Interview With The Vampire community
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intw_amc is the community for all things Interview With The Vampire on AMC. Come share your squee, theories, recs, and fanworks!REC: all things either good or ungood by tei (wip)
Jan. 23rd, 2026 10:08 amgoodbyebird posting in intw_amcall things either good or ungood (11247 words) by tei
Chapters: 6/?
Rating: Not Rated
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Armand/Louis de Pointe du Lac, Armand/Daniel Molloy
Summary:
Alternate ending to s2, where Louis takes his anger quite a bit further, and Daniel is left in the aftermath with a catatonic Armand he doesn't know how to deal with. Daniel's voice is impeccable, and I adore the setting of this.
Chapters: 6/?
Rating: Not Rated
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Armand/Louis de Pointe du Lac, Armand/Daniel Molloy
Summary:
"There," says Louis. "I took something from you you'll never get back. We're even now. Just like you always wanted."
The whole interview, Daniel had been riding on a sort of psychotic confidence. He knew he could die, of course, had fed his editor that stupid line about the most dangerous man in the world, which of course Louis isn't, not by a long shot. Louis can kill basically the same number of people at a time as any normal guy, which is one; not very many, compared to plenty of people. The only difference between him and the average human is… something about the method, perhaps. Everyone knows they could be shot in the street almost anywhere in the world, but most people don't expect to be exsanguinated.
And for most of the interview, Daniel didn't, either. For one, he'd already been attacked once by a vampire and survived, which is a bit of an ego boost. But also, Louis had never seemed particularly interested in killing or maiming him. He seemed like a guy who wanted to have his story told, and would inevitably be disappointed that you can't tell a story without losing control of it, just like all the others. It turned him mean sometimes, sure, but his meanness is the human sort.
Now, for the first time, Daniel is very aware of being in the room with a monster. Only it's not aimed at him. All that worry, setting the apartment in order in case it had to be cleaned out if he never returned to New York, and when the mask finally comes off, all that rage right in the room with him, and he's completely irrelevant.
Armand doesn't answer. He lies there, looking at Louis. And then Louis turns around, walks back into the room.
There is no reason for Daniel to be frightened. This has nothing to do with him. But he is, like the feeling they say you have right before you're hit with lightning. Louis stands over Armand again, and without looking back at Daniel, holds out his hand back towards him. "Give me your knife," he says.
Alternate ending to s2, where Louis takes his anger quite a bit further, and Daniel is left in the aftermath with a catatonic Armand he doesn't know how to deal with. Daniel's voice is impeccable, and I adore the setting of this.
Exchanges!
Jan. 22nd, 2026 09:52 pmsholioI don't think I posted about Amperslash when it revealed, but I got a lovely gift!
The Ties that Bind Us (Biggles, slightly ambiguous Biggles/EvS)
A very fun, sensual fic in which they are trying to squirm out of ropes tying them together, while also talking about Feelings.
And I got THREE gifts in Holiday Airdrop, the Biggles exchange I run! This time around, all are gen and Algy & EvS-focused.
Soft Landings, a wonderfully well realized, hurt/comforty AU in which Algy is the first person on the team to encounter Erich during Buries a Hatchet.
A Silver-Topped Cane is a lovely little post-Terai bit of comfort and bonding, in which Erich offers advice and maybe a little commiseration while Algy is healing.
Forge is deliciously iddy and visceral h/c in which EvS and Algy are handcuffed together in the desert.
Between the two exchanges, I wrote five fics, including some pairings I don't normally write! I'm looking forward to getting to 'fess up to them.
The Ties that Bind Us (Biggles, slightly ambiguous Biggles/EvS)
A very fun, sensual fic in which they are trying to squirm out of ropes tying them together, while also talking about Feelings.
And I got THREE gifts in Holiday Airdrop, the Biggles exchange I run! This time around, all are gen and Algy & EvS-focused.
Soft Landings, a wonderfully well realized, hurt/comforty AU in which Algy is the first person on the team to encounter Erich during Buries a Hatchet.
A Silver-Topped Cane is a lovely little post-Terai bit of comfort and bonding, in which Erich offers advice and maybe a little commiseration while Algy is healing.
Forge is deliciously iddy and visceral h/c in which EvS and Algy are handcuffed together in the desert.
Between the two exchanges, I wrote five fics, including some pairings I don't normally write! I'm looking forward to getting to 'fess up to them.
(no subject)
Jan. 22nd, 2026 10:12 pmsushiflop posting in addmeName: Senri
Age: 30+
I mostly post about: A smorgasboard of things! Lots of book reviews, discussion and chatter about different fandoms, links to interesting things I've read or looked at on the internet, recipes I've cooked and whether I liked them, writing memes, and I'm trying to get more into posting short life anecdotes.
My hobbies are: I write both original work and fanfic, I'm playing more videogames these days, and I'm easing my way back into doing art and being outdoorsy. I like working out, going for walks, and listening to crickets, moving water, and birdsong. I'm athletic and specifically enjoy swimming, weightlifting, yoga, and spinning. I was into dwrp for a long time and still enjoy doing private storylines with friends. I love trying new things and will do almost anything once!
My fandoms are: Attack on Titan (I do not like the ending or think it was well-written, and because you can find those types in this fandom: I do not think Eren was right), Animorphs, Naruto, TWEWY, Tanith Lee's books esp the Unicorn Triology, Gravity Falls, Eyeshield 21, Blade of the Immortal, Dungeon Meshi, D.Gray-man, Lilo & Stitch. If I liked something once, I will probably have a soft spot for it just about forever.
I'm looking to meet people who: are chill and kind and value being kind to others. Nerdy types who like writing and book talk. Thoughtful people. Shared fandoms are far from necessary; I don't fanpost that much. I enjoy getting a small window into lives different from mine and my goal is to make friendly connections with others and be kind c:
My posting schedule tends to be: sporadic. I check my reading list regularly and do try to comment.
When I add people, my dealbreakers are:
No:
- Purity wankers/purity police, if this is your choice for how to engage with fandom as a hobby we aren't meant to be friends. My own journal content is quite milquetoast overall and I warn for more extreme content when my writing involves it, so you won't blindly click your way into extreme content you aren't into if you add me, and I generally try to avoid this kind of discourse in my journal other than making my stance on this clear at the outset.
- Conservatives/MAGAs
- I don't want racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ablism etc on my friendslist and will unfollow and block commenting on my journal over it
- I'm not a fan of genAI at all
Before adding me, you should know: I will probably not grant you access for a long time if we follow each other. It's not personal, I just like to know a person well and know that we mesh before I grant access. You won't be missing a whole lot as I don't post under access filters often.
Just a short time till the first reveals!
Jan. 23rd, 2026 12:12 amlemniskath posting in owyearofremixexOn Sunday, Jan 25, the first reveal (of the January collection, initial stories) will happen.
Writers, please make final touch ups to author notes, and be sure your story is ready.
There will be at least two "pinch hits" for the March round assignments - stories to remix that don't have a remixing participant yet. It's a good opportunity to join the event by getting an assignment without having to write and post a story first.
I'll have more details after matching, so in about a week.
Writers, please make final touch ups to author notes, and be sure your story is ready.
There will be at least two "pinch hits" for the March round assignments - stories to remix that don't have a remixing participant yet. It's a good opportunity to join the event by getting an assignment without having to write and post a story first.
I'll have more details after matching, so in about a week.
WiP / Plot Bunny Corral
Jan. 22nd, 2026 09:20 pmsenmut~ Dreams of Her Own - https://archiveofourown.org/works/71432751 - Sequel prompts from ukiacatdragon - Eilistraee, the shroud of Lolth, Corellon, Arvandor's overwhleming goodness, plotting to nullify Lolth's plots via Sharr, the raid being brought up, Tall Ones finding Ellifain early, closure for drow and elf child, quest - 1,027 words
~ HLH shortcuts sequel - https://archiveofourown.org/works/74116516 - Joe and Rachel meet in Seacouver - 0 words
~10trueloves - 3/10 written
~genprompt_bingo 0/5 written (Line Only)
GenPrompt Fills:
~ A Moment of Understanding / Clarity - Commander Appo comes face to face with Atin (includes a horrific flashback to Ashla's death from Appo's POV)
~ Teenagers - Continue https://archiveofourown.org/works/12124011 - Rex and Ahsoka with Hera and Chopper
~ Telepathy - Long Distance Phone Calls in the Force: "You left me/He wanted me dead/I would have protected you/But could you really" / "It hurts/You always hurt, couldn't he get you better healing/There wasn't much of me left/He all but owns a master cloning world and you're stuck like that? Your benefits package sucks"
~ Freestyle Crossovers - Jurassic Park/X-Men crossover (late request for More Joy Day)
~ A Test of Worthiness - OPEN
~ Ahsoka the Daughter whispering guidance through time in Anakin's head. Starting inAotC TPM. Includes:
Okay no wonder some said I was just like you (her reaction to the reckless deal in TPM)
Hey Skykid, what's a guy with all the power thinking to make a point of having time for you? (Comics of the Padawan years)
Oh kriff he's so young (first meeting of Anakin and Rex)
I am SO shiny (Ahsoka arriving)
~ Fulcrum and Rex time travel to before Anakin runs to Mace.
~ Fulcrum accidentally pulls Anakin to Malachor in That Fight.
ukiacatdragon - Eilistraee, the shroud of Lolth, Corellon, Arvandor's overwhleming goodness, plotting to nullify Lolth's plots via Sharr, the raid being brought up, Tall Ones finding Ellifain early, closure for drow and elf child, quest - 1,027 words~ HLH shortcuts sequel - https://archiveofourown.org/works/74116516 - Joe and Rachel meet in Seacouver - 0 words
~
10trueloves - 3/10 written ~
genprompt_bingo 0/5 written (Line Only)Random Plot Bunnies to Hold Over
GenPrompt Fills:
~ A Moment of Understanding / Clarity - Commander Appo comes face to face with Atin (includes a horrific flashback to Ashla's death from Appo's POV)
~ Teenagers - Continue https://archiveofourown.org/works/12124011 - Rex and Ahsoka with Hera and Chopper
~ Telepathy - Long Distance Phone Calls in the Force: "You left me/He wanted me dead/I would have protected you/But could you really" / "It hurts/You always hurt, couldn't he get you better healing/There wasn't much of me left/He all but owns a master cloning world and you're stuck like that? Your benefits package sucks"
~ Freestyle Crossovers - Jurassic Park/X-Men crossover (late request for More Joy Day)
~ A Test of Worthiness - OPEN
~ Ahsoka the Daughter whispering guidance through time in Anakin's head. Starting in
Okay no wonder some said I was just like you (her reaction to the reckless deal in TPM)
Hey Skykid, what's a guy with all the power thinking to make a point of having time for you? (Comics of the Padawan years)
Oh kriff he's so young (first meeting of Anakin and Rex)
I am SO shiny (Ahsoka arriving)
~ Fulcrum and Rex time travel to before Anakin runs to Mace.
~ Fulcrum accidentally pulls Anakin to Malachor in That Fight.
10trueloves: Surprise
Jan. 22nd, 2026 08:38 pmsenmutAO3 Link | Shelter in Danger (500 words) by Merfilly
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: DC Comics (General), Marvel Comics (General)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Dinah Lance/Erik Lensherr
Characters: Dinah Lance, Erik Lehnsherr
Additional Tags: Crossover, +Modern Age (1986-Present)
Summary:
When Dinah Lance found herself catapulted into another dimension, it wasn't all that shocking. She's been tossed through time, sent to other worlds, and even touched alternate versions of her own world. To wake up in a world that was completely unlike her own as far as people and problems went, but still an Earth wasn't that hard to come to terms with.
No, the thing that shocked her was finding an older white-haired man with a harder sense of justice than she usually took for herself that stirred her emotions so strongly. Similarities to another man of her own world may have set the stage for growing closer, but it was Erik's ability to debate with her, to see her as a capable fighter in her own right, and his old-fashioned manners that sealed her doom.
There was just something irresistible in a man that opened doors for her but didn't think she needed to be in the kitchen for Dinah Lance.
She'd given her word that she would help defend this small island refuge. She wanted no part of his retaliatory strikes, but the people who were just trying to live their lives were under her protection. As Erik — Magneto currently — was deflecting the heavy artillery back into the attackers, Black Canary was ably working defense against the ground assault with his other combatants.
She had no idea how many amphibious vehicles she grounded permanently, how many people in deep-water gear were shoved back off the beach, but eventually Magneto gathered up all of the remaining debris from the assault and threw it out to join the artificial reef off his coastline. While he did that, she acquired one of her protein-gels, slaking a need for energy and liquid at once before seeing if she needed to help with injured.
Magneto landed beside her moments later, his hand going to the small of her back. She wasn't thinking about the likely human cost of the assault; mutants were feared and hunted here, and that force had come with the intent to kill or enslave from all she had managed to dig up.
"Your voice, my dear, is devastating. And yet you espouse more peaceful notions than I," he said with grim satisfaction over the results she'd gotten.
"I learned to modulate it over the years, so I get the effect I want," she said, shifting just slightly closer, her voice dipping into flirting tones.
"Hmm, and what effect do you wish now?" he asked, matching her tone, as that strong hand on her lower back shifted more to her hip and upper ass.
"The ability to be somewhere private and less clothed, of course," she told him.
He laughed, deep and throaty. "Oh, I like that direct approach." He guided her toward his own room, leaving the aftermath to his lieutenants. Dinah was more than happy with that choice, hoping if she distracted him long enough, he'd choose some other way than direct assault on the attacking nation.
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: DC Comics (General), Marvel Comics (General)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Dinah Lance/Erik Lensherr
Characters: Dinah Lance, Erik Lehnsherr
Additional Tags: Crossover, +Modern Age (1986-Present)
Summary:
While trapped in a different universe, Dinah falls for another older man
Shelter in Danger
When Dinah Lance found herself catapulted into another dimension, it wasn't all that shocking. She's been tossed through time, sent to other worlds, and even touched alternate versions of her own world. To wake up in a world that was completely unlike her own as far as people and problems went, but still an Earth wasn't that hard to come to terms with.
No, the thing that shocked her was finding an older white-haired man with a harder sense of justice than she usually took for herself that stirred her emotions so strongly. Similarities to another man of her own world may have set the stage for growing closer, but it was Erik's ability to debate with her, to see her as a capable fighter in her own right, and his old-fashioned manners that sealed her doom.
There was just something irresistible in a man that opened doors for her but didn't think she needed to be in the kitchen for Dinah Lance.
She'd given her word that she would help defend this small island refuge. She wanted no part of his retaliatory strikes, but the people who were just trying to live their lives were under her protection. As Erik — Magneto currently — was deflecting the heavy artillery back into the attackers, Black Canary was ably working defense against the ground assault with his other combatants.
She had no idea how many amphibious vehicles she grounded permanently, how many people in deep-water gear were shoved back off the beach, but eventually Magneto gathered up all of the remaining debris from the assault and threw it out to join the artificial reef off his coastline. While he did that, she acquired one of her protein-gels, slaking a need for energy and liquid at once before seeing if she needed to help with injured.
Magneto landed beside her moments later, his hand going to the small of her back. She wasn't thinking about the likely human cost of the assault; mutants were feared and hunted here, and that force had come with the intent to kill or enslave from all she had managed to dig up.
"Your voice, my dear, is devastating. And yet you espouse more peaceful notions than I," he said with grim satisfaction over the results she'd gotten.
"I learned to modulate it over the years, so I get the effect I want," she said, shifting just slightly closer, her voice dipping into flirting tones.
"Hmm, and what effect do you wish now?" he asked, matching her tone, as that strong hand on her lower back shifted more to her hip and upper ass.
"The ability to be somewhere private and less clothed, of course," she told him.
He laughed, deep and throaty. "Oh, I like that direct approach." He guided her toward his own room, leaving the aftermath to his lieutenants. Dinah was more than happy with that choice, hoping if she distracted him long enough, he'd choose some other way than direct assault on the attacking nation.
watching heated rivalry and...
Jan. 22nd, 2026 08:09 pmlannamichaelsCouldn't they possibly have, perhaps and please, cast actors who don't look so goddamn alike for Steve & Bucky, I'm sorry, I mean Scott & Kip?
If they shave or the other one of them gets slightly more facial hair, I've not even the slightest hope here. In the sex scenes, it's like whatever, if you wanted me to know who is who, you'd light it better.
Put a shirt on. Why do you have identical torsos, one of you is a professional athlete and the other one works two jobs.
Book review: A Memory Called Empire
Jan. 22nd, 2026 06:03 pmrocky41_7 posting in booknookTitle: A Memory Called Empire (Teixcalaan #1)
Author: Arkady Martine
Narrator: Amy Landon
Genre: Fantasy/Sci-fi, fiction
I realized as I was approaching the end of this book that it is the third unfinished series sapphic SFF centering the machinations of an empire that I've read lately (the others being The Locked Tomb and The Masquerade). A Memory Called Empire is the first book in the Teixcalaan series by Arkady Martine (narrated by Amy Landon in the audiobook) and tells the story of Mahit Dzmare, a diplomat from an as-yet-unconquered satellite state of the Teixcalaanli Empire entering her role as ambassador for the first time--after the previous ambassador went radio silent.
For fans of fantasy politics, I highly recommend this one. Mahit enters a political scene on the cusp of boiling over and is thrown not only into navigating a culture and society she's only ever read about, but having to piece together what her predecessor was doing, why he was doing it, and what happened to him. It's a whirlwind of not knowing who to trust, what to lean on, or where to go.
Martine creates such an interesting world here in Teixcalaan and the mindset of a people who pride themselves on being artists above all and yet exist as ruthless conquerors within their corner of space. Furthermore, Mahit herself is in a fascinating position as someone who's been half in love with this empire since childhood, and yet is all too keenly aware of the threat it poses to her and her home. Mahit does well in Teixcalaan--she loves the poetry and literature they so highly prize, she's able to navigate Teixcalaanli society and see the double meanings everywhere, and she's excited to try her hand at these things. And yet--if she plays her cards wrong, it will end with her home being gobbled up by Empire, and as Mahit herself says: Nothing touched by Empire remains unchanged.
I really enjoyed her characters too--3-Seagrass stole the show for me--and they all have believably varied and grounded views and opinions, with the sorts of blind spots and biases you would expect from people in their respective positions. There's character growth and change too, which is always fun to see, and I'm excited to see how that progresses in the next book.
If I had a complaint, and it's a minor one, it's that the prose is sometimes overly repetitive and explanatory, as if Martine doesn't quite trust her audience to remember things from earlier in the book, or understand what's being implied, which occasionally has the effect of making Mahit look less intelligent than her role would demand. However, it didn't happen often enough that I was truly annoyed, and I think the book gets better about it as it goes on.
On the whole, a fun, exciting read (although it takes its time to set up--expect a slow start!) that left me actually looking forward to my commute for a chance to listen to more. Already checking to see if my library has the next book available.
Author: Arkady Martine
Narrator: Amy Landon
Genre: Fantasy/Sci-fi, fiction
I realized as I was approaching the end of this book that it is the third unfinished series sapphic SFF centering the machinations of an empire that I've read lately (the others being The Locked Tomb and The Masquerade). A Memory Called Empire is the first book in the Teixcalaan series by Arkady Martine (narrated by Amy Landon in the audiobook) and tells the story of Mahit Dzmare, a diplomat from an as-yet-unconquered satellite state of the Teixcalaanli Empire entering her role as ambassador for the first time--after the previous ambassador went radio silent.
For fans of fantasy politics, I highly recommend this one. Mahit enters a political scene on the cusp of boiling over and is thrown not only into navigating a culture and society she's only ever read about, but having to piece together what her predecessor was doing, why he was doing it, and what happened to him. It's a whirlwind of not knowing who to trust, what to lean on, or where to go.
Martine creates such an interesting world here in Teixcalaan and the mindset of a people who pride themselves on being artists above all and yet exist as ruthless conquerors within their corner of space. Furthermore, Mahit herself is in a fascinating position as someone who's been half in love with this empire since childhood, and yet is all too keenly aware of the threat it poses to her and her home. Mahit does well in Teixcalaan--she loves the poetry and literature they so highly prize, she's able to navigate Teixcalaanli society and see the double meanings everywhere, and she's excited to try her hand at these things. And yet--if she plays her cards wrong, it will end with her home being gobbled up by Empire, and as Mahit herself says: Nothing touched by Empire remains unchanged.
I really enjoyed her characters too--3-Seagrass stole the show for me--and they all have believably varied and grounded views and opinions, with the sorts of blind spots and biases you would expect from people in their respective positions. There's character growth and change too, which is always fun to see, and I'm excited to see how that progresses in the next book.
If I had a complaint, and it's a minor one, it's that the prose is sometimes overly repetitive and explanatory, as if Martine doesn't quite trust her audience to remember things from earlier in the book, or understand what's being implied, which occasionally has the effect of making Mahit look less intelligent than her role would demand. However, it didn't happen often enough that I was truly annoyed, and I think the book gets better about it as it goes on.
On the whole, a fun, exciting read (although it takes its time to set up--expect a slow start!) that left me actually looking forward to my commute for a chance to listen to more. Already checking to see if my library has the next book available.
Recent Reading: A Memory Called Empire
Jan. 22nd, 2026 05:44 pmrocky41_7I realized as I was approaching the end of this book that it is the third unfinished series sapphic SFF centering the machinations of an empire that I've read lately (the others being The Locked Tomb and The Masquerade). A Memory Called Empire is the first book in the Teixcalaan series by Arkady Martine (narrated by Amy Landon in the audiobook) and tells the story of Mahit Dzmare, a diplomat from an as-yet-unconquered satellite state of the Teixcalaanli Empire entering her role as ambassador for the first time--after the previous ambassador went radio silent.
For fans of fantasy politics, I highly recommend this one. Mahit enters a political scene on the cusp of boiling over and is thrown not only into navigating a culture and society she's only ever read about, but having to piece together what her predecessor was doing, why he was doing it, and what happened to him. It's a whirlwind of not knowing who to trust, what to lean on, or where to go.
Martine creates such an interesting world here in Teixcalaan and the mindset of a people who pride themselves on being artists above all and yet exist as ruthless conquerors within their corner of space. Furthermore, Mahit herself is in a fascinating position as someone who's been half in love with this empire since childhood, and yet is all too keenly aware of the threat it poses to her and her home. Mahit does well in Teixcalaan--she loves the poetry and literature they so highly prize, she's able to navigate Teixcalaanli society and see the double meanings everywhere, and she's excited to try her hand at these things. And yet--if she plays her cards wrong, it will end with her home being gobbled up by Empire, and as Mahit herself says: Nothing touched by Empire remains unchanged.
I really enjoyed her characters too--3-Seagrass stole the show for me--and they all have believably varied and grounded views and opinions, with the sorts of blind spots and biases you would expect from people in their respective positions. There's character growth and change too, which is always fun to see, and I'm excited to see how that progresses in the next book.
If I had a complaint, and it's a minor one, it's that the prose is sometimes overly repetitive and explanatory, as if Martine doesn't quite trust her audience to remember things from earlier in the book, or understand what's being implied, which occasionally has the effect of making Mahit look less intelligent than her role would demand. However, it didn't happen often enough that I was truly annoyed, and I think the book gets better about it as it goes on.
On the whole, a fun, exciting read (although it takes its time to set up--expect a slow start!) that left me actually looking forward to my commute for a chance to listen to more. Already checking to see if my library has the next book available.
For fans of fantasy politics, I highly recommend this one. Mahit enters a political scene on the cusp of boiling over and is thrown not only into navigating a culture and society she's only ever read about, but having to piece together what her predecessor was doing, why he was doing it, and what happened to him. It's a whirlwind of not knowing who to trust, what to lean on, or where to go.
Martine creates such an interesting world here in Teixcalaan and the mindset of a people who pride themselves on being artists above all and yet exist as ruthless conquerors within their corner of space. Furthermore, Mahit herself is in a fascinating position as someone who's been half in love with this empire since childhood, and yet is all too keenly aware of the threat it poses to her and her home. Mahit does well in Teixcalaan--she loves the poetry and literature they so highly prize, she's able to navigate Teixcalaanli society and see the double meanings everywhere, and she's excited to try her hand at these things. And yet--if she plays her cards wrong, it will end with her home being gobbled up by Empire, and as Mahit herself says: Nothing touched by Empire remains unchanged.
I really enjoyed her characters too--3-Seagrass stole the show for me--and they all have believably varied and grounded views and opinions, with the sorts of blind spots and biases you would expect from people in their respective positions. There's character growth and change too, which is always fun to see, and I'm excited to see how that progresses in the next book.
If I had a complaint, and it's a minor one, it's that the prose is sometimes overly repetitive and explanatory, as if Martine doesn't quite trust her audience to remember things from earlier in the book, or understand what's being implied, which occasionally has the effect of making Mahit look less intelligent than her role would demand. However, it didn't happen often enough that I was truly annoyed, and I think the book gets better about it as it goes on.
On the whole, a fun, exciting read (although it takes its time to set up--expect a slow start!) that left me actually looking forward to my commute for a chance to listen to more. Already checking to see if my library has the next book available.
Poem: "The Bones of Chihuly"
Jan. 22nd, 2026 01:45 pmysabetwordsmithThis poem is spillover from the March 4, 2025 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired by a prompt from librarygeek. It has been sponsored by a pool with fuzzyred. This poem belongs to the Big One and Shiv threads of the Polychrome Heroics series.
Warning: This poem contains intense topics that may distress some readers, especially glass artists and fans of glass art. Highlight to read the more detailed warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes upset friends, crying man, emotional first aid, Shiv's awkward but effective crisis response, Chihuly Garden and Glass destroyed by earthquake, salvage operations, insufficient organization causing emotional upset, reference to clumsiness, sorting broken glass that used to be art, and other challenges. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your taste and headspace before deciding if this is something you want to read.
( Read more... )
librarygeek. It has been sponsored by a pool with fuzzyred. This poem belongs to the Big One and Shiv threads of the Polychrome Heroics series.Warning: This poem contains intense topics that may distress some readers, especially glass artists and fans of glass art. Highlight to read the more detailed warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes upset friends, crying man, emotional first aid, Shiv's awkward but effective crisis response, Chihuly Garden and Glass destroyed by earthquake, salvage operations, insufficient organization causing emotional upset, reference to clumsiness, sorting broken glass that used to be art, and other challenges. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your taste and headspace before deciding if this is something you want to read.
( Read more... )
Tags:
Snowflake Challenge #11
Jan. 22nd, 2026 10:53 amannavereChallenge #11
In your own space, grant someone's wish from Challenge #5. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it and include a link to your own post with the wishes you granted if you feel comfortable doing so.
Well, this one worried me. I didn't feel comfortable linking my own wishlist to strangers, so nobody is gonna be able to use my post to help them complete the challenge (I didn't know it would have been helpful, my bad).
And lots of people, uncomfortable asking for things, only asked for rhetorical things nobody could give them. I think the challenge should have been titled "Fannish wishlist" if the point was to increase creative engagement in fandom.
The bigger problem for me is a total lack of shared fandoms with most people. I clicked on link after link, heart sinking further every time, because there's just no overlap. I really make a poor showing as a fan of anything, and when people do want recs in a shared fandom, my taste is too niche to satisfy the requests.
And I get the sad impression the Buffyverse is gradually losing its hold over people, because there was an amazing lack of the one big fandom I was sure I could find a request to fill. But at long last I did find a person who was writing in that fandom as recently as 2024, and who requested feedback, so I am now embarked on reading and commenting through their AO3 works, as applicable, fulfilling the challenge to my limited capacity.
Snowflake is good for getting me to post more. And I'm gonna try to carry that forward. But I guess it's in the name. We're all unique. And (probably just owing to my mood) that makes me feel insular and out of step.
---- ETA: Except where it comes to my little DW circle! I was referring to when I step into the wider arena that Snowflake represents! I have had wonderful conversations on all manner of different niche topics here, and know how lucky I am to have found this place and the people who make up my Reading List! Highlander, Jeremiah, Buffyverse meta, obscure music, obscure shows, awesome female characters and writing support have all made for wonderful conversations here, and I always appreciate them. ♥
This is why I usually spend so long in draft mode, to try and clarify before I faceplant. But part of this challenge is quick posting time, hence edits. :) ----- End of Edit
But I guess there's no helping it, and I will just have to be more effusive about what I do love.
In your own space, grant someone's wish from Challenge #5. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it and include a link to your own post with the wishes you granted if you feel comfortable doing so.
Well, this one worried me. I didn't feel comfortable linking my own wishlist to strangers, so nobody is gonna be able to use my post to help them complete the challenge (I didn't know it would have been helpful, my bad).
And lots of people, uncomfortable asking for things, only asked for rhetorical things nobody could give them. I think the challenge should have been titled "Fannish wishlist" if the point was to increase creative engagement in fandom.
The bigger problem for me is a total lack of shared fandoms with most people. I clicked on link after link, heart sinking further every time, because there's just no overlap. I really make a poor showing as a fan of anything, and when people do want recs in a shared fandom, my taste is too niche to satisfy the requests.
And I get the sad impression the Buffyverse is gradually losing its hold over people, because there was an amazing lack of the one big fandom I was sure I could find a request to fill. But at long last I did find a person who was writing in that fandom as recently as 2024, and who requested feedback, so I am now embarked on reading and commenting through their AO3 works, as applicable, fulfilling the challenge to my limited capacity.
Snowflake is good for getting me to post more. And I'm gonna try to carry that forward. But I guess it's in the name. We're all unique. And (probably just owing to my mood) that makes me feel insular and out of step.
---- ETA: Except where it comes to my little DW circle! I was referring to when I step into the wider arena that Snowflake represents! I have had wonderful conversations on all manner of different niche topics here, and know how lucky I am to have found this place and the people who make up my Reading List! Highlander, Jeremiah, Buffyverse meta, obscure music, obscure shows, awesome female characters and writing support have all made for wonderful conversations here, and I always appreciate them. ♥
This is why I usually spend so long in draft mode, to try and clarify before I faceplant. But part of this challenge is quick posting time, hence edits. :) ----- End of Edit
But I guess there's no helping it, and I will just have to be more effusive about what I do love.
The weather, by layers
Jan. 22nd, 2026 03:35 pmsenmut50-65 F? - One layer with a jacket.
35-50 F? - Double pants, jacket, hat and gloves.
20-35 g? - Double layers, jacket, hat, gloves, winter boots.
Below 20 F? - Double layers, jacket, hat, DOUBLE GLOVES, Utility Work Suit, winter boots.
And yes, I will wear that at any temp below 20, into the negatives, as witnessed by previous winters. And, since the wind USUALLY dies at night, it's actually not so bad to walk late, unless there's slippery ice on the road.
35-50 F? - Double pants, jacket, hat and gloves.
20-35 g? - Double layers, jacket, hat, gloves, winter boots.
Below 20 F? - Double layers, jacket, hat, DOUBLE GLOVES, Utility Work Suit, winter boots.
And yes, I will wear that at any temp below 20, into the negatives, as witnessed by previous winters. And, since the wind USUALLY dies at night, it's actually not so bad to walk late, unless there's slippery ice on the road.
Thursday 22nd January 2026
Jan. 22nd, 2026 09:06 pmusuallyhats posting in doctor_who_sonicDo you have a Doctor Who community or a journal that we are not currently linking to? Leave a note in the comments and we'll add you to the watchlist (doctor_watch).
Editor's Note: If your item was not linked, it's because the header lacked the information that we like to give our readers. Please at least give the title, rating, and pairing or characters, and please include the header in the storypost itself, not just in the linking post. Spoiler warnings are also greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Off-Dreamwidth News
Blogtor Who's video of the day for yesterday was SYFY's "The Master in 2 Minutes", from 2017
"Doctor Who: The Prison Paradox 3" is out now from Titan Comics
Blogtor Who's video of the day for today is "Doctor Who: The Companions Illustrated by Russell T Davies", also from 2017
(News via![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png)
doctorwhonews_feed and blogtorwho_feed among others.)
If you were not linked, and would like to be, contact us in the comments with further information and your link.
doctor_watch).Editor's Note: If your item was not linked, it's because the header lacked the information that we like to give our readers. Please at least give the title, rating, and pairing or characters, and please include the header in the storypost itself, not just in the linking post. Spoiler warnings are also greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Off-Dreamwidth News
Blogtor Who's video of the day for yesterday was SYFY's "The Master in 2 Minutes", from 2017
"Doctor Who: The Prison Paradox 3" is out now from Titan Comics
Blogtor Who's video of the day for today is "Doctor Who: The Companions Illustrated by Russell T Davies", also from 2017
(News via
doctorwhonews_feed and blogtorwho_feed among others.)If you were not linked, and would like to be, contact us in the comments with further information and your link.
random post is random: banned books
Jan. 22nd, 2026 02:17 pmride_4everI'm putting together a program at the public library where I work as an Acquisitions and Collection Management Librarian. It's a program about books that have been challenged or banned in the recent onslaught against the freedom to read in the U.S. Some of the reasons...I can't even! I don't know whether to engage in bitter laughter or to just plain cry...or both...yeah, both.
Just a few moments ago I encountered this one about a book I read recently: An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz has been banned in some parts of the U.S. because Dunbar-Ortiz puts Indigenous Native Americans at the center of her telling of U.S. history "causing the book to gain detractors who prefer that history be told from the colonizer perspective". To paraphrase Shakespeare in Hamlet: "If all history books were to be judged on preferred perspective 'who should scape whipping'."
Just a few moments ago I encountered this one about a book I read recently: An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz has been banned in some parts of the U.S. because Dunbar-Ortiz puts Indigenous Native Americans at the center of her telling of U.S. history "causing the book to gain detractors who prefer that history be told from the colonizer perspective". To paraphrase Shakespeare in Hamlet: "If all history books were to be judged on preferred perspective 'who should scape whipping'."
Birdfeeding
Jan. 22nd, 2026 01:32 pmysabetwordsmithToday is cloudy and chilly.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 1/22/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 1/22/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 1/22/26 -- I filled the trolley twice with large branches that I hauled to the ritual meadow. Now all that's left of the brushpile by the driveway is one big forked branch that I can't break down myself, and the leftover twigs that will need to be raked up. \o/
I've seen a large flock of sparrows, a male and a female cardinal separately, and a starling.
EDIT 1/22/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
I've seen a pair of cardinals.
I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 1/22/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 1/22/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 1/22/26 -- I filled the trolley twice with large branches that I hauled to the ritual meadow. Now all that's left of the brushpile by the driveway is one big forked branch that I can't break down myself, and the leftover twigs that will need to be raked up. \o/
I've seen a large flock of sparrows, a male and a female cardinal separately, and a starling.
EDIT 1/22/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
I've seen a pair of cardinals.
I am done for the night.