#i do still love feyra and loved her books but

[sparksstreet]

after reading every acotar book and not really sharing or looking at anyone else’s thoughts on them until now, i fear i am one of the few to genuinely prefer nesta’s books and pov. i loved feyra and her pov while reading her books but after reading ABOUT nesta and then getting to read FROM nesta, i do think that shes just my favorite. i love her complexities, i love her cruelty, i love her growth, i love her depth, i love how she forms relationships, i love how she has such deep regrets and internal issues, i love reading about her and the other girls and i honestly love cassian and their relationship as well even though i do have some issues with him and things he’s done to her. maybe because i see more of myself in her or maybe just because i’ve always had a love for women that can be cruel and unfair and spiteful but still have so much love and kindness and strength inside of them.

[fairyplam]

The fool and the Wicked

I'm trying my hand at writing, and what better way to share my work than by uploading it to Tumblr?

English isn't my first language.

Astarion & Feyra

(Happens in the beginning of act 2) (nothing spicy but mention of some- but still very much sfw)

Step one: make our dear leader fall in love with him.

Step two: don’t fall in love with them—easy.

Or so Astarion thought. He had met and kissed hundreds of people, played the part of the fragile and the hero, so Feyra wasn’t something unfamiliar to him. A pretty face, a sly smile, and a twisted sense of humor to match his—nothing too special. So why couldn’t he stop staring at her? Thinking of her? She wasn’t special, but then again… against all odds, she sliced through that monster hunter without hesitation, let him bite her, and then again—and again. Maybe she was just plain stupid, naïve, but … she was clever with her words and absolutely frightening at times… maybe she wasn’t the fool, but he was.

They stayed at the Last Light Inn tonight, after being in that freaky forest for far too long, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching them. He offered his favorite Drow to join him tonight because nothing says "sex" like being surrounded by dark shadows and corrupted land, after all.

She came at night as always, her white hair still tied up in a messy ponytail. She had just finished cleaning her face, making her skin glow in the dim candlelight. Astarion was reading one of the books they had found not too long ago, but the moment she entered, he let his eyes linger on her before she sat down next to him. Before he could even say a word, she sighed and said, “Would you mind if we just lay to rest tonight?”

“Oh? Not in the mood for some fun, I see?” he closed his book as she lay on his scrawny bed, taking up almost the whole space. She took off her hair tie, letting her snowy hair spill all around—what a delicious treat she looked.

“Just a bit tired, that’s all, and I wouldn’t want to spoil our fun with yawning all the way through.” Feyra looked at him, patting the limited space next to her, inviting him to join, and join he did. He leaned on top of her, caressing her face gently while playfully saying, “Have you no sense of shame? Offering my own bed?”

“Shame? I don't know of her,” she answered, stretching her arms around his neck and pulling him closer until he rested his head on her chest. Soft and warm, they were intimate with each other already, yet this time it felt different. He felt different.

“Why does the way to Baldur’s Gate have to go through a cursed forest? And not just a regular forest? I swear we can’t have one nice thing happening on this trip,” Feyra complained, and while he would usually offer some snarky remarks, Astarion was too focused on the warm, strange feeling that suddenly made him forget how to speak.

“The first thing I’m going to do in the city is take a nice, long bath with actual soap!” She kept talking and talking; you would think she wasn’t as tired as she claimed to be. But Astarion didn’t mind. Actually, listening to her speak, to her voice, while being held so gently in her arms, was something he didn’t realize could feel so good.

“Have you fallen asleep, Astarion?” she suddenly said, which made him open his eyes that he didn’t know were closed.

“Hm? You were talking for so long, my dear, I fear you must have lulled me to sleep,” he said jokingly to cover the panic that rose in him. He was feeling too safe—too comfortable for a moment there.

“Apologies, go back to sleep then.” She raised her arm for a moment to shut the lantern. It was Astarion’s moment to escape her grasp, yet his body didn’t move. Instead, he let her hand rest on him, her fingers pushing through his hair so gently it made his head spin for a moment.

The tent was dead quiet. She wasn’t asleep just yet, he could tell—not with the rising beat of her heart. Was it because of him? Was she finally falling for his spells? His charm? It’s about time! Yet only with one tender stroke on his neck, he swore he could feel his frozen heart skip a beat. What kind of dark magic is that?

At some point, her hand stopped moving and her quiet breath turned into faint snores. Only then did he decide to rise up and give her a short look from above. Her beautiful face now in deep slumber—what a cruel woman she was, making his world turn upside down only to leave him alone with his thoughts. He lay next to her, turning his back in the hopes that this warm feeling might disappear if he stopped looking at her. But even in her sleep, she found a way to taunt him by moving closer and pressing herself to his back, reaching her hand to cuddle him, shielding his back, keeping him warm. What a wicked woman she is, Astarion thought, holding her soft hand. And what a fool he is.

[hoztthespunkieball]

The Court of Thorns and Roses: Chapter 2 Recap (contains spoilers)

Reading is hard when you don't have much time, however, here are my impressions from chapter two. After I'm finished with with the book I'll write a proper review.

Takes:

I fucking hate Nesta. I hope/think she'll get a redemption arc, but now she annoys the shit out of me.

I'm torn between feeling sorry for and annoyed at Feyra's (the main character's) father. Like, the dude is disabled so I won't give him too much flack for that, HOWEVER it's his behaviour that pisses me off. Like, his daughter went to hunt on her own in the most dangerous part of the forest in order to get the food for her family (father and three daughters) and to sell the rest at the market, otherwise they can't afford anything. I'm not saying he should hunt instead of her (in his case that'd be a suicide mission), but at least notice that she's gone ??? Like, come on bro.

This chapter mostly focuses on the family dynamics between Feyra and her sisters and dad, but I was still slightly confused with the age order. Is Feyra the youngest or the middle child? She is 100% not the eldest, that's Nesta. I double checked it afterwards and Feyre is the youngest. Which is weird, because this responsibility often times falls on the eldest child. (I googled Sarah J. Maas and she is indeed an only child. Nothing wrong with that, it's just sometimes obvious in the writing.)

The readers also learn that Feyre loves to paint and is overall an artsy person. Her sisters sometimes make fun of her for this.

Feyre made a promise at her mother's deathbed that she'll always protect hers sisters and that it's her responsibility. Feyre herself doesn't know why her mother didn't appoint this task to Nesta, but she accepted it nevertheless.

Isaac is growing on me. It seems like I was right about the friends with benefits situation. If it's consensual you go kids, do your thing.

Elain (the middle child) and Nesta rarely do any work around the house. Pretty much only when Feyre forces them too. Which only highlights the unhealthy relationship they have. The older sisters are only after the money and both want to marry rich. There is even some friction between Nesta and Feyre where they criticize each other's romantic advances or lack thereof. Nesta roast Feyre for fucking around with Isaac and not really wanting to get serious and Feyre mocks Nesta for wanting to get married to some dude named Tomas. (Tomas seems shady).

At the end of the chapter the sisters get ready to go to the town the next morning to sell some stuff and hopefully get some money.

I like this chapter, it didn't feel like filler and painted the situation even better. Now we know the family dynamics which sets the story in motion. I couldn't help but think that certain situations were a bit edgy, but I'm not mad about it. It's young adult AND dark fantasy series at the end of the day, it's supposed to be a little bit angsty.

[rhisardthewizard]

Most of the way through A Court of Wings and Ruin and something I absolutely love about Maas's writing is that all of her characters have real, difficult, human reactions.

Their choices are not always right, but always have very real justifications acording to the characters making them. These characters are messy and flawed. Their traumas are real and their responses to them aren't unrealistic.

I find that I don't hate Tamlin. Even after everything. He was wrong, and he was harmful, and Feyra was right to get herself out of that situation, but the way he acted was never a caricature of an abusive boyfriend but instead it was a painful and realistic look at how this character allowed his trauma to rule him and allowed his past to define him, and ended up hurting and losing someone he loved, and allowing himself to become bitter about it.

Rhysand is a character who does not have a line. What I initially admired about Tamlin and worried about Rhys is exactly that juxtaposition; Tamlin had a point at which he would go no further - Rhys will cross whatever line he has to. Rhys will do /awful/ thing to himself and anyone he needs to in order to do what he thinks will ultimately be the most good for the most people. It makes him an incredibly compelling hero because he's so brilliantly introduced as a villain. I fucking love him.

I was not excited about Amren's history. I thought she was going to end up being the goddess Cerridwen and was SUPER disappointed by the reveal.

Mor is perfect.

Nesta needs to start genuinely acknowledging the abuse she subjected her littlest sister to and the long term damage it did. She needs to actually confront how entirely she failed her baby sister. It's not that Feyra couldn't take care of herself; she shouldn't have fucking had to. She was a child. And Nesta owes her for every fucking step her little sister ever dragged a dead animal through the snow, alone.

Elaine is... fine.

Bat boys for life.

I'm excited for Chekov's Oroboros mirror just patiently waiting in the background of this plot to fuck shit up. That's a concept too cool not to use and I wanna see it.

Lucian is still my boy, he was right to leave the Spring Court and I fucking love that he's going on secret missions for the Night Court now. I am glad he's gotten to come back as a character and I hope Elaine's character actually gets the chance to develop because I am invested in how that relationship unfolds. What a dynamic!

Feyra has come so far and I'm really glad she got to develop the way she has without the throughlines of her character being obliterated.

I love the way Maas built a fairytale and then tore it the fuck down. I love how the happily ever after at the end of book one turned out to be three months and then the shit hit the fan.

These books are absolutely wild, and I owe my friend who talked me into reading them so many beers

[joliepixie]

Book update! books I’ve read recently and what I thought/how I felt about them! Also I really branched out into genres this time around! Another personal goal of mine.

Once again pictures from left to right!

1) Silver Flame! I read this back in February but had lent it to a friend and forgot to include it in my last book update. I absolutely loved this book like everything else Sarah J. Maas writes. I thought it gave a good perspective into how Nesta was doing mentally and helped me understand her struggle. I think after reading this novel I’ve even began to like Nesta more then Feyra and I think the turning point was when Nesta posted the list in the library and continued to check on it hoping someone would sign up. I was in tears when Cassian told her to keep reaching out a hand. This book made me feel so much and I feel even more in love with the ACATAR world. Oh and I learned I really do not like Amren.

2)This was a challenge and I’m pretty sure I had a breakdown or two while reading it. I had high hopes going into this book and I was super excited to read it after watching the trailer for the new movie, but I’ve learned sci-fi isn’t for me. Don’t get me wrong the story was really good and I had a fun time with the sun worms and the descriptions of Dune made me want to vacation there or just anywhere with sand dunes. However I had a really difficult time getting into the book with all the made up works I was so focused on pronouncing them and trying to keep track of what they all mean that I kept losing the story and being pulled out of the immersion of it all. I eventually bought the audible book for it and listened to it to finish it off and it made the story so much more enjoyable.

3) I have a Mount Everest addiction. I absolutely loved the movie Everest (2015) about the 1996 expedition. When I found out there was actually a book written about the fated 1996 expedition I knew I had to read it. Since learning more about the expedition and what it takes to climb the mountain I have gained even more respect for the climber. This book also set me on a path of wanting to read a bunch of non fiction book about other events I find interesting like “Jungle” by Yossi Ghinsberg as well as just reading more of Jon Krakauer’s work.

4) I had heard so many good things about Sally Rooney’s book as well as heard a bunch of good reviews regarding the TV show. This book fell flat for me. Right off the bat it was jarring to read a novel with now quotations, although I did get use to style after a couple pages. I found the characters dull and boring and honestly while trying to explain this book to a friend I couldn’t cause I don’t even know what it’s about.. I didn’t get much from this book and I still can’t even begin to describe what I read. Luckily it was pretty short so I was able to get through it quickly. Also what even was that ending? That wasn’t a ending where’s the next chapter? I struggled through this book for that?!?

5) I really wanted to try a Gillian Flynn book and considering I liked the movie (see the theme in all these books yet?) Gone girl and enjoyed it, I wanted to start with a book by her that I don’t know the ending too and sharp objects seemed like a good start and I wasn’t disappointed. This book was extremely twisted and there where a couple parts where my stomach turned. I really enjoyed reading about any interactions the main character had with her sister Amma. The first “conclusion” left me dissatisfied with thinking it was all to predictable and boring but as the last few chapters went on I was not disappointed. Definitely a good, dark, and twisted read.

6) Found this at a used book store and I was drawn in by the title. Two things you need to know about me. I love anything French and the idea of a small run down cottage in a country that I could fix up is a dream of mine! So a year in provenance had me from the title and then the summary, however I walked away from it only to constantly be thinking about it till my next day off when I zipped back to the used book store to pick it up. Luckily it was still there and I’m so happy I went back for it. This novel is so mundane and just simple. It makes me so happy reading about something I love to constantly dream about and the descriptions of food are to die for. Honestly I don’t have much to say about this book other then it’s just nice calming and mundane. A great read.

7) I have seen Brandon Sanderson books all over every social media platform known to man and I knew one day I’d have to give one of his books a try. “Mistborn” seemed liked the obvious choice but Warbreaker seemed more my pace plus a stand-alone. I honestly don’t know how to feel about this book. I like the story but I had a hard time getting into it. I think it has to do with the fact I’ve read a couple pretty heavy thinking books lately and I’m just tired from having to think while reading? If that makes sense. Ok some things I like about the story. I love Siri and her scenes with the God King. He’s just so cute if that the right word for him? Maybe innocent is better! I’m in love with the magic system and how colour plays such a important role in the story. Somethings I’m not liking which is mainly one thing is how political some of the chapters are. I understand it’s dealing with the topic of being on the brink of war but I just can’t get into the politics of war. Mind you that’s normal for me when it comes to any book that is heavy in politics! Just don’t care for it. So basically I like the in-between scheming and plotting about war parts.

8) Once again back to my movie/tv theme! I found this book in my recommendation on Amazon and after reading the summary I was sold. The premise reminded me of a old movie I watched called “Rear Window” and I was excited to compare the two. Then I found out that “Women in the Window” was being made into a movie with Amy Adams and that got me even more excited for the book! I did find that this book had a slow start but once it go going I was really into it. It was a bit predictable. I called the twist with their husband and daughter pretty early on and then with my motto expect the unexpected I figured out who the killer was pretty quickly, the how and why was tricky and that’s what kept me entertained. I love a good thriller book and o get even more excited when I pick up on the subtle clues left by the author.

[ieatcrystalsforbrunch]

ELAIN/ELRIEL HATERS RANT

I’m very disappointed of all these haters! I have so much to say but Idk how to start and so I’ll try my best to group it in a coherent way as much as I can.

ELRIEL

First of all, it’s already pretty obvious that Elain will be getting the next installment of the series. It’s also already VERY obvious that Azriel is going to be her love interest in her story! Why?

• Little bits and crumbs of interaction that’s been described in the text with the atmosphere of sexual tension and chemistry! You’re in denial if you do not see/sense that!

Mind you these are only from ACOSAF only! Not including the ones from the previous books! What does this imply? These heavily support the idea of their feelings for one another! Look at Azriel being so defensive in the most subtle way! Even his shadows were ready to attack after Elain was getting verbally attacked by Nesta! He “stills/stiffens” at the mention of Elain’s name! He doesn’t want Elain to be exposed to danger! (Cough, mate reflexes???) I’m not even gonna talk about the mating thing right now cause again, it’s all a bundle of complications!

• It’s been confirmed in Azriel’s pov that they BOTH have feelings for one another! Their situation is just very complicated and THAT is what makes it interesting! How they overcome it! Will they overcome it? Will they have the courage to chase after it? Will they face their fears and traumas to attain what they want? Will they even admit to one another regarding these emotions? Will they choose love over duty? Or duty over love?

The appearance of Gwyn in the bonus chapter definitely stirs some questions (relationship wise) but if you step back and look at the whole thing. Really, will you disregard all those small crumbs left by the author across the series, the build up for the next couple, just to be stomped? I don’t think so!

Do I think Gwyn will play an important role for Azriel and Elain to progress? Yes! I feel like Azriel and Gwyn will develop a friendship! This is definitely possible! With the theory that Gwyn IS a lightsinger, makes it even more possible! I can sense misunderstandings, miscommunications, pent up emotions! With Rhys orders to Azriel regarding Elain and Elain misunderstanding Azriel’s kiss rejection, I can already smell it!

ELAINE

I also want to BRING ATTENTION the people who are BRINGING DOWN ELRIEL BECAUSE ELAIN IS “NOT WORTHY” “ WEAK” “USELESS”.

HOW DARE YOU?

I would feel bad if I was the author! Just because WE ONLY SEE GLIMPSES of Elain in the series, just because she GARDENS, just because she’s soft spoken, DOESN’T MEAN THAT SHE IS EITHER OF THOSE THINGS!

Rhys says so himself that what we know of Elain is not all of it! That Elain probably only acts like that BECAUSE IT IS WHAT’S PUSHED FOR HER TO BE. She is portrayed as all those things because they make it so! But we see glimpses of her actually standing her ground and it shocks everybody! Why? Because they never expect it from her! They only see her as this fragile baby but IT’S NOT WHO SHE IS! AND WE FINALLY GET TO FIGURE HER OUT IN HER BOOK JUST LIKE HOW WE FIGURED NESTA OUT IN HER BOOK! Don’t you dare deny that you hated Nesta before she opened up about her trauma and issues! How you judged her as also WEAK and SPOILED before she had the courage to stand up and admit her demons! How you hated that she pushes everybody away because of all that hate in her heart! We are YET to know Elain and YALL ALREADY THROWING HER OFF THE CLIFF.

And this is where GWYN comes in again! Because it’s VERY APPARENT that most of the readers want GWYN X AZRIEL because she’s this badass-sword wielding-dark past female-turned fighter! Because she’s like Feyra and Nesta and NOT ELAIN. Don’t you deny it! Because she doesn’t GARDEN but TRAINS. She isn’t soft spoken but hard edged! Yall are bullies!

“ Just kill her off, it wouldn’t make a difference.”

“ She doesn’t deserve Azriel!”

“ Azriel needs someone who can handle him.”

“ I’m dropping the book if Azriel ends up with Elain.”

Are you KIDDING ME?

Again, we know SO LITTLE of Elain! Her traumas, her secrets, her demons, her struggles, her past! HER TRUE SELF.

It’s just soooo infuriating reading these comments and reviews!

But one thing is for certain and that’s ALL WRITTEN IN THE BOOKS.

I stand by what the author had sprinkled all over the series and stand by my love for Elain and Elriel! I know there’s an edge beneath all that softness. Thorns on her roses! She has a long way to go JUST LIKE FEYRA AND NESTA. I am all here for it and I cannot wait!

HATERS GONNA HATE BITTER FEKS

[nesta-stan]

Feyre signaling Nesta that she doesn’t want her apart of her life than she is mad when Nesta doesn’t want to be apart of her life

I feel like a lot of people don’t really try to understand Nesta’s perception of certain situations and her rational. WE know that Feyre loves and wants to spend time with her sister but Feyre doesn’t realize the signals she has given to nesta that say otherwise. Here I am going through how Nesta perceives things and her rational. If you just want to know my main points you can skip to the conclusion. I also put in a theory on how their relationship could evolve in the next book. 

I will start with a quote from the first book.

“I thought all you wanted was for us to get out of the house-to marry off me and Elain so you can have enough time to paint your glorious masterpieces.” -Nesta

I use this quote because its from Nesta so we get some insights on what her perception of the situation is which is that Feyre doesn’t actually want her around which Feyre confirms.

“Believe me, the day you want to marry someone worthy, I’ll march up to his house and hand you over.” -Feyre

Feyre never rescinded these comments and by the way Nesta talks about it seemed like it had been common knowledge to her for awhile. Feyre’s pushy behavior in trying to get her sister’s to hook up with Cassian and Lucien, to Nesta, because of this could be interpreted as Feyre trying to get rid of her instead of Feyre wanting them to find the same happiness she found with her mate. I think that all of people forget that in the cabin Feyre didn’t have the caring and compassionate attitude towards her sisters she does now. She loved them and cared for them but not emotionally. Feyre even says

 “Some days, I couldn’t tell which of us was the most wretched and bitter” 

Which shows that Feyre already had a pattern of aggression toward her sister as well. Maybe now it is different, but they had a pre-established dynamic that wasn’t just one sided. The story is just told through Feyre’s pov so we just know about how Nesta’s words hurt Feyre’s feelings not the other way around. 

One thing that got me upset when I first read Acomaf was the regression of Feyre and Nesta’s relationship. By the end of Acotar not only had Nesta gone to the border to look for her sister but they seemed to deepen their bond by having open conversation and engaging in recreational activities together like Feyre teaching Nesta how to paint but when we get to acomaf Nesta is back to being her bitter self. 

Then I realized, there are 8 MONTHS in between when feyre left and returned to see Nesta again. EIGHT MONTHS without a letter or a visit. Granted three of those were when she was stuck with Amerantha but during this time Nesta doesn’t know about that. Plus, that still leaves 6 MONTHS unaccounted for. When Feyre does come back it’s not to connect with her sisters, check up on them, see how they are doing, or even tell them what she has been doing. She only comes back to ask a favor of them. WE know through Feyre’s Pov that her about her depression and her reasonings for not contacting them but Nesta doesn’t. Knowing that Feyre vocally confirmed to Nesta at one point that she didn’t want her in her life it is fair to assume that Nesta thought that was the reason she didn’t try to contact her for HALF A YEAR because Feyre hasn’t really given her clues to believe otherwise. Considering this time gap Nesta’s revitalized bitterness towards her makes sense. 

Some people called Nesta a hypocrite when she was hurt by her lack of presence in Feyre’s house in acofas but in reality Nesta would not have been back in Feyre’s life if it wasn’t for the cauldron. 

When Feyre goes to ask why Nesta didn’t come to dinner she says 

“Elain wanted you there.” I wanted you there. Nesta shrugged. “She could have eaten with me here.” “You know Elain wouldn’t feel comfortable in a place like this.”

She never verbally expresses her desire to actually have a relationship with nesta. Nesta is even bating her to say it with her comment about Elain but instead of just telling her ‘I want you to be apart this with us’ it passes straight over Feyre’s head. 

“What will it take for you to come?” “For Elains sake or yours?” “Both” Another snort... “So you’re bribing me then?” I didn’t flinch. “I’m seeing if you are willing to be reasoned with. If there is a way to make it worth your while.”... “It’s not even our holiday. We don’t have holidays.”...”As I told Elain: you have your live lives, and I have mine.” Again, I cast a pointed glance to the tavern. “Why? WHy this instance on distancing yourself?” She settled back in her seat crossing her arms. “Why do I have to be a part of your merry little band?” “Because you’re my sister.”

-Acofas 116-118 (feel free to say if you feel like I cut out something important)

What Nesta is trying to establish is here is a boundary between her sisters and the inner circle. Personally, I understand this. Me and my own sister are only a year apart, we are close but we have no where near the same friend group and we both have friends from spanning back to elementary school. Which is why I find it so odd that Feyre almost demands that Feyre be a part of her group because she is her sister. Feyre pushes Nesta decide on whether she wants to stay alone or be a part of a group of people who for the most part don’t like her. Whether you think they are justified in disliking Nesta doesn’t change the fact that is what the situation is. In the excerpt at the end where it is stated

“so many of them portraits and depictions of them- her friends, her new family”

Again with the separation with the inner circle and Nesta. Nesta sees herself as being a part of Feyre’s old family. Which is suggestive that she feels discarded. Feyre gets upset that Nesta never wants to take the time to visit her but then she never takes the time to visit Nesta. Feyre uses the excuse that she doesn’t like hanging around Nesta’s favorite places to spend time but then never considers that nesta doesn’t like to spend time at her places. 

“She could barely stand to hear the crack and pop of the wood. Had barely been able to endure it in Feyre’s town house”

“Feyre told her during her first and only tour two months ago. She’d been half drunk at the time, and hated every second of it, every perfect happy room.”

The thing is, Feyre’s two homes are her safe spaces. Spaces for her and her family. She sees how open the rest of the inner circle sees them as second homes and expects it to be the same for Nesta but it isn’t and she doesn’t realize that. The inner circle finds Nesta’s apartment distasteful and just refuse to wrap their heads around why she would want to stay there but for her, I am going to let the quote say it

“This was her place. No servants, no eyes monitoring and judging every move, no company”

It honestly makes me sad that they refuse to recognize Nesta’s apartment as her safe space and are taking it away from her like its nothing.

Now let’s talk about Rhysand. This plays into the divide between the inner circle and Nesta. This is a quote from earlier in the tavern scene

“Is that mate of yours going to stand in the cold all night? I blinked, wondering if she’d somehow sensed the thoughts between us. “Who says he’s here?” Nesta snorted. “Where one goes, the other fallows.”

and now here is a quote from the excerpt.

They were pity offerings, some attempt to get her to be a part of their life, to be gainfully occupied. Done not because Rhysand particularly like her- and their conversations were coldly civil at best. 

 Here we can see that Nesta has no desire to have any type of save face friendship with Rhysand but Feyre practically forces them onto each other. With the former quote above this one it can be assumed that Feyre hasn’t taken the time to have a conversation without Rhysand. Hell, the one they did have alone in Acofas was being live broadcasted to him and Nesta knew it. It makes sense she would be uncomfortable talking to her sister openly if she knows all their conversations are either being spied on or relayed to someone who she knows dislikes her. Again. whether you think he is justified doesn’t change the fact that he dislikes her. This is about Nesta’s perception. 

Conclusion

Nesta and Feyre both have somewhat of a desire to have a relationship with each other but through Nesta’s perspective we see that Feyre has a history of discarding or trying to discard Nesta from her life and any attempts feyre makes to build a relationship with her can only be done on the condition that Nesta join a group of people who do not like her, borderline hate her, and that she can never meet Feyre on her own ground. Nesta must always tolerate the uncomfortable atmosphere she finds in Feyre’s safe space without ever expecting Feyre to inturn do the same. This is why she has in turn chosen to simply isolate herself from the situation. It is not because she doesn’t want to be a member of Feyre’s family, but that to do that Feyre has unintentionally made it so to be apart of her family Nesta in turn would have to be a part of Cassian’s, Amren’s, Mor’s, Azriel’s, and Rhysand’s family too. Plus, Feyre has been shown to be unreliable and illusive in her desire to have a relationship with Feyre. 

I believe that these two sister do have the potential of building a close bond but Feyre needs to work on building boundaries between her relationship between the inner circle and her relationship with Nesta. Feyre doesn’t have to choose one or the other. She just needs to learn how to make time for both separately. She also needs to be consistent and open with her sister. Feyre needs to be open and honest with Nesta about her feeling and about how hurt she was. 

I am not saying that Nesta doesn’t have her flaws or that she won’t equally have to put in the work to mend their relationship but implying that through Feyre contributes the current state of their relationship just as much.

Theory about Nesta and Feyra in the next book 

I can’t say for certain if this will happen but I recently saw a post saying how the next book might be a Snow Queen retelling. I reblogged it and responded with the different possibilities that opens with the next novel.  If you don’t know the story Kay (pronounced Kai) and Gerda are best childhood friends. At first I thought Nesta would get the role of Kay and Cassian the role of Gerda because it’s there love story but after looking over it I believe the role of Gerda will be split between all the people who love Nesta and want to save her from herself. Especially because frozen is about to sisters and that is based of the Snow queen as well. I also see SJM taking elements from the 2002 movie. The orginal story goes, when Kay is hit with the broken pieces from a cursed mirror in eyes and heart over the course of a year he becomes cold and cruel to his childhood friend. After an adventure to find him after he is kidnapped, Gerda looking almost dead. She fixes him by melting away the shards of glass in his heart with her tears. When they arrive home at last they realize that on the course of their journey they have grown from children to adults. Here are some quotes from that story that could relate to Nesta and her relationship with Feyre.

people said, “That boy will be very clever; he has a remarkable genius.” But it was the piece of glass in his eye, and the coldness in his heart, that made him act like this. He would even tease little Gerda, who loved him with all her heart.

Little Kay was quite blue with cold, indeed almost black, but he did not feel it; for the Snow Queen had kissed away the icy shiverings, and his heart was already a lump of ice. He dragged some sharp, flat pieces of ice to and fro, and placed them together in all kinds of positions, as if he wished to make something out of them; just as we try to form various figures with little tablets of wood which we call “a Chinese puzzle.” Kay’s fingers were very artistic; it was the icy game of reason at which he played, and in his eyes the figures were very remarkable, and of the highest importance; this opinion was owing to the piece of glass still sticking in his eye. He composed many complete figures, forming different words, but there was one word he never could manage to form, although he wished it very much. It was the word “Eternity.” The Snow Queen had said to him, “When you can find out this, you shall be your own master, and I will give you the whole world and a new pair of skates.” But he could not accomplish it.

Then little Gerda wept hot tears, which fell on his breast, and penetrated into his heart, and thawed the lump of ice, and washed away the little piece of glass which had stuck there. 

Then Kay burst into tears, and he wept so that the splinter of glass swam out of his eye. Then he recognized Gerda, and said, joyfully, “Gerda, dear little Gerda, where have you been all this time, and where have I been?” And he looked all around him, and said, “How cold it is, and how large and empty it all looks,” and he clung to Gerda, and she laughed and wept for joy. It was so pleasing to see them that the pieces of ice even danced about; and when they were tired and went to lie down, they formed themselves into the letters of the word which the Snow Queen had said he must find out before he could be his own master, and have the whole world and a pair of new skates. Then Gerda kissed his cheeks, and they became blooming; and she kissed his eyes, and they shone like her own; she kissed his hands and his feet, and then he became quite healthy and cheerful.

I don’t think the next book will be as literal is this but I do hope Feyre is going to truly open up to Nesta about all her feeling and about how much she truly cares for her sister and she will “Melt her heart of ice”. 

I have a lot more theories about how the snow queen stories will play into Nesta’s story in the next book but here are just my thoughts about Nesta and Feyre’s relationship. 

[hereticalsoulsarchive]

WW2 starter ( @feyrae ) Feyre & Dorian

The fly boy and the nurse, a tale as old as time - a story that had few enough happy endings. The boys met their end too often, the girls tended so many that pieces of their heart left a scattered trail. Sometimes those boys went missing, sometimes they just got assumed dead. Sometimes the girls waited. But they always learned to love again, or at least — they learned to feel safe in someone else’s arms again. So it is little surprise that Feyre Archeron could not wait forever.

Dorian Havilliard, captain in the RAF, the best pilot in his unit. Flown over 50 successful bombing missions, over 100 general missions. He was a class set apart. Despite the seeming death wish that was ever present in his flights, the carefree laughter that followed him as he left.a wake of good spirits behind him amongst his companions, it had been one woman who’d captured his heart. Since the death of his fiancé Sorcha as she’d made her way from the front line to visit him when he’d been injured... Feyre — had been all that consumed and consoled him.

Yet the time had come when he’d been sent back to the sky, set free among the birds. With eyes bluer than the clearest skies it seemed almost absurd that his good luck would end. But it did. Shot down in parts unknown, plane not recovered, pilot marked missing. The days turned to weeks and he wasn’t found, the weeks to months, the months to a year. Declared dead at last. Mourning was a burden Feyre had been holding on her own for all that time. His family was no help, his mother had taken his younger brother and gone to their estate — uncaring the fate of her son. His father continued to lobby for a quick end to the war, all while profiteering off it and only padding his coffers more. Somehow the loss of Dorian had not affected them.

So perhaps it was little wonder when there was a tall figure at this county hospital, dark hair — grown long, its nearly black curls framing a face that life had worn lines into, but eyes —- that sparked like sapphires as he fiddled with the button on his jacket cuff. A pause as he then offered the letters over to the matron, “ I’m — looking for her. I think I loved her very much. You see I was shot down, and — I don’t remember... much before that. It comes and goes, the Doctor said I’d get more back eventually. At least he hoped so. “. There’s a terrible softness in his voice, he doesn’t remember what Feyre looks like, the photo he carried water damaged beyond recognition— he doesn’t see her walk by and pause in the alcove on the way outdoors. “ Do you know her? I’ve — been searching since I got discharged, but no one will tell me anything. “ The matron, an older woman reached to give his hand a squeeze as she handed him the stack of letters back, her voice hushed but — “ i’m afraid i cannae tell you anything either love — per’aps take a walk on the grounds? “

It seemed odd advice, but she was kind — so he obliged. A nod, and the letters tucked in his pocket as long strides took him outside. Outside to where the object of his search had fled. Dorian slows as he follows a gravel path, finding a woman sitting on a bench — her chest rising and falling with obvious grief. He assumes she has lost someone, so he tucks aside his desire to find the woman he loves and takes a seat on the bench beside her... but not too close, but he glances over — “I’m Dorian Havilliard — do you need someone to talk to? I’m a great listener — I only remember about half what I hear so I’m sure to not blab it around.” There’s a grin that pulls on the corner of his mouth, it crinkles taut skin around his eyes where there had been burns. Healed better than most — physically he is.. well. Mentally — he is lost.

A moment’s pause before he digs in his pocket producing a small bag of chocolates, he offers them — “ chocolate — helps most things. Books and chocolate — and sometimes a good wine, all you really need when the worlds falling apart. “ the woman still is sniffling, but — he carries on, a grin as he leaves the chocolates beside her. With rationing, no one could really resist chocolate. The letters are pulled out of his jacket, the ruined photo tied on top of the pile. “ I don’t mean to bother you but — do you know this woman? I — I’ve been looking for weeks, but information seems kind of cloudy during war time. If you could just take a look? I — I love her very much but I can’t remember her well yet. Quack said it’ll be back soon — but you see, she got me through this. And — i haven’t even been able to thank her. And the picture got ruined in the crash and —“

For the first time the woman he sat beside has turned to face him, tear streaked cheeks, a face flushed with emotion — a tremor of something slips through his consciousness. A memory? A ghost? Or merely desire? Dark blue eyes meet hers, lips part — watching her with something almost like memory, almost like awe. There is need, muscle memory to move closer. To touch her. To feel her warmth. But a battle between what his body screams for, and what his mind dictates. Dorian has moved closer, leaning — as if to kiss her but... he jerks himself back, a tremor in his hands as he flexes them before shoving them in his jacket pockets. “ I’m sorry ma’am —- i .. don’t know what came over me. “

[writingwithlindsay]

I have some things to say about Tamlin the Tool. Because I don’t think he’s such a too. Don’t get me wrong, what he did was wrong, and I felt so much for Feyre when he locked her in. 

The thing is, though, he’s traumatized like they all were. He handled it badly. He probably had it the easiest out everyone Under the Mountain, but that still doesn’t mean there wasn’t trauma there. It was up to HIM to save the Spring Court - and he failed. He thought he was doing the right thing by sending Feyra away, but by doing so he caused so much more damage than anyone would have realized.

So Feyre wins, but then she dies. And it takes literally a miracle to bring her back. It makes sense that he wants things to go back to normal, that he’s keeping her inside to protect her. It wasn’t what Feyre needed, and he was blind to seeing anything but his fear, but it makes sense.

Fear is cruel. Fear makes us monsters. Fear crippled Tamlin so much that he forces the one thing he was scared the most of: losing Feyre.

What I love so much about this series is that it shows that you can love more than once. That people can be right for you for a time, but it doesn’t have to be forever. I think Tamlin was good for Feyre in ACOTAR. I think of all the painting she did and the adventures she went on in the first book and I think that sometimes Feyre is still grateful for those times. Her priorities changed Under the Mountain. What she needed changed. And Tamlin wasn’t open to that, so she was right for leaving, but that doesn’t make him the villain of her story.

Rhys is what Feyre needs now. Their bond (no pun intended) is stronger because they learned how to communicate with each other. They understand each other because of their shared experience. Tamlin continued to try and get her back out of the same fear that drove her away. He made terrible choices. And, okay, I kind of hated him in most of ACOWAR. But I also understood where he was coming from. He needed to learn to let go.

[ekaterinakostrova]

How do you imagine Nesta's court, if she day ever has one? (could you describe their appearances and personalities?)

“The Storm is coming”…

It is interesting that Nesta is alwaysidentified and associated with the winter season. Even the Bone Carver saysthat she is beautiful as a winter sunrise, and the title of the novella byitself has  such word as “frost”,which also symbolizes Nesta.

«Nesta paused justpast the low iron gate, her face coldand pale as moonlight.

Beautiful. Even withthe weight loss, she was as beautiful standingin the snow as she’d been the first time he’d laid eyes on her in herfather’s house.

And infinitely moredeadly. In so many ways».

Since she was described as the moonlight - sheis the moon and the death. And Nesta is the moonlight that Bryxix wishes as thepayment for the Feyre’s debt. Elain might be the sunshine.

Speaking about her own Court. I’m not quitesure, I picture in my mind that she will have her personal Council consistingof the War Lords. I also believe that she can get along with Devlon, because heis described as one of the fairest leaders in Illyria, the rest of the WarLords would have tough times with the Queen, but they will respect and fear her,because of her will and strength. Devlon was the only leader among the leadersof Illyria to allow women to study martial art, how to fight and how to defendthemselves. And according to Rhysand and Cassian, they went to a lot oftroubles to make it all real. Remnants of traditions and attitudes towardswomen among the older generation of Illyrians have not disappeared, evencenturies has not changed that.

Nevertheless, many young and old warriorswithin themselves do not support this system, especially young warriors. Afterall, women are their own wives, daughters, sisters, mothers. In Chapter 8 ofthe novella it is obvious that Emerie was a beloved daughter. With such a greatlove Emerie’s father created their small shop (the shop has glass doors, andeven to install it in Illyrian impenetrable forests and in the mountains - itseems incredibly expensive), and daughter continues to support the paternalaffair, even after his death, she is not going to say goodbye to his shop.

I still hold the view that Nesta will be the Queenof Illyria. The Illyrians are scattered throughout the mountains and thenorthern districts of the Night Court, and they have never had a single leader forwhom everyone (both women and men would follow unquestioningly, withouthesitation). Many men among the warriors have a hatred for their real leaders -Azriel, Cassian and Rhysand hate the ancient traditions of the Illyrians andthe position that women occupy in this barbarous society.

Therefore, I believe that the Nesta’s personalInner Circle will consist not only of women, but also of representatives ofnoble families - men who will follow her, admiring her courage, selflessness.Nesta has that rigidity of character that can break these cruel traditions. Andafter breaking the wheel – thousands follow her.

Nesta is not only clever and educated person,she is intelligent, well-read, cunning, but most importantly, she is incrediblyattractive as a woman. Therefore, I think that many men, even among the Illyrians,will have real feelings for her, if only because of her destructive beauty.Nesta was interested to Helion, Eris and … even King Hybern, because in thethird book during their battle, he confessed:

“And when her eyeswere lifted to the king again … “I am going to kill you,” she saidquietly.

“Really?”The king asked, lifting a brow. “BecauseI can think of far more interesting things to do with you.”

Her power blasted thetrees behind him to cinders. Blasted across the battlefield in the low arc,then landed right in the Hybern ranks. Taking out the hundreds before they knewwhat happened.

The king appeared onthe ruins behind him. “Magnificent,” he said. “Barely trained,brash, but magnificent.”

As for women, well… among her loyal alliesthere will be three women warriors (Mor and Cassian spoke about them in thesecond book, they have already begun their training). In addition, it may bewomen from other tribes. In the end, I think Nesta will become the leader whowill be able to unite Illyria into one big nation. Illyrians should have aleader for whom they are ready to die, and for whom they can follow like aliving god.

I think that in her Council there will also bea woman who was the mother of a deceased soldier - one of those who raises arebellion among women.

In my opinion, these clues left in the novella areextremely important for the plot. When Nesta comes to Feyra for her birthday,the first sentence of the chapter begins with the phrase “The Storm iscoming”, and therefore Nesta by herself might become a symbol ofrevolution and insurrection, only her own revolution will swallow up anotherrevolution that the Illyrians support after the war against King Hybern.

Meet the death squad of Nesta Archeron Warriors!

[nerdfighter-steffie]

“So I’m your huntress and thief?” His hands slid down to cup the backs of my knees as he said with a roguish grin, “You are my salvation, Feyre. “⁣ ⁣ This book. THIS BOOK. Still ranks one of my all time favourites. This is my third time reading it, and it can still make me excited, breaks my heart and has me swooning. I’m re reading this series as part of ACOTAR -A-LONG hosted by my amazing friend @ and the lovely @ . I’ve been in s slump all fall and I truly believe these books has pulled me out it it!⁣ ⁣ I’m sure everyone knows what this book is about, and if you don’t do yourself a favot s pick up the first one. I don’t think i’ll be able to stop saying this, but WOW this book is phenomenal. I loved watching Feyra learn about her new powers and transition into this badass fae!! The romance is my favourite thing about this series, I loved Rhysand from the moment we met him in ACOTAR. I could honestly talk about this book for hours, so I’m just going to stop here. ⁣ ⁣ I hope your all having s happy Sunday. ⁣ ⁣ #acourtofmistandfury #acomaf #sarahjmaas #rhysandfeyre #readmorebooks #idratherbereading #bookaesthetic #ofsimplethings #ofjoyandwhimsy #discoverunder10k #bookstamums #alwayscozyforeverbooks #booksonbooks #bookishnerdigans #bookphotography #ofquietmoments #bookishlove #cozyvibes #bookblogger #booksofinstagram #bibliophile (at New Brunswick) https://www.instagram.com/p/CH50SVfA2xB/?igshid=1qsyvhj14dm12

[thetravelerbewithyou]

Top 5 ships

thank you Laura @parapluiepliant for tagging me. 

Let’s do this. 

1. BELLARKE from all my heart. I never felt this kind of passion for a fictional couple in my life. Clarke Griffin changed me and showed me that what I feel isn’t wrong and that I am still a valid person for loving both, women and men. Bellamy shows me every time I see him on Tv that even, when you don’t think of yourself worth it, that you keep going for the people you love. Their love and their kind of relationship is an example for how I want my relationships to be, full of trust, understanding, friendship and of course a love that makes you stronger. 

2. Aelin x Rowan or Rowaelin. I fell in love with Sarah J Maas’s writing and Aelin is my Queen and Rowan brings out the best in her and supports her and loves her so much, without having a problem with her being a Queen and ruling and stuff. It’s a ship that is build on trust, understanding and friendship. (Kinda have a type here) 

3. Harry Potter x Ginny Weasley and Ron Weasley x Hermoine Granger. They have to share because I love them equally. Please note that I mean the book versions

4. Eragon x Arya (Inheritance Cycle) I really wanted them to kiss, but they never did.. 

and last but not at all least

5. Feyra x Rhysand or Feysand. Again Sarah J Maas. That woman knows how to lure my heart into a ship. 

Tagging @insufficient-earth-skills if you want to do it and everybody else who want stop get their top 5 out. 

[joliepixie]

I’ve been reading almost everyday since April 16th thanks to the stay at home order. Not that I’m complaining but I feeling like it’s time to return to work if only for my activity level! its become a struggle to remove myself enough to go for a walk or run. Anyways onto the books.

Left to right:

1) I ordered this book when I was in the middle of the Throne of Glass series as a nice book to break up the series (can’t read series books back to back I get bored that way) but also to fulfill the Sarah J. Maas craving I was having without having to invest in a series. I don’t know was expecting with this book but for me it made me realize I’m not that into superhero books... don’t get me wrong it was a good book and I think I gave it 3 stars?? It just didn’t resonate with me. I didn’t much enjoy the characters and I had a hard time believing catwoman was this super badass didn’t lose one fight to anyone type of character that had assassin training. I preferred the early chapters when she was just a kid trying to make a living by fighting I think following that would have been a bit more interesting. Ok Just checked rated it 4 stars... This is why I do these “reviews” cause sometimes I don’t know how I feel about a book till I sit down and start blabbing about it. So yes a 3 star book for me.

2) Ok I have a serious addiction apparently. After reading the Throne of Glass books I wasn’t done with Sarah J. Maas’ writing style yet so with me having a week of uninterrupted home time left and having a serious book hangover I decided to re-read the ACOTAR series again.. probably just the first two because I like the build up to Rhys and Feyra’s relationship. Needless to say other then having to spend the majority of this book with Tamlin I love this book or more specifically the under the mountain trails. Going into the book for the first time last year I wasn’t expecting the trails and being a huge fan of competitions, trails, etc. I was enthralled. Love this book and love the second book even more. Oh and I promise I will be branching out from Sarah J. Maas soon considering I’ve had all her books read and just waiting for breath and sky now.

3) Another re-read/slowly trying to read every book on my bookshelf after a reading slump of 3 years. As I’ve been saying to my friends. I’m weeding out the weak deciding what to keep and what to give away. Anyways, absolutely love this book. Say what you will about Nicholas Sparks but he knows how to tug at the heart strings. When I first read this book I was in highschool and getting through those last 100 pages is tough is a terribly sad type of way. I remember I had to give my dad a hug when he got home after sobbing on the couch for hours. This book broke and I went in knowing this and I spent my entire night crying, let my dad know I loved him, and woke up with sore and puffy eyes so bad that I couldn’t read at all the next day. Regardless of how much I love this book I’m keeping it for the sake of the memories I have with it and as a reminder to let my parents know I love them unconditionally and never stay mad.

4) If you remember I picked this book up on one of my thrifting trips with my friend. Funny story I accidentally bought two copies thinking they were different stories. I have a obsession with Paris (even though I haven’t gone.. just waiting for covid to end so I can get out there) which was the main reason for this purchase and I’m glad I got it. I read this immediately after Kingdom of Ash because I needed something quick and what better then a book of short stories some involving Paris? I loved the majority of the stories in this book and will definitely be re reading a few someday. I tried reading this author other book me Before You when I was really young but being so young I don’t think I appreciated it as much as I should have. After picking up this book and being reacquainted with this authors writing style I think I’ll be trying some of her other books and probably dusting off my old copy of Me Before You.

5) I’ve been having an tough time with thrillers recently where I’ve read a lot that just didn’t sit well with me. This one reminded me why I like thrillers so much. I found this one fast paced and didn’t have to sit through chapter after chapter of the characters drinking while she took her medication. Sometimes I find with thrillers we are always given these characters that are so dependent on there vices which are used against them to make them seem crazy rather then something actually happening which drags on and sometimes used as a crutch in writing do you get what I’m saying? Even though this book did have a bit of this happening it wasn’t used nearly as much as other books and like I said very fast pace. It was neat how there wasn’t a grand reveal but the main character just worked it out on her own. I was happy with the ending as well and thought it ended the book well. All and all I liked this book a lot.

6) Was hoping I could write about book 6, 7, and 8 altogether like last time but I have very different feelings about each book so here we go. I love this book probably just as much as Heir of Fire and Queen of Shadows. I really loved getting to see all the characters interact like Manon joining up with the crew. The skull bay fight with Lysandra was definitely one of my all time favourite scenes and having Dorian slowly master his powers was fun to read as well. My favourite part of this book was definitely Lorcan and Elide parts. Elide was a character that I could give or take when I first met her but she’s slowly become my favourite character and I loved everyone of her chapters as well as the slow building romance with Lorcan. And if you know me you know I have a great hatred for Chaol so this book got a added bonus for not having a single chapter from his perspective!

7) This was a struggle. I looked up if I could just skip this book but unfortunately it had major plot points you couldn’t miss. I was dreading this book. I read a lot of reviews about how people hated Chaol but still really found this book likeable so I went in hoping that would be my experience too. It wasn’t. I actually ended up buying the audiobook because I really couldn’t picture myself sitting and reading this book... it’s not that I hated it I just don’t like chaol and besides Yrene and Borte didn’t really care for any of the characters in this book. I’m glad I listened to it because I definitely needed this story to continue and I really did try not to hate Chaol so much but I just can’t stand him.

8) Ok. The final Throne of Glass book. I gave it 4 stars. The middle three books are my favourite and I will re read over and over this one I don’t see myself going back to it. I have it four starts because I’ve followed these characters through a eight book series and a month of my time. I’ve fallen in love with these characters and there stories, I will always love these character, and of course Elide and Lorcan! Now here’s why I didn’t like this book as much nor think I’ll read it again (other then Lorcan and Elide story.) throughout this book I felt like Rowan became a background character like I’m all for a strong female lead and her doing shit her own way but Rowan was suppose to be her equal and I just felt like he did nothing. Like the final fight he spent the majority of it chasing Aelin? I get it she didn’t have her full powers but she was handling her own couldn’t you do the same? It just didn’t sit right with me that this character that was introduced to us in Heir of Fire that trained Aelin and is her equal was just kind of brushed aside and became this clingy male that spent the majority of the book following Aelin around not doing anything other the pleading her not to leave him. Like what happened to the badass Rowan that I grew to love...? Also was really angered me Aelin losing her powers? What’s up with that?! It just felt so cheap to me.. after again reading about how strong she is and then forging the lock which did nothing by the way what was the point of that anyways, and then she just loses all her power only having a ember left??? I hate when authors do this.. I also felt the scene with Erawan, Maeve, and Aelin was just dull. I was still upset that Aelin wouldn’t get to use her powers against them and in the end it was more of a match of words then a battle just felt a little cheap to me. I was just disappointing , Aelin a character we have come to love and watch grow and get stronger hardly hold her own against Maeve... This book has a all around different feel to it compared to the other books and maybe it’s because it was the final battle and and the final book to the series I was a bit disappointed with it but I did enjoy it and felt a huge accomplishment when I finished the series. Reading that finally few chapters really put me into a hangover knowing it was over and like Aelin felt when everyone was heading home I felt that too. It’s goodbye for now.

[joliepixie]

I was going to wait till I finished the book I’m currently reading but I’ve gravely underestimated how much time it actually takes me to finish a book now that I’m back at work. So here we go because I wanted to clean out my photo album.

Pictures left to right!

1) This was a re-read! I was reading Bridgerton at the time but I was finding I couldn’t focus on it so knowing a had already read 100 pages of this book a few months ago ( I’ve been in a four year reading slump attempted fangirl last year and just never finished but still had my book mark in it) I picked it up just cause I felt I need something light and fluffy. I finished it within the day! I couldn’t put it down. This book will always be one of my favourites. Reading it again in 2021 as a adult I didn’t resonate so much with Cath anymore and I did find her character to be childish, whinny and downright embarrassing at times however I think back to who I was in college and remember that I was all those things too. Regardless I still love this story and the romance in it. I love the progression of Cath’s character as she learns who she without her sister.

2) Ah yes Bridgerton… I loved the show even though there was some problematic things that happened within it (that very subtle rape scene between Daphne and Simon). However I decided since I liked the show I should give the book a chance. I had a rough time focusing on the story and found I was not really getting into it. I did enjoy the first part of the book a lot more then the second part. Loved the courtships of Daphne and Simon and the gentle build up to there romance however the lack of communication between the characters was so frustrating and then Daphne over (and when I say over I mean OVER) protective brothers really got on my nerves! Then there’s the matter of the rape scene. Now if you haven’t seen the show basically Simon tells Daphne he can’t have kids, she then learns that when he must ejaculate inside her in order to have kids which he hasn’t been doing. So she decides she’s going to be in top resulting in not letting Simon pull out of her. In the book however it’s so much worse with Simon being drunk in the scene unable to consent or have full control of himself and at this point Daphne knew what she was doing. What broke my heart most was after the fact Simon was so upset his biggest insecurity came out and he was reduced to a stuttering mess not able to form his sentences or get across what he wanted to say. It was heart breaking and really soured the book for me. I won’t be continuing on with the series nor want to reread this novel.

3) I was so excited for this book when they announced it and immediately pre ordered it. I was extremely disappointed with it. I had high hopes at the start and absolutely fell in love with the one scene when young Gil does the simple act of putting his favourite hat on Anne’s head at the beach. At this point in the book I was like this is going to be up in my favourite books list for sure however… the more I read the sadder I got. Anne was missing everything that made her well, Anne. I didn’t feel like I was reading a Anne of green gables retelling. It felt like a fanfiction more then anything and honestly I’m my opinion probably would have been a better story if the characters where originals rather then borrow. This book when from 5 stars to 2 stars very quickly.

4) Another reread! I read this like most kids had to do in high school and absolutely hated it. I hated it so much that when we were given a project of our choice I chose to rewrite the ending. My little romantic teenage heart and brain couldn’t deal with Gatsby dying and Daisy sticking with Tom. Now as a adult rereading it I still hated it… but then I kept thinking about it over and over and then I realized I don’t actually hate it. I actually kind of liked it… if the ending has have been any different I don’t think I’d be saying I liked it. Now as a adult I can understand the ending and understand the reasons. These characters aren’t perfect far from it. Daisy who I so desperately wanted to be this kind and caring women wasn’t. She was greedy, selfish and very flawed. Tom was the safe route even though she was unhappy with his affairs but in some twisted way still loved her (possessed her) Daisy was content to let Gatsby take the fall for Myrtle’s death and let Tom clean the rest up. Not to mention the reason why she chose to marry Tom was due to Gatsby’s omission that he was penniless. Now Gatsby who I so desperately wanted to be a hero. To ride off into the sunset after he won the heart of the girl was nothing but a fool chasing after somebody that was already gone. The lesson that the past is the past was really inspiring to me. We make so many mistakes and have so many regrets as humans but you can’t change the past nor can you go back to the past. Sometimes you just have to keep moving to the future hoping that it will be better.

5) Honestly this what the post of rereads cause here we have another! What do I even need to say about this book! As you can probably tell from my previous posts I am a huge Sarah J. Maas fan and this series is the reason why. Now I’m not claiming it to be perfect but there’s sometimes about her stories that capture my attention and just has me falling in love with all her characters and her worlds. This is definitely my favourite book by her. I love the build up between Rhys and Feyra’s love for each other. I love that they help each other heal and of course I love the imagery of the night court. Will always cherish this book and story.

6) One thing I love about Jennifer L. Armentrout’s writing is her ability to mix suspense with romance. I love the her characters and her ability to write both genres perfectly. This book kept me guessing till the end. I honestly don’t have to much to say about this book other then I liked it a lot. I thought it was a interesting concept to have this character who was cruel come back with no memory not knowing who she was and not wanting to be the same person people said she was but by some one kind. I loved the challenges she faced with being who she wanted and having the courage to break away from who she was.

7) once again a reread! Wow I really didn’t realize till now how many books I reread lately! I picked this book up in a used book store in Pittsburg when I was on a vacation with my dad. I remember absolutely loving it the first time I read it so I was really excited to read it again. The concept: werewolves on Titanic! Rereading it I can say it didn’t hold up to the standards i had in place for it. I did enjoy it but not as much as I originally did. The romance felt rushed and the main female lead felt very young and childish. I also remember the sinking of the ship being more prominent in the book but it was the last 50 pages at least and kind of lacked the action and heartbreak I was remembering. Mind you I was thinking to James Cameron’s Titanic the whole time and was comparing the two which might not be the most fair thing to do. Either way I still did enjoy this book for what it was.