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Ruin and Rising- Chapter 7 (Leigh Bardugo)
Yeah, this is still laughable.
THE "living Saint", guarded by three (3) people in total, one at any time.
No easier target to assassinate. I truly regret nobody apparently thought about it.
Even the Darkling, who's much more skilled and experienced both in using his powers and martial arts, has better security.
tolya is the aroace friend who has never been (and doesn’t want to) in a relationship that gives great relationship advice that works.
They land on the quarter deck to see the captain’s knife slit the throat of the man at the wheel. Two more bodies already lie on the planks, though Tolya can hear their heartbeats; they’re unconscious, not dead. Yet, anyway. Around him, the fog begins to creep over the ship, and the moon vanishes behind a thick coat of mist.
Tolya and Tamar follow the captain and they move carefully, soundlessly, to the main deck. Behind him, Tolya can feel more than hear the rest of their crew land on the ship and scuttle along the railing, taking positions along the ship. Before Tolya, Tamar and Sturmhond slink below deck, he knows their crew is watching over the vessel like gargoyles, perched in the rigging, hidden in the corners, waiting for their cue.
Part 5/21
etherealki: @llantsovvs story "Kindling," an adventure prequel for this trio
materialki: still me, and @doodlesnoff hers here
Bataar twins, Tolya and Tamar.
Keep hope in your heart and a blade in your hand.
Do what needs to be done.
They had no business casting Tolya this hot like 🥵
The biggest DISAPPOINTMENT of TGT finale
We're not after the worst nonsense here, pick what genuinely negatively surprised you. The opposite of what the story should've offered.
As a reader, I was most dissatisfied by the fact that:
Alina doesn't even destroy the Fold
Alina gets to avoid socio-political consequences of her (in)actions
The Sun Saint story line fizzles out into nothing
Alina never acknowledges what being Grisha entails, and doesn't act as one
Malina 50s lobotomized housewife endgame
Malyen doesn't stay dead
Nikolai turns human just in time to swoop in and claim the Throne
Continued unharmed existence of the Bigot twins
Total dehumanisation and depersonalisation of the Darkling's forces
How could you forget [comment]
How to take over your gf's position of leadership
Remember how Malyen whined he has no purpose in Little Palace, and Alina doesn't pay him attention? It would seem they've come up with elegant solution- Alina leaves all decision-making to him, and goes back to her life's purpose- mooning over him.
Even if the sky ceiling should fall on their heads.
Ruin and Rising- Chapter 5
This should've been Alina. She's the one, who ~asked~ to lead the "Second Army", those people follow her, yet she simply ignores her duty to them.
First she's "too powerless" to attempt anything, now she simply completely cedes her role of a leader to Malyen- the guy, who's been beating up those Grisha's comrades a few weeks earlier. But hey- they didn't seem to mind back then, so why should that change, right?
Again, it should be Alina giving orders.
She should also calm her Grisha:
(Which would be partially achieved by steady, confident(-sounding) giving orders.)
I'm pleasantly surprised she comforts Zoya at least, but her people stand further than where her hands can reach, and she doesn't have nearly enough of limbs to held out anyway.
ALINA SHOULD BE THE ONE ORDERING HIM!
Nothing but a living light bulb...
Sergei had been lost... As if he wandered off somewhere...
Sorry not sorry, but this is all on Alina. She didn't even try to get to know them IN LITTLE PALACE.
She's the one, who should TALK to them, get to know them a little, learn about their skills and abilities, strengths and weaknesses, have them co-operate with each other to see how well they'll do and where they can improve or learn from each other. Judge their suitability and weaknesses.
Gain their trust, and give them a reason to believe she cares. Not treat them like disposable tools, familiar merely by their Grisha Order.
See?
Exactly THIS is Alina's job!
The MAN hath spoken!
This should be automatic! Or is it just that Alina's order isn't enough? It needs to be specified by her Master?
The twins and Malyen should've practiced this over and over until it's their second nature. With or without Alina! They're her GUARDS for fuck's sake! That's not just about standing behind her and frowning at people or punching someone here and there. They should've gone through various scenarios in case they need to get her out of danger and have no way to communicate!
And they should've planned an escape strategy before leaving for the caves. Since that's such a safe environment.
Wow Alina, congrats!
If only it sounded more like "OMG, I'm doing something wrong! I should've sent someone more suitable for a stealthy task." instead of "We're putting MAAAAAL in danger. And he's the most vulnerable of us- he could be huuuuurt!".
