travlbug

I love the juxtaposition between Kotik's recruitment and Shahnaz': Kotik feels a loss of freedom--enslavement--whereas Shahnaz experiences liberation. At least, the Duke comes across as benevolent, and we are treated to at least one view of the "enslavement" as a positive, life-changing event. I love the additional backstory, reinforcing the view of Kotik's personality as endearing but slightly naive. And, yes, we also get that he's cute! 😂 I love Kotik's description of the bath as a "room of unspeakable evil." The play-by-play of Kotik's cleansing is hilarious, and the irony of the water hater being owned by the water wielder is not lost. Ah, we begin to see the power of the collar, as it helps to teach Kotik to belly dance. (And what can it do when it is fully attuned to Balric?) More important, Kotik enjoys seeing himself as a belly dancer. The corruption has started.... 😂😂😂

Since Baldric is a powerful magecrafter, does he also have to wear a collar? If not, why not? How does the collar force obedience, or is it more like a tracking system in case a slave tries to escape? Since Baldric prefers nudity, does that mean he'll force Kotik to be naked as well? (Kotik is embarrassed to be scratched behind the ear, as the action reduces him from a boy to a pet. To be kept naked on top of his reduction to a collared slave/pet would likely drive him to attempt an escape.) Amazing how quickly the warlocks mount a military action to seize Kotik after his collar is activated. Despite outnumbering their foes and using monsters, they prove no match for the Duke's little band. Are the Duke's forces that much better, or would they have succumbed if the teleportation spell had failed them? So many questions! I'll just have to keep reading!

Did Sargis, with his large build, rippling muscles, and Maid back ups, really need to leash Kotic after collaring him? Apparently, Kotic's compliance did not even buy him a small mercy. Enslaved, forced to be a magecrafter, intended as chattel for someone else's birthday--Kotic shows amazing restraint for a 13 year old boy, and I hope it's more a sign of inner strength than a sign that he's simply giving up.

You had me at "marzipan cake!" My favorite, but very difficult to find (at least, in California). Good idea, Hank! Sometimes, harmony between singers can be transformative (consider the Everly Brothers, Simon and Garfunkel, the Beachboys, the Beatles, etc. [Sorry, but Simon was never as good on his own as he was with Garfunkel! ]) Tyler and Samson may have great solo careers, but they might be able to offer something unique together that they couldn't offer separately. I love that Hank's plan also has side benefits for each singer (take that, Ms. Roy!). A beach on Maui? The perfect place for Ash and Marcus' h̶o̶n̶e̶y̶m̶o̶o̶n̶ vacation--and a new beginning! Thanks for an intriguing story with a feel-good ending! And may Florence, Cliff, and Melanie get exactly what they deserve!

Yay for "Boys' Night!" 😉 Charlie is right: Jeremy's ability to think things through is one of his best characteristics. His honesty and willingness to share the details of his life with friends is another major plus. (Of course, if his friends--male or female--see the show before he tells them, they'll have one of his secrets thrust into their faces 😅, so it's in his best interest to prepare them.)

While I would have preferred a clearer build-up to Charlie and Jeremy's romantic confessions, who am I to stand in the way of true love? ❤

The subject of this chapter is acceptance--by his sister (Naomi), by the Studz Barecats (a fun vignette), and by his "honorary" brother (Robert). An uplifting read!

I am in a 26 (almost 27) year old monogamous relationship, and we are officially trying the knot in November! 🥰 While I understand intellectually that folk like Gio exist, I cannot fathom such behavior on an emotional level. At least, Zach is clear as to what he wants (and needs) and still has plenty of time to find it. Good luck to Gio in finding a lover who agrees up front to an open relationship, as the key is honesty and trust--not going behind his lover"s back, as he did with Zach.

Wow! Samson's mea culpa is complete and heartfelt: I'm glad that he finally rids himself of his ridiculous antipathy and makes a friend of Tyler in the bargain. His apology gesture--to share the stage with Tyler--is truly inspired. I've frequented the local orchestra (classical music forever!), but as much as I also love rock music, I've never attended a rock concert (they look crazy-intimidating on the telly!). The closest I've gotten was watching the Beatles on Ed Sullivan (dating myself much?! 😂). My parents hated rock, and they refused to take me (the one and only time I asked to see a rock concert live) when the Beatles performed at the Hollywood Bowl. (Sigh.) One more chapter to go? Awesome! We're that much closer to the sequel!

So Ash sticks it to Cliff twice: He allows Cliff to pay five hundred thousand in blackmail and then leaks the pictures himself! (Sorry, Cliff, that's gotta hurt.) Interesting that Cliff ultimately feels that Ash is worth paying the blackmail, and his decision to fire Ash seems (in the final analysis) more predicated on his belief that Ash is playing him rather than on Ash's exposure as a gay man. Samson, as much as I like you, you're acting like a pig: Make nice to Taylor, and don't let your guilt prevent you from being the nice guy you really are.

Cliff must have an account with his local cell phone dealer, as his phones don't seem to last too long! 😂 Kudos to Ash and Marcus for repairing their relationship. (The make-up sex would have taken an extra chapter! 😂😂😂) Technical point: Ash is contractually obligated not to come out on his own. However, if he is outed by a slimeball photographer, that portion of the contract should be unenforceable. Cliff, in trying to strong-arm Ash into paying the paparazzi, becomes an accessory to blackmail. Samson is the perfect support person for Ash in this instance. Despite his poor behaviour towards Tyler, Samson provides no-strings assistance when Ash really needs it. (People--and their motivation--can be complex. I wonder if Samson would have been kinder to Tyler had the latter been gay.)

Melanie Roy is a nasty piece of work, and Samson's belief that he has "won" is premature. (She may not be a big sports fan, but I bet she's an expert at curveballs! ⚾️) Ash, you're so romantic (Marcus is a lucky man!). Cliff is going to have apoplexy; and when he fires you (because he's an idiot), you'll be free to sign with Samson's label, which is clearly gay friendly. That said, if 2Good required you to pretend to be straight, I wonder if the offer to sing with it will now be withdrawn. 🤔

I'm curious to see if Samson's social media blitz will garner support by other singers and if classic media (newspapers, television, and talk radio) will discuss the story, as it now becomes actual news. Perhaps other singers (Ash?) may pull out of Argentfest altogether. With Goliath trying to crush David, I hope that Samson achieves more than his biblical namesake.... (Of course, Melanie gives the jawbone of an ass new meaning. 😂) Tyler, you have finally seen the light, and David (the chauffeur) should get a medal for coming forward. Florence has already earned the eighth circle and is working towards the ninth: Don't be surprised when she spreads the word that you're a terror to work with, though anyone who knows her is not likely to believe it. You shouldn't have any trouble in finding a new agent who has your back!

Vincent's story, while sad, makes a wonderful parable for Ash, who still has the power to write his own story. I have to wonder if Nile's car crash was an accident or something more. 💔

“And always have people that support you and that you can trust close by. You don’t have to and you shouldn’t ever deal with anything on your own.” Hear that, Tyler? (This is your Subconscious speaking...dump Florence....) I'm a bit bewildered as to why Samson is refraining from a media blitz, social and otherwise, against Queen Melanie the Bee. He hasn't even discussed the situation with his label or his lawyers. Remember, Samson, a smart bloke recently said, "You don’t have to and you shouldn’t ever deal with anything on your own,” and at least in this instance, your closed circle of Anna and Hank is not enough. Touring alone is not the answer, as Melanie will never forget--or forgive. You have to take decisive action, and burying yourself in a tour is just running away.

Samson doesn't just say no to Melanie's business proposition: He insults her personally by calling her old and a botox user. (Way to go, Samson! ) While I don't condone name calling (ordinarily), she has threatened to destroy Samson's career for his refusal to accept her damaging terms, so a few choice words are in order. I'm surprised that he didn't discuss the situation with Ash when he had the chance (maybe later), and his ability to retaliate against Melanie remains to be seen. (As an ancient person, I have no idea how powerful social media can be, but would people really boycott their favorite radio stations--and all music by doing so--if asked? [If alternative stations are available, I can see this approach working.]) Of course, by trying to railroad Samson, Melanie is trying to railroad his label, and I wonder if the record industry as a whole has a strategy to address rogue radio companies which attempt blackmail on this scale. Once again, Sanders has cut off his nose to spite his face, removing the budget from one of his best "properties" for spite and virtually assuring that Ash will wiggle out of his clutches as soon as possible. (Cliff, you're an idiot.) And on to the tours....

Samson, please tell Melanie where to shove it. (She cares for her show, not your career, and four months of performing "stale" material may lose you too much of your core audience.) If you agree to perform without cutting the set list, she may still agree (it's called negotiation), so don't give away the store just because she asks for it! Stacy, you are a superstitious fool, and the perfume endorsement is off the table (serves you right!). Tyler, your heart is clearly in the right place: Has Emma made you think of a new use for your newfound fame and fortune?

Making predictions is fun, but I have no vested interest in any of them coming true! 😁

“It’s not about sales! It’s about me...." After Sander's death from an apoplexy-induced heart attack, Pinnacle Records began to thrive, and alcohol bottles (and phones) around the world felt safer! 😂 After leaving the Pinnacle label, Ash scored an amazing success by rejoining 2Good for it's subsequent platinum recording, and the band itself received greater acclaim in the American market! Of course, Samson and Ash fell head over heels in love, and Ash joined Samson's label, which was apoplexy free! When Ash finally came out, Kelly Marvel breathed a sigh of relief and agreed to sing at their wedding, which was televised the day before they released their first joint album! Tyler finally dumped Florence, who was immediately accepted by Pinnacle for their junior executive program. However, she was fired when she couldn't induce apoplexy on demand, though her eye-rolling talent and snarling ability snagged her a low-level government position. Stacy was discovered as Tyler's secret girlfriend and--surprise--record sales actually increased because they made such a cute couple. Stacy's picture was hidden in all future album covers (because of her status as the "secret girlfriend"), and the fans delighted in trying to find the hidden picture! Stacy herself received an endorsement contract from a famous perfume label. As for Tyler, he spent many years as a top-rated singer before the next generation decided to put him to pasture. However, considering the other singers in the same pasture, he was content. And they all lived happily ever after (except for Florence, but that's as it should be!). Unfortunately, my crystal ball was sort of cloudy, so I can't guarantee the accuracy of my predictions.

The Demonic veil/bubble is a great military achievement: The good guys can't penetrate it to know what it contains; and while allowing Humans in, it doesn't let them out. Further, it grows, absorbing everything in its path (think Blob, with Chris instead of Steve McQueen!). I love the concept! I'm also enthralled by the idea of a Demonic general so powerful that one body is insufficient to hold her might for a prolonged period! Wow! The Unreadable Book is revealed to house the Songs of Death: They make short work of Azarahel, but only after an epic battle, where Chris's innate strength has been exhausted. But whose voice and conciousness take over from Chris to enact the verses? How can Chris continue to absorb the Demon generals (Demonic energy) and remain himself--or will he?

Samson, you're really a pill. Careers have to start somewhere: Are you this nasty to everyone just starting out or only to people whom you grievously wrong? Stacy, while I certainly understand your present ill temper, lashing out at the person who cares for you (just because he's an easy target) is not the best strategy. Sleep on it. Tyler, you earned this moment, so enjoy it! Ash, I love that you are so comfortable in your own skin that you can be nice to others without an ulterior motive. Hyun may never come round, but that doesn't mean that you stop being nice to him. And by the way, a word of advice: Just because you have a solo career doesn't mean that you can't sing with anyone else you want to! (If you can sing a duet with Kelly Marvel, you can make a record with 2Good--that is, if Sanders will let you!)

Havar is actually well behaved--for Havar. Odd that he has a (defensive?) wall around his city when there's no need for defense. Chris's speech to the people of Katar sounds like typical political rhetoric, but the dragons at the end are a nice touch. (I can imagine certain human politicians who would benefit from a dragon or two to liven up their speeches! 😂) Oooh, the Demons have created a roach motel in Arkansas: You can check in, but you can't check out. Worse, Chris has experienced an Obi Wan Kenobi moment (think destruction of Alderaan), with thousands of anguished souls suddenly creating a disturbance in the Force. The Demons may now be harvesting human souls on a gargantuan scale, and there may not be any humans left behind the veil for Chris and friends to save. I have a feeling that this new Demon foe will be much harder to address than Yonthar's crew.

The guy was borderline scary. Nice that Colt is able to see past the surface: Apollo is not only responsible (considering his work for his family), but he is also a good friend, as evidenced by his caring for a buddy with broken arms. Additionally, for all their banter, he waits for Colt to initiate anything sexual. I can well appreciate why Colt would repudiate the craziness of an 80-hour work week, and I thank my lucky stars for an understanding spouse! I finally retired at the end of June, but I should have done it years ago!

Shame on Samson for taking advantage of Tyler: He had the chance to be a saint and turned into a sinner instead. We'll see how he deals with his guilt later, but he now (at least morally) owes Tyler a debt. I have two heroes in this chapter: First, Tyler, for facing his fears; and second, Mrs. Edwards, for putting Florence in her place (you go, girl!). So what finally makes Tyler happy? Knowing that Stacy's still coming, of course! (Florence, if Stacy had been there to calm him, he might have been able to perform perfectly and on time.) As always, people turn out to be most important.

As a native Californian, I visit the LA Convention Center multiple times a year for various shows, but I've never been to the Staples Center just next door to it (literally). Go figure. Those lucky to be standing next to the passage were the loudest, frantically waving their hands in hopes of touching their idols at least for a moment. People are weird. Yay, Lance! Of course he's wearing purple! (Do I see @AusGlitterati peering around the corner? 😂) Nice crossover! Ash is gutsy, enlisting another celebrity to dance with him, but Marcus' selfishness ruins the performance for him. (Marcus could actually be blacklisted for his actions. He may have just destroyed his career. [Lance, of course, is fabulous!]) Florence, we are freeing Prometheus so that you can take his place (b****!). Poor Stacy! Tyler, it's time for an intervention: With Ash now in the audience, only Samson can help you, but can he find you in time? 😱