To The Stars Who Listen

And the dreams that are answered

[meldarkthrop]

Tamlin said, his lips a thin line. “But Lucien’s pride tends to get in the way of his manners.”

Lucien with Elain:

“Is … is there anything I can get for you?”

I’d never heard my friend’s voice so soft. So tentative and concerned.

***

Lucien inclined his head in a bow, the movement hiding the gleam in his eye—the longing and sadness.

***

My sister rose to her feet. “I should get refreshments.”

Lucien rose as well. “No need to trouble yourself. I’m—”

***

"Lucien,” Elain said at last, and he clenched his teacup to keep from shuddering at the sound of his name on her mouth.

***

Lucien. It was Lucien.

Lucien, haggard and bloody, panting for breath. As if he’d run from the shore. His gaze settled on Elain and he sagged a little.

“Are you hurt?” he asked, coming toward us. Spying the blood speckling Elain’s hands.

***

Bonus:

His own status as a mated male made him uninterested in any sort of female company these days.

“I’m a mated male now.”

"I'm getting my mate back."

The sassy, unflappable, reformed rake who turns into a puddle for his mate—oh Elucien will serve peak romance.🌷☀️

[ariadnethedragon]

- The Knight and the Moth, Rachel Gillig

[high-lady-lana]

Rwby- Adam Opinion

I know Adam Taraus is a tricky character, but for a long time I actually really thought he had a lot of potential as a character. 

The show does an amazing job with characters and development that I was incredibly interested in seeing Adam especially after his epic introduction. It felt classic anti-hero to me. 

For episodes and episodes I just waited and waited to get more details on him and more screen time, however, as you all know, that does not happen. 

Let me start off by saying Adam is a toxic person and is in no way good for Blake, but much in the way people ship dromonie, I shipped Blake and Adam. Let me clarify, I shipped her with my IDEA of what Adam would become, not what he turned out to be in canon. 

I was very disappointed in the route the creators took with Adam. Salem got a gut wrenching back story that I am absolutely obsessed with and even Cinder got a flash back of her life before (Not that I have ever cared for Cinder). I had hoped something similar would happen to Adam. 

He could have been bad to the bone evil but had a soft spot for Blake. I really wanted a flashback of a tortured past. Sure we can infer considering the scarring done to his eye, but we don’t SEE anything. He felt very one dimensional: demolish human kind and destroy everyone Blake loves. That feels very boring. This lacks a fire to it that really could have sparked his whole motivation. 

Just IMO I feel like we should’ve seen a softer side to him, then see him devolve into the heartless boy he became. When his character was killed by Yang and Blake, I felt nothing and that is not good. As a creator you want an important kill to be felt. It doesn’t have to be sadness, it can be triumph, smugness, melancholy anything. But honestly I couldn’t care less. There had been nothing sympathetic about him to make me feel anything. 

Hell Nora could have killed him and I would’ve been like meh. 

Overall, I feel like his character really could’ve come to life with just a little more writing. I understand that they are the writers, I am not. But as someone who DOES write I was really disappointed with his character development and I would have loved to see more of him. 

Anyway, that’s just my two cents, and as a disclaimer, I don’t argue with anyone in the comments. Everyone has differing opinions and I know my view won’t sway yours, so I’d appreciate you try not to sway mine. 

[high-lady-lana]

The Fawn and Her Fox

Chapter Three: Dueling Violins 

          My sister still isn't home and the rest of the Inner Circle has stayed pretty much well away, minding their own business and taking care of their own tasks, me and Lucien the only ones without tasks to complete.

        Nuala and Ceriddwen help me dress for the opera. Styling my hair into a neat braided bun, two curls framing either side of my face. My dress is short, flowing around my knees, the shade a pretty shade of emerald green, small sparkles catching the moon making it twinkle. 

        A happiness I haven't felt in a long time bubbles inside my chest. When I was a girl I used to lover going to the play house. Watching opera, plays, and symphonies it was my favorite thing to do. One of the happiest times outside of my garden as a child was going to the play house and witnessing an opera.

        It was my first time and mama helped me dress in my finest. I felt like a princess, especially when papa had paid for box seats. The beautiful instruments ringing throughout the room, haunting every nook and cranny in the room, demanding to be heard, caressing the ears of those willing enough to listen, bringing tears to my eyes and making my heart ache with the unrequited love of the song. 

        After that the symphonies became my favorite thing. Every birthday, before my fathers downfall, my parents would take me to the opera and each year it rocked my world. Devastation filled me the first time we missed an symphony and every year after that I had to rely on my garden, my only source of light and happiness. 

        Now here I am, in Prythian, standing in a dress that would be considered scandalous by human standards going with a man who is my mate to an symphony with fae. A giggle of disbelief bubbles up and I take a deep breath and step out of my room... knocking right into Lucien. 

        My cheeks flame as I bounce back, tripping and he grabs my shoulders, helping me find steady footing. His hands are warm on my bare shoulders, the calluses on his hands scraping against my skin. The flush spreads over my chest and neck when I am able to take in his attire. Black tunic lined with... emerald green, the same shade as my dress. 

        "I'm sorry, I was going downstairs to wait for you." His breath slightly catches as he takes me in as well. 

        Abruptly, he lets me go and I have to take several breaths before I can even think again. His long hair looks smooth and silky. "You look beautiful, Elain." His voice is a quite rumble and my skin pebbles at the smooth cadence of his words. 

        My flush deepens and I twist my fingers into the soft material of my dress. "Thank you," I say, deciding not to voice the fact he looks immaculately handsome. I've embarrassed myself enough in the past five minutes without admitting his appearance has taken me aback.

        "Are you ready to go?" He asks.

        His words snap me out of my thoughts and I nod. 

        We leave the house, the sun setting in the distance. The trek to the play house is quiet and uneventful. Lucien and I stay quite, choosing a comfortable silence over awkward small talk. How do you speak to someone you're supposed to be with but you just can't accept it yet? I don't know how to be around him. He's never pressured me or pushed any boundaries, but he's just here, being a mate but not. 

        My head spins with feelings and expectations and worries. Once we get to the play house we are seated swiftly by a woman with green tinged skin and spiky ears, to my surprise we are guided to high seats, one level lower than the box and it's wonderful. 

        People are being seated, chattering quietly, a low hum filling the room. Lucien shifts in his seat, his large frame looking funny in such a small chair. His hair lays like silk along his chest and his muscular bicep brushes against me, our knees bumping. My heart slams against my ribcage and I study the side of his lovely face. 

        Slowly, his face turns towards mine and a smile creeps shyly onto his full lips. "How long has it been since you've been to a symphony?" He asks, attention solely focused on me. 

        I sweep the baby hairs from my forehead and shift in my seat, unable to stay still under his powerful gaze. "A very long time. I was only a girl. It was the birthday before my family lost their fortune when my mother passed." I shake my head, twisting my hands together. "A lot of things changed after that..." Guilt naws at my stomach at the knowledge that I let Feyre go out and feed us time and time again. I let that Spring Lord tamper with my mind, making me believe Feyre was okay. I wasn't strong for my family then and I am definitely not strong now. 

        "Elain?"

        Lucien's voice stops the tirade of spiraling thoughts consuming my mind. The lines around his eyes are creased with gentle worry. "Yes?" I ask, choosing to ignore my obvious silence.

        He smiles almost tentatively. "Where did you go?"

        I know he doesn't mean anything but mentally. My cheeks flame and the heat spreads down my neck and chest. "I was thinking of all my mistakes since my family's downfall. Feyre saved us... on more than one occassion and Nesta is strong in her own right and I am just... here."

        Lucien shakes his head. "On the contrary, Elain. You cannot compare yourself to your sisters. You are very strong in my book and I have lived quite a while."

        I peer at him beneath lowered lashes, butterflies tickling the inside of my chest. "How so?" I ask, skeptically. 

        "Well," he starts loftily, bringing a smile from my lips. "You live with what happened to you everyday. And i don't just mean about being tossed into Prythian. I mean living the way you did as a human. Not everyone is willing to accept the wrongs they have committed in the past, but you know you've done wrong. It's hard to self reflect and it makes you strong that you are able to look at yourself in a harsh light."

        His words strike a chord withing me. "You speak from experience?"

        He gives me a shy lopsided smile. "You don't live for hundreds of years without making mistakes, Elain. I have made some that have cost me dearly. Even when I thought I was doing the right thing." He shakes his head. "Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone regrets. It's how we move on and better ourselves that really matters."

        His words lift an unknown weight from my chest and I brush my knee against his as the lighting darkens in the theater. "Thank you."

        With one last soft smile, he turns his attention towards the stage and I follow suit. Fae of all kinds sit on stage holding violins, cellos, flutes, one sits at a piano. 

        First is starts off with a lone violin, the player moving with the music in a sea of other violins, then a higher one chimes in, mimicking the first, complementing each other beautifully. The notes flirt and skimper around each other, others join in but never overpowering the two original violins. They dance and soar higher, higher, higher, falling in love until they are torn apart. The battle plays out before my eyes, warring families, two unlikely people to fall fighting against Heaven and Earth to get to the one they love. The crescendo climbs higher and higher and higher, my heart beating rapidly, chills coating my skin down to my very bones.

        My butt at the edge of the seat almost too anticipated to stay seated. Finally, it all falls away except the two violins who move together, bringing to the last of the story, striking the final long note and silence. 

        My breathing comes out in silent pants and my body relaxes with the silence. When I look over at Lucien as everyone stands, I find him look straight at me. He had to have been watching me for a while for his lips are parted in awe and just like the last last note something between us slides together and then silence.

[high-lady-lana]

The Fawn and Her Fox

   Chapter Two: Trauma     

        The town house is quiet, a rarity with the group my youngest sister tends to surround herself with. It makes more sense when I make my way downstairs and see only Lucien at the small kitchen table, papers surrounding him. The stairs creak beneath me and he turns to see me. 

        "It's just us. Feyre and her circle went on a vacation to the dawn court to talk with Helion, Theasan and Tarquin about the Spring Court situation and what to do with the mortal queens." 

        Dread curls in my stomach. A vacation. "How long will the be away?" I ask, attempting to sound casual as I rummage the cabinets for a bowl, ladling myself a bit of porridge Lucien must have made. 

        "There's no telling." He winces as I sit across from him. "I am not much of a cook." 

        I glance down at the still hot porridge, and take a tentative bite, with consideration I look for cinnamon and sprinkle some into the porridge, stirring and take another bite. I nod in satisfaction. "Ah, you just needed a tad bit of cinnamon. Easy thing to miss, men don't seem to have working taste buds, especially fae ones."

        Lucien coughs as he chokes on his water, covering his mouth, his skin a bright shade of red. For a moment I think he might need assistance when he finally drawls in air and leans back in his chair and sweeps me with an appraising look. "You have got some sass. I suppose you would being Feyre's sister and all." He smooths a hand down his shirt and seems to be collecting himself after his fit. "I wouldn't necessarily say our tastebuds don't work, I believe it's just because we are too hungry to complain."

        A smile tilts my own mouth at his amusement and I fill the silence with eating my food, washing it back with tea with a bit of milk and no sugar. I glance at his papers and feel a bit foolish, like I am snooping into his affairs. "What are all of those?" I ask as I clean out my bowl and cup. 

        He stretches in his chair, reminding me of a huge jungle cat I once saw in a text book, lithe muscles quivering as his body arches. Golden skin peeks from beneath his shirt and my cheeks flush. "Boring stuff really, taxes. Things that still need to be built from the attack, the installation of extra wards, reports from the Illyrian camps." 

        My brows bunch. "Illyrian camps, shouldn't Cassian be in charge of that? Azriel even?" Cassian is the general of Rhysand's armies so it would only make sense he wade through the reports. 

        "Typically he does, but currently he is quite busy training Nesta. I volunteered to take the weight from his shoulders."

        My attention peeks at my prickly older sister. I lean against the counter, trying to seem as casual as possible. "Is there any word about how she is doing?" 

        Lucien's eye softens. "I am not privy to that kind of thing, you're best bet would be to ask Feyre or Rhysand," his voice is gentle, I suspect because he doesn't want to disappoint me.

        I nod in understanding and click the tip of my fingernails together. Loneliness curls around my chest when I think about spending the day by myself. Usually I would bake with the wraith twins or spend time with Feyre. "I don't suppose you would want to go into town with me today?" 

        His eyebrows hike in surprise. "That sounds nice, let me grab my shoes and we can go now."

        For the first time since the change, the silence between Lucien and I isn't awkward. Usually, around Lucien I don't know how to be, I don't know what to do with my hands or my body or what to say. As we walk along the Sidra he's here and it doesn't feel forced and tense. 

        His shoulder brushes against mine as we walk, the breeze ruffling my hair, my dress swishes around my legs and his scent fills my lungs as I breathe in. "What do you enjoy doing?" He asks.

        I push my hair from my face, sitting at the edge of the bridge, slipping my shoes off and dipping my toes into the water. He sits down beside me. "I like watching ballets, symphonies too. Obviously gardening, it helps me think." 

        The salty smell of the Sidra wafts up, tickling my lungs, the soft smell of burning fires tinting the air with masculine musk. I lean back on my hands, tilting my head to look over at Lucien, the sun caressing his golden skin. His red hair brushing up against my bare arm, his gaze fixed on the horizon before us. The bond between us is light, airy and full of light. 

        "What about you?" I ask.

        He finally turns his gaze towards me. "Back home I liked to visit the small towns in the court, in the Spring court I enjoyed sparring and even reading when I got the chance. Now, really I enjoy anything that gives me something to do. Feyre spars with me occasionally same with Rhysand," he says.

        "I feel the same. I used to know myself and now, even after so long I feel like I don't know me. My interests are still the same, but really all I want is to stay busy. Keep moving forward so I don't have to think."

        "Thinking is a scary thing. Especially for people like us who have trauma waiting for the right moment to strike."

        His words tug at something in me. "Your trauma still affects you?" I ask. 

        He nods. "Of course. A great deal still affects me. Things I could have done different, what I saw during the war, other things..." The way he says other things makes it seem much more than something nondescript. 

        With a sigh, I dip my toes into the cool water, the fish swimming up to bump against my feet and nip my toes. My hair brushes against my arms and when I look at Lucien I see him studying me. 

        "There's an play house on the other side of town, playing a symphony tomorrow. I got tickets if you would like to go." His words are choppy and hesitant as if rethinking his offer as he speaks. 

        A small smile tugs at my lips. "I haven't been to an symphony in a very long time," I say. Memories of my childhood float through my mind. The grand house, the parties mama used to throw, the trinkets father used to bring home from his journey's and the operas, the plays, the orchestra, it was all so lovely. A luxury I haven't been able to enjoy. Why not live a little now? I have an eternity to enjoy the things I wish to. 

        "What time?"

        He startles me with a smile and tells me the details before we get up and make our way up the rainbow, back towards the house.

[high-lady-lana]

The Fawn and Her Fox

Chapter One: Nightmare

        Freezing cold water steals the breath from my lungs, invisible hands tugging at my bare legs, nails digging into my skin. Skin that burns, burns, burns despite the below freezing temperature of the water. Hours, days, months, years. My screams ravage my lungs and my skin feels like it's ripped from my bones and my bones are torn from each other, until there is nothing left. My heart pounds in my rib-cage, the only sound the slow tha-thump, tha-thump of my heart.

        The water is so dark, voices screaming in my ear, tugging my hair, my eyes burning in their sockets. I am going to die, I am dying, this is my end. The hands grip, tossing me from grip to grip, shredding me apart, icy water filling my lungs, gurgling with my screams, muting me... forever...

        A warm hand wakes me, my breath comes in great gulping gasps as I shoot up from my sleeping position, clutching at the neck of my high neck night gown, tearing it away from my throat, desperate for air. Slowly, my surroundings come into focus. 

        Dark bedroom, soft sheets, the brilliant, beautiful stars burning brightly into my bedroom. Paintings of flowers, sprawling valleys, vast fields, emerald forests, swooping mountains cover my walls in a lovely panorama or nature, flowing seamlessly into one another.   

        My eyes drift to the owner of the warm hand and everything fades away. Long fiery red hair, sun-kissed skin, eyes one of russet and the other of gold, strong jaw and broad, strong form.

        Lucien Vanserra, my salvation and ruin. 

        His brow is creased with worry as he takes in the sheen of sweat glossing my tan skin, blending in with the freckles across my nose. His nostrils flare and an extra beat bumps beside my heart in my chest. His hand falls away, taking the warmth with it, clenching it in his lap. 

        "I apologize, lady. I woke from sleep and I was worried when I felt distress..." He doesn't elaborate how he felt the distress.

        The bond. The mating bond the exists between our two souls, connecting us. It anchors me to reality while also scaring me away from the man who has done nothing wrong. He was a pawn in everything just as I was, yet I don't know how to be around him. What do I say to a virtual stranger who I am inexplicably bound to? 

        He gets up from the bed and fidgets a moment before walking towards the door. In two easy strides he is there, palm on the handle. 

        "I dream of what happened in the cauldron." The words shock me. He was almost gone, so why did I speak? 

        Lucien pauses, not daring to turn or it seems even breathe. 

        "Even after all this time, I dream of what the cauldron was like. I can't seem to forget, no matter how much I want to cast the memory aside, it's always there." A shiver runs through me and I pull the blanket over me, staring at a doe on the wall. The doe tentatively staring at a fox, scared. 

        With great care, he faces me and sits in a chair beside the window, the moonlight illuminating him, casting him in a silver light, caressing his brutally handsome features. Perhaps I shouldn't have said anything. I don't need to have him here, knowing my greatest horrors. Internally I scoff, he was there during my greatest horror. He can probably feel and see everything through the blasted bond between us. 

        For a long moment he is silent, rubbing the purple curtain between his thumb and forefinger. "I dream over every horror I have endured in my life." His voice is quiet, almost as though he is scared to tell me anything that might frighten me away. "My family killing the woman I had loved, barely escaping with my own life, what I let happen to Feyre. Things that transpired in her absence, the events at Hybern, the war." Lucien shudders, gripping his hands into fists. "I know what it is like to dream of every great horror that plagues you."

        Slowly his eyes meet mine and when they do a pang shoots through me as if it were a physical touch. Most things of his life I know. In the few conversations we have had, he was quite honest about his life. It's clear there are things that chase him from slumber as they do me, and not just the things he has laid on the table, but things he is too ashamed to speak of. Trauma will do that to you. 

        Slowly it ate at me and my sisters, we all fight it to varying degrees of success. Feyre fares seemingly well now, while Nesta was sent away to deal with her trauma in a healthier manner than she had been, and me? I live life as expected, but nothing has soothed the terror that lives inside me each and every moment of my waking and dreaming life. Gardening helps, solitude, baking, they chase it away, even if momentarily, but it all comes back, no matter what I do.

        "How do you live with it," I whisper. He has lived a great many years more than me, maybe he has the secret to handling it.

        A wry smile graces his full lips. "I'll let you know when I find out." 

        My hands ball in the blankets in my lap and my heart slows to a calm rhythm as I search his face and he watches me with the eyes of a man who has seen much and continues to see too much. What does he see? My disheveled hair, rumpled nightgown, haunted look? What does he make of it all? 

        "Time," his deep voice fills the room in a soft sigh. "Time will heal all wounds. The deeper the wound the longer it takes, but it gets easier. Every day it gets easier. You remember that you lived, despite the odds you lived and you have many years ahead and you can either let it slowly kill you, or you can push it into submission." He stands again and heads to the door once more. 

        He turns the knob, looking at me one more time. "Don't let ghosts control you. You beat them once, they cannot harm you now. The past is a nasty thing if given too much power, don't give it power." With that, he leaves my room and his footsteps pad down the hall to his room. 

        For hours his words stay with me, soothing some wound inside me, giving me strength to carry on for another day.

[high-lady-lana]

Never knew so many people hated az as much as me. Where have you guys been all this time? Lol

[high-lady-lana]

Unpopular Opinion

I cannot stand Azriel from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. All the love he gets make no sense to me.

When I first read the books I didn't mind him, I was like whatever. But the more I reread them and the more I saw posts praising him, I started to hate him.

Lucien and Cassian are a million times better side characters and friends than Az. They have fun snarky personalities and are genuine with their feelings. They have emotional depth to them and are fun characters. While Az's biggest speaking part was when he told Feyre about they wigned soldier with one wing bigger than the other.

Also, he throws a tantrum anytime someone insults Mor, who is clearly not interested in him from her multiple testimonies that she sleeps with someone right after he throws a said tantrum, such as hitting Eris at the meeting. And no one speaks of this. It's fine, Eris is a bad guy. So no one cares. YET when Rhysand snapped Kier's arm for calling Feyre, his mate, a whore everyone is happy Feyre put him in his place.

And now, with the knowledge he is a "freak in the bed" according to maas I feel like his only appeal is that he is tortured and mysterious and likes to have kinky sex. What other personality does he have because I personally don't see it.

I wish Cassian and Lucien got the love they deserved, who have shown their personality and depth throughout the series.

These are just my opinions and I will not be arguing with anyone who disagrees in the comments. I realize this opinion isn't popular but it's my page so.

[high-lady-lana]

Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom review spoilers if you havent read it.

I know I have quite a few unpopular opinions but bear with me! It was a rollercoaster to get me to read this! For the longest these books were on my want to read list but I was very hesitant to read them. I had got them for christmas, I was excited yeah. Well I was in a book slump and I could not get past the first chapter. I liked it but I abhor long chapters and the second one was soooooo long! Well I had it for the longest. did a cleanse it got sold…. I regretted it lol. I bought the books this time and got to reading immediately and HOT DAMN WAS IT BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Six of crows is amazing! The characters were awesome, the plot was badass. All the plot twists were amazing!! It was so good, like where have I been! 

The characters that held my attention the most was Nina and Matthias. From the moment she had said “I’ve been trying to get you to get him out for a year.” I was instantly interested in the story behind that. Throughout the book I found myself getting more and more invested in these two. I loved how when something on page was mundane, such as walking for miles and miles, but then it flashed back to their time together previous to Hellgate. So these were definitely my two favorite characters and I was devastated when he died even though I knew from being in the fandom, it still made me cry. And as stated in my previous post I wish Matthias and his wolf had been reunited. Nothing really went Matthias’s way and he only really had Nina, everything he previously believed in forsaken and gone, so it would have been beautiful if he had been reunited when his wolf and when Matthias died Nina and the wolf would have continued on together, helping each other. Just my opinion! 

While I liked Kaz and Inej they didn't hold the same investment for me as Matthias and Nina. I even expected Kaz to be more front and center and have more page time, but it’s okay! Their story was amazing. Anytime Inej went into any sort of detail about what she went through at the Menagire it broke my heart. Knowing how strong she is, it was saddening to see what she had to become to survive. Kaz was badass and when he went to the Crow club to reclaim his gang I was awed and it was one of my favorite parts in the book. I expected to enjoy these characters and they did not disappoint!

Now for Jesper and Wylan, for me I didn’t connect with Jesper at all. I felt like he was made too hard to be witty and funny and flirty, it just didn’t get me invested in his story. And all his troubles with gambling, I just couldn’t sympathize with it, to me it just came off as whiney. (like I said this is all just my opinion!) In my opinion I don’t even feel like he tried to stop, he was just in a position where he wasn’t able to gamble. Now Wylan I did like him! He was like the little brother of the group. He was funny and his story was just so much more interesting to me than Jesper. His dad was a jerk with NO redeeming qualities and I really was glad Wylan was a part of besting him. When he was “captured” and “gave up” the dregs and I was bummed. I was like noooooo. But it was all an elaborate ruse and I was like Wylan! So I did like him. 

All in all I should have read these way sooner! They were great books and I highly recommend them. If you’ve already read them and like Jesper and hate Matthias, that’s cool, it’s your opinion but I happened to be the opposite. 

[high-lady-lana]

Slight spoiler if you haven't already read six of crows or crooked kingdom

Now that i think about it i wish matthias had been reunited with his wolf in soc and when he died Nina and the wolf would help each other grieve. I know it would have been conspicuous in CK but i still wish they'd been reunited.

[high-lady-lana]

This series has been on my radar for so long and I'm honestly ashamed I haven't read it until now. I tend to be really picky especially with series because i don't like love triangles or cheating or other things and for whatever reason i thought these books weren't up to par for me. BOY WAS I WRONG!

Spoilers ahead.

These books are amazing if you enjoy fanatasy and romance. I found this has a lot of the fluff i enjoy while still having a very interesting plot. In my opinion fantasy novels that have romance are just that fantasy with romance. Even with writers like Sarah J. Maas (who i adore and you cant compare that much considering sjm is pretty epic) there's missing fluff because of the conflict. So you don't get to see stupid things such as one getting drunk or long heart to heart talks. While yes don't get me wrong sjm books do have that, i feel like these books have an extra umph! Definitely romance focused.

The relationship was so beautiful and brought me out if the slump ive been in all year. I loved that they had a past and that the first book showed it to you. I just honestly loved it.

Aside from romance the plot/mystery was great, it definitely kept me on my toes and kept me guessing. If you like sjm (and are of appropriate age such as 18+) i definitely recommend these books they're so good. The novella emperor of evening starts was just beautiful and i loved learning more about des and his pov on what went down in the beginning with Callie.

Definitely some epic quotes that will make your heart flutter. The world, characters, romance, writing was amazing. Loved the mix of modern world and the "otherworld" definitely entertaining to read!

[high-lady-lana]

Huntryce Quinlar

First and last name for Bryce and Hunt.

[high-lady-lana]

The sun beats down on my head and neck, scorching my already burned skin. The desert is a merciless place with the sun as it's cruel God. The rumble of the engine beneath me works its way through my body as I speed down the dry, cracked road. My heart beats fast. Faster still. Are hearts meant to beat so fast? Pounding in time with the desperate drums of far away? They are on my tail, I know they are. Wind whipping my hair against my face as I push the engine harder. I'm almost there. Just a little more. There it is. The thing they're afraid of... freedom.

Picture credit to: fine art america

[high-lady-lana]

My thoughts on elucien. At first i didnt care whi elain endes up with but for whatever reason i really took to Lucien and Elain. While i do like Az he's not a very interesting character to me and i feel like Elain and Az should be able to have a platonic relationship. He helps her and she helps him and i feel like they would be amazing friends for one another. Their friendship is beautiful. Just because az and elain are so close does NOT mean they should be together as romantic partners. I feel like Lucien and Elain just fit better. I was a bit disappointed at her avoiding him but it is 100% understandable and i hope dearly she gives him a chance. I kinda ship Azriel with one of the wraith twins. I'm excited for the novellas and i hope elucien happens! Theyre so precious ❤❤❤❤

[high-lady-lana]

Mor, Cassian and Az dynamic?

Something that always confuses me in the Acotar series is the dynamic between Mor, az and cassian. I know mor doesnt have feelings for cassian and azriel loves mor but what about cassian's feelings towards mor? Are they platonic or does he wish they would have become more?

In the books he often says he doesn't want mor to know his feelings for nesta and pulls away from nesta in acowar, but he's also said he only bedded mor out of jealousy that Az isnt solely his and Rhysand's anymore. And he DOES act as a buffer for az and mor but is that all it is?

So if anyone knows or has theories about Cassian's feelings about Mor to clear it up for me please share!!!! It confuses and frustrates me!

[high-lady-lana]

The Assassins Blade Review

This book tore me all the way up. I have had the whole Throne of glass series for almost a year and have yet to read past the first two books. So when I seriously got into TAB I was shocked. I was on the edge of my seat screaming, crying and just staring. 

The Assassin and The Pirate Lord: At the start of this novella I got the bitterness I expected from Sam and Celaena towards one another, but what shocked me was how fast they went from enemies to somewhat friends. It makes sense since they’re away from Arobynn who is always pinning them against each other with Celaena as his heir and Sam being “second best”. While this one was a little less exciting than the later novellas I still loved it and the rescue of the slaves was really interesting. Especially when Celaena reveals her face to Rolfe. 

The Assassin and The Healer: This is where I met Yerne Towers and was met with someone as not at all what I expected. Since I’ve been in the fandom for so long I know she reappears in TOD. I always pictured her as a strong woman and while she definitely wasn’t weak she just wasn’t quite what I expected. My absolute favorite part in this novella is where Celaena in in the mist killing the men trying to mug Yerne with her swords dripping blood. That scene I could imagine perfectly. And I was so glad when Celaena decided to help Yerne with her dream of going to Antica to study healing. 

The Assassin and The Desert: Well I adored this part. I loved Ansel and Celaena’s friendship. The way the Mute Master trained her was also really interesting to me, having her study the way certain animals moved then implementing them in her maneuvers. I was happy to see Celaena finally kinda seem happy and to enjoy herself while dancing with the Silent Assassins. When Ansel betrayed her....I was shocked. I couldn’t believe what was happening and at the same time it would make sense she would be the person to betray them. I also loved how realistic Celaena’s feelings were about Ansel’s betrayal. Though Ansel betrayed her she still felt for her and gave her the extra minute before firing the arrow. 

The Assassin and The Underworld: Celaena’s feelings about Arobynn’s apology and gifts and whatnot made total sense. Though I silently begged her to just leave him, that he couldn’t truly be sorry, I could understand why she wasn’t so sure she could leave. Arobynn was somewhat of a father figure to her and she had grown to care for him so seeing him look, what she thought, was true guilt she didn’t immediately leave even though she knew she should. I loved the team work between Sam and Celaena. I also loved again how she let loose at the Melisande party because it reminds you she is only seventeen. I loved the growth between Sam and Celaena they were so cute and I didn’t expect to like their relationship as much as I did. After they successfully retrieved the documents and Arobynn said “You still haven’t figured it out, have you?” I immediately thought oh shit what did he just make her do. I was so angry when he told her the truth and I felt pretty smug when she bought out Sam’s debt and left. 

The Assassin and The Empire: Sam and Celaena’s relationship seemed so real. Her being made about the Vaults and about the deal to kill Jayne and Farran. I also loved that she still felt and reminded Sam just because she was with him didn’t mean she couldn’t do things on her own and she is independent. I also loved that Sam told her the reason he didn’t want her to go after Farran was because HE wanted to prove himself. I just thought those things conveyed open communications about their relationship. I though I could get through Sam’s death and I almost did until Celaena climbed on the table and held  him, that’s what broke me. The ending was a good part because even though she was broken and hurting and had been feeling nothing for weeks, she decided she wouldn’t be broken and I just thought that just shows how strong she is. 

This book was probably one of the best books I have read. In my opinion Celaena Sardothien is one of the strongest female book characters out there. Maas does a good job of giving teenage girls a female to look up to, to become strong independent women. 10/10 stars

[high-lady-lana]

Catwoman: Soulstealer

I had my worries about this book particularly since SJM wrote it. I love her ACOTAR series minus the novella, and I was a bit hesitant to buy this book. When I read the sample on Google books I decided I’d give it a try and it wasn’t completely awful. 

Though I liked this book, it kind of seemed a bit repetitive. Selina goes to a party, Selina torments Luke, Selina scopes out places to steal things, Batwing tries to stop Catwoman, she gets away and so on. Towards the end it got a little more interesting, but I wished there had been a little more resolve with her and her young sister Maggie. Like a set date, because I’d like to think she does see her sister again as she promised. 

Now onto what I did like. Sweet little poison Ivy! Whenever she was there I liked it! I thought Ivy was so sweet, and I enjoyed her friendship with Catwoman and I felt for her with the relationship with Harley. I thought her back story was interesting and I just in general loved her character and want to be her best friend! 

While Maggie isn’t completely forgotten after chapter 2, Selina doesn’t think about her as much as I would have thought considering Selina did everything she did in the book for her sister. Though we didn’t see much of Maggie I did loved her relationship with Selina. 

I have had a bit more hope restored in SJM for her future books, but the next book better be a huge turn around from ACOFAS.