crystallic-moon

[crystallic-moon]

[crystallic-moon]

I KNOW I LOVED IT THE REPRESENTATION WAS SO GOOD

i love how normal it is in this book (blood like magic by liselle sambury) that no one makes any remark or question or goes into extreme shocked mode when someone changes their pronouns and they refer any unknown person with "they" pronoun and i just so fuking love it! everyone is so accepting and it's just a NORMAL thing!! no one has to fight and scream everyday for their identity and choices to be respected.

"she/her from now on"

"ok."

and THAT'S IT!! NO FUKING DRAMA!! and I love it!!!

(btw that's not the exact wording but you get the idea right?)

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YES YES YES

“Names are tough. You don’t choose it. Someone else does, and it ends up defining your whole life. And when the name and who you are don’t match, you have to spend time changing what people think when they look at you. Not just people who already know you, but everyone else too. How the whole world sees you.”

- Luc Rodriguez

Blood Like Magic, Liselle Sambury

[crystallic-moon]

So last night I finished They Both Die At The End and oooffffff. I’ve been left with so many feelings, so I need to vent here. Like on one hand I’m so incredibly sad, but on the other hand I’m really happy too that I got to read such a beautiful book and get introduced to Rufus and Mateo’s characters + story. They really have my heart. And the built up of them getting together was so good! Literally holding hands is their thing. I already miss them like crazy so I think I’m gonna just dive into every fanfic, fanart and tumblr post ever made of them. Or just reread the book already. Bless Adam for being so talented and writing this for us

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It’s been 4 months and I’m Still crying. Mateo ❤️ Rufus

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they both die at the end thoughts after reading:

mateo and rufus are so pure and so lovable

rufus seemed like an asshole at first but he was such a soft boy (my fave!!)

i got scared to death when peck showed up with his gang

delilah's end broke me srsly that's so sad

as the day was ending my anxiety was rising and although it literally said so in the title, part of me hoped they'd actually survive :/

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They Both Die At The End: a small rant.

It’s been a total of four days since I finished reading TBDATE. This will probably have a few spoilers.

I went in knowing they would both die at the end. And they did. But since I was prepared for it to happen before I even opened the book, I didn’t expect my reaction to be so emotional.

It’s been four days and I am still holding grudges against a stove because it was less than 3 hours that Mateo and Rufus had left to beat the system. They could’ve been the first Deckers that survived their End-Day and I am so emotionally distraught over the fact that they questioned even taking a fucking bus just for Mateo to be defeated by a stove. A stove that we were all warned, was broken. I guess love is so blinding that it makes you forget.

It’s been a few months since I picked up a book (my last one was The Song of Achilles and we all know how that one ended) and despite receiving the emotions I did from the ending, I can’t help but to admire how well it was written. There were no loose ends and everything came around full circle. Even the tiny things like how Mateo and Rufus found that small message in the telephone booth and that later would be another Decker’s love-story and regret. It was wonderful.

I loved how the story was based on them dying but at the same time, all they did was live. It made me realise that maybe I shouldn’t wait until my End-Day to stop being scared. Death-Cast will not have me until I have myself.

The story ended with Rufus crossing to the street without an arm to hold him back. I was in denial when there were no more pages after that. Then, I sat in my bed for the next twenty minutes, crying and comforting myself because fictional characters tugged at my heartstrings again.

It’s good now though, I will probably find time in the future to read it again. It’s definitely going to need more than one read in my lifetime. It’s time to start living now, I guess.

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It's mad twisted, but surviving showed me it's better to be alive wishing I was dead than dying wishing I could live forever. - Rufus

The number one person I'll miss the most is future Mateo, who maybe loosened up and lived. It's hard to picture him clearly, but I imagine future Mateo trying out new things like smoking pot with friends, getting a driver's licence and getting on a plane to Puerto Rico to learn more about his roots. - Mateo

Love is a superpower we all have, but it's not always is superpower I'd be able to control. Especially as I get older. Sometimes it will go crazy and I shouldn't be scared if my power hits someone I'm not expecting it to. - Mateo

But no matter what choices we make - solo or together - our finish line remains the same. No matter how we choose to live, we both die at the end. - Mateo

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Happy Birthday Mateo, you were one of my first comfort characters in a book. I love you and always will!

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This is so good

I like to think that in another life, Rufus and Mateo met somewhere where there are neon lights and a marching band.

And despite the fact that the Mateo in this life doesn't wear glasses; just one glance at each other would be enough to start a flame that's brighter and more ferocious than the one that separated them.

[crystallic-moon]

I’m reading Blood Like Magic so here’s my live comments

There will 100% be spoilers

Is she sitting in a pool of blood?

A lot of blood.

Ok but the whole Voya not being able to make a decision thing is exactly like me.

Fuck Uncle Cathius.

“And so humble” I LOVE KEIS BEING ABLE TO HEAR HER THOUGHTS

Wait- Alex’s bleeding came from her eyes and ears, but it was said that that’s how it is for the guys since they don’t have a period. Soo.. is Alex trans?

ALEX IS TRANS I LOVE THE REPRESENTATION

Aww i love what Voya’s mom said to her when Voya was becoming insecure about her hips.

Luc may be mean but he sounds hot ;-;

Holy shit- Mama Jova’s scars— my heart hurts for what she had to go through

Holy shit I think we’re watching how Mama Jova died

The year 2049, I’d be 44 years old in this story

Nooo Eden 🥺

Ok but maybe Mama Jova didn’t mean kill him? But also I get why she’d want bloodshed because of the way she died...

Voya just exposed Luc :0

Omg why am I starting to like Luc

I’m a Luc simp but I shouldn’t be

I suck at remembering to write in this. This whole mystery with Auntie Elaine is confusing.

I also loved that scene at the Night Market where Luc gave her a temporary tattoo. It felt like their first real raw bonding moment.

I wonder if Lucs secretly a witch. Like what if he is but he doesn’t know about it.

Aww Luc called over Voya while he was workinggg she’s growing on him.

LMAO DENNIS BEING LIKE HOW TF DID U GET LIC TO TALK TO YOU

Priya holding Edens hand hurts because she’s probably scared it may be the last time she might get to.

AHAH- LUCS LIKE U SURE UR MOM WOULD LET U HAVE A BOY IN UR ROOM, AND VOYA FREEZES AND HES LIKE DIDNT THINK ABOUT THAT DID U

Why was that cute omg

Oh they’re definitely starting to like each other

*clears throat* Lucs letting her get into his personal space

Justin did something to Elaine I know it.

I think Elaine had something to do with Justin discovering the genetic modification thing.

I like Luc and Alex kinda bonding over both being trans.

Are they really talking about her when they know she’s in the house or near it?? Y’all are witches I’d assume you’d be a bit smarter about this.

Omg he went after her crying, my heart.

HE OFFERED TO HUG HER

AWW HES SO AWKWARD IT HURTS

Dammit she has to kill him.

“‘I think you make him flustered.’” MHM YES SHE DOES

I feel so bad for Alex she didn’t deserve to find out that way.

I don’t know if I love or hate that Voya said yes to dinner.

“Every day, more and more cracks in our family get exposed” - my theory is that the whole ‘destroy your first love’ thing is about her family. Voya’s family is her first love and the has to destroy its secrets.

Can we not kill Luc please

Oh shit she killed Juras-

Oh he survived

*cough* they definitely like each other

Man, fuck Justin.

YES GO BE SPONTANEOUS

Peptalkpeptalkpeptalk

“If I give it back, what excuse will I have to keep inviting you places to return it?” STOP HES SO CUTE

I really love the representation of both Luc and Alex being trans. And Keisha being a lesbian.

He’s definitely given her profile more than a ‘glance’

I know I’ve said it before. And it’s probably getting repetitive. But I love the trans representation in Luc.

I feel like Luc is being more soft with Voya, when Voya was like examining his body cuz he told her about how often he eats, he awkwardly was like could u not examine my body. But like with other ppl I feel like he wouldn’t been more snappy with it, cuz as we’ve seen he’s not afraid to be a little mean.

Honestly I get Lucs thing about speaking Spanish to his family and being told he has an accent every time. Happens to me a lot, it’s irritating but I try.

Yes u like him and he likes u it’s so obvious now kiss.

THEY KISSED OMG

They are so adorable please don’t make her kill him.

I am so worried about her watching this.

JOHAN OMG

stop the man was wipping them like how Mama Jova died is that meant to be a sign???

Luc came to see her???

Okay okay but how tf is she supposed to explain to Luc that she got whipped by a magical man or whatever that wat because she wanted to watch a ritual so she could prepare to kill him?? - not even the killing him part, how is she supposed to explain the some magic dude whipped me part?!

No it’s a vision girl don’t believe it.

ITS A VISION STOP IT.

Omg can this girl catch a break she just got badly injured and almost died she doesn’t need this.

WAIT LUC WAS ACTUALLY THERE

WAIT THE THING SHE SAID IN HER VISION DID SHE SAY THEM OUTLOUD?!

CUZ IF SHE DID SHE MENTIONED HURTING JURAS SO LUC WOULD KNOW SHE DID SOMETHING TO JURAS.

NOOOO

I’m upset.

Watching Voya and her dad bind is bittersweet cuz I know he still hurt her despite this bonding moment.

Mama Jova better have a good ass lesson to teach Voya with this task cuz girl is going through it.

I want to see Luc again.

I am so anxious to keep reading cuz I genuinely don’t know what’s going to happen.

I feel like Lucs gonna show up to her cooking competition especially since he can easily find her location.

I WAS RIGHT HE SHOWED UP

Fuck Justin man.

At least he’s the successor

Ok I get Voya wanting to be honest but why would admit that he still considering killing him ;-; for all you know he could be recording this and take it to the cops.

“Are you breaking up with me?” STOP STOP RIGHT NOW

I hate that he blocked her but like -he has a very very valid reason. Surprised he didn’t get a whole restraining order.

Wait wait since Voya broke the circle when they were casting the spell to protect caribana that means there will be no protection and that has to mean something??

I’m betting that something bads gonna happen at the Caribana

I feel like her mom told her until to stay until they got back for a good reason

YAY SHE PASSED BUT WAT DID SHE ASK FOR

Omg I thought Voya got shot—

Ok yes technically Voyas partially to blame for breaking the circle but it’s not entirely her fault

No no no u could’ve just gotten rid of her internship or something but trap her in the house forever? Sorry girl I wouldn’t forgive u either.

I like that Lucs back but it hurts

Holy shit things have gone very south

Ofc he was gonna trap u in glass cage with Eden what did u expect Luc ;-;

Mf I swear to fucking god if u kill granny

Aww Luc and Voyas little moment through the glass. I can tell he feels guilty and still loves her...

He’s still trying to protect her.

Oh shit he’s known since before Luc and Voya even met

They’re not a legitimate genetic match-

THEY STILL FELL FOR EACH OTHER WHO CARES.

I like Voyas thing about him thinking what he had with Elaine was love, because wat they had wasn’t love if he expected her to do anything he asked just because she loved him.

Granny to the rescue

Granny is not to the rescue.

Yes Luc he’s a lying cheat.

Please I thought Luc was destined to die, not Granny 🥺

“Who will by my grandma is she’s gone?” STOP IT RIGHT NOW

“Does it also not matter that I can’t even have a conversation with my parents without arguing? That I’ve forgotten how to speak my own language because you told me it wasn’t important? If the outcome of good, are the consequences irrelevant?” STOP LUC MY BABY DOESNT DESERVE THIS.

Stop that actually hurts cuz Luc sees how great of a relationship Voya has with her family and he’s just there without a relationship with them besides shared genes.

Yes Luc argue with the asshole.

Even tho u were once an asshole.

Edennn 🥺

Omg u love Luc fighting for them

Like I love how Luc fought for Justin to let Granny hug her granddaughter goodbye. It shows he cares and how this really does hurt him especially the way Voya described him wiping away his tears and screaming.

“Granny puts Eden back down on the chair and pauses to stare at Luc. ‘Thank you. ‘Please don’t,’ Luc croaks. ‘Too bad. I already thanked you.’” - Luc probably feels like this is his fault, that’s why he doesn’t want Granny to thank him.

:0 granny was the one who saved Luc from Voya stabbing him in her vision.

I like that Granny respected Voyas wishes of not killing him by saving him herself.

Keis is eternally trapped in the house for nothing.

Seriously.

I mean I’m glad Eden was saved by that but still.

“Why would you tell me this now? Why would you make me sparked as shit with you right as your about to die?” 🥺

She regrets not trusting Voya 🥺

AWW STOP “That means you can’t die. You have to make it up to me. Borrow someone else’s gift. Fix this.”

Granny was always planning making Voya the matriarch.

STOP SHE WONT GET TO BE A MAMA

Omg omg omg it’s Auntie Elaine.

Wait that’s so smart, turning him into the prototype

Omg her killing his body’s was intense—

“Why couldn’t you listen to me? Why couldn’t you find another way?” Luc still cared about Justin but of course he did, he wasn’t the best but it’s still the man who basically raised him.

Aww he tried to save Eden regardless

Omg she almost collapsed

Oh shit. “It’s the Luc I imagined once he knew the truth. That hateful twist to his mouth and narrowing of his eyes.” He hates her.

Wait that’s so sad, him only having the bionic lenses to remember Justin by.

“‘For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. But don’t forget that we both lost someone today.’ Luc shakes his head. ‘You lost someone. I lost everyone.’” - Stopp that’s so sad. Voya lost her granny but she still has her family, but Luc doesn’t have anyone else. He’s absolutely done with Voya, he doesn’t have any other friends, his sponsee siblings seem to hate him, and he argues with his family. Justin was all he had and now that’s gone too...

Sorry I’m mad a Voya too for trapping Keis in the house.

AWW LUC CHANGED THE CHROMOSOME ID THING

“Alex said that now her ID brings up XX the way it should.” I LOVE IT

“I like to think it’s because he’s better than that.” I think he hasn’t threatened or punished them for what happened because deep down he still wants to protect Voya and he’s aware they did it to save themselves and their family.

Woahhh Justina dads death

“The ancestors must love irony.” 💀

I guess she sort of did listen to Luc cuz she’s interning at Roti Roti for Johan.

I hate that Granny’s gone :(

Voyas showing Rena, Lauren’s mom, how she died 🥺

Wait I love that.

“I bring the intent. They bring the blood. We both pay for the gift of magic.”

This was a good book.

I loved the different genres blended together. I loved the magic side of it, it’s witches, and how they had this whole system with a matriarch, and a whole community. I loved the sci fi parts, with the genetic modification and this huge new company NuGene. I loved loved loved the romance between Voya and Luc and how they didn’t get their traditional happy ever after, and how they also weren’t a legit genetic match but they still fell for each other. And I loved the mystery side with figuring out who Mama Elaine was and what important role she played.

I’ll admit the story felt slow in the beginning and I almost decided to turn around and return it for another book but I’m so glad I didn’t because it was a good and eye catching book. But it does upset me and Keis really got the short end of the stick, she spent the whole book working to get a NuGene internship only to end up trapped in the house by the person who pushed her to get the internship.

This was a good book tho I do recommend.

Also Luc never returned Voyas food container.

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finished July 15, 2021 at 2pm

[crystallic-moon]

I need y’all to read this book rn so I can have someone to talk to😩😩😩

The love interest is a trans man!!! Enemies to lovers!!!! There’s a demiromantic lesbian!!!!! The main character cooks a lot for the people she love!!!!! It’s a urban fantasy that takes place in the future!!!!!!!!!!! It has witches!!!! aND THIS COVER!!!!!!!!!!!

PLEASE just read this prompt

A rich, dark urban fantasy debut following a teen witch who is given a horrifying task: sacrificing her first love to save her family's magic. The problem is, she's never been in love - she'll have to find the perfect guy before she can kill him. After years of waiting for her Calling-a trial every witch must pass in order to come into their powers-the one thing Voya Thomas didn't expect was to fail. When Voya's ancestor gives her an unprecedented second chance to complete her Calling, she agrees-and then is horrified when her task is to kill her first love. And this time, failure means every Thomas witch will be stripped of their magic. Voya is determined to save her family's magic no matter the cost. The problem is, Voya has never been in love, so for her to succeed, she'll first have to find the perfect guy- and fast. Fortunately, a genetic matchmaking program has just hit the market. Her plan is to join the program, fall in love, and complete her task before the deadline. What she doesn't count on is being paired with the infuriating Luc- how can she fall in love with a guy who seemingly wants nothing to do with her? With mounting pressure from her family, Voya is caught between her morality and her duty to her bloodline. If she wants to save their heritage and Luc, she'll have to find something her ancestor wants more than blood. And in witchcraft, blood is everything.

TELL ME THIS DOESNT SOUND AMAZING AND P L E A S E ITS EVEN BETTER EXECUTED

[crystallic-moon]

I hate when you read a book and it becomes everything and anything you think about

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i can't stop thinking about how without meeting each other mateo and rufus would have both died in the same ways, but much earlier in the day

even though meeting each other killed them, it kept them alive for the only hours they truly lived

[crystallic-moon]

Help I need book recommendations I just read They Both Die at the End and I want something with a similar vibe and fast pace.

But I’m really picky and indecisive

I would also love to read more queer books but my family is homophobic so it can’t be obvious that it’s lgbtq+ 😅

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I always imagined him with brown eyes

Aight. Book Tumblr, do your thing.

The question, a very important one , is:

Which eye colour does Mateo Torrez have in they both die at the end?

I need to know because my mum is making me plushies of my fave book characters

Please please please help me out 🙏

[crystallic-moon]

they both die at the end - adam silvero