#validopinions

I didn’t even know that type of thing existed :o…..

but, yeah, it’s kinda expensive and it is not like I’m a professional, so it isn’t really the type of investment i’d think about? Right now I prefer trying to find a better calibration by myself….

Thanks for the response! I was introduced to the show a a panel at Sakuracon - so I've only seen a few of the most WTF episodes. I'm glad that you're enjoying it so much though!!

Today we have the lovely Cris (@validopinions / @stupiddoodle)!

H: How did you discover Robin Hobb, and when/what did you read first?

C: I'm always complaining about the lack of queer fantasy in my life, and willing to pick up anything for a guaranteed queer character. And then I needed an audio book, because I was helping my mom move and it is a very long drive. So my introduction to Robin Hobb and the Realm of the Elderlings was literally my mom throwing the first Rain Wilds audio book at me with the only explanation being, "Here. There are gays. And  dragons. You'll like it."

I also have a checklist for queer books - that my mom is VERY familiar with. The list in question is:

1. Are all the gays evil? and

2. Do the gays die tragically?

So I asked my mom, does it follow the checklist??? and her response was, "There are multiple gay characters, and evil gay gets eaten by a dragon." WHICH WAS ENOUGH FOR ME. So my first introduction to Robin Hobb was actually through audio book, but I loved it so much I immediately picked up the eBooks as well and switched back and forth between them.

After I finished Rain Wilds, then she passed me Assassin's Apprentice and said, "I have a new favourite character for you. You are going to LOVE the Fool." and, of course, she was right. Unfortunately I forgot to ask my checklist this time around.

H: Are there other subgenres of fantasy you like and why?

C: I LOVE URBAN FANTASY. I adore both Urban Fantasy and Science Fantasy.

I am deeply sad that Urban Fantasy is saturated with werewolves and vampires when there are so many other incredibly cool mythical creatures in so many cultures that could be explored in a modern urban setting. This is a big reason why I love the audio drama Eyes Like Yours (directed by Lucia Lobosvilla), because we get Rakshasa and other multicultural beasts.

Meanwhile, the camp of Science Fantasy can be equally difficult to find fun books in. Fantasy & Science Fiction very different genres stylistically, and I prefer to find books that take the Fantasy style while still blending together aspects of both and giving me dwarfs with ray guns. I think Artemis Fowl is my favorite series here, but some of that might be the nostalgia of how much I loved reading the books when they were coming out.

And, obviously, there's some bleed over between Urban Fantasy and Science Fantasy sometimes.

H: Name a favourite character from medieval fantasy; why them?

C: Beloved. Absolutely Beloved.

I don't believe I've ever seen a more believably and beautifully written character who is nonbinary before. And the thing is, Beloved isn't a Trans Character (tm), whose entire story arc revolves around how trans they are. No, they're a beautiful, heartbreaking, sarcastic, funny, determined character of their own with their own motivations and desires and story arcs. They're pivotal in the story, and their nonbinary identity isn't the reason. But it's also not tacked on, it's a very real part of their character that the narrative doesn't let you forget or handwave away. "The Fool is a very private person," indeed.

Beloved is such a complicated and multifaceted character, every time I read about them I realize how much more there is to them then one first assumes. I love them. I love their story. I can't wait to read more, and I will cry like a baby when their story finally comes to a close. Whether it's a happy or sad ending, it will be the end.

H: Sword or Sorcery?

C: Sorcery all the way! I love magic, I love how every single magic system is different. I love to see the different ways that authors and creators theorize the movement of energy through the world, how that can be tapped, and the inherit limitations therein. Surprisingly, the Myth series by Robert Asprin (which is almost entirely a series of puns and jokes) has one of my favourite magic systems, that allows for a lot of flexibility in dramatic writing for plot purposes but is still internally consistant and interesting, and has become my default when I think of 'magic'.