#like hamlet in that play or wtvr

[emeraldvsociety]

Finished every THR Adult Novel, and I’m devastated 🥲

Spoilers for all current THR Adult Novels and The Battle of Jedha & The Tempest Breaker because I have to get my THOUGHTS out.

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Note: My reading order was weird since I was reading with a friend, and she was abroad for a hot second. We read TotJ together, and then I got impatient and jumped into Phase 2 to wait for her. LEAVE ME ALONE IT MADE SENSE AT THE TIME. I obviously don't recommend skipping Phase 2, but it was not detrimental to my reading experience.

TOTJ: This book was masterful. I love, and I mean I LOVE Avar Kriss. The Great Disaster Sequence was incredible, and I think Mr. Soule really did an excellent job of cinematically introducing this universe and setting up the Jedi in their prime. I just WOW the way Avar handled it, the sacrifice everyone went through to protect Hetzal. However, if I’m being honest I kind of forgot the rest of the book. I did a recent reread, and, my HEART, Avar loved Elzar from the start and he just had to go and fuck it up.

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TRS: I did not like this book despite everyone raving about it. My friend and I both have the consensus that Elzar is just very problematic, but not like in the way that he IS, but in the way that he isn’t. He can be a very inactive character, and when he is being active, he often makes the wrong choices. I am currently rereading it to find what people like about it so much. I do not dislike Elzar Mann (obviously). I think he is an expertly crafted character

I think from the get-go, I was pissed off at him for revealing he tried to kiss Avar in this public setting where she had just gotten a very big work promotion. I get the Battle of Valo was cool & all, but I genuinely do not remember the key details of the battle or what the stolen lightsaber is about. Everyone always raves about the plot, but I remember thinking that Valo was just a massive distraction. Yes, obviously, I loved Stellan, and I'm sure on my reread, I'll come to appreciate his and Elzar's interactions a lot more.

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Convergence: People do not like this one?? I think Convergence is my favorite. Now, I have reread Convergence in its entirety. The first read, I was not that happy until the core four were all together and letting their personalities bounce off each other. I LOVED Axel. I would only refer to him as the gambling addict. He had so much personality, and Gella foiled him so well; it was glorious. I did not like the Xiri & Phan-tu plot line when I intentionally read it, but on my second read, I was like, “Why did I not like this??” I love them.

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TFS: I love Stellan. Then I did not like Stellan. But then I had to mourn Stellan. Unfortunately, Stellan’s death was spoiled on Twitter years ago for me, so it definitely had less impact, but my friend was DESTROYED. Now, I will say this, TFS would have been 100% more effective if I had read phase 1 of the comics because I was VERY upset about how Stellan was treating Avar, and I felt like I had very little context. I loved the pacing and the stakes, and I legitimately felt like I was falling myself at times. Gloriously written and probably my second favorite Claudia Gray book.

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EOD: Alright. I love Avar Kriss. Her journey and growth through this book REALLY sold me. She felt so raw, real, and devastated the whole time that I cried with her when she got Elzar’s message. I know Stellan is “the golden child” in their little trio, but I can’t help but picture her as the golden child of this era entirely. I could talk for hours about her and how much weight she carries. Every scene with her felt so impactful, special, and growing. I’m not anywhere near close to thirty, but I felt comforted that there is this representation of growth still in your thirties, like I somehow needed to see it.

…Elzar was hamletting the whole time. I’m glad he got a message to her, but I really want him to have more impact in the future. Also, I’m not trying to exclude Bell from my notes, but I think his story is pretty great, if a smidge formulaic. He’s likable, growing, and on the path to becoming great. Elzar & Avar are more messy and commentatable (made-up word).

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TotF: I was PISSED Bell didn’t have a POV. I think that’s what bothered me the MOST about this book. I know Burry is like Bell’s bff and all but I wanted BELL. Give me back his POV. Also, whatever Burry was doing was lowkey forgettable. I’m not sure if I really vibe with the blight threat. Elzar did something, I guess, but he was def still Hamletting. Avar gobbled every scene she was in. I do think he had major growth when he rejected Avar at first. I was proud of him for being self-aware because, in TRS, I was lowkey tired of his lusting for her. That whole book, he was like, “I wish I was fucking Avar rn, please, please, please, where is she” After she said no, like, c’mon, I get those are his thoughts, but I was tired of it. I think it is incredibly good NOW, like, “Oh, before he had uncontrollable lust, and now it has evolved into something healthy.” And obviously, if I want two characters to be together, I’m glad one wanted the other so badly sexually, but even in my reread of ToTJ, Avar LOVED him so positively and selflessly. She puts her reputation on the line to get him promoted because, yes, he’s a friend, but she LOVES that man. Wtvr, I’m glad they’re practicing, and I’m glad they killed a Nameless together s/o Elzar for the killing blow. I’ll give him that. Also, I love Xylan.

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The Tempest Breaker: My first audio drama EVER, and I LOVED it. I gobbled it up in like a day during a roadtrip. Like I mentioned previously, I haven’t read the comics, so I had to do some Googling for Keeve & all that. Even without vital context, I think the plot & presentation spoke for themselves. Obviously, I’m going to comment on Elzar’s insane behavior. I would have slapped him. I know Avar was acting emotionally, but idgaf she was right. However... I found it very in character. Even if I was unhappy with him (again), he was there to balance her when she needed it. Avar needed that calm. She grew so much within two scenes, and I love her sm. Also??? Lourna's ex-gf lusting over Avar like crazy in THAT dress?? I need concept art??? Why do we have concept art of Lourna dancing with Marchion but none of Avar in the hot dress?? This is discrimination against wuh luh wuh tbh.

I’m actually writing a companion fanfic about Elvar to this audio drama rn not to promote, but if you want my full thoughts… I’ll let that fic speak for itself.

Also, huge fan of Tey. I'll be on the lookout for the Phase 2 comics for him. My one criticism is that Marc reads Avar with a british accent, and Avar's actress here is American... Yeah, I sometimes had a bit of trouble clarifying Quin and Avar's voices.

LOVED IT. Thanks Mr. Scott. Srry I didn't love TRS. I didn’t gaf about Lourna before, but now I do. Great! (Yes, I did not listen to the Tempest Runner).

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The Battle of Jedha: I listened to this after my reread of Convergence. I have SO many questions. First of all, why did they pick JEDHA? Second, why weren’t Xiri & Phan-tu there?? I know Master Sun was like, "Newlyweds have more important things to be doing," except no they don't what are you talking about. Third, why couldn’t they just Zoom for the treaty at the rate things were going so long?? No more questions: only love for Master Sun. Oh, and the pious droid. Apparently, people like Marda Ro, but I found her actually insufferable. She yelled at that kid for giving Master Shoh a flower, the kid cried, and then Marda was like, "jk I'm glad you gave her that flower." ...girl make up your mind and leave the child alone.

And before I get jumped, no, I did not read PoD. I read the Wookieepedia Summary because the audiobook for PoD was thirty-two dollars. (I'm sorry, Mrs. Gratton; I bought a paperback and the audiobook of TotF please forgive me).

This was definitely way more overstimulating than Tempest Breaker in terms of ...everything. It took me way longer to get through. I liked it. It genuinely felt like I was there.

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Cataclysm: I haven’t crashed out about a character this hard since Jaime Lannister in GøT season 8. Axel Greylark committed what felt like personal betrayals against me. I screamed for his release. I cried when I saw him so sick, and I cheered when Gella got him out. I begged for him to be fixed, and not even Gella could. He left her when she was hurt, and I lost it. He hurt my Gella. I should have recorded myself listening to this. It was stubbing my toe over and over and then hearing, “Jaime. My name’s Jaime,” echoing around me. He devastated me. I’ve never been so livid in my life. I prayed he would change, but then I prayed he would get on his knees whimpering for forgiveness only to be slapped by Gella. I got embarrassed when Gella kept trying to reason with him. Then I cheered when he FINALLY, and I mean FINALLY, did the right thing. My delusional ass knew it all along!!! I'm appalled that there's not more content of Gella & Axel out there. I know, I know, I know, he's toxic and inexcusable.

...BUT WE ALL NEED SOME TOXICITY IN OUR LIVES!! It's okay in moderation, I swear I swear I swear. Plus, he said he was sorry, and in his head he said he loved her omg redemption YAY! (I'm still delusional).

…the child character was so annoying. Also, Xiri & Phan-tu were driving me crazy, please, for the love of GOD, say ‘I love you’ when you hang up the phone on your spouse. I wasn't the biggest fan of Yaddle tbh. I was destroyed whenever Master Sun broke his femur that like lowkey set me off. I'm still crashing out over Axel; why did he DO that...

ALSO??? The way Dr. Kang writes battles is INSANE; that woman has so much strength there.

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Final Notes:

I am not sure how to feel about Lina Soh. They def do not put enough focus on her. She came in very strong, but I can't help but feel that she's been diluted and is lacking the power she needs. Chancellor Greylark felt like she carried a lot of weight in P2. Although maybe that's because it was so pivotal to Axel's character that she "cared more about her work than him," but I need more Soh. I need like at least four POV chapters of her in Trials. Is her son still missing?? What is going on with that?? My main actual issue with THR is the lack of politicking tbh. Mr. Soule opened so strongly with this epic cinematic golden age of the Republic, and yet I see very little *democratic* promotion.

I did not talk about Marchion Ro because omfg that man is crazy. I am a little worried they're giving him the (show) Ramsay Bolton treatment, making him too invincible and horrendous. Like, when he kicked that cat?? Insane behavior. I'm glad that Ghirra is there to play the complex/conflicted villain as a foil. I'm not saying Marchion isn't complex, but his main attribute (for me) is that he is crazy & evil. I think it works logistically because he is surrounded by people fit to govern when he is off being crazy. I don't know. I love his whole setup. Every chapter in ToTF had me being like, "More! More Marchion!" then it would cut to Graf, and I would be like, "You know what? Hell yeah!" Also, I hate Ghirra. Her delusion levels are unmatched (except for me and Gella about Axel, but at least Gella came to her senses).

Also, I did not mention Vernestra, but I enjoyed her in ToTF. I think Elzar needed someone to be mad at him. Not sure how to feel about her in the Acolyte? I guess I'll never know now LOL

I will say this: Every character works. Across these novels, very little space is wasted. I can tell how much effort & love went into these projects. Everyone has a purpose, a goal, an obstacle, and a foil. They have all grown (except... Marchion?), and even when they hurt my favorites, I understand.

I have DNF'd a lot of Star Wars books. Aftermath 1, Master and Apprentice (sorry, Claudia), Thrawn: Treason, and Ahsoka (DNF'd this TWICE, sorry, I simply cannot do it). They don't all work for me! But every Adult High Republic Novel has (enough to reread FOUR of them!). I really appreciate this corner of the galaxy, and I'm sad to see it end when I have just now found it.

(Also, someone please write Gella & Axel content IAMBEGGING).

[cnisms]

henlo here’s ur gang war subplot

doin’ this now bc it’s already been long enough, but don’t expect much bc bad timing ! here’s the sitch: two gangs (info on both under the cut) caught up in a v bloody rivalry. they have their territory rn, separated by the river thames to keep it simple, but both want complete control in london + to see the other gang wiped out rip ! this isn’t ur justin bieber pot dealer (no offence xx) drama, these groups have more control over london’s criminal underworld than anyone else. they have a foot in just about every type of organized crime, power in politics, and a lot of money. specifics can be decided by those who play muses of power within the groups, or we can discuss it together, i’m chill. i would say like this and i’ll im you, but we all know that we’ll never get anywhere with that, so just im me with what muses/fcs you want to use and what they do ! i’m going to put a minimum age on some positions, but we’re pretty easy. more info below !

THE NORTH FAMILY

name tbd by whoever plays the boss/leader/whatever they want to be called. could be an official gang name, could just be the *surname/neighbourhood/wtvr* family, or it could stay the north family since it works ig. first noted for being a small group big in petty crime around london in the 1920s, rose in power in the 40s, were a wealthy organization by the late 60s. their major rivals throughout the years have always been minor crime families nearby, most getting chased out by either them or the police, or they just became a faction of the north family once they grew too big to fight. have v strong ties with gangs in new york n many strong connections overseas through them. secretly have members of the royal family as allies, most members are untouchable as long as they remain subtle in their work thanks to deals made with politicians and law enforcement.

ezra butler (right hand)

natalya belyakova (secretary/personal assistant/occasional advisor to gang powers)

leeder sousa (supplier)

cici & abel gautier (children of wealthy backers)

kaia liiv (escort)

THE SOUTH FAMILY

same goes as above for the name, it’s really up to the muns. formed in france in the 80s, members who moved to london ended up gaining more influence and actually took over power in the gang in the late 90s. have strong connections to powerful groups in most european countries, especially ones who want to see the north family crumble. aren’t as worried about keeping their violet crimes quiet as they often use other’s fear of them to their advantage. are quickly gaining powerful local allies (politicians, friends of royals, big businesses) that have suffered due to the north family’s business.

eros naevius (muscle)

elizabeth leblanc (behind a drug smuggling operation)

leo caldwell (hotel owner)

kelian scott (garage owner)

rex scott

THE BEEF

petty beginnings. in the 90s, the south family trashed the favourite nightclub of the north’s leader (could be the current one or a previous one depending on age!) when the north family refused to let them in on the drug deals they were in charge of. this took place in tower hamlets, before they moved south of the thames to claim area there, where the north family was less active. things escalated from there. people were fighting in the streets, marriages being ruined, lower-ranking members were being ratted out or sometimes framed and getting locked up, deals were ruined and stolen out from under each other. eventually the south family gained full control over south boroughs and things quietened down. still, the gangs hate each other and are in strong competition. both know that the more the other organization suffers, the more they have to gain.

POSITIONS

listen ... you can use whatever you want. here are the positions i’m putting minimum ages on just bc: leaders (30), right hands (25) and faction heads, such as people who are p much in charge of one section of the gangs business such as drug or weapon trafficking for example (also 25). otherwise ? go off. here are some ideas other than those: muscle, informants, dealers, suppliers, accountant/bookkeepers, bagmen, advisors, managers/employees/wtvr of businesses owned by the gangs (such as bars n other entertainment venues), whatever you can think of tbh bc we won’t put a formal structure in place. ur muse doesn’t even have to be an active member of a gang, they could just have picked a side and occasionally do business with them. get creative :P

TAG & PLOT DROPS

plot drops tbd. anyone involved can make a plot drop at any time, as long as it’s not god-moddy obviously. the tag for the subplot is smoke:underworld ig !