~ Where the posts live ~

I post new content semi-regularly on a Tuesday, Thursday, and/or Friday. Each of these days are dedicated to something different. You can look forward to a medley of topics on a Tapas Tuesday, named so because the stories are being shared and take on different forms, all with the purpose of bringing people together with something fun. Thursdays are the days for something creative, taking the form of short stories. Film Fridays are for films (and TV series), mostly because the alliteration was too alluring to pass on.

I have an array of interests, and I am excited to share them with you! I understand that not everything here will be to everyone's tastes. However, I hope you can gain a little something whilst here, whether it be an insight into a video game I have played, book I have read, entertainment from a creative short  story, inspiration for the table-top RPG Dungeons & Dragons, or finding something new to watch.


Tapas Tuesdays

Immortals Fenyx Rising: First Impressions

Immortals Fenyx Rising is a beautiful and relatively relaxing action-adventure game published by Ubisoft in 2020. I wanted to share my first ten hours playing the game with you, to give you an idea of what to expect from the game should you wish to pick it up and give it a try! If Greek Mythology, exploring open worlds, or third-person games sound like your cup of tea, the game is currently on Xbox GamePass as of June 25th 2024.

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Flying Free

Freeform poetry is some of my all-time favourite forms to follow when writing poetry. Here we have a freeform poem about freedom and responsibility, whose structure does not conform to traditional poetry. It is best read on a laptop or PC for the best effect, as on mobile the structure gets a little... crazy!

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Archaeology: How Are We Still Digging Up New Artefacts?

Surely there is nothing more to learn from past civilizations. We’ve had many years to study objects found buried, so how come archaeological digs are still happening? Our world is so vast and full of mysteries we have yet to discover, some of which are buried in places that have never been excavated. It is no wonder that we are still finding new objects to make us question what exactly ancient civilisations were up to!

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Four Trees Standing

A free-flowing pastoral-style poem about deforestation and the effects humans have on nature. I encourage any reader to think about possible hidden messages, because there isn't one correct answer for this one!

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Why is Philosophy Important Today?

I remember my first experience with philosophy. I thought it was a load of pompous people discussing a load of pompous topics. It’s true that it is essentially thinking hard about life’s big questions, which can often scare people away from the topic. However, what if I said philosophy is the foundation we have built our lives on – why we are where we are, how we know anything about the world, and what are lives could be for. Note I use the word could here, because everyone’s lives are different and are in different situations, and there isn’t a cure-all for all of life’s hardships.

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I Love The Cleric Quintet: Book One – Here’s Why

A ‘canticle’ is a hymn or chant, typically associated with a religious text, that forms a recurring part of a church service. R.A. Salvatore’s Canticle, which is the first instalment of The Cleric Quintet, is in its own right a hymn on how to form a brilliant adventure story that turns a clerical character and his monk girlfriend into independent and interesting characters that do not necessarily conform to their atypical roles.

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Anxiety

A short poem about mental health, reminding you all that you are not alone with whatever issues you might be dealing with in today's chaotic world. Remember, you're allowed some time to yourself to relax and drink something nice whilst being all cosy in a blanket!

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God of War Ragnarök: A Commentary

In this commentary, I provide a possible insight into the why's and what's of a few characters and events that occur in God of War Ragnarök, an action-adventure game, as well as a general recounting of some of the events that I still recall fondly now that I have finished the game.

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World Book Day, Every Day: Philanthropy in Literature

Philanthropy has had a presence in literature since ancient times, from as far back as the chaotic era of the ancient Roman philosopher Cicero. It is no wonder that there are projects dedicated to ensuring people living in areas lacking books have access to them. After all, books can empower people to achieve goals they may have initially thought they couldn’t achieve.

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A Calm Down and Relax Guide to Self-Care on a Budget

Self-care is not a luxury. Self-care involves taking care of our mental, physical, and emotional self by doing activities that make us feel taken care of. But what activities are there to do on a low budget, I hear you ask? Worry not, take a deep breath, and remember everyone deserves to take care of themselves, not just those who can 'afford' to do it.

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Singing Trees

Nature Poetry - A Villanelle

A pastoral poem exploring the relationship between humans and nature, romanticizing the ideals of a simple country life.

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Coffee Talk: Talk Coffee to Me

It’s a myth that a barista cleans their bar and leans in to listen to their customer’s woes, right? Wrong. Toge Productions’ 2020 game Coffee Talk is a whimsical visual novel all about listening to people’s problems and helping them by serving up a warm drink using the bare minimum ingredients you have. If you dislike visual novels, you might want to get out now. But if you’re feeling curious, stay a while and let me whip something up for you.

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Short Story Thursdays

In the Heart of the Iron Conundrum: Part Eight

When reality begins to blur with illusion, Genesis finds he now battles with both androids and haunting memories, revealing dark secrets that challenge his very sanity. What will he uncover in the depths of this neon-lit nightmare?

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In the Heart of the Iron Conundrum: Part Six

Genesis wakes in a cell, desperate to find his daughter. Joined by two unexpected allies, he must navigate a facility filled with dark secrets and hidden dangers. As memories blur and truths unravel, their quest for freedom becomes a perilous journey into the unknown.

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In the Heart of the Iron Conundrum: Part Five

Trapped in a cell, his memories fractured, Jonah grapples with questions of identity and purpose. As uncertainty looms, one thing becomes clear: escape is his only hope, even if it means confronting the shadows lurking within.

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In the Heart of the Iron Conundrum: Part Three

In the luxurious confines of the Iron Will, a single gunshot pierces the night, setting off a cascade of secrets waiting to be unearthed. Amidst whispers of espionage and hidden agendas, Trixie and Jonah stumble upon a chilling revelation.

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In the Heart of the Iron Conundrum: Part Two

In a daring bid for truth, journalist Trixie infiltrates the opulent event aboard the Iron Will train. As she peels back layers of luxury, Trixie uncovers dark secrets and scandals hidden beneath the glittering façade. But a shadowy presence lurks in the shadows, threatening to unravel her investigation.

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In the Heart of the Iron Conundrum: Part One

In the opulent world of high society, the Iron Will, a vintage steam train, cuts through the picturesque countryside of central France, hosting an exclusive charity ball for the elite. Amidst the lavish festivities and whispered conversations of power and privilege, a disparate group of individuals gathers with their own agendas.

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The Curious Case of Casey Black

In the midst of Casey's seemingly flawless façade lies a perplexing mystery: why is everyone in her life suddenly turning a blind eye to her? Determined to uncover the truth, Casey will stop at nothing in facing whatever challenges come her way in order to reclaim her place in the world.

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What Are You About?

Brottor Melairkyn's greatest desire was to find his kin's home, long since abandoned after it was lost to the poisonous Drow. A proud dwarf, he'd never admit the great halls of Melairbode were gone forever - he'd soon eat his armour. By Moradin's beard, he'd find it, for his hearth and kin.

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Warrior Princess

Claira had found a life she was finally happy with. She had a purpose with the monk monastery hidden in the Yuirwood, one that allowed her to be the most kickass warrior princess she could ever hope to be. When life threatens to move her away from all she had come to love, she finds herself questioning everything she has learnt.

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Lone Hunter

A lone bounty hunter has her mark. She knows what she must do. A simple one and done job... right?

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Film Fridays

Going the 73 Yards: Theorising Doctor Who’s Doctor-lite Episode

This entry to the Narrative Nook is a bit different as it isn't a review or a full analysis for a series or film. But, Doctor Who's 73 Yards from Series 14 (or Series 1 according to the BBC) left me pondering and confused as I was left trying to make sense of what I just watched. Most of the following theories are most likely not correct, but, I had a lot of fun theorising them and I'd love to share them with you!

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On Relationship with Nature: Arrietty and the Nature versus Nurture Mentality

This is a long form analysis on Studio Ghibli's Arrietty, focusing on the psychological long-standing debate on whether nature or nurture plays a more important part in a child's development. If you are looking for a review on this wonderful and relaxing film, then you may be disappointed! But perhaps you'll find something here that gives you a different insight into a film that, on the surface, presents as a cosy, feel-good movie.

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The Sarah Jane Adventures Aged Amazingly Well

As a casual Doctor Who fan, I was always so pumped for when The Sarah Jane Adventures came on when I came back from school. Now that I’m in my mid 20’s, I have come to appreciate the series for what it is: cosy, simple, afternoon watching, where I don’t have to think too hard yet still get a dose of Doctor Who.

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The Dropout: A Mind-Blowing Work of Art

Okay, I know The Dropout isn’t technically a film, but hear me out! This eight-part American biographical drama captivated me in such a way where you can’t just watch one episode at a time. It is binge worthy and perfect for those rainy, tired, and/or let’s be cosy days, making for a film-like experience.

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Discussing Disney's Treasure Planet

Treasure Planet was Disney's 2002 box-office bomb. By all accounts, the film should be awful, given a loss of profit can indicate it was not viewed well by its audience. But this animated science fiction action-adventure film is fantastic, has a good cult following, and is something every child, adult, and human being should watch at some point in their life. So, get comfy with me, grab yourself a drink, and read on for a short discussion on this film you must watch!

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Hidden Figures: A Hidden Gem

I found Theodore Melfi’s 2016 Hidden Figures by chance as I was scrolling through Disney+ on a rainy Friday night. And I am so glad I found it. This American biographical drama is loosely based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s book bearing the same name about three female African American mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race: Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. Although the film is not entirely historically accurate, I do recommend you give it a watch.

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Five Nights at Freddy's: An Honest Review

After 9 years since the release of the first Five Night’s at Freddy’s game, the games’ creator Scott Cawthorn has finally done it. Some of the beloved animatronics of the video game franchise Five Nights at Freddy’s (lovingly called FNAF by fans) has now made an admittedly adorable appearance in the 2023 movie Five Night’s at Freddy’s.

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