpretation of hera and i honestly kinda fucked with her #like i didn't super like her all the time but she was a damn good narrator #like i didn't like clytemnestra a whoooole bunch like hera but also yeah i could absolutely respect her #like shit this book SLAPPED #I still get so fucking excited about the actual writing itself #it was such a cool blend of classical-writing and just straight up british slang it was so much fun to read fr fr #would recommend if you like feminist books and/or classic greek retellings #i'd have to research to see if any of the things happened in the background of the odyssey or some shit #but overall its a really neat read i think #just yelling into the void #ithaca #ithaca by claire north #meme time #hera #the odyssey

[navree]

literally just remembered polyxena and sorry tumblr girlies but if achilles is still your soft sensitive yaoi fave you are literally deranged this man doesn’t even let DEATH stop him from being the biggest asshole and rejecting the concept of women having autonomy and control over what happens to their bodies in a way that doesn’t satisfy him

#personal #greek mythology #anyway what a lovely time to remind everyone that achilles is a rapist #who deliberately let people die because he couldn't get to rape the sex slave he wanted #and then desecrated a body for no reason just because he couldn't handle the consequences of his own actions #and then yeah literally demanded polyxena die before anyone could go home #idk i guess so he could have her as his sex slave to rape whenever he wants in the afterlife too #cuz she ain't doing this willingly when you *murdered her brother and desecrated his body* you psychotic dick #honestly madeline miller is gonna be my villain origin story for warping greek myths so bad to try and make this douche sympathtic #(her and that author who apparently decided to 'reclaim' the myth of achilles and retell it with him as actually a trans woman??) #(because what's needed right now is a story about a violently crazed trans woman) #(who has no boundaries and lusts for unjust killing and rapes innocent shrinking violet virgin cis women who are forced into sex slavery) #(due to their status of being taken by this character as prisoners of war) #(like seriously what on god's green earth could heaping all of that monstrosity on a trans woman possibly do in terms of overall good) #anyway rant over i hate achilles and people who woobify him he's literally the third worse man in the greek army #just because agammemnon is literally the worst person to live and ajax is the second worst in the army

[txttletale]

i don’t know if you’re white or non-asian but. i do think that your take on EEAAO fundamentally misunderstands a lot of the commentary about immigrant east asian parenting and family units. it’s not a retelling of the “abusive parent” trope it’s bringing light to the specific generational trauma that asian immigrant families often experience, especially low income ones like the Wangs. talking about the “very lib model of The Family” and saying it’s “ideologically repellent” rubbed me the wrong way because it’s absolutely a story that has Never Been Told Before.

it’s fine if you didn’t like the movie. but if that was your main takeaway and you don’t see how any of the things i mentioned make it an important film, you might want to think about that.

i am not asian-american but i am latina which also means my community is full of the same normalizing / excoticizing bullshit about how our abusive parents are just Culturally Misunderstood or whatever & i simply do not buy it or care for it. & of course i have seen many asian people espouse this same perspective 'cause yknow any minority group is not a monolith.

it is also very silly to call the wangs low income when they are literally small business owners and the impetus of the film is the threat of getting tax audited. the aspirational model of the immigrant success story is absolutely deeply liberal and the film is absolutely very focused on the family as moral good and the restoration of it as prima facie correct and healing. i also personally think it drops the ball on intergenerational trauma conceptually because while evelyn goes through a whole personal journey to become a better person and stop inflicting her trauma on her husband and daughter, the old fuck who gave her that trauma doesn't go on a journey for shit and the film just gives him a pass for having done absolutely nothing

overall, like i said, i think it handles its themes better than most mainstream films (low bar), but i do not think being about asian immigrants meaningfully changes the film's politics around or relation to the concept of the family which i was critiquing.

#ask

[leviaana]

Miraculous Movie Review (Rating: 4/10)

I watched the preview of the Awakening movie yesterday and really want to share my honest review. There’s going to be several things that I’ll criticize. So be warned!

Also: Spoilers!! DON’T read it if you haven’t seen it yet. This is my personal opinion. So please stay excited for it!! 🐞🪄

First of all, my overall rating for this movie is a 4/10. Just yesterday I was ready to give it a 5/10, but quickly noticed it had much more things that upset me than I initially realized when walking out of the movie.

I know it’s a pretty low rating coming from such a huge fan like myself, but that’s probably the main issue. I’m a big fan of the show, so changes in lore and characterization will be more apparent to me. For better or for worse, in this case, mostly for worse.

On the first glimpse the movie seems like a retelling - a soft reboot, if you will - of show’s origin story. The plot goes much further than that however, as it also provides a conclusion in form of a final battle with Hawkmoth as well as an identity reveal of our two main heroes.

In order to ensure the entire premise fits into a 90 minute movie, a lot of things regarding the shows lore were simplified. I say that as a neutral statement seeing as a simplification can be either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your opinion of the source material.

Personally, it left me rather unsatisfied but I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start with the good things!

One of the things I really enjoyed was the animation! Seeing miraculous with such a high production value certainly felt like a cool summer breeze. While I do prefer the original character models style wise, it was still just nice to see them in this cutesie pretty style! The locals were gagging!

Ladybug and Cat Noir were especially gorgeous!

I also really enjoyed the singing. I watched the German dub and it was very neat!

Sad to say that was pretty much how long my enjoyment lasted. Everything apart from what I’ve mentioned above was… interestingly handled… to say the least. Let me elaborate.

1. The dialogue was awful!

Truly not the biggest fan of musicals but I couldn’t wait for them to start singing just in order for them to STOP TALKING 😩!

The dialogue was so awkward and stiff. All of the characters were interacting very weirdly with each other. At times it would sound like several lines of dialogue were cut from the final version, as the characters barely acknowledged each other verbally. They didn’t talk with each other, but past each other.

Moreover, every second phrase was a very cheesy one liner. “Believe in yourself.”, “Listen to your heart.”, “stronger together”. Super overdone.

The movie wanted to be inspirational so bad, it forgot to be genuine.

Some examples that I recall from memory:

“Mom, I don’t have any friends and I’m scared to go I school.”

“Just believe in yourself, Marinette.”

“Okay, thanks.”

Or.

“Tikki, I’m in love with Adrien.”

“Listen to your heart, Marinette.”

“My heart……Adrien.”

2. How did they manage to make Ladynoir banter … weird and uncomfortable to watch?

Don’t let these pretty movie shots fool you because Movie!ladynoir spent their time in a constant roasting competition that they were somehow both losing!

Not once did they manage to establish that flirty and charming atmosphere around them. No, they were draaaagging each other through filth. And maybe it could have been somewhat fun, god knows I love couples that can roast each other. If only the dialogue was better and didn’t reek of “we have no idea how young people interact”.

In a desperate attempt to make jokes, they let Chat call LB a sidekick or watermelon in every. single. scene. To say that it got annoying when the jokes didn’t land the first 10 times they were made is an understatement. No Milady, no Bugginette, no little wink or a kiss on the hand. Only watermelon and sidekick. Them talking in weird cut off phrases. With careless whisper playing in the background.

Don’t get me wrong, there are some beautiful moments. But their beauty can only ever do so much when met with weird pacing, dialogue and characterization. I’ll talk about that last part in a minute.

3. Everything was so on-the-nose.

The characters would constantly say how they feel and what they think aloud. Jeremy didn’t trust us with even an ounce of media literacy. Classic case of always telling, never showing. Not to mention the constant inspirational quoting in a desperate attempt to convey some deep message. Is this a movie script or my moms facebook page? I guess we‘ll never know.

4. Characterization: Marinette

Having Marinette be somewhat scatterbrained but overall still respected by her peers is not inspirational enough! Make her your average teenage outcast and a total loser. Dad, you’re embarrassing me in front of the cool kids!

If you enjoy that kind of characterization that’s okay! Personally, I thought it was very cliche. It just.. didn’t do anything for her as a character. Having her start off at a much „lower” point in life, with almost no support system, only makes her coming of age journey to eventually become a self accepting confident heroine take longer. Seeing as the movie is only 90 minutes, the moment we see her “shine” is when it’s all almost over.

5. Ladybug …?

Did I mention Ladybug doesn’t use her lucky charm? Not. once. No crazy plans to show that she’s smart and creative. Just a pretty girl swinging around.

6. Adrien

I have a bit more to criticize about the characterization of Movie!Adrien.

The longer I think about it, the more it becomes apparent that they really didn’t know how to write Adrien. His personality appears inconsistent, almost like they were trying to fit him in too many roles at once. He is either extremely closed off and mysterious (even towards his friends), a comic relief character, bathing in self pity or just outright cocky. Those hoping to see his politeness and selflessness will be disappointed. This character only is ever shown to be self centered. A perfect example is how he *didn’t do anything* to be called worthy of the Black Cat Miraculous. He was just one of the „chosen ones“. When the Adrien from the series sacrificed his own freedom to help Master Fu.

Another example is how this Adrien doesn’t really see anything in Marinette. He called her strange in their first interaction and never really lost a single thought on her throughout the rest of the series. No common praises, no support, just awkwardness and not the wholesome kind. In fact, I would argue Marinette and Adrien aren’t even friends in the movie, the only interaction to suggest otherwise was slammed as a 5 second scene in a 2 minute montage.

Even if you were to suggest their bond was formed off screen. We don’t really see it ever take root. He even turned down her gift and invitation to go to the ball with her. Yes, you guessed correctly. It was because he was busy bathing in self pity over being rejected by Ladybug. Yikes.

To sum it up, this Adrien really doesn’t care about anyone but himself. Ever. They massacred my boy.

7. Chat Noir

His charming smugness as Chat Noir crossed the fine line that turned to arrogance.

Considering how Adrien was characterized, that comes as no surprise.

As mentioned in my criticism towards the dialogue and the Ladynoir dynamic, this Cat is often seen discrediting LB with unfunny jokes. The moment you see him actually appreciate Ladybug, open up to her and Woo her, it’s all overshadowed by his entitlement to her affection.

Some may argue that we see traces of such attitude in the show as well. However, in a series, Chat Noir has many redeeming qualities as well as time to grow, change and move past these flaws. And boy, move past these flaws he did. In the movie, it’s all you get. Take it or leave it.

In one scene, he even lets her think he was hurt by an Akuma in order to catch her worrying about him. It was just a short scene and most people would look past it, but I think it’s these small details that really show how these movie characters tick in comparison to the series.

8. Akumas/Hawkmoth

Just a small detail that kind of ended up taking away the enjoyment of all action scenes is how the Akumas in the movie do not have a motive. There’s just some random people that you don’t care about before their akumatization and that you won’t care about after.

Hawkmoth doesn’t make a deal with them, ask for ladybug and chat noirs miraculous in exchange for his powers, none of that.

He just makes them evil and they do evil things for shits and giggles. The movies premise doesn’t even suggest he needs the miraculous. He just needs to get close enough to Ladybug and Chat Noir to steal Tikki and Plagg.

9. The Ending

I just wanted to dip into that ending real quick. In the movie, Gabriel is redeemed when he finds out about Chat Noir being Adrien. He apologizes to him and they make up. The scene surely will make people emotional, but from my perspective it was all rather predictable.

Whether or not Gabe was worthy of a redemption in the movie is a topic to discuss on its own. Personally, I was okay with it.

What I found more interesting however was…

10. The reveal

This is the moment most people have been waiting and yearning for. And I may sound a bit smug when I say that the movie served a good purpose to show us that a fast reveal would have never ever been satisfying!

It was super underwhelming because - of course it was!

Marinette and Adrien barely had a connection! For all we know they could have been total strangers and their reaction to each other’s identity wouldn’t have been any different than what we saw in the movie.

We never saw Marichat or Ladrien interact either. So that certainly lead to a less explored dynamics. Cue unsatisfying reveal.

They really tried to make it this big emotional final moment, but really? We just saw Ladybug and Chat Noir lean in for a kiss without their masks. Like in a new fit. Nothing really groundbreaking came out of it.

Any fake reveal in the show was better than that and I mean it with every fiber of my being.

And don’t even get me started on how Adrien only ever noticed Marinette when she revealed to be Ladybug. It’s just not it.

Final thoughts.

There’s sooo many more things that I could elaborate on but I think for now I’ve said enough to support my rather poor rating of the movie.

In my opinion, the movie relies too much on people enjoying the source material while trying to be its own thing. It risks leaving everyone unsatisfied.

Those who watch the movie as a stand-alone are met with weird dialogue as well as plot, characters and dynamics that aren’t at all fleshed out.

Meanwhile those who watch the movie because they like the show will be inevitably comparing the movie to its far superior source material.

#miraculous ladybug #ml #miraculous #ladybug #adrien agreste #chat noir #cat noir #marinette dupain cheng #miraculous the movie #awakening #mlb awakening #mlb movie #ladybug and cat noir the movie

[mikkaeus]

house md hilson fic rec - medium to long fics (10k+)

Other house rec lists: short fics | episode tags | postcanon | infidelity trope (all of these are mutually exclusive apart from the infidelity one) // Edit: I added the longer postcanon fics to this reclist as well because this one got the most traction!

These are all House/Wilson unless otherwise stated. Before we get into the fics, here are some of my fave authors that have written several house fics.

fourteencandles: im literally in love with them . 10/10 writing no notes. also long fics?? hello???

ictus: this author has the range! from emotional to fluff to funny. very smooth writing. all of their fics have different vibes which was fun to read. they’re all very good. 

Transformatron: fics that are transcendent and porny, all featuring a d/s undertone or theme (wilson as the dom)

Namaste (livejournal / ff.net): Some short fics, some much longer ones. Mostly gen focussing on H&W friendship, with some fics on canon pairings. Interesting character studies and discerning prose.

In order of length. *faves, ***underrated faves

*Brain Damage by fourteencandles (8k) (Ok I know this isn’t over 10k but I wanted all of their fics on one post and it’s close enough so.) This was brilliant. Like a real episode of House, with Wilson as the unfortunate patient-of-the-week, with bonus House/Wilson. Characterisation was bang on, and the plot was original and engaging and had a satisfying conclusion. Love to see House taking care of Wilson.

Down to the Water + Bound for Home by blackmare (~10k) Aftermath of season 4. House and Wilson go on a road trip. Quiet and sad and fragile, with excellent writing. This fic appears to have been fairly well known in lj days but I don't think a lot of newer people know about it.

*A Smaller World by fourteencandles (10k) The thing between them works, if Wilson doesn't push for more. God I’m so soft. I have so many feelings!!! In love with this established relationship hilson, still a little precarious, but with Wilson adapting, and House willing to put in effort.

*What's Past by fourteencandles (10k) The guy who used to have Wilson's job comes back for a visit, and it turns out they have more in common than Wilson ever knew.

*Touch Therapy by nomad (10k) It's not that House needs the human contact. It's just that when you're sharing an apartment, these things happen sometimes. Light hearted and funny, canon divergence from when Wilson’s staying on House's couch in s2. This is pretty much the homosexual waters have started flowing in House's direction post. Excellent dialogue.

***not another medical drama series (10k) by captainharkness Retelling of season 1 with House and Wilson as an established relationship. Great slice of life stories! Ongoing. The first is H/W POV, the second is Cameron, and the third is Chase. My favourite is definitely the second one (someone else’s story). I adore seeing H/W through the ducklings’ eyes. 

Synchronicity by copperbadge (10k) Dead patients, car wrecks, drug overdoses, journalists, Comatose Charlie, and orange chicken. Must be love.

systemic by ictus (10k) Ever since Wilson moved in, House has presented with some inexplicable symptoms. Fortunately, he has a team of talented doctors to aid him with his diagnosis. Season 2 fic! This one is funny and sweet and overall a great read.

Rush Down Darkness by Starlingthefool (10k) House MD/World War Z crossover. Told mainly through interview dialogue from house’s pov. Engaging story. House/Wilson definitely takes a backseat to the plot — there’s no grand getting together or anything. That's not to say it's not about them though, because there were still lots of good moments (good in the sense that my heart hurts). More succinctly, it has the vibes of an established relationship fic., although it isn't technically one.

Defensive Strategies by Milkshake Butterfly (~10k) (lj) In which Wilson is tired of being asked out by women when he's not ready to date again, and naturally House proposes a simple solution: pretend to be together. An enjoyable read.

******Commonplace and True by celestialskiff (11k) It would be a simple story--House and Wilson meet at a medical conference, have sex, and enjoy each other's company--but nothing is ever easy, or simple. Explores Wilson's relationship with House, with women, and with himself. House and Wilson throughout the years — with the version of canon where Wilson has cheated on every wife and girlfriend with House. When I tell you I am FROTHING!!! Pining while fucking?? The way it’s never the right time?? The greed of wanting to have your cake and eat it too? (That one’s specifically for Wilson, our beloved three-wives guy.) The vibes are immaculate. The prose is elegant verging on poetic. I’m eating this fic whole and it will be on my mind always. It is THE hilson fic for me. It is criminal that this fic has been up since 2012 and it only has 200 kudos. Go read it immediately & give the author some love.

***Declarations of Independence by Namaste (ff.net, also on livejournal) (11k) House and winter, throughout the years. I really enjoyed this. Excellent writing. Copy pasting a part of a comment by bedawyn which articulates why this fic is unique better than I can: “So far, I've seen a lot of focus in the fanfic (and the eps) on the pain and the Vicodin, but very little awareness of the practical aspects of limited mobility and the emotional impact of those even apart from the pain. So this was a very nice change.”

***Rule of Three by Transformatron (11k) (House/Wilson/Foreman) Foreman sees something he shouldn't have. And, maybe, wants something he shouldn't have, too. This was well written and super hot, with fun dialogue and descriptions that do justice to the excellent writing of the show itself. Foreman is faithfully characterised in a way that made me sympathetic. Also H/W outsider perspective as a third is such a treat to read. Lower me into my grave!!!!

*Warning Signs by out_there (12k) Excerpt: House looked to the left, staring down at the open box. Wilson knew that expression on his face: House was torn between denying it all and gleefully acknowledging his schemes. Normally, his ego won out and, like a comic super villain, he'd explain all. Wilson just needed to stay quiet and wait. This fic was fantastic. I am disgustingly fond. Superb characterisation. Light hearted and funny.

The Oncologist Trap by zulu (13k) (2007) House subtly seduces Wilson. Somehow.

The Line of Thought by tevinterimperium (13k) House and Wilson pretend to be together to play a prank on the ducklings, which is an extremely plausible scenario. From the perspective of the ducklings. Set sometime after 3x15: Half-Wit.

hail mary by ictus (13k) A post-canon fix it! In the weeks since finishing the show and reading this fic there are times I forgot that this wasn’t canon. It’s such a believable (and well-researched) alternate ending that feels like an actual episode.

Son of Mine by simoneallen (14k) Sherlock is House’s long-lost kid. Usually I’m not a fan of cross-over fics but I enjoyed this one. Established relationship on the johnlock side, getting together on the hilson side.

***hearts turn red by ictus (14k) In my head this is the counterpoint to Commonplace and True. When I found it after reading that one it really was a holy shit two fucking cakes?? moment. The delicious infidelity vibes are similar, but the vibes of the writing are pretty different -- whereas the above fic has a more quiet, subdued atmosphere, this one has more snappy prose and it’s more light-hearted with funny moments as well as emotional ones. It’s not just the infidelity theme that makes me crazy about both of them though; it’s how they play on the great tragedy of House and Wilson. In the author’s own words: In a way they do feel a little bit doomed to never quite be on the same page with each other until the very end of the series and by then it's too late. Of course, in these fics, they’re rescued earlier than the end, but the wretched vibes remain. Also, I’m obsessed with this line: By Wilson’s read, House is somehow simultaneously joking and sincere: Schrödinger’s sexual advance. That is the entire fucking show.

An Inconvenient Truth by annathaema (15k) Wilson helps out Cuddy and reveals something about himself in the process. House freaks out accordingly. Also features banana-colored babies, the men's room, and Skee-Ball.

*at the rind by ShanaStoryteller (19k) An AU where Wilson experiences all the near death moments House has in the show as a series of nightmares. Set between 1.19 and 2.05, but spoilers for the whole show. Protective Wilson!! We love to see it. I also like Wilson’s characterisation here - you can very much see how not-normal he is. We love unhealthy co-dependency.

***Esopus Creek by shaycat (24k) An eighty-year-old widower by the name of Eugene Skinner ventures out one September day in upstate New York for his usual morning activity - fly fishing. His leisurely hobby is interrupted by a bickering pair nearby in the river. That chance encounter with Greg House and James Wilson changes the course of his life. Told from the perspective of the last friend the boys make on their final road trip. This was the perfect post season 8, Wilson-still-dies fic. A sad fic but not a depressing one. It’s quiet and heartwarming, in a bittersweet way. Highly recommend. It has great use of outsider POV — I’m always a sucker for it but it worked particularly well in this case to have the angst but not be drowning in it. Also I just really liked the OC.

***Howler Tone by baffledbear (25k) The calls always happen late at night, and they're extremely sporadic, with weeks, sometimes months bridging between them. They talk on the phone otherwise, of course; about patients, or dinner plans, or carpooling. Typical stuff. But the calls that always end a certain way always start a certain way. Wilson is so repressed but so attracted to House. House is taking as much as he can get while still remaining in relative safety. Together they push a platonic relationship to the absolute limits of plausible deniability. Overall totally realistic within the canon of the show — the natural step up from the gay chicken already depicted. It’s just such a perfect scenario for them! That combined with silky smooth prose, faithful characterisation and accurate dialogue makes this fic is a definite hilson favourite and also a hilson-thesis fic.

*The Open Road by Pun (25k) A fandom classic. Road trip fic set in the earlier seasons. It's good; read it.

*He Won't Tell You That He Loves You by hellshandbasket (25k) [In which Nolan pulls at the Wilson thread, and House can't stop it all from unraveling. Repression is a hell of a drug.] Early s6. Another fandom classic that is worth its salt.

no need to worry (making up your mind) by scribespirare (25k) House makes the mistake of telling his mother he can't join her for Christmas because of his new boyfriend. Somehow, this becomes Wilson's problem. Cute and fun. I put off reading fake-dating fics because I was worried about them being OOC but this one definitely wasn’t!

***Sticks and Stones by Transformatron (25k) (WIP) House has an innovative new idea for managing his chronic pain. Wilson’s not sure he approves - but when has House ever asked for permission? This is such a great concept I am climbing the walls!!! D/s with House as the sub. The story is currently still at pre-relationship stage, with House experimenting with BDSM and Wilson being unhappy with the proceedings (for some unknown reason /s). Also the writing is nice and snappy with some great figurative language that manages to incorporate medical themes impressively well. 

Fresh Feeling by justkeeptrekkin (30k) House is tricked into going on a team-building trip with his colleagues. He does far more bonding with Wilson than anyone else. Funny and well written. The team interactions are very cute.

***Tracking Time by Namaste (37k) (ff.net) A look at House and Wilson's friendship over the years and how it has changed from their meeting through the end of the first season. I don’t usually read long genfics but this one was exceptional. I like Namaste’s take on House and Wilson’s characters. And they are a very good storyteller — one thing that you don’t tend to see as much of in fanfiction is the old adage of ‘show not tell’. The writing in this fic is careful and subtle, and lets you read between the lines, making it so that no part of the 37k words is a drag to read.

*The Body Found by fourteencandles (46k) Wilson's missing. When I tell you I cried... Premium angst & hurt/comfort. Excellent dialogue with some alternating POV (House mainly, but you also get the three ducklings & Cuddy).

You Already Know How This Will End by fourteencandles (46k) What if House had gone to rehab right after/around "Merry Little Christmas"? (3.10) This fic was interesting. It’s told in a series of short vignettes with a variety of different perspectives. It’s not really a hilson fic (or a fic for any ship). It just explores the characters. I did wish for more hilson but it’s a good read (I mean, it’s fourteencandles). The one hilson scene near the end where they hire a hooker in Atlantic City lives in my head rent free. Warning that the ending is rather abrupt and I didn’t find it satisfying, but I think it works for this kind of story, in a way. Messy people and their complicated relationships, with a lot of loose ends left untied, because that’s just what life is. 

***For Every Closed Door by starlingthefool (around 50k?) (lj) Overview of the chapters (14 with 4 interludes and an epilogue) is on the author’s lj (scroll down).  House MD/Dead Like Me crossover.  I love this fic a lot! It’s canon divergence from Season 3. House gets killed in a freak accident and becomes a reaper, remaining in the mortal world to harvest souls, able to interact with people but not be recognisable to those that know him. As the author says, this is an Afterlife!Fic and therefore a deathfic. They also said it’s not depressing — which is true, because it’s more plotty than an angstfest, and there are lots of light-hearted parts, but it is definitely heartbreaking at points. I literally cried all the way through the last chapter. Happy ending though!!! Don’t worry about the cross-over aspects. I haven’t seen Dead Like Me, and as far as I can tell, it just takes the premise of the show. I’m glad I found this fic whilst trawling 2000s livejournal because it’s really a hidden gem. Great plot, dialogue, compelling OCs — the whole package! I got so emotionally invested in the story. I think there were maybe a few parts that were a little unpolished but just keep reading. It’s really worth it. 

*A Modest Proposal and Involuntary Commitment series by ignaz (98k) The one where House and Wilson get married so Wilson can’t testify against House in the Tritter arc.  I have an unfortunate habit of downloading fics and then forgetting to bookmark & comment once I’m done, so I don’t have anything detailed to say about this one, but it’s a classic and a favourite of mine.

Twenty Years of Stealing My Food by hwshipper (100k) A backstory taking place over twenty years, from how House and Wilson met all the way to canon. A reimagining of their fucked up, magnetic relationship, with a straightforward writing style. They get together nearly as soon as they meet and maintain a steady open relationship whilst cheating on their various girlfriends and wives throughout the years. 

#house md #hilson #house x wilson #house fic rec #house fic #house md fic rec #house md fic #my rec list

[vampirepunks]

I really love all the DS2 theories I've seen so far but one thing I'm picking up is a lot of people expecting Higgs to still be on the same trajectory/goal set as he was in the first game and y'know....... I don't think that's the case.

The overall theme of DS2 from what we've seen so far + Kojima's comments seems to be the concept of opposites, inverses, and dualities, as though it's saying, "take the entire idea and turn it inside out and upside down." It appears to challenge the viewer to subvert whatever expectation/understanding they have based on the first game. It's eternal recurrence as seen through a mirror. The first game was themed around blue and black, this one is red and white. Connection becomes disconnection. Hope becomes despair. Age becomes youth. Repetition becomes change.

Buckle up, I've got thoughts.

(This pattern of contrasts illustrates a theory I've had since DS1 based on Nietzsche's "Thus Spake Zarathustra" and the three-stage journey of metamorphoses--camel -> lion -> child--required to become the overman, but that'll be a separate post. If you're already familiar with the book, just know that in this context DS1 would be the camel and thus DS2 encompasses the lion.)

So, in DS1, Higgs is a hyper-fatalist obsessed with extinction. It's easy to assume that hasn't changed, that he's still dedicated to Amelie and wants to end the world... Too easy, right? Has anything Kojima has written ever been that simple?

I raise you this: In the vein of eternal recurrence, Sam becomes Cliff and Higgs becomes Amelie/Bridget... but this is not a literal retelling, rather, a metaphorical one. A dark mirror to the stories we already know.

So if the theme is opposition, what's the opposite of extinction? Creation. What's the first thing we learn about Higgs in the DS2 trailers? He's a musician now. He sings and he plays guitar. And, arguably, music is the very essence and lifeblood of creation itself, one of the very first things mankind created when our species was in its infancy. Further, Higgs uses his own umbilical cord (yes, it's an umbilical cord), as a guitar jack, channeling his ties to life, death, and his own soul in his performance, highlighting that he has an intimate connection to this core act of creativity. More about that in this post.

Now, DS1 already has a lot of themes and motifs surrounding duality, most notably the concept of chirality: two things that are each other's opposite, two hands imperfectly overlapping, two objects that act as one another's mirror. Powerful things happen when they collide--anything ranging from drug interactions to voidouts to the very birth of the universe.

If I'm reading this right, Sam is set to become the chiral counterpart to his father's tragedy and Higgs is set to become the chiral counterpart to the extinction entity. The same narratives we know, recurring once more, but flipped to become something entirely new at the same time. A rope that becomes a stick and a stick that becomes a rope. Humanity will always need both; the stick is not evil for serving its purpose, nor is the rope inherently good for doing its job. "Whatever is done for love always occurs beyond good and evil."

I'm calling it now: Higgs is not serving Amelie, not seeking to bring her back, not trying to become her. He is rebelling against the idea of her, unshackling himself from the role she placed him in, taking back the autonomy he lost and acting to avenge the abandonment and manipulation he suffered. He's claiming her image as his own to make a mockery of what she represents, painting himself up to look like her decaying corpse, all in an effort to prove she no longer controls him, defiantly asserting, "The queen is dead... long live the king." And so, what is there left for him to do but throw himself into reckless acts of creation? Life from death. Extinction Entity? Cute. Try this on for size: Creation Entity.

#justice for my boy <3 #finally using the jokes i've been making in a serious post aha #i don't however expect this to work out for Higgs the way he plans/hopes #he thirsts and starves for connection but the divine is inherently disconnected. detached. distant. #to become a god is to be alone above the world. singular and unmatched. midas still can't shake hands no matter how beautiful his garden is #the higher they rise the harder they fall. i just hope sam is there to catch him when he does. just as he caught amelie at the end of DS1 #what was icarus when the sea embraced him if not more human than ever before? #i also really need to make a post about sam as sisyphus and higgs as prometheus. both trapped in a neverending cycle #higgs monaghan #death stranding #ds2 #ds2 theories #logan.txt

[heizerux]

Gonna give a real hot take about the Avatar The Netflix series

But this series was not that fucking bad and I feel like what killed it was holding it close to the original cartoon that may have had done things that weren’t transferable to live action. Yes it lacked a few things, but overall, I wasn’t too mad about it and even found myself kind of satisfied with where they took a few things and what it could mean for a future season.

Just see it as a retelling.

This is litterally like comparing your new girlfriend to your first love. They will never be the fucking same and it’s time to realize that.

Also Netflix should have just stopped updating the audience on every change they were making.

It’s kind of like this: Imagine you order a ramen at a restaurant as you’ve heard how good it’s been at this one place and it’s an og recipe or whatever. But as you’re waiting, the waiter keeps coming to update you about all the changes they are making to the ramen. By the time you get it, it’s still ramen and a little different, but now you have skewed view on the ramen. All because you were holding it to the original recipe you’ve been told so much about that was made several years ago.

TLDR: the Netflix avatar show wasn’t even that fucking bad. Some ppl bitch too much.

Also loved the casting. Didn’t care too much on done costumes though.

#and that’s on that #i said what i said #hot take #avatar the last airbender #alta #atla netflix #netflix series #natla #netflix atla #netflix avatar

[hexhomos]

HI! hope your day is treating you well, i’ve been interested in doomreed for some time but cape comics are sort of daunting to me just because there’s so much content and i really don’t know where to begin. what do you suggest? thank you!

STRAIGHT OUT THE GATE ill say, read [ "My Dinner With Doom" ] (this is a rly high-qual upload, open it up on desktop!)

It's a key issue oneshot with a lil bit of backstory retelling, featuring a private dinner that happens in the 00's - a good entrance point if you're curious about doomreed in summarization + generally speaking a Real Good Comic overall.

LONG POST INCOMING THIS IS A LONG POST / click readmore

the fantastic four are one of marvel's darling old founding teams so there is pretty much... endless archival, ongoing, multimedia and games content popping up all the time.

They are also kinda one of the rare teams where the growth of the characters is consistent? The kids are allowed to grow older and events from every major run are carried/referenced by the next author so if you want to do chronological there's a lot of incentive and fun stuff.

If you wanna dip your toes into the F4 as a concept, check out:

*the #1 issue of Fantastic Four By Waid & Wieringo (1997) *Mythos: Fantastic Four (2007) [ *The FF (1994) movie that is up for free on youtube!! ] *Fantastic Four (2022) by Ryan North as the current ongoing!

(Some) Singles centered on Doom/Doomreed:

*Fantastic Four (1961) Annual 2 is Doom's original backstory issue *Marvel Two-in-One (2017) by Zdarsky issue #11 & Annual #1 are both crazy good but they spoil big events/conclusions from previous runs if u care abt that!!! (My current fav fic came from these issues.) *Doomgate (novel) by Jeffrey Lang is a good option if you want something that is mostly prose, instead of a comic or movie

NOW BEFORE YOU JUMP AHEAD WITH ANYTHING I *am* following [ this reading guide ] which breaks down specific issues relevant to their relationship as a line through all the different authors over the years.

[ There's also this 2021 guide w/ a few other story/AU highlights! The author said u can send the blog questions and theyll answer too ]

The 'Modern era' (late 90s/00s/10s/Now) Starts with Waid and McDuffie's stuff. The latter wrote My Dinner with Doom!

If you're scared by all the names, don't be - when searching for the issues, just pay attention to the year, # number & author/artist creds.

What I'm reading/liveblogging rn is Hickman's Secret wars era, generally regarded as yaoi ketamine; It's a good epic narrative entrance point if you want to jump into it, and it eventually led into this huge marvel event that changed the multiverse and even brought miles morales into the main timeline, so its BIG and it happened in multiple books - the best way to go about it is;

Pre-hickman:

Fantastic Four (1961) #551 #552 #553 ➡️ (these introduce main ideas we will touch again in secret wars)

Fantastic Four (1961) #558 to #562 ➡️

Doom appears in these too, first/last issues more heavily. Stuff here will be ref'd during the next era.

If you're having fun and want to keep reading you can! Just know that the next storyarc has gathered a largely mixed response bc..... its Millar going hammywammy....... not that necessary.......

anyway when you see hickmans name in the cover STOP and

Jump to actual Hickman secret wars era:

Fantastic Four by Jonathan Hickman: The complete collection➡️

(optional, side plot) If you like Val + Doom, read specifically; *Fantastic Four (2014) #3 & #5 + Fantastic Four Annual (2014) #1 *Agent of Asgard #6 & #7 *Avengers World (2014) #15 & #16

New Avengers (2013) ➡️ check issues on picture, or, if you're a completionist, look for 'Avengers by Jonathan Hickman; complete collection' and skim for the doom/reed relevant bits. There's a lot of characters here but this is a buildup to the big secret wars. Secret Wars (2015) ➡️ (All issues!) Infamous Iron Man (2016) ➡️bendis' doom writing is not very good but hang in there because right after him: Marvel 2-In-One (2017) ➡️ (All issues!) is a banger. Yaoi btw.

You can basically read all the future/past ones as listed, or starting from the beginning of that author's period without worrying, bc they aren't as indebted to each other storywise.

You can also start somewhere else if you want or check out other single issues on the reading guides; It's not a crime! There's a lot of stuff with different takes and genres, I'm slowly chipping away at the secret wars era bc its just very thick and like a serious television drama attempt, except its also insanely funny sometimes.

(I'm still making my way through it so that's what I have at the moment!)

#doomreed #doctor doom #reed richards #victor von doom #marvel comics #reading guide #hexposts #fantastic four #dr doom #mr fantastic #mister fantastic #marvel #meta tag #fic rec

[rosencrantzsguildenstern]

Set in a three Michelin star restaurant owned by celebrity chef Duncan Docherty, with Joe Macbeth as the sous chef and his wife Ella as the Maître d'. Joe and his fellow chef Billy Banquo are annoyed that Duncan takes the credit for Joe's work, and that Duncan's son Malcolm has, in their opinion, no real flair for the business. Then they encounter three supernatural binmen who predict that Macbeth will get ownership of the restaurant, as will Billy's children. Joe and Ella are inspired to kill Duncan, but the binmen subsequently warn that Macbeth should be wary of Peter Macduff, the head waiter.

Banquo's name is Billy Banquo, Macbeth's name is Joe Macbeth. Macbeth is played by James McAvoy WITH the Scottish accent. The witches are garbage men. A pig flies. It's like if The Bear was literally Macbeth and James McAvoy was there. It's genuinely so good I think it's still all on youtube. It's literally SO 2005, it's my babygirl. Let it be known this movie came out the same year as the first Narnia movie so James McAvoy was Mr Tumnus AND Macbeth in the same year which I think is delightful.

A retelling of MacBeth set in feudal Japan. Returning to their lord's castle, samurai warriors Washizu and Miki are waylaid by a spirit who predicts their futures. When the first part of the spirit's prophecy comes true, Washizu's scheming wife, Asaji, presses him to speed up the rest of the spirit's prophecy by murdering his lord and usurping his place.

Overall this just translates the rising sense of the doom and drama of Macbeth so well! The film is also beautifully atmospheric. It really leans into using mist and darkness to set an eerie feeling tone. Shoutout to Washizu’s (Macbeth’s) absolutely wild death scene in this version.

Moody, atmospheric, visually beautiful film that captures the vibe of Macbeth better than any I've seen. The illusion of the trees moving is astonishing (especially if you're lucky enough to see this on a big screen) and Lady M's hand-washing scene is as creepy as you'll ever see. And Toshiro Mifune gives a splendid performance (and is extremely hot).

#Shakespeare-told macbeth #macchef #throne of blood #Kumonosu-jō #tournament #WE'RE DONE that's round 1

[funnypages]

Mostly Spoiler Free Thoughts on Live Action Avatar

Over all im giving the show a 8-8.5/10. Is it as good as the original animated series? No. But I think it is a really good reimagining of the series. The actors and effects are great and I think it captures the core soul of Avatar.

Is it a 1-1 retelling? No. Stuff is merged, moved around, toned down but it hits the same beats.

For example: rather than have an ep trying to get a water bending scroll from pirates, Gran-Gran gives it to Katara before she leaves, it being one of the only pieces of their water bending culture saved in the attacks by the Fire Nation. Additionally Omashu, The Mechanist, and Jet are all combined into one location across 2 episodes to stop the jumping from place to place. Also some episodes that are cut out are alluded to happening in adventures off screen (The Pirates, The Volcano, The Great Divide). They also throw in some things from S2-3 of the OG series and even The Promise comic which were a delightful surprise.

Overall ranking of the episodes: 6, 4, 8, 5, 2, 7, 3, 1

Worried about a lack of humor? Don’t be. Its toned down slightly in some parts but trust me Aang, Sokka, and (unintentionally) angsty Zuko have a ton of funny moments and lines.

Aang is great. He’s I guess a bit less, I don’t know what I would call it manic, than animated Aang but he’s still this fun loving kid who does want to hurt anyone and wants to play with his friends. The actor playing him is going places.

While the world is a bit darker I suppose it works here with Aang. They are really driving home this is a world that has lost hope without the Avatar and the 100 years of war. Countless people are telling Aang that he has to cut himself off from his feelings, be ruthless, not to trust his friends, and he keeps saying NO

Katara I was initially a little worried about because the do pull pack from her a little bit in the first episode and about 1/2 of 2. But as the show goes on she gets more and more focus and she really shines and is AWESOME in the final siege of the Northern Water Tribe. I believe this is actress Kiawentiio first big real role, so maybe she just took a bit of a second to figure how she's going to do this but by the end this is Katara from the show

Sokka is a lovable goof who you feel for thought, trying to be the warrior protector of his village and his sister and doubting himself. Very charming and very funny. For the whole "removing sexism controversy" yes, while they tone down Sokka, if anything they make Master Paku WORSE so don't worry I guess?

Zuko is great they really have that good balance of relentlessly honor driven, sensitive streak, and some unintentional humor. they make use of some flashbacks to show what he was like pre-scar and exile and Dallas Liu I think might be the strongest of the kid actors. Shocking Zuko again steals the show

Suki is amazing in her one episode (similar to in S1 of the animated series) and I love her “This boy is making me feel things….better punch him in the face” initial reaction to Sokka

Azula’s new storyline is great early insight into her. Honestly everything she does is stuff you could buy she was doing at the place during S1. You see just how she is also abused by her father in a different way, and for those worried Azalea’s fire is blue and she does lighting bend at one point

We also briefly see her friends: Ty Lee is adorable Mai is cool and already standing up a bit to Azula

Episode 4 is when the series really kicks of and shows that they can do the humor and the pathos of the OG series. We have Bumi, who is as funny as his animated version while also having a bit of sadness and bitterness of having to fight the 100 year war for so long while Aang has been frozen. He didn't just need the Avatar, he needed his friend. We also get an amazing interaction between Iron and a Earth Kingdom solider who is a veteran of Ba Sing Sei and lost a brother there, that culminates in a flashback to Iron at his son’s funeral, where Zuko comforts him and we hear leaves on the vine playing in the background

Overall I think the show suffered a bit with some clunky dialogue and young still relatively inexperienced actors, but both things I think are easy fixes for S2 as the actors get more experience and the writers don't have to info dump as much

Check it out. I will never be the animated but it is a worthy retelling of the world

#avatar: the last airbender #last airbender #netflix #avatar live action #favorites #avatar the last airbender #atla #atla netflix

[la-pheacienne]

There is something that has always rubbed the wrong way about the terms of the hotd/fire and blood discourse and particularly how political it always is. Misogyny accusations are super popular and they are being thrown by both sides because they are faster, they are catchy and it's a lot easier to do that than sit down and talk about themes, narrative and consistency under a neutral light. The problem is they often get in the way of a more in depth analysis of media and I say that to myself first and foremost because I do it too. When I say misogyny accusations, I am not only talking about literal accusations (aka if you support team green/black you are a misogynist), I also include all the takes that resemble the following: "my take is better/more accurate than yours because it is more politically progressive/radical/revolutionary/healthy/enlightened/yadayada than yours". Both sides use this, and they use this A LOT. It is almost impossible to take part in discourse over fire and blood/hotd/asoiaf without including this perspective. I'm not saying we should abolish this perspective and never talk about it again, it is always interesting to take this into account. But let's pause for a second and just try to put this on the side just for a little bit. What are we left with? Oh yeah. We are left with the raw materials of the story. Let's talk about that, and only that, just for a little while.

Yes, fire and blood includes a dichotomy between a good woman and a bad woman (although it doesn't exactly do that and this is a very simplistic way of looking at the story). Yes this dichotomy is an old concept. Yes the wicked stepmother is an old concept as well, rooted in ancient patriarcal societal norms and dynamics we are all more or less familiar with, some less than others.

Is this dynamic, which is at the core of fire and blood, politically progressive/radical/subversive? Probably not (huge objection there but I said I will not talk about politics in this post).

Is it a better story than hotd? Yes. It is.

Does it make more sense than hotd? Yes. It does.

I am sorry. There is absolutely no way hotd has more sense than fire and blood. Even if one qualifies it as a more inspired, progressive, unexpected, intresting retelling/revisiting of the original, this will never, ever make it a good story in an organic way.

There is absolutely no way to seriously, unironically argue that going from "we play an ugly game. i see you have the determination to win it" to Alicent usurping Rhaenyra because of a misunderstanding in the span of one episode is a better narrative and makes more sense than whatever happened in fire and blood. It makes Alicent a victim of circumstances, it breaks the dichotomy or the wicked stepmother trope or whatever you want it to break, and all that is cool, but it doesn't make a better story than the one we got in fire and blood.

There is absolutely no way to seriously claim that Alicent being sexually harassed by her servant makes a better story than her controlling her servant. It is not something that would actually happen in real life under any circumstances whatsoever. It is extremely forced, weird and overall nonsensical (not to mention politically problematic for 100 reasons because again, I will not talk politics in this post). The average viewer that does not wish to write essays about how politically enlightened it is to "break the dichotomy" will look at this scene and say "what the fuck is that". Would showing Alicent owning her role as QUEEN and playing the game be reminiscent of Cersei and thus "repetitive"? Yes. Would it make a better story? Yes. I'm sorry, but it is the truth.

There is absolutely no fucking way to make the page scene make sense. It will never make sense. A ruler that has just been usurped has the chance to execute the traitor and doesn't do it because the traitor shows her a page of a book. Right. She has just lost her baby because of them, she has lost her father, she has lost her throne, she has lost everything that was important to the life she has been sharing for ages with a man and their 20 children but a page would matter to her more than all of these things put together. Right. You can call this an uber sophisticated/inspired lesbian drama/women being caught in the crossfire of men's wars or whatever you want it to call it but it will never, ever be a better moment than "Tell my half-brother I'll have my throne or I'll have his head". It will never be a better story, not because it is more or less politically conservative/progessive, but for the simple reason that it is nonsensical. Whether a story makes sense or not has absolutely nothing to do with ideology. This particular moment does not resonate with basic human experience, it does not resonate with how female rulers behaved in history. It is bad, very bad writing. Daemon's "the fuck is this" is the only logical reaction to this and it is the reaction shared by the average viewer. Indeed, the fuck is this.

Thing is, you might wanna twist the raw materials of a story you consider boring/conservative/repetitive but that will never make for a better story, because there is no truth in it. """Wicked stepmothers""" existed and still exist. Good women vs bad women exist because good people vs bad people exist and women are people. Their honest confrontation rings true to the viewer in a way hotd's narrative never will. Because it makes sense. It is organic. It has a truth hotd doesn't have. And again I use this supposed dichotomy of fire and blood with a huge asterisk because Rhaenyra is not that pure perfect unfallible character. Alicent being Alicent would perhaps be a repetitive Cersei copy but she would still make a better character than whatever we got. She would perhaps have less importance in the narrative but it's okay because the story doesn't need Alicent to have that much of an importance. It is a good story regardless.

You can preach about how inspired/progressive it is to have women be forcefully carried in the middle of a men's war that they never wanted but that will never make it a better story than a Targaryen woman fighting with her half-brothers for her throne, her life and the life of her children and her husband she has spent a lifetime with.

I got this from David Mamet, On directing film, p. 60 and I think it applies well.

#house of the dragon #fire and blood #aspa rambles #rhaenyra targaryen #dance of the dragons #hotd

[bookreviewcoffee]

The Kingdom of Thorns and Roses Sarah J. Maas

And you know, I somehow underestimated this cycle when I looked at it from the outside. I have a complicated relationship with Maas. Her Throne of Glass series didn't impress me, I gave up on the first book and decided to give the Feyra series a chance .But a good tale. It would seem to be fantasy, but the definition of "fairy tale" is more appropriate here. From the very beginning you can guess the motifs of a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. And the further you go, the clearer these motifs become, although they are transformed to fit the new conditions of the genre. For example, Feyra (the protagonist) goes to the faerie world of her own volition, rather than the wish fulfilled by her father. Overall, Feyra is a fairly typical heroine. She is, of course, special. And she even has a special talent - archery. But she's written in a very organic way. The everyday life she has to exist in, the changes in her life, the down-to-earth importance of the heroine to the fae world - it all minimises the feeling that the whole universe exists just for Feyra's sake. Maas paid a lot of attention to the world itself and the description of the fae. There are the fae people - the highest nobility - and there are the fae, who are divided into many subspecies, each of which is vividly described. Without a doubt, this is beautiful. Honestly, I expected anything from this book, but not what I ended up with. Sarah Maas never ceases to amaze me, and I'm so glad she did.Of the fairytale elements, in addition to magic, curses, and gorgeous gardens, there are three challenges and a mystery worth spending a lifetime trying to figure out. Which reminded me of the Three Wizards Tournament quests from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The Tamlin - Feyra - Rhysand love triangle (which isn't quite a triangle here yet, but I have a feeling it will become one) is very reminiscent of the Stefan - Elena - Damon love triangle from The Vampire Diaries. I mean, yes, it also clearly conforms to the canons of the genre. But that doesn't mean it makes the story worse. It works. And when it's decently written, it's always fascinating to follow the development of such relationships, and to choose who the main character stays with. The book itself is as easy to read as watching an episode of a magical, adventurous, romantic TV series that you are completely immersed in from the first few minutes. It harmoniously distributes the time between the action and love twists and turns. Events change, the conflicts between the characters are tense, which also adds dynamism to the plot. And most importantly - the story is written in a good syllable. When here you want to read something light, as relaxing as possible, but with exciting experiences for the characters. That everything was simple, but not primitive. To read and not spit from the solid pronouns and banal verbs. Then "The Kingdom of Thorns and Roses" - a great option. Another cycle in the piggy bank to "Vampire Academy", which relieves the head well.

#academia aesthetic #aesthetic #chaotic academia #classic academia #dark academia #dead poets society #light academia #romantic academia #book review #sarah j maas #books & libraries #books #book quotes #love #romanticism #reading #romantic #poetry #writing #black and white #spring #the secret history #quotes

[in1-nutshell]

Maximals reaction to Human Buddy having a rough day

SFW, platonic, Human reader

BW

Optimus primal

One of the first to see a difference in Buddy’s mood.

He’ll ask if they are okay once he gets a chance alone with them.

Doesn’t want to put Buddy on the spot in front of everyone

Buddy better think twice before lying to him.

The ape can smell lies from a mile away.

If Buddy starts ranting, Primal would listen while putting small things away. Not to mistake Primal for not caring and not paying attention, he is listening and understands what’s coming out of Buddy’s mouth. It’s just that he also needs to keep the ship a bit tidy, especially with how messy things can get with this crew.

If Buddy ends up crying, he’ll stop immediately whatever he is doing and hold them, gently rubbing circles on their back. If they don’t want to be touched, he’ll sit near them and wait patiently for them to stop. He won’t ask questions until Buddy is ready to talk. He will want to know what happened to make Buddy like this but will wait before attempting to try and fix anything.

If Buddy just wants a hug, Primal will give them a good, hearty hug… in private. If they insist Primal will make an exception.

“It’ll be okay. Everyone their bad days. Just remember you have family here you can talk to about this, I will be there if you ever need me again.”

Overall, 8/10.

Rhinox

Another one of the first to recognize Buddy’s change in mood.

Like Primal will ask what’s wrong in private.

Buddy physically cannot lie to Rhinox.

If Buddy starts to rant it can go in 2 ways.

1. He stops whatever he is doing and sits down near the control module and listens to them.

2. Puts Buddy on his shoulder and continues to do the task he was doing while also listening to Buddy.

If Buddy starts crying, he’ll bring them to either his quarters or theirs, give them side hugs and rub circles on their back until they are down. If they don’t want to be touched, he might retell them about the beautiful plants he saw on his patrol hoping that they will calm down. When they are done crying, Rhinox doesn’t immediately ask what’s wrong, he’ll talk to them about other things before reintroducing the problem. He might recommend the two of them to take a stroll outside the ship.

If Buddy asks for a hug, they are going to get it.

Rhinox will hug them until all the negativity is gone from their body.

“There, there, it’s okay there Buddy. Let it all out, there’s no good in keeping all this inside. You’ll only hurt yourself more if you do that, cry if you need to.”

Overall, 9/10.

Dinobot

Notices a shift in Buddy a bit later than Primal and Rhinox.

He won’t say anything out loud, but if it continues long enough, he’ll try and get them to talk, in a semi passive aggressive way.

Will actively sneer at any lie said.

If Buddy starts to rant, his body language will say that he doesn’t care, but he does listen and gives out questionable advice when given the opportunity.

If Buddy starts to cry, he starts to panic a bit, he just isn’t prepared to deal with these types of things. He’d much rather get a sword and cut down physical enemies down for them. Instead decides to give Buddy a pep talk about difficulties life can throw and how to be an honorable warrior through it. If it’s bad enough, he’ll throw in a pat on the back. If Buddy doesn’t want to be touched, he’ll stand near them still, almost acting as a bodyguard for them as they finish crying.

If Buddy wants a hug, it’s going to be a bit difficult to get it from Dinobot. He doesn’t hug. But he will let Buddy hug him for a bit, as long as it’s out of the crew’s vision. Primus forbids if Rattrap saw this happening.

“Even the strongest warriors have their moments. This will pass sooner than you expect. Now how does attacking Terrorsaur sound? I believe I saw him on the radar, care to join?”

Overall, 5/10

Rattrap

Like Dinobot, finds a shift in Buddy’s mood but doesn’t voice it out. He is however quicker to spot the shift than Dinobot is.

Has an internal debate on how to bring up the subject without it being awkward for either of them.

He knows a filthy lie when he hears one. They are almost as smelly as he is.

If Buddy starts ranting, he’ll stand by and hear them out. Will voice his opinion when he feels it’s needed.

If Buddy starts crying, he’ll try to get them to stop crying. Not because he finds the act annoying, it’s because he gets nervous around tears. But he does stop after seeing it not helping the situation. He lets Buddy cry next to him patting their back softly. If Buddy doesn’t want to be touched, he’ll just sit next to them silently and wait till they’re done.

 If Buddy wants a hug, he’ll give them a quick side hug in public. If they were private, he would give them a full hug before ‘threatening’ them if they ever told Dinobot or the others about this interaction.

“Listen kid, things will get better, I’m sure of it. Sure everything seems to be put up against us… but you know what? We gotta continue, cause that’s what we do.”

Overall, 6/10

Cheetor

Despite being one of the fastest members on the team, he is one of the slowest to notice that there’s a shift in mood with Buddy.

Once he does get drift that somethings wrong with Buddy, he makes their problem his problem and he is going to solve it.

Most likely to fall for one lie but would quickly learn from it.

If Buddy starts ranting, he’ll try his best to stay still and listen but it would most likely end up with him pacing the room that his in. Its hard for him to keep still.

If Buddy starts to cry, his panic would be more visible. Part of him believes that he did something to make them cry. Immediately gathers them up and goes move to them to a more secluded place so they can cry without anyone coming in. Once they are alone, he keeps them in his arms until the sniffling subsides. If Buddy doesn’t want to be touched, he’ll respect that and try his best to not initiate any physical contact until they are done crying. While he is waiting, he will tell Buddy funny mishap adventures he has had with the rest of the Maximals. When they’re done, he will ask his questions slowly, not wanting to accidentally make them upset again.

If Buddy wants a hug, they are going to be slightly suffocated by his fur and how tightly he hugs them, though he is mindful of their fragility. Will deny any purring that may or may not have happened while hugging.

“Hey, listen, we’ll get through this thing, I don’t know exactly what it is but if we stick together, I’m sure we can fix it. Everything’s going to be okay, alright?”

Overall, 8/10

Tigatron

He is one of the later ones to find out something is wrong with Buddy. The only reason why he doesn’t get it immediately is because he doesn’t visit the ship too often, thus doesn’t know Buddy’s mood too well.

Once he knows he’ll tip toe around the subject before asking what’s wrong.

There is no point in lying to him.

If Buddy starts to rant, he’ll get comfy before listening. Let’s them take their time.

If Buddy starts to cry, he’ll place his servo on their shoulder, gently rubbing small circles on their shoulder, letting them cry. If they don’t want to be touched, like Dinobot, he’ll stand near acting like a bodyguard. Once they have stopped crying, he’ll give some advice that he has learned from his time out.

If Buddy asks for a hug, he might hesitate a bit, but will relent and give them a quick hug.

“Young one, it is okay to feel how you feel, never let anyone say that about you. And remember everyone in the jungle has their struggles in life, you are not alone.”

Overall, 6/10

Airazor

A lot like Tigatron, Airazor won’t notice Buddy’s mood shift until later because of her absence in the base.

Once she gets wind that somethings wrong, she’ll observe from afar before asking anything.

May let one lie sly but will intervene when she deems it necessary.

If Buddy starts to rant, she’ll sit down with them and listen to what they have to say. Or invite them to go on patrol so they can get more privacy for the ranting.

If Buddy starts to cry, she’ll bury them in a hug in her feathers while gently rocking them back and forth. Will claw at anyone who decides to interrupt them. If Buddy doesn’t want to be touched she’ll stay by their side quietly fanning her wings a bit to let some cool air on their face. Will ask what’s wrong as soon as their done crying. She wants to know what got Buddy to be in such a state of mind.

If Buddy wants a hug, she’ll gladly give them a hug, maybe a little tickle from her feathers.

“Things do sometimes feel overwhelming, do they? But just remember you can talk to us, to me, if there’s anything on your mind.”

Overall, 8/10

Silverbolt

Is most likely the last to figure out that something is wrong with Buddy. Not that he wouldn’t figure it out himself, but it would have taken longer. Probably notices quicker if one of his teammates (most likely Rattrap) makes a comment on Buddy, then he would realize what’s going on.

After the realization, he makes it his personal mission to figure out what is wrong with Buddy.

Does not take any lie, wants the truth and only the truth.

If Buddy starts to rant, he’ll set up a comfy space for the both to sit in. He might rant with Buddy if they let him.

If Buddy starts to cry, he’ll hug them until there are no more tears left to shed while talking about how everyone has bad days and how to move forward even if it’s slow. If Buddy doesn’t want to be touched, he’ll just give them the pep talk. After they are done crying, he’ll ask if they want to talk about it later or not.

If Buddy asks for a hug, they will get a very elaborate hug. Example: running and spinning them around while hugging tightly while laughing.

“What you did with showing me your personal battle was very brave of you. Not even some of the greatest warriors can do what you did. And you know what, that makes you strong, if not stronger than they are. I’ll be there for you if you ever need me, just say the word, and I’ll be there.”

Overall, 9/10.

#transformers #transformers beast wars #optimus primal #rhinox #cheetor #rattrap #dinobot #airazor #tigatron #silverbolt #transformers x reader #maccadam #human buddy

[journeytothewestresearch]

Heya, I was researching SWK's various sworn brothers because I kept hearing abt this one sworn bro of his called "The Female Demon Monkey King" and obviously with a name like that I was curious abt them. But for some reason I can't find any info abt them anywhere online, and one Tumblr post said that the Female Monkey King and the Macaque King were the same person? I was wondering if you knew anything abt that and had additional info abt the Female Monkey King?

[08-05-23: I've updated this entry. It will differ from the previous version reblogged by others in the past. See the link below for my new article on the subject.

08-06-23: Given our recent discussion, @sketching-shark and @wiings-kwami might find this interesting.]

She seems to be based on a discrepancy in Anthony C. Yu's (Wu & Yu, 2012) translation.

JTTW uses the term Mihou wang (獼猴王) three times to refer to the same character. Yu (Wu & Yu, 2012) translates this twice as “Macaque King” (ch. 3 & 4) but later changes it to “Female Monkey King” (ch. 41). Despite the original Chinese referring to the character as the “fifth brother” (wuge, 五哥), Yu (Wu & Yu, 2012) appears to represent them as a woman based solely on the association of mihou (獼猴) with female monkeys. However, not even JTTW follows this association, for out of 13 mentions of the term, over 61% refer directly to Liu’er mihou (六耳獼猴), Sun Wukong’s six-eared doppelganger. In addition, the term is even used once in the novel to refer to monkeys as a whole. 

The term mihou (獼猴) is just one of several transcriptions for a non-Chinese word used in China for millennia to mean “macaque” or “monkey.” Dynastic sources show that the association with female monkeys is a misunderstanding based on changes in dialect, along with differences in transcription. Said changes include muhou (沐猴, “bathing monkey”), muhou (母猴, “mother monkey”), and of course mihou (獼猴). Therefore, the word can be applied to either male and female monkeys.

The last point is exemplified in Buddhist literature. A 3rd-century CE Chinese version of the Dasaratha Jataka, which retells the Hindu epic Ramayana (5th-century BCE), references the great battle between the monkey king brothers Sugriva and Vali and calls the former Mihou (獼猴). A 3rd-century Chinese version of the Mahakapi Jitaka, which tells of the Buddha’s past life as a monkey king, also refers to him as Mihou wang (獼猴王). And a 5th-century variant of the same story refers to the Enlightened One as the Shan mihou (善獼猴), or “Good Macaque.”

#Monkey King #Female Monkey King #Sun Wukong #Six Ears #six eared macaque #journey to the west #jttw #lego monkie kid #LMK #Macaque King #Macaque

[winns-stuff]

LO RANT:

In light of Lore Olympus dropping another episode Ive just got to say that this hiatus just made me really look at Lore Olympus even worse than I have before. Like listen, I know that a lot of media around greek mythology comes up in our society and stuff and I’m not saying I’m against it I really have no ties to it culturally so I don’t know if it’s my place to say who does or doesn’t get to retell the myths but Lore Olympus has to be the worst representation of the greek gods I’ve ever seen in my life.

At least other retellings give the gods some sort of grace that can give them some correlation to their actual counterparts, Lore Olympus literally made Persephone into an “uwu” sugar baby but not actually because she’s too pure and innocent to manipulate and use the money of a much older man. Like Persephone is literally a homewrecker, a liar, a borderline cheater, she’s extremely weak, she’s a massive crybaby (which is saying something because I am too but like she only cries when she’s not getting her way) and she’s overall just a morally terrible person and a huge coward. You’re telling me that Rachel actually read, not skimmed over, but read those myths and got that from the versions of Persephone that are provided in the mythological texts? That’s honestly so embarrassing, every greek god she’s touched she’s absolutely ruined. I don’t even understand how people can genuinely with a straight face say that any of this content is good it’s just really disrespectful at this point.

Never would I ever want to be represented by Rachel and it’s only because she doesn’t put any thought behind these characters. It’s okay to slow down and think about something other than fan service and ships, and if that’s something she wanted to focus on then she should’ve just formatted it like those slices of life webtoons where it’s just two characters and each chapter is a different day with new challenges but nothing actually relating to one another. That would’ve been better than trying to cram together an entire series with no real story or plot written down it’s just really reductive at this point.

#lo critical #anti lore olympus #anti lo #lore olympus criticism #lore olympus critical #antiloreolympus