Me, myself n I

This advertisement is for The River Has Roots, the solo debut of Amal El-Mohtar, co-author of This Is How You Lose the Time War. 

Illustration by Kathleen Neeley

WHAT IT’S ABOUT

Sisters Esther and Ysabel Hawthorn tend and harvest the enchanted willows that grow on their land at the border of Faerie and the mundane world. The sisters honor an ancient compact to sing to the willows as thanks for their magic, and they cherish each other as much as they cherish their trees.

A currency that isn’t gold-standard/having gold be as valuable as tin

A currency that runs entirely on a perishable resource, like cocoa beans

A clock that isn’t 24-hours

More or less than four seasons/seasons other than the ones we know

Fantastical weather patterns like irregular cloud formations, iridescent rain

Multiple moons/no moon

Planetary rings

A northern lights effect, but near the equator

Roads that aren’t brown or grey/black, like San Juan’s blue bricks

Jewelry beyond precious gems and metals

Marriage signifiers other than wedding bands

The husband taking the wife's name / newlyweds inventing a new surname upon marriage

No concept of virginity or bastardry

More than 2 genders/no concept of gender

Monotheism, but not creationism

Gods that don’t look like people

Domesticated pets that aren’t re-skinned dogs and cats

Some normalized supernatural element that has nothing to do with the plot

Magical communication that isn’t Fantasy Zoom

“Books” that aren’t bound or scrolls

A nonverbal means of communicating, like sign language

A race of people who are obligate carnivores/ vegetarians/ vegans/ pescatarians (not religious, biological imperative)

Kimpton Las Mercedes Hotel by Moneo Brock Architects

Curious about how modern architecture can revitalize a historic landmark? Picture a place where history meets contemporary design, where every detail tells a story. The Kimpton Las Mercedes Hotel, crafted by Moneo Brock Architects, embodies this vision—a breathtaking fusion of past and present in the heart of Santo Domingo’s colonial city. Join us as we explore how this remarkable hotel is redefining urban revitalization and architectural excellence.

More here.

Brutalism is Back! Why This Controversial Architecture is Cool Again

Brutalism is experiencing a major revival after years of being dismissed as cold and uninviting. Once criticized as symbols of failed utopian ideals and harsh urban planning, these massive concrete structures are now being appreciated for their bold, raw aesthetic. This resurgence isn’t limited to architecture—Brutalism is influencing design, interiors, and even social media trends. The shift in perspective has transformed these once-maligned buildings into icons of timeless, striking design.

Read the article here.