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The Makings of a Masterpiece
Few stories leave a lasting impression to compare with this science fiction romance which spans multiverses and takes place in the form of letters exchanged between rival agents. What makes this book so excellent?
Jun 23, 20257 min read


Tain Shir, Bane of Wives [Einherjar]
"Look at Tain Shir and you cannot fathom the name behind the cartouche. You cannot extract her reasons. You only see why men turn to religion: for hope that there are gods to oppose her.”
― Seth Dickinson
Jun 16, 20256 min read


Corporate Dehumanization II
In these stories, lives are a disposable commodity whose only purpose is to increase corporate profit. What lessons can we take for our own world?
Jun 5, 20254 min read


The Rehearsal's Problem is Traditional Masculinity
The Rehearsal Season Two tries to fix the communication issues between pilots, but doesn't quite make the connection to masculinity. I bridge the gap on Fielder's behalf.
Jun 1, 20255 min read


Telling It Like It Is
When it comes to issues you're deeply passionate and knowledgeable about, why stick to subtlety? These books put their messages front and center, and might be better for it!
May 29, 20253 min read


Attention & The Speed of Fight
My brand of ADHD and personal experience makes emotional conflict a devastating interruption. How can we relate that to narrative combat in fiction?
May 25, 20254 min read


ADHD & Faster-Than-Light Travel
Neurodivergent minds bear a striking similarity to faster-than-light travel when it comes to maintaining relationships. Is that a good thing? Up to you!
May 11, 20255 min read


Tragedy: The Binding of Isaac Retold in Hyperion
Abraham and Isaac's story is retold in the 2700s, with time wackiness and the Lord of Pain in place of God – and it's brilliant.
May 4, 20255 min read


'Marks of the Evil One' by Ghost: Revelations
Ghost's album Skeletá is out! One of my favourite tracks explores a terrifying real-world perspective, how it arose and what it will inevitably lead to.
Apr 27, 20255 min read


Dystopia & Privilege
Exploring meaning beyond the binary of right and wrong, and how dystopian fiction can help us recognize real world oppression.
Apr 24, 20254 min read


The Symbol of the Cruciform in Dan Simmons' Hyperion
One story from Dan Simmons' 1989 novel involves faith and resurrection, though Jesus is nowhere to be seen. A fitting exploration for Easter Sunday?
Apr 20, 20254 min read


How ADHD Corrupts the Purpose of Guilt
Useful, adaptive guilt vs. toxic, maladaptive guilt: How do we tell the difference? I explore examples from The Stormlight Archive.
Apr 10, 20254 min read


Touching Allegories in 'The Tomb of Dragons'
From interpersonal communication to the responsibility we have to victims of colonization, Addison's novel offers us a lot to think about!
Apr 6, 20255 min read


Escaping the Unconscious Collective
How do we recognize our role as cogs in a massive system? Looking at Senlin Ascends and The Masquerade books and The Banality of Evil!
Apr 3, 20254 min read


Clarity from the Worst Possible Advice
Why does it feel easier to learn from the worst possible advice than from straightforward, positive guidelines? Let's get evil & miserable.
Mar 30, 20254 min read
![(Universali)Tea in Speculative Fiction [Swift Riffle]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aaea48_eeebe61e77014ce1920f98ca37f319ca~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/aaea48_eeebe61e77014ce1920f98ca37f319ca~mv2.webp)
![(Universali)Tea in Speculative Fiction [Swift Riffle]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aaea48_eeebe61e77014ce1920f98ca37f319ca~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_454,h_341,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/aaea48_eeebe61e77014ce1920f98ca37f319ca~mv2.webp)
(Universali)Tea in Speculative Fiction [Swift Riffle]
Tea is near-omnipresent in stories of speculative fiction! I take a look at why, by looking at real world history and a number of examples.
Mar 27, 20255 min read


Managing Expectations (Severance Season 2)
It's easy to get lost in excitement for a story and forget that things might not turn out the way you expect – as happened with Severance.
Mar 23, 20254 min read


There is Still Time: How 'I Saw the TV Glow' Illuminates Trans Experiences
This film offers a human, soulful glimpse into the experiences of trans people at a time when hate and alienation are at a sickening high.
Mar 20, 20254 min read


Journey Before Destination [I]
Stormlight helped teach me that improvement is gradual and non-linear. There will be setbacks, but we can overcome them.
Mar 9, 20254 min read


Tranquility in Strength (Thara Celehar)
Exploring the relationship between power and conduct, with insight from 'The Witness for the Dead', my life with ADHD and real world evils.
Mar 6, 20255 min read
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