#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 16: The Bracelets

Thanks again for keeping this story alive!!! Chapter 15 was posted a few moments ago, so make sure you read that first! Please leave comments on the story and art ❤️

26 Days until competition

“What do you mean you don't want to spend time with me?” Azriel questioned playfully. Socked feet propped up on the coffee table, Azriel stretched his body as he held his phone, content to watch Elain who had been frantically running around her kitchen for thirty minutes. 

On the other end of the video call, Elain snickered as she put the finishing touches on the cooled down cake. It was a simple red velvet cake covered in thick cream cheese frosting. 

“That is not what I said at all,” She chuckled, smoothing out the icing with a butter knife. “Nesta is having a girls’ night. I figured it would be good if I went for a little while.”

Azriel's heart squeezed in his chest. The meeting with Miryam and Drakon had been one of his best ideas. It’d only been a few days since then, but there was no trace of the doubts that had previously plagued her brain. She’d needed a reminder of what skating was all about. A reminder that she was strong and capable, and could give herself permission to be entertained. To open her heart and let love, any kind of love, burrow its way in. 

They’d spent a good two and a half hours at the Snowspell rink, jumping between showing the married couple their ice dance routine, and carefully learning intricate lifts only allowed in the pairs skating program. Miryam talked Elain’s ear off, sharing early stories of her and Drakon’s relationship while Drakon relentlessly teased Azriel any chance he got about the way he wore his heart on his sleeve. After they’d left the rink, Elain’s joy could be felt across Prythian. Azriel had dreamed of Elain’s lips on his cheek that same night. 

“I didn't realize you were so hellbent on seeing me anyway,” Elain taunted, licking the frosting from the knife when she’d finished. There was something so erotic about this sweet, soft woman licking what could double as a deadly weapon. 

“Spending time with you is the best part of my week,” Azriel answered truthfully, adjusting so that one arm was underneath his head. “There's nothing better.” 

“Not even hockey?” She asked quietly, doe eyes wide in surprise as she gingerly sprinkled pink hearts onto the cake. He’d gotten lost in those eyes on more than one occasion. He’d also caught those pretty brown eyes looking at him in a way she never had before. Almost as if he’d finally become something more to her than just a skating partner. More than just a friend. His cheeks warmed at the possibility. 

Azriel spoke softly, “No, not even that.” And it wasn’t a lie. Everything else dulled in comparison to spending whatever little time he could with her. 

“And what will you do while I am occupied tonight?” Either a genuine question, or a way to squash the palpable tension that could be felt even across a video call.

“Maybe I'll throw my own guys’ night,” He suggested, though a night alone was tempting. 

“Whatever you do, do not corrupt my nephew,” She said, pointing the knife at the camera. 

“I wouldn’t dream of stealing Cassian’s job.” A moment passed before he said more solemnly, “Promise me you’ll call if you need me for anything.” 

Elain’s face flushed. She wondered if her cheeks would always heat or her heart would always glow when he showed just how much he cared about her. “I promise.” 

Elain stood outside Nesta's door with the cake cradled between her hands. Her cheeks were tinted pink from the wind, matching the sprinkles on the sweet treat. Laughter erupted from behind the door, and Elain decided she couldn’t flee now even if she wanted to. A very tipsy Nesta had spotted her through the window and ran to fling open the door, enveloping Elain in a warm embrace. With a laugh, Elain gently scolded her older sister for almost crushing the cake. 

The inside of Nesta’s home smelled like cinnamon, embers from the fireplace, and three different types of alcohol. On the couch, Feyre lounged with a glass of red wine as dark as the accent pillows. Two girls sat on the floor, a brunette and a redhead, with a giant unopened box between them. 

“Am I late?” Elain asked sheepishly, nodding her hellos. She turned to Nesta. “You said to come over at eight. How are you already tipsy?” 

“No comment,” Nesta slurred, patting Elain’s cheeks. She must have had a few drinks before anyone arrived. “And you’re right on time. Elain, meet Emerie and Gwyn. Emerie teaches mixed martial arts here in the Night Region, and Gwyn owns a vocal studio in Summer.” 

All three girls flashed bright grins between each other. Elain placed the cake down on the kitchen table and said softly, “I baked a cake. I hope everyone likes red velvet.” 

Everyone did, in fact, enjoy red velvet cake. The treat was gone within the hour, along with most of Feyre’s delicately crafted charcuterie board. Gwyn’s exotic fruit tray had also been a hit, and the drinks were flowing and constantly being refilled. Bottles of wine, liquor, and even sparkling ciders were quickly becoming empty. 

Elain, to her sisters’ shock, had indulged in perhaps one too many drinks as well. She’d burst open from her shell, nodding along to Gwyn’s stories and laughing loudly at Emerie’s drunk antics. Feyre’s eyes glittered as she and Elain drunkenly swayed to music, and Nesta’s cackle could be heard all the way in Day region at Elain’s attempts at filthy jokes. 

“What’s in the box?” Elain motioned toward Gwyn, who eagerly unsnapped the locks and turned it around for everyone to get a better look. Elain’s hazy eyes took a moment to focus. 

“One of my vocal kiddos brought me this bracelet kit for Solstice last year,” She beamed, fiddling with the bracelet strings before passing them around. “I haven’t found time to make any yet, so I figured tonight would be perfect. Silly, harmless fun. There’s enough for me to make bracelets for all my students and for you all too, if you’d like.” 

Elain accepted her string, rubbing it between her fingers. In all her twenty six years, she’d never experienced something as simple as making a beaded bracelet with friends. Lighthearted, easy fun had never been a choice. 

And now it was.

So she grabbed another string, scooped a pile of beads and charms from the box, and permitted herself to create a memory that in years time, she’d hold dear to her heart. 

The last bottle of wine had just been cracked open as the doorbell shrieked. Emerie, closest to the door, opened it and blinked. 

“We heard there was a party.” 

Elain watched Nesta’s head whip toward the front door, mouth falling open as Cassian stomped into the house, followed closely by Rhys and…

“Azriel,” Elain breathed, not as quiet as she thought. His gaze found hers immediately, shooting a wink in her direction. 

She didn’t know where to look first. 

The short sleeve black shirt that seemed to suffocate his arms.

The gray sweatpants that hung loosely off his hips. 

The backward black cap. 

The molten hazel eyes. 

The smirk that always sent her heart into overdrive. 

She didn’t know where to look first, so she just…looked. 

And if he gave her shit about it, or tried to joke about her ogling him, she’d blame it on the three and a half glasses of wine she’d consumed. 

Elain stood, blocking out Rhys and Feyre’s conversation about Nyx’s bedtime routine with their sitter named Madja, and completely ignoring Cassian’s lame attempts at flirting with Nesta (who only seemed to be enjoying said attempts due to the large amount of vodka in her system). 

She walked right over to Azriel, whose grin was blinding. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “What have you been up to, beautiful? You look like you’ve been having a good time.” 

Elain offered a lazy smile of her own, extending her hand and wiggling her fingers as the other was clenched behind her back. “Follow me.” She led him to the back porch, sticking out her tongue at Cassian’s wolf whistle (which earned him a smack on the chest from Nesta), before shutting the door for privacy. 

“I got you something,” Elain said, shaking her head at the mistake. Giggles erupted from her throat. “Well, technically, I made you something.” In a movement so swift she almost lost her balance, she presented her clenched fist toward him, revealing a pair of bracelets. She looked up at him, eyes wide. “I know you have my necklace, but now we have matching good luck charms, too.” 

Azriel blinked. 

Elain bit her lip, stained cherry red from the wine. “Is it stupid? We don’t have to wear them. They’re probably not good anyway since I’m a bit tipsy and couldn’t really see the colors of the beads but–.”

“Put it on me.” 

The rambling paused. “What?” 

He presented his wrist, saying thickly, “Put it on me.” 

A relieved breath escaped her lips as she secured the pink bracelet around his wrist. It took her five tries to finally knot the string, playfully pouting when Azriel teased her about watching her alcohol intake. The middle beads made up her name, and the blue bracelet she had him tie around her own wrist featured his name, too. A claiming of the sort. 

“Miryam told me that she and Drakon used to wear a matching set of rings on the day of their competition to bring them luck,” Elain hiccupped, covering her mouth when another set of drunken giggles left her mouth. Azriel leaned against the back of a chair on the porch, arms crossed and eyes mesmerized by the current state of his partner. “Cresseida and Varian have matching warm-up jackets, and I know Kallias and Viviane have each other’s initials tattooed on the inside of their wrists. They kiss the tattoos before they skate. I wanted us to have something, too. Even if it’s just a silly beaded bracelet made after one too many glasses of merlot.” 

Elain felt herself being pulled into Azriel’s chest. She sank into him, nuzzling her face into the fabric of his shirt. He held her to him, fingers running through her honey-gold strands. 

“I hope you know I’m never taking this off,” Azriel said, lips brushing against her hair. She smelled faintly of jasmine, honey, and the wine she’d consumed. Familiar and intoxicating. 

Elain, arms still wrapped tightly around Azriel’s torso, tilted her head back to say, “That’s the point.” 

They were content to embrace each other in the dark of the night. At least, Azriel truly was. But it was Elain who pulled away first, just enough so there was a sliver of space between their bodies. Azriel folded his arms over his chest, face easy as he watched Elain look him over unabashedly. 

“Checking me out?” He teased, lips quirking. 

He expected her to flush like she always did. And of course she did. But the rose color that blossomed high on her cheeks was accompanied by a sultry voice. “And if I am?” 

She stepped forward again, and Azriel audibly swallowed as her fingernail traced the dark ink along his bicep. Her movements were slow, exploratory, and hell he could do nothing but stand there and let her touch him. 

Her fingers grazed the tattoos on his neck next. Azriel bit his lip to stifle a groan before murmuring, “Then that makes two of us.” 

Indeed, because he was growing less subtle whenever his eyes lingered on her body over the last few days. The urge to touch her, taste her, had been far more consuming now than in the beginning of their partnership. 

But he wouldn’t touch her, nor would he taste her. 

Not yet. 

Not in this state. 

“Az?” She whispered into the night, index finger tracing the sharpness of his jaw, the outline of his lips. His pants visibly tightened, and he prayed to whatever entity existed that she didn’t look down, lest she be uncomfortable. 

“Mm?” 

“What’s it like?” She asked softly, thumbing the plushness of his bottom lip. Her eyes focused on his mouth, savoring the warmth of his breath, before saying, “To be kissed?” 

Every piece of Azriel froze. 

His thoughts and his bones and his blood and his breathing and his heart. Time was suspended as he let the question sink in.

“I’ve never been kissed before,” Elain went on, eyes a shade of deep brown. Azriel couldn’t, wouldn’t, tear his own gaze away from her. Not while she was looking at him as if she might ravish him wholly. “And I’ve never kissed anyone myself but I…” She swallowed then, the only outward show of nerves. “I think I’d like to kiss you one day.” 

Azriel’s heart leaped. He didn’t care that her words were a bit slurred and thick from the wine. Didn’t care that she was revealing a piece of herself while she wasn’t sober. Despite the alcohol in her veins, he knew her words were truthful. “I think I’d like to kiss you, too.” 

One moment, Elain’s eyes were roving over his face, his body, and her hands were tracing and gently gripping any sliver of exposed skin. The next second, her lips quivered and eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “But I can’t.” 

Azriel’s face fell, and he gripped her wrist in his hand, their bracelets glinting in the moonlight as he cradled her hand against his cheek. “Why not?” He asked in a broken rasp. 

Elain pulled away, although every instinct in her body told her not to. He looked visibly in pain, as if her words had sliced through his chest. “There’s too many reasons why we can’t do this. As much as I want to, we just…can’t.” 

He would get no more information out of her, he knew. So he accepted her answer with a curt nod of his head and released her wrist. He already missed the feeling of her skin. 

“I have a pretty good idea what some of those reasons are,” Azriel said. “But let me just say one thing.” And because he was a greedy bastard, he stepped forward and placed either of his hands on the sides of her neck, thumbs stroking her skin. Beneath her neck, he could feel the rapid thrum of her pulse. “If any of your reservations are because of…me…I need you to know I would never force you, never pressure you, to do anything. If anything ever happens between us, it will be on your terms, when you are ready.” 

Elain’s eyes flashed, Azriel’s face the depiction of wary. Full of conviction, she said, “None of those reasons are because of you, Azriel. Please never think that. I trust you with my body as much as I trust you with my life.” 

Azriel groaned, forehead bumping against hers. “Fuck, Elain. Tell me you understand I’d take care of you. Tell me you know that.” 

She nodded sheepishly. 

“No,” Instinctually, he gripped her chin between his fingers, never hard enough to cause pain. Only to keep her there with him just a bit longer. “Tell me.” 

She stood straighter, chest brushing against his own. Elain gauged the raw emotion in his eyes and said, “I know you would take care of me. In every way possible if I allowed you to.”

Azriel dipped his chin once, kissing her nose before breathing, “Good.” And because his mouth was just a hair's breadth away from her lips, and because the temptation to claim her was so strong, he pulled away and offered, “How about I take you home, yeah? You look like you’re going to pass out any minute.” 

Elain chuckled after stifling a well timed yawn. In her tipsy haze, she whispered, “Only if you promise to carry me to my bed if I fall asleep in the car.” 

And yes, Elain had fallen asleep within minutes of strapping her seatbelt. It took Azriel a moment to fish out her apartment key from her purse, but once he found it, he carefully maneuvered Elain out of his car, cradling her to his chest as he expertly unlocked the door. 

Even without the promise, he still would have carried her to bed anyway. The thought of changing her into something more comfortable infiltrated his mind, but he decided against it. He wasn't sure how she would feel in the morning if she knew he had seen her, if only for a brief moment, in a vulnerable state. 

So he laid her on the bed, peeling off her shoes before securing her under the puffy, white comforter blanket. After some rummaging in her bathroom cabinets, he found a pack of makeup remover wipes, and gingerly scrubbed her face. Even with all of the jostling, she remained fast asleep and as peaceful as a dove. 

Azriel knew he should’ve left right then, but he perched himself on the side of her bed and gently stroked her now makeup free cheek. He knew what this feeling meant inside his chest. The feeling he wanted to let erupt, but one he had to keep contained until she felt the same way. 

“You have my heart, Elain Archeron,” He whispered into the silent night, kissing her cheek before he stood from the bed. “I hope one day you let me into yours.” 

ARTWORK FOR THE CHAPTER BY @chachachai17: Here

DIVIDER BY: @saradika-graphics

[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

[misscrawfords]

5, 19, 22 for the end of year book asks if you feel like answering!

5. What's a scene you read this year that sticks with you?

Not precisely a single scene but a shout-out to the sections in TTT with Faramir. I haven't read it since I was a teenager and I've definitely been influenced by the films and I had forgotten just how different and amazing Faramir is. I became a massive Faramir fan overnight. I love the films so much but they did my boy dirty!

19. Did you utilize your library this year? What were some library events you went to if yes? Any new library cards?

Yeah, I'm a big library fan! I rarely buy books. Annoyingly, my main library closed in the autumn for a year for refurbishment. (I'm sceptical - usually this means getting rid of half the books and turning it into a children's community area with lots of computers. And I'm not denying that these are needed for the community but libraries should be primarily a place to find books in a quiet environment and I think it's a shame when that aspect of them is reduced.) Since the autumn I've had to go to a small, local branch which has a poor selection of books so I have to order in advance and it's less accessible, so I've used it less. I don't go to events at the library - they tend to be either aimed at children or old people. On the other hand (and don't hate me), an American friend got me a library card to her library which has a really good selection of e-books. (This was years ago so not a new development but I did use it more this year.) My UK library's e-book selection isn't great, and I confess I've been using that a lot for e-books. Yikes, cheating? But still, getting books officially? Don't tell on me!

22. What are some books you discovered this year that you added to your tbr?

Let me get up Goodreads! Here are some I've added recently:

A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette

Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz

Snowspelled by Stephanie Burgis

The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley

Mismatched: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Emma by Anne Camlin

The Burial Plot by Elizabeth Macneal

Damascus Station by David McCloskey

... and many more. Anything I think looks vaguely interesting I add. Chances of reading many are slim but when I go to the library or look on my suspicious USA library account, I'll search from this list.

[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?

[lavenderfables]

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

Stephanie Burgis, Snowspelled

[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)

[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…

[bookcoversonly]

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

[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

[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.