Grayson/Robin. Back in the day “Ego Series” design of Robin. I thank you all who follow me and left cool ass comments in the last post remembering this series and digging my analysis on these guys. Makes me want to return to it. . Hmmm.. #digitalart #robin #dccomics #ego #series #digitalart #characterdesigns #coran https://www.instagram.com/p/BqyQZxkjB5j/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=10x9frnb7upl
|| summary: originally paid to be an escort for the notorious mob family, the hollands, the reader and tom meet which embarks them on a very precarious relationship that threatens everything tom and his family have built.
|| author’s note: this is really really long, sorry but i had to set the mood for the story ya know? if you enjoyed, and want me to continue, let me know.
warnings: this story will contain smut, violence, lanaguage, and other heavy themes so read at your own risk!
“No way. No way in hell.” You shake your head aggressively, pushing the thick fluorescent-yellow envelope back to the other side of the table.
“Girl, this is fast, easy money. A crap ton of money.” Your friend, Danielle broached desperately from her chair opposite yours. Using the term ‘friend’ tentatively, because the only thing the two of you have in common is this side business you do on occasion to make ends meet.
“Having rich, old, lonely men take me on fancy dinners is one thing. But going to a party with some of the most dangerous people in the city, possibly even in the country, that’s on a whole other level.” You flatten your lips in defiance, your disposition cementing as Danielle struggles to find a rhyme or reason for you to participate in tonight’s event.
“Look, it’s just one night and you don’t have to fuck anyone you don’t want to, same as before. You’re just there to look pretty on some big shots arm, and then your rent,” she waves the envelope at you, “is paid in full for the next few months. Easy.” Resting your elbows on the table, you place your head in your hands, and sigh heavily. The slight shift in your demeanor is taken as a sign of vulnerability, and Danielle uses it as an opportunity to play on your emotions. “I really need this money, but I don’t want to go into this party without at least a familiar face to keep me company.”
Peaking at her through your fingers, you note that she has on her best pleading face, and her bottom lip is curved out into a prominent pout. Exhaling a long exasperated breath, you concede, reaching for the money. “Fine, but I’m not going to become some personal prostitute for the Holland family. We clear?” Her face splits into a shit-eating grin, and she nods enthusiastically. “Crystal.”
Just like that, you’d signed yourself away for a night with the most notorious crime family in modern London history; which was probably more dangerous and reckless, than if you’d agreed to sign your soul away to the devil - except the devil wouldn’t pay as well as the Hollands did.
“Oh, and there’s a certain dress code you have to follow tonight, so be sure to pick up your dress from this place.” Danielle extends a wrinkled paper to you, with numbers scribbled on it. You eye it with uncertainty, but take it nonetheless, typing the address into your phone. “I’ll call and tell them you’re in, see you tonight. Driver will be there at 7 sharp.” She beams, her giddiness evident in her near-skip as she walks to the door.
When Google Maps loads to the location, your jaw pops open, and you glance around the room in shock as if anyone else could see what you’re looking at. The directions had opened to the most expensive designer dress store in the entire city and as much as you hated to admit it, your curiosity was peaked. As was your interest in tonight’s event, and its host.
__________________________________________
The dress was stunning, as it should be for its pretty price, a delicate satin shade of pearl-white colored its surface. Its thin straps clung tightly to your shoulders, allowing the otherwise loose material to hang promisingly over your assets. It was as if the gown had been tailored to fit you like a glove, clinging to you in just the right ways, and amplifying the tone of your skin with its illuminating color.
Your eyes scanned over the figure reflected in your bathroom mirror, stunned by every intricate detail that had been woven into your final appearance. For your face, you’d kept it simple, not wanting to draw too much attention to yourself, by highlighting your features in the most natural way possible. However, for your lips you’d chosen a radiant red, amplifying their curves and plumpness. As for your hair, a simple updo sufficed in order to expose your long neck and the lace-tied back of your dress.
The time read 6:58, and with one final glance at yourself in the mirror, you moved to head down stairs. Just as you grabbed your clutch purse, there was a forceful knock at the door that caused you to jump slightly in surprise. Checking through the peep hole, you discovered a blonde man dressed in a perfectly tailored black and white suit; your driver, you presumed. Timidly, you opened the door, taking a small cautious step back at the looming figure before you.
“Miss (y/l/n),” he greeted coldly polite, his striking blue eyes piercing into yours, “I’m Mr. Osterfield. I will be your driver for the evening.” His name was Harrison, you’d come to recognize him as the Holland’s right hand man; wherever they seemed to go, he was sure to follow close behind. “How did you know my room number?” You question, your eyes racking up and down his body in acute suspicion.
“The receptionist in the lobby gave it to me.” He responds flatly, bored with the indifferent curiosity presented in your demeanor. “That’s confidential information, he wouldn’t of just given it to you.” You retort, the underlying accusation in your tone breaks his stiff features for a split second, a smirk creeping at the corners of his lips. “I can be very persuasive when I need to be.” The glimmer in his eyes sends warning sirens off in your brain, alerting to you the justifiable apprehension spreading in the pit of your stomach. “Come, we don’t want to be late.” He offers you his arm, which take after another moment of silent contemplation, wondering if you’d just made a terrible mistake.
__________________________________________
The building was magnificent, every detail precisely and intricately molded into place to form the entire mansion. The walls were painted with decorative colors of gold and white, which made them cold yet alluring at the same time. The marble floor was waxed to perfection, making it almost painful to walk on, afraid to dirty or smudge it. With high ceiling and vast corridors, the shuddering sense of small inadequacy in comparison was palpable; making you all the more uneasy. Harrison had stayed by your side, escorting you through two doorways, before reaching a large, remarkably crowded room. It was alight with music, idle conversations, and a few staggeringly uneasy laughs.
As you entered into the room, the noise was brought to a dismal spew of hushed voices, as most eyes turned to you. No doubt captivated by your dress and unfamiliar face, peaked with lustful curiosity. For the first time since you left the apartment, you’d silently wished that Harrison had stayed by your side; suddenly feeling unprotected. In desperate need of a distraction, you busied yourself by scanning the room for Danielle’s olive face. For a change, seeing it would be a rare pleasantry; one you’d be more than happy to take full advantage of. Unable to spot her, you timidly walk towards the bar, unsure of what to do with yourself, but wanting nothing more than be away from the doorway, and the center of everyone’s attention.
This was your first time being thrown blindly into a room with more than one potential client, and knowing that every one of them is more dangerous than they appear, only fueled your apprehensions. Before the well-dressed bartender could pay you any mind, seeing as he was currently being hassled about some drink mishap, a broad middle-aged man takes the available seat opposite you. Instinctively, your eyes flicker over to meet his, and you almost immediately regret doing so. There’s no name to the face, but it’s all too familiar. You’d seen this man on the news serveral times, and not because he was being applauded for his acts as good a samaritan.
Mainly, it was speculation as to whether or not he was connected to the latest crime; robbery, political bribery, or murder. From the impression you got, he had at least one hand in every politicians cookie jar, leading you to believe that he was probably more powerful and influential than most people in this room. But even so, there was one person who he still answered to, and that was Hollands. The thought alone, terrified you.
In hopes to avoid conversation, you ripped your eyes away from his, drawing your gaze back towards the preoccupied bartender. Though your eyes were elsewhere, you weren’t blind to the presence next to you. From what you’d seen, he was dressed in a designer black and purple tinted suit, with a sapphire colored handkerchief and undershirt. His jet black hair was slicked back, flattened against the top of his head, and he had serveral rings on. However, the detail that struck you the most, was his electric green eyes; the stare behind them was intense and harsh. They were not a welcoming or calming shade or green, more of a warning color; the kind that alerted you to the type of man you were dealing with - one who was not to be tussled around.
“My, my. Someone’s rude.” His clipped tone rang clear through the air, scratching its way along your skin, before biting into your ear. It was difficult to remain, or appear to be, calm and collected; unfazed by his threatening attitude. Nevertheless, you exercised your strong will and backbone, turning to face him with a polite smile. “Pardon me, I didn’t mean to offend you.” Extending your hand out to him, you tilt your head to the side in welcome, hoping it will calm the rage burning his glare.
His eyes don’t falter from yours as he takes your hand, shaking it slowly. The skin is surprisingly rough, the tops of his hands hairy with age, and the warmth in his grasp is unsettling. He shakes your hand for too long, as if to drag out the experience, in hopes to subdue you with its evident intimidating-effect over you. Eventually, he pulls his hand away from yours and uses his free fingers to stroke along the corners of his mustache.
“You know, you’re the first girl to show up tonight. I’m not sure how the others expect to top this.” He gestures to your body with his free hand, his eyes following it, unabashedly racking up and down your figure. “I think they’ll manage to surprise you.” You smile tightly, tempted to turn back around, but the unsurness of what would happen if you did, stops you.
He shakes his head, dismissing himself from deep thought, a faint hum falling from his parted lips. “Don’t know how Tom expects me to fucking wait,” he growls under his breath, closing his eyes briefly, before opening them with a newfound determination, “screw it.” He grasps your wrist tightly, taken by surprise it outweighs the pain from his grip, your feet barely keeping up with him as he practically drags you into the crowd.
Blinking at his back, your mouth is open, ready to protest but having no idea what to say or how to articulate it into words. You’re here, being paid as an escort, so you’re not exactly in a position to say no. This had never happened to you before, the men you’d been out with never asked for anything more than a kiss on the cheek at the end of a very expensive dinner, that they had paid for. Danielle had said you didn’t have to fuck anyone you didn’t want to, but you were now getting the feeling that that’s what it meant on paper, not necessarily what was actually going to happen. How exactly did she expect you to turn down the most notorious mobsters in London; if they wanted to take you, they were going to. But, you’d be damned if you’d go quietly.
Tugging on his grasp, you manage to loosen it enough to free your wrist, ignoring the sting from your skin burning as you straighten your posture - tightening your hands around your purse in attempts to reign in control over them. “What do you think you’re doing?” His head whips around to face yours, and if looks could kill. Narrowing your eyes at him, you flatten your lips in defiance, taken slightly aback by his gaul.
“No, what do you think you’re doing?” Your comment is only mildly assertive, not wanting to anger him more than he appears to be now. “I’m not being paid to allow you to do with me as you please.” His mouth falls open, shocked more than anything else, and he chuckles bitterly. “You’re a whore, who’s being paid to make sure that I’m satisfied. And taking you to my limo, then fucking you senseless, would beyond satisfy me.” As his hand reaches for you again, you step back, feeling a muscular arm wrap around your waist as you do so. Turning your head, your heart drops to the pit of your stomach, eyes widening as your jaw pops open.
The man beside you is none other than Tom Holland, the youngest and newest king of the Holland family business. The whisperings you’d heard of him were no better than the man across from you, but knowing that he was the one behind the curtain, pulling all the strings; orchestrating every crime these men were committing, was enough to send shivers up your spine. Nearly trembling in his loose grasp, he skates his thumb soothingly over the exposed skin at the back of your dress, the contact causing you to verbally gasp.
“Tony,” Tom address flatly, “what’s going on here?” He’s yet to look at you, but his side features are unmistakably tense. His jaw is tight and his eyes are narrowed, all of his attention aimed at Tony; who’s now practically shaking under the scrutiny. “Mr. Holland, I apologize if I made a scene-”
Tom stops him with a simple, but swift, wave of his hand, shaking his head slightly. “I didn’t ask for an apology. I asked what was going on.” The menacing inflection in which he spoke, sent clear signals that he was someone who, when demanding something, better be met with no resistance or sorry excuses. “Sir, I was just, she- we- I, was taking her to- we were only going to be gone a few moments.”
You had to admit that it was immensely satisfying to watch a once seemingly unstoppable force, fluster over himself in fear; like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar. The irony causes you to smile slightly. “Tony, you are a guest in my house, as is this lovely woman, and I expect that my guests are treated with respect. That includes respecting one another. Now, no matter what way you try to spin it, there is no excuse for touching her the way you did, and I find it extremely rude that you placed your hands on my escort, disobeying my specific instructions. Now, I want you to leave.”
Tony has fallen silent, clinging to Tom’s every word, nodding his head in quiet obedience before quickly leaving without another comment. The power that Tom wields over these tycoons is astonishing, and you can’t help but wonder if you perhaps judged him too soon; maybe he wasn’t as bad as he appears to be. After all, he did just save you from a mad man.
“Thank you.” Your words are a barely an audible whisper, and if he wasn’t standing so close, he wouldn’t of heard you. For the first time, since he joined your side, he turns to face you. Releasing your waist, he steps back, giving you his attention. As his features begin to flood into your vision, you can’t help but note how uniquely attractive he is. The way his brown curls were styled neatly into perfection, and faint freckles danced their way along his cheeks, was stunning. Everything about him was arranged in such a particular order, that it was as if God crafted and handpicked Tom’s appearance himself.
His eyes were a glowing melt of brown, and they were hard to resist when they met yours with such intimacy. As if he’d known you for years. One of his eyes brows raises at you in question, and you immediately feel the need to clarify. “For stepping in when you did.” You explain, awkwardly shifting under his stare.
“Not a problem, love.” His voice has changed, it’s much warmer now, a smooth melody to your ears; surprisingly welcoming. “I don’t like to share my women.” Just as the words fall from his mouth, that brief fleeting moment of open-mindedness is thrown out the window, and you can’t help but blink at him in disgust. “Your women?” You seethed, crossing your arms defensively.
“Yes.” He remarks blankly, as if its the most obvious concept in the world. “And what makes you think that, exactly?” As powerful and intimidating as he is, there’s a self-restraint to him; giving you a false sense of security in the hopes that he wouldn’t do anything to hurt you physically, if you lashed out. He licks his lips, clicking his tongue while shaking his head slightly, a smile curving at corners of his mouth. “Are you not at my event, wearing a dress I bought, and not doubt happily counting that payment you recieved from me earlier?” He’s taken a few steps towards you, closing what little distance remained between the you two. “That doesn’t mean-”
“What it means,” he interjects, “is that for tonight, I own you.” The authority in his assertion sends chills up your spine, destroying what backbone you had, leaving you feeling small and vulnerable. You’d thought he stepped in to protect you from Tony’s attack, but in reality he was simply staking his claim, marking what was his. It was clear now that you were at his mercy, to do with as he pleased, not anyone else. “Now, what do you fancy?” He offers, gesturing towards the bar, hooking his arm through yours and leading you back over to it. Your mind has become blank, leaving you at complete loss for words.
“I think red wine to match that delicious color on your lips.” He decides, pulling the bartenders attention with his fingers and ordering you a drink. As he extends the glass to you, he pauses before placing it into your awaiting hand, “what do you say?” His eyes are daggers, piercing into yours, flaring with an underlying enigmatic energy you hadn’t noticed before. Fortunately your autopilot has begun to function and saves you from any further mishap, “thank you, Mr. Holland.”
He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes, and he places the glass in your hand, being sure to brush his fingers along yours. The contact tightens the coil of apprehension and worry growing in your stomach, and you raise the liquid courage to your mouth, welcoming its taste. “Now, may I have this dance…” He pauses, awaiting your name. “(Y/N).” You mumble into the rim of the glass.
“(Y/N)”, he repeats before offering his hand to yours.
__________________________________________
For the rest of the evening Tom had been nothing, if not an absolute gentleman, nearly allowing you to forget the vicious words he’d spoken earlier. When it came time for the conclusion of the party, every other woman that had showed up, escorted the men to their rooms for the evening. It came as no surprise to you when Tom began leading you to one of the various bedrooms in the house, and after several glasses of wine you felt more confident than before - less skittish and weak.
The room he led you in to was magnificent, and was appropriately sized in comparison to the other parts of the house you’d seen; tall ceiling, white king size bed with a glorious carved headboard to match, and double doors that led out to a balcony which overlooked the property. As beautiful as the room was, it had no personality. There was no signature color, design or any other distinguishing characteristics; which was a real indicator that led you to believe it was nothing more than a cookie cutter bedroom.
“Is this your room?” You questioned, glancing over your shoulder at him as you continued into the bedroom. “No,” he shook his head, undoing the buttons of his jacket, “I don’t take anyone to mine. This is one of my various guest beds.” Whether or not it was his intention, you were insulted that he didn’t see you as worthy of being brought to his room. Turning to face him, you’re half tempted to display your disgust but air on the side of caution and concede on saying nothing. Shrugging his jacket off, he folds it before placing it on the foot of the bed. He hooks his fingers into his bow tie, disheveling it enough so that it hangs loosely around his neck.
As much as you wish you were, you’re not immune to his prepossessing features, and even with your inherit distaste towards him, you can’t help but wonder what he’d be like in bed. Before he can catch you gawking at him, you look down at your fingers, toying with your manicured nails. Each step you sense him making towards you, adds to the feeling of entrapment; suffocating you to the point of fear. The shine of his patent leather shoes comes into view, as he stands before you. At such close proximity, you catch a whiff of his delectable cologne, no doubt designer, and you close your eyes at the smell - inhaling deeply.
One of his hands reaches forward, placing his index finger under you chin to lift it, bringing your gaze to meet his. “Don’t worry, darling.” His breath is hot against the cool of your cheeks, and the contact, no matter the amount, of him touching you is unnerving. “I’m not going to do anything you don’t want me to.” He assures, his eyes softening as his thumb runs along your jaw before stroking your cheek. The sensation is pleasant, but nonetheless a reminder of what his intentions are.
“Aren’t you though? Taking advantage of women, because you’ve asserted your power and wealth over them, which gives you some demented delusion that they’re your property to do with as you please.” The words fly out of your mouth before you have time to filter or stop them, and your eyes cautiously scan his face to gauge his reaction. Tom’s eyebrows raise in disbelief, as his mouth pops open in attempts to compose a structured sentence. His hand falls from your face and he quietly scoffs, shaking his head slightly.
“I’mnot a fucking rapist.” The revulsion in his voice is palpable, and he narrows his eyes at you, taken aback by your subtle accusation. By how offended he appears to be, there’s a small sting of shame and guilt growing in your side, for lashing out. “It’s just,” he runs an exasperated hand through his hair, “this is how the night usually ends with women like you.”
“Women like me?” You bait, blinking at him in question. “Whores.” He clarifies, almost dismissively, as if he knew of some preceding lifestyle you’ve had. “I am not a whore.” You refute, glaring at him. He gives you a doubtful smile, a hint of amusement hiding behind his hooded eyes. “For your information, I’ve never slept with a client in my life, but I can see how you might’ve missed that, as you’ve been too busy basking in your own arrogance to be able to understand anything about anyone besides yourself.”
His expression shifts again, leaning more towards amusement than anything else, and for the first time of the night, he smiles to his eyes, revealing his teeth. They’re perfectly shaped and arranged, a beaming shade of porcelain white that immediately captivates your attention. Damn he’s beautiful. “What?” You snap at his chuckles, attempting to conceal your smile with annoyance.
“I’d just love to see what other skills your mouth has, besides putting me in my place.” He’s smirking now, and his eyes have darkened several shades, their attention falling to your mouth. Instinctively, your tongue darts out to wet your lips, noting his reaction when you do so. “Well, that’s not going to happen.” You feign certainty, ignoring the fact that his bottom lip is caught between his teeth; which is one of the sexiest sights you swore you’ve ever seen.
“Fortunately, I’m a patient man.” He chortled, his hand coming up to tuck a fallen hair behind your ear. “Can patience wait till never?” Sarcasm is dripping off of every word that falls from your mouth, but you’re throughly amused by this childish bickering. “Oh, you give yourself too much credit, kitten,” he sighs, “eventually you’ll give in, and I can not wait for the day I see you on your knees below me.” His thumb strokes over your ear, tugging gently at the lobe before dropping his hand back to his side.
The vitality between you has become much too intense, the air practically cracking underneath the tension, and you know if you stay what might happen. You refuse to allow yourself to become a pawn in his game. Another notch in his belt. Another nameless face that he’d soon forget after having his fill of you. You respected yourself too much to become victim to his persuasions, and with that understanding, you ached for freedom.
“Can I go home?” You murmur, swallowing hard. For what feels like the hundredth, you watch as his expression shifts into conflict and confusion at something you’ve said. “You wanna leave?” He sounds surprised, but also acutely offended. You nod silently, tearing your gaze away from his to reexamine your fingers as you did before. There’s a long moment of silence, before he eventually sighs in defeat, walking over to the phone on the bedside table.
There’s an exchange of hushed words, then he hangs up the call, walking over to the bed to grab his jacket. “Come, I’ll walk you out.” He opens the door, stepping to the side and allowing you to take the lead. The walk through the halls is taken in comfortable, but deafening silence, neither of you sure what to say to the other. As you approach the entry way to the house, Tom stops you with a gentle tug on your arm. “Here,” he shrugs off his jacket, placing it over your shoulders, “it’s cold outside.”
The act is seemingly absentminded to him, but it’s such an unexpected and endearing gesture that you feel a flush spreading along your cheeks. “Thank you.” You smile, snuggling into the warmth and comfort of the silk inner-lining of his jacket. Stepping into the brisk breeze of the night, you become immensely more grateful for the comfort provided by the additional clothing, pulling the sleeves tightly around you. The valet turns to you both and smiles politely, “the car should be coming around any second, sir.” Tom nods in acknowledgement, shifting so that he’s closer to you.
“Am I the only girl leaving?” You ask, your curiosity getting the better of you. “Well, you were paid for the full night, as were the others, so technically you’re not supposed to leave. But, yes. You are.” There’s a hint of admiration behind his remark, as if he’s proud that his girl decided not stay and fuck him like the others. To be completely honest, he was. Of course, he wanted you and he wouldn’t of been disappointed if you did stay, but that would’ve been much too boring. You had set yourself apart, refusing to sleep with Tony and him, made you interesting. A challenge that Tom was more than happy to fight for.
Within a few seconds the limo pulls around the front of the house, a different man from before stepping out to open the door for you. Tom walks you to the car, dismissing the driver with a glance, then turning to face you. “I would say goodbye, but I have a feeling I’ll see you again. Sooner or later.” His tone is very matter-of-fact, but his eyes are pooling with hopefulness. “Don’t hold your breath.” You half-chuckle, moving to take off his jacket. “Keep it,” he interjects, waving his hand, “I’ve got a hundred just like it.” Smiling at him, you lean forward and place a swift but tantalizingly sweet kiss on his cheek. Staining it with your florescent red imprint. “Good night, Tom.” His eyes meet yours again, alight with a newfound determination, and softness to them you hadn’t seen before. “Good night, (Y/N).”
Stepping into the car, Tom shuts the door behind you, and watches at you drive off into the night. With the comfort of the leather upholstery beneath you, and the warmth of Tom’s jacket, which you would later come to find out that he had discreetly placed his number inside one of its pocket, your eyes slowly started to flutter shut. Intoxicated by the smell of him surrounding you, you were inevitably pulled into a quick sleep, your mind instinctively conjuring up thoughts of Tom.
Unaware of it at the time, but this would be the first of many nights, where your dreams would drift to him. He would come to own your every thought and waking moment, teasing and tormenting you with his presence. As Tom had predicted, you’d given yourself too much credit. You were his, and you were going to find yourself on your knees for him, sooner or later.
Lockdown had me craving for big adventures ! So I started painting islands with a focus on shapes and colors.This is a mini-series that share the same visual identity. It’s been great to escape through those little sceneries !
26.07.19 That’s a post I made for instagram with nominations of film and series of Netflix to see on vacation. I’m not going to study during this week because my classes start on Wednesday, but today I m going to an art show with my boyfriend, it’s our dating anniversary and I m really looking forward to it!
Summary:While waiting No.10 to take all your things to his car. Mephistopheles take full advantage to provoke and antagonize the brothers with him taking over as your new guardian. Which Mammon doesn’t want a part of it.
Warning: Swearing, Death threats, Mention of trying to die, Human sacrifices and Blood drinking
Summary:You ask Mephistopheles to give you a tour of his mansion before discussing about the deal. But in reality your trying to find a way to escape his pompous ass.
Warning:Swearing, Mention of trying die, and Mention/implied sexual content.
Simultaneously want to punch Cal in his big dumb stupid head, and also kiss him. Big oaf. Review below. —– I have a horrible, terrible confession to make: Every other time I’ve read this series, Maven has been the brother to own my heart. I’m not sure why — okay, yes I am. I’ve felt pity for Maven and what his mother did to him, but that’s no excuse for the things he’s done. I’m happy to say that I am no longer a Maven stan. I mean, I still harbor some pity for him, which I could talk about all day, but he no longer is the brother to own my heart.
Now, that honor goes to Cal. Even though I wish to punch him in the dome.
I don’t remember my previous review for this novel, so whatever it was, disregard it. This is the only one that matters now.
Honestly, this one took me a while to get through this time. It wasn’t just the fact that I’ve been hecking busy, but it was also because once I got to a certain point in the book, it just seemed to move slowly for me. Plus, after the death of Shade in Glass Sword, I just felt quite empty inside. Every mention was like a stab to the heart. Ugh. Rude, Mrs. Aveyard.
Plus, it’s kind of difficult for me to focus on reading while I’m also trying to focus on writing a novel of my own. I’m getting side-tracked.
I enjoyed this book because we do get a better look inside the mind of Maven Calore. We get to learn why he is the way he is, at least to an extent. I believe there has to be some evil in him, even without his mother’s influence. Maven is a very complex character, in my opinion, and I hope his character is explored more in War Storm, because I would love to see more of what it’s like inside his head. Maybe have a couple chapters from his point of view? (I haven’t read War Storm yet, because I don’t want the series to end.)
As for Mare, she really annoyed me in this one. Her whining and self-absorbed attitude got real old real fast. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Mare Barrow, but sometimes she is just a little much. Or maybe I’m being cold. She did go through a hell of a lot in this one. Hmm. Starting to doubt myself now. Either way, I would die for her.
Cal? Big dumb stupid kissable idiot.
The book as a whole was simply beautiful. And heartbreaking. And anger-making. Which is great; I love feeling a plethora of emotions when I read. I love feeling so immersed in a story, so connected to the characters, and this series never fails to grab me by the heart.
I haven’t reviewed in a while, so this is all-over-the-place-garbage, but in my opinion, if you’re wondering if you should continue after Glass Sword, stop wondering! The series gets better with each book, and King’s Cage is no different. There are plenty twists, heart-wrenching moments, moments that make you want to kick someone in the kneecaps, moments that make you hate people and then question if you actually hate them. There’s a lot of moments. Moments you should be a part of.
Anyway, I hate endings, so I may take a break before reading War Storm.
