#snowspelled

[wearethekat]

January Book Reviews: Snowspelled by Stephanie Burgis

This is a novella that I've been vaguely trying to get my hands on for a while (I loved Stephanie Burgis when I was a kid). So it was very fun to find it at my new library system (whee!). Cassandra Harwood was the first woman magician in Angland-- until she lost her magic three months ago. Now she's attending a houseparty infested with elves AND the fiance she just dumped for his own good. Trouble, of course, ensues.

I had mixed feelings about this one. Some of the worldbuilding wasn't well thought out. For instance, the book is set in a mostly gender-swapped England, where politics is women's work and only men can be magicians. But I don't think the implication that this would have were fully thought out. I think an England with these changes would be far, far more unfamiliar than the one Burgis depicts. I also didn't always find the protagonist Cassandra sympathetic. She flings herself into arguments with the absolute confidence of someone who's always been loved unconditionally.

Fun, but there are a fair number of books that have managed the regency-with-magic setting better.

[libraryleopard]

Adult historical fantasy romance novella

After losing her magic, Britain’s first female magician is forced to navigate tense elf-human politics and her relationship with her ex-fiancé while snowed in at an estate 

Cozy winter read with some charming romance and light but interesting world-building

British Indian love interest; Black British side character; lesbian side characters

[mirroredranger]

 ✘ c:

Let's make a moodboard

[a-court-of-lust-and-stardust]

Love on Ice Chapter 4: The Dance Party

Check out my masterlist for all updated chapters and artwork 🥰

It’d been a few days since their initial practice, and Elain found that each morning she’d woken up more invigorated than the last. Her energy levels weren’t depleted, and the dread that had once accompanied her on her trip to Snowspell Ice Rink was slowly dissipating. Elain now left her apartment refreshed and ready to work. 

Their routine was going well, all things considered. While they practiced everyday, it wasn’t grueling. She never left practice in severe pain as she usually had before. Azriel advocated for frequent, small breaks, and Elain was slowly getting used to the idea of voicing when she felt she needed one. He never questioned it, simply offering her a smile or an easy squeeze on the shoulders. 

Since they had already mastered their step sequences in record time with minimal mistakes, the focal point of today’s practice was syncing their spins. Over and over and over again for nearly two hours. Elain had never been so dizzy in her life. 

“Okay, okay, I’m seeing stars,” Elain chuckled, hands gripping her knees as she blinked slowly. Once she regained her vision, she fell to the ice, patting the space beside her for Azriel to join. 

“There’s a perfectly good bench just three steps away,” Azriel pointed out, long legs splayed in a ‘V’ in front of him, settling back on his hands. He wore a dark blue long sleeve and black joggers that clung to his thighs. Elain wondered if he ever let his legs breathe. 

She forced out a breath, rubbing the tension from her calves. It was a good pain, though.The Product of a thorough practice. Not a burning ache from pushing herself past her limits. “I can’t feel my legs, thanks to you.” 

Azriel smirked, tongue pressed against his teeth. She was about to rescind the words when he uttered, “Just what every man wants to hear.” 

Elain flushed, pushing his shoulder. A laugh shook her own. “Get your head out of the gutter.” 

“Fine, but it made you laugh so that's a win in my book,” Scarred hands were held up in surrender. He changed the subject to something light. “What’s one of your happiest childhood memories? Not including anything that pertains to skating.” 

Elain frowned, biting the inside of her cheek. She’d never given it much thought before. When was the last time she was truly happy? How many sweet memories could she even recall? None with Mama. Barely any with Papa. It seemed all of her fondest memories did revolve around skating. Or…

“During the winter months, my sisters and I used to make pillow forts,” Elain began, delicately tucking her skates beneath her thighs. A faint smile painted her face as she played with the end of her ponytail. “Late at night when Mama and Papa went to bed, Feyre and I would sneak into Nesta’s room with all the pillows and blankets our tiny arms could carry. Our home didn’t have the best heating system, but snuggles were the best source of warmth anyway. Feyre was the smallest, so she was always smushed in the middle.” 

Images of three small girls flooded Azriel’s brain, all laughing and shushing each other to stay quiet as they assembled their fort. Read stories. Played shadow puppets. Three innocent sisters embracing each other, wrapped in warmth and safety and love. 

“What about you?” She asked, head cocked to one side. Curiosity bit at her, which was highly unusual. She never typically inquired about other people’s lives. But she and Azriel had shared pieces of their lives over the last few days, and it wasn’t all that frightening to be vulnerable with him. But she had her limits. “Did you have any happy childhood memories?”

Something dark crossed his face, but it was gone before she could question if she’d even seen it. He plastered on a lazy smile. “On Solstice Eve, I used to sit by the window and watch the snow fall with my mother. Every year she’d make peppermint meringues, and I always requested a warm glass of milk to go with them,” His cheeks pinkened when she cooed. “I cherish those memories more than anything,” Azriel said quietly.

Elain hesitated at the dip in his voice. “Is your mother…” 

Azriel chuckled, dark waves covering his brow as he shook his head. “Alive, healthy, and hasn’t lost even an ounce of her beauty. I visit her as often as I can. She resides in a place called Rosehall, on the outskirts of Velaris. She’s never been a fan of urban areas. She always preferred a quiet life.” 

“Your mother sounds lovely,” Elain admitted shyly. And so did her lifestyle. Quiet. Calm. Peaceful. 

“She is,” He confirmed fondly. Elain’s chest warmed at the visible admiration on his face. She was grateful at least one of them hit the mother lottery. “All she wants to do is bake, sew, tend to her garden, and shove a meal down my throat whenever I visit.” Azriel sighed, shifting his legs. “I noticed over the years you’ve rarely spent time with your sisters.” 

“Have you been watching me or something?” She winced. He was perceptive, so she wouldn’t put it past him. Perhaps he could’ve been a spy in another life. 

“Not in a way that would be concerning,” Azriel clarified, huffing a laugh. “I’ve been in your sisters’ lives for years now and I can count on one hand how many times I’ve seen you spend time with them.”

She swallowed. How much could she bear to tell him before her throat closed up? “It’s been…hard, I guess. We all tried to have a relationship growing up and at one point we did. Mama kept me away from them most of the time. Even having a relationship with my sisters could have distracted me from skating. I missed out on a lot.”

Azriel’s hand slid onto her knee, squeezing gingerly. “What about now?” 

Elain shrugged, savoring the heat from his palm. “I’m trying in my own way at my own pace. Time spent with them is rare, you’re not wrong. Nesta has her choreography classes to keep herself occupied and Feyre has her own family now, alongside being an independent painter. I don’t know where I fit into their lives. Sometimes I think it’s easier for me to stay away. They know what I’ve dealt with over the years, but they never experienced it the way I did. I don’t know if they could ever understand.” 

Azriel heaved himself off the ice, extending a hand to Elain. “Have you ever given them the chance to be there for you? To listen to you?” His thumb gently traced over her knuckles. “I know they miss you,” he offered softly. 

Elain flinched, imagining her sisters’ distressed faces. “I miss them too,” She gave him a sheepish look. “Is this your way of trying to get me to visit my sisters more often?” 

“I hope it’s not out of line to say this, but I think it could be good for you,” Azriel answered, half heartedly shrugging a shoulder. “They care about you. They love you. Maybe it’s worth building a new relationship, one where you decide what happens. No one else.”

Her ears flamed red. She’d never had that power before. What would it look like to reclaim it? Could she truly forge a bond with Nesta and Feyre? Too many questions rattled around her head. 

“That’s enough chit chat for now,” Elain decided quickly, hugging her arms across her torso. She’d let him in too far over the past few days. He was cracking her perfectly-yet-not-so-perfectly constructed walls. She had to put a stop to it, lest she spill every dark secret, every locked away emotion. 

“That’s okay. But, we can't end practice on that note,” Azriel said, darting off the ice. He snatched his phone from the bench, scrolling through what appeared to be a playlist. 

“What are you doing?”

Music played at the loudest volume on his phone as he set it off to the side of the ice. Azriel glanced at her once before breaking out into a series of uncoordinated dance moves. Elain’s shriek of laughter echoed across the rink. 

“Nesta would have a fit if she saw the way you’re moving right now!”

“New rule,” He said, eyes sparkling with unconcealed mischief. He grabbed Elain’s hands, twirling her chaotically. “Since skating partners come with built in dance partners, we’re ending every practice with a dance off.”

“Why?” 

“Because we’re not supposed to take life so seriously,” He reminded her with a wink. 

This was part of his plan, Elain realized. To teach her to have fun, enjoy the simple things that many people deem insignificant. And she promised him she’d at least try, and Elain was not one to backpedal on a promise. 

So she danced. 

ARTWORK FOR THE CHAPTER BY @chachachai17: Here

DIVIDER BY: @saradika-graphics

[juni-ravenhall]

How about 4, 5, and 6 for your ask game :3c?

Which Horse was your first purchase? Do you still own that horse, and what did you name it?

so when i started playing sso (2017?) i occasionally saw people ride this horse, i still remember being in moorland as a n00b and stopping in my tracks to look at it bc i was blown away:

im weak for "lighter mane colour than coat colour" horses and this one has a unique colour so it really stood out to me. plus, im a friesian enjoyer as far as irl horses go, even if sso friesians have never been quite right to me (including this one).

so i googled where to get this horse, okay, new hillcrest. i told myself: thats the horse i want, i dont need to buy any other horse until i can get it bc i dont care that much about any other horse ive seen so far anyway. (i obvs didnt have much sc, since id just started) i had no idea how long it would take to get to NH at this point lol.

then i play for some time and i get to firgrove (i think that was where it was at least). and im met by......

.... this guy who i just love. hes so cute. i stare at him and question if i have to stick to my decision to save up sc for the friesian. eventually i decide that it seems like its a long time until i unlock NH anyway, so its okay if i get him in the meantime.

so he was my first bought horse, and it was a great decision bc then he was my main (very beloved) horse for a long time. his name is Snowspell but i also call him Pelle (swedish name). this was also before the starter horse got gen3'd, so Pelle just looked better than Winterborn dsfgkjdfs... but i rode him all the time and loved him so much.

eventually when i got to NH, i think id bought at least one other horse (the blue old magic horse), and also, when i actually was face to face with the friesian i wanted, i realised i didnt like it that much. i felt like the face wasnt that pretty, and overall it looks a bit plasticky like a toy. i did buy one (shes called MorningDream, i think maybe shes called Morning Sun in my brain tho) and then just didnt ride her at all basically..... until 2-3 years ago when i suddenly realised that i love her with red tack on, she looks like a beautiful christmas toy horse, so we got a happy ending too.

Which Horse is your favorite? Do you own said horse, or are you simply dreaming of buying it?

basically Winterborn my starter is my emotional favourite like, he doesnt have the best model, but i cant imagine not having him (or a replacement for him if they released another horse that has the same colour and vibes, to take over the title of heart horse vessel).

at the moment my non-starter favourite is my ardennes Meatball (registered name Walnut) and im really frustrated that hes not good for champs bc i want to ride him all the time. i have a lot of beloved horses though so i will just leave it at current obsession and heart horse for now.

Which Breed is your favorite? Which Generation is it from, and why do you love it so much?

it might be the ardennes. the appaloosa is also up there. in general i seem to like Nomi's horses bc they have the most personality, both in the model and animation, and also in the small details in the coats, all together it makes them feel more alive. i dont like the ones that lack interesting mouth / tongue / eye / nose animations, and i dont like ones that have too undetailed coats (which looks plasticky to me). also i love hairy horses so ardennes hits a lot of points for me.

[freyayuki]

Final Fantasy Record Keeper Titan Magicite Fight

The fights in the 6-star Magicite Dungeons in the Final Fantasy Record Keeper (FFRK) mobile game are quest level 550.

Titan is the 6-star earth Magicite that’s weak to the wind element. Decided to try taking on the physical-weak version of Titan.

My team was:

Angeal Hewley from Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII

Have Angeal’s Awakened Arcane Soul Break 2 (AASB2), Synchro Arcane Soul Break (SASB), and Limit Beak Overstrike (LBO).

Usually, if I have at least 2 BDL relics for a char, that’s my cue to make their Hero Ability.

Since I have Angeal’s AASB2 and Sync, I should make his Hero Ability. I want to, really I do. And if the resources to make these abilities weren’t so scarce, I would have gladly done so.

The problem is the scarcity of these resources and the fact that Angeal’s Hero Ability is pretty bad.

His damage is also kinda lacking even with a fully complete Record Board. He does have some supportive capabilities too, but still.

It feels like he’s trying to be both a DPS and a support but he does neither well. I do hope he gets new and better tech soon.

Nevertheless, I’m glad that I have some of Angeal’s relics, especially his AASB2 because the animation for that features Genesis Rhapsodos from Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (#ad).

Currently, Genesis is my absolute, most fave Final Fantasy char. He’s the reason why I’m playing Final Fantasy Record Keeper.

Anyway, Angeal deals physical wind and holy elemental damage so he’s part of both my physical wind team and my physical holy team.

For this fight against Titan, Angeal served as my secondary DPS. Still haven’t made his Hero Ability though.

Have Angeal equipped with the 6-star wind and ice Spellblade ability called Snowspell Strike. His second skill slot has the 5-star Spellblade ability called Raging Quadstrike which is only at rank 3.

Zack Fair from Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VII

Have Zack’s wind Chain Soul Break, AASB2, Sync and a few of his other relics. Completed his Record Board and created his Hero Ability, Rush Assault.

Zack served as my main and primary DPS although he has supportive capabilities too with some of his tech.

For instance, he can imperil wind and increase the critical hit damage of the party.

Aside from Zack’s Hero Ability, he’s also equipped with the 6-star Celerity ability called Ripping Storm. It’s only at rank 3 though because I ran out of the resources needed to max it.

Vaan from Final Fantasy XII

Have Vaan’s wind Chain Soul Break, which is the main reason why he’s part of this team.

Zack’s my main DPS so I didn’t want him to also have to juggle casting his Chain, especially since that would require a whole lot of gauges.

I have one of Vaan’s Awakenings and 2 of his Ultra Soul Breaks. Would love to get his Sync and his other AASB to improve my physical wind team.

Vaan is equipped with Lifesiphon and a rank 3, 6-star Thief ability called Storm Assault.

Elarra from Final Fantasy Record Keeper

Ultra Soul Break 1 (USB1), Magika Album

USB2, Magika Orare

Glint+ Soul Break (G+), Magika Amuletum

Glint Soul Break (G), Magika Pius

Elarra served as my healer. She can provide Regenga and hi fastcast. She can even help buff the party.

Elarra’s equipped with the Warrior’s Hymn and Passionate Salsa abilities.

Tyro from Final Fantasy Record Keeper

AASB, Fantasy Grimoire Vol. I

Arcane Overstrike Soul Break 3 (AOSB3), Triple Phase

USB4, Arbiter’s Tome

USB3, Divine Veil Grimoire

USB1, Warder’s Apocrypha

Glint Soul Break (G), Purifying Grimoire

Burst Soul Break (BSB), Keeper’s Tome

Unique Soul Break 2, Sentinel’s Grimoire

Legend Materia Relic 1 (LMR1), Archival Secrets

Tyro was here to Wrath and Entrust and support the party with his AASB and USB4. The aforementioned Soul Breaks can increase the party’s critical hit chance.

These relics combo very well with Elarra’s Magika Orare which increases the party’s critical hit damage.

Titan has a few annoying gimmicks. For instance, at certain thresholds, he will create this earth wall.

As long as it’s there, you can’t damage Titan. To get rid of this wall, you have to deal, IIRC, at least 50k+ damage at once.

I borrowed the Fabula Mage Roaming Warrior to help me with this. I also delayed summoning my Odin Magicite since his entry deals 99999 damage, which is more than enough to destroy the wall.

Titan also hits fairly hard. Having an Odin and 2 6-stars in my Magicite deck helped though.

Of course, Tyro Entrusted a lot to Elarra so she could keep everyone alive. AFAIK, I cast his Sentinel’s Grimoire too for more defense.

Super pleased to have been able to defeat Titan with this team. My clear time was 38.32 seconds. Even got to use both Zack and Angeal together, which is awesome.

I do wish I could get more wind tech for Vaan though so I could try taking on physical and wind-weak White Odin or Argent Odin. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to defeat Odin just with what I currently have right now since that fight is quest level 600.

If I can get the wind Sync of Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII, I could add him to my party.

I already have most of Cloud’s wind relics, including his AASB and even his True Arcane Soul Break (TASB) or Arcane Dyad Soul Break (ADSB), and he’s a really good wind DPS so he’d definitely be able to help.

I can probably try to make him work now but I don’t want to use him without his Sync. I know that’s not even his most OP relic (it’s actually his Ultra Cross Slash Ultra Soul Break which I don’t have yet but can easily lens from the The Record Lab), but still.

Just don’t want to use Cloud when he feels incomplete like this. Don’t want to make his Hero Ability either until I have both his Sync and AASB.

Conclusion

So what about you? Have you tried any of the 6-star Magicite fights yet? What do you think about these quests? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions by leaving a comment below or by reblogging or replying to this post.

Notes:

screenshots are from my Final Fantasy Record Keeper game account

[mccallingtheshots]

Scott had taken a taxi to the forests about a mile or two beyond 428 North Snowspell Town. His plan to ambush Peter with Elena and Alaric was finally set in motion. With nobody to hold him back, he'd knock the Alpha down a peg or two. He trudged onward through the snowstorm that had seemingly come out of nowhere, though the frost hadn't deterred him from reaching his destination. The Omega wolf's golden hues glimmered in the low lighting and he relied on his heightened senses to seek out the older wolf. The coppery scent of blood greeted his nostrils as he came upon the cabin-- and he instantly realized something was wrong. Elena and Alaric hadn't attacked without him, right? "Get the Hell out of my cabin!" Came Peter's gruff voice. Scott made his way into the open garage, and froze at the sight of the brunette bleeding out on the floor. Peter had stabbed Alaric's torso many times, rendering him helpless. "Shit!" This is my fault. He realized, rushing to aid the history teacher. If I hadn't leaked Peter's location, this would have never happened... He could only hope that Elena was faring better than Alaric right now. "What did you do?" The Omega demanded. "Two idiots were trespassing on my private property. I kept them out by any means necessary." @warriorxprincess

[karmacanary]

My next release is a Fae-based novella Romantasy anthology with lots of great reads. Don't let the name fool you - SNOWSPELLED may be set in a kingdom of ice, but there's plenty of steam to keep you warm.

[mccallingtheshots]

Scott: The address is at 428 North Snowspell Town. Scott: It's the only cabin in the area. Scott: Don't worry. I'm faster than him, so he won't stand a chance.

Elena: Are you sure? Elena: What if he sees you before you can do anything?

[wearethekat]

January Book Reviews Overview

The Bone Doll's Twin (Lynn Flewelling)

Kiss Her Once For Me (Alison Cochrun)

The High King's Golden Tongue (Megan Derr)

Starcrossed (Allie Therin)

The Morning Gift (Eva Ibbotson)

Hidden Warrior (Lynn Flewelling)

Wonderstruck (Allie Therin)

Proper Scoundrels (Allie Therin)

Hell Bent (Leigh Bardugo)

1Q84 (Haruki Murakami)

The Oracle's Queen (Lynn Flewelling)

Plum Duff (Victoria Goddard)

Snowspelled (Stephanie Burgis)

Gentleman Jim (Mimi Matthews)

The Flowers of Vashnoi (Lois McMaster Bujold)

Daughter of the Serpentine (EE Knight)

Masquerade in Lodi (Lois McMaster Bujold)

The Lord of Stariel (AJ Lancaster)

Green Rider (Kristen Britain)

How Not To Marry A Prince (Megan Derr)

Magic Tides (Ilona Andrews)

Black Magic (Megan Derr)

The Ivory Tomb (Melissa Caruso)

Just Like Home (Sarah Gailey)

The Physicians of Vilnoc (Lois McMaster Bujold)

Widdershins (Jordan L Hawk)

Threshold (Jordan L Hawk)

The Dragon Waiting (John M Ford)

Prosperity (Alexis Hall)

[lavenderfables]

There were mornings when rising from bed to face the world seemed frankly impossible. Or even more accurately: pointless.

Stephanie Burgis, Snowspelled

[thegoblincourtier]

Shelf Control #11 & This Week in Books 12/12/18

Shelf Control #11 & This Week in Books 12/12/18

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves created and hosted by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out Lisa’s introductory post, here.

The Shadow of the Wind by…

[a-court-of-lust-and-stardust]

Love on Ice Chapter 1: The Abandonment

Every chapter will be uploaded to the Masterlist linked in my pinned post on my account 💖

*50 days until Competition*

The ice had always been home.

From the moment she laced up her first pair of skates and wobbled like a newborn fawn on slick ice, Elain Archeron knew she found her future passion.

It all started when she was nine years old, residing in a place called the Village with Mama, Papa, and her two sisters. It was the last month of the year, and school had ceased for winter break just as the fluffy white snow began to coat the ground. Everyday on their trek home from classes, Elain and her sisters Nesta and Feyre passed by a secluded lake, sparkling blue in the spring and beautifully frozen in the winter. This time, however, the lake was occupied.

The girl had been no more than twelve years old, twirling with the grace and poise of a veteran skater. Each intricate twist and turn captivated Elain’s attention so much that she had tugged her sisters’ hands to stay and watch, gasping in delight when the girl launched herself through the air and landed precisely back on the ice. Little Elain had never beheld something so magnificent.

She’d run right home in the snow to beg Mama and Papa for her first pair of ice skates. What little money they’d had was already being put toward art classes for Feyre and dance classes for Nesta. While she'd been disappointed at first, Elain was always resourceful. Her free time was spent helping the elderly in her Village prepare their gardens for the harsh winter. After a few weeks of laying mulch down, wrapping larger plants with plastic covers, and moving small plants inside the homes, Elain had saved up enough money to finally buy herself a pair of pink ice skates, her most prized possession.

And she practiced. She practiced Axel jumps and Biellmann spins until her leggings were ripped, her muscles were sore, and her feet throbbed in anger. She studied videos, and even joined the girl on the lake, who she finally discovered was named Yoona. It was fitting, since Yoona’s skating was just as elegant and graceful as her name.

Sometimes Elain skated alone, when she needed a moment to clear her head. Other times, she showed off her skills to Nesta and Feyre, who smiled from the sidelines and urged her to “Be careful!” when she tried to land a new jump.

Even if she was not the best skater to grace the ice, she fell in love with it anyway. Everything about figure skating was exhilarating. The artistry, athleticism, the emotion, was incomparable to any menial task she’d ever done. The rush of adrenaline–the feeling of free falling and flying–was simply unparalleled. And maybe Elain believed she had a talent for it, (and was content not to pursue it further) but according to Mama, it wasn’t enough to shine on her own.

Figure skating had at one time been a hobby for Elain, a way to destress and escape the pressures of reality. She’d wanted to keep it that way, but Mama had other plans. Across the Village was a small piece of land called Prythian, where seven territories respectively named after the seasons and solar phases, competed at an annual event to showcase the best skaters in each region. The top scoring team was rewarded with accolades and a monetary achievement.

Mama caught wind of this shortly after Papa’s death. Whether the plan made sense or not didn’t matter to Mama. The prospect of potential fortune was so enticing that she hadn’t wasted a moment selling most of Papa’s trinkets and other belongings, and relocated the family to Velaris, a charming city in the heart of the Night Region.

Velaris had everything. Kind residents, delicate shops, mouth watering food, and to Elain’s sheer delight, it was in very close proximity to the Snowspell Ice Rink in Winter Region, the largest ice rink she’d ever seen and the only one in the entirety of Prythian, as far as anyone knew. Even along the main strip of Velaris was a newly renovated dance studio and an up and coming art classroom, both of which piqued the interest of Elain’s two sisters.

But it was Elain’s hobby that Mama controlled. Feyre was already being requested to paint wall murals in mansions for some of the richest families in Prythian at just sixteen years old, and nineteen year old Nesta had snagged the lead choreographer position in the dance studio. Children from all Regions traveled just to take one of her classes.

In short, the two sisters were making a name for themselves, willingly, standing out amongst others on the societal ladder. Elain wasn’t. And Mama did not take lightly the fact that Elain had preferred a quieter, simpler life, one filled with multiple hobbies and a surplus of happiness, over one that brought the Archeron family wealth and recognition.

Within the first few months of moving Mama had made friends with a man and woman from the Autumn Region, Beron and Lucia Vanserra, during one of the days Mama accompanied Elain to the rink in Winter. Beron was a commanding presence, with an air of arrogance and flaming temper. On the other hand, Lucia was a quiet woman, timid yet sweet in nature. Their youngest son, Lucien, was also a talented skater, perhaps the best throughout the Autumn Region.

Mama and Beron had a vision, one that only Elain and Lucien could accomplish together: wealth, status, fortune, fame. (Even though the Vanserra family needed none of those things. Beron was simply blinded by greed.) And so they were thrust together as partners at the age of seventeen, forced to skate together to bring honor to their families, all the while losing what drew them to the craft in the first place.

They competed against some of the best skaters in the nation, on a mission to claim the top spot on the podium, yet always falling short to pairs like Viviane and Kallias of Winter, Cresseida and Varian of Summer, or Morrigan and Azriel of Night. The couple from Winter excelled in chemistry and emotion, always bringing the judges close to tears with their routine. The siblings of Summer were coordinated and aesthetically pleasing to the eye, flowing in sync like parallel streams. And the best friends of Night excelled in athleticism and pure skill.

Each competition loss was met with insults disguised as corrections, harder routines, and longer days of training. She could not exist without living and breathing the ice, yet not in a way that fulfilled her. Elain had considered quitting at one point in time, but even after Mama’s death when Elain had turned twenty-two four years ago, she couldn’t bring herself to hang up the skates. Everything that Mama stood for had been ingrained in her brain. Wealth. Status. Recognition. Honor.

She had not succeeded when Mama was alive.

She wouldn’t fail her in death, too.

Twenty minutes past their allotted practice time, Lucien casually strolled into the Snowspell Ice Rink with the nonchalance of a man who did not appear phased that the competition was only a month away. Elain quirked a brow at his unusual tardiness and lack of skates, readjusting the fuzzy pink leg warmers around her calves, matching perfectly with her sweater.

“We only have the ice for an hour,” she reminded him as casually as she could, though her forehead crease was evident. “The Ice Warriors have practice at five.”

Being the only rink in Prythian came with one major con. While it was beautifully constructed and in pristine condition, ice time was divided equally between figure skaters, hockey players, and those who simply wanted to enjoy a free skate. Arriving on time was imperative to ensure everyone had equal usage of the ice.

Whether Lucien sensed her annoyance, he didn’t let on. Instead he stared at her, face uncharacteristically passive before saying, “I’m pulling out of the competition.”

Elain blinked. The ice beneath her feet thawed, and she felt like she was falling. Were her cheeks red from the cool air or from the absolute panic that shocked her body? “You–what?”

Lucien huffed, digging the toe of his boot into the ice. “I’m dropping out of the competition,” He reiterated, a twinge of indignation to his voice. Lucien did not possess the same temperament as his father, but every now and again his straight red hair would glow a bit brighter when he was on the cusp of irritation.

“I don’t understand,” Elain answered with a shake of her head, arms splayed outward in protest. “The competition is a few months away. Not a year, not six months. We’re supposed to perform Ode to Joy and–.”

“We don’t have a shot, Elain,” Lucien hissed, jaw clenching. “We’ve been partners for almost ten years with nothing to show for it. I don’t know if it’s me or you or–or us–but something isn’t working. Each year we seem to perform worse than the last.”

The ringing in her ears grew louder with every word that fell past his mouth. No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening. The competition–her duty–Mama–.

“We have to do this,” Elain said quietly. Her heart hammered frantically in her chest. “I have to do this. Your father–my Mama–Lucien I can’t quit. We must figure something out. We’ll practice more, or have your father pay for higher quality lessons, just–something other than pulling out of the competition.”

“I don’t think it’s a skill issue,” Lucien replied with a half hearted shrug. “Not for me, at least. I've been Autumn’s best skater since I was a child. I was skating before other kids even learned how to walk.”

Elain scoffed, if only to hide the prick of tears at her eyes. He may not have had Beron’s temper, but maybe he inherited a bit of his arrogance and condescending tone. “So, it is a skill concern. My skill, or lack thereof, it seems.”

“Listen. You’re good, Elain. I know for the first part of your life, you were self taught and that’s not your fault. But we’ve been training for years with some of the best figure skating coaches money can buy and you haven’t improved enough to even boost us from fifth place to fourth. You are good. But being good doesn’t win competitions.”

Every word, whether insulting or true, pierced through her heart. Shame washed over her bones. Lucien’s words were eerily similar to the ones Mama said a long time ago.

Lucien bit his lip, contemplating, “And it’s not just that. We’re not–compatible. I don’t know if we ever have been. Be honest, would you have chosen me as your partner, had our parents not been consumed in their own scheme to force us together?” He challenged, arms folded across his chest. “Willingly, with no outside pressure or familial obligations, would you have chosen me?”

Elain’s silence was answer enough. Because no, she wouldn’t have. Competitive skating had never been on her radar. Being Lucien’s partner, as awful as it sounded, was never something she considered. But she hadn’t had much choice in the matter. Feyre was a child prodigy. Nesta waltzed as easy as breathing. Both had Mama’s love, affection, and approval. Without ice skating, Elain had nothing.

Lucien sighed, tan fingers pinching the bridge of his nose as he exhaled the tension from his body. “I wouldn’t have chosen you either. No hard feelings, I promise.” He stepped forward then, thrusting a chilly hand into his pocket. “My timing is terrible, I know. I’m sorry. I just think this is the best choice for me, Elain. And for you, too. You won’t have to worry about disappointing your mother–again–and I won’t have to work harder for the both of us.”

She reeled, almost as if she’d been slapped. Her lack of skill had been holding him back. The time, energy, training, tears, and aching muscles had been for nothing. She had failed to live up to expectations, again, disappointing her now ex-skating partner and deceased Mama in the process. Her lip trembled.

“Take care, Elain. I’ll be seeing you.” Lucien reached out, hesitantly squeezing her shoulder before stalking off the ice. She watched him leave in stunned silence, the only movement on her body being furrowed brows as she caught glimpse of a second figure in the distance, too blurry to fully grasp who had accompanied Lucien for what was probably moral support.

She didn’t have time to process that forty minutes had come and gone before a heavy thud hit the ice. Elain hastily brushed the tears from her cheeks just in time to see Cassian, defenseman for the Velaris Ice Warriors, greet her with a smile that was still somehow intact with the exception of one or two missing teeth. After all, he was notorious for goading other players into spats on the ice.

“Hey, Elain! So listen, what do you think is the best way to ask Nesta to go out with me–.” Cassian froze, eyes bulging out of his head. “Wait. What? Why are you crying? What the fuck happened?”

It was then she felt the presence of two more hulking hockey players behind her. Exhaling a shaky breath, she skated back a step to glance at the three teammates.

Cassian, number 26, top defenseman in the league in points and penalty minutes. Wherever Cassian skated, chaos and blood were sure to follow. While leading the league in points as a defenseman was certainly an achievement, he preferred throwing punches on the ice, specifically in Eris Vanserra’s face whenever Nesta’s name left the redhead’s mouth.

Rhysand, number 35, captain of the Ice Warriors and the best center to play the game. His ability to create plays for his teammates was unmatched, racking up the most assist points out of every player on his team. His impressive hockey IQ and innate ability to be a leader earned him the title of captain. When he wasn’t leading his team to victory, Rhys was spending time with his dog, son, and wife, Elain’s younger sister Feyre.

Elain swallowed, eyes shifting to the third teammate.

Azriel, number 54, right winger with impeccable speed and a lethal wrist shot. His ability to glide around the ice undetected has fooled his opponents time and time again, unable to defend against him as he buried the puck in the back of the net. He was calculated and strategic, using his sculpted body to block shots and only brawling when necessary.

Azriel, the former skating partner of Morrigan, representative of the Night Region in seven competitions, placing gold in five. Her teenage rival, whether he was aware of it or not. Who was now staring at her with a hardened expression.

“Elain?” Rhys asked, gloved hand squeezing her shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Elain mumbled tearfully, fingers gripping the end of her sweater. She prayed the tears wouldn’t slip past her lashes. “Just that I have to live with the realization that I’m a complete and utter disappointment.”

She skated off the ice before any of the men could get another word in. Had she looked over her shoulder, Elain would have noticed how Azriel’s jaw set, and how his eyes tracked her every movement as she glided across the rink.

The thought had hit her the moment she saw him, and she’d done everything she could to keep it out. She didn’t want to, she really didn’t want to, but it was one hell of a good idea and she couldn’t convince herself otherwise.

She stood in front of a black door in a pair of warm fleece leggings and a crew neck that was two sizes too big, albeit comfy.

Pushing against her brain screaming to Run away now, Elain, she tapped four times on the door, holding her breath. She almost choked when the door swung open a second later.

Behind the door stood a shirtless Azriel with a fluffy blue towel secured around his waist. Water droplets clung to every part of his body, brightening the black ink swirling across his shoulders, neck, and chest. Elain only realized she was staring when he gently cleared his throat, shooting a half smile her way.

Squaring her shoulders, Elain proclaimed, “I need your help.”

ARTWORK FOR THIS CHAPTER BY @chachachai17: HERE

DIVIDERS BY: @saradika-graphics

[bookcoversonly]

Title: Snowspelled | Author: Stephanie Burgis | Publisher: Five Fathoms Press (2017)

[freyayuki]

Final Fantasy Record Keeper Ice-Weak Dark Odin Fight

The Dark Odin fights in the Final Fantasy Record Keeper (FFRK) mobile game are quest level 500.

After being able to beat Typhon, the 5-star Wind Magicite boss who’s weak to the ice element and who takes reduced damage from physical attacks, decided to try the Ice-weak Dark Odin fight next.

I talk more about the Typhon fight in another post. Anyway, the team I brought to this Dark Odin fight was the same one that I used to beat Typhon.

My Magicite deck and passives for this fight was:

Mateus (XII) - Dampen Air Level 10 and Health Boon Level 5

Manticore (V) - 2 Empower Ice Level 15

Madeen (IX) - Healing Boon Level 15 and Health Boon Level 5

Madeen (IX) - 2 Attack Boon Level 16

Phoenix (VI) - Spell Ward Level 5 and Blade Ward Level 8

My team was:

Elarra from Final Fantasy Record Keeper

partial Record Board - got the tiles that increase her HP, mind, defense and resistance stats

100 Magia in mind and HP stats, 45 Magia in defense and resistance stats

Ultra Soul Break 1 (USB1), Magika Album

USB2, Magika Orare

Glint+ Soul Break (G+), Magika Amuletum

Glint Soul Break (G), Magika Pius

equipped with Warrior’s Hymn and Passionate Salsa

Ace Striker Record Materia - Soul Break gauge fills much more when using attack or abilities

Laguna Loire from Final Fantasy VIII

partial Record Board - just didn’t get the Camaraderie tile

100 Magia in attack stat and 29 in ice attack stat

Awakened Arcane Soul Break 1 (AASB1), Tactical Attack

equipped with the Icy Offering Machinist ability; this one has the chance to imperil the ice element

Machinist’s Touch Record Materia - small chance to dualcast machinist abilities

Tyro from Final Fantasy Record Keeper

partial Record Board - got the HP ones and the ones that increased his speed and reduced the delay of his actions

he has 100 Magia in the HP stat, 48 Magia in the Resistance stat, and 48 Magia in the Defense stat

AASB, Fantasy Grimoire Vol. I

Arcane Overstrike Soul Break 3 (AOSB3), Triple Phase

USB4, Arbiter’s Tome

USB3, Divine Veil Grimoire

USB1, Warder’s Apocrypha

G, Purifying Grimoire

Burst Soul Break (BSB), Keeper’s Tome

Unique Soul Break 2, Sentinel’s Grimoire

Legend Materia Relic 1 (LMR1), Archival Secrets

equipped with Wrath and Entrust

Dr. Mog’s Teachings Record Materia - begin dungeons with 2 Soul Break charges

Tyro from Final Fantasy Record Keeper was here to Wrath and Entrust and support the party with his AASB and USB4. The aforementioned Soul Breaks can increase the party’s critical hit chance.

These relics combo very well with Elarra’s (from Final Fantasy Record Keeper) Magika Orare which increases the party’s critical hit damage.

Squall Leonhart from Final Fantasy VIII

complete Record Board

100 Magia in attack and ice attack stats and 3 Magia in HP stat

Synchro Arcane Soul Break 1 (SASB1), Cross Your Heart

AASB1, Fatal Frost

AASB2, End of Flame      

USB4, Double Junction

G+2, Fated Force

BSB1, Lion’s Roar

Scholar’s Boon Record Materia - deal much more damage when attacking with an enemy’s elemental weakness

Squall Leonhart from Final Fantasy VIII (#ad) is equipped with his Hero Ability, Renzokuken. Got it to its max rank of 5, increasing its uses to 10.

Celes Chere from Final Fantasy VI

partial Record Board - didn’t get the Camaraderie tile

100 Magia in attack stat

SASB1, Mystical Snow

Chain Soul Break (CSB), More the Merrier

AOSB, Glorious Blade

equipped with Snowspell Strike

Mako Might Record Materia - same effect as Dr. Mog’s Teachings

Gave Mako Might to Celes Chere from Final Fantasy VI so she can cast her physical ice Chain Soul Break right away.

Also equipped Squall with the Omega Drive ability so he can build up his Soul Break bar faster.

Celes also got the Banishing Strike ability so she can dispel Ice-weak Dark Odin’s buffs.

Things worked pretty well. Managed to get the win in 28.28 seconds. Yay for being able to sub-30 this Dark Odin fight.

Really impressed with Squall’s damage output. Well, he was being buffed a lot by his teammates, but still. He did really well. No regrets in completing his Record Board and making his Hero Ability.

Conclusion

So what about you? Have you tried fighting against ice-weak Dark Odin yet? How did it go? What team did you use? What do you think about this fight? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions by leaving a comment below or by reblogging or replying to this post.

Notes:

screenshots are from my Final Fantasy Record Keeper game account

[bookwyrmshoard]

Snowspelled (The Harwood Spellbook #1) by Stephanie Burgis

A delightful blend of fantasy and romance, set in an alternate 19th-century England.

Humans and elves (essentially the Sidhe) maintain an uneasy peace in Burgis’s Angland, which is also populated by fairies and trolls. Cassandra Harwood, the first young woman formally admitted to the study of magic, has recently lost her magic. She must rely on all her fierce determination and intelligence when she finds herself enmeshed in a promise to a hostile elf lord.

The relationship between Cassandra and her former fiance Wrexham is based on a typical romantic trope, but the way it plays out is influenced by the unique sociopolitical structure and mores of the alternate Britain, at once quite different and somewhat similar to the historical 19th-century England. Here, women rule the political sphere, men the magical one. With political power comes domestic power; women are the heads of their households. Yet men don’t appear to be subservient or second-class citizens, but partners. (However, it’s apparently men, or possibly both sexes, who can be socially “compromised” and forced into marriage.) It’s a refreshing change from typical Regency romances, much as I enjoy them. There’s also more diversity in Cassandra’s world than in the average Regency or Victorian romance.

As enjoyable as the romance is, however, the main focus of the novella is on Cassandra coming to terms with the loss of her magic…and, of course, on solving the mystery she promised to solve. The stakes are high, not just for Cassandra but for the future of human society.

If I have any complaint about this novella, it’s only that it isn’t long enough despite its 166 pages. I would cheerfully have stayed twice as long in Burgis’s world! Luckily for me (and other fans), Snowspelled is the first book in what promises to be a series worth reading. I can’t wait for the second.