#writing cc4

[bending-sickle]

it's 1:37 am and i should be asleep but i am thisclose to killing my blorbo in this fic and goddamnit i just need to get to one more line before brain can let me stop

[yazthebookish]

This might be a bit long but the Gwynriel Reddit thread inspired me to let my thoughts flow about Gwyn and Azriel.

P.s. this will include some HOFAS spoilers.

I've said this before but SJM choosing to end Azriel's chapter with Gwyn is a choice. It's the beginnings and the endings of a chapter that authors tend to put a lot of thought into—so her ending the chapter which felt like her nudging readers' to Gwyn's direction is intentional.

Gwyn was not just a random addition, given their interactions throughout ACOSF their scene in the bonus chapter didn't feel out of place (even if readers' didn't expect to see her in it).

People try to invalidate the bonus chapter as much as they can but HOFAS had proved once again that they are important and canon (though I do think SJM and her publisher need to include these in the main books because they are crucial).

"You depend so much on a bonus chapter that a lot of readers don't have access to"

True but that doesn't mean the next book can't fill in the blanks because Azriel and Gwyn were already interacting in ACOSF, so having that romantic development in the next book (and the possible reveal that they're mates) + ON PAGE will still make it up for the readers that never read the bonus chapter. Like, CC4 will definitely bring up the fact that Ruhn and Lidia got married (despite it happening in a bonus).

I always considered the bonus chapter as a teaser for what will happen in the next book, Sarah confirmed she sprinkled little crumbs and I quote "I want to hear all your theories after you read the book and his [Azriel's] bonus scene, the crumbs have all been scattered, little bread crumbs everywhere" and it will keep readers guessing until the next book is out. So you won't know for sure how relevant or significant the bonus chapter is and the crumbs she scattered until you read the next book.

With that being said, Gwyn's cameo in the bonus chapter didn't come without some interesting clues: Azriel's shadows didn't warn him she was around, they were curious about her and she smiled at them, they danced and sang around her, Azriel revealed he sings because she asked, she thanked him with a smile and he felt settled even his shadows calmed.

We never saw his shadows react to anyone the way they did with Gwyn. They seem drawn to her, they danced, they sang, and while there are many theories about it but I absolutely do think if the shadows would be drawn to someone it would be Azriel's mate.

"Azriel and Gwyn had no romantic development and he didn't think about kissing her and all that"

But did every SJM couple start that way? No. And someone expressing the desire to kiss and hook up with someone is not always an indication of endgame (I can count multiple couples who kissed but weren't endgame).

The crumbs we had of them in ACOSF sets the groundwork for a romantic relationship to build in the next book—because who doesn't want to read about them both falling in love on page?

And yes, Sarah is capable of writing a love story from scratch in a single book (e.g., Tower of Dawn). Another example is how ACOMAF started with Feyre being in love with Tamlin and halfway through she started to really fall in love with Rhys.

The whole Azriel/Elain/Lucien triangle is messy as it is, so I don't think SJM would turn it into a square by inserting Gwyn. SJM could've chose not to give Gwyn and Azriel any ties in any way whether it was him rescuing her, him training the Valkyries, and again, including her in his own bonus chapter (hell even her boss:guardian Clotho made an appearance).

But she did and based on her pattern with her male love interests in particular, she doesn't really insert a new female or have females fight over the male love interest. I don't ever see Elain and Gwyn fight over Az, each might have an issue with Az on their own but do I see them argue with each other over Azriel? Absolutely not.

And if you look at the sequence of the scenes in his chapter, it gives a better idea of how it was planned:

1. Starts with Azriel reflecting on his loneliness while everyone left.

2. Elain shows up and they interact, Azriel gives her the necklace and they almost kiss.

3. Rhysand interferes and Az stops the kiss and tells Elain it was a mistake.

4. Az and Rhys argue and ends with Rhys ordering him to stay away from Elain and dismissing him.

5. Az leaves to the House of Wind wanting to work off the frustration but finds that Gwyn already occupied the training ring.

6. Gwyn and Az interact and he leaves the scene feeling settled down and his shadows calmed.

7. He wakes up, goes to the River House and finds Elain's necklace, he pockets it with the intention of returning it to the shop after the snowball fight.

8. Instead of the shop, he goes to the library to ask Clotho to give the gift to Gwyn and refuses to leave with it.

9. Going back and forth, Clotho eventually agrees and said she will tell Gwyn a friend gave it to her and she thanks Az for the joy it will bring to Gwyn.

10. Az leaves but the mention of Gwyn's joy sparked something in him that it brought a slight smile to his face, he buried the image in his chest where it glows quietly.

Both interactions with Elain and Rhys ended with him feeling miserable, but both interactions with Gwyn and Clotho ended with him feeling lighter and better—and to me that shows me how intentional SJM was with creating these parallels (including the shadows skittered back vs the shadows danced and sang).

Instead of Gwyn and Clotho we could've had Mor or Nesta or Amren, but SJM chose Gwyn and Clotho. Like, it could've ended after Rhys's argument but again, it's a writer's choice.

That's why no matter how many times I reread ACOSF my mind doesn't change much because SJM is not that subtle.

[theloveliestfawn]

The tables will turn when it turns out to be Elriel as the unconvential ship and they're the true crack ship. Sarah won't write them because they won't sell. It will be boring

A Mate Rejection wouldn't work out in standalone books (even if they're interconnected since each standalone promises the couple a HEA and each get one book as confirmed by Sarah in her interviews)

How are you expecting the author to write a compelling rejection story for something that wasn't even explored much? Just ask Elain to say the word "No" and that's it? It's a waste of a storyline. It's not interesting. There are no stakes.

Again, the book won't sell. Sarah won't write it Elain and Lucien however offer an "arranged marriage" kind of dynamic since we never had a mated pair who knew they were mates before they were in love

They will have tension and the clash of desires and reluctance between them. Reluctant love can be so good. So what if they're at odds now, it's not like Sarah haven't wrote couples that didn't start on a great foot before (Rowaelin literally hated the sight of each other)

It seems that this anon is crashing out and venting to other elriels as well but I wanna share my thoughts too <3

TW: YAPPING🥀

How can I expect the author to write a compelling mate rejection story which isnt explored much ???? Idk, maybe we just expect the best from her? The author herself has said in an interview that the mate rejecting thing would be very interesting so I hope she's gonna do her best w it.

Its not wrong for you to prefer Elucien over Elriel. We are all entitled to our preferences. But it doesn't mean that our preference is canon.

I don't want to argue about canon w you rn. I want to talk abt why I prefer Elriel over Elucien. In my opinion, Elucien's story will just be the same as the other SJM couples. Arranged marriage vibes or whatever you name it, it still follows the same formula, same route. "at odds now", "not starting on a great foot"... that sounds a lot like Nessian 😃 And lots of other SJM couples 😃

Btw, talking abt arranged marriage, have u read HOFAS, anon? Cus Sathia Flynn and Tharion Ketos seemed arranged marriage enough for me. If you like that trope, Im sure that the author will write their love story based on that trope especially since we will have CC4 "House of many waters" and Tharion being a freaking mermaid would absolutely get his POV and love story with sathia.

Now for the "reluctant love"...well Idk abt that. Elain is just indifferent towards Lucien. Lemme ask you, have u ever had a guy crushing on you, your classmates ship you two, but you arent comfortable with it cus you just dont like that guy, instead you love another guy from the class? yeah, thats Elain's case. She wants nothing to do with Lucien. She wants Azriel.

Look, its no use to fight over this. I would ship Elain n Lucien if she was neutral or show even slight emotions towards Lucien, like hate. But no, she js dgaf abt him lmao.

As elriels, we swoon over thoughtful gestures both Azriel and Elain had done for each other throughout the books and their freaking buildup man...

In ACOMAF, both are neutral with each other. They started on good terms. They talked to each other very well and Elain was comfortable w Azriel. no feelings for each other yet, just civil.

In ACOWAR, theres so much significant scenes that shows how Azriel cared for Elain, how protective he is towards her, how he sees her ( im getting her back scene, truth teller scene, the cauldron made you a seer scene ) And ofc theres thoughtful gestures like Azriel escorting Elain to see the garden. no feelings for each other yet, but Az feels protective and is caring towards Elain.

In ACOFAS, they grow closer. Az literally listens to Elain talking abt her garden plans till 3 am. And yes, more thoughtful gestures like the potato scene and making everyone wait for Elain taking her seat before eating.

In ACOFAS, Azriel doesn't have feelings for Elain yet. IMO he was still pining for Mor. It was stated that he blushes looking at Mor after she gifted him a towel as solstice present.

Then when did Azriel developed true feelings for Elain and slowly move on from Mor?

After Elain gifted him the headache powder.

And thats why in ACOSF, he felt very intensely abt Elain. He spent a whole year post ACOFAS developing feelings for her, thinking abt her, and it was too much that he avoided being bear Elain. Was it ever too much for Azriel when he pined for Mor? No, he could still be near her, be friends with her. But with Elain? No. He had to stay away bcus Elain is too much for him. But even when he stayed away, he would be the first one to act whenever Elain is in potential danger or in any slightly inconvenient situation. He is very protective towards Elain... shadows gathered around the corner of the room like snakes preparing to strike...."What happened to Elain?" ...Elain shouldnt be exposed to the cauldron's darkness n more.

As for Elain, she was never shy towards Azriel pre ACOSF. But in ACOSF, she was shy when she gestured towards Azriel. Why is she suddenly shy towards Azriel? Because she now has feelings for Azriel as well. Az did so many sweet things for Elain and he's hot, ofc she wants him now duh.

And then the grand finale scene for elriel in ACOSF was the charged glance. THERE IS TENSION BETWEEN THEM.

As for the bonus chapter, the "It was a mistake" and "You are to stay away from her" happened. Elain misunderstanding why Az pulled away from the kiss and rhys ordering Az to stay away from Elain RAISED THE TENSION BETWEEN THEM.

Theres too much foundation for Elriel. Can you see how beautiful their relationship progressed? THE TENSION BETWEEN THEM? The author cannot make this buildup just for them to go to waste which she admits that she hates when it happens.

[nikethestatue]

Azriel and Gwyn were already interacting in ACOSF, so having that potential romantic development in the next book (and the possible reveal that they're mates) + ON PAGE will still make it up for the readers that never read the bonus chapter. Like, CC4 will definitely bring up the fact that Ruhn and Lidia got married (despite it happening in a bonus).

The bonus chapter is a teaser for what will happen in the next book, S.J.M confirmed she sprinkled little crumbs and I quote "I want to hear all your theories after you read the book and his [Azriel’s] bonus scene, the crumbs have all been scattered, little bread crumbs everywhere".

If Gwyn is not that relevant of a character then what is she doing in Azriel's chapter? Why are the shadows' reactions to her are unique? Why was it Az who first showed up as grump felt settled down and his shadows even calmed down after their interaction? Why is Clotho in his chapter?

If you do a simple layout or a breakdown of the bonus chapter:

First half: Elain and Rhysand - both end on a miserable note for Azriel

Second half: Gwyn and Clotho - both end on a hopeful note for Azriel

I know that authors tend to put a lot of thought into how they start a chapter and how they end a chapter.

The bonus chapter begins with Azriel reflecting on his own loneliness, and it ends with him burying the image of Gwyn's joy in his chest after Clotho thanks him for the joy the gift will bring to her.

Some readers might not agree with it, but Azriel's chapter ended with Azriel's thoughts and the image of Gwyn's joy. Won't that nudge the reader that direction?

The love triangle Az is stuck in is already messy as it is, so there was absolutely no need to have Gwyn in his bonus chapter-still she's there.

His chest sparking and the image of Gwyn's joy wasn't planted there by some nefarious power, it wasn't until Clotho thanked Azriel for Gwyn's joy. So technically, Clotho triggered it. (Her name does get mentioned in mythology and she is someone of Fate. It is not a coincidence!)

The entire last paragraph he was aware of his thoughts. He consciously erased his smile at the image of Gwyn's joy and chose to bury her image deep in his chest where it glows quietly.

"For whatever reason" oh I don't know, the reason he can't pinpoint to it is because it could be the mating bond that he isn't aware of? Azriel is the only bat hoy without a mate.

There is constant foreshadowing in ACOSF that Gwynriel are mates. And they will be the endgame.

Anon, you can write the longest anons in the history of anons.

All of this comes off as desperate, because you aren't convincing anyone but yourself. This is in line with the general Gwynriel desperation to bag Azriel and make their ship happen.

What none of you ever understood is that 96% of Elriels are Elain stans first. Kind of like Nesta stans, who put Nesta first and foremost, we are the same.

Elain liked Azriel. Azriel obviously likes Elain. That equals Elriel.

But if you think for one moment that we'll be as pathetically desperate for Elriel to happen as you are for Gwynriel to happen, if there is even a WHIFF of hesitation on Azriel's part, if he is not fully obsessed with Elain, if he is not going to be willing to tear the world apart for her, then YOU. CAN. HAVE. HIM.

If there is hesitation. If he is written as someone CHOOSING between two women. If he is someone who looks at two traumatized, young, vulnerable but strong women, and he starts choosing one over the other like he is trying on a pair of shoes, then YOU. CAN. HAVE. HIM.

He'd be no better than Graysen. Worse actually.

If this is the MMC of your dreams--then have him. We'll wait for something better. It's that simple.

[nicawritesandwhines]

How many books does SJM has left?!

There’s a lot of misinformation about how many books are left for ACOTAR series and the contract that Sarah in currently under.

We know that in March/2023, she signed a new contract with Bloomsbury.

So Sarah had left 3 books from her previous deal, including HFAS! To that was added another 4 books, including her new series.

From this new 4 books, 3 are probably for her new series, since she has history of signing a trilogy every new series. The other one is for CC4, that Sarah already told we are going to have.

We’re left with 2 books. Acotar 5 and another one.

Now we have two possibilities: either we have another ACOTAR, or we have a new book from the Throne of Glass series since Sarah hinted that TOG is not over, and that she has an idea in mind she really wants to work with and is very excited to write about.

My guess? Sarah already finished ACOTAR 5, but ACOTAR 6 is on the realms of possibilities of all the stories she could go for. I have a strong feeling that maybe ACOTAR 5 will be the last one in series (at least for a decade).

[dailycamilacabello]

“I feel like this album is me 'living my questions'. The writing process started with me sitting alone and returning to the passion of composing, freaking out like a nerd about references, artists and poems.” - Camila talking about CC4 for her Call Her Daddy Interview

[stuckinapatriarchalbullshitland]

Creative freedom and debt are important for an artist in the industry. Considering that if an artist under contract has to pay for being an investment of a record label, when an album or project does poorly and does not reach the numbers expected by the record label, the artist is left in DEBT. And not just any debt, it is a lot of money invested there.

Even worse when it comes to a mainstream artist

One of the reasons CC2 was able to come out was, in part, because of Showmila.

CC4 apparently didn't do well and I don't know how much Interscope invested in it, but if there was a Camila she still owes that investment to the record label and if she wants to remain mainstream or go indie, guess what.

Camila still needs money. And probably not just for her.

To the anon who thinks the "relationship" is real, think again and remember what Mattmila was like and what Showmila was like and how all of Camila's PR circuses are always related to a beach.

This is the last post I'm going to write related to this new circus so don't ask me any more and do your research. With this, I'm not only hoping for Camila's cc5, but her future freedom from the mainstream industry if that's something she wants. Time will tell.

By the way, Lauren warned us about this already

That ring 💍....

[gwynrieldreams]

Ok, now e/riels are claiming that b/ryceriel or even a/zris has more canon than gwynriel.

Bryce, who has a mate and lives in a different universe. Bryce who had three books and got her hea. For those who still haven't realised, cc4 will revolve around other couples (satharion, ariflynn, ithan/perry). Bryce is my favourite sjm fmc and Azriel my favourite sjm male character, I even entertained the idea of them being mates after hosab, but hofas established quinlar. Hunt was literally made for Bryce and there's plenty of mating language in their scenes. There's no way sjm wrote three books, just to undo them with b/ryceriel, that's not how writing works!

A/zris is fun but this is sjm we're talking about, she's never going to write a whole book about a m/m couple. I love this ship because I love both Azriel and Eris, but let's not fool ourselves, it's not happening.

On the contrary, gwynriel is based on canon foreshadowing. Yes, there's no canon romance between them yet, but we know sjm's patterns, we know what's coming.

[lovemyromance]

Antis: Elriel can't be endgame because SJM always gaslights us and tries to make us think a couple is endgame when they're not!!

Okay... so ... is any couple safe then? Is Feysand safe? Is Nessian safe? Who's to say Rowaelin will not break up some day? Who's to say Bryce won't leave Hunt for some random character that hasn't been introduced yet in CC4?

SJM is not writing these couples for the sole purpose of trying to gaslight her readers. Not to mention - ACOTAR IS NOT TOG OR CC.

SJM has said multiple times, the spinoffs will feature dual POV and ONE couple.

Please tell me how we go from Elain ignoring Lucien, to getting with Azriel, to leaving Azriel, and falling in love and accepting the mating bond with Lucien all in one book.

Please explain how we go from Azriel pining after Elain, getting angry over Rhys forbidding him away from her, to ignoring Elain and falling for Gwyn, discovering Gwyn is his mate (lol), and accepting the mating bond with her?

Just... use your brains for once, my friends. The excuses for why Elriel can't be endgame are laughable at best, and downright misogynistic at worst. Like are you really telling me:

Elriel can't be together because his shadows don't like her and they disappear - even though his shadows disappear around the entire IC whenever he's happy or comfortable? Even though they tell him when she's safe and sound in bed and help him put the necklace on her

Elriel can't be together because Elain will always feel a tug to Lucien - yeah we know the mating bond feels like a tug, Elain has done a pretty good job of ignoring it thus far though, and it hasn't even been broken yet. It hasn't stopped her from trying to kiss Azriel in the hallway?

Elriel can't be together because SJM never pairs them with their first love interest - great! Because neither Elain or Azriel are each others first loves.

Elriel can't be together because Lucien deserves a happy ending - great! Good thing he has Vassa

Elriel can't be together because Gwyn will be sad - Gwyn could be the priestess at their wedding and she would not shed a single tear because she doesn't want Azriel and nothing she has done shows she is romantically interested in him whatsoever

Elriel can't be together because she's miserable in the NC - No she is not. And if she wants to leave, nobody is stopping her. And if I say Azriel will follow her to the ends of the earth, then?? Next.

Elriel can't be together bc she doesn't have an Illyrian pelvis - Adoption exists, ask SJM (adopted herself). Also, your misogyny is showing.

Elriel can't be together because Elain is scared of Azriel's darkness - I'm sorry, has she whispered those words only in your ears? Because nothing in canon suggests that she can't handle his darkness. She stabbed the king of Hybern - she's fine

Elriel can't be together because she is secretly pining after Lucien - brother where?? Also, she has a very interesting way of showing secret pining by getting Nawsty in the corridor with the spymaster instead of her mate

Elriel can't be together bc SJM is a fated mates author - Okay, and if I say the Elucien mating bond is fake and Azriel & Elain are true mates? Then what? Because SJM faked a mating bond with Rowan before - don't see why she couldn't do that again with Lucien & Elain to keep him away from breaking Vassa's curse. If she can do the switching up love interest plot twist this many times, she can definitely do the fake mating bond switch up too. Give me a single reason why not?

Elriel is not suited for each other but Lucien and Elain's personalities are perfect - brother where?? Again?? Because they don't even talk so how do you know they'd even get along?

Elriel can't get together because with Elucien and Gwynriel we'd get 2 stories - this is by far the stupidest excuse but I'd like to counter by saying Elriel + Vassien. There you go. Trade you one redhead for another. Now what?

Elriel can't get together because Elain needs sunlight - she said that once. When she was confused about her visions. She sat in the window once. When she was still confused about her visions.

Elriel can't get together because -

Y'all better just come right out and admit you don't like Elriel because you like Lucien better than Azriel or you like Gwyn better than Elain - because otherwise it is getting downright embarrassing reading your theories.

It's one thing to just not like a couple - that's your right and full send, nobody's stopping you.

It's another to fully claim Elriels are delusional for thinking a couple that is currently obsessed with each other is not going to be endgame. It's another thing to use out of context canon text to support your PREFERENCE. It's another thing to claim we use Elain as a self-insert because we "want Azriel smut".

Like tf? If we wanted Azriel smut we wouldn't care who he ended up with. If it were up to my personal preferences - I'd actually want Elain with Eris because I think that would be way more interesting than both Azriel AND Lucien. If I thought Elain was a self-insert for myself, I'd keep her with Lucien because Lucien book 1 is still my favorite.

So don't come around here and tell me Elriels are delusional for reading what is printed on the page.

It's not surface level reading if we look at a "Pool is 2FT deep" sign and believe it. We have NO reason to believe otherwise.

If you choose to doubt the words written on the sign -and dive in headfirst - that's your prerogative but something tells me you won't enjoy the results 🤷🏻‍♀️

[bending-sickle]

Eventually the Birds Must Land by bending_sickle, a Supernatural fanfic (Mature rating)

Castiel travels back in time to Crowley's last day on earth as Fergus MacLeod. He can't do anything to change what must happen, but he can still be selfish. As for Fergus, he's already damned, so what does he have to lose?

Part 4 of You Owe Me

[acourtofthought]

For the Elucien Fans

Who really want an Elucien book

Every time anything is released, this fandom goes wild.

SJM wears a Bambi sweater? Elain's book is next!

Az gets a Bonus in SF and CC? Az's book is next! (Even though both the SF bonus chapters revolved around Elain, even though Tharion had a bonus but people still theorize Ruhn and Lidia's romance will be the main romance in CC4, even though Lucien had his own POV in the actual ACOTAR series yet people still think Az will have a book before him).

SJM places the copy of HOSAB on top of a book about flowers? Elain's book is next!

A HOFAS teaser is revealed and it has both Nesta and Az? Az's book is next because she's drawing our attention to him!

But CC is not the ACOTAR series and SJM at one point drew our attention to the Elucien setup in ACOWAR, made a big part of the first third of the book about Lucien trying to get to Elain and the second third about him helping her through her depression yet some still think Az will get his book before them.

In an IG Live, SJM said when you get to the end of Silver Flames, you'll know whose book is next. Not when you get to the Az Bonus Chapter, not when you read CC3. When you get to the last book in the ACOTAR series.

Yes, she she said she's excited to write Az's journey but a side characters journey starts well before they have a book in her world (i.e., Chaol's journey started in book 1 of the TOG series, Cassian's journey with Nesta began from the moment they met in ACOMAF, Lucien's journey has been ongoing since ACOTAR. etc).

Crescent City isn't the ACOTAR series. They don't market it as such, there's no reading guide that tells you the order you need to read ACOTAR and CC books in for them to make sense.

Yes, she did say CC will set up future ACOTAR books but, we have no idea which "future" books she's referring to as she's often talked about not knowing if she'll be able to stop after the remaining spin-offs she's contracted for. I could be wrong but I'm almost positive she didn't say it will set up for the very next ACOTAR book after SF. She once said her initial plan for the spin-offs hadn't changed so she could be telling us that her plan for Elain and Nesta's story remained the same and CC3 now opens doors for what happens after she closes out the main story of the Archeron sisters. She could be telling us that once the threats on their world are resolved, then there will be a new threat introduced (that new threat dealing with those outside their world). And Az being a focus of CC3 could simply mean that when it is time for his story, that's the direction it will be headed but it doesn't mean she's ready to tell his story before she closes out Elucien's story and the issues with Koschei, Beron, Spring, etc. At the end of the day, CC3 is still Bryce's book and I don't imagine it will heavily set up for Az's even if hints are dropped. Just like hints have been dropped for both Elain and Lucien's journeys way back when.

We kind of knew that with Bryce arriving in Prythian and the Asteri (in CC2) saying they've trying to find their way back to the planet their brothers and sisters were living on in order to get revenge it already set up future ACOTAR books. And that was directly addressed in SJMs Live HOSAB spoiler interview. She said that yes, now the ACOTAR characters will be concerned that if Bryce can find her way into their world that means others might be able to as well.

But that doesn't mean SJM is going to end CC3 and start ACOTAR 5 after Bryce's arrival and departure from Prythian. That wouldn't make any sense, not when you consider how SF left off.

I hate this fact about myself but I am probably a good bit older than most in this fandom. Sometimes I feel a bit embarrassed as I realize it seems an odd hobby to have when I'm probably not in SJMs target age range but what that does mean is I know a few people who have never read the Crescent City series and don't plan to. I know those closer to my age who don't follow SJMs Instagram or follow posts on TikTok or join groups in FB. The majority of the fandom is younger and many do engage in online groups, her IG, etc but there are some outside that target age group (and maybe even some within it) who read ACOTAR and that's that. My oldest child's friends father is an ER doctor and he's read the ACOTAR series but hasn't dug any futher into the Maas Universe as he waits for the next one to be released.

He knows nothing of Bryce. He knows nothing of the Az bonus from SF or the Az / Nesta bonus that's going to be released with CC3 or Az's part in CC3. All he knows is that Nesta's story ended and the remaining plot related questions we were left with were "what about the peace treaty?" "What about Beron allying with Koschei?" "What about Spring and Tamlin?" Even the Illyrians weren't much of a focus at the end of SF because Gwyn and Emerie were laughing about it saying they'll be angry for decades and Cassian said they wouldn't be ready for battle training for many years. He has no idea that Az and Gwyn had the hints of a mating bond introduced in the bonus, has no idea that Elain and Az almost kissed (he thinks she's ending up with Lucien though). Literally, the end of SF has Eris saying the things they need to be worrying about are Beron, Koschei and the treaty.

So imagine if he picked up the next ACOTAR book and it was talking about a traveler from another world having landed in Prythian with the focus being on Az and TT and whatever was discovered in CC3. He would be completely confused.

Also, there was a sense of urgency surrounding Koschei, Spring, Beron, and Vassa in SF. CC3 picks up 6-9 months after that. If an Az book were to take place 10 months to over a year after SF then does it seem realistic that they've just stopped worrying about Koschei? That they no longer are worried about Vassa being taken back or the fact that they said they needed Springs forces to be ready yet have done nothing about it? That the bad guys have just been casually waiting around in the background putting their evil plans on hold so SJM can first address time travel and the Illyrian plots?

To me, it still makes more sense that that SJM would begin the next ACOTAR book shortly after SF, resolving the major issues that were left open ended, then segue into the events of CC3 which would lead us into ACOTAR 6 and anything related to time travel and others worlds.

It makes less sense that she would have introduced the Vassa and the destruction of Spring storylines in ACOWAR, the Elucien bond in ACOMAF, remind us of how they are still issues in ACOFAS and ACOSF ("tell my Vassa I'm waiitng", "You've been trying to bring Tamlin back for awhile but he's barely improved", "We need a strong ally, we need the Spring Courts forces") then delay them yet again in order to first move on to a plot that, while very subtly hinted at in SF, is really being introduced in an entirely different series.

At some point, doesn't it start to feel just slightly ridiculous to keep pushing Tamlins arc and Spring to the side? Vassa's arc to the side? The Elucien bond to the side? Lucien's father reveal to the side?

I could definitely be wrong, I own that. However, I do think there's some logic in what I'm saying and that could mean that Az playing a major part in CC3 still doesn't guarantee him the next ACOTAR book the way some are claiming. All it guarantees is that at some point, the information introduced for his storyline will eventually be addressed. If SJM introduced Lucien and Elain's storylines way back in book 2 yet still haven't resolved them 2.5 books later then there's nothing preventing her from the doing the same with Az, introducing his storylines but not resolving them until a book or two later.

[jemdeserveslove]

⚠️ HOFAS SPOILERS ⚠️

A thought about how it might continue for some characters ✨

This is essentially a rant lol (and english is not my first language and I read the book in Portuguese, there might be mistakes)

So, we know sjm will write more CC books, and I genuinely have no idea what it will be about, but I feel that these books are not a priority at the moment, yk? She’s continuing acotar (FUCKING FINALLY) and then she’ll write a new series (I have thoughts about that 👀) and then one day she’ll just show up talking about CC4 and we’ll all loose it lol

But I think there’re couple of years until that happens, cause the story that she was telling was indeed finished.

NOW HERE’S THE THING

I think the story was pretty much closed for Bryce and Hunt (they have done enough), so in these new books they won’t be main characters 🤷‍♀️ I hope she doesn’t pull a acotar on them and do a book per couple or something like that, cause I enjoy the multiple povs and I think it makes the story flows more smoothly. As for other characters…

- Ruhn and Lidia ✨, I would say it’s pretty much closed if it wasn’t for the Ocean Queen’s note to Lidia … so I guess Lidia will do more (WHICH I LOVE CAUSE I LOVE HER)

- My boy Ithan will definitely do A LOT, like I feel that at one point in the book he just didn’t do much anymore, like, more towards the end. But that’s very fitting I guess, he did do a lot and went through a lot and learned a lot, so idk … he has a lot more story to unpack in the future, especially on how he’s going to lead and change the wolfs, his ice powers and I guess maybe Perry (?)

- Tharion … oh, Tharion 🫠 the character who makes terrible choices lol BUT I LOVE HIM! He needs to deal with SOOO MUCH, like Ocean Queen and River Queen (?) even tho they must have forgiven him idk 🤷‍♀️, The Viper Queen (and whatever business she does next), his wife, Ariadne … honestly, he needs to figure himself out. And he will. In other books

- Hypaxiaaaa, I think she’s so cool but she hasn’t showed as much as other characters, so I guess she’ll show up more now that she’s a BIG speaking voice in how they’re gonna deal with the new world. And she does have her own business, like the witches stuff and all. So I think she’ll be more present

- Ariadne … so 🙃 … she basically didn’t show up at all. And I was (to say the least) really surprised by that. She was introduced as this really strong character and I just thought she was going to help them fight the Asteri (as one would), especially cause of the whole dragon fire thing, but no. She didn’t. I’m not complaining, but I guess she’ll have some sort of role in the other books then 🤷‍♀️ and probably have a thing with Tharion (I said what I said)

- Fury Axtar 🤡 WHAT DOES SHE DO??? WHO DOES SHE WORK??? HOW DOES SHE GO ABOUT HER DAY??? WHAT IS HER SPECIE???Like, I think we saw her fight maybe once??? On the attack in CC1. Other than that, we don’t see her much, but she’s so resourceful and enigmatic and everyone knows and fears her. Show me that. Please

- Flynn. So, I think the doors are more open to a story for him than it’s for Declan. Just cause, honestly, in a way, he actively does a bit less than Declan ( without Declan they wouldn’t do shut in these books) and he doesn’t have any romance, so there’s that. I don’t know if needs more, but we did have his sister this time, the ending bit with Ithan and Perry and he had more on him in CC2 because of Ari and the fire sprites. Also, he’s basically not a noble anymore, so there’s that too. But I don’t if he’ll be much more active

- The Viper Queen is the only villain I can think of 🤔 And maybe the Ocean and Rive Queens if they decide they want to lol. Other than that, I think it’s gonna be new characters

Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk ✨ There are more to come

[ravendruidreads]

House of Flame and Shadow - Review

Author: Sarah J. Maas Saga: Crescent City (#3) Date Read: January 31, 2024 - February 3, 2024 Format: Physical Pages: 838

Characters: 8/10 Atmosphere: 8/10 Writing: 6/10 Plot: 7/10 Intrigue: 8/10 Logic: 6/10 Enjoyment: 7/10 Rating: 7.1/10 (4 stars) Spice Level: 4/5

I'm not really sure how to start this review, because I forgot to write it when the book was still fresh in my mind, but I will do my best.

The review is hidden below due to spoilers.

Let's start with the characters!

ACOTAR is not my favorite series in the Maasverse, but it was my first, and, like many people, it opened the door to Romantasy. Because of this, I was very excited about Bryce's Arc in Prythian, and SJM did not disappoint. It was interesting to see things from a different perspective. Rhys, who we know wants nothing more than to protect his people, being seen as a potential bad guy from Bryce's eyes was emotionally conflicting. I loved every moment of it, except when Bryce left Nesta and Az to fight the Middengard Wyrm alone (I could kill Bryce for that).

Moving back to Midgard, and onto our MMC. My opinion about Hunt has not changed with this book (I'm sorry to disappoint, but I'm not a Hunt girlie). In a universe with Rhys and Rowan, Hunt is lacking badly, and not even the fact that he's a lightning wielder (which is my soft spot) makes up for it. I think the most interesting characteristic that he has is that he was literally made by the prices of Hel for Bryce. Not gonna lie, that's kind of romantic (I'm choosing to ignore the red flags of this).

Hypaxia, baby, thank you for breaking up with Celestina for snitching on your friends. Hypaxia is one of the MVPs in this story because she ticks off all my bingo slots: she is hot, she is smart, she is a necromancer and Queen of the Dead.

Another MVP is Jesiba. I knew there was something big about her, but I never imagined she was one of the priestesses of Parthos. Saying that I cried and smiled and fell completely in love with Jesiba is an understatement.

Do you know who is not a MVP? Ithan and Tharion. Once again, boring. I could not care less about their plot and POVs, and, unfortunately, I have a feeling that CC4 will be an Ithan and Tharion based book.

I've been avoiding talking about Bryce, but I'm running out of characters. I know she's the main character, but she was annoying as fuck in this book and I lost count at how many times I rolled my eyes at her. I was especially displeased with her behavior toward Hunt's PTSD and feelings in general.

This story would have been so much better if the main characters were Lidia and Rhun. Lidia is such a badass and her plot twist made her even better. She reminds me a lot of Aelin (duh) with all the fire inside of her (literal and figuratively). Her backstory tore my heart apart. Her and Rhun's relationship is everything to me and so, so much better than Quinlan. The only reason I gave this book a 4/5 spice level is because of Lidia and Rhun. They carried not only the spice, but also the entire book on their backs.

Let's move on to plot and writing!

The plot was kind of predictable, at least the end was. Some parts felt rushed, others felt too dragged on and everything related to the wolves and Tharion was just unnecessary to the story. I feel like SJM could have easily avoided using their POVs and subplots in these three books to create a spin-off with just them.

The battle with the Asteri was very disappointing and anti-climatic. There was a big hype for it but it was over before it even started and I never felt truly concerned about any of the characters (not even when it was obvious that Bryce was dying because I knew she would be brought back to life. SJM refuses to have a melodramatic end for her main characters-even though I'd prefer that in this story). Another thing that was disappointing about the battle was all the concern for the antidote and trying to get it to Bryce and Hunt to unleash their ultimate powers, only for Bryce not to have taken it until after the story was over. Like... what the fuck? What was the point of it, then?

Speaking of POVs, there were too many POVs to keep count of and too many abrupt changes within the same chapter. I felt lost at times. However, thankfully, for this book there was a physical demarcation of POV change (I think my previous issues were due to reading a digital copy).

A good thing about the plot was all the lore we got about the Daglan/Asteri. Learning more about the story of Prythian and Midgard was very fun, especially when comparing the truth to what we had been told in previous books. Although there were a few moments during all this lore dump that felt a bit too real with real life, and I didn't need that identity crisis, thank you very much. I read to escape reality, not to be confronted with the harsh truths of my existence.

I think overall I enjoyed reading this book. I read 300 pages on the first day, because I couldn't set it aside, which is an improvement from the previous CC books. I definitely think my rating could (and will) be lowered to three stars with a re-read since it's on the cusp (for those who don't know, in the CAWPILE rating system, 3 stars is an interval score of 4.6 to 6.9, and 4 stars starts at a score of 7).

Honorable mention:

With that, she pulled Nesta to her in a tight embrace, and Bryce could have sworn something like pain and longing crossed Nesta's expression. Like she hadn't experienced a mom-hug for a long, long time.

Ember and Nesta's goodbye had me in tears. As someone who has lost her mother, I definitely relate to this.

A quote Quotes that stayed (don't ask me to pick one):

I love you. I fell in love with you in the depths of my soul, and it's my soul that will find yours again in the next life.

A world where people loved and valued books and learning so much that they were willing to die for them. Can you imagine what such a civilization was like?

[nikethestatue]

So let me get this straight (Bryceriel edition).

SJM will announce the next book as--I am assuming--Azriel's. In the announcement, she will state:

Before you dive into Azriel's book, please make sure that you read all of Crescent City books. Yes, you will need to consume about 3,000 pages so you understand the background before you read ACOTAR 6.

No, this book will not be about any Archeron sisters. In fact, they won't be involved at all. It will be about the FMC from a different series entirely.

No, it's not CC4. This is definitely ACOTAR6.

Yes, I am aware that the FMC I mated to another man, whom she loves. Yes, yes, I know they are married. Yes, I remember that I wrote that Hunt was Bryce's 'home'. Yes, I know they chose each other as mates. No, I didn't forget how I wrote that Hunt was created specifically for Bryce.

Yes, I know that Bryce's whole life is in a totally different world.

But didn't you catch me writing how Azriel held her hand that one time and looked at her without scowling?

WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED?

Don't you understand that she is going to leave her world, her mate, her husband, her love, as well as all her friends, her mother, her brother, her phone and her tight pants, her step father, and everything else, so she could be with Azriel in Prythian, reviving a dead Court and ruling over it.

Yes, I am aware that it sounds like a CC4 book, and not an ACOTAR book. No, Azriel doesn't have much to do.

BUT HE HELD HER HAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway. Just fucking read it, will you.

[gwyns]

Hi! Do you think that the next ACOTAR book will come out next year or 2026? I hope it is sooner because we've been waiting for so long :(

i definitely think it'll be next year and that's for a couple of reasons

first, sjm confirmed she was writing it months ago, whereas with hofas, she didn't officially confirm she was working on it until at least a few weeks after hosab released. could she have been working on it before then? sure, but i still find it interesting she confirmed acotar 5 before her newest book's release

second, both of sjm's "off" years (2019 and 2023) were the years after her children were born, maybe it was just a coincidence but i wouldn't be surprised if that factored into it. she likely had extra time off to spend with her family that set her writing schedule back

now this is just speculation but i could see her releases going something like: acotar 5 (2025) > ??? (2026) > cc4 (2027) > acotar 6 (2028). maybe throw in that acotar novella somewhere too

in a recent interview she mentioned she knew what she was writing after acotar 5 and she's "excited to write in the world" or something like that, which leads me to believe it's different from acotar and cc so... new series maybe? she did sign that new book deal, in addition to the 3 acotar books she was still contracted for, and there was no mention of those being renegotiated so nothing's changed there as far as we know. i assume one of those new books is for cc4 but as for the others, we all know how sjm likes to write trilogies that then get extended lol

i personally was hoping she'd go into full "acotar mode" after hofas but oh well, whatever she writes i'll read. overall no one but sjm and bloomsbury could say for certain but i'm pretty confident we'll get it next year!

[mazes-and-the-madness]

Hello beautiful friend,

Did you do an analysis or more about CC1 and CC 2 ??

Songs, thoughts, taste... Anything?

I can't find it, please send me the link if there's some work about it

Thanks for the question! Sadly, I don't have anything for either album because I only started writing lyrical analysis when Lauren released PRELUDE in October 2021. I think @karlaswine was the go-to before that, and I doubt there's much I can say that she (and others) hasn't already. BUT I can share with you my favorite songs off of each album.

A. CC1

Consequences

Something's Gotta Give

Never Be The Same

Honorable Mentions: All These Years, She Loves Control, Inside Out (this song gets WAY too much hate that I will never understand)

B. Romance

Shameless

Should've Said It

Used to This

Honorable Mentions: Liar, Easy, Dream of You, Cry for Me

I love all of Camila's albums but ultimately prefer Romance to CC1, and rate both of them more highly than Familia. I hope CC4 gets a 2024 release, so I can be back to doing lyrical analysis for you all! Until then, here's my other writeups if you want to revisit them or read them for the first time.

PRELUDE

Familia: regular and bonus editions

In Between (this one lowkey flopped, go like/reblog if you haven't already)