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My friend does book reviews and other stuff on her blog so make sure to check her out!!

Truthwitch By Susan Dennard (Biased Book Review)

I have made a lot of “Incorrect Witchland Quotes” in the past, but I have never bothered to explain why I actually enjoy the series, perhaps because I never actually took the time to understand the adoration I have for it. (This makes me very biased, because I love it so much.)

I stumbled across ‘Truthwitch’ during a very long dry spell of reading; I hadn’t actually picked up a novel I enjoyed in months. However, during my usual “Let’s-Scroll-Through-The-Library-Catalogue-But-Not-Read-Any-Of-The-Books” session, I saw a stunning cover amidst the sea of dull ones.

Now, I know the saying “don’t judge a book by it’s cover”, yet I couldn’t held but to be drawn by this fantastic coverwork promising adventure and fantasy and action. The cover did its job: it got someone to read it.

Very quickly, I was thrown into a whirlwind world of witches, where our two protagonists are attempting to evade the law. When reading other reviews of this book, I found that the way the world is introduced was a source of issue for many readers, but to me that was the best part about the beginning. To me, books that simply “state” what is going on are actually quite difficult for me to get into. If all my questions are answered at once, then the plot becomes too predictable, maybe even stereotypical, and I don’t want to read anymore.

Dennard, on the other hand, decides to sprinkle a bit of context within the text, bit by bit, slowly letting information sink in, and leaving me grasping for more. And that especially suits the immediate tension the novel starts out with; I truly felt like I could understand the way Safi and Ilseut were trying to asses the situation to find the way out, because I was trying to asses the situation to find a way in.

Another thing that I enjoyed was the fresh take on the magic-wielding trope. Often, we’ll see a version of our society, except some people will have magical abilities, and there’s nothing more to it. However, in Trruthwitch we see the exploitation of powers and the dangers (other than the usual she’s-different-so-she-scares-me) of having said powers as well as the realistic desire to control them and monitor them, as seen through the Hell-Bards and the tattoos.

However, my absolute favourite part about this book were the heroines. It’s so hard to find novels these days where the two main characters aren’t potential love interests, or self indulgent, or enemies. Ilseut and Safi we’re best friends, sisters, more concerned with each others well-being than going out of their way to find love (as seen multiple times when Safi goes against Merik’s orders to try to help Ilseut, knowing that it could potentially worsen the relationship they had started off in the wrong foot, despite him being her love interest).

And neither of them are ignorant to their strengths and weaknesses. We see no jealousy, only admiration and pride for one another. We get a healthy platonic relationship between to women. No rivalry.

All of this and the amazing setting and gripping plotline made Truthwitch one of my favourite reads.

5/5 for me.

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honestly…..

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He just wants love

Nick: *breathes*

Cyprian, crying: I wish my mother taught me how to breathe

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Friendship

The Luca fic I said I was going to write. If you would like a second part, do tell.

This is my first fanfic, so constructive criticism is welcome.

words: 835

A letter had come to Mistward, addressed for Luca, whispers echoed through the freezing hallways long after supper. Such news was rare and had quickly set a wave of excitement around the usually dreary fortress, which had become even more sombre as the impending winter drew closer. The inhabitants breathed of its fine parchment, of the courier with silver armour that suggested he was soldier, and of how he had swiftly left before one could ask for his name and before one could ask how he managed to sneak past the wards. But no rumour spread more than that of the blood-red seal of a stag with a blazing crown above his head. It had come from Terrasen. 

“Terrasen,” grunted Malakai.

He sat across from Luca on the kitchen table while Emrys cleaned the dishes from supper. He made no effort to hide the irritation, displeasure and something else that Luca couldn’t tell from his face. The old male never particularly liked something that disturbed his evenings, and the letter’s arrival certainly had, yet Luca supposed that the connotations of a letter from Terrasen irked him far more than the restless Fae and their less-than-discreet murmurs of excitement.

No, it was more than that. Terrasen had won a war against Maeve, their former queen, and on its throne was seated Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius, and her husband, Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius.

“She’s trouble,” he grunted once more, as if knowing where Luca’s train of thought had led him. Relief. He was feeling relief, remarked Luca.

“She’s the Queen of Terrasen and the Faerie Queen of the East.” Emrys had turned around, and began tutting at his mate, “And she sent our Luca a letter, and you won’t let him open it.”

As if referring to it had caused some innate power of attraction to become activated, all eyes in the room were drawn to the seemingly innocent letter lying between Luca and Emrys, and its scarlet seal begging to be broken and so contents could be read.

“I’m not stopping him,” answered Malaki, crossing his arms and learning back on his chair, “from doing anything.”

Knowing that the vicious cycle they were trapped in was about to commence again, Luca raised one tanned hand from its resting place and began to reach for it. Like clockwork, just before Luca could touch it, Malakai’s rough voice rang out in warning, interrupting the suspenseful silence, and causing Luca’s hand to snap back.

“But,” he began, “the letter might not even be from her maybe a distant relative or-”

“Or a letter being sent out to Fae youth to attract them to Terrasen and assist in rebuilding its economy. Or a depersonalised letter sent by the military to invite him to join. Or a billion other things that you have already come up with because you don’t us wish to be disappointed, because you don’t wish for us to be hurt, if it’s not from Elentiya, no, from Aelin.”

Luca couldn’t tell if the mere uttering of her name from Emrys’ tongue caused all the candles in the room to quiver and flicker or if it was simply a trick of his mind. Yet, he was sure that the image of the Fire-Bringer immersed in flames would forever be seared onto his mind. Her courage and strength were qualities he would always reflect on during his training and would aspire to reach.

The tension in the kitchens was at its zenith, and no sound was made other than the cackling and snapping of the flames that seemed to croon and purr in the Queen’s voice to him. Do it, the Queen advised. Open the letter.

Luca, in that moment, felt himself morph into the dauntless soldier he aspired to be, possessing courage and strength greater that all of that of the Queen herself. His hand lashed out, and grasped the smooth paper, it sharp cool despite the furnace in the room being on, stung Luca’s sweaty hand like a burn. With speed he did not know he could attain; he tore off the seal before Malakai could speak and began to read for all the eavesdropping ears in the fortress to hear:

Dear Luca (and Emrys and Malakai who are probably there),

I would like to thank you for your kindness and patience with me during the period of time I stayed in Mistward.

Most importantly, though, I want to say that I did not forget what I last told you. You have a place in my home, and are always welcome.

But I write to you, Luca, because I would like to offer you a place here to study and learn from our best warriors, scholars, and tradesmen, whichever you may choose to become.

Emrys, there is a letter at the end of this attached for you.

Malakai, I’m sorry for frustrating you so much.

Terrasen welcomes all of you with open doors. But most importantly, I do.

Not Elentiya, or the Queen, but just your friend,

Aelin

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Friendship

The Luca fic I said I was going to write. If you would like a second part, do tell.

This is my first fanfic, so constructive criticism is welcome.

words: 835

A letter had come to Mistward, addressed for Luca, whispers echoed through the freezing hallways long after supper. Such news was rare and had quickly set a wave of excitement around the usually dreary fortress, which had become even more sombre as the impending winter drew closer. The inhabitants breathed of its fine parchment, of the courier with silver armour that suggested he was soldier, and of how he had swiftly left before one could ask for his name and before one could ask how he managed to sneak past the wards. But no rumour spread more than that of the blood-red seal of a stag with a blazing crown above his head. It had come from Terrasen. 

“Terrasen,” grunted Malakai.

He sat across from Luca on the kitchen table while Emrys cleaned the dishes from supper. He made no effort to hide the irritation, displeasure and something else that Luca couldn’t tell from his face. The old male never particularly liked something that disturbed his evenings, and the letter’s arrival certainly had, yet Luca supposed that the connotations of a letter from Terrasen irked him far more than the restless Fae and their less-than-discreet murmurs of excitement.

No, it was more than that. Terrasen had won a war against Maeve, their former queen, and on its throne was seated Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius, and her husband, Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius.

“She’s trouble,” he grunted once more, as if knowing where Luca’s train of thought had led him. Relief. He was feeling relief, remarked Luca.

“She’s the Queen of Terrasen and the Faerie Queen of the East.” Emrys had turned around, and began tutting at his mate, “And she sent our Luca a letter, and you won’t let him open it.”

As if referring to it had caused some innate power of attraction to become activated, all eyes in the room were drawn to the seemingly innocent letter lying between Luca and Emrys, and its scarlet seal begging to be broken and so contents could be read.

“I’m not stopping him,” answered Malaki, crossing his arms and learning back on his chair, “from doing anything.”

Knowing that the vicious cycle they were trapped in was about to commence again, Luca raised one tanned hand from its resting place and began to reach for it. Like clockwork, just before Luca could touch it, Malakai’s rough voice rang out in warning, interrupting the suspenseful silence, and causing Luca’s hand to snap back.

“But,” he began, “the letter might not even be from her maybe a distant relative or-”

“Or a letter being sent out to Fae youth to attract them to Terrasen and assist in rebuilding its economy. Or a depersonalised letter sent by the military to invite him to join. Or a billion other things that you have already come up with because you don’t us wish to be disappointed, because you don’t wish for us to be hurt, if it’s not from Elentiya, no, from Aelin.”

Luca couldn’t tell if the mere uttering of her name from Emrys’ tongue caused all the candles in the room to quiver and flicker or if it was simply a trick of his mind. Yet, he was sure that the image of the Fire-Bringer immersed in flames would forever be seared onto his mind. Her courage and strength were qualities he would always reflect on during his training and would aspire to reach.

The tension in the kitchens was at its zenith, and no sound was made other than the cackling and snapping of the flames that seemed to croon and purr in the Queen’s voice to him. Do it, the Queen advised. Open the letter.

Luca, in that moment, felt himself morph into the dauntless soldier he aspired to be, possessing courage and strength greater that all of that of the Queen herself. His hand lashed out, and grasped the smooth paper, it sharp cool despite the furnace in the room being on, stung Luca’s sweaty hand like a burn. With speed he did not know he could attain; he tore off the seal before Malakai could speak and began to read for all the eavesdropping ears in the fortress to hear:

Dear Luca (and Emrys and Malakai who are probably there),

I would like to thank you for your kindness and patience with me during the period of time I stayed in Mistward.

Most importantly, though, I want to say that I did not forget what I last told you. You have a place in my home, and are always welcome.

But I write to you, Luca, because I would like to offer you a place here to study and learn from our best warriors, scholars, and tradesmen, whichever you may choose to become.

Emrys, there is a letter at the end of this attached for you.

Malakai, I’m sorry for frustrating you so much.

Terrasen welcomes all of you with open doors. But most importantly, I do.

Not Elentiya, or the Queen, but just your friend,

Aelin

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The League characters as things my friends have said Pt.2

Hauk: Did you see what Fain was wearing? He looks so ridiculous. Someone is probably going to throw eggs at him.

Fain: [Enters room]

Hauk: Yes queen! None of your siblings are as fabulous as mine!

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What can I say I’m a big believer of random acts of kindness and random punches to the throat.

Fain, sherrilyn kenyon  (via brittnie-carre)

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The League characters as things my friends have said P1

Hauk: I am a deep and soulful person. No one truly understands pain like I do [starts playing All Star on the violin]

Sumi: That's so hot

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Chronicles of Nick characters as things my friends have said/done

Nick: It's not my fault I thought the West Midlands were in Asia!

Kody: Don't you dare throw that pencil at me!

Nick: [Throws a pen]

Caleb: Just because I regularly tell (Nick) that his face is hideous and nobody wants to see it doesn't mean I'm bullying him!

Kody: He locked himself in the bathroom and won't stop crying.

Caleb: Maybe he's on his period!

Xev: Sorry, I'm busy on Saturdays. That's when I curl up in bed and cry myself to sleep.

Nick: I got 14% on my math exam.

Cherise: Maybe if you had eaten your orange like your mother told you to you would have passed your math exam.

LaShonda:[To a substitute teacher] I can see auras. Yours is like a silver halo swirling around your head

Substitute: [Genuinely believing her] I'm going to look that up, maybe it means something.