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“Curse this world for what it does to the mothers, for what it does to the daughters. Curse it for making us strong through loss and pain, our hearts torn from our chests again and again. Curse it for forcing us to endure.”

—A Reaper at the Gates, Sabaa Tahir

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And while each of the champions had made those decisions on their own... Just as he’d had no choice in his slaughter.

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They chose it because, even if it went against their nature, even if it was a test to be endured every single day, the alternative was to be the epitome of everything they despised. - Alistair Lowe, All of Us Villains

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the moment i knew reid mactavish is my favourite character

“It was hard not to think about it while I was with them. Every time Alistair asked me something, the thought kept prickling in the back of my mind, like, huh, the two of you must’ve really put the lust in bloodlust."

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Ilvernath Eclipse, Town's oldest newspaper covering the Blood Veil Tournament.

A Tradition of Tragedy Unveils Dark Secrets of Seven Families' Grip on Ilvernath's High Magick

Blood Moon Signals Commencement of Lethal Tournament

In the wake of the release of the gripping novel, A Tradition of Tragedy, a harrowing revelation has come to light, exposing the clandestine lives of the privileged elite. Contrary to the idyllic facade they portrayed, the reality proves to be far from beautiful. The book discloses that seven influential families—Thorburn, Lowe, Macaslan, Payne, Darrow, Blair, and Grieve—have monopolized Ilvernath's high magick, wielding unimaginable powers at a grave cost: a deadly tournament fought amongst themselves.

Scheduled to transpire approximately every two decades, the onset of this perilous event is heralded by the ominous glow of the Blood Moon. When the celestial body takes on a crimson hue, the Fall of the Blood Veil ensues about a month later, initiating a brutal contest for supremacy.

As the magick dwindles worldwide, these families engage in ruthless battles for control over the remaining reservoir in Ilvernath. Their insatiable greed, typical of those in power, has stained their hands with the blood of countless teenagers who sacrificed their lives to sustain the adults' dominance.

Quoting a passage from A Tradition of Tragedy, "Most associate high magick with other distant brutalities of the past: pillaging, plague, and lawlessness. But Ilvernath, a piece of that history lingers, every bit as threatening as it once was."

The revelation in the book suggests that these families are willing to go to extreme lengths, even sacrificing the lives of children, to obtain and maintain their high magick. Speculation abounds that the Grieve family may be the authors of the book, given their perpetual misfortune in the tournaments.

With the impending arrival of the Blood Veil, The Seven Slaughter, the participants of the tournament, remain shrouded in mystery. However, one name has surfaced in the public domain—Isobel Macaslan, a figure both reviled and adored. Although the source remains anonymous, Cormac Macaslan, Isobel's father, has seemingly confirmed her status as their Champion.

While other families have yet to unveil their Champions, the Lowe family has become the subject of intense speculation. Renowned for their strength and enigmatic nature, they are perceived as the most villainous of the seven. Anticipation builds as the public awaits the outcome of this year's tournament, with many expecting the Lowe family to emerge victorious based on historical records.

The grand opening ceremony is imminent and is scheduled to take place at the City's Banquet Hall, setting the stage for a chilling display of power and intrigue.

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When i say enemies to lovers i do not mean "rude to each other to lovers" I need atleast 2.5 murder attempts

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Briony Thorburn and Finley Blair might be my favourite couple in All of Us Villains. they weren't appealing at first. them in aouv was mild but in All of Our Demise truly showed their characteristics as an individual.

Previously, Briony and Finley were described as two confident, self-reliant and grounded people. although it might look like they could be the perfect match, These two were never meant for each other. They were too similar in a lot of ways. Their solid principles made it hard for them to hold together.

But along the way (in aoud), Briony and Finley get to rediscover themselves through the tournament. Their lives depended on it.

Having two competent people being challenged, their own principles were threatened and their beliefs constantly shook to the point where they started to question themselves as their own - not as a couple.

"I guess Innes was right about me. I'm still trying to play the hero." - Briony

This kiss had reminded her of the future worth fighting for. But for him, it was a cruel taste of everything they'd never been allowed to want.

"I'm so tired- of wanting impossible things." - Finley

Briony acts on emotions. Her confidence allowed her to be herself. But not for Finley. His family's code is a bible. Blair's way of life is a religion. And he came from a family that abides to these rules and keeping up with these perfection, despite wanting something for himself.

So when both of them found each other in the tournament, they were forced to face the inevitable.

Briony had to question her intention. Was it for her to become the hero or to save everyone? Did she truly stole the champion's ring for Innes or for her to be on the spotlight.

Finley had to force himself to think for himself, do things for his own survival. Even at the beginning of the tournament, he thought he had to win for his family's name. He even volunteered to be in the game. It's a code of honour. And when its up to him to survive on his own, he didn't know what to do.

Briony and Finley's journey is interesting. As much as I love Alistair and Gavin, both couples are waaaaay too different.

Briony and Finley's story arc is about character development while Alistair and Gavin story arc is about character realization.

Anyway, I have yet to finish this book. I am half-way there but I had to write this down. I honestly love their character development. It was subtle but hard to miss.

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Better to play a villain than a victim.

—Alistair Lowe, from All of Us Villains

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currently reading: all of our demise by amanda foody & c.l. herman