#fairy tale high app

[darkcrowprincess]

i saw this rec from the threads app on my insta and i just had to share 😭😭

i think it's fairly accurate considering everything HRJFKDKD

other than fighting rick on a daily basis i also dabble in shipping certain things out of spite which i love that you do as well HHAHA they can pry my ships and hcs from my cold, dead hands-

im curious! what's your go-to trope/au when it comes to your fave ships? im personally a sucker for soulmate aus or anything with angst FJGKDK

I'm going to separate my favorite tropes/aus into normal and problematic/unhingedv

Normal tropes : fake dating, soulmates, forbidden lovers, best friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, 7 minutes in heaven, fake out makeouts, kissing to distract the other person and being into it, sword training, secret identities shenanigans, bad boy/punk and nerd/sunshine, friends with benefits that gets real real quick,hand holding(its more sexy that kissing at times), showering a person with kisses, taking your time kissing everywhere but the lips to build anticipation, girly girl characters, nerdy bookworm girl characters(not Bella Swan, hate her) weird girl characters. Rich person x broke person, meeting at a bookstore(hate coffeshop tropes). Couples who have the same humor. Using humor to cope. Found family(but no one calls each other siblings. Hate that new trend) squads, squad are idiots, hot boys, love letters, diary stories, texting fics(to a point, hate it when it gets dumb). Saving person from drowning/fire/falling to there death/just saving someone in general. Protectiveness. Battles couple, power couple.

Normal aus: Period drama aus, Fantasy aus, sci fi aus, pirate aus, fairy tale aus, cowboy aus, ancient times aus(Egypt, Greek, roman, China, Korea, Middle ages), mythology au, reincarnation aus, time travel au, time loop aus, fix it fics, 80s 90s au. Hate anything high school or modern times(unless it's teen wolf, or dear Evan Hansen), road trip aus, running away aus, royalty aus, multiverse aus

Ok now for my unhinged/problematic faves. Stop reading if this makes you uncomfortable

Problematic tropes: Kidnapping, Monster fucking, age difference, student teacher/mentor and mentie romance, sugar daddy and sugar baby, ice play, knife play, some pain play, bdsm but not too much hate name calling, choking kink, prasie kink, possessiveness to the point of craziness, finding someone killing for you hot, abo, bandage, rape fantasy, dubious consent, extremely dubious consent, captor and captive, stolchm syndrome, secret relationships, dark romance to a point, villians getting the girl/guy, hot villians, evil female villians, evil queen, evil female characters, evil female characters winning, bad guys kidnapping kids and being good parents(but they were still kidnapped) evil found family, villian x female character, villian x hero, villans winning, killing abusers,killing horrible guys, gray mentality

Unhinged aus: beauty and the beasts au emphasize on the beast and kidnapping and captor and captive au, the lives and drama of the rich, dirty secrets(pretty little liars level, vc andrews level), arranged marriage, monsters, falling in love with monsters,evil queens conquering and being happy and in love,royals conquering, daddy issues, abusive parents, abo au, war bride/husband, men(mainly straight) being evil and getting what the deserve, werewolves, mates, gothic romance aus, gothic horror au, teacher and student/mentor and mentie. Gotham like or purge like world aus. Zombie world aus where there's just no laws. Supernatural type au with emphasis of the monster and dark. Romeo and Juliet aus. Jail aus.

#my thoughts #favorite tropes #Favorite aus

[sophieswundergarten]

you know I hadda do it, soph. You know I HAD TO!!!!

Fractal Patterns My Beloved <3

"Reynie was nine years old when he met Miss Perumal, and suddenly it was like a whole new spectrum had been added to the rainbow.

There was the soft, mellow tone of her voice when she first shook his hand, skin smooth like a sun-warmed rock. The high, swooping sound of her laughter, always bouncing from place to place like a sunbeam through a prism.

It was as if there were sunlight leaking from every inch of her, and he couldn’t help but drink it up like a starving flower. There was honey in her voice and her soft smiles felt like a puff of dandelion seeds. Most people at the orphanage called him “Reynard”, and it came with a thick, mottled green of disgust. He had been trying to get them to switch to “Reynie” for years now, in the vain hope that it would come with a slightly more positive connotation."

ALSO:

"Reynie was eleven years old when he learned that Miss Perumal was there to stay.

He had just been through the most harrowing experience of his life, and as terrifying as it was, he had his friends to get him through it. Bonds forged in fire are stronger than most other things, and even in the chaotic swirl of fear and anger and jealousy that had been on the island, the small light of his friends’ love and care and bravery had helped.

That tiny flame, the little flicker of hope that mimicked the sun, made him realize how much he missed Miss Perumal. The warmth she carried everywhere with her was absent in all the students at the Institute; in the Messengers and Executives and teachers and there was definitely none of it in Mr. Curtain."

BLESSINGS BE UPON YA *bows to your greatness*

Okay! *cracks knuckles* Here we go!

I wanted to use the style of repetition that you have in a lot of your stories, but the first bit of that that I wrote was actually the descriptions!

It was from "and suddenly" all the way to "through a prism", and then I spent a good deal of time mulling over how, as you've said before about these two, "they are each others' sunshine" and most of the second paragraph spawned in my Notes app. I was really happy with how the imagery was sounding at that point, so I just let myself go all out with the descriptions. Usually I try and hold back, but I was fully in "go for it" mode at this point, so that's where all the descriptions of emotions and words as colors came in.

For the second part, I had fallen into more of a rhythm so it was flowing a lot easier. This whole fic was an attempt to slightly mimic your own beautiful way of writing; in that almost fable or fairy tale way you have. So I was really happy to lean into the descriptions.

Your fic has Reynie thinking about what exactly the emotion that the others feel for him is, and I wanted to capture that while still likening it to the sun. So, I thought fire was an apt metaphor; flame and flickers of emotion being a candle in a dark and frightening storm.

There's also the way Curtain and some of the children are described (Thank you again for picking up on that, by the way) as smoldering and burnt out coals. People who once held love but are now bereft of it, maybe due to circumstances beyond their own control, maybe to protect themselves, being represented by something that could hold a small facsimile of the sun seemed to have a good poetic balance to it.

But the children at the Institute are all alone; either they don't remember their family or their family doesn't seem to care enough to come back for them. It just seemed as though it would feel like a vacuum to those who still held fire in their souls.

#Also #'bows to [my] greatness'???? #Excuse me????? #When you yourself are just so incredibly talented????? #Asks

[satoshi-mochida]

PLAYISM and Alphawing announce roguelite action game Metal Bringer for PC

Gematsu Source

Publisher PLAYISM and Samurai Bringer developer Alphawing have announced roguelite action game Metal Bringer for PC. It will launch via Steam in 2024 with English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese language support.

Get the details below.

About

Samurai Bringer, Alphawing’s previous game, is a Japanese roguelite action game released in 2022, where you play as Susanoo and defeat world-famous Japanese samurai as you collect combat techniques to create your own fighting style. It has received over 800 reviews on Steam with a Very Positive rating. Metal Bringer is the second game in the Bringer series, and this time, the setting is completely different—in this game, you fight in a science-fiction world with androids and giant robots in horde-based combat that’s even more satisfying than the last game, and of course, your combat actions will evolve as you fight. The Steam page is now up, so don’t forget to wishlist the game!

The Story

“The sky is blue, infinitely high, and infinitely vast… Whose words were these again…? Ah, I remember… It was about a virtual reality Rudra told me about. A fairy tale. How many years has it been since humanity took refuge underground? No one alive has ever seen a blue sky. And now, I’m trapped in the depths, in a small, lifeless room. Just how long have I been here…?” A young girl named Suria wakes up in a laboratory and finds out that she has been put in cyrosleep for 1000 years without her knowledge. In order to search for the rest of humanity, she builds Labor with her trusty Buds, and sends them off to investigate…

Highly Customizable Player Characters

Build and control android soldiers called “Labor,” or have them pilot giant machines called “Arms.” Each and every Labor and Arms you build is highly customizable. You can change the color and appearance of their features, or swap out parts to change their fighting styles. The sheer variety in character customization will allow you to create and fight with the mech of your dreams.

The More You Play, the Stronger You Get

In Samurai Bringer, you could mix and match combat techniques to create every step of your very own action combos. But in Metal Bringer, you instead collect “disks,” which contain apps that are installed onto your Labor. These apps strengthen your character and power up your actions in an easier and more intuitive way, making it all the more exciting and satisfying to mow down hordes of enemies as your character keeps growing stronger.

New Technologies, Both Visual and Audio

This game uses the same voxel art style as Samurai Bringer, but just like Samurai Bringer, it also implements a real-time pixel art generating system, and will also feature the newest raytracing technology for beautifully lit environments. The music too is made with the newest technology, as it is played in real time and changes according to the situation.

All-Star Creative Team

The key art and Suria’s character design is done by Suzuhito Yasuda, and on the writing team, we have Sami Shinosaki on board!

Suzuhito Yasuda (Twitter) – Illustrator, manga artist, and character designer for multiple popular games and media, such as Durarara!! and the Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor series.

Sami Shinosaki – Novelist. Known for the novelizations of the Armored Core and Fire Emblem series.

Word from the Developer

Hello, I’m Takahama, the development director at Alphawing. Metal Bringer is set in a completely different world from Samurai Bringer, where you can use humanoid robots called Labor and giant mechs developed from heavy machinery called Arms to wipe out waves and waves of enemies! We’ve developed new technologies for this game, such as a technique that renders pixels in real time, and another technology that plays music in real time to make it feel as if you were accompanied by live music! Right now, we’re preparing a demo that focuses on the battle aspect of the game. We hope a lot of people will stop by our next event to try out the game!

Play the Demo at PAX West 2023

It’s been four whole years since PLAYISM last participated in PAX West, but this year we’ll be there in Seattle, from September 1 to 4! We’ll be showcasing the very first playable demo of Metal Bringer at the PLAYISM booth, so please stop by the Seattle Convention Center to try it out! Everyone who tries out the Metal Bringer demo at the event will receive a special postcard.

Watch the announcement trailer below. View the first screenshots at the gallery.

Announce Trailer

English

#Metal Bringer #Samurai Bringer #Aphawing #Playism #Rouguelite #Roguelike #Gematsu #Youtube

[towritecomicsonherarms]

TEN NEW COMICS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT BECAUSE MY RECOMMENDATIONS ARE FUCKING WIZARD!

Click the links for more info!

Starhenge: The Dragon and the Boar - “A future Merlin travels to 5th-century Britain to prevent monstrous time-traveling killer robots from robbing the universe of magic.” You ever read a synposis and go ‘um yes fucking please!’

Public Domain - “This fun and heartfelt series written and illustrated by Eisner winner CHIP ZDARSKY (SEX CRIMINALS, Daredevil) explores a WILD ALTERNATE WORLD where comic book creators aren't properly acknowledged or compensated for their creations!! Crazy, I know!!”

Sins of the Black Flamingo - “ OCCULT NOIR. MIAMI SLEAZE. Sebastian Harlow is the Black Flamingo, a flamboyant and narcissistic thief who gets his kicks stealing mystic artifacts from the wealthy and corrupt of Miami's occult underground. When his latest job leads him to his biggest score so far, the hedonistic outlaw discovers something he wasn't looking for-something to believe in.”

Do a Powerbomb - “Lona Steelrose wants to be a pro wrestler, but she's living under the shadow of her mother, the best to ever do it. Everything changes when a wrestling-obsessed necromancer asks her to join the grandest pro wrestling tournament of all time, which is also the most dangerous! It's The Wrestler meets Dragonball Z in a tale where the competitors get more than they ever bargained for!”

Seven Sons - “JAE LEE returns to creator-owned comics with his first new title since 1994, a seven-issue limited series. SEVEN SONS is The Fugitive meets the Book of Revelation. Delph, a young man who may be the Second Coming of Christ, runs for his life as he attempts to learn the truth behind his existence.”

Samurai Sonja - “ An ALL-NEW SONJA! The Sengoku period of Japan: A time of near-constant civil war. Sonja, daughter of a slain samurai, is eager to prove herself worthy of her family's glorious history. But in a desperate moment, Sonja will make an awful deal with a dreaded sea goddess: She will be gifted magical armor and weapons capable of slaying mythical beasts! But if she falls in battle, her bloodline will be erased, her family's name no more. “

The Closet - “ A tale of existential familial horror by JAMES TYNION IV (THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH, RAZORBLADES) and GAVIN FULLERTON (BOG BODIES, Bags). Thom is moving cross-country with his family and dragging the past along with them. His son, Jamie, is seeing monsters in the bedroom closet and will not let them go.“

The Ward - “From the writer of Star Wars: The High Republic comes an intense medical drama brimming with fairies, trolls, and real human pathos. St. Lilith's is a secret hospital for supernatural creatures. The personnel are overworked and the facility is underfunded. It's a place, and a life, Dr. Nat Reeves thought she left behind. Until a wounded woman (with a tail) appears on her doorstep.”

The Lonesome Hunters -  “An old and out-of-practice monster hunter in hiding crosses paths with a young girl that forces him to confront these chaotic creatures. As the beasts invade their tenement, they set off on a supernatural road trip to stop these ancient evils in a story that explores the ways that youth informs adulthood and how early traumas can haunt us of in old age."

Mindset - “When an introverted tech geek accidentally discovers mind control, he and his friends do something unexpected - they put the science into an app to help users break their technology addiction. But as their Mindset app achieves a dangerous cult following, lies, conspiracies, and murder come to light. Are they helping people or controlling them?”

=============================

Image Comics killing it as usual.

#starhenge #public domain #sins of the black flamingo #do a powerbomb #seven sons #samurai sonja #the closet #the ward #the lonesome hunters #mindset #comics #image comics #vault comics #dark horse comics #recs #rec

[aurevell]

AU-gust 2022 Masterlist

Here are all my AU-gust fics, aka a self-indulgent excuse to worldbuild while rambling about Steter and Sterek :) Prompts and brief descriptions below!

1. Underwater (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 naiad stiles, werewolf peter, meet-cute, fantasy au, hopeful ending

2. Artist's Muse (Sterek) - tumblr | AO3 shy blacksmith derek, magic stiles, fluff and flirting

3. Countryside (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 cowboy!stiles, con artist!peter, meet-cute, flirting

4. Soulmates (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 werewolf mates, love at first sight, awkward meet-cute, coffee

5. Teachers (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 established steter, fluff, peter making his students mildly feral

6. Fairies (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 established steter, fairy tale au, angst with a happy ending

7. Science Fantasy (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 the pack but In Outer Space, slice of life, established Steter

8. Literal Hell (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 demon peter, magical stiles, meet-cute (?)

9. Coffee Shop (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 dating app shenanigans, meddling!Erica, meet-cute

10. Space Academy (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 off-brand starfleet academy, pre-slash, enemies to partners

11. Twisted Fairy Tale (Sterek) - tumblr | AO3 vampire!stiles, werewolf derek, twisted "little red riding hood"

12. Candyman (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 fantasy police au, enforcer stiles, mysterious peter

13. Reboot/Fresh Start (Sterek) - tumblr | AO3 boy scout!stiles, good alpha derek, monsters of the week

14. Theater (Sterek) - tumblr | AO3 high school aged Derek and Stiles, kissing practice

15. Hanahaki Disease (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 "allies with benefits" peter and stiles, angst with a happy ending

16. Psychological Horror (Gen) - tumblr void!stiles, snippet, murder and mayhem

17. Annoying Neighbor (Sterek) - tumblr | AO3 neighbors derek & stiles, werewolves are known, modern fantasy au

18. Choir (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 high school peter, magic fantasy au, established steter, fluff

19. Spies & Assassins (Steter-ish) - tumblr | AO3 a race to kill a bounty, fun murder shenanigans, pre-relationship

20. Space Colonization (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 android stiles, stowaway peter, meet-cute, lonely spacefarers unite

21. Ghosts (Sterek) - tumblr | AO3 haunted hale house, pov hale house, getting together

22. Surfers (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 surfer peter, seawolf stiles, pack of two, established steter

23. Infinite Loop (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 time loop shenanigans, soulmates, meet-cute(?)

24. Childhood Friends (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 hogwarts au, truth spell, mutual pining, getting together

25. Mad Scientist (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 scientist peter, assistant stiles, humor, pre-relationship

26. Paparazzi (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 paid-to-party stiles, mystery man peter, yacht party, meet-cute

27. Adoptive Family (Gen/Stiles & Derek) - tumblr | AO3 alive!hales, attempt at humor, fluff, childhood competition

28. Unicorns (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 prince peter, stablehand stiles, established steter

29. Where It All Went Wrong (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 framed!stiles, bamf lawyer peter, angst w/ hopeful ending

30. The Good End (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 miscommunication, angst, happy ending, established steter

31. Yandere (Steter) - tumblr | AO3 manipulative peter, mild angst w/ happy ending, getting together

#steter fic #sterek fic #au-gust 2022 #mine

[aliceontherun]

China has imposed recent restrictions on its entertainment industry, including banning those under 18 from playing online games during the weekdays.

Youth Mode/Restricted Mode

The Youth Mode refers to the "Youth Anti-addiction System" launched in March 2019 by the China National Internet Information Office. The primary short video and live broadcast platforms have been tested and deployed. Minors' internet activity must be controlled. 53 online video and live broadcast outlets have implemented the "Youth Mode" as of October.

Because "Youth Mode" is optional, the individual parameters of each network platform are not same. However, it generally includes: inputting the four-digit password specified in advance to enter or leave the mode; after entering the "youth mode," the total time of each usage cannot exceed 40 minutes; after 40 minutes, if you want to continue using, you must enter the password again; Furthermore, if you wish to access the short video app between 22:00 and 6:00 the next day, you must enter the password. The preceding settings can successfully assist parents in controlling the time and length of their children's Internet usage.

Why?

The age at which youngsters can use the Internet is decreasing as electronic products become more prevalent. Today's youngsters are precocious and immature, unable to comprehend the potential implications of their actions while with talents that do not correspond to their age.

When a new TV is purchased, many elders in the household must spend some time learning how to use the remote control. However, youngsters in elementary school who are still playing online games and tipping live streamers might get started with new activities and are more prone to become hooked and overindulge in them.

Are they really respecting the developmental laws and psychological stages of children?

I tried to open the youth mode in my comic application, and it is definitely a whole different page, but all I can say is that this is clearly not the "youth mode," but rather the "kindergarten mode." The comics displayed appear to be fairy tales for preschoolers.

If the only method to display the youth mode is to show a low-intelligence or castrated version of the films or books, then I believe the creators have misread the cognitive capacity of children at various levels and have not truly honoured the youth growth law.

Yes, many adults treat children as vassals with no thinking or autonomous wants, thus they are hesitant to spend more time investigating a content system designed specifically for teens. What children require is a "youth mode" with high-quality material that encourages youngsters to browse. It is not a one-size-fits-all cut of content that is inappropriate for children, but rather to supply the audience, that is, young people, with unique watching content.

My Point Of View

Certainly, limiting teenagers' access to live entertainment and gaming is appropriate since it can successfully prevent them from becoming addicted. Restriction, however, does not mean full isolation. Blocking is worse than sparse, which cannot fix the problem fundamentally. Teenagers will become curious and rebellious if they are rejected outright.

Rather than denying them access, it is preferable to allow them to fully comprehend. Only by thoroughly knowing the pros and drawbacks of a situation can we determine if it is correct or incorrect.

References：

https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/interest/1237/china-s-youth-gaming-addiction-solved-says-top-industry-body/

#MDA20009 #Week 11 #China Case Study

[head1nthestars]

also for the ask game!!:

12. name of your favorite playlist?

28. five songs to describe you?

40. weirdest thing to ever happen at your school?

55. favorite fairy tale?

95. favorite app on your phone?

12. unfortunately i’m bad at naming and making playlists lmao but i have one called “stimmy” with songs that make me stim lol and “you wear fine things well” for all the songs that remind me of ed and stede from ofmd (which is basically any devastating/romantic/devastatingly romantic song i hear)

28. this is…so hard lol. i guess some will be ones i relate to and some that are just essential to my being:

daffodil - florence + the machine

matilda - harry styles

crave - paramore

sunlight - hozier

slow dancing - aly & aj

40. i really can’t think of anything at unf 🤔 some strange things at least are that we have a giant goldfish (like the cracker) sculpture in one of our ponds, and a giant great white head sculpture in another lol. they just float around and i love them. in high school, god there were so many. the one that always comes to mind is the senior prank where someone put a blow up sex doll on one of the football field lights lol

55. thumbelina! i had a vhs of it as a kid and it was so cozy. who wouldn’t want to sleep in a flower?

95. i use the weather channel app so much i have widgets on both my lock screen and home screen lol. also imdb and wikipedia bc i’m a slut for knowledge

thank you sm for the ask! 🫶

#personal

[lavieboheme930]

2: Big Night

What do you like about the house you live in? -How it's close to everything.

What’s the most cliche song you can think of right now? - No idea

Name three of your favourite crepe toppings. - None

Do you watch How I Met Your Mother? What did you think of the ending? - It was ok. Not a favorite of mine. But I did meet Josh Radnor.

Have you ever played paintball? Did you get hit? - Never played it.

Right now, are you too hot, too cold or just right? -Just right

What was your favourite fairy tale when you were a kid? - Rapunzel

How do you feel today? Tell me about it. - I've been ok

What’s the weather like today? - Cool fall day

Do you ever use a laptop in bed? - Sometimes

What were you doing in 2014? - Spending my time at Jersey Boys

Are you wearing socks right now? What colour are they? - No.

What time are you taking this survey? - 4:36pm

Have you ever eaten Caribbean food? - Yes.

Do you need to make any purchases soon, big or small? - Nope

What was the first movie you saw at the cinema? How old were you? - Babe. 11

Do you feel hopeful for the future? - Yes. As long as the stupid shit that's been going on for the past 2 years ends once and for all since it never should've began in the first place.

Where did you last fly to on a plane? - Never been on a plane

If you were going on a daytime date tomorrow, what would you wear? - I don't know

Would you say you’re an organised person? - Yes

Have you ever worked as a manager or supervisor? - No.

Do you eat at a table or on the couch? - Table

Tell me something good about the last week of your life. - Went downtown and passed Jonathan Larson's apartment.

When was the last time you heard a siren? What kind? -I live in NYC...I'm always hearing sirens LOL

Do you like jogging? - Not at all.

What brand is your TV? - I have no idea LOL

What was the last thing you voted for? - My friend for something he's up for.

Do you remember much from high school? - 4 years of hell

What’s the longest you’ve ever stayed awake? Why did you do it? -No idea

Do you live in the state/province/territory you were born in? - Yes

What do you want to eat right now? - Nothing

What are the five apps on your phone that you use most often? - No idea

What’s one of the most useless things you’ve ever purchased? - Nothing.

#surveys

[lovemesomesurveys]

What do you like about the house you live in? I like that it has tile floors.  What's the most cliche song you can think of right now? I heard that Pina Colada song a few times yesterday in different TV shows and it’s used in various other shows and films as well.  Name three of your favourite crepe toppings. I’ve only had a crepe a couple times, both of which had bananas and chocolate syrup.  Do you watch How I Met Your Mother? What did you think of the ending? I saw a few episodes and caught parts of it now and then, but I never really got into it. I did try to give a real chance once and just couldn’t get into it.  Have you ever played paintball? Did you get hit? No, I’ve never played. I wouldn’t enjoy something like that. 

Right now, are you too hot, too cold or just right? I’m kind of hot.  What was your favourite fairy tale when you were a kid? Alice in Wonderland.  How do you feel today? Tell me about it. It’s only 1:16AM, but as of now I’m feeling hot, tired, and kind of hungry.  What's the weather like today? It’s currently 63F. I think it’s supposed to be in the upper 80s later on.  Do you ever use a laptop in bed? Yeah, that’s always where I use my laptop.  What were you doing in 2014? I was doing my last full year at UC.  Are you wearing socks right now? What colour are they? No. What time are you taking this survey? It’s 1:18AM now.  Have you ever eaten Caribbean food? No. Do you need to make any purchases soon, big or small? I need to get my laptop checked out and see if it can be fixed, which I know will cost a lot. I wish I could just buy a new one, but I definitely can’t afford it. I’m so thankful my brother has lent me his and I’ve been able to use it all this time (mine went kaput back in April) cause he rarely used his. I can’t just keep his, though, I eventually need to get my own somehow.  What was the first movie you saw at the cinema? How old were you? It wasn’t the first, but the first one I remember seeing is the Rugrats movie. Do you feel hopeful for the future? The future scares me, I have to just take things a day at a time.  Where did you last fly to on a plane? Back home from LA.  If you were going on a daytime date tomorrow, what would you wear? A graphic tee and leggings like I always wear.  Are your parents still together? If not, do you know why? Yes. Have you ever been evicted? Why? No. Would you say you're an organised person? For the most part I would say I am. I’ve been lacking a little the past few years cause I just haven’t had the energy or motivation. I’m currently bedridden and my room isn’t as organized and clean as I’d like it to be.  Have you ever worked as a manager or supervisor? No. Do you eat at a table or on the couch? We don’t have a table, I typically eat in bed (currently that’s the only place). Sometimes I’d eat in the living room or in my parents’ room if my mom was in there.  Tell me something good about the last week of your life. I finally have that damn swallow test scheduled. Hopefully I’ll be able to eat whatever I want soon.  When was the last time you heard a siren? What kind? I heard an ambulance siren about a month ago. Do you like jogging? I don’t jog.  What brand is your TV? Phillips.  What was the last thing you voted for? A poll someone I’m subscribed to on Youtube posted.  Do you remember much from high school? Not really to be honest.  What's the longest you've ever stayed awake? Why did you do it? Like 30-something hours. I certainly didn’t plan to, it just happened.  Do you live in the state/province/territory you were born in? Yes.  What do you want to eat right now? I wish I could have ramen.  Have you ever been wrongfully accused of something? No. What are the five apps on your phone that you use most often? Kindle Unlimited, this crossword game app, Facebook, email, Twitter.  What's one of the most useless things you've ever purchased? I don’t consider anything I buy to be useless, I bought it because I liked it and wanted it. 

#personal #text #survey #surveys

[miss-wanna-write]

so ive posted a couple of fanfics already about this, but let me introduce you to my miraculous ladybug x persona au!

first things first, what ive already covered! so when they’re 7, Marinette, Nino, and Kim break away from the field-trip group and end up in Paris’s version of Mementos, and a shadow attack leads to Kim awakening Ardent, his persona.

after this, and numerous groundings, scoldings, and lectures from various parties, the trio then proves they learned NOTHING and continues to go exploring in the secret catacombs using the mysterious and kinda spooky app that appeared on their phones. this is how Marinette and Nino got Odette and Orpheus accordingly.

they don’t actually do much with these powers? it’s mainly just a cool make believe thing, with the occasional encounter with ‘living ghosts’ (the human shadows) that they talk to and help out. or have their persona’s (”we’re not calling them Stands, Kim!”) beat up if they get aggressive.

fast forward like 6 years to canon and the trio is freaking out. or, Nino is freaking out because Kim’s being targetted by a giant rock golem who used to be Ivan, Marinette’s not picking up, and the app they normally use to enter the Catacombs is updating.

the gist of this au, is that having a persona is a double edged sword. it allows normal people to fight akuma’s within the metaverse, and weaken the butterfly’s hold on the person, but also, if you have a persona your akuma is far more difficult to fight.

there’s a lot of stuff i haven’t really figured out, and some i haven’t concretely set up, but i do have all the initial persona’s for the crew! note, all persona’s were chosen from random sources, their only ‘theme’ being how they relate to the characters (even if it only makes sense to me)

Marinette Dupain-Cheng & Odette

Skills are focused on Ice & Healing. She’ll later gain Bless once her Ultimate is unlocked.

Odette is the protagonist of the ballet Swan Lake, and I felt the stories could line up. The curse of akumatization by the evil sorcerer Hawkmoth, Prince Adrien who the Black Swan Lila tries to steal away.

okay so this one may heavily depend on my persona headcanon that Lila seems to boast a lot of things that have been done by Marinette or are related to Marinette (knowingly or unknowingly) in canon.

Don’t worry about how Swan Lake so commonly ends in tragedy, I swear that’s not relevant.

Another skill Odette has is that she can be used to create a rudimentary shadow radar in a still patch of water. Yes Marinette’s clumsiness makes this difficult.

Nino Lahiffe & Orpheus

Orpheus has the element of Zio, plus some useful buff/status causing moves. He’s specifically built for long fights, with high defence, health, stall moves, and Dia. i do not remember why.

As for why Orpheus was chosen, I feel it an accurate representation about the lengths Nino would go for love, and lose because of it.

Okay so maybe it was partially inspired by the ultimatums I see in salt fics between him and Alya.

Kim Chiến Lê & Ardent

The Physical Force of the team. As in he uses both Physical attacks and Force/Wind attacks. That was a bad pun, sorry.

So Ardent is actually the Beast’s name from the 1947 version of Beauty and the Beast, which is probably well known to most of you. The fairy tale, not like, the 1947 version.

But, uhh, I mean the Beast was cursed by an enchantress due to his bad actions, and acts like a huge jerk, and, well, we’ve seen Kim and how he acts. Even in this AU, while I think he’d be less overtly mean, he’s still insensitive and makes wrong decisions that hurt people.

Alya Cesaire & Virgil

Fire and ailments are Virgil’s bread and butter. Yes that ailment is brainwash, gotta show she has the power of the press after all.

No this is not Virgil DMC (could you imagine), this is Virgil from Dante’s Inferno. tbh I kinda chose this based off reading the wikipedia page and lining up character roles and it’s really shakey and could probably be better, but I don’t know what else to use for her.

Alya joins after accidentally getting awakened during Lady Wifi by Nino and Kim defeating her shadow form. Funnily enough, I have a super solid idea of what Alya does in the story, how she’s introduced, and how she reacts to certain scenarios, yet absolutely 0 solid idea’s for her personas.

Virgil also has the ability to catalogue shadow weaknesses/profiles in his book, which takes the place of the notebook Mari, Nino, and Kim were using before.

Max Kante & Menvra

Max is the teams navigator and their guy in the chair, except he is also in the catacombs along them.

Obviosuly he wouldn’t be like Fuuka, inside an orb at the entrance of the dungeon, but I don’t think he’d be quite Futaba floating around in his persona. Somewhere inbetween, Rise and Futaba, I think.

Menvra is a Etruscan goddess, representing war, art, wisdom, and medicine/health. This is one of the more classic persona figures (they say, like Orpheus isn’t Nino’s) and yes, I am very shakey on this much like Alya’s. The difference is, Max is not a hugely developed character so I have limited traits to choose from as opposed to Alya where I have conflicting traits to choose from. I am, however, 100% sure of his Ultimate Persona.

I’m honestly debating whether Max joins up during Startrain, where the limited space causes him to accidentally get dragged into the Metaverse and subsequently awakened, or Robustus because the Metaverse app won’t run.

Kagami Tsurugi & Kaguya

I am, first and foremost, weak to girls with swords. And have once again (once again, they say, not having written the previous thing they are referencing) made Kagami just a. Powerhouse.

She’s got the Almighty skills, alongside Nuclear, and is a one woman army.

I really associated the themes of Kaguya attracting suitors, what with Kagami’s purpose basically just being a faux-love interest, and the punishment of material attachments. Listen, I will be the first to admit that a lot of these persona’s are just, I feel the vibes and they match. There is no rational or explainable reasoning for these, it just fits.

Also fun fact, the feather cloak Kaguya wears is burnt when she’s first summoned. Like, pre-burnt. This is story relevant.

Kagami herself joins the group after Ikari Gozen. Ladybug gives her an piece of paper in exchange for the Dragon Miraculous. Said paper has the meet up location and time fo the next Catacombs excursion.

#down in the catacombs #miraculous ladybug au #miraculous ladybug #au starter

[wodogle]

Event Planners in Bangalore: Crafting Unforgettable Experiences

Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, is not just a hub of technology and innovation; it's also a city that knows how to celebrate. From corporate gatherings to lavish weddings, every event in Bangalore carries a touch of elegance and style. Behind these seamless and memorable experiences are the unsung heroes: the event planners. Let's delve into the world of Event Planners in Bangalore, where creativity meets meticulous planning.

The Rise of Event Planners

Gone are the days when events were a DIY affair. Today, individuals and companies alike recognize the importance of professionals in curating events that leave lasting impressions. This realization has led to the rise of event planners in Bangalore, who bring expertise and creativity to the table.

Why Bangalore?

Bangalore's allure as a destination for events is undeniable. Its pleasant weather, diverse venues, and cosmopolitan culture make it a magnet for all types of gatherings. Whether it's a chic product launch, a traditional wedding, or a high-profile conference, Bangalore offers a canvas that event planners expertly paint with their skills.

Diversity in Offerings

One of the standout features of event planners in Bangalore is their versatility. They cater to a wide range of events, each with its own unique requirements. Corporate Events Decoration demand precision, efficiency, and a touch of sophistication. Here, event planners excel in coordinating every detail, from venue selection to audio-visual setups, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees.

Weddings, on the other hand, are a celebration of love and culture. Event planners in Bangalore understand the importance of these moments, working closely with families to weave together traditions and modern trends. From stunning décor to mouth-watering cuisine, every aspect is meticulously planned to create a fairy tale wedding.

Creativity Unleashed

Bangalore's event planners are known for their creativity that knows no bounds. They transform mundane spaces into magical realms, bringing themes to life with exquisite décor and lighting. Whether it's a tech-themed corporate event or a traditional Indian wedding with a contemporary twist, these planners infuse every event with a touch of innovation.

The Tech Advantage

Given Bangalore's tech-savvy environment, it's no surprise that event planners here leverage technology to enhance experiences. Interactive apps for attendees, virtual event platforms, and digital marketing strategies are just some of the tools in their arsenal. This tech advantage not only adds convenience but also elevates events to a new level of engagement.

Sustainability and Responsibility

In an era of increasing environmental awareness, event planners in Bangalore are embracing sustainability. They are steering events towards eco-friendly practices, opting for biodegradable décor, locally sourced materials, and waste management solutions. Moreover, many planners are committed to social responsibility, supporting local communities and charitable causes through their events.

Challenges and Triumphs

Of course, the world of event planning is not without its challenges. Tight timelines, changing client preferences, and unforeseen circumstances can test even the most seasoned planners. Yet, it is these challenges that fuel their creativity and resilience.

The triumphs, however, are abundant. Every successful event is a testament to their dedication and passion. The smiles on clients' faces, the awe of attendees, and the buzz of a well-executed event reverberate through Bangalore's event planning industry.

[xaracosmia]

ꕥ — WELCOME TO NEFE COSMIA, C.C. 🌓

ꕥ  — OOC INFORMATION;

name / alias: giselle/elle age: 26 pronouns: she/they ooc contact: cinderdrift @ tumblr, @VA11HALL_A on twitter other characters in xc: stelle (honkai star rail), frieren (sousou no frieren), byleth (fire emblem three houses), inez acosta (oc)

ꕥ  — IC INFORMATION;

name: c.c./c2, real name unknown age: ~500 years old, physically mid-20s pronouns: she/her

series: code geass

canon point: post-r2

app triggers: suicidal ideation, forced servitude, manipulation, mind control, gaslighting, war, child abuse, terrorism, human experimentation, description of corpses/decay, death/death by burning, abuse, torture

personality: c.c. is a stubborn person with high standards who hates people that are stubborn. she appears apathetic to most, as having lived for several centuries has caused her to close herself off to most emotions. despite this, she’s still rather headstrong and has been described as willful by some. she will do things that she considers in her own interest even if it means disregarding the interest or concerns of others, especially if it’s for food-motivated reasons. c.c. views the world rather cynically, in tandem with her long lifespan and traumatic past, and sees it as something meaningless without death to balance it out – an accumulation of memories and actions. she strives to seek purpose in life while simultaneously wishing to die, while also ultimately wanting to be loved and accepted. 

something your muse struggles with: c.c. struggles with the nature of life itself – of living and what life itself means. she’s long wished to be freed from her curse of immortality, but has continuously been unable to do so.

your muse’s greatest strength: deep down, c.c. cares about others, much as she tries to mask this fact. while she has high standards for people, she still ultimately values those she allows past her walls. she mourns those she’s wronged in her past and wishes to ensure the happiness of those few left in her life, and will be fiercely loyal to those special individuals.

history / background:

she is an immortal witch. put to the pyre, forced to burn, yet when the flames ebb away, she still can feel them lapping at her heels.

she only knows servitude when she is born. she is forced to work for a master, forced to clean and tidy and hide bodies, forced to try to turn a blind eye to the rot, the filth, the way the smell of a rotting corpse sticks in your nose and to your clothes no matter how frequently you try to escape it.

but there is a small reprieve. a woman of the cloth who promises her the power to make everyone love her, to be loved by everyone. all it takes is a contract, and she readily agrees to it. it’s a blessing at first, forcing those who used to beat her for dropping plates and bowls, who would force her to pick up the plaster without any way to protect her frail skin, to love her. to be nice to her. she tries different forms of love – romantic love is truly what the fairy tales describe at first, but she’s soon inundated with suitors waiting for her hand over foot, and she begins to grow bored of it.

when everyone loves you, love means nothing. when love is limitless, love means nothing.

it is with this that she distances herself from love. the fires take a little bit more of her.

she is an immortal witch. put to death, forced to die, yet when the pain subsides, she still breathes. she lives through countless wars, endless deaths, multiple famines and plagues. she witnesses the curse placed upon her, geass, being forcibly implanted upon others. a necessary evil in an already evil world, she tells herself. she watches as most who gain this power lose the ability to control it and eventually become victims of their own abilities. further casualties of the curse.

she is soon stolen away by the holy britannian empire, an empire that rules over most of the world and begins to have a vested interest in geass. she is kept in a capsule and studied, an ironic twist of how she oversaw the study of others. yet this very act would be the true downfall of the empire, as it allowed her to cross paths with someone who would come to change the world: lelouch vi britannia. he saves her from captivity, and in a spur of the moment decision, c.c. acts selfishly, allowing herself to take a fatal blow for lelouch in order to trick him into believing she’s dying, ensuring he will accept her contract – accept her curse. he readily accepts, yet something unexpected happens: they become accomplices. c.c. fights in his war, fights alongside him to free the world from britannia and allow humans to choose their own future.

it is here, at the side of someone who wants to burn down the old world and build it anew, that the flames take one final thing from the witch: her role as a heartless bystander who has closed herself off from others, from the world around her. 

for once, the flames allow her to be reborn. 

powers / abilities:

code of immortality: c.c. is able to tap into the collective unconscious of humanity and restore her body, fundamentally allowing her to survive through any injury, no matter how severe; though with the death of the god of c's world, she can only do this a limited amount of times. 

inherent abilities: N/A

items / weapons:

cheese-kun plush: a yellow plush with a fedora from some pizza place on earth that c.c. really enjoyed.

starting ability: N/A starting item: cheese-kun plush

extra: 

i think this goes without saying but i’m ignoring how canon interprets lelouch and c.c.’s relationship ^-^ they’re family your honor

i'm also ignoring resurrection entirely. they get real weird with her in those and i consider the c.c. in there an entirely different character from the one in the main anime canon. yes i'm a hater

even if her pizza came with pigs in a blanket for the crust she’s very opinionated on pizza. yes she does like pineapple on pizza.

trans lesbian because i need to maintain my brand and also it's just canon anyway

can you guys sense my muse type.

discord id: witchofbrittania.

#xc application #nefe cosmia #mun: giselle

[satoshi-mochida]

Metal Bringer adds PS5 version - Gematsu

Gematsu Source

Roguelite action game Metal Bringer will launch for PlayStation 5 alongside its previously announced PC (Steam) version in 2024, publisher PLAYISM and developer Alphawing announced.

Here is an overview of the game, via PLAYISM:

About

Samurai Bringer, Alphawing’s previous game, is a Japanese roguelite action game released in 2022, where you play as Susanoo and defeat world-famous Japanese samurai as you collect combat techniques to create your own fighting style. It has received over 800 reviews on Steam with a Very Positive rating. Metal Bringer is the second game in the Bringer series, and this time, the setting is completely different—in this game, you fight in a science-fiction world with androids and giant robots in horde-based combat that’s even more satisfying than the last game, and of course, your combat actions will evolve as you fight. The Steam page is now up, so don’t forget to wishlist the game!

The Story

“The sky is blue, infinitely high, and infinitely vast… Whose words were these again…? Ah, I remember… It was about a virtual reality Rudra told me about. A fairy tale. How many years has it been since humanity took refuge underground? No one alive has ever seen a blue sky. And now, I’m trapped in the depths, in a small, lifeless room. Just how long have I been here…?” A young girl named Suria wakes up in a laboratory and finds out that she has been put in cyrosleep for 1000 years without her knowledge. In order to search for the rest of humanity, she builds Labor with her trusty Buds, and sends them off to investigate…

Highly Customizable Player Characters

Build and control android soldiers called “Labor,” or have them pilot giant machines called “Arms.” Each and every Labor and Arms you build is highly customizable. You can change the color and appearance of their features, or swap out parts to change their fighting styles. The sheer variety in character customization will allow you to create and fight with the mech of your dreams.

The More You Play, the Stronger You Get

In Samurai Bringer, you could mix and match combat techniques to create every step of your very own action combos. But in Metal Bringer, you instead collect “disks,” which contain apps that are installed onto your Labor. These apps strengthen your character and power up your actions in an easier and more intuitive way, making it all the more exciting and satisfying to mow down hordes of enemies as your character keeps growing stronger.

New Technologies, Both Visual and Audio

This game uses the same voxel art style as Samurai Bringer, but just like Samurai Bringer, it also implements a real-time pixel art generating system, and will also feature the newest raytracing technology for beautifully lit environments. The music too is made with the newest technology, as it is played in real time and changes according to the situation.

All-Star Creative Team

The key art and Suria’s character design is done by Suzuhito Yasuda, and on the writing team, we have Sami Shinosaki on board!

Suzuhito Yasuda (Twitter) – Illustrator, manga artist, and character designer for multiple popular games and media, such as Durarara!! and the Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor series.

Sami Shinosaki – Novelist. Known for the novelizations of the Armored Core and Fire Emblem series.

#Metal Bringer #Alphawing #Playism #Roguelite #Roguelike #Action game #PS5 #Gematsu

[rafellauren]

Elevate Your Wedding: The Luxury of VIP Transportation Services

A wedding day is a culmination of dreams, a celebration of love, and a momentous occasion in one's life. Every detail, from the venue to the flowers, must be perfect to create cherished memories that last a lifetime. Among these details, transportation often plays a significant role in ensuring the smooth flow and overall elegance of the day. For those who desire to elevate their wedding to a truly luxurious experience, VIP transportation services offer a touch of sophistication and glamour that can make the day even more memorable. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of VIP transportation for weddings, providing insights, tips, and recommendations to help you create a truly extraordinary and opulent wedding celebration.

The Significance of Wedding Transportation

Transportation on your wedding day serves multiple essential purposes:

1. Convenience: Wedding transportation ensures that you, your bridal party, and guests can move smoothly between different locations, such as the ceremony, reception venue, and photo shoot locations.

2. Comfort: High-quality transportation services provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for you and your guests, allowing everyone to arrive in style and without stress.

3. Style and Elegance: VIP transportation adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to your wedding, making it a memorable and visually stunning event.

4. Safety: Professional drivers are trained to ensure the safety of passengers, allowing you to enjoy the day without worrying about logistics.

Types of VIP Wedding Transportation

VIP transportation for weddings comes in various forms, each offering unique advantages and experiences:

1. Limousines: Limousines are the epitome of luxury and elegance. They offer spacious interiors, privacy, and a classic look that complements formal weddings.

2. Exotic Cars: For couples who want to make a bold statement, renting an exotic car like a Rolls-Royce, Bentley, or Ferrari can be a memorable choice.

3. Vintage Cars: Vintage cars add a touch of nostalgia and charm to a wedding. They are perfect for couples seeking a classic and timeless atmosphere.

4. Party Buses: Party buses are ideal for transporting larger groups, such as the bridal party or wedding guests, in a fun and festive atmosphere. They often feature amenities like music, lighting, and refreshments.

5. Horse-Drawn Carriages: For a romantic and fairy-tale-like experience, consider a horse-drawn carriage, especially for outdoor or destination weddings.

6. SUVs and Sedans: These vehicles are versatile and comfortable, providing an excellent option for transporting the bridal party or guests to and from the wedding venues.

Where to Find VIP Wedding Transportation

When seeking VIP wedding transportation services, several options are available:

1. Rental Companies: Many rental companies specialize in VIP transportation for weddings, offering a range of vehicles to suit different preferences.

2. Event Planners: Wedding planners often have connections with transportation providers and can help you coordinate all aspects of your wedding, including transportation.

3. Online Platforms: Various online platforms and apps allow you to browse and book VIP transportation services, often providing reviews and ratings for your reference.

4. Recommendations: Ask friends, family, or colleagues who have recently married for recommendations and personal referrals. Word-of-mouth recommendations can be particularly valuable.

Tips for Selecting VIP Wedding Transportation

Choosing the right VIP transportation for your wedding requires careful consideration. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

1. Early Booking: VIP transportation services, especially during wedding season, are in high demand. Book your transportation well in advance to secure your preferred vehicle.

2. Coordination: Coordinate with your transportation provider to ensure they are aware of the wedding itinerary, including pick-up and drop-off times and locations.

3. Style and Theme: Select a vehicle that matches the style and theme of your wedding. Consider the formality, color scheme, and overall aesthetic.

4. Inspection: Before the wedding day, inspect the vehicle to ensure it meets your expectations and is in excellent condition. Confirm all amenities, such as sound systems and refreshments.

5. Contract Review: Carefully review the contract, including pricing, deposit requirements, and cancellation policies. Ensure that all details are clearly outlined in writing.

6. Chauffeur Attire: Discuss and confirm the attire of the chauffeur to ensure it aligns with the formality of your wedding.

VIP Transportation Enhancements for Weddings

To truly elevate your wedding, consider incorporating the following enhancements:

1. Red Carpet Service: Arrive like a celebrity with a red carpet rolled out for you and your partner as you step out of the vehicle.

2. Champagne Service: Enjoy a glass of champagne or a toast with your bridal party inside the vehicle.

3. Just Married Signage: Decorate the vehicle with "Just Married" signs, flowers, or other personalized touches.

4. Music and Entertainment: Coordinate with your transportation provider to have your favorite music playing during the ride.

5. Photography Opportunities: Use the luxury vehicle as a backdrop for stunning wedding photos.

Creating Memorable Wedding Moments

Once you've selected your VIP wedding transportation, it's time to experience the magic it brings to your special day. Here are some memorable moments you can create:

1. Grand Arrival: Make a grand entrance as you arrive at the ceremony or reception venue in style and luxury.

2. Toast to Love: Enjoy a private moment with your partner as you share a toast and celebrate the beginning of your journey together.

3. VIP Treatment: Spoil your bridal party and guests with comfortable and elegant transportation that adds to their overall enjoyment of the day.

4. Picture-Perfect Moments: Use the vehicle as a backdrop for stunning photos that capture the elegance and romance of your wedding day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, VIP wedding transportation services offer a unique opportunity to elevate your wedding day to a level of luxury, style, and sophistication that creates lasting memories. Whether you choose a classic limousine, an exotic car, or a romantic horse-drawn carriage, the right VIP transportation can add an extra layer of glamour to your wedding celebration.

By planning ahead, selecting the perfect vehicle, and considering the special touches that can enhance the experience, you can ensure that your wedding transportation contributes to a day that is as elegant and extraordinary as your love story. Elevate your wedding, create unforgettable moments, and let VIP transportation be the luxurious backdrop to the beginning of your happily ever after.

[infactforgetthepark]

[Free Audiobook] Red Hood by Elana K. Arnold & The Lantern's Ember by Colleen Houck [Award-Winning YA Contemporary Fairy Tale Fantasy & Horror Retelling]

The annual SYNC Summer of Listening program encouraging literacy among teens by giving away a themed weekly pair of audiobooks—usually 1 modern or non-fiction, 1 classic or drama—returns for another year, courtesy of sponsor AudioFile Magazine and participating publishers.

This 12th week's theme is “Transformative Legends, Legends Transformed”, featuring contemporary reworkings of fantastic old tales about character change, available from Thursday July 13th through Wednesday July 19th:

Red Hood by Elana K. Arnold, read by January LaVoy from HarperAudio. This is a YA contemporary dark fantasy/horror/social drama retelling of “The Little Red Riding Hood” fairy tale, set in the Pacific Northwest, as a teenaged girl deals with the fallout from fending off an attack by a wolf in the woods, when a predatory high school classmate is found with the same wounds after. The audiobook reading of this won AudioFile Magazine's own Earphones Award.

The Lantern's Ember by Colleen Houck, read by Piper Goodeve, from Highbridge Audio. This is a YA urban fantasy novel inspired by Washington Irving's spooky classic “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” as well as other tales, centred around a once-mortal boy conscripted centures ago as a “lantern” watching over the crossroads between realms, and a young witch drawn into the dangerous Otherworld, and the ensuing obligatory quest to avert a terrible fate.

The freebies are available via Overdrive's Sora service (listenable via browser on their website, or via their mobile app for iOS & Android devices). To claim them, you'll need to register on the SYNC website with a valid email address to use in a Sora account, using the setup code and directions in the instructions in SYNC's FAQ (no need to re-register if you've participated in previous years' giveaways), clicking “Borrow” to add them to your Sora library as a permanent loan. NB: if you need to free up space on your device later, follow the instructions in the FAQ to only “delete files” and DO NOT “Return” the title, which would remove your future access.

Offered worldwide through Wednesday July 19th until just before midnight Eastern Time, available via the Sora website and app. You can also browse AudioFile Magazine's planned season list to see what will be offered in the weeks ahead and if there's anything you'd especially like to get.

#free audiobook #elana k arnold #colleen houck #young adult #fantasy #fairy tales #the little red riding hood #the legend of sleepy hollow #retellings #fairy tale retellings

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🦇 Not That Kind of Ever After Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐

❝ People don't just need to have one fairy tale in their lifetime. If the books have told us anything it's that there are plenty of Prince Charmings in plenty of stories. There's no quota for how many stories you get to be a part of in life. ❞

❓ #QOTD What does "Happily Ever After" look like to you? ❓ 🦇 Bella Marble isn't living the happily ever after she always imagined for herself. She's single (when she wants to live a legendary love story) and working as a receptionist (when she wants to be a published author) with no Prince Charming or publishing deal in sight. To top it off, her best friend of 29 years and roommate is moving out AND getting married, while her parents are getting divorced. In an effort to have fun and take risks, Bella posts a fairy tale retelling of a disastrous one-night stand on a story-sharing app. As @B.Enchanted, she develops a growing fanbase―one she intends to grow by finding other fairy tale-inspired encounters. When her quest for inspiration threatens her friendships, will Bella recognize she's standing in her own way of happily ever after?

💜 Luci Adams' debut novel challenges what we know about the fairy tales we grew up with. The true gem in this novel is the friendship between Bella and Ellie (The Elsa to her Anna). Having grown up together, they've survived every high and low side-by-side, and Ellie tries not to allow any amount of change to threaten that. Adams does a great job at increasing the ridiculousness of Bella's sexual encounters (ranging from reverse cowgirl with the Big Bad Wolf to a threesome with Hansel and Gretel). She balances a cast of supporting characters as well, each with more depth than the main character.

🦇 Unfortunately, it's difficult to like or even sympathize with Bella. From the first page, she's painted as desperate, inconsiderate, immature, self-centered, and whiney. We're not given any opportunity to empathize with her situation, namely because many of the conflicts she encounters are of her own making. When Bella's not the problem, it's the writing, which is so cringy that I had to read it aloud to my (less than thrilled about it) girlfriend to make sense of the prose. More than once, I had to put my Kindle down (a few times, I fought the urge to hit myself in the head with it, too). To prove my point: "I'm as much a feminist as the next millennial woman who pretends to be a feminist but isn't, despite wanting to be one." Really? There was nothing "feminist" about Bella's actions, and for the blurb to read "fairytale meets feminism" makes it so much worse. Both the Mystery Man's identity and Bella's "Mr. Right" are easy to guess from the start. Unfortunately, it was all a bit predictable in the worst way.

🦇 If you're looking for a quick read, ridiculous situations, and an MC who has to hit rock bottom (twice) before building herself back up, this book is for you!

🎭 Tropes 🎭 👠 Chick-Lit 🏰 Fairytale Retellings (Kind Of) 💞 Happily Ever After 🏳️‍🌈 Queer Characters

🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

#book review #book lovers #book blog #booklr #book quotes #battyaboutbooks #batty about books #cleocatra