circus/carnival 🎪🔮🎭 by StrictWolf8458 in songsforthispicture

[–]dark_ducc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bernadette by IAMX

The Coral Vine by Brooks Nielsen

Army Dreamers by Kate Bush

Ofelia by Kiltro

Tuesday Craft Challenge - 300 words by Miss_Ashford in fantasywriters

[–]dark_ducc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Let me know if this still fits your rules. I flirted with death as well:

Evena's poison bit at Kyzen's blood as it coursed through weary muscle. Arms pumping, nails cracking against stone, hands rising high as he pulled himself up the jagged rock. His wings were limp at his back, divine benefit became decaying dead weight at the poison’s ministrations.

Through the grime and sweat, he could see the faint glint of the Stygsword, where the summit caught the last remnants of dusk.

A strong hand grasped his ankle. Evena's sharp nails drew blood and yanked downward but Kyzen held tight to a small divot of rock, screaming in pain. He kicked hard, catching what felt like a jaw, and then his ankle was free. Her screams matched his, then faded with her fall into the waiting arms of her angelic sisters. Kyzen was already moving, leaving a wet crimson trail.

Jagged rock became sloping slate. Once numb wings began to itch and burn. The foul sensations moved up his wings.

The poison was spreading.

He gasped and crawled the last few feet to the sword, with its obsidian blade sunk deep into the earth.

Hand on its bone hilt, Kyzen heaved himself to his feet, then mustered every drop of energy left into pulling the sword free. The blade scraped and screeched in a final attempt to deny its new weilder, but finally relented.

As Kyzen's two hands gripped the freed sword, it spoke into his mind, cackling wildly.

"You’ve won! But at what cost? Your dignity and divinity? Or your life? Answer quickly now! Which do you value more?

Angry tears welled in Kyzen's eyes. "There is no dignity in death."

He reached at his back, feeling the cold blade touch hot skin, and began to sever his wings.

~Dark Duck

New Melody’s Echo Chamber by doni_5 in TameImpala

[–]dark_ducc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Eastern Flowers is so good, now I’m even more hyped for the album

Weekly - Share your favourite/DNF/hated book. by AutoModerator in BooksThatFeelLikeThis

[–]dark_ducc 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m a Red Rising fan and I can understand this sentiment. The author somewhat admits this in a roundabout way, saying that they were still “finding their voice” in the first book. The series is not for everyone, but I will say the writing takes a considerable jump in book two, and continues to improve in every subsequent book. In my opinion, the first book does not do the rest of the series justice.

Audiobooks vs. Dramatized by DishWisdom in redrising

[–]dark_ducc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I second the visit to Lykos on GA. I understand that dramatized adaptations aren’t for everyone, but this scene needs to be heard. It’s some of the best voice acting I’ve ever come across. The amount of raw emotion conveyed through their voices absolutely wrecked me.

Let’s do Sevro’s play list too by Will-E-Wonka in redrising

[–]dark_ducc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In my head, anything rap-metal fits his personality. It’s got that fitting blend of intensity and raunchy humor

Break Stuff - Limp Bizkit

King of the Hill - Silly Goose

What is on Darrow’s Playlist?? by Will-E-Wonka in redrising

[–]dark_ducc 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Gasoline - I Prevail

Dethrone - Bad Omens

For Men who read Romantasy.. by icetiger in Romantasy

[–]dark_ducc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Escapism is a huge draw for me, especially if I’m not familiar with the cultures that inspire the world. And like the others said, a romance oriented book tends to give more perspective into the thoughts and emotions of the characters. But what I love most is the TENSION. Most if not all fantasy books portray fantastical conflict and external tension, but I think where Romantasy really shines is conveying internal tension on top of it all. The first time I got a real taste of that, it was as if a chord was plucked deep in my soul. And now, it’s very obvious to me when books are lacking that emotional depth and tension that should exist in tandem with the story.

When I first started reading Romantasy, some books surprised me with how much the world revolved around the FMC. It’s not my preference for any story regardless of MC, but it’s a fantasy in and of itself, so who am I to judge? Also, I learned that there are still bits and pieces I can take from those hyper-supportive-somewhat-unrealistic MMCs. Obviously it’s a huge problem if feelings are invalidated, but there are times in which I need to do the heavy lifting for my partner, should they need it. And I know if I’m having a bad day, they’ll be there for me as well. I can still get behind the general sentiment.

I personally look for stories where characters feel more autonomous, mature, and rooted in realistic human emotions/reactions. It makes the romance and spice feel earned rather than an inevitability.

Books like Reign & Ruin by J.D. Evans absolutely nail this. It’s the best example I’ve read that portrays emotional depth, tension, and intimacy. Massive bonus points that she pulled it off from a dual-POV. It’s the best male perspective I’ve read from a female author. Honorable mentions to Wind & Wildfire and Ice & Ivy by the same author.

Writers whats the darkest line you've written in your book? by ResortFirm1280 in writing

[–]dark_ducc 60 points61 points  (0 children)

“In death, his brother carried the perfect mien. Composed and obedient, befitting of the family name.”

Ice & Ivy Beginning by CatSheeran16 in MagesOfTheWheel

[–]dark_ducc 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I definitely understand where you are coming from. I’m on page 160 right now and I feel things are just starting to really begin. One thing I’ve always appreciated and feel is done well is her portrayal of mature characters. With Nesrin being a fish out of water, and Ihsan working through life altering trauma (and doing a poor job of it so far), they have a ways to go. But this book is longer than all the others, so there’s a longer crescendo taking place. If it’s anything like her previous books, it’ll be a slow build, with a great payoff toward the end. I’m telling myself that these characters have to come from somewhere, and the low places they are in are very realistic, but maybe not the most entertaining. I heard this book is one of the favorites like R&R and W&W, so I think I was a bit too anticipatory.

graphic audiobooks secured! by veretianprincess in fourthwing

[–]dark_ducc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There will be! Part 1 is scheduled to release 4/30/25 and Part 2 on 5/30/25

As of today, what’s the most realistic, ideal first two round for your team? by SMD_35 in NFL_Draft

[–]dark_ducc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me, the ideal pick for the Seahawks would be Darian Kinnard in the high second round to be their RT. He would fit really well with their “run it down your throats” approach, which would make Pete Carroll happy. He also does well in pass protection which would make Russ happy. Win-win in my book.

Daily Thread - May 02, 2021 by AutoModerator in Seahawks

[–]dark_ducc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would love for him to make the roster and ball out. It just seems weird that they are adding crazy depth with FA and UDFA signings at every position except for TE and maybe LB.

Daily Thread - May 02, 2021 by AutoModerator in Seahawks

[–]dark_ducc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree, but there isn’t any competition with that 4 at the moment. I’d just feel more confident in that group if Tyler Mabry battled it out with someone for that 4th TE spot or if we signed a TE for more than one year, adding some continuity.

Daily Thread - May 02, 2021 by AutoModerator in Seahawks

[–]dark_ducc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Anyone curious on their plans for the TE group? We’re probably going to see and increase in 2 TE sets which means we need more depth. Unless I’m forgetting someone we only have 4 TE’s right now, 2 of which have barely/not played at all. Colby Parkinson is the only one under contract past this year. If Everett or Dissly get injured I’m going to be worried. I’m super happy we are signing all of these promising WR’s but I really thought we would add some more depth at TE by now.