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Renegade Rip, issue 4, March 26, 2025

The fourth issue of the spring 2025 semester of the Renegade Rip, Bakersfield College's award-winning student news publication.

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The Renegade Rip

Vol. 103 No. 4 Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Bakersfield College

BCSGA elections

coming soon

News, Page 2

Bakersfield College

eXtended reality

Campus, Page 5

Opinion, Page 7

Playboi Carti’s new

“album” “Noises Off” full of

fabulous chaos

Opinion, Page 7

XITLALIC MILLAN/ THE RIP

Houchin Blood Bank holds blood drive on campus

March 13.

ALYSSA RAMIREZ / THE RIP

Brylee Bramhall (11) making contact to send the ball left

center.

RALPH MELENDREZ/ THE RIP

Alexia Martinez (13) pitches a strike into the zone vs.

Antelope Valley College on March 20.

The Renegade Rip @bc_rip Follow us online at www.therip.com


Page 2

News

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Bleed to give back

By Xitlalic Millan

Reporter

Bakersfield College (BC) held a

Houchin blood drive near the math/

science (MS) building on Thursday,

March 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Houchin blood drive welcomed

stude nts and locals looking to donate

blood to help the community. Houchin

was providing a box of Girl Scout cookies

and a Raising Cane’s 22 oz lemonade

voucher after a successful donation.

Their blood donation goal for Thursday

was a total of 45 units.

Madeline Fountain, a student at BC,

donated during the blood drive. Fountain

stated it was her 5th time donating

full blood. She started donating blood

in high school and she continued to donate

as she believes it’s a good thing to

do. By donating blood Fountain feels as

if she’s giving back to the community

and helping patients. She also mentioned

that Houchin is generous with

the rewards given after donating.

Leslie Campos, a CRC, had recently

started working for Houchin. Campos

originally was planning on entering

XITLALIC MILLAN/ THE RIP

Both Houchin buses in the huddle where students

and locals donated blood.

the finance field but an opportunity at

Houchin opened and she decided to

take up the job. Campos stated that

she chose to work for Houchin because

they educate students on blood donations

and the importance of it. Campos

herself has donated blood at least 3

times. Campos mentioned her reasoning

and why she encourages others to

donate was because it’s helping others

beyond yourself. Mothers and babies

often need transfusions, so by donating

she feels as if it’s helping them out.

David Nieto, a mobile supervisor for

Houchin, has donated blood around

18 to 19 times since 2010. Nieto mentioned

his grandma had cancer and seeing

her getting transfusions showed him

how important it is to donate blood.

Nieto saw her looking really pale then

looking healthier after her transfusions

really made him appreciate donors. He

stated doctors can’t replace blood and

it makes a world of a difference for patients.

Around 1:30 p.m. Campos mentioned

that they had around 24 units of blood.

Campos connected the reason for lack

of donation to the lack of promotions,

later Nieto agreed with Campos. Nieto

mentioned the usage of social media to

help promote. Apps like Instagram and

TikTok could help BC and Houchin

target college students to inform them

of upcoming blood drives. It can also

help teach students the importance of

blood donations.

Houchin has locations on Oswell,

Bolthouse and Truxtun open for anyone

looking to donate blood and help

their community.

A deeper look into BCSGA

By Adriana Valdez

Reporter

Nicole Alvarez, Program Director

for the Office of Student Life and Bakersfield

College Student Government

Association (BCSGA) Advisor, hosted

both in-person and virtual Election Information

Sessions throughout March.

These sessions are aimed to instruct

potential student government candidates

on the rules and regulations of

the campaign process and answer any

questions. All candidates are required

to attend at least one of the designated

meetings. “BCSGA is the voice of the

student body,” Alvarez emphasized, “so

the more people who join and are involved,

the greater our impact.”

Isabel Saldivar, Director of Student

Organizations, shared insights on her

role and experience. “I serve as the liaison

between student organizations

and BCSGA, ensuring their voices

are heard and their needs are met,”

Saldivar explained. “This position allows

me to gain a wider student perspective

and a better understanding of

what the student body needs.”

Cindy Ceja Miranda, BCSGA President,

strongly encouraged students to

participate in BCSGA, stating, “We not

only learn more about our school but

also come to appreciate the leadership

and collaboration that make our community

college a thriving, supportive

place.” Saldivar added, “I am incredibly

grateful for my time in BCSGA—

the lessons I’ve learned, the skills I’ve

developed, the opportunities I’ve had,

and the connections I’ve built have all

been invaluable.”

Important election details were also

covered. The filing deadline is March

24 by 12 p.m., with the general election

running from April 7 at 8 a.m. to

April 10 at 4 p.m. For those filing for

elections, the form should not take longer

than 30 minutes to fill, according to

Alvarez.

“All voting will be done online

through InsideBC, but there will be at

least one physical polling location on

campus, and that will be in the Office

of Student Life,” Alvarez explained.

Executive meetings are every first and

third Wednesday of each month, while

Senate meetings are every second and

fourth Wednesday of each month, both

in the Office of Student Life at 4 p.m.,

where students can attend for more information.

For additional information contact

studentlife@bakersfieldcollege.edu.


Page 3

News

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Paging all the pending heroes

By Jabari Bryant

Reporter

Interested in becoming a firefighter,

police officer, or EMT? On March 14,

Bakersfield College hosted a public

safety open house at the Weill Institute,

located in downtown Bakersfield,

for students who are trying to pursue

careers as first responders. Bakersfield

Fire Department, Kern County Fire

Department, Cal Fire, Hall Ambulance,

and Kern County Public Health

were all present with helpful information

for future workers who have questions

or need a stepping stool to get

started on their journey.

Kern County Fire Engineer, Jeremy

Ruiz, explains the hiring process for

people who are interested in becoming

a firefighter. “Our applications are

open to anybody that is 18 years old,

has a GED, and a driver’s license. It

is accessible to anybody who wants to

come in and we will give you the training

and opportunity you need to be

successful. We also have study guides

provided and practice tests. Hall Ambulance

EMT, Krystal Rorosa, aims to

help people get started on their EMT

careers by laying out steps to achieve

that career. She provided insights on

what being in the field is like.

“The basic requirements to become

an EMT is to either go through the

Hall EMT academy because you need

the certificate to become an EMT in

general which requires a 6-8 week

training in the class and 6 week training

in the ambulance,” said Rorosa.

You can also go through BC that has

3 different courses. No matter which

route you take, it is still required to

pass the NREMT (National Registry

for Emergency Medical Technicians)

exam in order to be an EMT.

With the help of Ruiz and Rorosa,

people who had dreams and aspirations

of being in these positions now

have the resources to put their plans to

action and start the process for what

their future holds.

JABARI BRYANT/THE RIP

Jeremy Ruiz and Kristan Alexander

providing information on how to join

the fire department.

Latinas breaking barriers

By Stephanie Perez

Reporter

In celebration of Women’s History

Month, Bakersfield College and the

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

hosted a panel featuring accomplished

Latina professionals from various industries.

The event showcased their

inspiring journeys, emphasizing perseverance,

self-confidence, and the

importance of community support in

achieving success.

Dr. Menna earned a doctorate in

Clinical Forensic Psychology and spent

a decade working in mental health.

Today, she serves Kern Behavioral

Health and Recovery Services while

running her private practice. “My

work is about transformation,” she

says, “helping others heal and thrive is

my greatest passion.”

Denise Ornelas, initially pursued

beauty school but later realized her

calling in education and advocacy.

At 32, she returned to college. Now

working for Anthem Blue Cross, she

is dedicated to connecting people with

essential healthcare services and resources.

“I started over later in life, and

I don’t regret a single step,” she said.

“Every journey is unique, and perseverance

pays off.”

Jacqueline Aguilar, faced firsthand

challenges of being a first-generation

college student. Her passion for civic

engagement grew during her internships

with elected officials, leading her

to a career in government relations

and public affairs. She admitted “For

so long, I felt like an outsider, but I

learned that every room I step into, I

belong there.”

Gabriella Gonzales grew up watching

her mother struggle to access resources,

which fueled her desire to help

others. She ensures communities receive

necessary support and resources.

She said, “I wanted to be the resource

my mother never had that purpose

keeps me going.”

Breaking barriers challenges each

panelist shared insights into the obstacles

they faced in male dominated

industries and how they overcame cultural

and societal barriers.

The panelists provided powerful advice

for students and young professionals

looking to carve their own paths.”

Dr. Menna encouraged taking risks,

explaining, “Success comes from stepping

outside your comfort zone. Don’t

be afraid to take bold steps.”

Latina success is about creating opportunities

for others. It’s not just about

personal success. It’s about building a

path for those who follow. These stories

of ambition serve as a testament

to the

power of self-belief and community.

As these Latina leaders continue to

break barriers, they pave the way for

future generations to dream bigger

and achieve more.


Page 4

Sportss

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

BC soars over the Eagles

By Alyssa Ramirez

Reporter

BC Softball won 12-2 against LA Mission College on

March 12 with a bam. A game of wind and a win.

Pitching for BC was Serenity Angulo (3), and she was getting

LA to swing. Lead off 9 for LA Mission was at third while

23 hit a ground ball to shortstop Sadie Salas (1). She watched

9 try to run back to third, throwing it to third baseman Alexia

Martinez (13) tagging out 9 and stopping LA from scoring.

BC got on the board first with Aliya Perez (4) scoring on a

pass ball. Bases loaded for Elizabeth Alderete (16) when she

got hit by a pitch, walking in a run.

BC leaded 2-0 entering the second inning. LA got into a

similar situation, bases loaded for 12, she got a single along

with a Run Batted In (RBI). 9 wanted in the action too, she

got a single to center field bringing in another run. Tied 2-2

ending this inning.

BC defense stopped LA from a chance of getting hits. As

the clouds moved, the sun shined down on the field giving

the team light. Angulo hit a home run to left field. Two outs,

bases loaded for Isabella Harrison (0) she reached base on

LA’s fielding error allowing Andrea Barajas (8) to score now

4-2.

BC retired the sides for LA, now entering the bottom of

the fourth. This was BC inning. Perez tagged up to score on

Brylee Bramhall (11) fly out. Angulo repeated the same approach

on her last at bat, hitting another solo home run towards

left center, making the score 6-2. Martinez waited for

Alderete to hit a single to score earning herself an RBI. Barajas

and Alderete were on base and that motivated Cambria

Scott (18) to go long, hitting a 3-run home run to left center.

Scott said her offensive mindset was “If [pitchers] are

throwing in, I won’t go for it, but today I had to make adjustments,

I swung at anything I could get ahold of.” In this case,

it was a home run. The score was now 10-2 but BC did not

show signs of stopping yet. Harrison and Perez also scored

with help from Bramhall’s single and a walk from Angulo.

Entering the fifth inning, score was now 12-2. This became

BC’s tenth win for the season. Softball’s next home games are

Saturday March 29th double header at 4pm and 6pm.

BC slayed the Marauders

By Alyssa Ramirez

Reporter

BC softball won against Antelope Valleys Marauders 9-2

on March 20. Antelope was trying to think fast, but BC’s defense

was faster, with Alexia Martinez (13) as the pitcher. The

Lady Gades did what they do best,

scoring early. Sadie Salas (1), Aliya

Perez (4), and Brylee Bramhall

waited on all bases for their teammates

to bring them in. Serenity

Angulo (3) hit a sacrifice fly, so

Bramhall (11) tagged and scored.

Andrea Barajas (8) knew a double

would get runs, earning two runs

batted in (RBI). The score was 3-0

finishing the first inning.

Martinez was getting Antelope

to swing and fly out one after another,

not allowing them to score

for another inning. BC continued

from the inning before, Angulo,

a real team player, got two more

RBIs with a single, allowing Perez and Isabella Harrison (0)

to score. Cambria Scott (18), put the ball into play to bring in

Bramhall and Angulo. The bottom of the second ended with

a new score of 7-0.

AVC put up two runs in the top of the third inning making

the score 7-2. BC immediately took one run back as Martinez

hit a solo home run to center field; jumping towards the

plate where her teammates waited to celebrate.

Going into the fourth inning, the score stayed 8-2 as BC

shut down Antelope with a quick turnaround. Martinez had

quick reflexes getting a comebacker, earning the second out.

Antelope wanted BC to know the

feeling too as Scott hit a comebacker

to Antelope’s pitcher 5.

BC’s defense wasn’t letting anyone

get on base, a ground out to

pitcher Martinez, a fly out, and a

strikeout looking. Ending the 5th

inning still 8-2. Martinez caught

the ball throwing it to second,

Salas threw it to first, earning a

double play and getting out the

top inning. With the adrenaline

RALPH MELENDREZ/ THE RIP pumping, Perez and Bramhall got

Sadie Salas (1) slides into home plate as AVC singles. Perez scored on a throwing

fails to tag up on a sac-fly.

error trying to get Bramhall out

at second, closing the sixth inning

9-2.

BC, just three outs away to claim a victory, a strikeout

swinging by (10). AVC’s (12) got hit by pitch. BC closed the

game on AVC with a line drive catch and a ground out to the

pitcher. The final score was 9-2, earning BC’s fourth win in

conference.


Page 5

Campus

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

BC eXtended space reality

By Diego Zaragoza

Reporter

Located in room 153 in the Science

& Engineering building was faculty

member Josephs Morris showcasing

the Bakersfield College eXtended

Reality (BCXR Space) which is an

extended reality makerspace for BC

students, faculty, and staff with all

majors welcome. Morris said, “the

BCXR Space was created to share

innovated and advanced technology

and to expose what’s possible and

what’s available.”

The makerspace included several

different machineries including a Laser

Cutter, CNC Machine, and even

VR headsets for game development.

The facility is used for several different

projects including architecture and game development as

well as printing out projects, no prior experience is needed

for this makerspace. The facility has everything you need to

create a collaborative and hands-on projects.

The facility also offers electronic workbenches that can run

high-end computer software.

Morris also goes on to tell, “the

types of projects students typically

work on is architecture and using

3D print models, show them how

to create and make it into a physical

object.” The makerspace is also

used to hold workshops for students.

In addition to this creative and

unique experience, the facility offers

workshops which are led by industry

experts and fellow students.

The facility also hosts community

events such as maker fairs, pitch

DIEGO ZARAGOZA/ THE RIP

Class Computers available for students located in the

Science & Engineering building for the makerspace

BCXR eXtended Reality.

nights, and open-make nights to

connect will fellow makers.

To learn and get more information

go to the BC website and type

in Extended Reality Makerspace

(BCXR Space), or contact Josephs Morris by email josephs.

morris@bakersfieldcollege.edu. You can also visit him in

person inside room 153 SE.

BC students getting healthy

with food smarts

By Isabel Farias

Reporter

In a world where fast-food is at every corner, making for

easier access, making smart choices about what we eat has

never been more important. That is why The Healthy Food

Smarts decided to partner with CAPK CalFresh Healthy

Living Team, to teach about healthier lifestyles. The food

Smart Series will be at the Levan Center every Thursday

from March 20th-April 10th from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. All participants

will receive lunch and learning as well as 200 dollars

in groceries for attending all four sessions.

Ashley Mcallister, a Community Health Specialist stated

the program’s objectives are to help participants identify

three personal health benefits of eating healthy. Understanding

food groups, comparing the food you eat now to the recommendations

of MyPlate recommendations and to be able

to make meals that meet those requirements.

Eating the proper amounts of fruits and vegetables provides

you with better sleep, energy, heart health, decreases

your risk of getting colon cancer, and provides better dental

health and many more benefits, Mcallister said, “one thing

that I like to stick out a lot is better dental health too, so a lot

of people don’t think about dental health, eating the proper

amount of fruits, veggies, proteins, actually promotes better

dental health, everything starts at your mouth, right, everything

that your inputting, so that’s also a huge benefit.”

When asked about dietary restrictions and how to better

maintain your health, Mcallister responded “So I am not a

doctor. That’s first and foremost. So, I can’t tell you what

your dietary restrictions are. So, I can’t tell you what to eat

and what not to eat. So, if you’re wanting specific answers

about your specific diet and your dietary restrictions, you’re

going to have to speak with your provider.”

Although Mcallister can’t assist people with dietary restrictions

she stated that on, “CalFresh.org, you can also go ahead

and check out. They have some for I believe it’s high cholesterol.

I believe that you said gluten free so there’s a few

recipes for some dietary restrictions that you can check out.”

Don’t miss out on the fun of healthy learning and join the

Food smarts Series on their next meeting on March 27th at

12:30pm. The session will include a fun water demo where

you will make your own water.


Campus

Page 6

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

BC offers fresh produce to

Kern County community

By Cleo Wells

Reporter

The Renegade Nexus Pantry Farmers Market took place

Tuesday, March 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. near the outdoor

theater on Bakersfield College (BC) main campus. The assortments

of fresh produce, frozen meats, premade snacks

and more were not only available for students at BC, but

also Kern County community members as well. The only requirement

to pick up produce was to bring an item to receive

food such as a reusable bag, a small cart, or even a wagon.

Speaking with the department assistant for basic needs, Rebecca

Newton said, “We get an assortment of food through

the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK). We

also receive snacks from Waste Hunger Not Food, month

to month it varies. CAPK dropped off this morning at 7:45

then we started processing it and we opened up the line to

start moving at 10.”

Newton also said those who work the event were from the

basic needs department, the office of student life, or volunteers,

which could be students or community members.

Speaking with Kern residents who were in line, many expressed

this variety of food helps them in many ways. Gabriele

Sanchez said, “I’m cooking every day for my family. I love

this farmers market this has helped a lot, especially [with]

what’s going on in the economy. It does and I’m grateful. It

helps you save money, say you go to the store, I don’t have to

worry about some stuff because I already have it. It does help

you…This is a blessing.”

Melissa Martinez, someone who had just received their

food explained, “I like to meal prep, I think it helps a lot to

get started. I got cabbage, broccoli, kale, potatoes, tangerines

and oranges. I see I received some guac and I’m really excited.

The kale for smoothies and then broccoli for steamed

veggies too. I’d say it saves you from a grocery trip, especially

for the produce part.”

Newton shared these pantry farmers markets are held on

the third Tuesday of each month with the next one schedule

for Tuesday, April 15 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Don’t forget your

bag.

CLEO WELLS/ THE RIP

The farmers market workers handing out a variety of

food.

First place nationally for two year college Websites at

the Associated Collegiate Press 2020 midwinter conference.

Fifth place newspapers. First place for newspaper

in 2011, third place in 2013, 2014, 2015 for CNPA General

Excellence

Fourth place nationally in 2019 for website publication

by Associated Collegiate Press

The Renegade Rip is produced by Bakersfield College

journalism classes and is circulated on Thursdays

during the fall and spring semesters. The newspaper is

published under the auspices of the Kern Community

College District Board of Trustees, but sole responsibility

for its content rests with student editors. The Rip is

a member of the California Newspaper Publishers Association,

Associated Collegiate Press, and California

Colleges Media Association.

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief.........Kelly Dimas Gonzalez

Digital Editor...........................Reina Garcia

News Editor............................Yahaira Rojas

Features Editor...........................Abigale Paz

Sports Editor.............................Esme Garcia

Photo Editor.....................Ralph Melendrez

A& E Editor............................Tiffiny Wright

Reporters/photographers:

Jabari Bryant

Sam Cooley

The Renegade Rip

STAFF

STAFF CONTINUED

Isabel Farias

Alexandria Gomez

Shanaria Killebrew

Xitlalic Millan

Stephanie Perez

Alyssa Ramirez

Ruben Trujillo

Samantha Trujillo

Adriana Valdez

Emily Vincent

Cleo Wells

Diego Zaragoza

Adviser.........................................Erin Auerbach

Write The Rip

Letters should not exceed 300 words,

must be accompanied by a signature

and the letter writer’s identity must be

verified.

The Rip reserves the right to edit

letters, however, writers will be given

the opportunity to revise lengthy or

unacceptable submissions.

If an organization submits a letter as a

group, it must be signed by only one person,

either the leader of the organization

or the letter writer. Anonymous letters

will not be published.

How to reach us

-Address: Bakersfield College,

1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield,

CA 93305

-Phone: (661) 395-4324

-Email: ripmail@bakersfieldcollege.edu

-Website: therip.com


Page 7

Opinion

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

“Mickey 17”: A

Clone’s Dilemma

By Alexandria Gomez

Reporter

Released this year, Mickey

17 by Bong Joon-ho’s is a scifi

film that does more than

show some action scenes.

This film stars Robert Pattinson,

best known for his role

in “Twilight,” as Mickey, a

worker on a spaceship who

is cloned every time he dies.

His death goes on to have a

deeper meaning towards his

identity and what it means to

truly be a human.

This film was based on Edward

Ashton’s novel Mickey

7 and introduces the world

from the novel where people

like Mickey, are seen as

replaceable because they are

easy to clone. Mickey gets his

memories transferred back

into his brain every time he

dies, so that he can continue

right where he left off. It

slowly became increasingly

harder for him to accept

the concept of his job as he

keeps “dying” because he

starts to realize that he isn’t

exactly the same person each

time. Questions arise as one

keeps watching and it makes

you wonder whether memories

alone give a person their

personality traits or if there is

more to it.

The visuals the film shows,

brings Mickey’s journey story

to life. The setting in the

alien planet is beautiful with

its white snow but it is also

eerie because of how empty

it seems. Bong is an alien in

the planet who brings more

emotion to the action, which

keeps the movie entertaining

while also giving the audience

time to think more on

Mickeys life.

Pattison is a great actor

who is able to bring out the

films deep meaning of one’s

self-worth. He does this by

making his emotions look

and feel real by showing

how he is struggling with his

own existence. He also has

his cast members around

him, helping him add to the

emotion and the impact to

this movie.

The film Mickey 17 is an

exciting sci-fi film whose

deeper purpose is to make

the audience think more

deeply. It’s a must-watch for

anyone who enjoys watching

intelligent science fiction

films.

GOOLE IMAGES

“Music” or noise?

All Things Music

By Reina Gacia

Digital Editor

Playboi Carti released his

third studio album “Music”

also referred to as “I Am

Music” on March 14.

The album consists of

30 tracks and features from

well-known artists: Kendrick

Lamar, The Weeknd, and

Travis Scott.

Lyrically, the album is a

mess, and it lacks the longing

of wanting to listen to more.

The first song in an album

essentially is supposed to

draw listeners in, but “Music”

does the complete opposite.

One could consider the

album just noise.

However, I would have to

imply this is a “to each his

own” kind of album due to

the fact that many of Carti’s

fans love his music regardless.

The only strong suit Carti

experiments with, is the

range of styles he plays with

in the album. He transforms

from trap to rage with just a

matter of moments.

In Carti’s earlier albums

there was a sense of character

and charisma that “Music”

ultimately doesn’t have.

Perhaps if there were fewer

songs, the listening experience

could have been more

enjoyable. It really just seems

like the same song with different

lyrics for 30 tracks

straight.

Although, the song that

stuck out to me the most was

“Rather Lie” featuring The

Weeknd. That track was one

of the more fun songs and

added the character that was

mentioned earlier. Honestly,

if it weren’t for “Rather lie” I

would have lost interest completely.

Reina Garcia

It is ironic that the album

name is referred to as “I Am

Music” but Carti isn’t doing

much convincing of that

matter with this album. I

could understand if he were

using different elements of

all music, but he subjects

himself to just this one genremaking

the album themeless.

One could say that’s just

the point. Carti’s music maybe

doesn’t need a theme,

because again, he can do no

wrong in his fan’s eyes.

I will say although this album

doesn’t lyrically hit, the

beats do hold a substantial

sound that is considerably

fun to listen to.

If you’re a fan of Carti and

his music, and don’t mind his

experimental work then this

album could be an exciting

one for you. Otherwise, for

those looking for a more

emotional stance, you should

definitely look elsewhere.

GOOGLE IMAGES


Page 8

Opinion

The Renegade Rip www.therip.com

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

A dance with fate

By Sam Cooley

Reporter

Dragons and humans had once

coexisted, fighting a common enemy.

However, one day, the humans

banished the dragons to a dying

world. When one dragon is dragged

back to the human world by a bond

with a human. Will he follow the

prophecy and bring back the dragons

with the death of this human,

or will he test fate and try saving his

human, letting the dragons die with

their world?

L. R. Lam’s “Dragonfall” is a

334-page novel divided into 48

chapters. It was rereleased with a

Barnes and Noble exclusive hardback,

with beautiful, sprayed edges.

The physical version of the book

includes a couple of things that the

eBook doesn’t. It includes some

added information, such as a brief

history of key events in the story. It

also has a Q&A from Lam in the

back.

However, they both share a map

of Loc, the land where most of the

book takes place.

The chapters are split into five

POVs. Two are for the main characters,

Arcady and Everen, and

three are for the minor main characters,

Sorin, Cassia, and Magnes.

Before the chapter title, it has one

of the characters’ names to indicate

whose POV it is.

In the chapters that follow Arcady

and Everen, the writing style is first

person. Whereas the other chapters

are all in the third person.

This makes the novel very interesting.

It makes the first-person

chapters feel like you’re reading

someone’s letters or their diary. The

others make it feel like you’re looking

on from an outside perspective.

The whole book itself is written under

the pretense that it’s a prophecy

from the past.

“Dragonfall” is a fantasy book

with a clear enemies-to-lovers romance

between Arcady and Everen.

Though on top of a fantasy

and romance story it would also

fit into an LGBTQ+ fantasy.

Arcady themselves are genderfluid/nonbinary,

and in the kingdom

of the story, most people are first

identified using they/them pronouns

until the character specifies a

preference.

I would highly recommend this

book to those who are interested in

dragons and magic.

GOOGLE IMAGES

SAM COOLEY/THE RIP

“Dragonfall” special edition

hardback with eReader cover on

top

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p.m

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between FACE & Performing Arts Buildings, 9

a.m. - 4 p.m.

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