#even if i'm still going through the ascendancy trilogy | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

mario-art · 25 days

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HELLO, you made such an interesting point in the tags of my post:

You know what’s funny? Is that Thrawn is really being turned into a “Machiavellian” type of villain, but what’s even funnier is that Machiavelli himself received this type of treatment. Now idk how much familiar you are with the 16th century author, but just know this: Machiavelli and “Machiavellian”, and whatever people can take from him, is heavily misunderstood (I actually really hate the use of the adjective, but perhaps that’s a story for another type). Now I know that Zahn wrote Thrawn based on a certain extent on the Machiavelli archetype (I remember reading it somewhere, pardon if I have no proofs), but I’m actually laughing hard thinking that as characters they are having the same treatment by popular media. Lemme explain: Machiavelli wrote the Principe not because “oh he cynic!1!🥶He mad!1🤬”. No. Machiavelli wrote what he wrote because he wanted to save Italy dalla Ruina, from its ruin. Machiavelli dreamed of a more compact and unified Italy. He had a vision and just as much as Thrawn, he wished to serve his people, Florence (in Thrawn’s case, the ascendancy) and Italy (which didn’t existed at the time).

And now, with Thrawn being reduced as you said in a villan without complex motifs, I can’t help but think how poetic is to be doomed to the same narrative as the figure who inspired your existence. Maybe this was planned all along, I don’t think so personally, but Thrawn is being oversimplified by Filoni the same way Machiavelli gets reduced as just a “pragmatic person” and “the ends justify the means” by everyone (don’t let me start on how wrong the quote is).

To sum up: Thrawn and Machiavellian are rhyming in the same direction in popular mainstream media.

This was my Ted talk, sorry in advance for possible writing mistakes, I just woke up✌️

Hiii! Thank you so much for the spontaneous Ted talk 😄😄 Your parallel between the Ascendancy and Florence+Italy is sooo on point, it blew my mind for a second. Now I have to delve deeper into it

Actually there was a period of time when I was really invested in this topic, I read his 10 letters, history of Florence +the Prince obviously and almost fell from a chair when they put him into Assassins Creed game, but now there're just small bits that I remember. Maybe it's time to refresh things

I didn't know that Zahn was actually inspired by Machiavelli. I'm new to this part of the fandom, so I haven't read anything about him or his working process, but after you mentioned it I'll take a note for the future. I must confess I learned who Thrawn was only during the Ahsoka show and due to the fandom. Like there were so many memes about him here on Tumblr, there's no way fans will hype some basic dude so much. And then my friend recommended the new trilogy

So yeah, it's such a pity that not 1, but 6 books of new material got completely ignored and the character simplified to what we've already seen so many times literally everywhere. You phrased it beautifully

I haven't read the old trilogy yet, heir to the empire, only know the plot in general, but I'm curious what exactly motivates Thrawn to rebuild the empire. And how the characterization of him differs between these trilogies. Is he mostly the same or did Zahn change the character after so many years like Terry Pratchett's Vetinari evolved from the very first version of the Patrician to his later works (I can't help comparing them after yesterday, though I hadn't done it before idk)

So yeaah... At least I'm happy that there're so many talented fans here and we can happily ignore whatever happens on the screen 🙃

#again thank you so much #im always happy to discuss our old blue man #even if i'm still going through the ascendancy trilogy #once i get my degree im so going to draw #and read #also im much closer now to getting him in star wars galaxy of heroes game #sooooon (in a year /j)#star wars #thrawn

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fancifulscrawl · 2 years

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What do u think of tsc

I almost feel as though I'm still processing everything. Honestly I started reading the book probably a few months ago and I've been reading it off and on, so I'm positive there's things I don't remember. Just like the captive kingdom I should probably reread at some point.

Though I'll always favor the original trilogy, it was absolutely an enjoyable read. It's nice to see all the ascendance kids back together again.

*absolute shattered castle spoilers ahead*

Of course we're all here for the absolute killer sass Jaron delivers, he absolutely wreCked a few people and it was iconic. "If you thought that was exciting, you should have seen me climb out of the river." Also can't stop thinking about when Wilta asked Jaron to choose who to free and he chose his gardener and Wilta barely even questioned it, she was probably so done with his bs at this point. Seriously Wilta had to be mentally exhausted after every interaction with Jaron, this girl needs a nap.

Imogen finally having a leading role, concocting and going through with her own plan without much intervention from Jaron, was phenomenal. I appreciated that Wilta acknowledged that Imogen was just as strong and intelligent as Jaron and comprised every bit of the royalty in her veins. It was fantastic for Imogen to finally get that recognition, and it really brought home how so much of Jaron's successes were backed and strengthened through Imogen and her own decisions.

Amarinda and Roden weren't seen that much throughout the book which was somewhat disappointing, but it paved the way for some other characters to shine which I really appreciated, namely Tobias {don't worry I'll rant about my son soon enough}, Imogen, and Fink. Oh and can't forget Rosewater "Lump" Coyle, an icon.

It was thoroughly entertaining seeing Wilta work with Jaron, their dynamic was hilarious. I can imagine Wilta sitting down, massaging her temples, while Jaron is in the background scaling the castle wall like a spider and everything is on fire. She was like "listen I know that son of a baconator is still alive, we all know it *Jaron with a lampshade on his head* *wilta staring into the camera like she's on the office*

Anyway seeing Wilta gradually change her stance was interesting to watch unfold. I'd like to think she began to genuinely respect both Jaron and Imogen, and respect the unified loyal kingdom they had created. The treason within her own ranks might have made the unity of Carthya seem very foreign and astonishing.

This is all over the place but when Roden had gone to retrieve the pirates I was cheering {how come whenever the pirates make their grand entrance I hear the avengers theme playing}. This might be a controversial opinion, but I feel that Roden should be the one and only pirate king, to me he rightfully earned that position.

Darius and Jaron joining together, and specifically riding together on the same horse, was very moving to me. Both brothers thought the other to be dead and forever gone from their life, yet here they are back together once again, brothers again, getting to fight by the other's side. They may have had to say goodbye to their parents, yet they didn't have to say goodbye to their brother just yet.

Levitimas simply vibing in some dungeon the entire time y'all go right ahead imma just stay right here good luck let me know when you have my book an icon. You can't help but wonder what he'll decide to pen within that book next, the tale of the ascendant king perhaps??? Would it be written as truth or as something told in stories??? Would Jaron’s rule eventually dissolve into nothing more than legend? Like a ghost, did he really live?

A headcanon of mine that didn't come to fruition, this will likely be a bit controversial as well, but my first impression of Castor was not immediate hatred. At the very beginning, I got it in my head that Castor wasn't actually a bad person, rather he was wearing a disguise, he was successfully fooling Jaron into believing that the Veldergrath line continues as usual, when in reality he was always on the side of Carthya and had secretly aligned with Imogen to take Wilta and the prozarians down. Of cOurse this didn't come about, the arrow intended for Jaron attests to that, though I was hoping. I just thought it would be interesting not only for Castor to truly fool Jaron as Jaron already holds a prejudice against Castor's family and might couldn't see through that, and at the last moment Castor reveals that he is truly on Jaron's side, and most importantly the Veldergrath line is not one set in stone as cruel or selfish. Castor gets to prove that one shouldn't judge a book by its cover or assume the same malicious poison taints the blood within his veins. It just would've been neat thanks for coming to my ted talk

AND NOW

MY SON

THE MOST PRECIOUS LOYAL BABE

Tobias *sobs*

To merely recount all of the instances he verbally demonstrated and acted in such a way that revealed his undying loyalty to Jaron and to Carthya just ahfhdjjsbsj Tobias is constantly the butt of some joke, he's used to being belittled and treated like he's useless in almost all scenarios, so much so that any possible confidence has been visibly stripped away in this book, yet despite that he remained steadfast, did things that frightened him, stood with Jaron even knowing that it could be a death sentence. In stories such as these, it's the ones who wield sword and join in battle and spill blood that are praised as heroes; the ones behind the scenes don't get the recognition they deserve, the ones who's hands shake when they're forced to grip a sword's handle, the ones that are brave in their words and in their choices rather than in combat, the ones that choose to heal, to tend to wounds rather than cause them, those people deserve to be seen and respected so much too.

And of course. We cannot forget.

The moment.

The moment when Mercy raised his blade to Jaron.

And Tobias.

So unsure of himself.

Trembling

But without hesitation

Saving Jaron's life.

I was over here like

Tobias finally had his moment I can't, the amount of mental strength it must've taken Tobias to do that, he's a healer and yet when he saw one of his dearest friend's life being threatened he bravely made that choice, I just love him so much thanks for coming to my other ted talk

This has... become very lengthy, sorry about that, but there's some of my incoherent thoughts.

Almost forgot!! Thanks for the ask @spaghetti-flyingsquirrel-bin !

#the ascendance series #the shattered castle spoilers #the shattered castle #jaron eckbert #roden harlowe #tobias branch #imogen #I hope you've been well #take a shot every time i use the word absolutely

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poetrybooksya · 6 years

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NEW WEEKLY MEME BECAUSE I'M NOT CRAZY ENOUGH | Down the TBR #1

Since my TBR list is getting high, to the point of where I'm second guessing reading nearly 200 books, I've decided to try this new weekly meme to trim it down to books I actually want to read. Created by Lia from Lost in a Story, Down the TBR is as follows:

Most of you probably know this feeling, your Goodreads TBR pile keeps growing and growing and it seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. You keep adding, but you add more than you actually read. And then when you’re scrolling through your list, you realize that you have no idea what half the books are about and why you added them. Well that’s going to change!

The Rules:

Go to your goodreads to-read shelf.

Order on ascending date added.

Take the first 5 (or 10 (or even more!) if you’re feeling adventurous) books. Of course, if you do this weekly, you start where you left off the last time.

Read the synopses of the books

Decide: keep it or should it go?

First 5 books:

5-3. Infernal Devices Trilogy: Clockwork Angel, Prince, Princess by Cassandra Clare

I don't know how to feel about this trilogy. It's supposed to be a prequel to the Mortal Instruments, but since I haven't (STILL!) finished the final TMI book, City of Heavenly Fire, I guess the TID series can go. For now. I'm not crazy about the series in general anymore, but I love the TV show, Shadowhunters. Maybe if I'm inclined or feel inspired enough to read it, I'll add them onto my TBR again. DELETE

2. Sempre by J.M. Darhower

I barely remember the concept for this book, but I do remember that it was a Twilight fanfiction back in the day, and since I'm a huge Twihard, I wanted to support anything to do with the fandom haha! But it's been years since I've read any other books from Darhower, not that she's a bad writer --- she's fabulous, actually! --- but maybe I've outgrown the style of fanfics becoming books? DELETE

1. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

I personally think that Tahereh as a person seems like an adorable little bean who must be protected at all times. I love her Instagram photos of her new baby girl and handsome husband, Ransom Riggs. With that being said, I've heard such mixed reactions and reviews from the Shatter Me series in general. I still kinda want to read it because it's turning into a TV show sometime next year (or is it the year after?). So I'm still curious but it's not high on my TBR list. KEEP.

Are you participating in Down the TBR? Comment below and let me know which books you are keeping or deleting on your TBR!

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Thanks for reading! :) ♥

via Blogger http://poemsbyayoungartist.blogspot.com/2017/11/new-weekly-meme-because-im-not-crazy.html

#Christmas #down the tbr #personal #readathons #to be read November 30 #2017 at 03:00PM

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mage-of-the-slytherin-circle · 7 years

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Im a little curious what are some of your favorite books? 📚☺

Probably my favourite question to think about! Thank you!

I love so many books, I just really love books. If I had the time in my life, I would read everything I could. But you’re asking me about “some”, hahaha.

I without a doubt and most likely unsurprisingly, love the entire Harry Potter Collection. Next, would be The Dragon’s Apprentice written by Linda McNabb, which I first read when I was quite young, probably around 10 I think, and still sits with me as a classic, because who doesn't like Dragons and magic, right?.

There is one that I found when I first started High School, way back in 2007, was a book called Pharoah, written by Jackie French (she’s such a great author), that really sparked my interest because one, I love everything to do with the ancient world, but especially Ancient Egypt, and two, the book really takes you on a journey with the main character Narmer (who historically was the very first King of Egypt to unite both Upper and Lower Egypt), who as a young boy (and Prince and heir to the throne of his homeland Thinis), has his opportunities taken away from him. Basically, without revealing anything, you watch as this boy with everything he could possibly have at his fingertips (and possibly be a little arrogant because of this) have it all taken away from him, but through this, he grows to become a fine young man who learns how to become a true leader through the many difficult experiences he faces. I would recommend it definitely, for absolute sure, I actually want to reread it now.

I have started reading A Song of Ice and Fire, but I’ve only been able to get through the first book (A Game of Thrones) and am about halfway through the second book (A Clash of Kings). Mind you I started that book roughly about 2 years ago and haven’t gone back? I really should, they’re great books, it just takes a lot of attention from me to keep up with everything going on, and being a full-time Uni student has not helped that at all. (That and I watch the series as well which gives me a quicker fix than reading the books, even though I know there are great differences in some areas of the story. I’ll get there!)

Oh, I’ve also enjoyed reading the Assassins Creed collection of books written by Oliver Bowden. I love the video game series, but the books felt like a really personal and in-depth journey with the main character (The ancestor that is. The books have never broached the modern day connection in any way, I am however aware of comics that do, of which I want to get my hands on one day as well).

On the topic of an already flourishing franchise, I have in my possession, almost every Star Wars book ever written in my collection, as e-books that had been given to me by a very good friend of mine. Of course having the real books to hold and turn the pages of would be wonderful, but they can be on occasion difficult to find and quite expensive. (Did I mention that I’m a full-time Uni student, ain’t nobody got time for that). I still love the expanded universe and deep inside me, I can’t accept George Lucas saying that those books are no longer canon because they were written and have been around for far longer than the new movies, so to can those stories is heartbreaking. But I suppose, it’s a lot like fanfiction. The world stays the same, but the stories of your beloved characters can change and be how you would like them to be (preferably alive).

Next is, the Fallen series which I fell in absolute love with in my senior years of High School (Year 11 and 12), because Angels and Nephilim intrigue me, and I’m a sucker for a love story at the same time. I’m not sure what to say about this one except that it’s a love story that transcends time. Also, teen angst and some Angel and Dark Angel voodoo. Probably why I’ve started to get into Supernatural of late….

Finally, something I’m reading right now is the Trylle Trilogy, written by Amanda Hocking. I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase it in its entirety the other day so I got all three books in one huge book. The trilogy consists of Switched, Torn, and Ascend. I can’t say much about these books right now because I'm currently only reading the first section of Switched right now and it is very interesting, but I can’t give any in-depth info until I finish reading that section at least. I guess what I could say is there is a blend between human society and the Trylle society (who are Trolls, not the ugly ones) who live in the same world as each other, but humans have no idea the Trylle exist. Magic, intrigue, hierarchy and infighting? Haha. That’s all I have on that right now.

Thank you so much for asking! I feel like I rambled, so I’m sorry. But feel free to let me know of books you really love, I’m always very ready for new books to hit my collection, even if I rarely get the chance to have them all actually read.

If anyone has any book recommendations, let me know?

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