Alyson Serena Stone's Blog, page 5
February 22, 2025
New Medium Article: I Read Onyx Storm....Let's Talk
Happy Saturday all! I just wanted to let you know I posted a spoiler discussion for Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros on my Medium page. The link is below as well as a sneak peek.
All of my Medium articles are currently free.
Serena
Link to Full Article: https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...
Sneak Peek:
I Read Onyx Storm….Let’s Talk
Author’s Note: This article contains heavy spoilers for the first three books of the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros. I posted a similar review on Goodreads and my blog a few weeks ago, but this one is a bit more detailed and spoiler-filled.
Rebecca Yarros' Onyx Storm is a gripping continuation of The Empyrean series, solidifying its place as one of the most well-plotted fantasy series in recent years. While Iron Flame had its challenges, Onyx Storm proves how deeply interconnected every detail from the first two books truly is. This instalment is packed with action, political intrigue, and emotional depth, leaving readers desperate for the next book. Additionally, the novel raises significant questions about Venin society, Violet’s parentage, and the fate of the war.
The novel wastes no time in immersing readers back into the chaos of Basgiath War College. War is no longer a distant threat—it is here. Violet Sorrengail must confront not only external dangers but also the fractures within Navarre. Trust is now a liability, and with the Aretian wards failing, she embarks on a mission to secure allies beyond Navarre’s borders. However, secrets weigh heavy on her, especially one that could change everything. The stakes have never been higher, and as the storm looms, not everyone will survive.
The atmosphere is notably darker. The aftermath of the previous battles lingers over Basgiath, and the once-structured world of training and hierarchy is crumbling. The mystery surrounding the enemy intensifies—we know little about the venin beyond their destructive power. The world is dark, and the war is coming. Now, granted, there has already been a battle fought at the college, and we are seeing the aftereffects of that, but we can sense that things are changing and are changing very quickly. The atmosphere of the story has shifted. We don’t know who to trust. We don’t know where the enemy is. We don’t know much about the enemy at all. All we know is that time is running out and that more cities are falling. Basgiath is also isolated and has its issues from within. Not only do we have all of that going on, but there is the quest to find Andarna’s family and the seventh breed of dragons. This is all within the first couple of pages of the book. It’s a lot, and you are thrown in right away.
I will admit, at first, that I did find Onyx Storm’s setup to be rather jarring. We have Xaden and Violet, who are trying to figure out what is happening. Xaden is venin, which is something that we don’t know a whole lot of right now. We know they are dark-wielders and very powerful, but we don’t know a lot about their inner workings. It is something that Violet and her friends are trying to undercover, trying to make sense of. Then, there is the fact that the wards are failing, and the country is in turmoil. Plus, there is the fact that leadership is completely being changed up, and it’s not for the best. We get a lot of the political side of things in this book. It’s a lot to take in at first, which is why I thought it was a rather jarring start. However, this feeling does not last long. Once the plot gets moving and things start to pick up, things even out. There is still a lot going on and still a lot of action.
Violet’s character shines in Onyx Storm. Her strength comes to life, and it’s not always easy for her. Violet has always been the underdog. She has to work for everything and has to train so much harder than everyone else. The fact that she has a disability does not hold her back. She comes up with ways to ensure her survival and that she can find a way to do what everyone else does. Not only does she have to build herself up, but those around her. We see this with Sawyer, who lost his leg and thinks he will never ride again. When the time comes, it is Violet who seeks out help because she can see how to do things differently. Like so many other characters, he also values her input and trusts her guidance.
While Violet is a powerful wielder, the physical and mental side of everything is taking its toll on her. People are looking to her and counting on her to make the right choice. It’s hard for her because she is being pulled in a lot of different directions. She is looking for the seventh breed, dealing with all that is going on with Xaden, grieving over her mother, and still has to go to class. It’s a lot for her to take in. She is trying to handle it all, but as a result, it almost weakens her. This does not mean she loses her power by any means, but it’s almost like her focus is gone. She is wearing herself too thin. It makes her vulnerable to attacks. She has to be reminded many times to focus on one thing and make that her goal. It’s a great character growth moment for her.
All of my Medium articles are currently free.
Serena
Link to Full Article: https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...
Sneak Peek:
I Read Onyx Storm….Let’s Talk
Author’s Note: This article contains heavy spoilers for the first three books of the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros. I posted a similar review on Goodreads and my blog a few weeks ago, but this one is a bit more detailed and spoiler-filled.
Rebecca Yarros' Onyx Storm is a gripping continuation of The Empyrean series, solidifying its place as one of the most well-plotted fantasy series in recent years. While Iron Flame had its challenges, Onyx Storm proves how deeply interconnected every detail from the first two books truly is. This instalment is packed with action, political intrigue, and emotional depth, leaving readers desperate for the next book. Additionally, the novel raises significant questions about Venin society, Violet’s parentage, and the fate of the war.
The novel wastes no time in immersing readers back into the chaos of Basgiath War College. War is no longer a distant threat—it is here. Violet Sorrengail must confront not only external dangers but also the fractures within Navarre. Trust is now a liability, and with the Aretian wards failing, she embarks on a mission to secure allies beyond Navarre’s borders. However, secrets weigh heavy on her, especially one that could change everything. The stakes have never been higher, and as the storm looms, not everyone will survive.
The atmosphere is notably darker. The aftermath of the previous battles lingers over Basgiath, and the once-structured world of training and hierarchy is crumbling. The mystery surrounding the enemy intensifies—we know little about the venin beyond their destructive power. The world is dark, and the war is coming. Now, granted, there has already been a battle fought at the college, and we are seeing the aftereffects of that, but we can sense that things are changing and are changing very quickly. The atmosphere of the story has shifted. We don’t know who to trust. We don’t know where the enemy is. We don’t know much about the enemy at all. All we know is that time is running out and that more cities are falling. Basgiath is also isolated and has its issues from within. Not only do we have all of that going on, but there is the quest to find Andarna’s family and the seventh breed of dragons. This is all within the first couple of pages of the book. It’s a lot, and you are thrown in right away.
I will admit, at first, that I did find Onyx Storm’s setup to be rather jarring. We have Xaden and Violet, who are trying to figure out what is happening. Xaden is venin, which is something that we don’t know a whole lot of right now. We know they are dark-wielders and very powerful, but we don’t know a lot about their inner workings. It is something that Violet and her friends are trying to undercover, trying to make sense of. Then, there is the fact that the wards are failing, and the country is in turmoil. Plus, there is the fact that leadership is completely being changed up, and it’s not for the best. We get a lot of the political side of things in this book. It’s a lot to take in at first, which is why I thought it was a rather jarring start. However, this feeling does not last long. Once the plot gets moving and things start to pick up, things even out. There is still a lot going on and still a lot of action.
Violet’s character shines in Onyx Storm. Her strength comes to life, and it’s not always easy for her. Violet has always been the underdog. She has to work for everything and has to train so much harder than everyone else. The fact that she has a disability does not hold her back. She comes up with ways to ensure her survival and that she can find a way to do what everyone else does. Not only does she have to build herself up, but those around her. We see this with Sawyer, who lost his leg and thinks he will never ride again. When the time comes, it is Violet who seeks out help because she can see how to do things differently. Like so many other characters, he also values her input and trusts her guidance.
While Violet is a powerful wielder, the physical and mental side of everything is taking its toll on her. People are looking to her and counting on her to make the right choice. It’s hard for her because she is being pulled in a lot of different directions. She is looking for the seventh breed, dealing with all that is going on with Xaden, grieving over her mother, and still has to go to class. It’s a lot for her to take in. She is trying to handle it all, but as a result, it almost weakens her. This does not mean she loses her power by any means, but it’s almost like her focus is gone. She is wearing herself too thin. It makes her vulnerable to attacks. She has to be reminded many times to focus on one thing and make that her goal. It’s a great character growth moment for her.
February 18, 2025
New Youtube Video: ASMR: Let’s Go for a Short Walk in the Snow-Snow Crunching, Wind, and Snow
New Youtube Video: ASMR: Let’s Go for a Short Walk in the Snow-Snow Crunching, Wind, and Snow
Please note, it may take a few hours before the video is fully processed.
Link: https://youtu.be/QNDNcopWshk
Description:
Hello everyone! Today I am bringing you another ASMR video-ASMR: Let’s Go for a Short Walk in the Snow-Snow Crunching, Wind, and Snow. Fall asleep and relax in under fifteen minutes.
For Business Inquiries: Aphrodite-venus-u.k@hotmail.com
Publishers, authors, and companies-I do take requests for reviews, interviews, product endorsements, and etc. Check on my livejournal page for more information as to what content I am looking for. Dates do fill up quickly-I only like to feature on thing a day so you aren’t overlooked.
Links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicZ...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AlysonSeren...
Livejournal: http://serenastone.livejournal.com/pr...
Fictionpress: https://www.fictionpress.com/u/773118...
Fanfiction: https://www.fanfiction.net/u/2489110/...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-te...
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...
Medium:
https://medium.com/@AlysonSerenaStone
ASMR Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyL...
Please note, it may take a few hours before the video is fully processed.
Link: https://youtu.be/QNDNcopWshk
Description:
Hello everyone! Today I am bringing you another ASMR video-ASMR: Let’s Go for a Short Walk in the Snow-Snow Crunching, Wind, and Snow. Fall asleep and relax in under fifteen minutes.
For Business Inquiries: Aphrodite-venus-u.k@hotmail.com
Publishers, authors, and companies-I do take requests for reviews, interviews, product endorsements, and etc. Check on my livejournal page for more information as to what content I am looking for. Dates do fill up quickly-I only like to feature on thing a day so you aren’t overlooked.
Links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicZ...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AlysonSeren...
Livejournal: http://serenastone.livejournal.com/pr...
Fictionpress: https://www.fictionpress.com/u/773118...
Fanfiction: https://www.fanfiction.net/u/2489110/...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-te...
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...
Medium:
https://medium.com/@AlysonSerenaStone
ASMR Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyL...
February 11, 2025
New Youtube Video: ASMR 10 Minutes of Snowstorm Sounds From Inside-Snow and Wind on a Tin Roof
New Youtube Video: ASMR 10 Minutes of Snowstorm Sounds From Inside-Snow and Wind on a Tin Roof
Please note, it may take a few hours before the video is fully processed.
Link: https://youtu.be/7TJUgTMRwmc
Description:
Hello everyone! Today I am bringing you another ASMR video: ASMR 10 Minutes of Snowstorm Sounds From Inside-Snow and Wind on a Tin Roof . Fall asleep and relax in under fifteen minutes.
For Business Inquiries: Aphrodite-venus-u.k@hotmail.com
Publishers, authors, and companies-I do take requests for reviews, interviews, product endorsements, and etc. Check on my livejournal page for more information as to what content I am looking for. Dates do fill up quickly-I only like to feature on thing a day so you aren’t overlooked.
Links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicZ...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AlysonSeren...
Livejournal: http://serenastone.livejournal.com/pr...
Fictionpress: https://www.fictionpress.com/u/773118...
Fanfiction: https://www.fanfiction.net/u/2489110/...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-te...
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...
Medium:
https://medium.com/@AlysonSerenaStone
ASMR Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyL...
Please note, it may take a few hours before the video is fully processed.
Link: https://youtu.be/7TJUgTMRwmc
Description:
Hello everyone! Today I am bringing you another ASMR video: ASMR 10 Minutes of Snowstorm Sounds From Inside-Snow and Wind on a Tin Roof . Fall asleep and relax in under fifteen minutes.
For Business Inquiries: Aphrodite-venus-u.k@hotmail.com
Publishers, authors, and companies-I do take requests for reviews, interviews, product endorsements, and etc. Check on my livejournal page for more information as to what content I am looking for. Dates do fill up quickly-I only like to feature on thing a day so you aren’t overlooked.
Links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicZ...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AlysonSeren...
Livejournal: http://serenastone.livejournal.com/pr...
Fictionpress: https://www.fictionpress.com/u/773118...
Fanfiction: https://www.fanfiction.net/u/2489110/...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-te...
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...
Medium:
https://medium.com/@AlysonSerenaStone
ASMR Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyL...
February 8, 2025
New Medium Article: How Did Childhood Trauma Impact Azula and Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender?
Good morning! I just wanted to let you know that I just posted a new article over on my Medium page. It's another Avatar: The Last Airbender post. Today I am doing a short look into childhood tramua and the impact that it had on Zuko and Azula. The link to the full article is below, as well as a sneak peek.
All of my articles on Medium are currently free.
Serena
Link to full article: https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...
Sneak Peek:
Author’s Note: This article contains spoilers for the animated TV series, Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Childhood trauma is a central theme in Avatar: The Last Airbender, particularly in the characters of Azula and Zuko, siblings of the Fire Nation royal family. Their upbringing, marked by dysfunctional family dynamics, parental neglect, and immense pressure to conform to societal expectations, shapes their personalities and actions throughout the series. By examining the impact of their childhood traumas, we gain deeper insight into their struggles and the complexities of their development.
Azula, the younger of the two, is a prodigious firebender with a calculating and ruthless nature. Her manipulative tendencies and relentless pursuit of power stem from her fraught relationship with her parents, Fire Lord Ozai and Princess Ursa. Unlike Zuko, Azula lacks her mother’s affection; Ursa clearly favours Zuko, leaving Azula feeling neglected and unloved. This emotional abandonment fuels her drive for perfection and control, as she seeks to prove her worthiness to her father and assert dominance over her brother.
The influence of Fire Lord Ozai is profound, shaping both Azula and Zuko in vastly different ways. Ozai’s authoritarian rule is defined by manipulation, emotional abuse, and favouritism, deeply affecting his children. For Azula, being the favoured child exacerbates her desire for power and validation. Groomed from a young age to be a ruthless instrument of her father’s will, she adopts his values of strength and dominance. Her unwavering loyalty to Ozai stems from a desperate need to earn his approval, driving her to extreme measures to maintain her status.
Conversely, Zuko’s relationship with Ozai is one of rejection and betrayal. No matter how hard he tries to please his father, Zuko is constantly reminded of his inadequacies. Ozai’s decision to scar Zuko’s face and banish him catalyzes the young prince’s quest for redemption, leaving him grappling with feelings of abandonment and unworthiness.
Princess Ursa also plays a crucial role in shaping her children, though her influence is more nuanced. While she is portrayed as a loving mother, her inability to shield Zuko from Ozai’s wrath further isolates Azula. Ursa’s favouritism towards Zuko intensifies Azula’s jealousy and abandonment issues. When Ursa is banished, her absence leaves both siblings vulnerable to Ozai’s manipulation, forcing them to navigate their family’s toxic dynamics without maternal guidance or support.
These contrasting parental influences set Azula and Zuko on divergent paths. While Azula fully embraces her father’s ideals and rises as a formidable force in the Fire Nation, Zuko ultimately rejects his father’s tyranny and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
Beyond their parents, external relationships play a crucial role in shaping Azula and Zuko’s emotional states and motivations. Azula’s connections are primarily transactional, based on power dynamics and manipulation. She sees others as tools to further her ambitions, exploiting their weaknesses to maintain control. One of the most significant impacts on Azula comes from her relationships with Mai and Ty Lee. Despite their loyalty, Azula’s inability to form genuine connections stems from her deep-seated fear of vulnerability and betrayal. When Mai and Ty Lee ultimately turn against her, it shatters Azula’s sense of trust and reinforces her belief in the isolation of power.
All of my articles on Medium are currently free.
Serena
Link to full article: https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...
Sneak Peek:
Author’s Note: This article contains spoilers for the animated TV series, Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Childhood trauma is a central theme in Avatar: The Last Airbender, particularly in the characters of Azula and Zuko, siblings of the Fire Nation royal family. Their upbringing, marked by dysfunctional family dynamics, parental neglect, and immense pressure to conform to societal expectations, shapes their personalities and actions throughout the series. By examining the impact of their childhood traumas, we gain deeper insight into their struggles and the complexities of their development.
Azula, the younger of the two, is a prodigious firebender with a calculating and ruthless nature. Her manipulative tendencies and relentless pursuit of power stem from her fraught relationship with her parents, Fire Lord Ozai and Princess Ursa. Unlike Zuko, Azula lacks her mother’s affection; Ursa clearly favours Zuko, leaving Azula feeling neglected and unloved. This emotional abandonment fuels her drive for perfection and control, as she seeks to prove her worthiness to her father and assert dominance over her brother.
The influence of Fire Lord Ozai is profound, shaping both Azula and Zuko in vastly different ways. Ozai’s authoritarian rule is defined by manipulation, emotional abuse, and favouritism, deeply affecting his children. For Azula, being the favoured child exacerbates her desire for power and validation. Groomed from a young age to be a ruthless instrument of her father’s will, she adopts his values of strength and dominance. Her unwavering loyalty to Ozai stems from a desperate need to earn his approval, driving her to extreme measures to maintain her status.
Conversely, Zuko’s relationship with Ozai is one of rejection and betrayal. No matter how hard he tries to please his father, Zuko is constantly reminded of his inadequacies. Ozai’s decision to scar Zuko’s face and banish him catalyzes the young prince’s quest for redemption, leaving him grappling with feelings of abandonment and unworthiness.
Princess Ursa also plays a crucial role in shaping her children, though her influence is more nuanced. While she is portrayed as a loving mother, her inability to shield Zuko from Ozai’s wrath further isolates Azula. Ursa’s favouritism towards Zuko intensifies Azula’s jealousy and abandonment issues. When Ursa is banished, her absence leaves both siblings vulnerable to Ozai’s manipulation, forcing them to navigate their family’s toxic dynamics without maternal guidance or support.
These contrasting parental influences set Azula and Zuko on divergent paths. While Azula fully embraces her father’s ideals and rises as a formidable force in the Fire Nation, Zuko ultimately rejects his father’s tyranny and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
Beyond their parents, external relationships play a crucial role in shaping Azula and Zuko’s emotional states and motivations. Azula’s connections are primarily transactional, based on power dynamics and manipulation. She sees others as tools to further her ambitions, exploiting their weaknesses to maintain control. One of the most significant impacts on Azula comes from her relationships with Mai and Ty Lee. Despite their loyalty, Azula’s inability to form genuine connections stems from her deep-seated fear of vulnerability and betrayal. When Mai and Ty Lee ultimately turn against her, it shatters Azula’s sense of trust and reinforces her belief in the isolation of power.
February 4, 2025
New Youtube Video: What is Fascism?-A Government Lesson
New Youtube Video: What is Fascism?-A Government Lesson
It may be a few hours before this pops up. My internet is really lagging right now.
Link: https://youtu.be/lNhBuSRQSUE
Description:
Today I am doing a short video lesson on what fascism is.
Subject: Government, History, Social Studies
Topic: Fascism, Government, Types of Government, Social Studies, History,
Grades: 5th-9th
Links:
Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...
It may be a few hours before this pops up. My internet is really lagging right now.
Link: https://youtu.be/lNhBuSRQSUE
Description:
Today I am doing a short video lesson on what fascism is.
Subject: Government, History, Social Studies
Topic: Fascism, Government, Types of Government, Social Studies, History,
Grades: 5th-9th
Links:
Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...
January 28, 2025
New Youtube Video: ASMR Explaining Mini Squishy Toys to You Roleplay Whisper and Soft-Spoken
New Youtube Video: ASMR Explaining Mini Squishy Toys to You Roleplay Whisper and Soft-Spoken
Please note, it may take a few hours before the video is fully processed.
Link: https://youtu.be/3ZwlkocSfSc
Description:
Hello everyone! Today I am bringing you another ASMR Explaining Mini Squishy Toys to You Roleplay Whisper and Soft-Spoken. Fall asleep and relax in under fifteen minutes.
For Business Inquiries: Aphrodite-venus-u.k@hotmail.com
Publishers, authors, and companies-I do take requests for reviews, interviews, product endorsements, and etc. Check on my livejournal page for more information as to what content I am looking for. Dates do fill up quickly-I only like to feature on thing a day so you aren’t overlooked.
Links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicZ...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AlysonSeren...
Livejournal: http://serenastone.livejournal.com/pr...
Fictionpress: https://www.fictionpress.com/u/773118...
Fanfiction: https://www.fanfiction.net/u/2489110/...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-te...
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...
Medium:
https://medium.com/@AlysonSerenaStone
ASMR Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyL...
Please note, it may take a few hours before the video is fully processed.
Link: https://youtu.be/3ZwlkocSfSc
Description:
Hello everyone! Today I am bringing you another ASMR Explaining Mini Squishy Toys to You Roleplay Whisper and Soft-Spoken. Fall asleep and relax in under fifteen minutes.
For Business Inquiries: Aphrodite-venus-u.k@hotmail.com
Publishers, authors, and companies-I do take requests for reviews, interviews, product endorsements, and etc. Check on my livejournal page for more information as to what content I am looking for. Dates do fill up quickly-I only like to feature on thing a day so you aren’t overlooked.
Links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicZ...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AlysonSeren...
Livejournal: http://serenastone.livejournal.com/pr...
Fictionpress: https://www.fictionpress.com/u/773118...
Fanfiction: https://www.fanfiction.net/u/2489110/...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-te...
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...
Medium:
https://medium.com/@AlysonSerenaStone
ASMR Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyL...
January 25, 2025
New Medium Article: A Man Called Ove Has Made Me a Fan of Fredrik Backman
Good morning everyone! I just wanted to pop on here and let you know I posed a new Medium article. It's a book review of A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman, which I read last fall.
Link to the full article is below, as well as a sneak peek.
At this time all my Medium are free.
Serena
Link: https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...
Sneak Peek:
Author’s Note: While this article is mainly spoiler-free, it may contain minor spoilers for A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman. This article is written from the book, not the movie.
After reading Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove, I finally understand the widespread acclaim for his work. Having previously read two of his other books and found them to be okay, this novel truly made me fall in love with Backman’s storytelling and sparked a desire to explore more of his literature.
A Man Called Ove follows Ove, who is a grumpy old man. At least, it seems like the rest of the world. He has principles and standards and expects the rest of the world to meet them. He has a strict routine, one that everyone else must follow. He is short-fused, which, of course, is caused by everyone else. The rest of the world is idiots and he has no idea how they function. They do not know how to do anything, never put in an honest day’s work, and mooch off people like him. So, of course, he is bitter. He stays away from them.
That is until one day when Ove’s life is turned upside down by his neighbours backing into his mailbox, which is a problem because you are not supposed to be driving in the residential area anyway. He tries to get rid of them, but they do not appear to get the message. From here, the world he has worked so hard to build is torn down and never returned. No matter how hard Ove tries to make things go back to how they are supposed to, it does not seem to be happening. He finds himself in a world of neighbours, children, and a cat. Despite this, he finds his guard being let down and it makes him start to reexamine the world, but no one knows what they are doing. If he decides to get rid of them, they will probably end up in a ditch somewhere.
Ove starts as a very unlikable character. He is set in his ways. He goes out each morning and inspects the row houses where he lives. He is looking for anything and everything that is out of order. If people are not doing something right, he tells them. Then, he tells them that they are idiots. He believes that he is the only person who can do anything right anymore. Except for one thing…He has been forced to retire and it is not working out for him. If anything, it has only made him even more bitter about the younger generation and those who work from home. He is lost and does not know what to do with his life. Everything that he has ever known has been taken away from him.
The novel offers a profound exploration of Ove’s character through meticulously crafted flashbacks. These glimpses into his past are exceptionally well done and enrich the narrative significantly. Ove’s life has been a series of challenges, teaching him the hard lesson that self-reliance is paramount. From a young age, he learned that hard work was the only path to achieving anything, and everything he has attained is a direct result of his relentless effort. This upbringing instilled in him a strong moral code: he never betrays others and strictly adheres to his principles. Ove firmly believes that individuals should be judged by their own work and actions, not by the circumstances or actions of those around them. His philosophy is one of self-sufficiency; if you don’t know how to do something, you should learn and handle it yourself. Dependence on others is not an option in Ove’s world, and he staunchly believes that you cannot count on anyone but yourself. This perspective not only shapes his interactions with others but also underscores the depth of his character as someone who has navigated life’s hardships through sheer determination and an unwavering sense of duty.
Link to the full article is below, as well as a sneak peek.
At this time all my Medium are free.
Serena
Link: https://alysonserenastone.medium.com/...
Sneak Peek:
Author’s Note: While this article is mainly spoiler-free, it may contain minor spoilers for A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman. This article is written from the book, not the movie.
After reading Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove, I finally understand the widespread acclaim for his work. Having previously read two of his other books and found them to be okay, this novel truly made me fall in love with Backman’s storytelling and sparked a desire to explore more of his literature.
A Man Called Ove follows Ove, who is a grumpy old man. At least, it seems like the rest of the world. He has principles and standards and expects the rest of the world to meet them. He has a strict routine, one that everyone else must follow. He is short-fused, which, of course, is caused by everyone else. The rest of the world is idiots and he has no idea how they function. They do not know how to do anything, never put in an honest day’s work, and mooch off people like him. So, of course, he is bitter. He stays away from them.
That is until one day when Ove’s life is turned upside down by his neighbours backing into his mailbox, which is a problem because you are not supposed to be driving in the residential area anyway. He tries to get rid of them, but they do not appear to get the message. From here, the world he has worked so hard to build is torn down and never returned. No matter how hard Ove tries to make things go back to how they are supposed to, it does not seem to be happening. He finds himself in a world of neighbours, children, and a cat. Despite this, he finds his guard being let down and it makes him start to reexamine the world, but no one knows what they are doing. If he decides to get rid of them, they will probably end up in a ditch somewhere.
Ove starts as a very unlikable character. He is set in his ways. He goes out each morning and inspects the row houses where he lives. He is looking for anything and everything that is out of order. If people are not doing something right, he tells them. Then, he tells them that they are idiots. He believes that he is the only person who can do anything right anymore. Except for one thing…He has been forced to retire and it is not working out for him. If anything, it has only made him even more bitter about the younger generation and those who work from home. He is lost and does not know what to do with his life. Everything that he has ever known has been taken away from him.
The novel offers a profound exploration of Ove’s character through meticulously crafted flashbacks. These glimpses into his past are exceptionally well done and enrich the narrative significantly. Ove’s life has been a series of challenges, teaching him the hard lesson that self-reliance is paramount. From a young age, he learned that hard work was the only path to achieving anything, and everything he has attained is a direct result of his relentless effort. This upbringing instilled in him a strong moral code: he never betrays others and strictly adheres to his principles. Ove firmly believes that individuals should be judged by their own work and actions, not by the circumstances or actions of those around them. His philosophy is one of self-sufficiency; if you don’t know how to do something, you should learn and handle it yourself. Dependence on others is not an option in Ove’s world, and he staunchly believes that you cannot count on anyone but yourself. This perspective not only shapes his interactions with others but also underscores the depth of his character as someone who has navigated life’s hardships through sheer determination and an unwavering sense of duty.
January 21, 2025
New Youtube Video: ASMR-Let’s Play with ASMR Toys-Tapping, Clicking, Popping, and Rolling
New Youtube Video: ASMR-Let’s Play with ASMR Toys-Tapping, Clicking, Popping, and Rolling
Please note, it may take a few hours before the video is fully processed.
Link: https://youtu.be/fxWIAHzm_Sg
Description:
Hello everyone! Today I am bringing you another ASMR ASMR-Let’s Play with ASMR Toys-Tapping, Clicking, Popping, and Rolling. Fall asleep and relax in under fifteen minutes.
For Business Inquiries: Aphrodite-venus-u.k@hotmail.com
Publishers, authors, and companies-I do take requests for reviews, interviews, product endorsements, and etc. Check on my livejournal page for more information as to what content I am looking for. Dates do fill up quickly-I only like to feature on thing a day so you aren’t overlooked.
Links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicZ...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AlysonSeren...
Livejournal: http://serenastone.livejournal.com/pr...
Fictionpress: https://www.fictionpress.com/u/773118...
Fanfiction: https://www.fanfiction.net/u/2489110/...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-te...
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...
Medium:
https://medium.com/@AlysonSerenaStone
ASMR Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyL...
Please note, it may take a few hours before the video is fully processed.
Link: https://youtu.be/fxWIAHzm_Sg
Description:
Hello everyone! Today I am bringing you another ASMR ASMR-Let’s Play with ASMR Toys-Tapping, Clicking, Popping, and Rolling. Fall asleep and relax in under fifteen minutes.
For Business Inquiries: Aphrodite-venus-u.k@hotmail.com
Publishers, authors, and companies-I do take requests for reviews, interviews, product endorsements, and etc. Check on my livejournal page for more information as to what content I am looking for. Dates do fill up quickly-I only like to feature on thing a day so you aren’t overlooked.
Links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicZ...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AlysonSeren...
Livejournal: http://serenastone.livejournal.com/pr...
Fictionpress: https://www.fictionpress.com/u/773118...
Fanfiction: https://www.fanfiction.net/u/2489110/...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-te...
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...
Medium:
https://medium.com/@AlysonSerenaStone
ASMR Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyL...
January 14, 2025
New Youtube Video: It’s Time to Sleep My Love (Eric Metaxas and Nancy Tillman) Read Aloud
New Youtube Video: It’s Time to Sleep My Love (Eric Metaxas and Nancy Tillman) Read Aloud
It may be a few hours before this pops up. My internet is really lagging right now.
Link: https://youtu.be/E9jm9QVWN4s
Description:
Today I am doing a read aloud of It’s Time to Sleep, My Love by Eric Metaxas and Nancy Tillman!
Summary:
It's time to sleep, it's time to sleep,
the fishes croon in waters deep.
The songbirds sing in trees above,
"It's time to sleep, my love, my love."
As children prepare for bed, the world around them is also settling down for the night. Animals who live in the jungle, the forest, the sea―all whisper to their babies a soft refrain: It's time to sleep, my love.
As comforting as a soft blanket and warm as a goodnight hug, Eric Metaxas's lullaby is lovingly brought to life by bestselling artist Nancy Tillman (On the Night You Were Born) , whose illustrations celebrate the wonders of the natural world, and the bonds of family.
It's Time to Sleep, My Love is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
Subject: Read Aloud, Children’s Literature, Winter, Reading
Topic: Read Aloud, Children’s Literature, Winter, Reading, Sleep
Grades: PreK-5th
Links:
Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...
It may be a few hours before this pops up. My internet is really lagging right now.
Link: https://youtu.be/E9jm9QVWN4s
Description:
Today I am doing a read aloud of It’s Time to Sleep, My Love by Eric Metaxas and Nancy Tillman!
Summary:
It's time to sleep, it's time to sleep,
the fishes croon in waters deep.
The songbirds sing in trees above,
"It's time to sleep, my love, my love."
As children prepare for bed, the world around them is also settling down for the night. Animals who live in the jungle, the forest, the sea―all whisper to their babies a soft refrain: It's time to sleep, my love.
As comforting as a soft blanket and warm as a goodnight hug, Eric Metaxas's lullaby is lovingly brought to life by bestselling artist Nancy Tillman (On the Night You Were Born) , whose illustrations celebrate the wonders of the natural world, and the bonds of family.
It's Time to Sleep, My Love is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
Subject: Read Aloud, Children’s Literature, Winter, Reading
Topic: Read Aloud, Children’s Literature, Winter, Reading, Sleep
Grades: PreK-5th
Links:
Teacherspayteachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Teaching Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOpE...
January 10, 2025
Free Story: Reign
Good evening! I wanted to let you know that my free story Reign is being updated. New chapters are being posted weekly on fictionpress and the story is a free read. Link to the story is below as well as a sneak peek.
Serena
Link: https://www.fictionpress.com/s/337295...
Sneak Peek:
The noise was getting to her…. Never again would she be the same…. Never again would she be able to return to the control that she once had. Okay, she just had to relax and everything would be okay. They were going to get the girl, return the city to order, and everything would go back to the way it was.
The only problem was that the world seemed to be caving in around her and was dying.
No, she couldn’t allow herself to think like that.
After all, she was the Red Queen and this was her kingdom. She just needed to get rid of all this noise and remember just how much power she had.
Şirînnaz blinked as she opened her eyes and looked around at the smoking city. She had pushed out the rebels for now, but they were bound to return. They were probably with the White Queen right now making plans to remove her from power.
She wasn’t going to let that happen. She had worked too hard to get to this point.
She stared out into the vast desert behind her, just waiting for an army to appear over the horizon, their bronze weapons glittering in the sunlight. She hoped they were thirsty for the great rivers seemed to be getting smaller and smaller with each passing day.
She blinked and closed her eyes. It was things like this that she couldn’t let get to her. She needed to get a grip on herself.
She opened her eyes and looked back out. The desert was empty. There were no threats coming today.
She walked down from the tower and into her city. The few citizens who were out looked at her and parted with full looks of respect. Though many of them did not like her, she had saved them from total destruction-something that they would not forget for a very long time.
The world they lived in was very breakable. Yes, even she would admit that, but it could be held together and that was all that mattered. This would set them back, but it wasn’t the end. It was far from the end.
Once they had destroyed the girl, everything would go back to the way it was supposed to be.
She just needed to keep telling herself that.
!!!
Things were never going to be the way they were supposed to be. Clementine just needed to keep telling herself that. After all, this world wasn’t supposed to exist. Come on, how many times did you ever hear of a girl falling through a rabbit hole and ending up in another country?
People back home already thought of her as being mad, so why not just reinforce their belief?
She kicked at the sand. There was nothing out there. However, those around her would tell her otherwise, but it was true. Nothing was coming for them today. It was like death had overtaken the land and wasn’t ready to let go.
That was kind of an unpleasant thought to have this early in the morning. Dakarai would tell her that she needed to think of seven impossible things before breakfast instead of such dark thoughts.
The sand blew around her, creating a light covering at her feet. She was never going to be able to get rid of all of this dust when this was over.
“I find the sand refreshing. I prefer to think of it as being water.”
Clementine turned to see Dakarai standing behind her with that trademark grin of his on his face. “I don’t see how it could be thought of as being water. It’s not nearly as clean.”
He came a little bit closer. “Well, that’s where you are mistaken. Water is one of the foulest things on this planet. Just think about where it has been.”
“I do prefer not to think about it too much.”
“And that, my dear, is a problem. You must stop and think about these things if you are going to have a deep understanding of the way the world works.” He shrugged. “There’s no other choice about it.”
“There’s always a choice in any kind of matter.”
“Again, if that’s how you want to think about it, then I have no other choice but to agree with it.” He sighed. “I do wish that I could find the answers to all of the questions that have been taunting me.”
“Oh.”
He nodded. “Yes.” He paused. “Are you like me? I can’t be the only one in the world who ponders these questions.” He shook his head. “Life is like a checkerboard. It’s full of so many patterns and rules, but once that is broken, then the whole system just falls apart. Isn’t that interesting to think about?”
“I guess.” She started down toward the camp. “So, what did you think of this morning?”
“Oh, I had this crazy idea that one day someone would invent a device that allows people to fly.”
She frowned. “Why would you think about something like that?”
“It’s good for the mind to think of impossible things. I’ve told you this before. It will help clear your mind.”
“I’m pretty sure the life I’m dreaming can’t outdo anything that I can think of.”
Dakarai giggled. “Yeah, I can see why you think that. For most people, this life would be impossible, but it is what we got thrown at us.”
“I guess.” She sighed. “How did we get to be the lucky ones?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe we just felt right to carry out this task.” He sighed. “I do feel like there is someone out there writing our story and taking us down a certain path in life.”
Clementine raised an eyebrow. “You think we’re part of a book?”
“I don’t know, but haven’t you ever thought about it like that? I mean, just look at how our day goes by some time.”
She did have to admit that he did have a point, but she wasn’t going to tell him that. Sometimes, some things were just better off left unsaid.
“So, what do you think today will bring?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know, but I do think there’s going to be a lot of noise.”
She frowned. “Noise?”
He nodded. “Yeah, a lot of noise.”
She didn’t want to ask what he meant by that, but she didn’t want to know. Sometimes his mind was just a very complex place that she didn’t have time to deal with right now.
!!!
Axelia knew that things were not going well. She didn’t have to be told this. Even though the fighting was over, there was still something wrong. There was a stillness here that just didn’t belong.
She didn’t belong here, so she didn’t know what she was talking about.
Her captor had drifted a little bit away, but it wasn’t like she could go anywhere. She had no place to go.
She sighed. There was just something knowing that you had no other options.
She kicked at a bit of rubble and looked down the street. A few people were coming out now, but they seemed afraid to look each other in the eye. She supposed that they were still in the stage of not knowing for sure who to trust. It wasn’t like she really could blame them either. Times like this made people nervous.
Her capturer turned and slowly made his way back to her. “We need to get off the streets.”
Axelia nodded. “Okay.”
“The sun is going to set and I don’t want to be out here when it does.”
“The palace? Is that where we’re going?”
He nodded. “Yes, hopefully, you will be of some use there.”
She sighed. She had given up on telling him that she wasn’t the one he wanted, but there was only so much more she could take. Everything she said just seemed to fall on empty ears, like noise of no meaning. She guessed that if he believed she was important, then she would be alive-hopefully able to find a way out.
He swung up on the horse and reached down for her. She took his strong hand and allowed him to pull her upwards. After all, what choice did she have at this stage?
They rode through the streets. A lot of buildings were still building, but it appeared that the people had given up on trying to put out the fires. Again, what was the point? For every fire they seemed to put out, more appeared.
Axelia looked around, hoping to find some kind of escape. Even though she had pretty much given up on finding a way out, there was still a part of her that longed to be saved.
If it didn’t put her in a bigger mess than she was already in.
Life was just falling apart.
She couldn’t stand the way the people looked at her as they rode by. They probably thought she was some rich noble lady out for a ride on the back of her suitor, out seeing the sights and would return to her cosy life. If only they knew the truth, then they would see that she wasn’t all that much different from them.
Serena
Link: https://www.fictionpress.com/s/337295...
Sneak Peek:
The noise was getting to her…. Never again would she be the same…. Never again would she be able to return to the control that she once had. Okay, she just had to relax and everything would be okay. They were going to get the girl, return the city to order, and everything would go back to the way it was.
The only problem was that the world seemed to be caving in around her and was dying.
No, she couldn’t allow herself to think like that.
After all, she was the Red Queen and this was her kingdom. She just needed to get rid of all this noise and remember just how much power she had.
Şirînnaz blinked as she opened her eyes and looked around at the smoking city. She had pushed out the rebels for now, but they were bound to return. They were probably with the White Queen right now making plans to remove her from power.
She wasn’t going to let that happen. She had worked too hard to get to this point.
She stared out into the vast desert behind her, just waiting for an army to appear over the horizon, their bronze weapons glittering in the sunlight. She hoped they were thirsty for the great rivers seemed to be getting smaller and smaller with each passing day.
She blinked and closed her eyes. It was things like this that she couldn’t let get to her. She needed to get a grip on herself.
She opened her eyes and looked back out. The desert was empty. There were no threats coming today.
She walked down from the tower and into her city. The few citizens who were out looked at her and parted with full looks of respect. Though many of them did not like her, she had saved them from total destruction-something that they would not forget for a very long time.
The world they lived in was very breakable. Yes, even she would admit that, but it could be held together and that was all that mattered. This would set them back, but it wasn’t the end. It was far from the end.
Once they had destroyed the girl, everything would go back to the way it was supposed to be.
She just needed to keep telling herself that.
!!!
Things were never going to be the way they were supposed to be. Clementine just needed to keep telling herself that. After all, this world wasn’t supposed to exist. Come on, how many times did you ever hear of a girl falling through a rabbit hole and ending up in another country?
People back home already thought of her as being mad, so why not just reinforce their belief?
She kicked at the sand. There was nothing out there. However, those around her would tell her otherwise, but it was true. Nothing was coming for them today. It was like death had overtaken the land and wasn’t ready to let go.
That was kind of an unpleasant thought to have this early in the morning. Dakarai would tell her that she needed to think of seven impossible things before breakfast instead of such dark thoughts.
The sand blew around her, creating a light covering at her feet. She was never going to be able to get rid of all of this dust when this was over.
“I find the sand refreshing. I prefer to think of it as being water.”
Clementine turned to see Dakarai standing behind her with that trademark grin of his on his face. “I don’t see how it could be thought of as being water. It’s not nearly as clean.”
He came a little bit closer. “Well, that’s where you are mistaken. Water is one of the foulest things on this planet. Just think about where it has been.”
“I do prefer not to think about it too much.”
“And that, my dear, is a problem. You must stop and think about these things if you are going to have a deep understanding of the way the world works.” He shrugged. “There’s no other choice about it.”
“There’s always a choice in any kind of matter.”
“Again, if that’s how you want to think about it, then I have no other choice but to agree with it.” He sighed. “I do wish that I could find the answers to all of the questions that have been taunting me.”
“Oh.”
He nodded. “Yes.” He paused. “Are you like me? I can’t be the only one in the world who ponders these questions.” He shook his head. “Life is like a checkerboard. It’s full of so many patterns and rules, but once that is broken, then the whole system just falls apart. Isn’t that interesting to think about?”
“I guess.” She started down toward the camp. “So, what did you think of this morning?”
“Oh, I had this crazy idea that one day someone would invent a device that allows people to fly.”
She frowned. “Why would you think about something like that?”
“It’s good for the mind to think of impossible things. I’ve told you this before. It will help clear your mind.”
“I’m pretty sure the life I’m dreaming can’t outdo anything that I can think of.”
Dakarai giggled. “Yeah, I can see why you think that. For most people, this life would be impossible, but it is what we got thrown at us.”
“I guess.” She sighed. “How did we get to be the lucky ones?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe we just felt right to carry out this task.” He sighed. “I do feel like there is someone out there writing our story and taking us down a certain path in life.”
Clementine raised an eyebrow. “You think we’re part of a book?”
“I don’t know, but haven’t you ever thought about it like that? I mean, just look at how our day goes by some time.”
She did have to admit that he did have a point, but she wasn’t going to tell him that. Sometimes, some things were just better off left unsaid.
“So, what do you think today will bring?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know, but I do think there’s going to be a lot of noise.”
She frowned. “Noise?”
He nodded. “Yeah, a lot of noise.”
She didn’t want to ask what he meant by that, but she didn’t want to know. Sometimes his mind was just a very complex place that she didn’t have time to deal with right now.
!!!
Axelia knew that things were not going well. She didn’t have to be told this. Even though the fighting was over, there was still something wrong. There was a stillness here that just didn’t belong.
She didn’t belong here, so she didn’t know what she was talking about.
Her captor had drifted a little bit away, but it wasn’t like she could go anywhere. She had no place to go.
She sighed. There was just something knowing that you had no other options.
She kicked at a bit of rubble and looked down the street. A few people were coming out now, but they seemed afraid to look each other in the eye. She supposed that they were still in the stage of not knowing for sure who to trust. It wasn’t like she really could blame them either. Times like this made people nervous.
Her capturer turned and slowly made his way back to her. “We need to get off the streets.”
Axelia nodded. “Okay.”
“The sun is going to set and I don’t want to be out here when it does.”
“The palace? Is that where we’re going?”
He nodded. “Yes, hopefully, you will be of some use there.”
She sighed. She had given up on telling him that she wasn’t the one he wanted, but there was only so much more she could take. Everything she said just seemed to fall on empty ears, like noise of no meaning. She guessed that if he believed she was important, then she would be alive-hopefully able to find a way out.
He swung up on the horse and reached down for her. She took his strong hand and allowed him to pull her upwards. After all, what choice did she have at this stage?
They rode through the streets. A lot of buildings were still building, but it appeared that the people had given up on trying to put out the fires. Again, what was the point? For every fire they seemed to put out, more appeared.
Axelia looked around, hoping to find some kind of escape. Even though she had pretty much given up on finding a way out, there was still a part of her that longed to be saved.
If it didn’t put her in a bigger mess than she was already in.
Life was just falling apart.
She couldn’t stand the way the people looked at her as they rode by. They probably thought she was some rich noble lady out for a ride on the back of her suitor, out seeing the sights and would return to her cosy life. If only they knew the truth, then they would see that she wasn’t all that much different from them.
