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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller

@chainborne.bsky.social
206 followers 514 following 834 posts

Bookseller (British, bearded, bespectacled, bald). Fantasy-fan. Sci-Fi guy. Word-nerd. He/Him. On a mission to read all the middle-grade science fiction books.

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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
One advantage to audiobooks is that you learn the pronunciation of words you've only ever seen written down. Today, thanks to @travisbaldree.bsky.social and @silverliningsrr.bsky.social I learned how to pronounce "geis", which is *not* what I thought - I'm quite proud to have even recognised it!
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Beer: The cause of, and solution to, Human Civilization.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Kudos to whoever translated this line of dialogue...
A screenshot from the anime series "My Gift Lvl 9999 Unlimited Gacha: Backstabbed in a Backwater Dungeon, I'm Out for Revenge" Season One, Episode Nine: "Kick Off".

A tight shot of three characters conversing against a backdrop of trees and blue sky; a young human woman with tan skin and white hair dressed in fantasy rogue's gear, a very tall warrior in gleaming golden full-plate armour and helmet, and a young dark-haired boy in mage robes with his back to us.

In subtitles, the giant warrior in gold is saying "Blimey, what an absolute insufferable bellend."
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
So I've been dipping my toe into various LitRPG audiobook series recently, and I've just devoted two whole hours to The Wandering Inn, aaaand ...does it get better at any point? Somehow the MC has spent 3 nights in an abandoned inn without actually managing to sleep in one of the beds.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
This is part of the "canary in the coalmine" metaphor that I didn't know - when the canary collapses you don't just go "Oop! Better save ourselves!", you also *bring out the canary*. This feels like something Terry Pratchett could've made a great point out of.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
I see the new "Meta Luna" smart-glasses don't have a camera, but do they include an Interocitor? Or do you have to build it yourself? (This is an extremely niche tweet)
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
If kids today aren't seeing broadcast advertising jingles, and are skipping the opening title songs of their shows, where are their lifelong earworms going to come from? (Thought comes after singing "Nescafé, Nescafé, a better way to start the day!" to myself while making a cup of coffee)
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I don't have a great deal of experience with the format, but I'm beginning to think that the difference between a bad audiobook and a good audiobook has less to do with the quality of the writing and more to do with the talent of the narrator.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
I've been making this comparison (mostly to myself) The notion of a capricious and hugely unfair universe in which individual lives are crushingly insignificant feels very Adamsian. The difference being that in DCC its a socio-economic construct rather than natural law and Carl is very mad about it.
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Reposted by Brian C. Veteran Bookseller
Elle Cordova @ellecordova.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
I am the very model of a modern day typographer A font take on the tune “Modern Major General” by Gilbert & Sullivan #typography #fonts #graphicdesign
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
It really seems like most officially licensed screen-print T-shirts are just garbage quality these days; tacky to the touch and start to disintegrate in a matter of weeks. I've got T-shirts from decades ago that look better than some recent purchases. Is there a way to fix or treat them at home?
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Complete this sentence. I own a ridiculous amount of: Books Star Wars Lego Fantasy B-Movies Ahsoka Tano Funko Pops DC-Animated blu-rays
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
I started to comment on this thread and it turns out I have a LOT of thoughts about Dungeon Crawler Carl - a series I'm really enjoying fwiw - so I thought I'd better make my own thread instead. 👇
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
I try to avoid scrolling Instagram, but this little chap is the highlight of the whole app. His name is Acer and he's a whiz at numbers! 10/10 parenting by his dad also. It was hard to choose a clip to share, but then he showed up as a member of the 501st... www.instagram.com/reel/DbWLnza...
instagram.com
Instagram
Create an account or log in to Instagram - Share what you're into with the people who get you.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Huh, interesting. I never bothered verifying my age on XBox Live because I'm not interested in using its "Social Features", so I just ignored all the reminders. And I've just had a notification to say "Due to longstanding account activity, we accept that you're an adult, there's no need to verify" 🤷‍♂️
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Reposted by Brian C. Veteran Bookseller
Movies Silently @moviessilently.bsky.social · 31/07/2024
"I Noticed That You Mentioned Silent Films So I Wanted to Come Over and Explain a Film I am Sure You Have Never Seen Called METROPOLIS" by Berthold Woltze
Man annoying woman on train
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
I was really puzzled as to why this article was accompanied by a photo of a young lady in a tartan micro-miniskirt and black top, bending over to adjust her thigh-high rainbow stockings...
A screenshot of a Google News headline from the Guardian which reads "Raleigh bike brand faces chop after owner begins insolvency proceedings".

On closer examination, the accompanying photo is a closeup of someone riding a Raleigh Chopper, wearing dark denim knee shorts with tartan cuffs, and rainbow kneesocks. Their leg is bent mid-pedal, exposing their knee.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
My bank emailed to ask - based on my recent use of their in-branch cash machine - how likely I am, on a scale of 0-10, to recommend them to a friend or colleague. And then sent a *follow-up reminder* when I didn't respond. It's zero, ok? No-one regales their friends with tales of great ATM visits!
static.klipy.com
Jackie Chan Holding Head
Alt: The Jackie Chan "WTF" meme. He's holding his hands to his head with an expression of incredulous confusion on his face.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Perception of value is an interesting thing. I have scores of movies on blu-ray that I'm in no great rush to upgrade to 4K UHD, but this was an insta-buy at full price as soon as I saw it..
A photo of my hand, holding up a chippy of the UK 4K UHD release of Baz Luhrman's 1992 directorial debut "Strictly Ballroom".

The case features a metallised reflective slipcase with a montage of characters from the movie, and a ribbon in the top left corner with lettering that reads "A live lived in fear is a life half lived".
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Reposted by Brian C. Veteran Bookseller
Keith W. Dickinson @keithwdickinson.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
On a slight tangent, I noticed in the Loki TV series there are as many alligator Lokis as there are female Lokis.
static.klipy.com
Alligator Loki with Horns
Alt: Alligator Loki with Horns
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Halfway through Dungeon Crawler Carl book 6, The Eye of The Bedlam Bride, and the series has delivered its first proper emotional gut-punch. Goddamn that Beatrice...
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
I think I might be suffering from astigmatism, because I don't have holes in my hands and feet.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Klepto Dismal
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Man accepts a sword from a woman in a pond. Much later, his son tells an assistant to give it back.
A square image containing text which reads "Describe your favourite movie as boring as possible" (terrible grammar, but that's how it's written). The background is formed out of a montage of dozens of movie posters.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Sometimes I find myself stricken with pangs over the demise of Flash animation and seamlessly looping web video, in the same way that others still mourn the destruction of the Library of Alexandria. I miss you, Magical Trevor. One playthrough is not enough. 😔
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
You deleted before I could reply, @elicia.bsky.social (don't worry - I'm used to it 😊), but I just wanted to say; good plan! 👍
A photo of my hand holding up my UK blu-ray copy of "Night of the Comet" from 88Films. In the background is a blurry snapshot of part of my blu-ray collection, mounted on wall shelves.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
I picked a bad time to try raising rabbits on my family farm in the French countryside.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Lying awake at 4am listening to water dripping through my kitchen ceiling (I live in a basement flat).
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Such a great feeling after a reading slump when you feel the need to slow down and take a book break because you're reading a series too fast, and there's only 8 published volumes and your about to start Book 4, so you decide to switch to something else to prolong the enjoyment. 😊
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Talking with my young colleagues about the generational indicator of where you know Anthony Head from. For the youngest it's Merlin For those slightly older it's Buffy For folks like me it's the Gold Blend coffee adverts. ☕ RIP.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
My mum's PC is in the hands of a local "collect & return" repair service who only take payment by bank transfer, and everything about it is screaming "SCAM!" at me. But it's too late now - I'm committed, so I figure "In for a penny, in for a pound". Payment sent. 🙏 🤞😔🤞 Gotta have a little faith.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
After listening to two Dungeon Crawler Carl audiobooks, I've started saying "Gawd Demmit Donut!" to myself over every minor inconvenience.
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Reposted by Brian C. Veteran Bookseller
Kat Tenbarge @kattenbarge.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Birth rate discourse is like “It turns out if you give women more choices, they’re less likely to make ones that make their lives harder.” Which is really helpful in figuring out how we can improve society somewhat. But instead people are like wow giving women more choices was a mistake
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Never imagined we'd get an adaptation of Eric Morecambe's The Reluctant Vampire in 2026! 😮 I wonder if the books will get a reprint? www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/...
A photo of my hand holding up two paperback children's books against a plain white wall. The books are "The Reluctant Vampire" and "The Vampire's Revenge" by comedy legend Eric Morecambe.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
I'm delighted to discover this, but I feel like showing it to young fans of the online musical "EPIC" would be an act of violence. 😄
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Reposted by Brian C. Veteran Bookseller
Street Art Utopia @streetartutopia.com · 14/05/2026
One of the most terrifying images in history: Gaza transformed from life into death. Gaza in 2023 and 2026 💔
Before-and-after aerial comparison of Gaza showing the same urban area in 2023 and 2026. The top image shows a dense coastal city with apartment blocks, roads, a mosque-like building, cars, and a strip of beach under a blue sky. The bottom image shows the area in gray ruins, with collapsed buildings, rubble-filled streets, destroyed infrastructure, and the damaged remains of the same landmark building. The image presents Gaza transformed from a living city into a devastated landscape. UNOSAT and UNESCO have documented widespread damage to buildings and cultural sites in Gaza since October 2023.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Happy to say that Labour's skittles fell to the Green Party in my ward at least.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
I don't understand how "Reform" are stil a political force in a post-Brexit world. Like, we went with your thesis, and it's turned out completely shit. And now the offer is what, to double-down?
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Got to the train station nice and early today, to find armed police and sniffer dogs in attendance, and my train is cancelled so I have an extra 15 minutes to wait amid the heightened security. Insert This Is Fine meme.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
A replica of the classic "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" cartoon logo, but the text reads "Herman and the Munsters of 1313 Mockingbird Lane".
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
I'm a bit tired of collecting movies, buying what I think is the definitive edition, only for some other boutique label to release a new transfer with "better colour grading" and "improved black levels" a few years later. 🫤 Truly ignorance is bliss, and comparison the thief of joy.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
This afternoon a bluebottle was crawling across the desk at work, so I slowly crouched down and picked an elastic band from the box, drew back, and sniped it dead at point-blank range. A new peak life moment.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
I had to click on this article to find out if he deciphered it or irreparably damaged it.
A crop of a Google News headline from "France 24" which rather ambiguously reads "French researcher cracks 4,000-year-old Elamite script from Iran", underneath a photo of a small rectangular clay tablet held in a pair of white-gloved hands.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Seems like a lot of modern anime series have a really solid first season with great world building and good character arcs, and then completely flush it all down the toilet in season 2. 🫤 Contradicting established lore, resetting character development, etc. Feels like "New Writing Team Syndrome".
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
I'm listening to my first ever audiobook, Dungeon Crawler Carl, and enjoying the experience. But thanks to the American narrator, I'm about halfway through and have only just realised that what I thought was a "Burrow Boss" is actually a "Borough Boss". Text still has its advantages!
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Without stating your age, post your favourite film released the year you turned 18. (There were unarguably better films released that year, but that's not what favourites are for)
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Customer picked up a reservation today for "How to make a billion in nine steps". I asked if he wanted a carrier bag. C: "Is it free?" Me: "No it's 25p" C: "Oh, no thanks then." ...So I'm guessing that's step one covered.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
I *really* want this year's Lego Star Wars Gift-With-Purchase, but I don't actually want any of this years Star Wars Lego sets. 😭
A photo of the 2026 star Wars Lego gift with purchase, a free Lego set given when you spend a set amount on Star Wars Lego at an official Lego store during the "May the fourth" promo.

It is a model of the Darksaber hilt on a display stand, the image is of the boxed item, set number 40917, with 278 pieces.A close-up of the Lego Darksaber hilt 2026 gift with purchase, out of its box.
It is black and shiny.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
For my birthday I have ordered myself a leather belt that is more expensive than any of my trousers.
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Brian C. Veteran Bookseller @chainborne.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Living for the fact that the chap in this news story has the same name as Garibaldi's boxer friend in the infamous Babylon 5 episode "TKO". 😁 www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
Iceland chain offers job to man sacked by Waitrose after confronting shoplifter
Iceland’s chair Richard Walker says Walker Smith is ‘welcome to a job with us’ as public fundraiser hits £7,500
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