#acotar: to dust or to gold
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Eris calls in his bargain with Rhysand: he wants Nesta to join him in the Autumn Court to help him in his scheme to bring down his father.
an @acotargiftexchange fic dedicated to @secret-third-thing. my goal is to post one chapter a week until the end. big thanks to @iftheshoef1tz for letting me scream in your dms about this fic and to @acourtofladydeath for being the best spy i could've asked for. i love you, please enjoy ♡
read on AO3
Prologue
Eris had been born in the middle of the night on an unusually cold day, less than a week before the Summer Solstice. He’d been told the story of how he came into the world many times by his mother, and even more often by her midwives who liked retelling it every time his mother went into labor again. Six times they had repeated it to him while he was waiting outside of his mother’s quarters along with the rest of the family and later his younger brothers. He knew it by heart, every last detail of it etched into his mind.
How his mother had gone into labor a few days earlier than the healers had anticipated. Just couldn’t wait to be born , they would say. The first Vanserra child born in centuries, with all the hope of saving a failing bloodline resting on his tiny shoulders.
How loud he’d screamed. Strong lungs - a good sign . He needed to be strong, and loud, to make people pay attention to him. Attention was currency in his grandfather’s court.
How his father had burst into the room the very first time he heard him scream to welcome his firstborn into the world. How he’d held him, how happy he’d been, how proud of mother and child. Fires shining brighter all over Autumn, flames so high some even believed the phoenix had finally returned.
Eris couldn’t remember a time when Beron had ever been so open to his family. He couldn’t remember his father showing love for anything at all, least of all for him or his brothers.
Maybe that Beron had died when he finally became High Lord, maybe the females had simply embellished the story to paint a picture of a strong, healthy family leading the Court. One in which fathers didn’t go up in flames at every minor provocation, one in which children weren’t tortured and mothers did not turn a blind eye to their suffering, drowning their fear in old tales of long lost honor and glory, in religion and romance and too much wine, where brothers didn’t try to murder each other for a throne that would poison any that sat upon it.
Unfortunately, that was not Eris’s family.
He’d learned to live with it. It wasn’t as if he’d ever known anything else. He grew up never expecting more. He knew his place in the world, and it was standing at his father’s side, standing behind his father, standing in his father’s shadow. The War had come and gone, he had been promoted, demoted, praised and humiliated, revered and replaced. Six brothers, six rivals; four brothers, three rivals. He’d loved and he’d lost and he’d left himself behind when he went Under The Mountain, had lied and cheated and bargained and had come out on top. He had grown too big for his father’s shadow. He knew it was time. He could feel it.
All that to say that Eris was used to waiting. He had waited for over 500 years, so really, what was one more hour to that? Just one lousy hour until the plans he had set up so meticulously over decades were set into motion.
One hour, maybe two. You could never be quite sure with Rhysand. He liked to keep Eris waiting. A power play, obviously. A cheap one, but as a High Lord he could afford it.
Eris dragged his finger over the table. It was dusty. He tried to wipe his finger on the upholstery of the chair in front of him, which was only slightly less dusty. The whole damn room was dusty. Sometimes he wondered if the Court of Dreams, as they liked to call themselves, ever even used these halls outside of when they had to meet with him or Keir. They certainly didn’t use them often enough to have them cleaned regularly. Eris supposed it was part insult, part evidence of incapacity. Why clean these rooms when you did most of your governing in some hidden city far away anyway?
Either way, Eris was being just as petty by insisting on meeting now, just after the solstice. Festivities in the Solar Courts often lasted nearly the whole week and Eris knew for a fact that Rhysand always dedicated more time to his family around the Winter Solstice in particular. Eris didn’t feel in the least bit guilty for interrupting it. Consider it payback for the insults, for mistreating his soldiers and for making him wait in this cold, dusty, ugly room. He didn't expect much from the High Lord and his inner circle, but that didn't mean he had to be happy with what he got. His thumb found the hilt of the Made dagger on his hip. He had no use for empty words or disloyal armies, and he certainly didn’t need Rhysand to hold his hand while he stabbed his father in the back. He had bigger plans.
By the time Rhysand finally slinked into the room it was past five. He reeked of sex, of his mate and very faintly of the godawful tea they liked to serve in the Night Court. Eris was tempted to check his pocket watch to know exactly how long the male had kept him waiting for these vain pursuits but he chose not to. Rhysand disrespected his time on purpose, so he would not let him see that it got under his skin.
The little things were how he took back his power. Acting unaffected, refusing food or drink, to be treated as a guest, standing instead of sitting no matter how long he was made to wait so he wouldn’t have to get up to show respect when his so-called allies deigned to appear at their meetings - he had a long list of grievances to pay back in small petty gestures.
Eris took his time to greet the High Lord, slowly angling his head and then his entire body to face the High Lord and sketching a bow that was lazy yet precise. After all, he was a cauldron-damned Autumn-taught and trained courtier, and he would never be caught dead disregarding the manners that had been beaten into him since he was a little boy. There was a certain amount of respect demanded that he would give - no more than necessary though.
“Rhys,” he said smoothly, trying hard not to breathe through his nose. The smell was really quite overwhelming and he did not need to know all the details of the High Lord's night so intimately. Another grievance on his list. He forced a neutral expression onto his face.
Rhysand inclined his head in Eris’s direction, baring his teeth in what only barely resembled a smile. Eris knew it was meant to look wrong and unsettling, but he could tell that Rhysand's heart wasn’t in it. He looked tired. Something was weighing on him, something that would either help him in this or complicate his plans. Unfortunately he didn’t have the time to spend on finding out what exactly it was.
“Eris. I have to admit I was surprised you requested another meeting so soon, seeing as you just joined us at the Solstice ball earlier tonight." Eris watched Rhysand settle into the high-backed throne at the end of the dusty table, shaking his head when his host motioned for him to sit also.
"I figured this was something you would rather discuss in private. Don’t worry, it won't take too much of your time."
Rhysand chuckled darkly. “No, you only insist on meeting in the middle of the night for what, a chat? To what do I owe the pleasure of your disturbance?” Eris mirrored his smirk, shifting his weight from one leg to the other. A disturbance . How charming.
In this at least Rhysand had the right hunch. After Eris told him his demands he wasn’t so sure Rhysand would sleep any more at all tonight, nor enjoy the week of festivities planned in the Night Court to celebrate the Solstice and their High Lady’s birthday. There was a sort of sick satisfaction he found in that, in rendering the powerful powerless, in reminding the comfortable of how vulnerable they really were. Sometimes they needed a little push off of their high pedestals. It served to build character. In Eris’s humble opinion, he was doing them a favor.
Fifty years Under the Mountain, fifty years under the bitch queen’s thumb and still, Rhysand did not understand that he wasn’t the only one planning ahead, not the only one with tricks up his sleeve. It had taken him only two years to forget how easily one could lose everything on a bargain. Too comfortable .
As if to prove his point, Eris felt a talon of darkness swipe lazily at his mind’s wards. They stayed firmly in place as they always did, but Eris still bristled at the half-hearted attempt. Disrespectful . Breaking into another’s mind unbidden was a grave breach of trust and generally considered an act of aggression against foreign dignitaries, especially against allies.
Of course, such rules did not exist for the High Lord of the Night Court. Rhysand, pretending like he hadn’t just blatantly and audaciously broken protocol, stayed silent, only vaguely gesturing with his hand for Eris to go on. Performing superiority, impatience, boredom. Again, incredibly rude. Oh, Beron would have a field day with a son like Rhysand.
Still, Eris kept his mouth shut, clasped his hands behind his back and swallowed the insult like he’d been taught to.
"I am here to call in our bargain," he said calmly. And oh, that certainly woke the High Lord up. His eyes cleared and he sat up in his chair almost like he was pulled by invisible threads. Now he had his attention. Now they were playing the game by Eris’s rules. He had to fight back a smile as he said his next words:
“I demand the support I was promised. I want Nesta Archeron."
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Hi! this is my first time asking but maybe you could do a co-workers and a one night stand for the Acotar bingo with azzy?? like they are both spies for rhys and something happens on a mission orrrr…. idk fluff please :))))
feel free to ignore - i love ur work btw <33
Oh my dear I definitely can
Thanks so much for the reassurance, I'm a people pleaser KEEP COMMENTING COMMENTS THEY ARE MY BIGGEST FUEELLLLLL
Me writing a normal fanfic: 😃
Me 5 seconds after I start creating a whole trauma, past story and a lot of facts that are not exactly necessary to the story: 🥰😍🤩😚💕💖💟💞🤗✨️
When I was writing this I thought: Omg maybe I'm finally ready to write smut (I'm not, the need completely disappeared from me the moment I opened the document)
Pillowtalk
As you and Azriel prepare for yet another mission together to watch the suspect camplords in the Illyrian mountains, you go over your plans meticulously, ensuring you are ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. You and Azriel have created a unique bond over the years, having worked together on numerous missions for the High Lord. Both of you knew how to work together and where your boundaries were laid. It was precisely that that made working with him so easy, no matter the amount of time you spent together, he never ever asked you to take off the mask that usually covered your face.
The journey to the Illyrian mountains is always filled with tension since you know how much Azriel hates his old home. You know you must be discreet to avoid detection. You and Azriel move silently, utilizing your stealth and his powers to blend into the shadows. You keep your senses sharp, alert to any potential danger.
However, even the most carefully laid plans can go awry. During your surveillance, you encounter an unexpected group of hostile Illyrian males who happened to be patrolling in that area. Azriel fights valiantly, but he is fighting against five of the seven that attacked you, and even if he defeats three of them, the other two remaining aim for his wings and cause a serious injury during the wings' leather, leaving him vulnerable and unable to defend himself adequately.
In a split second, you take your decision, and you know you must act swiftly to protect your partner. Without hesitation, you remove your mask, it helps you to maintain silence and prevents the enemies from hearing your breathing. But right now it is only making it difficult for vision to be clear, the fighting usually being Azriel's work.
As you take off the mask it reveals the burn mark that runs from your neck to a portion of your face. It serves as a reminder of a past event that you try to keep hidden from prying eyes. Also, it would work as an easy way for your enemies to recognize you anywhere you went. Even if they didn't remember your face, they would remember the scars, this being the only reason to keep your face a mystery during your missions.
Despite your reservations, you know very well that your identity is a small price to pay to save Azriel. Drawing upon all your strength, you fiercely fight off your remaining attackers, using your skills to ensure you both survive the ordeal.
After the dust settles and the danger has passed, Azriel looks at you with a mixture of awe and concern. He finally sees the face that you had kept concealed for so long. His gaze lingers on the burn mark, but he doesn't pry or ask questions. He knows that you have your reasons for keeping your identity a secret, and he respects your privacy in everything.
You quickly winnow yourself and him to a nearby cabin, paying an offensive amount of gold to the keeper for her to remain silent about your state there. She only nods once and takes you to the main room, running to take medical supplies for your partner.
-Do you need help? - She asks softly, but you can see her nervousness as she looks at the blood.
-No, I can take it from here. Thank you for everything - You dismiss her and she happily gets out of the room and closes the door behind her, leaving you to take care of Azriel's wings, which are already closing their wounds.
As Azriel recovers from his injuries, you stay by his side, tending to his wounds with care and cleaning them at one time or another. As you spend time together during his recuperation, he senses there is more to your burn mark than meets the eye. You can sense his eyes floating to your neck sometimes, but you let him be fully healed before saying anything.
-You know you can just ask, right? - You say as Azriel sits beside you as you look out the window.
-I hope I'm not prying or making you uncomfortable, but I couldn't help but notice your burn mark. It must have been a difficult experience - You take a deep breath, your fingers tracing the edge of the scar absentmindedly - You don't have to share if you don't want to-
-Yes, it was - You replied, your voice carrying a mix of pain and vulnerability - My parents... they weren't the kindest people. They made it clear that they didn't want me and that I was a burden to them - You notice Azriel tracing his own scars, you didn't even notice the moment he took off his gloves.
-I'm so sorry you had to go through that - He says sincerely, a mixture of sympathy and understanding in his eyes.
-When I was young, I believed that if I stayed close to them or if I tried harder, they might change their minds, and start loving me or something. But one day... One day, I was talking to my mother while she was cooking. I didn't realize I was annoying her until she got angry. The next thing I knew, the hot oil spilled on me, and she didn't even try to help, not her, not my father. I was left with this scar after that - You took a deep breath as you felt Azriel's gentle touch tracing the contours of the burn in your neck, a silent gesture of support as he listened intently - I was probably six, maybe seven. It didn't take me long to run away until I found a mercenary. He took me in and trained me. I was supposed to be a mercenary too if Rhysand didn't find me. He hired me after some time and gave my tutor a place to live in Velaris. That's my sad story - You said with a dry laugh, trying to keep the tears that threatened to escape from your eyes. Azriel's heart aches for the pain you endured, and he reaches out to gently touch your face, mirroring the care you showed him during his recovery.
-You are incredibly strong - He says sincerely - To survive such a difficult past and become the person you are now, it takes immense courage.
-And what about yours? We are basically burn buddies - He laughs at that, supporting his back on the window, looking deeply at you as you take his hand from your face and start to trace them - You don't have to tell me if you're not ready, too.
-No, I want to tell you - He replies, his voice steady - You've shared your pain with me, and it's only fair that I do the same. I was the bastard son of an Illyrian lord. For eleven years, I lived with my father, stepmother, and two older half-brothers. They were cruel and treated me like an outcast. They kept me in a cell with no windows or light, letting me out only for an hour a day to see my mother. I was forbidden to train or fly, even though my Illyrian instincts urged me to do so.
You bring your hand up to his arm, bringing him closer to your body as you circle him in a hug, feeling the tension disappearing from his body as he is visibly relaxed in your arms, embracing the warmth and comfort.
-One day, my half-brothers thought it would be fun to see what would happen if they mixed an Illyrian's quick healing gifts with fire. They poured oil on my hands and lit them on fire - Your eyes widened in surprise, not in a million years you would have imagined his story to be like this - The warriors heard my screams and rescued me, but it was too late to save my hands. I was left with these scars, a constant reminder of the cruelty I endured.
-I hope they are all dead - You said suddenly, your voice mixed with a tone you reserve for the ones you torture in the prison.
-One of them. And no, I won't tell you who they are just for you to kill them - He laughs when you ruff in annoyance - If so you would have to tell me who are your parents, so we can have a tie.
-Really? I would gladly do so - He laughs once again, the sound making your heart flutter in happiness. He takes a moment to compose himself before speaking again.
-At eleven, I was dumped in the Illyrian training camp, Windhaven, where I wasn't exactly well received due to my shadowsinging gifts. That's where I met Rhysand and Cassian. Rhysand's mother took me in, just as she did for Cassian. And when Rhysand became the High Lord of the Night Court, I became his spymaster, part of the Inner Circle.
-I'm so sorry for what you went through. But know that you are not defined by your past, it was a lesson it took me some time to understand. You are strong, compassionate, and resilient, a testament to the person you've become. And your scars, just like mine, tell a story of resilience and survival. We should be proud of the people we've become despite our pasts.
-Yes, we should. And I couldn't be prouder of what we've become - He gets out of your embrace, taking your hand in his, reveling in the feel.
-You're right. We make a great team, burn buddies, if so - You hear a chuckle and let your own laugh fill the room - I'm grateful for every mission we've shared, you know.
-I'm grateful too, more than words can say. You've shown me kindness, trust, and loyalty. You've helped me heal in ways I didn't think were possible - Azriel's other hand moved from his side to cup your cheek tenderly, his thumb brushing away a stray tear.
-And you've done the same for me. Your strength and understanding have been my anchor through it all - At that moment, you felt an unspoken connection that went beyond your shared experiences as spies. It was a bond forged through trust, support, and compassion.
As you trace gentle patterns on Azriel's hand, he gazes at you with affection and admiration. He can't help but be captivated by your strength and resilience, your ability to face your past head-on and still maintain a kind and caring heart. Something he couldn't do. His past hunted him as a monster, the shame he felt on his hands growing every time he looked at them. But you?
-You're incredible - He whispers, his voice barely above a breath. You looked up at him, shocked by his sudden words, but your eyes were shimmering with gratitude.
-And you're just as incredible - You reply with a smile playing on your lips - I always admired you. It was nice knowing you always chose me to go with you, it's also nice spending time with you.
-I always chose you because we make a great duo - You murmur "burn buddies" again, but he doesn't laugh this time, his eyes still admiring you. He turns his hand and entangles it with your - You're beautiful. You always told me that, and now I can say it back.
At that moment, the air around you feels charged with an undeniable attraction. You both sense it, the magnetic pull that draws you closer. Without another word, Azriel leans in, capturing your lips in a kiss. Your lips move together in a dance of longing and desire, your emotions pouring into the embrace. The weight of your shared experiences, the understanding of each other's pain, and the warmth of your feelings culminate in this moment.
The kiss deepens, and you lose yourselves in each other, forgetting the world outside as you explore the depths of your needs. Azriel's hand gently cradles your face, his thumb caressing your scarred cheek, while your fingers find their way into his hair, pulling him closer.
Your bodies move closer in the window seat, the space between you disappearing as you seek comfort and intimacy in each other's arms. The tension that had been building between you for years finds its release, and you become lost in the sensation of being with someone who understands you on a level you never thought possible.
As you pull away, your breaths mingling, you meet each other's eyes, the intensity of the moment shining brightly. Without words, you share an unspoken understanding as he starts undoing the stripes and buttons of your armor and you start to take off the layers of his. Your lips connect again as he pulls you to his lap and walks you towards the bed, taking off the rest of your clothes as well as his.
Your heated make-out session evolves into a night filled with passion while you share your bodies, as you find the solace and belonging you've been searching for, a love that heals your wounds and ignites a fire within your hearts. When he looked at the rest of your scars, that went down until your shoulder and took a bit of your collarbone his eyes became feral with lust. From the moment he bent down and kissed each piece of skin that was covered with burn wounds, you knew that you are completely fucked.
After your initial heated encounter, you and Azriel decide that your night together was a product of vulnerability and a need for comfort in the moment. You both acknowledge the dangers of getting involved romantically, especially as spies working in a world filled with secrets and risks.
-We can't afford distractions - Azriel had once said, his voice tinged with concern - Our focus needs to be on the missions and keeping each other safe.
-You're right. We can't let our emotions get in the way of what we do - In that moment you had nodded in agreement, understanding the practicality of his words.
Both of you agree to keep your relationship strictly professional, even though your hearts yearn for more. However, as the days pass, you find it increasingly challenging to resist the pull you feel toward each other. Your missions become more dangerous, and the stakes are higher than ever. During chaos and uncertainty, you find comfort and solace in each other's arms.
It starts with small moments, a touch on the arm here, a lingering glance there. You become each other's safe haven, the one constant in a world filled with unpredictability. And despite your resolve, once you go back to your normal life in Velaris, you find yourselves in each other's bed again, seeking solace in the connection you share. The passion and intimacy between you intensifies with each encounter, and you start to realize that they can't deny the love that has grown between you.
As the days turn into weeks, you find yourselves entangled in each other more times than you could count, each encounter pulling you closer together. You've become inseparable in your free time, if it's you in his studio while he practices his painting, or if it's him in your house while you practice dancing, your lives become intertwined both on and off the field.
The morning sun gently filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room as Azriel stirs awake. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, he finds himself lying beside you in your room once again, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
He traces his fingers gently along the curves of your body, admiring the lines that define your form. The faint light reveals the outline of your burn mark, a testament to your strength and resilience. Azriel's heart swells with affection for you, knowing the hardships you have endured and the courage you carry within.
As his fingers gently explore, you stir from your slumber, your eyes slowly opening to meet his gaze. You see the adoration in his eyes and the reverence with which he touches you. A blush tinges on your cheeks, but you don't look away, instead, you pull him closer, wanting to feel his touch even more.
-You're awake - You murmur, your voice soft but still rough from the slumber. Azriel leans in, his lips brushing against your forehead before he meets your eyes again.
-Yes, I am. And I can't help but marvel at the sight before me - Your heart flutters at his words, and you intertwine your fingers with him, pulling his hand to your lips to leave a tender kiss.
-You have a way with words, Shadowsinger. But actions speak louder - With a soft chuckle, Azriel leans in, capturing your lips in a deep and loving kiss. Your mouths move in perfect harmony, conveying all the unspoken emotions between you. When you finally break apart, your foreheads rest gently against each other's, your breaths mingling.
-I never expected this - You admit, your voice tinged with wonder - But I'm grateful for every moment we shared.
-As am I. You've brought light into my life, and I can't imagine a future without you - You stay entwined, basking in each other's presence, knowing that you've found something rare and precious.
-What if we sleep in today? I don't think we need to get out of bed - He laughs and leans closer to you, the skin contact makes you shiver - I don't know, it's cold today, maybe we can help each other and warm ourselves up.
-I don't think Rhysand will appreciate it if his two best spies disappeared from his view - But he doesn't make a movement to get out of bed, instead, he starts kissing the back of your neck, slowly going under the covers. That way you know you win the discussion, the same way you did many times before.
Every time you find yourself in Azriel's arms, you feel like you can face the world, one day at a time, knowing that you have his heart to hold onto and a love that burns brighter than any shadow you've ever known. Years of shared missions, trust, and understanding have led you to this moment of realization. You are not just good together as partners, but you have discovered a deeper connection, a love born from empathy and shared experiences.
-Thank you - He comes up suddenly, interrupting his path to your legs - For being here, for understanding - With a soft smile, Azriel brushes a strand of hair away from your face, his voice tender as he speaks - I think we've found something extraordinary in each other.
-I believe you're right, shadow boy - You reply, before the smile completely disappears from your face - But this is not time to be sentimental. First, you eat your snack, and then we can talk about how much we love each other - You push his head under the covers again, hearing his laugh before his mouth finds its way to you.
That stupid promise of a one-time thing was nothing more than a futile attempt to deny the love that had grown between you. You couldn't fight it any longer, your hearts made the decision for yourselves a long time ago. You were partners - mates - in every sense of the word, bound not just by the missions, but by a love that has proven to be stronger than any obstacle in your path.
#spotify#acotar#azriel × reader#azriel#azriel shadowsinger#azriel/reader#azriel x oc#azriel x reader#azriel x female!reader
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Moon on a String: A Lucien Vanserra Playlist
Here it is! A playlist for our sly fox, courtier, and emissary. Apart from being one of the most interesting characters in ACOTAR, Lucien is one of the most emotionally well rounded ones. I wanted to explore his wit and charm, as well as his own grief and sorrow. As always, meet me behind the cut for a lyrical deep dive! Listen Along Here!
Son My Son-Milo Greene
Son, my son
The weight is unique
One by one
The words are complete
Your testing is calling
And we are still falling
For keeps
Your waltz like repeating
Continues your dreaming
In threes
You will bury that hatchet with an olive branch
Tied to your knee
Habibi-Tamino
And as the full star tries his best to make the white pearl shine
Glances of a new day have arrived
And though he’s not alone, he fears to never love another
And leave his heart forever with her smile
Something died within a soul
Left the eyes to rust
And every time it is recalled
It covers all in dust
Bad Bad News-Leon Bridges
Ain’t got no riches, ain’t got no money that runs long
But I got a heart that’s strong and a love that’s tall
Ain’t got no name, ain’t got no fancy education
But I can see right through, a powdered face on a painted fool
They tell me I was born to lose
But I made a good good thing out of bad bad news
Young Man in America-Anais Mitchell
Like the wind I make my moan, I howl in the canyon
There's a hollow in my bones, makin' me cry and carry on
Make the foam fly from my tongue, make me want what I want
Another wayward son waitin' on oblivion
Waitin' on the kingdom come to meet me in my sin
Waitin' to be born again, mother, kiss me cheek and chin
Mmm, a little medicine, mmm, and I shed my skin
Mmm, and lemme climb back in the bed you made me in
Old Friend-Sea Wolf
But now we're getting older and we're growing up
So now less action in the water and we know enough
Stood up on the rooftop on a night so clear
That the lights from the city just disappeared
I know you don't believe me
When I believe in you
I know it could get much easier
If you want it to
Late Night-Foals
Now I'm the last cowboy in this town
Empty veins and my plastic broken crown
They said I swam the seas then ran aground
They said I once was lost but now I'm truly found
And I know the place but not the way
I feel, I feel no shame
Oh now, Mama, do you hear my fear?
It's coming after me
Beggin' for Thread-BANKS
So I got edges that scratch
And sometimes, I don't got a filter
But I'm so tired of eating
All of my misspoken words
I know my disposition gets confusing
My disproportionate reactions fuse with my eager state
That’s why you wanna come out and play with me, yeah
Turn Away-Beck
Turn
Turn away
From the weight of your own words
It's a measure
For the devil
And betrays the lack of change
Once you have spoken
Turn away
Sun-Cat Power
Here it comes, here it comes, in all is burning
Here it comes, here it comes, it’s splitting the bone
Here it comes, here it comes, we’re all so tired of waiting
Whose side, whose side are you on
I wanna hear every answer to every question
It’s not that I never wanted, I just never knew
If you can, if you could lend your hand
This is the day people like we’ve been waiting for
Gold-Chet Faker
I might as well be in a garden
I said, uh, a smell in the air is a dripping rose
(You can be the one for me)
Another soul to be my void then
Of anything there that's made of gold
Call Me in the Afternoon-Half Moon Run
Take one if you need it but you really shouldn't be out this late
Really wanna make you feel home
Take one if you need it but you really shouldn't get this fucked up
Really wanna get it to you
Slide another shot by and wipe your dirty hands on me
Swallow till you go blind and find a little company
Autumn Tree-Milo Greene
A man that resembles me
Watching his young lady sleep
Now I'm off to dream
Comfort me
Is this my old shame?
My mind is away
How long have you been gone?
The cold winter aged the soft of your face
And I can't move on
River-Ibeyi
Carry away my dead leaves
Let me baptize my soul with the help of your waters
Sink my pains and complains
Let the river take them, river drown them
My ego and my blame
Let me baptize my soul with the help of your waters
Those old mes, so ashamed
Let the river take them, river drown them
You Wanna Freak Out-My Morning Jacket
Play it smart, soul intact
How you react is what you get back
'Cause that's the way we really see
I am "you're" and "you're" is me
Come on, you know how we are
First we're up, up, down, down
One day we're in, the next one we're out
You wanna freak out? Come on
Don't Carry It All-The Decemberists
And there a wreath of trillium and ivy
Laid upon the body of a boy
Lazy will the loam come from its hiding
Return this quiet searcher to the soil
So raise a glass to turnings of the season
And watch it as it arcs towards the sun
And you must bear your neighbor's burden within reason
And your labors will be borne when all is done
No One's Here to Sleep-Naughty Boy/Bastille
You were always faster than me
I'll never catch up with you, with you
Oh I can feel them coming for me
And you were always faster than me
I'll never catch up with you, with you
Oh I can feel them coming for me
Here's the pride before the fall
Oh, your eyes, they show it all
I can see it coming
I can see it coming
As I rise up through each floor
Shit gets dark and you lose it all
I can hear it coming
I can hear the drumming
taglist: @cursebrkr, @octobers-veryown, @melting-houses-of-gold, @velidewrites, @reverie-tales, @thesistersarcheron @ultadverb, @c-e-d-dreamer, @andrigyn, @foundress0fnothing, @vulpes-fennec ,@asnowfern,@mossytrashcan, @thelovelymadone, @the-lonelybarricade, @shadowriel, @separatist-apologist , @fieldofdaisiies, @stickyelectrons, @vanserrass, @panicatthenightcourt, @krem-does-stuff, @iftheshoef1tz, @damedechance, @ablogofbipanic
Up Next: Rhysand. Happy Weekend!
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GIFT GUIDE FOR BOOKISH PEOPLE
Hey Homies! Thought I would drop all the cool bookish shops and stuff I found when looking for christmas gifts. Take a shot every time I say “cute.”
Bookish Jewelry
- Le Petite Sprout has super cute bookworm jewelry like this necklace or this one. (also has super cute harry themed jewelry if you’re also obsessed with that mf like me LMAO)
- Estori Collective has the cutest book themed jewelry. They have ACOTAR, Six Of Crows and The Cruel Prince pieces (+ many others) so check them out!
- Halo Fiction ALSO has cute book themed jewelry including Percy Jackson, ACOTAR, and Harry Potter!!
- HerBookishJewelry has cute necklaces like THIS Jacks themed one like omg the apple and THIS Eva themed one with the little fox im screaming. They also have SJM Universe, The Cruel Prince and Fourth Wing stuff!!
- Gadget4Entertainment has the sickest jewelry. If you like ASOIAF universe, check out their Westeros collection (they have all the crowns and Rhaenyra jewelry love love love). They also have a Bookish collection, I am particularly obsessed with this Andarna ring. AND they also have the coolest marvel jewelry?!? (comics are books!)
- Avery Faye also has some vintage bookish jewelry for Anna Karenina, Grishaverse, Little Women, etc.
Maps
- Fantasy Scrolls has literally so many fantasy book maps in scroll form, I am fangirling so hard. The Ice Court Map??! Absolutely Sickening. The Magnificient North Map!? Beautiful. The Caraval Map?! Insane.
Prints
- rosiethorns88 has the cutest fanart prints!! ( I have the EvaJacks print and I cry every time I see it)
- Mellendraws also has adorable prints for so many books (shatter me, evajacks, the cruel prince and more +)
- Artsiidaisy HAS SO MANY CUTE PRINTS TOO😭 like are you joking?!? Signa and Death?✅. Iris and Roman? ✅. Evajacks? ✅. TellaLegend? ✅. ScarlettJulian? ✅. Cardan and Jude? ✅.
Pretty Books
(some of these are lowkey expensive AF but I guess if you’re looking for a fancy gift they would be a good option)
- The Folio Society has the prettiest hardcover versions of every classic you could think of! (they also have non-classics). This 1984 Illustrated Copy is crazy!??? AND this The Handmaid’s Tale Copy is terrifying.
- The Juniper Books has the coolest book sets. Like look at Game Of Thrones Set it’s so beautiful?!?
- You can also find so many pretty hardcover versions of your favorite books on Amazon, Ebay (fuck resellers tho), and others! Just make sure you add “collector’s edition” or “limited edition” after the title. Like look at this Six Of Crows Set!! Or this Dance Of Thieves version with gold edges AHHH! OR this The Cruel Prince Collector’s Edition!!! Caraval Collector’s edition!!!! This Game Of Thrones edition!!!
- Lilac Librarys has some cuteeeee ass alternate dust jackets to LEVEL UP your books!! Also has other cute merch. ( I have the OUABH dust jackets and they are fucking gorgeous in person)
- Reading Portal has beautiful page overlays for your books!!!! They also have art prints!!
Merch
- WellReadBabes has sick apparel, wall art and stickers!! This No Mourners No Funerals Crewneckkkkk so cute omg!!
- The Library Closet also has… guess what… CUTE stuff LMAO.
Pins
- Iridiscent Fairytale has SJM, Fourth Wing and OUABH Pins!!!
- Craft My Fandom has more bookish pins!!!!
Bookmarks
- These personalized embroidered bookmarks are such a cute gift!!
- This dragon bookmark is such a slay!! or this one!!!
__________________________________________
ANYWAYS, hope you all get some…. CUTE😉 stuff for your bookish besties or for yourself!!!💗
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burning star, acotar
summary, the daughter of night and her two stubborn uncles in one snowball fight. what could go wrong?
word count, 700
author’s note, this is not a reader insert. my oc is feysand’s daughter, velaris archeron. all platonic pairings.
Rhysand wished he could capture the sight before him. Perhaps he’d memorize the sight, and have his High Lady paint it on a canvas— hang it broad in the House of Wind. Let the memory live on forever and ever. Hold it so tightly, so dearly, and never ever let go.
Burning starlight had dusted Velaris’s cheekbones— along with the bridge of her nose— flecking her tanned face shades of cosmic silver and gold, and defining the striking violet of her eyes.
But she hadn’t seemed to notice, holding her aching stomach as she bolted across the landing next to the Sidra. She was laughing, a melody to the dancing stars raining from the horizon.
A sudden hue of red peeked from the tree line not too far from the riverside; a figure frantically emerging from the woods with a triumphant chuckle. Cassian, melting snow dripping from his hair, a wild look in his eyes, and a abnormally large snowball in his hand.
Velaris quickened her speed, heading for what she thought was safety: crouched behind her Aunt Nesta, who was enjoying the night of quiet Starfall with the other Valkyries, glass of sparkling wine in hand.
“Hey! That’s not fair!” Cassian roared, pointing an accusing finger, “you’re too old for time-outs!” Velaris struggled to contain her fit of bemusement at the warrior’s tantrum, while Nesta quirked a brow at her mate.
It was Gwyn who replied, sipping steadily on her wine, “technically, she’s only taking cover— using your weaknesses against you,” the redhead snapped her fingers, “a signature move of yours, if I remember correctly, General Cassian.”
Velaris threw him a cheeky grin over Nesta’s shoulder, to which Cassian stuck his tongue out. Childish he may be, but no way was he letting her beat him for the second year in a row.
The year before, she used him as a human shield against Azriel. Two snowballs pelted right at him, bruising his abdominals, his ego, and his heart.
Speaking of the Shadowsinger, Velaris had been conversing mind-to-mind with him for the past half hour. The devious look on her face should’ve told Cassian everything he needed to know— but the blinding faith he put in both his niece and his best friend, distracted him.
But Rhysand, knowing his daughter as well as his own heart, could see the devious furrow in her eyebrows, one that mirrored his own, all too well. While Nyx had gained more attributes of his mother— blue eyes, sharp nose, and loving demeanor— Velaris was Rhys’s carbon copy. Even down to his roguish smile and horrible sense of humor.
He reached out for his daughter’s mind, claws gently caressing her mental shields. Should I be concerned for Cassian’s well-being, darling?
A moment of silence before she shrugged. Maybe a little. The words sounded distant— almost underwater. Rhysand could tell she was trying her hardest to ward him out of her thoughts; to keep him from her plans with Azriel.
Sounds delightful. He purred out. Instead of warning his brother, he opted to lean against the trunk of a bare tree. Whatever his spymaster and daughter had coming, he hoped it was entertaining. Just remember that you’re up against your personal trainer, I wouldn’t maim his pride too much.
Velaris seemed to wince at the thought. I heard Starfall brings horrible fevers. Guess I’ll have to sit training out tomorrow.
Rhys smiled a feline smile. It’s a shame Illyrians know how to hold grudges, otherwise I might find your lies excusable.
I’ll deal with the repercussions when the time comes, dad. Velaris ducked lower behind Nesta. It’s far too late to change my mind now.
Before he could ask what she meant, Cassian let out an oomph! His head jerked forward, causing him to stumble a few steps. The perfectly rounded snowball in his hand fell flat on the ground, right in front of his feet. Utter confusion took over his features before he spun on his heel. “Fucking traitor!” He whined.
Azriel stood a couple feet away, having gone unnoticed while he stealthily approached. Though he remained silent, a shit-eating grin spread across his plump lips.
Velaris finally stood from behind Nesta, pride pillowing in her flared, leathery wings. She gave Azriel a thumbs-up that warmed his cold heart, “Illyrian baby.”
#rhysand acotar#azriel x oc#cassian x oc#feysand’s daughter#cassian acotar#azriel acotar#vela and her uncles so cute#starfall is so beautiful i just had to write about it#ignite-stars#a blurb but cute nonetheless#acotar oc#nyx archeron#acomaf#acowar#post acosf
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𝓐𝓒𝓞𝓣𝓐𝓡 𝓓𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓙𝓪𝓬𝓴𝓮𝓽 𝓒𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓼
So excited to finally share with you this amazing project I collaborated with @illumicrate, featuring 5 full alternative dust jackets for the ACOTAR book series, to also celebrate A Court of Silver Flame’s release. The dust jackets are fully illustrated, gold foiled, spot UV coated and finished with velvet lamination. I have also featured several stunning photographs taken by these talented people. Instagram handles in the order they appear (after the first 3 images):
@thefearlessreader
@nelthewhichcraftsbooks
@thebookorder
@romanceschmomance
@mybookishsite
@venusinbooks
✨
Thank you to everyone who supported me in this! It’s definitely one of my proudest works for this year and I’m so honoured I got to illustrate books from my favourite author <3 Let me know which dust jacket design is your favourite!
#acotar#a court of thorns and roses#a court of silver flames#a court of mist and fury#a court of wings and ruin#a court of frost and starlight#feysand#nessian#bookish art#bookish#elithienart#acotarart
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I made a short ACOTAR fanfiction of Rhys and Y/N. It takes place several centuries after Feyre dies in a war. You purchase her human home in a town near an ocean and find Rhys sitting on a bench overlooking the ocean from your backyard.
I couldn't sleep so here you go:
I slid the pale pink robe tighter across my chest as the wind rustled by. The night was colder than any I had experienced since moving here a few weeks ago.
I knew I would need a new coat for winter with how close to the ocean the property was.
It was almost a dream the day the house went on the market. I had been scouring local ads for months, just praying something would be available. My new writing job required plenty of time at home and in a city like Vickzens, it was difficult to find something that wasnt a 2-story walk up in the city center. I didnt need any distractions. Which is why the moment this place went on the market I called immediately.
It didnt take much convincing for the seller to turn over the keys. She said the place had been in her family for years, but no one lived there. It wasnt until her grandmother passed a three months ago that she was even allowed to list it. She said her family had some weird attachment to it, and that I was more than welcome to take it off her hands. It was only her and her children left anyways, and they had spent too much time in this city, at her grandmother's nursing home, to be good for their mental health.
I felt bad for her, and gave my condolences, but a part of me was really thankful to her as well.
I moved in a few days later, and barely cared to notice the chipped wood floors or broken chandelier in the main entryway. The walls were dusty, but still held a magnificent glow from the gold flecked paint. There were murals along the stairwell of stars and the moon. Little crevices threatened to peel away at the paint, where the stairs had expanded over the years. That only meant the wood was real.
Small drawings done in what I believe was crayon and pencils swirled throughout three of the bedrooms. Maybe there were children here once.
Each room had it's own fireplace, and each fireplace had it's own story to tell. From flames and glittering silvers that almost formed blades, to flowers and autumn leaves.
The kitchen exploded with gold in the sink, the cabinetry, and the thin lines throughout the marbled countertops. How was I able to afford this place?
You could barely see the aging of the bathroom tiles beneath what I believe were hand stitched rugs. The thread pulled in places, but shared images of sunset intertwined with nightfall.
An artist. The original owner, or those who followed, had to have been an artist.
I made my way through the cobblestone trail leading from the back door towards the cliff's edge. My hair whipped against my cheek, but the ocean's waves lulled me closer.
The garden behind me now must have once been amazing. Hedges, withered from the seasons, line the stone path way and lead out on both sides to stone statues and tall old trees. I remember gasping when I saw it for the first time in daylight. But then the fireflies and lanterns glowed that first night and I fell in love. I decided then and there that I would try to find any bit of green my thumb could offer. I wanted to remake it. I wanted to see it for what it originally was.
It's been a few weeks now, and it definitely has a long way to go, but I almost dont want to go back inside at the end of each day. Anytime I take a break from writing, i am right back in the garden plowing away the weeds and planting fresh life.
I close my eyes and listen for a moment as the wind rocks the sea and little insects hum. This is my life, now. I get to be free from the bustling outside world and forget the heartbreak that led me to running away in the first place.
When I opened my eyes the moon was half hidden behind the clouds. I turned to go back inside, but then I saw him. A dark shadow of a man resting against a stone bench less than twenty feet away.
I was supposed to be alone here. I owned the land for miles.
Fear raked through me as I debated confronting him. What if he was dangerous? Should I call the police? What would the police even do?
Just as I stepped back to hurry inside, he swiftly moved from bench. His frame faced me, but I couldnt make out any features other than his impressive height.
"Who-who are you?" My words were choked, and I wasnt sure he could even hear me.
He didnt say a word, but I saw his shoulders straighten.
Then he was moving forward. He was walking towards me in the most graceful and demanding way I had ever seen.
I wanted to run. I wanted to cry. But I couldnt. I just stayed completely still while trying to convince myself I wasnt insane and that this man wasnt a murderer.
"Hello, dear," he stopped just far enough in front of me to half-bow and take my hand. His lips brush my knuckles before he released it. "Why is it that you're here?"
Why am I here?? This is my house. Why is he here??
The words werent forming, but he nodded his head anyways.
"I use to know someone that lived here once. A long time ago." The clouds released the moonlight just enough for me to glimpse sadness in those deep violet eyes. "Forgive me for intruding. I was unaware that Janna relinquished the deed."
So, he knows the woman who sold me the house? I wonder what relation they had. She looks much older than him, from what I can tell. But it's almost hard to determine his age. Part of him screams ancient and deadly, but his features are so beautiful and delicate that he couldnt be more than mid-twenties.
"I'm flattered you think so." He chuckled and looked away. "I have known Janna all her life. This home belonged to a distant ancestor of hers. But was abandoned some time after her death." He walked towards the cliff. "War is a cruel cruel thing." His inflections were playful. Dangerous. But his words were heartbreaking.
I wanted to reach out to him. To touch him. Comfort him. But I couldnt move. My feet were almost glued to the spot.
"Why do you come back here if it reminds you of something sad," I blurted out before I could stop myself.
He turned back to me, and was now fully drench I'm the light of the moon. It seemed to almost glow from within him. His dark hair was riddled with loose curls, and his purple suit was nearly the shade of dusk.
"A dear family member's funeral brought me to town not too long ago, and I havent wanted to leave, since."
The wind picked up with his last word and my robe parted slightly. I watched his eyes trail below my chin and immediately wrapped myself up again. Pervert.
"There is blood across the base of your neck." It was almost a reply, but couldnt have been, because the word never left my lips.
Before I could lift a finger, he already had my chin in his hands and was wiping away the cut with a silk white cloth. How had he moved so quickly?
"You should be more careful, dear." With that, he slipped the cloth into a pocket and disappeared. There were specks of glittering dust and shadows where he once was.
Was it just a dream? Had he been an illusion?
Who was that man?
#acotar#fanfiction#fanfic#acotar fanfic#a court of thorns and roses#a court of mist and fury#acomaf#rhysand#rhys#y/n#rhys x y/n
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Do you collect certain types of books? 📚✨ I never really thought about it...I think I just collect books that I like or love? I do love a good naked book though (I.e. when they’re fancy under the dust cover LOL). I will also buy the occasional special edition (or add it to a wish list) as well as signed books 😍 [Image Description: A photograph of the special edition of A Court of Thorns and Roses standing up on a white bookshelf. The book has no dust cover and is black with gold accents. Books with black dust covers are visible behind it on the same shelf. Description end.] #ACOTAR #ACOMAF #ACOWAR #ACOSF #Maas #SarahJMaas #BookCollector #BookCollections #shelfie #WhiteBookShelves #BlackBooks #NakedBook #SpecialEditionBook #SpecialEditionACOTAR (at Waterloo, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNLidU_rYZ9/?igshid=ii5frt6kmwyi
#acotar#acomaf#acowar#acosf#maas#sarahjmaas#bookcollector#bookcollections#shelfie#whitebookshelves#blackbooks#nakedbook#specialeditionbook#specialeditionacotar
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The Lady and the Unicorn
Title: The Lady and the Unicorn
Fandoms: ACOTAR, The Last Unicorn
Rating: General
Summary: A unicorn sets out on a journey to find the rest of her kind and is accompanied by Cassian the Illyrian Magician and the mysterious (and grumpy) Nesta Archeron. Following a narrow escape from the monster Bryaxis, Cassian accidentally changes the unicorn into a fellow Fae. While Bryaxis may be the one chasing down Prythian’s unicorns, following him leads to even more danger: the King of Hybern and his adopted son, Prince Lucien. The king does not trust Cassian and Nesta’s companion, the Lady Elain, while Prince Lucien is more than willing to get to know her.
Chapter 4 Summary: Lady Amarantha taunts the unicorn with the other magical creatures in her carnival.
Main overall fic characters: Nesta, Cassian, (Nessian), Elain, Lucien, (Elucien), and Hybern.
Disclaimer and all posted chapters can be found on AO3 here.
Chapter 4:
The unicorn passed a nervous afternoon alternately pacing and trying unsuccessfully to rest in her cage. The grove in which their caravan sat was unusually quiet. Amarantha had ordered Keir out with the puca again before disappearing into her own wagon, and Cassian was left carrying out the rest of the chores before evening set in. He glanced at her every time he passed her cage with a rag or bucket but did not say a word or venture near lest Amarantha suddenly appear and grow suspicious. The unicorn did not know what Cassian had planned if indeed he had a plan at all. His indication that he would help in facilitating her escape was a noble gesture, but the charms around her cage were no match for her own magic. How could Cassian, lacking power as he did, hope to best Amarantha in her stead?
Tossing her dandelion soft mane, the unicorn snorted and began another round of pacing in her small rectangular cage. Every so often, small noises would issue from the other wagons, strange hissings and scrapings as of claws on metal, but she could not discover their sources, as all but hers remained covered. Soon enough, the sun began to set, its long dust-moted beams giving way to lengthy shadows, which made a quick meal in swallowing the crooked trees and brittle dead grass across the glade. The sun’s retreat seemed to function as a signal, for as soon as it had disappeared, Amarantha stepped down from her covered wagon, ruby lips smiling, eyes glittering with a keen sharpness. She had curled her red-gold hair and pulled it back in a partial twist, letting the rest cascade down her bare shoulders, and her new plum-dark dress draped over her curves like morning dew down an orchid leaf.
Keir returned soon after, carrying nothing but a frown and furrowed brows, and stomped around the backside of the wagon train in a desperate bid to avoid his mistress’ frosty gaze. Claw marks left deep gouges in the dirt around the puca’s cage, some new, most weathered and worn down from multiple skirmishes. Despite its inclination to deceive and devour, the puca was not a creature one should keep in a cage. The unicorn, hanging her head, sympathized.
“Lady Amarantha will be checking on her. . . possessions this evening.” Cassian’s low whisper as he appeared at her cage startled her into a nicker. “Once she is satisfied that all are well, she will go back into her trailer for the night. She does not spend much time with her creatures unless we are open to crowds,” he said grimly. “When she is in for the night, I shall try my best to help you escape.”
“I do not understand the meaning behind this,” the unicorn said to him, pointing her horn at the cages across the way. Under Amarantha’s direction, Keir was taking down the black tarps, allowing the cages to breathe freely for the first time that day. “What does she hope to accomplish by showcasing creatures to other fae? She seemed surprised to have caught me. What else has she managed to ensnare with her traps?”
“Look at the different cages and tell me what you see.” Cassian stepped aside and gestured to the wagons and their occupants, whose growls and moans grew increasingly louder as their coverings were removed.
The unicorn narrowed her eyes, starring hard across the clearing. The first wagon contained something vaguely resembling a fae but one covered from head to toe in dark scales, its arms ending in long black talons. Wide amber eyes blinked slowly from the shadows. A naga then. The second wagon was no less surprising. She had never seen a cockatrice with her own two eyes before, but she had once spent an amusing afternoon with a butterfly who was convinced it had just narrowly escaped being eaten by the rooster head before regalling her with an equally heart-stopping race against death by trampling from its two giant dragon claws. Another cage held a pacing manticore, yet another a droopy-looking dryad, and still another a snorting grootslang. Each cage beheld something even more alarming than the next. And yet, through all her observations and startling discoveries, the unicorn beheld a shimmer to the air, as if all of Lady Amarantha’s creatures of the night lived behind some sort of gauzy film.
“What kind of magic is at work here?” she asked angrily, stomping a white hoof. “What has sshe done to them? Why do they quiver and shiver so in the air?”
Cassian folded his arms and nodded. “Look again. Use your magic to see hers.”
Concentrating, the unicorn narrowed her eyes once again, pointing her horn at each creature in their turn. Her magic tore down Amarantha’s glamors quickly, the ease at which she accomplished her task just as shocking as what lay behind them.
“Why, what she calls a naga is merely a large snake!” The unicorn cried. “And she has everyone believing that tree sapling is a real dryad! These are illusions! Mirages! Why does your Lady Amarantha deceive her folk so?” That unicorn shook her head and pawed at the metal floor of her cage with her hoof. “Am I the only true creature here?”
Cassian glanced nervously to the end of the wagon train, where Keir was noticeably avoiding the last cage. “Unfortunately, no,” he answered, “though I'll not remove that one’s covering for all the magic in the world.” He took a deep breath, looked the unicorn in the eye, and lowered his voice. “And if you are smart, which I know you are, you will not waste your time on that creature either. The Lady Amarantha has caught a bogge, a true one. The other things, the dryad-tree, they are replaceable, but she means to keep that monster. Just like she means to keep you.”
The unicorn gazed with wide eyes on the cage that housed the bogge. Though covered with a dark, thick blanket, the unicorn could feel the evil dripping down the sides of the cage, could sense rather than hear the bogge’s hateful and repulsive tirade.
I will grind your bones between my claws; I will drink your marrow; I will feast on your flesh. I am what you fear; I am what you dread. Bring down my covering and look at me. Look at me.
The unicorn shivered down to her core, and it took all her willpower to finally tear her attention away from that malicious creature. “Oh, oh,” she moaned.
Cassian reached for the unicorn to pet, to soothe her, but dropped his hand at the last minute, as if afraid. “Yes,” he said shakily, “yes. I have tried to warn her about the consequences of caging a bogge. She caught it unawares, as she did you, and means to keep it as her display’s finale.” Cassian pursed his lips and exhaled loudly through his nose. “She feeds off the crowd’s fear,” he said finally. “She scares them and takes their fear to feed what little power she has in hopes of enriching it and gaining more.” He glanced down at his red siphons, which sat dully on his wrists and elbows. “I tried to tell her it wouldn’t work, but. . .” he trailed off, his mind lost to darker times, and the unicorn politely did not question him.
“Are you done now with my pet, magician?” Amarantha had slithered silently up behind them. She now ran a long purple nail down the side of Cassian’s cheek, and he jumped, his face red with shame. “Is it my imagination or is dinner not ready yet?”
“Not yet, my lady,” Cassian mumbled, shuffling his feet.
Her lips curled upward, though the smile did not reach her eyes. “Then I suggest you get on with it.” As Cassian hurried away, he threw one last glance back at the unicorn, his cloak billowing out behind him. Amarantha grinned truly as she turned and surveyed all of her creatures, both real and reproduction. “How do you like my little menagerie?” she asked the unicorn with a grand gesture. “Won’t our crowds just gawk and stare in amazement at my ability to contain so much power and magic?”
The unicorn tried to avoid looking at the wagon of the bogge. “I would not boast if I were you,” she said, breaking her vow to never speak to one who captured her. “Your death sits in that cage, and she hears you.”
Amarantha chuckled, holding her hand to her chest. “Oh, I am sure it would love to kill me, but at least I will die knowing that I once caught both a bogge and the last unicorn in all of Prythian, while the bogge will have to die knowing it was caught. So how’s that for immortality, hmm? You, on the other hand. . .” To the unicorn’s complete shock and dismay, Amarantha touched the tip of the unicorn’s horn, pushing it back slightly. “You were on the road hunting for your own death, and I know where it awaits you. I know him, that one, for I have been trying to capture him too.” She sighed dramatically. “My carnival for a Cauldron-born. Alas.”
The unicorn reared her head back, choosing to ignore the Fae’s histrionics upon the unexpected mention of the very monster she sought out. “Do you speak of Bryaxis?” She spoke in a hurry, her blood pumping. “Tell me if you do, and where he is, if you know. Tell me.”
Amarantha lifted a perfectly arched eyebrow. “So you know his name? Then you must know Bryaxis hunts out of King Hybern’s lands. Well, you can rest easy, unicorn. He won’t get to you out here as long as you belong to me.”
The unicorn’s heart raced. She needed to discover what had happened to the rest of her kind, and the only way to do so was to find Bryaxis. Somehow, this monster of King Hybern’s was the key. “If I hunt my own death, then it is at my choosing. You know me; you have said I am the last. Keep your poor shadows and illusions if you will--I’ll not ruin your secrets--but let me go. And--” though the unicorn knew in her blood that any and every end to this story would lead to tragedy, she felt compelled to add, “let the bogge go. I cannot see it caged. It is real, like me. We are both creatures of true magic. Let us both go!”
Amarantha cackled, the shrill sound reaching in, clutching at the unicorn’s core until the hair on her back stood on end. “Being the last of your kind has rendered you delusional, my poor darling. You are too used to freedom, but freedom has a price, and its name is Bryaxis. You are safer here where he cannot get to you. You should thank me for protecting you.”
The unicorn took a deep breath and looked again at the wagon in which the bogge was hidden. She could hear it in her head, every word a raking claw across her mind.
I will kill you if you set me free. Set me free.
“I am safe here as much as you are safe from that creature, which is to say not at all.” The unicorn tossed her mane and pawed at the ground. “This minute your magic fades, so will you.”
Amarantha’s eyes hardened, and she pressed her lips firmly together. “Do you prophesy, too, unicorn? Then see this.” She held out her hand, sweeping her long purple nails out across the horizon “You in my carnival, and I gaining ever more magic and power from my people. Forever.” She closed her hand into a fist and cocked her head to the side. “I don’t need to see that to know it will come true.” A glow of light brought the unicorn’s attention to the lock on the small side door. “Just a bit of added reinforcement.” She looked down at the unicorn, her ruby lips stretching across her face almost unnaturally so, in a twisted perversion of a smile. “Enjoy your evening.”
The unicorn hung her head, and shivered as Amarantha cackled once more, the echoes of her laughter sounding across the entire clearing. Not even the sight of the female casually avoiding the bogge’s cage could lift the unicorn’s spirits, for now her entire escape would depend on Cassian, and how was that ever going to happen without magic?
#acotar au#The last unicorn au#last unicorn au#my fic#nessian#elucien#(eventually)#cassian#elain archeron#nesta archeron#amarantha#king of hybern#lucien#sarah j maas#acot#acomaf#acowar#fanfic
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As long as I can remember Princess Bride has been a part of my life so naturally I NEEEEDED this "As You Wish" crate from @litjoycrate and it did NOT disappoint! So many great goodies: ▪️Beautiful golden Lord of the Rings teaspoon inscribed with "One spoon to rule them all." I just know it's going to be amazing for those who have the LOTR teacup set... SO JEALOUS! ▪️The Princess Will Save You by @shhenning and dust jacket art by @katbdraws. I cannot wait to read this since it is inspired by Princess Bride! ▪️Serpent & Dove themed candle by @novellyyours ▪️Super cool Ember in the Ashes enamel pin by @pinktofu_art. I'm not familiar with the book 🤦♀️but I LOOOOVE the other artwork done by @pinktofu_art ! ▪️Another fun surprise was the Chain of Gold book sleeve, artwork by @nairafeather . Again, not familiar with the book 🤦♀️🤦♀️ but it was inspired by the Beatles Abbey Road album cover. SO CLEVER even if I don't know the characters. Haha I cannot wait for my next crate in Sept. Oh, and I'll have another LOOOOONG post on @litjoycrate with my Magical crate! 😍🧙♂️⚡ #asyouwish #princessbride #teaspoon #lotr #lordoftherings #onespoontorulethemall #litjoycrate #theprincesswillsaveyou #sarahhenning #dustjacketart #tradingcards #shadesofmagic #tamarvashadze #socks #acotar #acourtofthornsandroses #ch55 #ifyouknowyouknow #idontknow #serpentanddove #candle #cinnamonroll #panspatisserie #emberintheashes #enamelpin #pinktofuart #chainofgold #abbeyroad #booksleeve https://www.instagram.com/p/CEGVg0VjBC3/?igshid=tc1s8w5zlt8t
#asyouwish#princessbride#teaspoon#lotr#lordoftherings#onespoontorulethemall#litjoycrate#theprincesswillsaveyou#sarahhenning#dustjacketart#tradingcards#shadesofmagic#tamarvashadze#socks#acotar#acourtofthornsandroses#ch55#ifyouknowyouknow#idontknow#serpentanddove#candle#cinnamonroll#panspatisserie#emberintheashes#enamelpin#pinktofuart#chainofgold#abbeyroad#booksleeve
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Hi Sarah!
It’s been four days since I finished House of Earth and Blood and since I do not have the time at this very moment to reread it, I thought I’d do something else instead. Still tied to my love of SJM and her books, in the hopes that it would satisfy me for now.
I’ve been a SJM fan ever since 2012, when I first saw Throne of Glass on shelves in Borders…well, I think it was Borders. I don’t remember when they closed and became Books-A-Million. Neither of those stores are in the location they used to be, but I can still remember that the YA section was straight back, at the back of the store, and Throne of Glass was sitting on the top right side of the shelf. I picked it up because of the title, probably because of the cover, and then left that day with it after reading the synopsis.
Then I read it and fell in love.
Then the tedious waits began.
Waiting for each new book was always torture.
2013 gave me Crown of Midnight and a chance to meet Sarah for the first time. I think I’ve briefly talked about this signing in a NaNoWriMo post, or a Writing Journey Post, which one, I don’t remember. But in 2013 my friend and I heard about a writing workshop/signing that Sarah, Susan Dennard, Erin Bowman, Kat Zhang and Jodi Meadows were doing. By 2013 my friend and I had graduated High School and while this workshop/signing was primarily meant for high schoolers, we met the age requirement so of course we went. It was such a fun event, we’re we basically got to hang out with the authors. I even came up with my 2013 NaNoWriMo idea at that event!
It ended up running long, and we were kicked out of the library. Most of the teens had left at this point, parents needing to drive them home. We ended up taking photos outside of the library, and overall the event was a blast.
Then in 2014 I was able to meet Sarah again, and get more of my books signed! Now I had The Assassin’s Blade, Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight and Heir of Fire signed. I even have a picture of when SJM’s books only took up a small space on my shelves…those days are long over, and I can’t be more excited about it.
I’ve tried over the years to document each new release – I’ve not always been successful, and I blame my excitement. I get too excited for the new book, so the moment I get it, I sit and read it, photos be damned.
While I’m sad that the TOG series is now over – though, I could and would totally read any book that was just them living their lives happily in the aftermath of Kingdom of Ash. It doesn’t even need to have a plot. Just give me a book full of random scenes. But as I was saying, while I’m sad that the TOG series is over, SJM is continuing to put out freaking stellar content. The A Court of Thorns and Roses series is another favorite. I love Rhys and Feyre and the Inner Circle. Legit the moment after I finished A Court of Wings and Ruin for the first time, I started the series over. She just makes you fall in love with these characters, and you care so much and so deeply. Sarah is amazing at portraying emotions and tough situations, and she does it so well that they feel like they’re your emotions. At least, that’s how I feel when I read her books.
Most recently we have House of Earth and Blood, which is fucking fantastic. Like, I cannot express it enough that you need to go pick this book up. It’s instantly a favorite and definitely on my list of favorite books of 2020.
I’ve had the chance to meet Sarah a few other times over the years, mainly at various Apollycon’s, so I have a few of her books signed. My collection of SJM doesn’t rival Brigid or Jen, I wish it did. Trading for arcs of Sarah’s books is nearly impossible, and I would need more shelf space to have every copy of her books…one day. One day I’ll have all the copies.
I’ve told you all about my history with Sarah and her books, and you’ve seen bits and pieces of that history, so now I’m going to show you my little collection. I almost hesitated to post this, because comparably to my Brigid and JLA collections, this one appears…lacking. But then I thought about it, 1) I didn’t really start collection multiple copies of books until early 2019, and 2) I guess quantity isn’t what’s the most important thing about collecting. It’s about loving a series so much you do posts like this, or you just own one set.
I will obviously continue to buy Sarah’s books and I will always be a fan. I’m currently contemplating buying another copy of House of Earth and Blood…because I totally need another one? Right?
I sound a bit like a hypocrite, oh well!
So, let’s jump into this, shall we?
Quick rundown of Sarah’s Titles (even though we all know them):
Throne of Glass Series:
The Assassins Blade
Throne of Glass
Crown of Midnight
Heir of Fire
Queen of Shadows
Empire of Storms
Tower of Dawn
Kingdom of Ash
A Court of Thorns and Roses Series:
A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Court of Mist and Fury
A Court of Wings and Ruin
A Court of Frost and Starlight
DC Icons:
Catwoman: Soul Stealer
Crescent City Series:
House of Earth and Blood
Here’s my entire collection of SJM books. They take up quite a bit of room on my shelf, and due to space constraints, i can’t really display them as I would really like to. After all, they’re all pretty large books. Kingdom of Ash x3 takes up a lot of shelf space…and yes, I need all of them. I obviously don’t have every copy, ever created of these books, but I love my little collection. They’re all well loved.
On top of US standard editions, and various exclusive editions (Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million/Target) I also have a few UK copies, as well as all of the Special Collector Editions that were printed.
Here are some links you can check out!
TOG / ACOTAR / Catwoman / CC
Let’s start with the Throne of Glass series:
I have the standard US Hardcover illustrated cover editions, minus Throne of Glass which has the original cover. I have a two copies of Tower of Dawn – one’s a standard hardcover, and one is a B&N Signed Edition. I have three copies of Kingdom of Ash – one’s a B&N edition, one is the BAM edition, one is the Target edition.
I know I’m missing a few exclusive editions here and there, and maybe one day I’ll get them, but I’m happy with this little collection.
There are quite a few books here. Tell me I don’t need more. They take up enough room as it is (lol).
Links:
TAB/TOG/COM/HOF/QOS/EOS/TOD/KOA
Pictured (top to bottom): US HC The Assassins Blade / US OG Cover Throne of Glass / US HC Crown of Midnight / US HC Heir of Fire / US HC Queen of Shadows / B&N HC Empire of Storms / US HC Tower of Dawn / B&N HC Tower of Dawn / B&N HC Kingdom of Ash / BAM HC Kingdom of Ash / Target HC Kingdom of Ash
To stay in theme, let’s look at the UK Covers:
Now, I don’t have all of them…yet. I need to place a Book Depository order. Or, I just need to go back to the UK. I *might* be going back to Scotland next year, so…we’ll see. I only have the UK paperbacks of the first three books. I actually love the fact that they’re white. It’s such a contrast to the US covers. Since I don’t currently have the US paperbacks, it was really nice being able to not have to carry around massive books during my reread.
I can’t wait until I have the whole set…though I will need another shelf for them.
Here are some links:
TOG/COM/HOF
Pictured (top to bottom): UK PB Throne of Glass / UK PB Crown of Midnight / UK PB Heir of Fire
Next, we have the Special Collector Editions.
I heard the words “Special Collector Editions” and I knew I’d need them. I hope that one day they do all the books in the series to match. These are gorgeous dust jacket-less, hardcovers with embossed gold foiling. The US Editions come with protective sleeves.
The UK Edition didn’t come in a sleeve, and I’m kind of bummed there wasn’t a UK edition of A Court of Thorns and Roses. These books are stunning, and I really need enough shelf space to truly show them off. Also I’m kind of bummed that my US Throne of Glass edition came slightly banged up in the corner. I unfortunately and annoyingly didn’t notice until I’d opened it up and pulled it out of the sleeve. It was a Christmas gift from my brother (I told him to buy it for me) and by the time I received it, I couldn’t return or exchange it. I still love it, flaw and all.
Here are some links:
UK TOG / US TOG / ACOTAR
Pictured (top to bottom): UK SE Throne of Glass / US SE Throne of Glass / US SE A Court of Thorns and Roses
And then, the A Court of Thorns and Roses Series:
I love these books. For a long while I thought I loved them more than TOG…but then I binge re-read that whole series in two month (I highly recommend reading all those books right after one another, but be prepared to be in a massive slump, and now I question everything I once thought.
Like most people, my favorite book is A Court of Mist and Fury. It’s so good and the character arcs…*chef’s kiss*. There are perfect moments in all of these books, and I’m excited for the next one set to come out…I guess next year. I am kind of bummed that the covers won’t match (tbh, not the biggest fan of the cover changes, but will undoubtedly end up buying them).
I only have the standard US hardcover editions for this series. I have a standard ACOWAR plus the BAM Edition. For ACOFAS, I have a signed copy I got through a Virtual Signing, and the BAM Edition.
Here are some links:
ACOTAR / ACOMAF / ACOWAR / ACOFAS
Pictured (top to bottom): US HC A Court of Thorns and Roses / US HC A Court of Mist and Fury / US HC A Court of Wings and Ruin / BAM HC A Court of Wings and Ruin / BAM HC A Court of Frost and Starlight / US HC A Court of Frost and Starlight.
And finally, Sarah’s latest release, the first book in the Crescent City series:
I do have a full review for this book, as I just recently read it. If you’re interested, you can check it out – here – I loved it. There were scenes that were purely cinematic. There were moments that made me cry; made me laugh; made me feel everything. I loved Bryce, Hunt, Lehabah and Syrinx. I just loved this book, and I’m dying for book 2.
It felt like SJM, but it also felt completely different. I mean that as a compliment. Like, if I didn’t already know it was written by her, and I just started reading it, I would know immediately who wrote it. Maybe it’s because it’s an urban fantasy, and not jut fantasy, or maybe it’s because there’s a crime they’re trying to solve, something about this book just felt fresh and new and wholly amazing. It deserves all the praise. This book is fantastic, and I can’t wait to add editions to my collection. I’m already contemplating getting another copy.
Here’s a link:
HOEAB
Pictured: US HC House of Earth and Blood
To close this very long post off – who knew that this Book Collection post would rival my other ones – I thought I’d just share some up close pictures of my signed copies. I don’t have every book in my collection signed, though I wish I did. I try to get at least one signed by Sarah every time I see her.
Above: US Hardcover The Assassin’s Blade
Above: US Original Hardcover Throne of Glass
Above: US Hardcover Crown of Midnight
Above: US Hardcover Heir of Fire
(I have no idea why this is signed twice – honestly. It’s not a second hand copy, it was brand new when I bought it, but I guess I must’ve taken it to an event not realizing it was signed. I guess Sarah quickly signed it again. I have no recollection of this. It’s not double signed in the picture at the top of this post, which was taken in 2014, so sometime between then and now, it got signed again.)
Above: US Hardcover Tower of Dawn
Above: US Hardcover Kingdom of Ash
Above: US Hardcover A Court of Thorns and Roses
Above: US Hardcover A Court of Frost and Starlight
And that’s it! This post is much long than I anticipated, and took a lot long to format that I thought it would! I figured it would be 1500 words tops. I guess I underestimated just how much I had to say…though to be fair, I didn’t plan on doing that whole long intro before jumping into the actual collection.
I was scrolling back through my Instagram feed (as one occasionally does, or I do) and kind of forgot that I had some of these pictures from throughout the last decade. Oh wow, it’s been almost a decade since I discovered Sarah’s books…granted I need to wait like 2 more years, give or take, but damn.
Anyways, I digress as always. I hope you enjoyed this very long post (I’m sorry!) and let me know which author you collect!
Book Collection: Sarah J. Maas (@SJMaas) A post dedicated to 8 years of reading and loving Sarah's books. #newpost #blogpost #bookpost #bookblog #books #blog #blogger #bloggerswanted #bloggerstribe #bloggingcommunity #bookish Hi Sarah! It’s been four days since I finished House of Earth and Blood and since I do not have the time at this very moment to reread it, I thought I’d do something else instead.
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The Night Sky
Yay! First fanfiction. Please don’t judge too harshly. Also very new to tumblr. This takes place before aCoTaR while Rhys is still under the mountain, five years before he meets Feyre. He has a dream on the night of Starfall in the future where he has a mate and everyone is happy. Feyre is still the breadwinner of the family back when she is 13? 14? Criticism is appreciated!
Enjoy!
After long day of scouring through the large, snow coated woods, searching for any poor animal that would find its way through her cheap arrow, Feyre trudged back to her little cottage stomped her snow dusted boots onto the small rug. Feyre looked down at her broken and tattered boots and sighed. She needed new ones. She placed her too small boots next to Nesta’s and Elain’s and sighed again. She looked around her cramped cottage as her stomach gurgled. The aroma of freshly baked bread danced throughout the tiny house and made its way to Feyre’s nose. The girl’s nostrils flared as she regarded the golden loaf of bread next to the oven with longing. Feyre’s stomach growled again and she frowned.
Feyre walked towards the the small, crackling fireplace and warmed her hands, blowing into them every so often for warmth. She stripped off her jacket, if you could even call the thin piece of dark blue wool a jacket, and hung the garment. She looked out the window and her grey eyes widened. The night sky was always the Feyre’s favourite thing in the world. She relished the moments when she was able to just lay back and admire the stars. She found comfort in its dark colours and patterns, of how you would never be able to count all of its stars.
Feyre walked up the stairs and winced as the stairs creaked with every gentle step she took, afraid of waking her two elder sisters. She passed the mirror of her bedroom and looked at her reflection. Her once shiny copper-gold hair was now dull and dry. Her eyes, once bright blue-grey and happy, only looked dark, with under eye bags, a result of restless nights and early mornings. She looked down and stared at her hands, red and cracked from the bitter winter cold. The girl sighed and reached the room and eased herself down onto the bed, wincing once again as the bed creaked. She laid down on the edge of the bed where her sisters slept. She lifted her feet, tucked them into the blanket, and wrapped the blanket around her small body, taking any warmth the patchy quilt offered her. The girl gazed out the window and sighed as she saw the night, her favourite thing, and knew that someone else was out there, watching, as she was at that moment. Slowly, Feyre’s eyelids drooped as she fell asleep with a smile on her face.
——
The melody of the song playing at Rita’s, their inner circle’s favourite restaurant, was as happy as can be. With a bouncing melody that you could never forget, the group danced merrily through the night. Mor, already on her third drink, was a bright beacon of light in the night, with the lights reflecting her golden hair and eyes, and a smile brighter than the sun itself. Beside her was Azriel, dancing alongside her, swaying the beat. His gaze, warm only for Morrigan, was on Mor’s every move. Azriel grinned, even though his face did not usually reveal his emotions. He was happiest with Morrigan.
Rhysand smiled to himself as he knew that his brother was finally happy, despite his dark past. Beside them was Cassian, dancing with his mate. His mate, whose spirit was hot like fire and with a tongue sharper than a butcher’s knife, a perfect match to Cassian’s large ego and teasing jokes. Cassian said something and laughed. His brother extended his hand to his mate and walked towards the dance floor, joining Az, Mor, Amren, and the crowd.
The crowd suddenly went silent. One single glowing star fell. One that took everybody’s breath away, as two other stars followed the first. Lights cascaded the night as the bright stars fell, leaving a trail of bright twinkling light.
Starfall. Everybody’s favourite time of the year in the City of Starlight, also known as Velaris.
“Shall we?”
His gaze went to the direction of the voice. The voice that belonged to his mate. His high lady. She donned a black dress, a black piece of shimmery fabric hanging off her shoulders. Her hair, golden copper hair that reflected light with every turn and move, pinned up. No doubt Mor’s handiwork. He gazed into her brilliant blue-grey eyes and smiled. A warm feeling extended down the bond between them as she extended her hand towards Rhysand. Her eyes crinkled as she let out a smile that made his very heart stop beating.
Rhysand grinned back and reached out to his mate and clasped her hand. They walked over to the dance floor and held each other in their arms, comfortable in the silence. Their tenth Starfall together. Rhysand pulled back and kissed her on the head.
Feyre looked up at his violet eyes and said, “Thank you for spending Starfall with me. You make everything better just by being here.”
Rhysand looked down and wondered just how he ended up with someone as beautiful, not just on the outside but within. Her beauty and kindness, whispered amongst his people. Her love and care, for their family. Her laughs, a whimsical sound that you would willingly listen to every day.
“No Rhysand, thank you. Thank you for giving me this. A loving family,” she gestured to the inner circle. “A beautiful city with wonderful people,” she looked over at the citizens of Velaris. “And most of all, thank you for giving me the memories we’ve made over the past ten years. The best ten years of my life. I have enjoyed every single wondrous moment you have given moment we have spent together and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you Rhysand. For everything. I love you.”
With a hoarse voice, Rhysand whispered, “I love you too.”
—
Pure, unending torture. Rhysand sprang up, panting hard, sweat covering his entire body. The good dreams were always the worst. Anything that brought back memories of his family, of Velaris, always tore his heart apart and caused an abundance of agony. Every. Single. Time.
Rhysand gazed over to where Amarantha laid beside him on the silken bed sheets. Amarantha, knowing it was Starfall, made Rhysand service her longer than most nights. Rhysand pretended not to hear the whispers regarding him or the title he had won since being Under the Mountain. “Amarantha’s Whore”, they called him. He had to shut his eyes to refrain from vomiting. Rhysand laid down on his back again.
His mate.
Rhysand knew he would never have a mate. Would never be lucky enough to have one. He did not deserve one. He had done deeds far worse than one could imagine. Ones that he had to force to the back of his mind. For the past couple of years, his dreams had been getting worse. He had dreams of a beautiful young woman, a high fae. One far too good for him. One he did not deserve. The woman in his dreams had been visiting his dreams for years now. The only piece of light in this chamber of unending pain and suffering that had become his life. And yet he still didn’t know her name. He only knew of her brilliant blue eyes and golden hair.
Rhysand squeezed his eyes closed and tried not to imagined how his family was doing back home, as it would only bring more pain. His heart longed for even a glimpse of the beautiful night. Of Mor. Azriel. Cassian. Amren. He took in a deep breath and tried to calm his racing heart.
Just five more years. Five more years.
Forty-four years have already passed. He could handle five more.
Rhysand shut his eyes once more and fell asleep with the need to see the night sky for the first time in forty-five years.
#acotar#acowar#feysand#feyre#feyre acheron#rhysand#fanfiction#under the mountain#cassian#nesta#elain#nesta archeron#elain archeron#azriel#morrigan#my fanfiction
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I wasn’t tagged to do this Book Tag, but I saw it on Youtube and thought it was a fun way to assess whether or not you are on track to finish your reading goals for the year and look back at what you have already consumed.
The original creators of this Book Tag are below. I highly recommend checking them out.
QUESTIONS:
Best book you’ve read so far in 2017: I am going to make this a two-part question because I have two answers.
Best book I have read so far in 2017 (that didn’t release this year): A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas. I absolutely adored this novel. There was not a single minute while reading it where I wanted to put it down. I loved where this story went and cannot wait to get the chance where I can sit down and re-read it.
Best book I have read so far in 2017 (that did release this year): Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones. This novel was beautiful and haunting and everything I wanted from a story based loosely off of the Labyrinth.
Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2017: Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare. I had such high expectations for this sequel and it met every single one of them. This series is one of Clare’s best. Everything about it was amazing. I loved getting to see the characters develop, the Shadowhunter political war unfold and cameos from beloved characters appear throughout its pages.
New release you haven’t read yet, but want to: Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. This was one of my most anticipated reads for this year and I still haven’t read it yet. I am quite mad at myself for this, but I have been holding off for good reason. I want to finish her first series before I take a dive into what I am sure is a beautiful and wonderful tale. It somehow feels wrong of me to finish her newest book without completing her first series which I started but never finished.
Most anticipated release for the second half of the year: Ever the Brave by Erin Summerill. I was shocked by how much I enjoyed the first novel in the A Clash of Kingdoms series and was extremely excited when I found out that the sequel would be released in December of this year. As soon as I closed “Ever the Hunted” I immediately went to the inter-webs to look for information on its sequel, which was a clear sign that I loved the first novel. I enjoyed the world, it’s characters and the hint of foreshadowing it left us with at the end of the novel. I am so excited to see what will come in the sequel.
Biggest disappointment: Rise of Fire by Sophia Jordan. This novel was the sequel to Reign of Shadows which I absolutely adored. However, Rise of Fire fell short of my expectations mostly because it took down the main villain in this series in a sweep of a few pages and wrapped up so suddenly that I didn’t even get a chance to dwell with the main characters and their love for each other. I wanted so much more from this novel and I can’t help but be disappointed by the fact that it ended so quickly.
Biggest surprise: A Girl of Fire and Thorns series by Rae Carson. I did not think that I would like this series as much as I did after reading the synopsis, but I flew through it. Carson created such a vivid world with wonderful characters and a strong but ultimately real heroine at its helm that you can’t help but dive into this amazing story. It’s such a strange concept but the main character will pull you through because you get to see her growth and development into a leader that one would gladly follow.
Favorite new author. (Debut or new to you): For this question I am going with a new author to me. After pushing off this author for so long I decided to pick-up two of this author’s series and let me tell you I love them both. This author is Sarah J. Maas. I honestly can’t get enough of her characters and worlds and cannot wait to re-read them once I complete them.
Newest fictional crush: Rhysand from A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. I shouldn’t have to add anything because let’s face it, everything about Rhysand is wonderful and I would highly recommend reading ACOTAR just to ogle over him.
The Court of Dreams by Charlie Bowater
Newest favorite character: Damen from Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat. I love Damen as a character because he never lets anything break him. He will continuously fight on for respect for himself and the good of others. This series is very controversial but overall I appreciated reading it because at its helm was a character that will never let himself be beaten even when everything has been stripped away from him.
Book that made you happy: There were so many books that made me happy this year, but ultimately I would go with Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig. I loved this novel and flew throughout as its main character’s travel through time on their pirate ship. I loved the concept of this novel and practically smiled throughout the whole thing. I look forward to picking up the sequel. It was a fun adventure that I think anyone interested in time travel should pick up.
Favorite book to film adaptation you saw this year: Technically this a favorite book to TV show adaptation but it was such an excellent adaptation that I can’t help but talk about it. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margret Atwood was adapted by Hulu and let me tell you, they did this novel justice. It was a wonderful adaptation that remained just as haunting as the novel and only elaborated on things in this world. Not once did it deviate from the book’s storyline in anyway. In fact, all it did was give the viewer more insight into the vague world that Atwood describes. I would highly recommend checking out this series. It astounded me in the best way possible and makes me wish that all book to TV adaptations could be this wonderful.
Favorite review you’ve written this year: City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare. It felt like such an accomplishment to write a review for this novel considering it had taken me years to pick up this book and complete it. It’s definitely not my most well-written review. Instead it is the one that I thought I would never get to write. After I was done writing its review it felt like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. It was such a relief to finish this huge series that I wanted to read but never gave myself the time of day to actually accomplish. However, now I can mark that box as checked.
Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received): Wayfarer by Alexandra Bracken. I loved everything about this book. From its gorgeous purple and gold covers to the main image on the front as well as the emblem on the actual cover under the dust jacket. It was gorgeous. It’s definitely a novel you would judge by its cover.
What books do you need to read by the end of the year: I have a long list of answers to this question but I will refrain from listing my whole TBR. Instead I will only mention those that are must-reads now.
Original Creators of Mid Year Freak Out Book Tag:
Chami – Mid Year Freak Out Book Tag
Ely – Mid Year Freak Out Book Tag
Mid-Year Freak-out Book Tag I wasn’t tagged to do this Book Tag, but I saw it on Youtube and thought it was a fun way to assess whether or not you are on track to finish your reading goals for the year and look back at what you have already consumed.
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✨A Court of Silver Flames Dust Jacket✨
Happy ACOSF release day! I’m so happy to finally reveal my dust jacket design as part of the ‘A Court of Silver Flames’ box that’s in partnership with Illumicrate. This dust jacket (as well as all previous books from 1 to 4) will be gold foiled, spot uv coated and finished with velvet lamination. I am also releasing a limited signed edition bundle which will include x5 hand-signed dust jackets (ACOTAR books 1-5) and x5 gold foiled double-sided bookmarks based on the dust jacket art. There will only be 100 copies of this bundle!
The public preorder date for my edition is 20 Feb, 2021 at 18:00 GMT, however I would recommend joining my Patreon for early access to preorders in order to avoid disappointment in case it sells out beforehand!
Note: the dust jackets from my edition and Illumicrate’s box are 100% the same. It is coming from the same manufacturer and batch. The other contents of our bundles are what’s different.
#a court of silver flames#acosf#sarah j maas#nesta archeron#nessian#bookish art#a court of thorns and roses#acotar#elithienart#acotarart
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