#m. a. carrick

[haveyoureadthisbook-poll]

[dovahvhenan]

finished the rook and rose trilogy today. (spoiler-free, if anyone is interested, which you should be oh my god please read these books)

after almost two weeks of reading this trilogy, multiple nights spent reading until i realised "oh shit it's 8am and i haven't slept", and essentially not being able to do any of my other interests because i couldn't stop thinking about these books (literally pulled me away from my special interest, guys, oh my god), i feel both happy and sad that it's finished. happy that i experienced this journey, and sad that there isn't more.

the queer representation. the cultures, and languages. the history. the magic. the politics. the characters. i adored every single word of it all.

it was such a satisfying ending, but i still can't help how hungry i am for more. i adore this world and our three main characters, and all of the supporting characters too. i desperately wish to see more of them. i hope some day we might, despite this being the trilogy ending.

my heart feels so full, but i also miss the story and characters already. i feel like this trilogy caught me in a chokehold for almost two weeks solid, and now i don't really know what to do with myself.

[fitzchivalry]

labyrinth's heart (rook and rose #3) thoughts (spoilers!):

i fully did cry at least twice and my heart was so full at the end. i will literally be crying about Alsius for the next year

while it was super well done overall, i think my main criticism is it was way too plotty, especially compared to the first two books where there were wonderful character and slice-of-life downtime. there was so much going on and so much the characters had to do in service of the plot they barely had time to breathe let alone just sit down and speak to each other for more than 30 seconds

we were robbed of the ot3. all the sexy hints and moments and cultural references to everything in this world happening in threes was set up so perfectly for it!!! scream

truly hats off to the authors for such wonderful books, characters, and the world. one of the best recent fantasy series period.

[itsalittlebitchilly]

Guys I've said it before but pleaseeeee read the Rook and Rose trilogy. I promise it's good! Here is my favorite quote:

"Spider or not he's the only father I've ever had"

And if that doesn't convince you idk what would

[chelreverie]

"Sedge was slow, but he wasn't a snail."

Don't know why, but that got me so bad 💀

[dellydubbies]

I don't see this book talked enough, it's so good ✨✨✨

The Mask of Mirrors, The Liar’s Knot (by M. A. Carrick)

A friend bought me the book The Mask of Mirrors for Christmas and I swear I didn’t emerge from it for three days straight. This is a SUMPTUOUS non-traditional European fantasy with some of the richest world building I’ve read in a while. The magic, the cultures, the history, the fashion, it all felt so tangible that I could mentally pop myself into Nadezhra pretty much from page one. It had the twisty-turny, political intrigue-y plot that really appeals to me - without the intense violence you might find in other series that often get recommended for their politically-driven plots. Secret identities, characters that make you feel things, a queer-norm society, truly detestable villains… I loved this book. So I had to draw the three main characters obv.

I was so shocked that I couldn’t find the sequel in stores anywhere! Had to order online, and gotta say, it was equally good or better than the first… The character moments in The Liar’s Knot felt like releasing a breath you’ve been holding for hours. You’ll know what I mean if you read it ☺️

Anyway, this series deserves way more hype than it has. I read a LOT of SFF and this one stood out to me as truly fantastic. If you love secret identities, slow (SLOW) burn romance, a puzzle-like plot, tarot, and general luxuriousness for your brain…. I beg you to pick up The Mask of Mirrors.

[peonierose]

Blue Lagoon

Book: Open Heart

Type of story: Social Media and Text edits

TW: None

Summary: It's Bryce's bachelor party. Let's see what he and his friends were up to.

A/N: I already did Luna's bachelorette party in case you want to read it first here are Part 1 and Part 2

A/N 2: It took me a while to get it done, but here it is. Enjoy!

[unitedbydevils]

CHAMPIONES

The U15s have won the Premier League Floodlit Cup national trophy, beating Chelsea 3-1 last Friday at Leigh Sports Village.

It's a nice contrast to the U21s losing to City, and this lot ft. Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick, overcame City 4-3 in the Northern final to get to the tie, but most impressively they were 3-0 down and fought back to 3-3 and won it in extra time. Mentality monsters.

On the night, it was Kai Rooney twice and Jodie Nganga (assisted by Kai) that got the goals for United and secured the silverware.

[jerzwriter]

All in the Past 3/3

FINALLY! I've gotten to the ONE scene request that inspired it all. @angelasscribbles asked for this classic scene from Grey's Anatomy for Tobias and Casey. Heaven forbid I should have left it simple lol I decided to make this a follow-up and alternate ending to one of my favorite short, angsty AUs, Unblemished, because we needed more angst. And here, is the conclusion.

Series Summary: Tobias & Casey were friends turned lovers whose different dreams led them to become friends once again. Two years after their painful breakup, Casey has moved on. Tobias is in town to attend his friend and one-time love's wedding with his new girlfriend on his arm. It's just the wedding of an old friend, or is it?

Part 3 Summary: Casey and Tobias's talk in the wee hours on the morning of her wedding has rippling effects on the couple and their partners. Where do they end up?

Book: Open Heart (Post Series)

Characters/Pairings: Casey MacTavish (F!MC) x M!OC, Tobias Carrick x F!OC, Sienna Trinh

Rating: Teen

Words: 3,100

Series Masterlist

Tobias x Casey Masterlist | OH Masterlist | Full Masterlist

“Hello, Tobias...” Casey whispered. “I’m glad I found you.”

“What are you doing here?” He asked, attempting to make out the time on his watch through bleary eyes. But Casey shook her head in disapproval.

“The time is irrelevant. I’m clearly not going to sleep on the eve of my wedding. Fortunately, I hired one of the best makeup artists around. He’ll know how to make me look awake.”

“Why can’t you sleep?”

Casey motioned toward the bottle of Scotch, and Tobias diligently handed it to her. She took a swig directly from the bottle and plopped down in the chair next to his. 

“Nerves? Overstimulation? Too many relatives, not enough friends? Realizing what I’m about to do?”

“Are you having second thoughts?”

“I’m having thoughts,” she chuckled. “I don’t know if they’re of the second variety.”

She turned to Tobias, the way the moonlight illuminated his features took her back to another time. It felt so close she thought she could touch it.

“It’s funny, isn’t it? You and me standing here... on my wedding day?”

“Yeah, funny,” he sighed. “Then again, it makes sense. We’ve been through a lot together.”

“We sure have,” she smiled. “Tobias,” she asked tentatively, “are you happy?”

“What?”

“Someone asked me if I was happy earlier, and now... I’m asking you.”

“Case, you’re the one getting married in fifteen hours. Shouldn’t we be concentrating on you?”

“I’m trying to distract myself, Carrick,” she smiled. “Can you humor me?”

Tobias couldn’t contain a grin. Did she think he had the strength to deny her anything when she smiled at him like that? Even so, he struggled to offer an answer.

“Define happy?” He shrugged, taking another long sip. 

“You know what happy is. I’ve seen you happy.”

“Yeah, well, maybe I was too stupid to realize what happiness was until it was too late.”

“Is it ever too late?” She asked.

“Yeah,” he sighed. “Sometimes it is.”

Casey gazed at the stars, crickets chirping in the distance, the only sound between them. There was so much she wanted to say, yet nothing felt right. But Tobias was right; eventually, it would be too late, and she couldn’t pass up this chance.

“You’ve had three girlfriends since we broke up. Imani, Mandy, and now Meghan. Right?”

“Yeah?” He asked with a raised brow.

“I was your friend before... so I know. You never had girlfriends before me. There were plenty of... women... but they never rose to that level. I guess I stupidly assumed you’d go back to that after we broke up. I naively let myself believe I was so special that no one else could ever take that place in your life.”

Her face crumpled in embarrassment, and she lowered her face into her hands to hide.  

“I sound so fucking full of myself,” she groaned. “I didn’t mean it that way.”

“I didn’t take it that way,” he assured her, gently removing her hands from her face. The tenderness of his touch bringing a warmth she hadn’t felt in some time. “You were special, Casey. You are special. I didn’t think I’d ever play the relationship game again, either. But... I guess you showed me there’s something to it after all. Maybe it’s not such a bad place to be.”

Casey barked a bitter laugh.

“Well, isn’t that delightful!” She snapped. “How nice of me to teach you! Isn’t it something... you want that life now... after you broke my heart because you said it was something you couldn’t offer.”

“That’s not fair! I never said I didn’t want to be with you! We talked for months and came to a painful decision together. You know I was fine with a relationship; we split because you wanted marriage and children, and I didn’t. And it worked out, right? You’re getting what you wanted?”

“Am I?”

“Yeah. Why am I here? For your big, beautiful wedding... you’ve got the white gown, the string quartet, the miracle worker cosmetician... wasn’t that the dream?”

“That’s what you thought I wanted? Some stupid wedding. This is my mother’s fantasy, not mine! And it wasn’t when I was with you. I wanted to know that the person I loved more than anything would consider marrying me. It was never about some stupid wedding. Not then, and not now!”

“Well,” he smiled. “I think it’s too late for you to elope now.”

She wanted to be mad at him. She wanted to tell him off. But once again, he only made her smile.  

“I’ll say,” she chuckled.

“You know, you mentioned the girlfriends I’ve had since... us... Maybe I should mention your sole boyfriend.”

“Craig? What about him?

Tobias rubbed his hand over his head, taking a moment to compose himself.

“The night you called to tell me about him, I was devastated. I was convinced that I never really mattered to you... not if I was replaced so easily.”

“Tobias,” she gasped. “It wasn’t like that. It wasn’t like that at all! You don’t know where I was. Remember I said this place would never be home? Well, I was right. I was here with no friends or family... heartbroken over losing you! I never felt so alone. I was... broken. Everyone told me to get out there, make new friends, date other people... it was the only way to heal. But for all the talk of southern hospitality, I didn’t find it here. Then, I met this new surgeon. He was kind, funny... and he was crazy about me. For the first time in so long, I didn’t feel alone anymore. He never wavered in his feelings for me and was so confident about what he wanted... a future... with me in it. And that was so refreshing after...”

“After me....” Tobias mumbled.

“Yeah. After you,” Casey asserted. “We had this amazing love, Tobias. I never thought something so precious could end... it meant everything to me. So, when you told me it wasn’t enough....”

“Hey!” He shot back. “I never said it wasn’t enough! I never said I didn’t want forever with you. I just...”

“... didn’t want in it enough to sign on the dotted line.”

“And now you have someone who will. You can say whatever you want, but never say you weren’t everything to me. No one ever has, and no one ever will come close to being what you were to me. Now, I just have to learn to live with the regret of letting you go.”

“What?” she gasped. “What are you saying?”  

“I’m saying letting you out of my life was a mistake. The biggest mistake I’ve ever made.”

“Wha... when did you realize this?”

“From the start, I was just too stupid to admit it. But the night you called me to tell me about Craig... it hit me like a ton of bricks.”

“Then why... why didn’t you say anything?”

“What could I say? You sounded so happy. I had already hurt you enough and had no right to do it again. And I never imagined he’d be the one. So I kept waiting for you to tell me you broke up, then I would have no reason not to tell you...”

“To tell me? Tell me what?”

That I loved you. I never stopped. I couldn’t if I tried... and God knows, I’ve tried. I would have moved heaven and earth for a second chance with you. I needed you as much as I needed the air I breathed, and living without you wasn’t living at all. That you took my heart when I let you go, and without you, I’d never have it back...and I still want you now...   

The words played repeatedly in his mind, but overclouded by one thought, they never made it to his. Today’s her wedding day. He took a deep breath and turned to her with a pained smile.

“Does it matter now? It was a long time ago, and... It’s your wedding day, Casey. I threw away my chance.”

She turned away, surreptitiously wiping a tear from her eye.

“We should have talked more back then. We said so much, yet we said nothing at all.”

“Casey,” he whispered as he held her hand. “You’ve spent two years building a new life with Craig, and you can’t throw that all away. You have brought me more joy than I deserved, and I’m a better man today because of you. I have no doubt that my life is immeasurably richer because you were in it. But,” he lifted her hand and traced her engagement ring with his thumb. “You’re not mine anymore. Craig loves you and will give you the life you want, the one I foolishly didn’t promise. So, when you walk down that aisle today... I need you to know it’s with my blessing... but it won’t be with my presence. You’ve found everything you wanted, and that’s all I’ve wanted for you. But now that you know how I feel... I hope you’ll forgive me, but I can’t watch you pledge your life to someone else.”

Casey dropped his hand, fear growing in her eyes as the meaning of his words dawned on her.

“You’re letting me go,” she sobbed. “You’re really letting me go?”

“You’re marrying Craig. I have to.” 

“But you’ll still be my friend, right?” she whimpered. “You still be my friend... after today?”  

“Do you think that’s a good idea, Case? Or deep down, do you know... maybe we both need to let go... for good. How can we start new lives if we still have one foot in the past.”

“I can’t imagine my life without you in,” she cried.

“You’re going to have a beautiful life, hon,” he whispered. “And one day, I’ll just be a distant memory that makes you smile. Come on,” he said, squeezing her hand. “This is a big day. Concentrate on your happy beginnings... not on what’s already lost.”  

 He placed a lingering kiss on her forehead and decided to bargain with God one last time, only to be let down again, for time failed to stand still. Casey stepped back and gazed into his eyes one last time.

“Promise me you won’t forget me?” she said with a quivering voice.

“How could I? You will always be my favorite... what if?”

Casey’s lips parted slightly. There was so much more to say, maybe too much. The weight became overwhelming, and when words couldn’t be found, she turned and rushed away, leaving Tobias standing alone in the moonlight, just as she had in Boston two years before.

~~~~~

The alcohol served some purpose, or maybe it was emotional exhaustion. Either way, Tobias managed to get a few hours of sleep. When the alarm went off much too early, he wondered if it had all been a dream. But it wasn’t, and he knew what he had to do. 

“Hey, Meg,” he said, nudging his companion awake. “Can you get up? We need to talk.”

~~~~~

Casey rolled her eyes as she sat in the makeup chair with rollers piled high on her head.

“Everything OK there,” Sienna smiled as she handed her friend a large cup of coffee.

“Could my mother be any more chipper? I don’t want to be arrested for homicide on my wedding day, but if she comes in here gushing over how beautiful I am when I still look like,” she motioned toward the mirror, "this! I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

Sienna placed a reassuring hand on her friend's shoulder and gave her a placid smile. She didn’t have to say the words for Casey to hear them.

“I know,” Casey smirked. “You’re thinking an arrest for homicide might not be the worst thing that could happen today.”

“Hey! I promised you one maid of honor-slash-best friend who would stand by your side today, no matter what you decided, and I’m delivering.”

“Even if homicide is on the menu?”

“I’m your ride or die,” Sienna grinned.

“You sure are,” Casey said, squeezing Sienna’s hand.

The room turned quiet as Sienna went to the closet and took out the garment bag containing Casey’s gown. She was about to unzip it when Casey’s words stopped her in her tracks.

“I saw Tobias last night,” she whispered. 

Sienna turned around, her eyes wide. “And?” She asked, rushing to her friend's side.

“Relax,” Casey smiled. “We didn’t sleep together... there’s no chance that I’m having his child or anything.”

“Gee,” Sienna simpered. “That’s a shame. Now, seriously... what happened?”

“He loves me. He never stopped. He said letting me go was the biggest mistake of his life and....”

“And?”

Casey pursed her lips together and fought back a sob. “And he’s skipping the wedding. He said it would be too hard to watch, and he won’t be around anymore. He believes we can’t move on if we don’t really let go, so last night was probably the last time I’ll ever see him.”

“Casey,” Sienna gasped. “I’m so sorry!”

“It’s OK,” She smiled through tears. “He’s not wrong. Being friends was just an excuse to remain in each other's lives. We always wanted more; we just lied to ourselves.”

“Case... now that you know he loves you, and you love him....”

“Si. He made it clear. We’re all in the past now. And, as much as this hurts, it’s probably for the best. I want my marriage to work. So I have to give it my all. I just wish my wedding anniversary and the day I lost the love of my life didn’t have to be the same day.”

“I know you think you’re doing something noble,” Sienna started. “Of course, Craig will be hurt if you call off the wedding, but doesn’t he deserve a wife who's not crying about losing another man on the morning of their wedding day? What I’m saying is... in the long run....”

“I do love Craig,” Casey interrupted. “It’s a different kind of love, but it’s still love, and I know we can build a happy life together. Besides, my parents would kill after all the money they shelled out. So,” she said, looking at her phone. “The makeup guy just texted. Can you let him in the front door? It’s showtime.”

~~~~~

Meghan shot a look at Tobias as she shut her suitcase and zipped it closed. It would be easier to be upset with him if he didn’t look so forlorn.

“I’m really sorry,” he said for the umpteenth time.

“I know,” she half smiled. “Please don’t have to say it again. I meant what I said. I appreciate your honesty and, if I’m being honest... I was thinking of dumping you when we got back to Boston.”

“You were,” he chuckled. “You’re not just saying that to make me feel better, are you?”

“Nope. The writing was on the wall, Tobias. You’re in love with someone else, and I want someone who can’t imagine thinking of anyone but me.”

Tobias smiled when Megan reached for his hand. “You know you’re too good for me, right?”

“Oh,” she cackled. “You better believe it.”

The front desk called to let her know her taxi was arriving in ten minutes.

“Well, that’s my ride,” she sighed. “You know, at this point, I’d normally say after you do the work and get over her, call me. If I’m still available, maybe I’d give you a chance because you are a really good guy. But I’m not going to say that.”

“You’re not,” He chuckled.

“Nope. Because you’re not going to get over her. When it’s real, it’s real. And the last thing I will say is... she’s not married yet, Tobias.”

“Someone’s going to be lucky to have you.”

“Oh, I know,” she smirked. “I already matched with some guy on Tinder. I think you know him.”

“Who?”

“Dr. Ramsey,” she winked. “I kid, I kid... but maybe not. He’s kind of cute.”

“Get out of here,” Tobias smiled as Meghan shut the door, leaving him alone with his thoughts.  

~~~~~

The hushed sound of guests’ conversations could be heard over the soft music being played on the piano on the other side of the door. Despite a strong case of nerves, Casey smiled brightly as Sienna fluffed her veil and gave her a final once-over. The bridesmaids had already begun walking down the aisle when Casey’s father walked over and handed his daughter her bridal bouquet.

“Well, this is it, sweetheart,” he beamed.

“This is it!” Casey grinned.

“Last chance,” Sienna smiled ruefully. “Are your head and your heart all in?”

“They’re in,” Casey nodded. “Don’t you know, they always follow each other.”

“Oh, that’s not true,” her father said as he took her arm.

“What do you mean, Dad?”

“People always debate what’s stronger, the heart or the mind.  But the heart will always be the victor. The head can talk all it desires, but the heart will want it wants.” He kissed his daughter’s cheek before placing the veil over her face. “Always follow your heart, sweetheart. Trust me.”

Sienna and Casey locked eyes just as the doors opened, announcing the bride's arrival. 

Craig’s eyes were on Casey the instant the door opened, and his look of utter joy left her riddled with guilt. Casey smiled back but quickly turned her head toward her guests, taking in the faces of people who had meant so much to her throughout her life as she approached the altar. Between smiles and nods, her eyes roamed the room fruitlessly.   Selfishly, she hoped Tobias had changed his mind, even if it was only to see him one last time. But as her foot stepped to its final destination, she knew. He stayed true to his word. He wasn’t there, and she couldn’t blame him. The officiant began.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.....”

The words began to blur together, and the room felt warmer.  Casey swore it had started to spin. While most remained oblivious, the officiant and Craig both took notice.

“Are you OK?” Craig whispered in her ear.

“Yeah, maybe a little dehydrated.”

“We can stop this thing for a pop run if you like,” he smiled, then he turned back to the officiant, but Casey’s eyes remained on him.

She felt nauseous. Sienna was right all along. Craig was a good person, and he deserved a loving, devoted wife... not one who swore she saw another man’s face before her as she stood at the altar. She peered over her shoulder at the congregation to find the smiling faces of their friends and family staring back.  She couldn’t ... she couldn’t do this to Craig... but she didn’t know which option was worse. She swallowed hard, feeling unsteady on her feet.

“Casey and Craig's closest friends and family are here today to bear witness to their union....”

Sienna moved closer and whispered.

“Casey, what do you need?”

“I need... I need...

“Will you promise to love and support their marriage in all the days to come? If so, please respond, and we will.”

The congregation responded in kind as Casey leaned into Sienna. 

“I don’t know if I can do this?”

“Well, your sucks, but if you’re going to....”

Sienna never finished her sentence because all eyes turned to a booming voice from the back of the room.  Tobias stood in the doorway, the bright sun illuminated behind him.  He looked terrified as he walked down the aisle.  He feared a punch to the teeth from Craig or any of his friends in the room, but that he could handle. His biggest fear was Casey’s reaction, but he had made up his mind... she wasn’t married yet... and this was one regret he wouldn’t be able to live with.

“I love you... Casey. I always have. I love everything about you. Even the things I  don’t like, I love....”

Her jaw fell as she turned to him, trembling, her eyes flickered between Tobias and Craig.

“... and I want you with me. I know I let you go, and I’ve regretted it every day since, so I only had two choices... live with the regret forever... or beg you for another chance before it’s too late. So that’s why I’m here. I love you, Casey, and I think that you love me too... Do you?”

Despite her jagged breathing, she could see Tobias nervously swallow, and while she shook like a leaf, it didn’t prevent her from seeing that he was doing the same.  In utter shock, she nervously searched the room as if an answer would be there.

“Casey?” Craig asked.

Sienna moved closer, her arms just inches away from wrapping around her friend, when Casey’s eyes locked with her father’s. He smiled timidly at his daughter, only wishing he could take her out of this place.  Then he lifted his hands before his chest and bent them to form a perfect heart. Casey gave him a smile, and her choice was made.

~~~~~

Euphoria was the only word that could describe it.  Her fingers slipped into his, intertwined as if they were made for each other.  They held on so tightly it felt like their lives depended on it. ��Adrenaline had taken over, and there was no way to contain the utter joy and relief they felt. Tobias turned to Casey, beaming from ear to ear as they continued to race toward his car. He opened the door, and she rushed inside, giddy, lightheaded, and laughing with delight. But by the time he rounded the car and slipped into the driver’s seat, guilt and panic were beginning to seep through.

“Oh, my God...” Casey gasped nervously. “What did we just do?”

“Wait, he asked... are you sure about this?”

She turned to him, and one look in his eyes was all it took for her to understand.  There would be regret over how this came to be, but that regret would pale if they didn’t follow their hearts.  Their hearts knew they had always known; Tobias and Casey were two halves of a whole, never to be complete without each other.

Reaching over, she pulled him into a searing kiss, breaking away only when she realized people might come outside and she needed to be with him alone right now.

"I love you, Tobias," she breathed. "I love you so much."

"God, I love you," he smiled. "I'm going to spend every day for the rest of my life letting you know just how much."

“Good!" She grinned, "But, for now, DRIVE!”

And with a smile she’d remember forever, he happily complied. They could deal with the fallout later. It would be fine. There was nothing they couldn’t handle with each other at their sides. But right now, only one thing that mattered... she was his, and he was hers, and everything was finally the way it was meant to be.

A/N: And that's that! lol Yeah, it totally sucked for Craig, but if it makes you feel better, in the original follow-up to Unblemished, Unforgettable, Casey & Craig end up married for a long time, they had two daughters, and only much later did they realize Craig was always second to Tobias in Casey's heart. Casey didn't even realize it herself. While Craig was rightly hurt, he became pretty nasty to Casey as a result. Tobias & Casey still reunited, but they lost a lot of time. So, while this sucks for Craig, it's OK in the end. (Plus, if you ask me, he was a little TOO into her TOO quick. Some red flags there, folks; this is called rationalization!) Thanks for the prompt request @angelasscribbles, and year. I'm insane! :)

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

@choicesprompts

More tags in reblog.

[samduqs]

I haven't finished Labyrinth's Heart yet and I'm already thinking about rereading the whole trilogy.

Not only it has become one of my favourite trilogies, but also I feel it has such a complex plot and so many layers that I've missed many things and I think a second read will help me appreciate the details <3

[questwithambition]

The Grad Life - day 46/46 (10/12/2023)

Have made the executive decision to end the challenges few days early as I’m having a knee operation next week and I really don’t need to add hassle! But today was a good Friday to end on: soft November sun, books and coffee, and slowly getting though my list. I’ve got a weekend of walks and cleaning and resetting planned, and lots of rest. It’s going to be a great time.

[dovahvhenan]

is there anyone here who has read the Rook and Rose series. please. I'm 70% through the second book and I need to scream with someone about my Ren/Grey feelings. if you haven't heard of these books at all PLEASE READ THEM OH MY GOD THEY ARE SO SO SO GOOD THIS IS A FANTASY YA BOOK SERIES WHERE THEY ARE ACTUALLY YOUNG ADULTS AND NOT 16 YEAR OLDS AND THE LORE AND HISTORY AND MAGIC IS SO DEEP AND INTERESTING AND THE C H A R A C T E R S OH MY GOD EVERYONE IS WRITTEN SO WELL

[opalmxthyst]

Chapters: 1/? Fandom: Rook & Rose - M. A. Carrick Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Ren/Grey Serrado (Rook & Rose), Ren/Grey Serrado/Derossi Vargo (Rook & Rose) Characters: Ren (Rook & Rose), Grey Serrado (Rook & Rose), Derossi Vargo Summary:

The primordials are gone from the world, and they are rebuilding a Nadežra that reflects all the people who live there. Vargo's no longer a nobleman, but he has a seat on the Setterat, and he can help change the city from more than the bottom up. He should be happy. But mostly, he's lonelier than he's been in more than a decade. Luckily, those closest to him have noticed, and Ren and Grey have some ideas about how to reconnect with him.

[fullibooked]

Like it's prequel, The Liar's Knot is heavy enough to fall on my face (though this may not benefit my spidey friend). Heavy in pure amount of content, not subject of that content. The subject of the content is Ren, con woman turned high society lady. She's still wearing more masks than she can bear and living double even triple lives. And boy is it thrilling.

There's secrets and magic twisted up in posh gatherings, there's high and low society stuffed into sneaky basement cults, and there's heart-thumping romance smuggled under black cloaks. M.A. Carrick (the pseudonym of combo authors Marie Brennan and Alyc Helms) created a whole world that feels like a Whole World, even down to the smallest details in both this and The Mask of Mirrors (book 1).

My favourite is all of the pattern cards (like tarot but make it fantasy and full of masks), and I totally am Not planning to design my own pattern deck, that would be crazy. (My spider is obviously nicknamed Peabody, and I love him.)