#ACOTAR theory crafting

[autumnhares]

I'm just gonna write this out here so I have it somewhere.

If I were writing Elain, who has visions of the future, I'd have her being able to see the big picture and planning to free herself and her sisters. She's quiet and unassuming and that lets her hear and see things others don't.

I don't know if people can change the future if they know what's to come in the ACOTAR world. Like, is she a Cassandra or a Marty McFly? Perhaps the future is mutable. Anyway, I want her power to allow her to see the truth about hers and her sister's positions. They are at the mercy of the Night Court. The moment they arrived there, they were never going to be allowed to leave.

Her sister's powers have been shackled to their mates. The mate bond is, for some men, a way to control their women (I know they use male and female but it annoys me) and use their gifts to their ends.

I want to see them, at least Elain and Nesta, leave the Night Court. And I want everything Elain's done since her comatose state to have been an attempt to find the road out.

[achaotichuman]

Acotar Rant Time

The amount of shit Rhysand says about Tamlin that's just straight up not true is so annoying. The main reasons people hate Spring boy is just because of whatever Rhysand or Morrigan has conjured up to make the Night Court look better.

I'm fairly certain it was Morrigan who went on her little tangent about how Feyre would have been 'bred like a prized mare' at the Spring Court. When Tamlin literally mentioned in passing having a SINGLE son far into the future. At the tithe he told Feyre his son would continue on with the duties of High lord, then added, someday. SOMEDAY he didn't want a kid immediately, and I highly doubt Tamlin even wanted children for the sake of having children, it was a duty he would HAVE to fulfill, it wasn't optional, he needed an heir. I have my theories if Tamlin had a choice he wouldn't ever have children. Especially since it is mentioned oh so many times that he wanted to go off in a travelling act, I doubt he even wanted a relationship. I also find it so, so difficult to believe that Tamlin would have wanted more than one child because he grew up in a household with older siblings. He damn well knows the competition in a place like that. He carries the trauma of it everyday! He would never want to inflict that on his kid!

Then there's Rhysand. He was the one who carried on about how Tamlin should've tried to get Feyre out from Under the Mountain. He did! He sent her back to the human lands to get her away from Amarantha! It was Feyre's choice to go Under the Mountain. She could've stayed in the human lands and lived a rich, lavish life, and she chose to go after Tamlin. Not to mention, Amarantha had been waiting for Tamlin for fifty years, she wasn't about to give him any chance to run. Rhysand actually said to Feyre Under the Mountain that eyes and ears were on Tamlin at all times. If Tamlin tried to get her out from Under the Mountain, he would've failed and signed Feyre's death warrant. Not to mention human Feyre used to be badass as fuck and would've absolutely scoffed at Tamlin if he tried to get her out from the Under the Mountain, she loved him and the Spring Court. She wouldn't have left even if given the chance.

Then there's what Rhysand said about Tamlin locking Feyre up because 'he knew she was gem'. Now, what Tamlin did to Feyre was abusive. He did become abusive during that period of time towards her, none of what I'm about to state disagrees with that. However, if you're going to hate this man, hate him for legitimate reasons. Tamlin never locked her up 'because she was a gem he wanted to hoard'. That's a straight up lie. It is stated many, many times throughout Acomaf and Acowar that Tamlin locked Feyre up because in his mind that was the only way to prevent her from getting into danger. He had an actual concern, and that concern was valid, but he took it way, way, way too far. He never should've locked her in there. I'm glad that Feyre got away from that situation. But he never *wanted* to hurt her. Tamlin has never been a malicious man (cough unlike Rhysand cough) His abuse towards Feyre was terrible and she absolutely was right in getting out. But none of his abuse was ever designed to hurt her. When it comes to narcissists, or self-serving abusers, their abuse is carefully crafted, it is designed to hurt. Tamlin however never intended to hurt her. It wasn't crafted to break her. Tamlin's mental health is completely fucked, and I highly doubt he ever came out of fight or flight mode, if you've ever been stuck in fight or flight mode, you'd know it fucking sucks. Every single little thing becomes a massive threat. And in his fucked mind Tamlin was convinced the actions he was taking were the best course of action to protect her from harm, not to cause it. Obviously, this does not excuse his actions, but it does help to explain them, and knowing what drove you to do things is the first step in being able to take accountability and then work on it.

Not to mention, Tamlin has taken accountability, he knows he's fucked up. He helped bring Rhys back to life, told Feyre to be happy because he knew that couldn't happen if she was with him, then he fucked off back to the Spring Court.

And you know what really drives me up the fucking wall? When Feyre insisted she was stronger now and didn't need protection from the sentries and Tamlin responded with "my family were fae and they were killed quite easily." Like that is a valid fucking point! They were killed very easily! Tamlin would be extremely traumatized from that! He probably blames himself for not protecting his mother! The death of his family is most likely one of the core reasons for his extreme paranoia! Am I saying he was justified in his actions in protecting Feyre? No! What I am saying is that you cannot hate him because of his intentions! Hate him for his actions, fine! But never once throughout this entire goddamned series did he intentionally want to hurt Feyre!

Anyway, this post is quite long, sorry for that. In summary, hate Tamlin all you want, but at the very least hate him for the things he actually did. I'm probably missing a ton of other things Rhysand's straight up made up about Tamlin, but these are the main things I've found people hate him for. Tell me if I've missed anything.

[acourtofthought]

"When knife and sword are reunited, so shall our people be."

(listen, I'm about to get crazy here so please take this theory with a grain of salt. This is probably more wishful thinking than me believing I have it right)

The above is the Crescent City prophecy right? And Aidas tells them the sword belongs to Theia's female line.

But the thing is, that sword never really belonged to Theia in the first place, it rightfully belonged to Fionn, the first and only High King of Prythian.

"that one of the Fae heroes who rose up to overthrow them was Fionn, who was given the great sword Gwydion by the High Priestess Oleanna, who had dipped it into the Cauldron itself. Fionn and Gwydion overthrew the Daglan. A millennium of peace followed, and the lands were divided into rough territories that were the precursors to the courts"

“The last one Made, the great blade Gwydion, vanished around the time the last of the Trove went missing.”

"This sword isn’t Gwydion,” Cassian said, well aware of the myths regarding the sword. It had belonged to a true Fae High King in Prythian, as there had been in Hybern."

Amren lived in Prythian prior to Fionn and Gwydion arising in history and she only went to the Prison once the Daglan were defeated. Therefore she is as accurate of a source of Gwydions origins as we're going to get.

Theia most likely stole the sword from Fionn:

“Fionn was betrayed by his queen, who had been leader of her own territory, and by his dearest friend, who was his general. They killed him, taking some of his bloodline’s most powerful and precious weapons,

then ended up in Midgard through the tear in their worlds.

I am not of the belief that the people of Midgard will end up on Prythian, I think the Merpeople, otters, shifters, angels wolves, etc are happy in their modern society and plan on fighting for their world rather than ending up on another planet where they don't even speak the language and where they wouldn't even have homes to live in considering nothing but the Prison exists on "the lost Dusk Court" (which was never actually a court). I don't think those on Midgard feel they need to reconnect with "their people" considering those in ACOTAR are really just strangers they may have shared a common ancestor with 15,000 years ago. They're not "their people" but the people on Midgard are.

On Midgard, their biggest threat is the Asteri and those who work for them but to me, they're not really a land divided, they're a land being suppressed by a dictatorship.

However, we do have another series where the land is divided, where the people are at odds with one another:

“Do you think we stand a chance?” I asked, motioning to the human figures still walking, far away, back toward the camp. “Of peace between all of us?”

There was still much work to be done, trust to build, but the matter of crafting a new wall … It remained to be seen whether we could agree on that. Many of us were against it. Many of the humans, rightfully so, were wary. There were still other Fae territories to contend with—those who had found Hybern’s promises appealing. Seductive. The High Lords quarreled the most about the possibility of a new wall. And with every word of it, just as Helion said, that temporary allegiance frayed and snapped. Court lines were redrawn.

"We need the humans in other territories to trust us, if we can ever hope to achieve lasting peace.”

“Why does your father want to start a war so badly?” “Why does anyone go to war?” Eris reached out a long, slender hand, letting the falling petals gather there. “Why does Vallahan not sign the treaty? The borders of this new world have not yet been set.”

“Beron knows another war that pits Fae against Fae would be catastrophic. Many of us would be wiped out entirely. Especially …

It doesn't seem to matter how many came together to defeat Hybern, the humans, the fae in the continent, and the courts of Prythian are all at odds with one another after the war. Rhys knows the humans don't completely trust them and they're struggling to get Vallahan to sign the leave treaty.

The people of their world are not united.

“And I won’t?” Rhys demanded, standing. “I will not be High King. I will not consider it, not today and not in a century.”

“Very well then, Rhysand.” Amren also turned from the desk and the blades Rhys’s magic now sheathed and set upon the surface. “But know that the Cauldron’s benevolence will be extended to you only for so long before it is offered to another.”

I don't think Rhys will ever be High King though Cassian can't imagine anyone being a "fairer ruler than Rhys" but it does seem like SJM is hinting that someone might be.

I love Rhys but other courts and those in the human lands and continent don't trust him (understandable given that he spent centuries letting them believe he should be feared).

So who would be a fair ruler?

“I claimed Lucien as my own—named him emissary, since he’d already made many friends across the courts and had always been good at talking to people,

so he spent his youth doing everything a High Lord’s son probably shouldn’t: wandering the courts, making friends with the sons of other High Lords”—

Lucien shifted in his seat. “Not to be the bearer of truly bad tidings, but my contact at the Winter Court managed to get a letter to me.”

Thoughts slammed into me, images and memories, a pattern of thinking and feeling that was old, and clever, and sad, so endlessly sad"

"Things were bad, Feyre. I went in his stead, and I did my duty to the court."

His mother’s family is strong—that was why Beron wanted a bride from their line. The gift could be hers.

Other than the fact that Lucien might be Helion’s sole heir.

Lucien had remained behind to help with any of the human wounded still needing Fae healing, but had promised to come here when he finished

“Send Lucien, then. As our human emissary.”

Lucien had encountered him, I realized. Somehow, in living with Jurian and Vassa at that manor, he’d run into Elain’s former betrothed. And managed to leave the human lord breathing.

“He’s spent months helping them sort out the politics of who rules Prythian’s slice of the human lands,”

The male had grown up alongside Eris. Had dealt with Eris’s and Beron’s cruelty. Had his lover slaughtered by his own father. But Lucien had learned to keep his cool.

“Easy,” Lucien said. Cassian snarled. “Easy,” Lucien repeated, and flame sizzled in his russet eye. The flame, the surprising dominance within it, hit Cassian like a stone to the head, knocking him from his need to kill and kill and kill whatever might threaten—

He’d been trained, he once told me—at the Autumn Court and at this one. Like Rhys, he usually opted for words to win his battles, but I’d seen him and Tamlin in the practice ring. He knew how to handle a weapon. How to kill, if need be.

High King would not be the most powerful, they'd simply be the one capable of uniting everyone (sort of like Captain America, he's the team leader giving the big pep talk before battle). And there is only one character in the series who has friends across all courts, who is good at talking to people, who keeps his cool and doesn't seek out revenge even when he has the right to, who does his duty to one court, helps out another as emissary while being heir to third and the son to his powerful mother in a fourth, who helped the humans in a way no other did after the war, who prefers words to win his battles but can fight when necessary.

In mythology, Fionn Mac Cumhaill is the leader of a group of hunter - warriors, often depicted with his hunting hounds and fighting with his spear and sword.

What court in ACOTAR has hounds? Autumn.

Fionn was also able to call upon the "Thumb of Knowledge" which equates to wisdom.

Also from mythology "With natural fighting and hunting ability and now all of the world’s knowledge at his disposal, Fionn was poised to be a remarkable leader."

"A pattern of thinking and feeling that was old, and clever"

"he waded into the stream, boots off and pants rolled to his knees, and caught one with his bare hands".

"My friend had been economical about which ones he'd selected. The blade, plus a short sword, plus an assortment of daggers. A quiver of arrows and an unstrung bow were tied to his pack.

"but I'd seen him and Tamlin in the practice ring. He knew how to handle a weapon. How to kill, if need be."

"Where's my dear friend Lucien?" "Hunting for dinner."

What if Lucien is somehow a descendent of Fionn on his mothers side?

Gwydion, which Fionn wielded, means "born of trees" and SJM once said this of Lucien:

His woods, by blood and law. He was a son of this forest, and here....He looked crafted from it. For it"

(another note about Gwydion, it was the name of the magician who created Blodeuwedd out of flowers for the hero Lleu to have a wife and we know SJM tagged a picture of Blodeuwedd with Elain's name. Also Gwydion was Lleu's uncle in the tale).

Gwydion, in ACOTAR, also has a "savior's light" with Lucien's name meaning light and Feyre reminding us a few times of his goodness.

Again with this excerpt:

"Fionn was betrayed by his queen, who had been leader of her own territory, and by his dearest friend who was his general. They killed him, taking some of his bloodline's most powerful and precious weapons, and then out of the chaos that followed..."

In CC history, the sword belonged to Theia and Aidas angrily claims it belongs to her daughters line (it's important to note he's speaking as an angry ex lover who doesn't feel it belonged to Pelias's offspring) but in Prythian history, it doesn't seem like Theia is quite the hero of the story considering an unnamed queen married to Fionn and Fionn's general killed him. If Prythian's history is accurate, it was in his possession for years after being gifted to him by the High Priestess before it was taken by his queen after his murder, "his bloodline's most powerful and precious weapons".

We've gotten hints that the fae (including the Starborn), the Illyrians, etc were possibly "made" by the Daglan. Gwydion was "made" when it was dipped into the Cauldron therefore the Starsword could theoretically respond to anyone made or descended from those who are made (like calls to like).

Amren tells us made objects can also choose to reveal themselves to certain people when they have their own plan.

What if Truth Teller, which Az now has, once belonged to the general who also betrayed Fionn? What if TT is the weapon that killed Fionn? What if Gwydion doesn't necessarily belong to Bryce and she was simply part of the prophecy as Theia's female heir (Theia who murdered Fionn or was somehow involved), to return the sword to where it belongs? Sort of righting a wrong? (and kind of like what Aelin did with Elena and the other goddesses).

The novella and SF has been building up major animosity between Lucien and Az. Mostly on Az's side because of his jealousy that Lucien was given a bond with the "third sister" while his brothers are with the other two along with his possible jealousy over the NC relying on Lucien for information where Az was once the one they turned to. Because of that jealousy, Az isn't thinking clearly and doesn't seem to care about the problems he might create between the courts as a result, "I'll defeat him with little effort". To which Rhys responds: "And your doing so will rip apart any fragile peace and alliances we have".

The ACOTAR world settled into a fragile peace after the war, only to have Az threatening that tentative peace over Lucien and Elain. That sounds like Rhys's attempt to prevent a repeat of history, the peace Fionn brought about thrown into chaos over the actions of Theia and the general:

"They killed him, taking some of his bloodline’s most powerful and precious weapons, and then out of the chaos that followed"

What if the Az, Lucien and Elain setup is an echo of what happened between Fionn, Theia and the general.

What if Bryce returning Gwydion to the world of Prythian and it eventually being given to Lucien (maybe Fionn's ancestor), is a course correction from a bloody history?

And what if "when knife and sword are reunited, so shall our people be" is actually referring to Lucien and Az, two characters who have unknown history's with Gwydion and it's matching dagger, not making the same mistakes their ancestors did so that Lucien can take up the role of High King in whatever war is coming their way, uniting the humans, the fae in Prythian and the fae on the continent in order to defeat a more major threat to their world (possibly the Asteri if they do actually find their way back to the world of their brothers and sisters as they've been trying to do).

Again, their world is the one who currently needs united in a way that Midgard does not. Their world is the one that is divided and a world divided is not in a place to fight against major threats coming their way.

"Our people" may not mean the people living on Midgard but the ones who are living on the world they all originated from. Sort of like someone living in America but referring to "my people" in reference to their ancestors who are living in the country of their heritage.

Bryce has her own people to save on Midgard but what if the first step to doing that is learning about the Asteri and who they really are and learning the history of her people? And the way SJM brought all of that about was by creating a storyline where she, as Theia's descendent, came into possession of a sword that rightfully belongs in Prythian. The sword recognized her as the bloodline of the female who stole the sword, knowing she'd be the one to help it find it's way home (since we're told in SF that made objects have a mind of their own). With it's twin the beacon calling her to the world of ACOTAR where she can gather the knowledge she needs while also righting the wrongs of her ancestor (something we saw on the TOG series).

And as a final point, Helion is connected to the Mask through his ancestors, the Mask being a made object of the Trove. Gwydion, another Made object, also went missing around the time the Trove did. Following the "like calls to like" narrative, if Helion is connected to Made objects that means Lucien as his son would also be.

(below is a follow up to this original post)

[feyreandhercourt]

My thoughts on HOFAS, ft. SPOILERS

Overall, I will say I think this was a very well "written" book craft-wise. Like better than HOSAB and ACOSF, imo.

Okay Bryce telling Hunt “thinking about you getting tortured was hard for me!!!” was a… choice. If fated mates could divorce, I’d be filing

Honestly all around. They are my least favorite but before I attributed it to just not being into Hunt. But honestly they just seemed to be on different pages.

Where was Fury?????????????????????

Okay the hand thing was brutal but well played

Lidia was great. Also I recognized the Brann thing when he was introduced and was very proud of myself because I never make the connections lol

But I did think he might be like OG Brannon… the fact he’s not still has me interested

The bonus chapters were decent generally. Az and Nesta were likeable in them which makes me hopeful because Az’s LAST bonus chapter was Not A Good Look (tm)

Tell me how Feyre beat the Midgardden wyrm or whatever with a bone and yet Az and Nesta couldn’t. Nothing but respect for MY high lady

Speaking of, Theia really went the tradwife route and said no more high ladies tee hee only men should rule, huh?

Did Sigfrid or whatever even matter?

Ariadne felt like the opposite of Chekov’s gun. You have a DRAGON and a lot of fire and girlie is MIA

Ithan becoming Prime when the boy has zero main character energy was… meh.

Getting their powers back was AWESOME though am I forgetting something or did that not happen to Bryce? It felt like a copout but maybe I missed it?

The Theia/Silene reveals were interesting but lmao Nesta and Bryce kept talking shit during them which was both funny and just… repetitive

Bryce seemed to CONSTANTLY making inappropriate wisecracks. Like I don’t mean with the king but like when Lydia’s sons were captured or whatever??? not necessarily that but similar. Like girl there are times to be serious.

Ruhb SHOOTING LYDIA IN THE LEG while they are in enemy territory was one of the DUMBEST things going. But ya know what I need a couple to root for and Juniper/Lydia had no page time so they get a pass

Um. So we’re just not gonna address the Rhys/Ruhn twinsie connection?????

Tharion really made the bold choice to just… exist.

Also not the book’s fault but the video thing lmao would SO be disbelieved with where AI is today and that was all I could think when they released it

The Urd/Wyrd thing was a facepalmer that I liked

Wehb ACOWARA came out, a blogger (who posts great takes) was annoyed Feyre reused the starfall dress because that was a major royalty faux pas. That’s how I felt when Bryce used the mask.

People said things felt “too easy” but I don’t think that was an issue. Like QOS was “easier” but it’s one of the most beloved SJM books. I think the real issue is people didn’t feel connected and SJM had a few too many instances of explicitly saying “they didn’t know what they were doing but they did it by instinct”

GIVE ME MY FIRE BREATHING BITCH QUEEN WITH HER POWERS BACK PLEASE

SJM is 100000% going to write another TOG book and I am so ready. Those do. Not. Miss.

As ever, (and I had the same issue with Marvel) the issue with these multiverse things for me personally is I read some really fantastic theories that make a TON of sense, get excited for them, and then when they’re either not present or not present but with no explanation or a worse one, I wind up disappointed.

I’d say this is my second favorite CC book. I did think it was well-written though. And I know some were upset not to have ACOTAR POVs (okay me too lol) but I do think it makes sense to keep it as Bryce’s book. Except it’s more “Bryce and Friends” than Bryce.

[merymoonbeam]

Ramiel stone - The meteor

this is my crackiest crack theory to date.

So in every cc book it is mentioned that Gwydion is made from a meteor that fallen to their world. And in hofas we learn that Truth-teller is also from that same meteor.

That sword was currently strapped across Ruhn’s back, its black hilt devouring the glaring firstlights. Isaiah had once heard someone say the sword was made from iridium mined from a meteorite, forged in another world—before the Fae had come through the Northern Rift. (Hoeab)

“The sword was part of a pair,” Ruhn said to him. “A long-bladed knife was forged from the iridium mined from the same meteorite, which fell on our old world.” The world the Fae had left to travel through the Northern Rift and into Midgard. “But we lost the knife eons ago. Even the Fae Archives have no record of how it might have been lost, but it seems to have been sometime during the First Wars.” (hoeab)

“It’s an ancient sword,” the Autumn King said at last, drawing Ruhn from his wandering thoughts, “from another world. Made from the metal of a fallen star—a meteorite. This sword exists beyond our planet’s laws. Perhaps the Reapers sensed that and shied away.” (hosab)

“This was unique. It felt like … like an answer. My sword blazed with light. That dagger shone with darkness. Both of them are crafted of the same black metal. Iridium, right?” She jerked her chin to Azriel, to the dagger at his side. “Ore from a fallen meteorite?” Azriel’s silence was confirmation enough. (Hofas)

we dont know any meteor in acotar. But azriel confirms it with his silence. That Truth-teller is indeed made from a fallen meteorite.

So what could it be? This is the crack part of the theory. What if it is the ramiel stone?

The blades are black. Ramiel stone is black.

These are the same examples of the Truth-Teller and Gwydion. I can't add every one of them.

Another shift of memory, and Fionn pulled a long blade from the Cauldron, dripping water. A black blade, whose dark metal absorbed any trace of light around it. Bryce’s knees weakened. (Hofas)

Bryce threw her power into the Starsword, light ripping through the black blade, willing it to tear this fucking monster apart—(hofas)

“Some major prophecy fulfillment,” Bryce said, hoping to Hel she was hiding the tremble in her arms from keeping the black blades steady, from ignoring that instinct murmuring to her to bring them together, not keep them apart. (Hofas)

And this is the ramiel stone.

But Cassian paused before a landscape painting of a towering, barren mountain, void of life yet somehow thrumming with presence. Snow and pines crusted the smaller peaks around it, but this strange, bald mountain … Only a black stone jutted from its top. A monolith, Nesta realized, stepping closer. (Acosf)

Far up, too far, lay its peak with the sacred black stone. Three stars glinted above the mountain: Arktos and Oristes to the left and right; Carynth crowning them. Their light flared and waned, as if in invitation and challenge. (Acosf)

Snow drifted across the image, and then Theia was standing atop a mountain, a black monolith rising behind her. (Hofas)

So what if ramiel stone is that meteor?

And in acofas Cassian says this

Who had put that stone atop the peak, he didn’t know, either. Legend said it had existed before the Night Court formed, before the Illyrians migrated from the Myrmidons, before humans had even walked the earth. Even with the fresh snow crusting Ramiel, none had touched the pillar of stone. (Acofas)

So maybe someone didn't put it but it fell to their world.

And fionn dipped the blades to cauldron on top of the cauldron too where the ramiel stone is so maybe they are more connected than we thought?

Again this is CRACK.

[mundanemoongirl]

WIP Questionnaire

Thanks for tagging me @owlsandwich! This is such a cool tag. I'm tagging @poethill @spideronthesun @cssnder and I'll leave an open tag but no pressure as always!

I'll do this for both of my wips as well.

Spiritwalker

What was the first part of your wip that you created?

I actually created a lot before I started writing because I never thought I'd accomplish writing a book. It's murky since I didn't document anything for around a year, but I'm pretty sure I created the clans first.

2. If your story was a TV show, what would the theme song/intro be?

I made a post about this not too long ago. It'd definitely be Daughter by Beyonce

3. Who are your favorite characters you've made? Why?

I have two different answers. My favorite in terms of craft is Daron. I think she's a really unique character and I'm impressed that I'm managing to pull off her personality. My favorite in terms of likability is Aria. She's sassy and really fun.

4. What other pieces of media do you think would share a fan base for your story?

I hate to say this but My Little Pony.

5. What has been your biggest struggle with your wip?

Making it make sense. I have a lot of different concepts and sometimes I forget them or struggle trying not to overstuff my work.

6. Are there any animals in your story? Talk about them!

Yes! Aria has a wolf. It follows her everywhere and terrorizes people at her command. Daron also forms a bond with a horse.

7. How do your characters get around? (ex: trains, horses, cars, dragons, etc.)

Horse

8. What part of your wip are you working on rn?

I'm editing chapter 20.

9. What aspects (tropes, maybe?) of your wip do you think will draw people in?

Maybe magic schools and found family.

10. What are your hopes for your wip?

I hope it'll get people talking. I'd love to see discourse about theories or little details I included the way I see for books like ACOTAR.

We Faceless Folk

What was the first part of your wip that you created?

I started from the beginning of the first chapter.

2. If your story was a TV show, what would the theme song/intro be?

Where I Sleep by Emeli Sande.

3. Who are your favorite characters you've made? Why?

Yejin is my favorite. It's so fun to write and read her passive aggressiveness, even if she is insane.

4. What other pieces of media do you think would share a fan base for your story?

Probably The Hate U Give.

5. What has been your biggest struggle with your wip?

Honestly, just writing it. I work so much on my other wip that I haven't had time to write much for this one.

6. Are there any animals in your story? Talk about them!

Sadly, there are no animals.

7. How do your characters get around? (ex: trains, horses, cars, dragons, etc.)

My main character drives.

8. What part of your wip are you working on rn?

I don't even know. After I started at the beginning, I started writing random scenes from all over the story. I don't have chapters yet or any other sort of structure. I'm somewhere within the first draft, if you can call it that at this point.

9. What aspects (tropes, maybe?) of your wip do you think will draw people in?

The useless police.

10. What are your hopes for your wip?

I hope it'll create a change. I bring up several different types of racism and show their impacts. I hope reading about it will make people acknowledge its existence and try to change the system.

[duskandcobalt]

Hiii, Santa here! Sorry for disappearing, it's been quite a few busy days, but I'm back with my questions hehe

Btw the anon ask about Elain wasn't me, but thank you for using the acotargiftexchange tag anyway because the more I know, the better! 🤍

Since you've mentioned it in that post, my first question is, Earth magic witchy Elain? Could you elaborate? I'm not sure I've ever heard that one before and now I'm curious 👀

Here's what I already wanted to ask:

1. Since last time I asked this about Elain, now I gotta ask about Azriel to make it fair. What's your favorite thing about him and is there anything you don't like?

2. How are we feeling about Christmas vibes in the fic? Or would you prefer a more everyday kind of vibe? And since we're on the topic of vibes, I was thinking of going with a fluffy fic because, well you know, it's Christmas. But if you'd rather read something else, please let me know 🙏🏻 I'm here to please

3. Is there anything you think you have in common with either Azriel or Elain? Passions, hobbies, personality traits… anything

4. How did you get into the ACOTAR books and fandom?

This time they're all acotar related, I'm sorry 😭 I have so much I'd like to ask but I don't want to flood you with questions, so I'll stop here since there are already so many (but I'll be back soon 😈)

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

-🎅🎅🎅

Hi Santa!! I’m so sorry it’s taken me five years to reply to this but I’m here now 😊

Okay re: earthy/witchy Elain… I am obsessed with the idea of Elain have some sort of witchy powers and working with herbs etc and I think she may also have some sort of power of life if that makes sense? I’m honestly horrible at explaining things but if you want to know what I’m on about, @wingedblooms has incredible theories that they’ve put heaps of time into explaining beautifully!

Onto your questions…

1. My toxic trait is that I loooove a quiet, mysterious man that doesn’t say much and is lowkey terrifying and Azriel ticks all those boxes. They’re like a little puzzle to solve and I love a challenge that has major potential to hurt me …. But!! I love that he really sees and understands people and you can tell that he genuinely cares for the people around him and even though he doesn’t talk much, he’s always listening and learning. One of my favourite things in the world is Azriel’s relationship with Nesta - the way I cried when he gave her the book light for solstice and she hugged him should be studied 😭😭😭 it’s one of my favourite parts of the whole series.

There’s not much I don’t like about him, to be honest - at least nothing that I can think of off the top of my head! I guess regifting the necklace wasn’t his brightest moment but in the words of Lana Del Rey, 🎵you’re just a man… it’s just what you do 🎵

2. I LOVE a fluffy, Christmas vibe!! Azriel canonically loves a holiday, who am I to deny him of a fluffy moment 🎄

3. I have so much in common with them, I think that’s why they’re my faves bc I feel like I know them personally 😭 I looove baking and cooking and I love to do things for people. I love a grandma craft. I don’t think we know much about Azriel in way of hobbies but I’ve decided he loves music and so do I. I am also a big time quiet friend (in real life, idk why I can’t shut up online), listener not talker, and so will dole out advice when necessary a la the spymaster so we’ve got that in common

4. I don’t even know!!! I’m so late to the game, I was a big lit fic girlie (still am) but my friend was reading the first one and I’d seen it all over TikTok and I am SO easily influenced… I picked it up July 8th last year and I’d finished all of ACOTAR and ToG by August 15th 😅 it’s a high I’ve been chasing ever since and it reignited my long lost love for reading so I’ll forever be thankful to it… plus it led me back to writing and this amazing community

I’m sorry I’ve yapped again!! Hope you enjoyed this novel lol

ILY!!!

[starsreminisce]

I don't typically delve into many theories, and when I do, I usually keep them to myself because, honestly, I have that much faith in the author to craft the story much better than I can. However, Elucien has pretty much become my brainrot, so here we are with theories and fanfics!

Below is my HoFAS Bingo Card!

While I hadn't initially considered rereading ToG, I'm starting to feel like maybe I should at least read ToD and KoA. If I find the time for it, I suppose.

Anyway, today marks the beginning of my ACOTAR and CC reread! I'm having trouble deciding whether to place ACOSAF after ACOWAR or between the two CC books. After HOEAB for that breather and give that illusion of time passing but it's so short ...

I love how, as a collective, we all subscribe to the "no body, no death" rule for Cormac haha.

Lord, help me understand the whole First Light Second Light concept because that just flew over my head when I first read it. Bryce's power also just flew over my head.

Also, going to be looking for some things pertaining to Lucien (duh), Elriel (because apparently, if I dig deep and really look for it, it's there), Multiverse ideas, etc.

I've got my Notion Board for my annotated notes all set up. I've requested Thursday and Friday off since my book will hopefully deliver that Wednesday. Hopefully, I get to pick up on more things!

[itmeblog]

Okay, so my theory on (straight) romantasy is as follows

If your ML is masculine because he is trapped in the expectations of patriarchal society, he is also a damsel. I repeat: He is in distress, please for the love of god fix it.

The moment he chooses to perform masculinity out of preference rather than need, is the moment he has been saved. A successful romantasy must result either in the breaking of the system that binds him or the crafting of an oasis in which he is able to truly choose (within reason) what he desires. This must be for areas beyond sex and drabs of emotional availability (this does not fix the problem). The size and breadth of this oasis is limited to narrative feasibility i.e. Eugenides from the Thief has a relatively small oasis because of politics and the Queen's position in a hostile court. I'd argue Broadheart falls sort of into this but not necessarily along lines of masculinity (though it certainly can be read that way) but of expectations of a warrior.

If this parameter is not met, you get the bad ending. In which the MC becomes a part of the system that poisons the ML. See Feyre in ACOTAR, in which I'd argue she fails to change the system (I understand she becomes a high lady but from what I hear it feels like she expands the system rather than breaking it), or Vi in Fourth Wing (Would Bella fit here?). In these situations what happen is an incomplete rescue where the MC is the only thing separating the ML from a deeply isolating existence and the harms that follow.

As a result once the match reaches the point of no return they hold tight to the MC and trap her in a patriarchal hierarchy where she must lose agency to fit the parameters provided (See Rhysand and his bubbling of Feyre and the refusal to inform her that she might die in childbirth) because they cannot let her go. Not mentally and not narratively.

Now a bad ending does not mean a bad book. But it is bad when the narrative tries to paint this as a girlboss success story.

If they manage to break this system and their masculinity becomes more of a matter of preference, you get the good ending, in which you get a cohesive unit that respects both partners' autonomy and usually, funnily enough. a supportive community.

[litnerdwrites]

This reminds me of a video I watched by Rachel Oates, called 'How much does intent matter in Art?' that covers this nicely. She discusses a theory I learned about in Media studies called 'the medium is the message', by Marshall McLuhan, which, suggests, to put simply, that art or media (including books) are encoded with messages, and views, even if you don't realise it, and when the audience consumes them, they decode it, and perceive it. While she doesn't mention SJM or her books, applying the theory to poetry to try and educate people about intention and outcome in art.

Rachel basically explains (better than me, since I'll keep it short for brevity) that if an artist, of any kind, hones and utilises the techniques and skills that come with their craft well, then the audience perceives the message as intended. However, if they utilise their techniques poorly, then the audience will intemperate a different message.

You can still like it, enjoy it, or say you personally think it's really good, because art is inherently subjective, but searching for techniques and their utilisation in art is how a critique critiques them. It's why critique review and audience review of movies and tv shows differ. A critique rates it based on cinematography, writing, directing, and a other factors that may very depending on if it's a tv show, live action animation, etc. Meanwhile audiences rate it on entertainment, relatability, and how impactful it is, etc.

Of course, objective critiques can be argued, with evidence. One person could take a quote from any of the ACOTAR books and use it to argue why ACOTAR is a feminist story, while someone else could take a different, or even the same quote, and argue otherwise, with the artist's intention becoming irrelevant.

Rachel, also explains, art needs to be able to stand on it's own, without needing background about the artist or other context, for it to have meaning or to affect people, to which I agree. Especially in this context.

Take the hike scene. SJM intended it for it to be therapeutic, and healing for Nesta, while others, myself included, argue that it was poorly written at best, and example of abuse at worst. Often, people use SJM's real life hike to argue this point. However, if that context is needed for the scene to stand, then it was't well executed. At best it show's SJM's lack of skill, and usage of structure, plot and techniques, with a lack of true understanding of depression, and the state of mind people are in when they consider taking their own life, and at worst, it shows a very dangerous mindset surrounding the aforementioned subjects.

The point Rachel ultimately makes, is that intention doesn't matter if art, including literature, is offensive, or harmful.

If SJM failed to send the feminist message her books were advertised for having, then her intent doesn't amount to much. If someone is offended by your art, or criticises it for the way it handles certain subject matter, then that reflects a lack of skill on the author's part, at best. At worst, it reflects dangerous ideals and mindsets.

It's also important to understand that many people have different upbringings, and life experiences, which is another reason that there are such different interpretations of art. Every character in her books have said or done things worthy of criticism, some more than others. SJM has said, done and written things that need to be criticised, her handling of race, colonisation and slavery, to name a couple, outside of just how she botched feminism and abuse.

There are victims who relate to Feyre, Mor, Rhys, etc. There are victims who relate more to Nesta, Tamlin, Eris, etc. There are victims who condemn SJM's books and characters in their entirety. There are people, who aren't victims, that relate to Azriel, Emerie, Elain, tc. There are people, who aren't victims, that relate to Viviane, Tarquin, Gwyn, etc. There are people, who aren't victims, that condemn SJM and her writing in their entirety.

However, if SJM is called out for offending people, be it marginalised communities, women in general, or victims, then it's worth apologising, reevaluating why and trying to improve her craft to prevent doing so again. Also, editors and sensitivity readers wouldn't go amis, especially in stories that try to use themes of slavery, racial and gendered discrimination.

To wrap this up, SJM's intent doesn't matter. If people are offended, she needs to take accountability, apologise, and try to do better next time. Given her consistent failure to use incorporate race and slavery into her books in a way that handles the topics with the respect they deserve, I'd say she's failed on all three fronts there. In fact, it become clear that racial and queer representation are half-assed just to give her plausible deniability. If people like it, she can take the credit, if not she can deny it.

Ultimately, art is subjective. Just because she receives criticism, doesn't mean you have to hate it. You're free to have your opinions, but don't be rude, cruel, or otherwise bully others for theirs.

If you're going to try have a discussion with me about these books then I need you to bare in mind that I base absolutely none of my opinions or analyses on SJMs intentions

I have 0 faith that that woman even recognizes the absolutely horrid things she has written nevermind that she intends to actually go into much depth with any of it (Rhysand's abuse, the IC dynamics, the terrible ruling system, retcon retcon retcon for days, the Illyrians, Nesta etc). And people can say that's misogynistic if they want, I do not care. She has shown absolutely no evidence that she doesn't have her head completely encased by the Inner Circles asses or that that and her inability to self insert hasn't completely skewed the way she writes this series so sue me. I don't even believe she fully understands the characters she has written, it's as if she has written so much retconning and gaslighting behaviour in this story that she's somehow managed to gaslight herself at this stage

So anyway my opinions and my interpretations of the characters are based on their actions in the text not what SJM intended for them to convey or whatever bullshit she has the IC spout and if that's what you like to follow that's fine but go be a sheep somewhere else because I won't engage with it I'm sorry (not really)

[feysandfeels]

I have finally read The Cruel Prince and it was delicious! I can feel myself becoming obsessed with this world and these characters. UGH I NEED MORE!

[astrababyy]

The mating bond is trash. You’d have think that with true mates they’d have some similar interests besides like very bare minimum. But then again Rhysand said so himself, it’s just putting the two physically fit matches to create better and stronger fae. What if Feyre never got all the abilities she got???? Would she still be the best mate choice for Rhys? Some eugenics shit SJM writes and it doesn’t help that she is a white lady. Ick

you're so right anon the mating bond is SO BAD

like??? it's so questionable lmao. think about it too hard, and it really does read like magical eugenics. the two main mating bonds we have from this series (nessian and feysand) have both proven to be incredibly toxic relationships, and the men in these relationships probably never would've given af about the women in them without that bond leading them around.

the thing that probably bothers me the most about these bonds in particular is that there's like this innate attraction to it on the men's end so it ends up being really icky like idk man. it's fucking gross how these things are created lmao.

it is JUST survival of the fittest, and the fae fall for it hook line and sinker 😞

the entire thing with the fae just reeks of eugenics and who’s better bullshit. you can just tell from how it’s worded, yk?

and the way the mating bonds are portrayed doesn’t help matters. out of every example we have in the acotar universe, there is all of ONE healthy, official relationship between mates — and even then, vivienne and kallias barely count since we know like nothing about them lmao. every other example — feysand, tamlin’s parents, rhysand’s parents, nessian, etc. — are all terrible, particularly to the women involved. even a lot of the theory mating pairs are toxic asf lmao, like even the fandom has the unconscious realization that these bonds tend not to be healthy.

it’s just… *waves hands maniacally* bad, anon. that’s all i can really say abt it. it’s such an icky thing to think about, really. imagine forcing two random strangers into such a bond, and then artificially crafting a near-obsessive attraction on the male’s side. and for what? for some shallow wish fulfillment? yk what, there’s nothing wrong with a wish fulfillment book, but please market said book as such instead of being the holier-than-thou gospel of modern feminism. i mean, ffs.

if y'all ever wanna read how bad i am at answering asks, just check out the first draft of this response 🙃

yeah, that was such an icky line to put in the books — "sometimes the bond is just shoving together the ones that'd make the best offspring". like??

okay, in fairness, a dichotomy of a near-sentient magic with a mindset of survival of the fitness facing off against a faerie society that's evolved past that could be so interesting. but that's a convo for another day.

There's definitely this underlying level of gross implications to it. You'd think it'd be like the people who can help each other become the best versions of themselves. and maybe that could tie into fate and how these mating bonds significantly impact the lives of these pairs and how they later go on to impact the world as a whole. that'd be interesting. if the mating bonds were rare and considered to be like an omen promising great change. actually, wait, that's cool. i like that idea lmao.

i'm getting so side-tracked in this ask im sorry anon lol.

ANYWAY, since it's NOT that, instead it's based off, like you said, what is essentially magical eugenics. there's actually something so dystopian about it. like, even rhysand who is the most powerful high lord is the son of a mated pair. the fact that faeries aren't discriminated based on whether they're a child of a mated pair or not, with the comment rhysand made in mind, is pretty interesting. (it's also probably just a side effect of poor worldbuilding but yk).

going back to what you said about what'd happen if feyre hadn't gotten the high lord powers. i think, if we go in universe and try to make sense of it, it depends on the way the mating bonds work and how much sway they have over fate, etc. if feyre didn't get those powers, would the mating bond use other methods to make her powerful enough to be "worthy" of ending up with rhys? because the bond's already snapped in place at this point lmao so what then? is a genuine concern.

[thehaemanthus]

Measuring Up, Part 2

A continuation of the fic started by @violet-shadows. Part one is here!

It was a delight to craft a part two of a three-act piece, each part created by different authors. Thanks to @azrielshadowssing for organizing the event, and for all the authors for their work. This is super fun!

The Masterlist for the ACOTAR Writing Circle can be found here. 

Summary: Cassian and Nesta are haunted by ghosts from their less than ideal childhoods, but despite their fears, neither can get the idea of parenthood out of their head.

Pairing: Cassian x Nesta

Warnings: discussion of childhood trauma and the decision to become a parent

I want to have a baby.

Cassian had been waiting to hear those words for years. He had been patient, letting Nesta take charge and make the decision when she was ready, if that day ever did come. He wanted a child, but he would have been content to spend the rest of his life just with her. 

I want to have a baby. She said it. In only his weakest moments had he allowed himself to fantasize about the moment. He had expected his own tears of joy. 

He didn’t expect Nesta’s sobs. 

Instinct overrode shock. Cassian gathered his mate into his arms, rubbing her back. Nesta shook, her hands clutching him. A particularly harsh sob made Cassian wince. 

“Talk to me, love,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. 

“I can’t—” She shuddered, her voice breaking. 

He squeezed her harder. Part of him wanted to leap out of bed and find the thing that was hurting his mate, the other part kept him right where he was, curled up around her to shield her from all threats. 

“I can’t…” she repeated. “I c-can’t be a- a mother.”

Slowly, his brain caught up with her words. 

Cassian locked down his emotions, lest Nesta get a whiff of the grief that flooded his brain. She was in distress, and he shouldn’t make assumptions about why…

“It’s alright.” He swallowed roughly. His own pain and hers fed each other in a vicious loop. “Shh, it’s alright, sweetheart.” 

Nesta sniffed loudly. “Sorry, I’m just…”

“You don’t need to apologize,” Cassian said. “I understand.”

“You do?” she whispered into his chest. 

“We’ll talk more when you’re ready,” he decided. This could wait a little. Wait at least until his own hurt could be easily shoved aside. “For now, sleep.”

“Cassian,” she whimpered. 

“I’ve got you,” he said. Her little sniffles and cries slowly ebbed. 

She was out five minutes later.

But Cassian couldn’t find sleep that night. 

~*~

“Again.”

Cassian moved in a blur, hands flying to jab at exposed weak points and guard his own body. Opposite him, Rhys grimaced and leaned back as Cassian jabbed his throat.

He thought he had this round. Then Rhys caught a second wind and knocked him on his back.

“Fuuuck,” Cassian groaned. “This is not fair.”

“This is amazing,” Rhys grinned, offering a hand to Cassian. He took the assistance, springing to his feet after the fourth time getting beat. 

Tomorrow they would both regret the sparring, he knew from experience. But something in Rhys had become super-charged ever since Nyx was born, with the High Lord beating his brothers in hand-to-hand combat more often, like some instinct was triggered as soon as Rhys became a father. Rhys was delighted by the fact that he no longer needed to rely on magic to avoid getting pummeled by Cassian. Cassian was regretting the centuries of teasing and brutal beatdowns he had bestowed on his High Lord.

“You can even the playing field,” Rhys said, pouring water for both of them. He avoided looking at Cassian.

“Even the…” Cassian retied his hair, then froze. “You mean…if I was a father, too.”

Rhys shrugged in the least convincing attempt to be casual he had ever seen. “If anything, it would help us test the theory that I’ve gotten quicker because of Nyx. I know you want it, and Nesta would be—”

“Stop.” Cassian couldn’t believe his shitty luck. The morning after Nesta tells him children aren’t in their future, his brother is asking about it. 

Rhys straightened, deadly serious. “Cass?”

“Let’s not talk about it,” Cassian grumbled. 

“You and Nesta have at least talked about it?”

He almost blew up. Rhys should mind his own business and stay away from him and his mate. But his brain prevailed over instinctual anger. Cassian sipped some water and tried to banish his frustration. His first reaction was always to fight, to snap back. He had to be better than that.

“We didn’t, not really,” he admitted. “Last night…”

If Rhys was impatient, he hid it well. 

Cassian sighed, rubbing his forehead. It was too damn early in the day for a headache. “She said she wanted a baby. Then she started crying.”

“Shit.”

“Then she said ‘I can’t be a mother’,” Cassian’s voice was tight with tension. “At the moment, my head went to the worst possible interpretation.”

“That she couldn’t have children,” Rhys completed the thought. “But you aren’t so sure now?”

“No,” he sighed. “And if it made her cry that much, I hate to bring it up again.” 

“At least you aren’t jumping to conclusions,” Rhys pointed out.

“I nearly did,” Cassian set his glass down. “And now I’m just confused.”

Rhys crossed his arms and hummed in contemplation. “You won’t get a straight answer until she’s ready.”

“Right,” Cassian agreed. “But I also told her I understood, and she didn’t have to apologize for crying. Now I’m going to look like an idiot because I didn’t understand why she was crying.”

“Why would you tell her that?”

“It felt like the right thing to do in the moment!” Cassian snapped. “We can’t all be damaeti with our mates.”

“You’re still mates,” Rhys pointed out. 

“And?”

“And you know her better than anyone else!” he said, exasperated. “So what is going to help Nesta feel more comfortable talking?”

Cassian mirrored Rhys and crossed his arms. “She needs her space.”

“Agreed.”

“She…can’t feel pressured into talking about it,” Cassian nodded to himself. “But the longer she doesn’t talk about it, the more anxious I’m going to get, and the more anxious she’ll get.”

“Anything that will reduce anxiety?” Rhys asked. 

Cassian shrugged, started to say he didn’t know, then stopped. “I…never really hid that I wanted a child.”

Rhys looked at him askance. “Hiding your feelings is a bad idea.”

“Fine, you have a point.”

“You’re trying to eliminate the pressure she feels to have a child?”

“I think,” Cassian scratched his head. “But I can’t exactly ban us from seeing Nyx.”

“This is too complicated,” Rhys sighed. “Just talk to her.”

“Then she might clam up and I’ll never get a straight answer.” 

He felt bad for saying it as soon as he did. Nesta had made amazing leaps and bounds, and he wanted to trust her. He wanted to trust that she trusted him. 

“Then don’t say anything,” Rhys tossed his hands in the air, giving up. “Non-verbally do something so she knows you don’t care one way or another if you ever have children.”

He rolled his eyes. “Sure, that’s easy, I’ll just—”

Rhys looked at his brother warily. “I hope your idea is a good one.”

~*~

Nesta dreaded going home. Then she felt sick at the thought of her home being anything but a sanctuary.

Her outburst the night before had come from nowhere. She had wanted to talk through her doubts with Cassian, knowing that at the end of the journey she would feel better. Their destination, she had been sure, would have been the decision to start trying for a baby. How exactly they would get there, she had no idea. Her plan had been to take Cassian’s hand and blindly walk forward with him into the unknown. 

Then she burst into tears and cried herself to sleep, like an idiot.

And now she hesitated before going home, as if going anywhere else was an option. Cassian would worry and hunt her down if she disappeared after her dinner with Elain.

The House soothed some of her anxieties. The home that she and Cassian had made together was a sort of visible, tangible proof of love. Nesta always felt the strength of the mating bond, but there was something satisfying about seeing their shared life with her eyes. 

Nesta followed the mating bond through the halls in the direction of their bedroom. She assumed Cassian had turned in for an early night, or maybe was reading in bed. 

But he wasn’t in their room. He was in the room next to it. 

“Cassian?” she called out before pushing the cracked door open. 

She froze on the threshold. 

“Hi,” he paused in the middle of sliding some books onto a shelf to shoot her a smile. “Surprise.”

The empty room, her nursery, had been transformed. It was like a mini library, tiny and just for her. Cassian filled the tall shelves with some of her favorite titles, with plenty of empty space to add to the collection. A soft rug padded her feet. There was a plush armchair and footrest, as well as a couch and a throw blanket. The room was outfitted in warm, welcoming colors. 

She hated it.

Cassian had turned the blank canvass, the room that was supposed to be for their baby, into something it was never meant for. 

“Why would you…?” Nesta was speechless.

“I thought…” Cassian finished putting the books away then faced her head-on. He was determined, she was sure of that. But also…wary? “It’s a reminder that we don’t need to walk past every day.”

“Oh.” Well, what the fuck was that supposed to mean.

“I mean, if it’s right here, unavoidable—” He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. “I thought you’d rather have this.”

“This instead of…”

“An empty nursery.”

Nesta swallowed roughly. Cassian started forward, arms ready to hold her. She took a step back.

“It’s fine.”

“Nesta, if I shouldn’t have replaced it—”

“I just need a moment alone.” She backed away. “Don’t wait up for me.”

She fled the strange room. It felt like some sort of weird set from a play. Nesta didn’t know where her feet were leading her until she ended up in her personal library. 

This was all she needed. This was her space. Why would Cassian replace the room that he knew she wanted for their baby? 

Had she mistaken the longing in his eyes, the way that he looked at their beloved nephew? Nesta never questioned that Cassian wanted children. She didn’t think that changed. They had both expressed a desire for a child.

She thought back to the night before. Nesta didn’t remember if she said anything coherent, but she remembered his words. He told her he understood her grief, her conflict over bringing a child into the world. He said it was fine. So did that mean…was he giving up on his dream? Because of her shortcomings? 

The thought knocked the breath from her lungs. Of all of the cruel, shortsighted, foolish things she had ever done, this was the worst. And it wasn’t even a conscious decision she had made.

Cassian accepted that he would never be a father because he must have realized, just as Nesta had slowly learned, she would never be a good mother. 

[tamlinweek]

Will you be allowing AI art?

The moderators discussed this at length. At this time, the answer is No. There is a fine line between artists using references for inspiration in the creation of their works, and a computer algorithm using scraped images online in the creation of something else that may or may not resemble the source(s). Some people perceive AI as a tool to create, others to steal with. Since the mods could not come to a complete agreement on the matter, the answer has to be No. If something major develops between now and then when it comes to artist credit/compensation, etc. then we'll reconsider.

Until then, please consider commissioning an artist or making something yourself. Besides, making fanart and writing fanfiction are not your only options to participate. You can also make digital photo collages and moodboards (also called fan edits), fan [book] trailers, and playlists on Spotify and/or YouTube! You can even share one song and/or put the lyrics on a nice background using a free online program like Canva. There are even ambient mood mixers (like ambient-mixer.com) where you can make your own looping background track!

Headcanons are welcome! Ramble on about theories you have, or AUs you'd like to see, or who you would cast if the show gets made, and share photos of that performer!

There are also digital doll makers or RPG figure makers. Consider sites like: Hero Forge, Reroll, Meiker.io, Picrew.me, or even Azalea's Dolls or Doll Divine. For those who play video games (like the Sims, Skyrim, World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV, Dragon Age Inquisition, etc), you can make your own character! You could even customize an existing doll or figurine: Make a unique funko pop, or customize a poseable doll. For example, a little girl wanted Jareth and Sarah dolls from the movie Labyrinth, and a very creative dad made it happen!)

You can also make something modern (for Modern AU day!) by trying out hairstyles, fantasy makeup, nail art, or digital outfit planners, or even do cosplay! (Some people go so far as to get ACOTAR-inspired tattoos, but only do this if you want to keep it forever!!)

If you want to delve into crafts, there's stained glass, book nooks and miniatures, bookbinding, bookmarks, crochet (amigurumi dolls!), cross-stitch/embroidery, altered books, clay/polymer clay sculptures, and so much more.

This is all about having fun. If you are still unsure about what you'd like to do or make, likes and reblogs are always appreciated.

Thank you for reaching out! The inbox is open if you have any more questions. 😊

[merymoonbeam]

I know I said Im in hiatus but lemme write this and be gone again lol.

So...I was thinking why lucien and vassa you know? Why them? Why they need to be kept separated?

Lets assume vassa comes from the line of the female warrior bone carver said who captured koschei to the lake. That would make sense why koschei needs her. Her bloodline.

So...why lucien?

I thought it was about helion bc you know he is spellcleaver so lucien can break vassa's curse and all.

But then...how all of this ties to the bigger plot with asteri...ramiel...gwydion...cauldron...

Then I remembered. GWYDION.

when Fionn dipped gwydion to cauldron he had two figures behind him.

Another shift of memory, and Fionn pulled a long blade from the Cauldron, dripping water. A black blade, whose dark metal absorbed any trace of light around it. Bryce’s knees weakened. The Starsword. Two other figures stood there, veiled in the thick snow, but Bryce hardly got a chance to wonder about them before Silene’s narration began anew. (Hofas)

We all assumed the two was Theia and Enalius...bc you know theia helped made the gwydion and tt and enalius had the tt-the first wielder. But what if the other one wasnt enalius...what if it was someone else? What if those two werent theia and enalius at all?

Because isnt it kinda suspicious that we learn that Enalius was the first wielder of tt and theia also used tt and gwydion but...those two figures are left behind unidentified? Its such a sarah thing to not mention to use in later—especially acotar related—plots. Two figures...unknown.

So this made me thing what we know about gwydion in acotar?

“Yes,” Amren said. “Only the Great Powers could do that—Gwydion was given its powers when the High Priestess Oleanna dipped it into the Cauldron during its crafting.”

High priestess Oleanna...but we know thats not true anymore. Fionn dipped it. So who is Oleanna? Why is her name mention in such historic thing in acotar?

So me being me when to look up Oleanna name meaning...

Helios...HELION.

Lucien as Helion's son would be connected to it.

You might as me why lucien would be connected to gwydion at all?

I will say... Bloudewedd. (Here is @wingedblooms post about it if you want more details)

Sarah added Elain as Bloudewedd in her Pinterest board years ago.

And when you look at the tale.

Blodeuwedd (Welsh pronunciation: [blɔˈdɛɨwɛð]; Welsh "Flower-Faced", a composite name from blodau "flowers" + gwedd "face"),[1] is married to Lleu Llaw Gyffes in Welsh mythology. She was made from the flowers of broom, meadowsweet and oak by the magicians Math and Gwydion, and is a central figure in Math fab Mathonwy, the last of the Four Branches of the Mabinogi.

We have Gwydion...as a magician.

The hero Lleu Llaw Gyffes has been placed under a tynged ("doom") by his mother, Arianrhod, that he may never have a human wife. To counteract this curse, the magicians Math and Gwydion [take] the flowers of the oak, and the flowers of the broom, and the flowers of the meadowsweet, and from those they conjured up the fairest and most beautiful maiden anyone had ever seen. And they baptized her in the way that they did at that time, and named her Blodeuwedd.

Gwydion made Blodeuwedd just for Lleu bc he cannot have a human wife loool.

Also many other people made posts about how Helion might be starborn and we know how starborn and the sword gwydion are related. Maybe that could be it too. Here are those post about these theories

Post by @silverlinedeyes

Post by @wingedblooms

Also another thing is...TT can unmade things.

“The Starsword is Made, as you called it.” He waved an idle hand, sparks at his fingertips. "The knife can Unmake things. Made and Unmade. Matter and antimatter.

Tt can unmade things...gwydion can Made things??? Its a bit weird if you think about it.

So thats all.

The swan lake

Rambling again so...have fun.

This tale actually makes a lot of sense for Lucien and Vassa when you think about it.

A quick Synopsis

In the tale Odetta gets cursed by an evil sorcerer. The spell can only be broken if one who has never loved before swears to love Odette forever. And we have the prince. He comes across Odette and other swans and Odetta explains the curse to him. They start to fall in love. The prince's mother however wants him to marry so they throw a ball. At the ball the evil sorcerer comes in with his daughter,odile, who he had disgused as Odetta so she looks like Odetta. Thinking it is Odette the prince tells he will marry Odile and odette seeing this goes back to the lake and dies. The prince dies with her which breaks the curse on the other swans

We always say how Elain and Azriel are going to be "your mate was given to another" trope but it is actually Lucien and Vassa as well.

Bc...think...

Vassa as the swan aka firebird.

Lucien as the prince.

Elain is Odile in this which is a twist bc elain is not the evil black swan lol. As Odile took odette's place by appearing as her...elain is taking Vassa's place by appearing to be Lucien's mate.

Sorcerer is Koschei

It is all to get Lucien and Vassa away from each other to not break the curse. Lucien as a fae thinks he has to abide by their tradition even tho he doesn't want to mating bond as welll but...it is fae tradition so he "has to". Which is going to push him away from Vassa bc he already has a "mate"

So it is not Elriel who is being kept apart...it is Lucien and Vassa. Elriel is the burned party in this because "the third was given to another" as to keep lucien and Vassa away but their plot will open up to Lucien and Vassa storyline bc...they are not going to stay away in their book which is going to cause problems.

[nikethestatue]

Yknow, I've read so many great Elriel theories and at this point I am scared of acotar 5 because it better not disappoint :< imagine the powers/missions/courts and every stuff we theorized only to have acosf 2.0 😖

What gives me some confidence and comfort is that many many theories and ideas were confirmed and/or explained/expanded on in HOSAB. Tells me we are on the right track.

I dont really want every single thing to come true--I want to be surprised--but some things I am curious about. Like are the Archerons related tot he female fae who trapped Koschei and may have been the Bone Carver's lover.

Are the Archerons related to Vassa?

Is Azriel from Dusk Court?

Are all 'shadowy' people related? and from Dusk? Ruhn and Cormack and Az and Lorcan? Maybe even Rhys?

Is Dusk related to Hel?

Are Illyrians a long forgotten force which originated from Hel? Maybe even created in Hel?

Lots of questions, but I think we'll get some answers.

I've realised that SJM does not shine as a romance novelist. She is an action/ big story novelist. She can craft a complex--even complicated--story pretty well, and have some romance intertwined in there. That's where she is really good. With romance, she gets lost. ACOSF is a good example--she wanted to concentrate on the relationship, as well as Nesta's psychology and it all fell very flat because there was so little story and she is just not good enough to write romances.