#thiswisefool

Heated Rivalry - Season 1

How did I find it? I had read the books (see post on that here) on recommendation with the intent to also be able to watch the show.

What is it? Show following the lives of fictional hockey players as they come to terms with their queer identities and fall in love.

Why do I like it? This is an impeccable film adaptation of a book. That is the thing that most impressed me as both a fan of the book series as well as someone that has worked in film and television. I have so much respect for Jacob Tierney, the writers and producers, all of the department heads, the crew, and the cast for how they managed to bring this story from page to screen. Is it a direct translation? No. But the changes and adjustments that were made didn't take away from the story as well as helped more effectively translate some of this to the screen. Can I identify any of the changes as I watch? No, but that's because I read all six books in a row and also as a costumer I have to actively not get too locked into a show or I only see it how I watch monitors on set. But I think that it's important in a GOOD adaptation that changes not be too jarring to fans of the book, but also aid those that haven't read it in following the story without the internal monologues we often are privy to on a page. There are so many moving parts to getting a show from an idea to a script to shooting on set through editing and post, and onto our screens, and I really feel like they hit it out of the park with this one! Another thing that I love about this is that while it is a romance book turned into a romance show the sex isn't just for the sake of there being sex on the screen (which is more than you can say for a lot of film and television out there, in my opinion). The intimacy on the screen is a visual cue to where they are in their relationship. Yes, it starts out hot and heavy, their relationship is incredibly physically based at that point. As their feelings grow the sex scenes become more intimate both on camera and how they are also not all for our consumption. As the show goes on we have more fade to black moments. Truly the visual storytelling of this show is top tier. I've seen all the breakdowns all over social media, and not just from the type of people that love to dig into this stuff. This show made the parallels, the lighting, the blocking, and so many other details clear enough in their execution that even casual viewers have picked up on it. It's honestly been so refreshing, as well as faith restoring that media literacy is not quite as dead as we might be lead to believe. I need to shout out to the various departments that did a phenomenal job helping us travel through time. The timeline of this show, particularly in a season following this book in particular, covers a LOT of ground. The fact that the costumes, props, graphics, hair, makeup, and so much else all change and evolve as that time passes accurately and also so subtly that it doesn't jump out even with time jumps is amazing.

Game Changers Series by Rachel Reid

Game Changers, Heated Rivalry, Tough Guy, Common Goal, Role Model, and The Long Game

How did I find it? Was exchanging book recommendations with an aquaintance and they recommended Heated Rivalry, particularly because of the streaming adaptation coming out.

What is it? The series follows various fictional queer professional hockey players as they navigate coming to terms with their sexualities as well as coming out on the public stage.

Why do I like it? Well, the writing is addictive. I had thought about writing a post per book, but I have instead consumed the series as a whole in little over a week. Each story is unique and highlights different queer experiences in ways that feel deeply meaningful. When I started I feared only caring about one couple and losing interest in the rest of the series. However, each book has brought me new characters to love and attach myself to, and as they progress you get to see the impact each of the different stories have on the other characters. The timeline is a little mixed around, but not to a point that you can't follow what's happening when and have an understanding of what aspect of someone's story might pop up in the one you're currently reading. It's a strong example of a series where the books can stand alone, but I personally feel the story is stronger when read chronologically. The sole exception to this is The Long Game, as it is a sequel to Heated Rivalry specifically. spoilers past here

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

How did I find it? One of my best friends read it and when I was over at his house he thrust it into my hands before I left saying that he was lending me his copy because I HAD to read it.

What is it? The story of an astronaut on a quest to save humanity, but first he needs to recover from amnesia in order to remember that's what he's in deep space.

Why do I like it? This is the first of Andy Weir's books I have read, though I have seen the movie adaptation of The Martian. (note: I did read The Martian after PHM, but feel that due to having seen the film I didn't love it was much as PHM. I did feel it was a good film adaptation, might make a post about that after a rewatch.) I appreciated that the science seemed reliable and I, personally, love a snarky narrator. I can see why my friend recommended it to me. spoilers past here

Palia by Singularity 6

How did I find it? A friend recommended it to me about a year ago, and I have been hooked ever since.

What is it? Open beta massive online multiplayer game that is part life simulator, part cozy adventure. Cross platform compatibility makes it extremely accessible, as does it's price: FREE (in game purchases are available, but nothing that is necessary to the standard gameplay). You play as a Human, newly rediscovered to the Palia world. As you establish yourself as a part of the community you befriend the local villagers and learn more about their lives as well as the mysterious history around the disappearance of Humans. All in all, this is one for the Cozy Gamers.

Why do I like it? Where to begin? I guess I'll start with how each in-game day lasts one real time hour. For me, this is ideal because Animal Crossing is delightful but the real time gameplay can often feel sluggish as I try to accomplish things; meanwhile you have Stardew Valley passing days in a matter of minutes and it often feels like a speed run to get my chores done. Palia hits a great compromise, with most things resetting every in-game day, but a few things reset every 24 hours. With no need for your character to sleep, you can get a lot done. The quests are fun, there's no shortage of things to work at completing. The main storyline is engaging and interesting, and has a surprisingly deep lore that I find myself pondering on frequently. The side quests are a joy, often giving you a deeper understanding of the nonplayer characters (NPCs) that fill the game. There are friendship quests, and also romantic quests. You choose how much you want to interact with the NPCs, and when it comes to romance, you're not limited to choosing one-if fact, if you want, you can date every dateable NPC at the same time! While there is a limit on declaring your intentions for only two of them, it doesn't stop you from chasing the romantic storylines with every character it is possible date. With it being cross platform it's great for players that have multiple systems, but for someone with a single gaming console it has allowed me the joy of playing with my friends across platforms! This is such a rare treat, and it makes it extra fun to be able to introduce new friends to the game knowing that we can all party up and play together. My only disappointment in this regard is that I play on a Switch and from what I understand that is the most challenging platform to play it on. Outside of some lagging and lower graphics, it's not something I'd quit over; but I do hope that some day the gameplay for the Switch gets a refresh. That said, it's also nice because you don't necessarily need to play with others in order to get ahead. You are just as able to develop your skills in game solo, but the added rewards of playing in a group is also nice. The skills that you develop are vary well varied! There's foraging, mining, gardening, fishing, hunting, bug catching, cooking, furniture making, and ranching. Each skill is overseen by it's own NPC that helps you on your journey learning the craft, and to a certain degree, you are free to participate in them as much or as little as you like. My personal favorite is the gardening, but I also find the fishing to be enjoyable and relaxing. With it still being in beta there are a lot of updates happening, and now is a great time to start, as regular monthly updates have been pretty standard lately. These provide a couple of small independent quests to keep you occupied if you've caught up to where the Main Quest is on hold for development. They're simple, fun, and all of the requirements are things that help you build your in game skills. You also get a housing plot (and can get more) to design and decorate to your heart's content! There's a House Tour feature where you can share your creation, or view what others have posted. The creativity and skill that people have when it comes to making a housing plot there own is awe inspiring. And the developers have been so impressed that they have added in housing that provides even more creative freedom when building on your plot.

The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald by John U. Bacon

How did I find it? A friend recommended it to me upon her completion, saying that it was incredibly well written.

What is it? Covers the history of the shipping industry on the Great Lakes before talking about how the ship itself came to be. Leads into her time working on the lakes as well as the stories of those that worked on her. Discusses the buildup to the storm, descriptions from other vessels on the lake that day, and then wraps up with talking about its significance, legacy, and the people left behind.

LUX by ROSALÍA

How did I find it? A friend posted about it in one of my Discord's music channels singing it's praises and begging us all to give it a listen. Based off her quick pitch I knew it was something I needed to check out!

What is it? Studio album by Spanish artist Rosalía. The album features four movements and is sung in 14 different languages inspired by various female saints.

Why do I like it? This album is best listened to with headphones, the sound engineering is just as artist as every other aspect and that's one of the best ways to fully appreciate it. Stunning vocals, with incredible lyrics, that while I understand very little of, upon researching add a depth to the song on additional listen throughs. There are also a lot of fun, interesting, and playful elements throughout that were a delight to experience. I love that the structure of the album is in movements, mimicking how old compositions were done, and each has it's own tone while still being cohesive as a whole. Additionally, each song feels like it's own cinematic masterpiece. Despite having no idea what was being sung on my first listen, each track was clearly telling a story that I found engaging to the very end.

101/52 Books

Personal Highlights (in order read) -The Will of the Many by James Islington -Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz -The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun -Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid -The Scottish Boy by Alex de Campi -Platonic by Marisa G. Franco -Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir -Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood

32/26 Movies Watched

Personal Highlights (in order watched): David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived (2023) Kpop Demon Hunters (2025) Earnhardt (2025) A Very Jonas Christmas (2025) Now You See Me Now You Don't (2025)