Annie D (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
scaramouche) wrote2025-08-04 07:19 pm
scaramouche) wrote2025-08-04 07:19 pm
Book Log: Women Who Ruled
I picked up Claudia Gold's Women Who Ruled: History's 50 Most Remarkable Women quite a while go from a warehouse sale, and it's languished long enough that I've kind of moved on to other topics, so reading this was both a tiresome nostalgia trip and a breezy rehash (each lady gets 4 to maximum of 9 pages each).
The book is Western Europe-centric so it's a big chunk of familiar names, and I would've been more patient about it if she hadn't included Lady Jane Grey. (Really????) Of the ancient-to-early modern era it covers, there's just the one ruler from the Ottoman empire, two from China, two from India, and none from non-ancient Egypt Africa. But I did get introduced to Margaret I of Denmark and hopefully I can get a biography of her one day.
I'd read Gold's biography about Henry II of England a while back and enjoyed it, so I was a little surprised by some of Gold's choices in how to describe the controversial reputations of some of the women, because she's kind to Thatcher and Marie Antoinette, but is very much not to Isabella of France and Empress Cixi. This just may be a consequence of writing a list-type book where there's only so much time to spare to research the individuals Gold maybe doesn't know as well, but it is a bit of a shame.
The book is Western Europe-centric so it's a big chunk of familiar names, and I would've been more patient about it if she hadn't included Lady Jane Grey. (Really????) Of the ancient-to-early modern era it covers, there's just the one ruler from the Ottoman empire, two from China, two from India, and none from non-ancient Egypt Africa. But I did get introduced to Margaret I of Denmark and hopefully I can get a biography of her one day.
I'd read Gold's biography about Henry II of England a while back and enjoyed it, so I was a little surprised by some of Gold's choices in how to describe the controversial reputations of some of the women, because she's kind to Thatcher and Marie Antoinette, but is very much not to Isabella of France and Empress Cixi. This just may be a consequence of writing a list-type book where there's only so much time to spare to research the individuals Gold maybe doesn't know as well, but it is a bit of a shame.
Punk (runpunkrun) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
fandomcalendar2025-08-03 08:35 am
runpunkrun) wrote in fandomcalendar2025-08-03 08:35 amEntry tags:
Fancake Theme for August: Marriage of Convenience
fancake is a thematic recommendation community where all members are welcome to post recs, and fanworks of all shapes and sizes are accepted. Check out the community guidelines for the full set of rules. This theme runs for the entire month. If you have any questions, just ask!
Annie D (scaramouche) wrote2025-08-02 06:36 pm
scaramouche) wrote2025-08-02 06:36 pm
A Mermaid for Christmas
I'd finished Raya Sirena a few weeks ago (what a nothingburger of a show, ultimately) and thought hey, I'm in the mood for some other mermaid media. H2O: Just Add Water unfortunately just left Netflix, and I didn't feel ready to start on season 2 of Siren without a recap. So, A Mermaid for Christmas, a made-for-tv rom com that was only ever available on Amazon prime until I finally found an alternate stream, it is.
Me: This is going to be so bad. SO BAD. SO SO SO BAD.
[half an hour later]
Me: Actually this is pretty funny, some of the jokes are legit, and some of the line readings are pretty good! Problem is, it's not zany ENOUGH, and it's hampered by a tiny budget that doesn't give it the glistening zany feel of a DCOM or Netflix Christmas film. It's not "good" but it is self-aware and managed to pull off lampshading jokes that usually sound embarrassed or tryhard, but here feel like they're bringing the audience in for the joke, and it's kinda charming for that. It's still not "good" and offers almost no eye candy for mermaid fen, but I had more fun in general than I did with Raya Sirena, so that's something.
Me: This is going to be so bad. SO BAD. SO SO SO BAD.
[half an hour later]
Me: Actually this is pretty funny, some of the jokes are legit, and some of the line readings are pretty good! Problem is, it's not zany ENOUGH, and it's hampered by a tiny budget that doesn't give it the glistening zany feel of a DCOM or Netflix Christmas film. It's not "good" but it is self-aware and managed to pull off lampshading jokes that usually sound embarrassed or tryhard, but here feel like they're bringing the audience in for the joke, and it's kinda charming for that. It's still not "good" and offers almost no eye candy for mermaid fen, but I had more fun in general than I did with Raya Sirena, so that's something.
Annie D (scaramouche) wrote2025-08-01 02:54 pm
scaramouche) wrote2025-08-01 02:54 pm
Book Log: Lamb
I got a copy of Christopher Moore's Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal thanks to a tumblr post (this one). It's a madcap (a word used in a review blurb on the jacket) comedy that's mainly about Joshua of Nazareth's childhood and teenhood, i.e. the missing years, from the POV of his childhood best friend who got excised from the gospels.
( Under cut. )
( Under cut. )
unfitforsociety (unfitforsociety) wrote2025-07-31 06:54 pm
unfitforsociety) wrote2025-07-31 06:54 pm
there's nothing you and I won't do
Batfamily
Ebb and Flow. by![[archiveofourown.org profile]](https://p.dreamwidth.org/b164c54b26e4/-/archiveofourown.org/favicon.ico)
orpheusaki
The recurrent pattern of coming and going, decline and regrowth, of Bruce Wayne. Oh Bruce...
Every Beginning is a Promise byZahri
The conclusion of five first patrols of Bruce with his Robins, and one first patrol with a Batgirl. Exactly what it says on the tin. Oh heart. #the batdad his batkids deserve
Identity Theft byTaraLaurel
Tim Drake puts together a very realistic Robin costume for Halloween and gets mistaken for the real deal. Oh Tim... this is a good read.
Individualized Education Plan bycowboysorceror & deadchannelradio
Damian pulls out his phone and dials Richard's number- his chauffeur has been unfortunately painstakingly instructed to answer no calls whatsoever from Damian, and Alfred has begun to pretend that phones do not exist during school hours. Unsurprisingly, as it is eight in the morning, it goes to voicemail. Damian waits impatiently for the beep. "Richard," he says, in tones of the deeply suffering, "this place is a hostile environment. I must be collected post-haste, as after this latest indignity I am dropping out. Come at once, or I may die here."
The dynamic duo attend a parent-teacher conference. No one has a good day. Poor Damian! It's not his fault everybody wants Dick. Hee!
Innocence Died Screaming byChemical_Processes
Fascinating AU where Tim ends up being raised by Shiva and then the League, where he's Damian's bodyguard.
Made for Bad Things byCalculatrice
Dick picks Damian up from school, and they pass by a murder on the way home. Surprisingly, this isn't the most stressful part of their commute. oh my heart... #we were the best richard
mechanically up all night, though bya_alene
"I should toss you off this fucking roof," Jason mutters.
"Bitch," Steph says cheerily. "You are welcome to try."
Steph hangs with the Outlaws. Hee! I enjoyed this one.
Normal Things byManURonaldo
When stopping a bank robbery becomes unexpectedly complicated, Dick and Jason find themselves in the past with a very drunk, very concerning, very teenage Bruce Wayne. *sobs*
a ripple in the wound and wake bycountrycoleslaw
Batman dies saving Red Hood.
Jason Todd doesn't agree with this outcome and wishes for more time.
He wakes up, thirteen and earnest, in his childhood bedroom in Wayne Manor. Bruce is knocking at his door in an attempt to rouse him. Jason remembers this day. They're going to a Gotham Knights game later in the afternoon. Bruce's blood is still warm and criminal on his hands.
Or, the one where being Robin never gave Jason magic—he was a little magic all along. Jason decides to do things a little differently the second time around. This time, he's determined to save Bruce—soul and all. Long, engrossing read that broke my heart several times before finally putting it all back together. Highly recommended!
Resurgo byTrisdani
"You can't participate in the Olympics, Dick."
Dick blinked. "Oh…" He tried to sound casual. "Uh, yeah, no, that wasn't even– It was a joke." He shrugged. "The Olympics are lame."
Bruce watched him for a long moment. "You know why, right?"
Dick forced himself to meet his eyes. "Robin, for obvious reasons."
or, Dick goes to the Olympics as an act of teenage rebellion. Oh Dickie… oh heart...
stray marshmallows bybrandywine421
Adorable scenes from the early days of the Dynamic Duo in the Battinson 'verse.
Todd Peter's Bestseller bysaniiiiitizer
Jason hadn't expected much when he published his book. At most a few people might buy it and that would be it.
What he hadn't expected was people would go crazy for his book, and it would end up becoming a best seller.
What he also hadn't expected was that people around him would read the book and recommend it to him.
Who would Jason be, if he doesn't take this God given opportunity to mess with his family? Hee! This is fun!
Wherever I Am, I Am What is Missing bycarolinaa
Damian's father has returned to the present day, and things should feel normal now. Instead, they feel more fractured than ever before. When Damian notices that someone's actually checking up on him, specifically, he drops everything to try and return that contact.
Why doesn't Talia want to talk to him? Tense, compelling read. Oh Damian...
✭
Ebb and Flow. by
The recurrent pattern of coming and going, decline and regrowth, of Bruce Wayne. Oh Bruce...
Every Beginning is a Promise by
The conclusion of five first patrols of Bruce with his Robins, and one first patrol with a Batgirl. Exactly what it says on the tin. Oh heart. #the batdad his batkids deserve
Identity Theft by
Tim Drake puts together a very realistic Robin costume for Halloween and gets mistaken for the real deal. Oh Tim... this is a good read.
Individualized Education Plan by
Damian pulls out his phone and dials Richard's number- his chauffeur has been unfortunately painstakingly instructed to answer no calls whatsoever from Damian, and Alfred has begun to pretend that phones do not exist during school hours. Unsurprisingly, as it is eight in the morning, it goes to voicemail. Damian waits impatiently for the beep. "Richard," he says, in tones of the deeply suffering, "this place is a hostile environment. I must be collected post-haste, as after this latest indignity I am dropping out. Come at once, or I may die here."
The dynamic duo attend a parent-teacher conference. No one has a good day. Poor Damian! It's not his fault everybody wants Dick. Hee!
Innocence Died Screaming by
Fascinating AU where Tim ends up being raised by Shiva and then the League, where he's Damian's bodyguard.
Made for Bad Things by
Dick picks Damian up from school, and they pass by a murder on the way home. Surprisingly, this isn't the most stressful part of their commute. oh my heart... #we were the best richard
mechanically up all night, though by
"I should toss you off this fucking roof," Jason mutters.
"Bitch," Steph says cheerily. "You are welcome to try."
Steph hangs with the Outlaws. Hee! I enjoyed this one.
Normal Things by
When stopping a bank robbery becomes unexpectedly complicated, Dick and Jason find themselves in the past with a very drunk, very concerning, very teenage Bruce Wayne. *sobs*
a ripple in the wound and wake by
Batman dies saving Red Hood.
Jason Todd doesn't agree with this outcome and wishes for more time.
He wakes up, thirteen and earnest, in his childhood bedroom in Wayne Manor. Bruce is knocking at his door in an attempt to rouse him. Jason remembers this day. They're going to a Gotham Knights game later in the afternoon. Bruce's blood is still warm and criminal on his hands.
Or, the one where being Robin never gave Jason magic—he was a little magic all along. Jason decides to do things a little differently the second time around. This time, he's determined to save Bruce—soul and all. Long, engrossing read that broke my heart several times before finally putting it all back together. Highly recommended!
Resurgo by
"You can't participate in the Olympics, Dick."
Dick blinked. "Oh…" He tried to sound casual. "Uh, yeah, no, that wasn't even– It was a joke." He shrugged. "The Olympics are lame."
Bruce watched him for a long moment. "You know why, right?"
Dick forced himself to meet his eyes. "Robin, for obvious reasons."
or, Dick goes to the Olympics as an act of teenage rebellion. Oh Dickie… oh heart...
stray marshmallows by
Adorable scenes from the early days of the Dynamic Duo in the Battinson 'verse.
Todd Peter's Bestseller by
Jason hadn't expected much when he published his book. At most a few people might buy it and that would be it.
What he hadn't expected was people would go crazy for his book, and it would end up becoming a best seller.
What he also hadn't expected was that people around him would read the book and recommend it to him.
Who would Jason be, if he doesn't take this God given opportunity to mess with his family? Hee! This is fun!
Wherever I Am, I Am What is Missing by
Damian's father has returned to the present day, and things should feel normal now. Instead, they feel more fractured than ever before. When Damian notices that someone's actually checking up on him, specifically, he drops everything to try and return that contact.
Why doesn't Talia want to talk to him? Tense, compelling read. Oh Damian...
✭
unfitforsociety (unfitforsociety) wrote2025-07-31 06:48 pm
unfitforsociety) wrote2025-07-31 06:48 pm
Entry tags:
you won't be afraid of fear
Crossovers
Percy Jackson/Batfamily
Lost in Gotham byN0t_Sketchy
Percy Jackson survives Mount St. Helens—only to wake up in Gotham. Injured, exhausted, and completely out of his element, he has one goal: get home. Between criminal empires, lurking monsters, and one very persistent Bat, that's easier said than done.
OR: Olympus meets Gotham. Percy just wants to leave, but the city—and its vigilantes—aren't so keen on letting him go. I enjoyed this a lot!
the ship of theseus byzipadeea
Poseidon once told Percy he was his favorite son.
But he's not the only one. Really interesting AU where it turns out that Jason (Todd) and Percy are twins separated at birth.
✭
Percy Jackson/Batfamily
Lost in Gotham by
Percy Jackson survives Mount St. Helens—only to wake up in Gotham. Injured, exhausted, and completely out of his element, he has one goal: get home. Between criminal empires, lurking monsters, and one very persistent Bat, that's easier said than done.
OR: Olympus meets Gotham. Percy just wants to leave, but the city—and its vigilantes—aren't so keen on letting him go. I enjoyed this a lot!
the ship of theseus by
Poseidon once told Percy he was his favorite son.
But he's not the only one. Really interesting AU where it turns out that Jason (Todd) and Percy are twins separated at birth.
✭
unfitforsociety (unfitforsociety) wrote2025-07-31 06:44 pm
unfitforsociety) wrote2025-07-31 06:44 pm
there might not be another vision
Lord of the Rings
where no storms come byarriviste
At the end of the Third Age, Maglor finds his way to Rivendell, and must decide whether or not to sail West with Elrond. This is really lovely.
✭
where no storms come by
At the end of the Third Age, Maglor finds his way to Rivendell, and must decide whether or not to sail West with Elrond. This is really lovely.
✭
Entry tags:
Casefic Exchange: Post-deadline pinch hits due 8 August.
Event: Casefic Exchange is a fanwork exchange focusing on investigations. These can be solving murders, retrieving stolen items, finding missing people, missions, and mysteries. As long as it has an investigation as its core theme, it fits with the exchange. We are an AO3 exchange; you must have an account and be 18+ to participate.
Minimum requirements: We allow three mediums: a minimum of 3,000 words for fanfiction, a minimum of 10 panels for a comic, or a recording of a completed fic of 3,000 words minimum with "casefic" as one of its tags. Works must include a fandom, character/ship and be of a medium that the recipient has requested.
Event link:caseficexchange.
Pinch hit link: Current pinch hits.
Due date: Friday 8 August at 11:59pm EDT.
Available post-deadline pinch hits:
Thank you for considering!
Minimum requirements: We allow three mediums: a minimum of 3,000 words for fanfiction, a minimum of 10 panels for a comic, or a recording of a completed fic of 3,000 words minimum with "casefic" as one of its tags. Works must include a fandom, character/ship and be of a medium that the recipient has requested.
Event link:
caseficexchange.Pinch hit link: Current pinch hits.
Due date: Friday 8 August at 11:59pm EDT.
Available post-deadline pinch hits:
Thank you for considering!
