book query

Which is the best book to enter the Heralds of Valdemar by?  I just started reading Foundation (and I already adore Mags, so please tell me if he comes to a bad end, so I can stop) and I feel like I'm missing something.

TV show query

Is the show Castle any good?  I'm watching Monday's episode and so far it seems intriguing.

drabbles: original and Sherlock

Title: let it burn
Fandom: originalish
Warnings: apocalyptic
Notes: semi-inspired by X-Men First Class fanfiction 
 
( burn it down )

Title: our better part remains
Fandom: Sherlock (BBC)
Disclaimer: not my characters; title from Milton
Warnings: character death; implied torture
Pairings: implied John/Sherlock
Rating: PG
Wordcount: 195
Point of view: third
Prompt: The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him. -Numbers 35:19


( Sherlock dies alone. )

writing query

What is this thing where everyone is 'the male' or 'other male' or 'shorter male' or whatever?  Why can't writers just use the word 'man' or 'boy' or 'kid' or whatever?  It throws me out of the story every time because it sounds so wrong.  And I don't think I've seen someone using 'female' in the same way.